scholarly journals The march of the Common Green Iguana (Iguana iguana): early establishment in Singapore and Thailand is facilitated by the pet trade and recreational parks

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthijs P. van den Burg ◽  
Steven M. Van Belleghem ◽  
Christina N. De Jesús Villanueva
Keyword(s):  
Invasive Alien Species ◽  
Early Stage ◽  
The Philippines ◽  
Peninsular Malaysia ◽  
Suitable Habitat ◽  
Pet Trade ◽  
Iguana Iguana ◽  
Green Iguana ◽  
The Common ◽  
And Control

AbstractThe popularity of the Common Green Iguana (Iguana iguana) as a pet has contributed to its global occurrence as an invasive alien species. Early detection and control of invasive alien I. iguana populations is necessary to prevent the need for large and financially demanding eradication actions. Here, we collated information from digital footage and interviews regarding sightings of free roaming I. iguana specimens in Singapore and Thailand, and present evidence of early-stage invasions and establishment. Using species distribution modeling, we find that large parts of Thailand and neighboring countries have suitable habitat, which could facilitate the expansion of these alien populations if left uncontrolled. Additionally, we report singular I. iguana sightings in Hong Kong and Peninsular Malaysia. We call for awareness of alien I. iguana in the Philippines due to the high number of pet iguanas and reported CITES importations as well as the availability of suitable habitat throughout the archipelago. Further, we identify I. iguana presence to be facilitated by the release of pet-traded specimens and uncontrolled exhibition practices in recreational parks. We provide recommendations for implementing monitoring and eradication efforts and strategy recommendations to halt future spread and release.

A story of nasal horns: two new subspecies of Iguana Laurenti, 1768 (Squamata, Iguanidae) in Saint Lucia, St Vincent & the Grenadines, and Grenada (southern Lesser Antilles)

Zootaxa ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 4608 (2) ◽  
pp. 201 ◽  
Author(s):  
MICHEL BREUIL ◽  
BARBARA VUILLAUME ◽  
DAVID SCHIKORSKI ◽  
ULRIKE KRAUSS ◽  
MATTHEW N. MORTON ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Invasive Alien Species ◽  
Lesser Antilles ◽  
Pet Trade ◽  
Iguana Iguana ◽  
New Subspecies ◽  
Green Iguana ◽  
Island Populations ◽  
The Common ◽  
Saint Lucia ◽  
High Median

The Lesser Antilles, in the Eastern Caribbean, were long considered to have only two species in the genus Iguana Laurenti 1768: the Lesser Antillean iguana Iguana delicatissima, which is endemic to parts of the Lesser Antilles, and the Common green iguana Iguana iguana, which also occurs throughout Central and South America. No subspecies are currently recognised. However, herpetologists and reptile collectors have pointed out strong physical differences between some of the island populations of Iguana iguana and those from the continent. Drawing on both morphological and genetic data, this paper describes two subspecies of the Common green iguana Iguana iguana from the southern Lesser Antilles, specifically the countries of Saint Lucia Iguana iguana sanctaluciae and Iguana iguana insularis from St Vincent & the Grenadines, and Grenada. The form on the island of Saint Vincent has not been identified. The new subspecies are described based on the following unique combination of characters: Presence of high median and medium to small lateral horns on the snout; Small subtympanic plate not exceeding 20% of the eardrum size; Two or three scales of decreasing size anterior to the subtympanic plate; Fewer than ten small to medium triangular gular spikes; Medium sized dewlap; Low number of small to medium dispersed nuchal tubercles; Dark brown iris, with the white of the eye visible; Oval, prominent nostril; Short and relatively flat head; High dorsal spines; No swelling of the jowls in reproductively active males.                Iguana iguana sanctaluciae has in adults vertical black stripes on body and tail and a black dewlap whereas Iguana iguana insularis is pale grey or creamy white in adults.                Both subspecies are globally threatened by unsustainable hunting (including the pet trade) and by invasive alien species,     including hybridization from invasive iguanas from South and Central America (I. iguana iguana and I. rhinolopha, considered here as full species) that have become established in all three countries. The authors call for stronger measures to conserve the remaining purebred Iguana i. insularis and Iguana i. sanctaluciae ssp. nov. throughout their ranges and for further research to identify other cryptic species and subspecies of Iguana in the Lesser Antilles.

