bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Understanding Colorectal Cancer Screening Attendance: A Comprehensive Theory of Planned Behaviour Model
Authors: Bianchi Marcella , Donizzetti Anna Rosa , Palumbo Francesco , Caso Daniela
Published: December 2024

Population‐based colorectal cancer screening programs decrease mortality, but the participation rates are still unsatisfactory. Drawing from relevant psychosocial literature, this study aims to test a widely integrated theory of planned behaviour model applied to colorectal cancer screening attendance. The model considered, at the same time, additional proximal predictors (anticipated regret and self‐identity) and distal (via attitude) predictors (trust in institutions and perceived risk in their affective and cognitive facets) of intention. On top, to bridge the intention–behaviour gap, the role of two additional mediators (action and coping planning) was explored. In May‐June 2022, 435 adults residing in Campania (Italy) joined a survey assessing variables of interest. Structural equation model results showed that both action and coping planning, which were predicted by intention, significantly predicted attendance. Intention was predicted by attitude, subjective norms, perceived behavioural control, anticipated regret and self‐identity. Attitude was predicted by trust in institutions and affective perceived risk. A parallel mediation analysis confirmed the role of both action and coping planning as full mediators in the intention–behaviour relation. The proposed comprehensive model can inform future interventions and orienteer the improvement of healthcare access processes.
Single Center Experience With Impella 5.5 for Escalation and De‐Escalation of Cardiogenic Shock Patients
Authors: Dumitru Ioana , Rinde-Hoffman Debbie , Sevillano Maria , Schnell Leeandra , Quintilliani Elizabeth , Bommareddi Swaroop
Published: December 2024

Temporary mechanical circulatory support (tMCS) devices are a critical component for treating patients with cardiogenic shock (CS). We analyzed use of Impella 5.5 device for efficacy and safety in a single‐center CS population from February 2022 and April 2023. Thirty‐six CS patients received Impella 5.5 support for a median duration of 16 (2, 63) days, during a median hospital stay of 40 (4, 97) days, with an overall survival (OS) of 69%. While 18 patients received Impella 5.5 only, 11 patients received Impella 5.5 as part of a de‐escalation strategy, and 7 patients escalated from Impella CP only to Impella 5.5. At the time of implant, creatinine was 1.5 (0.6, 5.2) mg/dL and normalized to 1.1 (0.6, 7.7) mg/dL at discharge. In a subset of CS transfer patients (n = 12), median duration of support was 16 (1, 31) days, duration of hospital stay was 43 (8, 88) days, and OS was 67% (8/12). Collectively, these data demonstrate that Impella 5.5 support is safe and effectively improves laboratory values and survival outcomes in both transfer and in‐house patients with CS.
Exposure to Crimean‐Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Virus in Wild Ungulates in the Basque Country, Northern Iberian Peninsula
Authors: Cevidanes Aitor , Barandika Jesús F. , Aduriz Gorka , Hurtado Ana , García-Pérez Ana L. , Barral Marta
Published: December 2024

Crimean‐Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) causes a serious human tick‐borne disease. In animals, CCHFV infections are mainly subclinical. The circulation of the virus has received little attention in areas where the main vector (Hyalomma spp.) is not considered to be present or established (e.g., the Northern Iberian Peninsula). The presence of antibodies against CCHFV was evaluated in sera collected from 1190 wild boars, 36 red deer, and 36 roe deer in the Basque Country (Northern Iberian Peninsula) in 2014–2019. Antibodies were found in the three wild ungulate species with an overall prevalence of 2.5%. The highest seroprevalence was found in red deer (22.2%) and in the southwest province: Araba (8.6%). The presence of antibodies against CCHFV in wild ungulates reported in this study could be due to an underestimated presence of Hyalomma ticks, the sporadic exposure to infected Hyalomma ticks transported by animals (e.g., migratory birds), or the role of other tick species in the virus’s circulation. The detection of exposed animals since 2014 suggests that the circulation of the virus beyond the southwestern regions of the Iberian Peninsula could have been more widespread than previously thought.
Dietary Inflammatory Index Is Differentially Associated With Cardiometabolic Health After Pregnancy on the Basis of Adverse Pregnancy Outcome Exposure
Authors: Jancsura McKenzie K. , Wirth Michael D. , Helsabeck Nathan P. , Mercer Brian M. , Haas David M. , Greenland Philip , McNeil Rebecca , Levine Lisa D. , Silver Robert M. , Yee Lynn M. , Saade George R. , Khan Sadiya S. , Chung Judith H. , Grobman William A.
Published: December 2024

Background

Inflammatory diets may influence risk of cardiovascular disease. Subsequent cardiovascular disease is also influenced by adverse pregnancy outcomes (APOs) such as preterm birth, small‐for‐gestational‐age birth, gestational diabetes, and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. However, the associations between inflammatory diet, APOs, and cardiometabolic health remain unclear.