Selective absorption of carotenoids in the common green iguana (Iguana iguana)

2002 ◽  
Vol 132 (2) ◽  
pp. 513-518 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jens Raila ◽  
Annette Schuhmacher ◽  
Jürgen Gropp ◽  
Florian J. Schweigert
Keyword(s):  
Selective Absorption ◽  
Iguana Iguana ◽  
Green Iguana ◽  
The Common

scholarly journals A story of nasal horns: A new species ofIguanaLaurenti, 1768 (Squamata, Iguanidae) in Saint Lucia, St Vincent & the Grenadines, and Grenada (Southern Lesser Antilles) and its implications for the taxonomy of the genusIguana

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michel Breuil ◽  
Barbara Vuillaume ◽  
David Schikorski ◽  
Ulrike Krauss ◽  
Matthew N. Morton ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
New Species ◽  
Lesser Antilles ◽  
Pet Trade ◽  
Iguana Iguana ◽  
Old Adults ◽  
Island Populations ◽  
The Common ◽  
Saint Lucia ◽  
High Median ◽  
A New Species

AbstractThe Lesser Antilles, in the Eastern Caribbean, were long considered to have only two species in the genusIguanaLaurenti 1768: the Lesser Antillean iguanaIguana delicatissima, which is endemic to parts of the Lesser Antilles, and the common green iguanaIguana iguana, which also occurs throughout Central and South America. However, herpetologists and reptile collectors have pointed out strong physical differences between some of the island populations ofIguana iguanaand those from the continent. Drawing on both morphological and genetic data, this paper describes a third speciesIguana insularissp. nov. from the southern Lesser Antilles, specifically the countries of Saint Lucia, St Vincent & the Grenadines, and Grenada. The new species is described based on the following unique combination of characters: Presence of high median and medium to small lateral horns on the snout; Small subtympanic plate not exceeding 20% of the eardrum size; Two or three scales of decreasing size anterior to the subtympanic plate; Fewer than ten small to medium triangular gular spikes; Medium sized dewlap; Low number of small to medium dispersed nuchal tubercles; Dark brown iris, with the white of the eye visible; Oval, prominent nostril; Short and relatively flat head; High dorsal spines; No swelling of the jowls in reproductively active males; Colour of head, body and tail changing from green to pale grey or creamy white in old adults; Vertical black stripes on body and tail, fading with age in some populations. This paper furthermore distinguishes two subspecies:Iguana insularis insularisfrom the Grenada Bank (comprising Grenada and the Grenadine islands), andIguana insularis sanctaluciaefrom Saint Lucia. The form on the island of Saint Vincent has not been identified. Both subspecies are globally threatened by unsustainable hunting (including the pet trade) and by invasive alien species, including hybridization from invasive iguanas from South and Central America (I. iguanaandI. rhinolopha, considered here as full species) that have become established in all three countries. The authors call for stronger measures to conserve the remaining purebredIguana insularissp. nov. throughout its range and for further research to identify other cryptic species and subspecies ofIguanain the Lesser Antilles.

FINANCIAL CONTROLLING IN THE SYSTEM OF FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT

2018 ◽  
Vol 28 (1) ◽  
pp. 137-141
Author(s):  
Petya Yordanova – Dinova
Keyword(s):  
Comparative Analysis ◽  
Financial Management ◽  
Financial Stability ◽  
Business Environment ◽  
Innovative Approach ◽  
Financial Sustainability ◽  
The Common ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Effective Use ◽  
And Control

This paper explores the comparative analysis of the financial controlling, who is a result from the common controlling concept and the financial management. In the specialized literature, financial controlling is seen as an innovative approach to financial management. It is often presented as the most promising instrument of financial diagnostics. Generally speaking, financial controlling is seen as a process of managing the company`s assets which are valued in monetary measures. The difference between the financial management and the financial controlling is that the second covers all functions of management, analysis and control of finances, aiming at maximizing their effective use and increasing the value of the enterprise. Financial controlling is often seen as a function of the common practice of financial management. Its objective is to preserve the financial stability and financial sustainability of enterprises operating in a highly aggressive business environment.