Methods and Results

We used data from the nuMoM2b (Nulliparous Pregnancy Outcomes Study Monitoring Mothers‐to‐Be) HHS (Heart Health Study) to assess the relationship between dietary quality and cardiometabolic health. We calculated Energy‐Adjusted Dietary Inflammatory Index scores representing the inflammatory burden in a person's diet. We used linear regression to determine the association between Energy‐Adjusted Dietary Inflammatory Index score and cardiometabolic outcomes. We performed stratified analyses for outcomes with a significant interaction between Energy‐Adjusted Dietary Inflammatory Index and APO. Data were available from 3249 participants at a median of 3.1 years after delivery. Higher Energy‐Adjusted Dietary Inflammatory Index scores were associated with higher body mass index (B=0.29 kg/m
2
[95% CI, 0.16–0.42]), waist circumference (0.66 cm [95% CI, 0.39–0.93]), diastolic blood pressure (0.26 mm Hg [95% CI, 0.09–0.44]), mean arterial pressure (0.23 mm Hg [95% CI, 0.06–0.40]), triglycerides (2.11 mg/dL [95% CI, 1.05–3.18]), creatinine (2.78 mg/dL [95% CI, 1.13–4.44]), insulin (exp[B]=1.04 [95% CI, 1.03–1.05]) and C‐reactive protein (exp[B]=1.07 [95% CI, 1.04–1.10]), and lower high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (−0.41 mg/dL [95% CI, −0.66 to −0.37]) (all
P
<0.01). Significant interactions with APO (
P
<0.05) were identified for body mass index and waist circumference, with stratified analysis revealing stronger associations for individuals with APOs.

Conclusions

A more proinflammatory diet was associated with worse cardiometabolic health measures, and these relationships differed by a person's APO history. Further investigation should establish how dietary modifications after pregnancy may potentially mitigate cardiovascular disease risk.
Guideline‐Directed Medical Therapy After Hospitalization for Acute Heart Failure: Insights From the CONNECT‐HF
Authors: Shoji Satoshi , Kaltenbach Lisa , Granger Bradi B. , Fonarow Gregg C. , Al‐Khalidi Hussein R. , Albert Nancy M. , Butler Javed , Allen Larry A. , Lanfear David E. , Thibodeau Jennifer T. , Chapman Brittany M. , Oliver‐McNeil Sandra M. , Felker G. Michael , Pina Ileana L. , Granger Christopher B. , Hernandez Adrian F. , DeVore Adam D.
Published: December 2024

Background

Significant gap remains in the implementation of guideline‐directed medical therapy (GDMT) in patients with heart failure after a hospitalization. We aimed to evaluate the use and titration of GDMT at discharge and over a 12‐month period after hospital discharge and to identify factors associated with GDMT use and titration.

Methods and Results

The CONNECT‐HF (Care Optimization Through Patient and Hospital Engagement Clinical Trial for Heart Failure) trial evaluated the effect of a hospital and postdischarge quality improvement intervention in participants with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. In this secondary analysis, we examined use and titration to at least 50% of the target dose of GDMTs at hospital discharge and over time. Among 4646 participants (mean age 63 years, 34% women), GDMT use did not numerically improve from discharge to 12 months: beta blockers (84%–78%), angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin II receptor blockers/angiotensin receptor‐neprilysin inhibitors (73%–65%), mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (39%–36%), and sodium‐glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (1.5%–2.1%). Achieving ≥50% of the target dose also showed little change over 12 months: beta blockers (35%–32%), angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin II receptor blockers/angiotensin receptor‐neprilysin inhibitors (28%–25%). For all medications, use of GDMT at discharge was associated with the use and achieving ≥50% of the target dose at 12 months.