Environmental technology: Fluidised-bed steam dryers — latest developments and practical experience

2016 ◽  
pp. 86-90
Author(s):  
Gerald Caspers ◽  
Klaus Nammert ◽  
Holger Fersterra ◽  
Hartmut Hafemann
Keyword(s):  
Data Acquisition ◽  
Early Stage ◽  
Practical Experience ◽  
Great Depth ◽  
Fluidised Bed ◽  
Operating Data ◽  
Beet Pulp ◽  
Improved Design ◽  
Distribution Plate ◽  
And Control

Fluidised-bed steam dryers have been in use for industrial-scale drying of pressed beet pulp for more than 20 years. This highly energy-efficient process can be considered to be state of the art in the industry. Scientific laboratory and pilot-plant testing have provided the basis for a detailed description of the principles of fluidisation and drying in superheated water vapour. Advances in production data acquisition, in particular regarding the options for the real-time presentation and evaluation of high-resolution operating data (Industry 4.0), have opened up new potentials for optimisation of the drying process in fluidised-bed steam dryers. By analysing and interpreting sequences of events, or simultaneous events, it is now possible to analyse process behaviour in great depth. This allows malfunctions to be avoided by improved design or, assisted by suitable measuring and control systems, to be detected at an early stage. Failures can then be prevented altogether by initiating automated countermeasures. On the basis of more recent insights gained from the analysis of faults and disruptions using modern operating data acquisition, BMA’s fluidised-bed steam dryer (WVT) has been subjected to fundamental technological and technical improvements, so it now meets today’s demands for efficiency and reliability. Modifications include the product inlet, the distribution plate and several other parts, in addition to the known and patented PPS (Plug Protection System; EP 2457649 B1), and the patented rotary weir (EP 2146167 B1).

Inhibition of IL-13: A New Pathway for Atopic Dermatitis

2020 ◽  
pp. 120347542098255
Author(s):  
Kayadri Ratnarajah ◽  
Michelle Le ◽  
Anastasiya Muntyanu ◽  
Steve Mathieu ◽  
Simon Nigen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Monoclonal Antibody ◽  
Atopic Dermatitis ◽  
Severity Index ◽  
Severe Atopic Dermatitis ◽  
Treatment Alternative ◽  
Control Groups ◽  
Rapid Improvement ◽  
Common Receptor ◽  
The Common ◽  
And Control

Dupilumab, a monoclonal antibody against the common receptor of interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-13, was the first biologic therapy approved in Canada for treatment of moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (AD). While it is considered safe and effective, dupilumab is not universally effective and 8%-38% of patients develop conjunctivitis, while some patients develop head and neck dermatitis. Thus, new therapeutic options are warranted. While both IL-4 and IL-13 play important roles in the pathogenesis of AD, it has been recently demonstrated that IL-13 is the primary upregulated cytokine in AD skin biopsy samples. A placebo-controlled phase 2b clinical trial evaluating the efficacy and safety of lebrikizumab, an IL-13 inhibitor, in AD demonstrated that, at 16 weeks, Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI) 75 and Investigator’s Global Assessment (IGA) 0/1 were achieved by 60.6% and 44.6% of patients taking lebrikizumab at its highest dose (vs 24.3% and 15.3% of patients taking placebo, respectively). Moreover, treatment with lebrikizumab was associated with rapid improvement of pruritus and low rates of conjunctivitis (1.4%-3.8%). Another IL-13 monoclonal antibody, tralokinumab, was evaluated for safety and efficacy in moderate-to-severe AD. By week 12, among adults receiving 300 mg tralokinumab, 42.5% achieved EASI-75 and 26.7% achieved IGA 0/1 score (vs 15.5% and 11.8% in the placebo group, respectively). Both lebrikizumab and tralokinumab demonstrated acceptable safety profiles in AD (and non-AD) trials with adverse events often being comparable between treatment and control groups. Thus, IL-13 inhibitors may provide a safe and effective treatment alternative for patients with moderate-to-severe AD.

scholarly journals Interactive effects between travel behaviour and COVID-19: a questionnaire study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jinbao Zhang ◽  
Jaeyoung Lee
Keyword(s):  
Early Stage ◽  
Travel Behaviour ◽  
Interactive Effects ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Individual Level ◽  
Passenger Volume ◽  
Spatial Autoregressive ◽  
Railway Passenger ◽  
The Individual ◽  
And Control

Abstract This study has two main objectives: (i) to analyse the effect of travel characteristics on the spreading of disease, and (ii) to determine the effect of COVID-19 on travel behaviour at the individual level. First, the study analyses the effect of passenger volume and the proportions of different modes of travel on the spread of COVID-19 in the early stage. The developed spatial autoregressive model shows that total passenger volume and proportions of air and railway passenger volumes are positively associated with the cumulative confirmed cases. Second, a questionnaire is analysed to determine changes in travel behaviour after COVID-19. The results indicate that the number of total trips considerably decreased. Public transport usage decreased by 20.5%, while private car usage increased by 6.4%. Then the factors affecting the changes in travel behaviour are analysed by logit models. The findings reveal significant factors, including gender, occupation and travel restriction. It is expected that the findings from this study would be helpful for management and control of traffic during a pandemic.

scholarly journals Quantitative Approach to Fragmented QRS in Arrhythmogenic Cardiomyopathy: From Disease towards Asymptomatic Carriers of Pathogenic Variants

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 545 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rob W. Roudijk ◽  
Laurens P. Bosman ◽  
Jeroen F. van der Heijden ◽  
Jacques M. T. de Bakker ◽  
Richard N. W. Hauer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Early Stage ◽  
Pathogenic Variant ◽  
Observer Agreement ◽  
Arrhythmogenic Cardiomyopathy ◽  
Fragmented Qrs ◽  
Early Disease Detection ◽  
Pathogenic Variants ◽  
Disease Penetrance ◽  
Ecg Leads ◽  
And Control

Fragmented QRS complexes (fQRS) are common in patients with arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (ACM). A new method of fQRS quantification may aid early disease detection in pathogenic variant carriers and assessment of prognosis in patients with early stage ACM. Patients with definite ACM (n = 221, 66%), carriers of a pathogenic ACM-associated variant without a definite ACM diagnosis (n = 57, 17%) and control subjects (n = 58, 17%) were included. Quantitative fQRS (Q-fQRS) was defined as the total amount of deflections in the QRS complex in all 12 electrocardiography (ECG) leads. Q-fQRS was scored by a single observer and reproducibility was determined by three independent observers. Q-fQRS count was feasible with acceptable intra- and inter-observer agreement. Q-fQRS count is significantly higher in patients with definite ACM (54 ± 15) and pathogenic variant carriers (55 ± 10) compared to controls (35 ± 5) (p < 0.001). In patients with ACM, Q-fQRS was not associated with sustained ventricular arrhythmia (p = 0.701) at baseline or during follow-up (p = 0.335). Both definite ACM patients and pathogenic variant carriers not fulfilling ACM diagnosis have a higher Q-fQRS than controls. This may indicate that increased Q-fQRS is an early sign of disease penetrance. In concealed and early stages of ACM the role of Q-fQRS for risk stratification is limited.

scholarly journals Macular vessel density and foveal avascular zone parameters in patients after acute primary angle closure determined by OCT angiography

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kangcheng Liu ◽  
Huizhuo Xu ◽  
Haibo Jiang ◽  
Hua Wang ◽  
Pingbao Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Early Stage ◽  
Normal Subjects ◽  
Vessel Density ◽  
Foveal Avascular Zone ◽  
Angle Closure ◽  
Acute Primary Angle Closure ◽  
Primary Angle Closure ◽  
Circularity Index ◽  
Avascular Zone ◽  
And Control

Abstract This study analyzed the optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) macular parameters in primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG) patients after acute primary angle closure (APAC) episodes. Thirty-three patients with 33 APAC eyes and 33 primary angle closure suspect (PACS) eyes and 33 age-matched normal subjects (controls) were enrolled. Macular vessel density (VD) in central, inner, outer and full regions and foveal avascular zone (FAZ) parameters (area, perimeter and circularity index) were compared between APAC, PACS, and control eyes. For resolved APAC eyes, the VD in each macular region was significantly lower than that in control eyes, with less central and inner macular VD than PACS eyes. The central macular VD was significantly lower in PACS eyes than in controls. There was no difference in FAZ area and perimeter between APAC, PACS, and control eyes. FAZ circularity was highest in control eyes, followed by PACS eyes, and lowest in APAC eyes. The AUC, sensitivity and specificity of FAZ circularity were 0.944, 93.9% and 84.8%, respectively, in APAC eyes and 0.881, 84.8% and 81.8%, respectively, in PACS eyes. Therefore, FAZ circularity had the best discrimination capability for detecting both APAC and PACS eyes. Macular assessment with OCTA could provide an accurate early-stage diagnostic tool for PACG.

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