Conclusions

Following a hospitalization for heart failure, GDMT use remained low and did not numerically improve over 12 months. Use of GDMT at discharge was significantly associated with the use of GDMT over time, highlighting the importance of initiating GDMT during hospitalization.
Weak and unstable prediction of personality from the structural connectome
Authors: Rauland Amelie , Jung Kyesam , Satterthwaite Theodore D. , Cieslak Matthew , Reetz Kathrin , Eickhoff Simon B. , Popovych Oleksandr V.
Published: December 2024

Personality neuroscience aims to discover links between personality traits and features of the brain. Previous neuroimaging studies have investigated the connection between the brain structure, microstructural properties of brain tissue, or the functional connectivity (FC) and these personality traits. Analyses relating personality to diffusion-weighted MRI measures were limited to investigating the voxel-wise or tract-wise association of microstructural properties with trait scores. The main goal of our study was to determine whether there is an individual predictive relationship between the structural connectome (SC) and the big five personality traits. To that end, we expanded past work in two ways: First, by focusing on the entire structural connectome (SC) instead of separate voxels and tracts; and second, by predicting personality trait scores instead of performing a statistical correlation analysis to assess an out-of-sample performance. Prediction of personality from the SC is, however, not yet as established as prediction of behavior from the FC, and sparse studies in this field so far delivered rather heterogeneous results. We, therefore, further dedicated our study to investigate whether and how different pipeline settings influence prediction performance. In a sample of 426 unrelated subjects with high-quality MRI acquisitions from the Human Connectome Project, we analyzed 19 different brain parcellations, 3 SC weightings, 3 groups of subjects, and 4 feature classes for the prediction of the 5 personality traits using a ridge regression. From the large number of evaluated pipelines, only very few lead to promising results of prediction accuracy r > 0.2, while the vast majority lead to a small prediction accuracy centered around zero. A markedly better prediction was observed for a cognition target confirming the chosen methods for SC calculation and prediction and indicating limitations of the personality trait scores and their relation to the SC. We therefore report that, for methods evaluated here, the SC cannot predict personality trait scores. Overall, we found that all considered pipeline conditions influence the predictive performance of both cognition and personality trait scores. The strongest differences were found for the trait openness and the SC weighting by number of streamlines which outperformed the other traits and weightings, respectively. As there is a substantial variation in prediction accuracy across pipelines even for the same subjects and the same target, these findings highlight the crucial importance of pipeline settings for predicting individual traits from the SC.
Jurisdiction, Legal Form, and the Transition to Capitalism Debate: Recovering Agency and Discontinuity
Authors: Pal Maïa
Published: December 2024

The increased interest in law and capitalism has not translated into an engagement in legal scholarship with the transition-to-capitalism debate. This article contributes a critique of commercialisation approaches to the history of capitalism and law from a Political Marxist perspective. It argues that combining jurisdiction and legal form provides a more flexible conceptual architecture to account for early-modern juridical practices. Conceptually, this enables an encounter between the structural and subject-centred commodity-form theory of law (cftl) and the more granular, agentic, and class-centred Political Marxist approach. Empirically, exploring two key institutions – property and sovereignty – provides an opportunity to focus on their jurisdictional dimensions driven by specific class struggles and agencies. These reflect, through the concept of jurisdiction, the ruptures and discontinuities of the transition, while form analysis accounts for the more continuous and structural processes of key institutions shaping the apparent linearity of law.
A new and interesting species of Brittonodoxa (Sematophyllaceae, Bryophyta) from Brazil
Authors: EVANGELISTA-DOS-SANTOS MILENA , VALENTE EMILIA DE BRITO
Published: December 2024

N/A
First record of marine goby Priolepis profunda (Weber, 1909) (Teleostei: Gobiidae) from Taiwan
Authors: HAREFA TONISMAN , CHEN I-SHIUNG
Published: December 2024

The marine goby Priolepis profunda (Weber, 1909) is recorded for the first time from Taiwan, based on three specimens (33.2–36.4 mm SL) collected from fishery by-catches of commercial trawling that landed at Da-shi fish port in Ilan County and Keziliao fishing harbor in Kaohsiung, Taiwan. The redescription of current newly recorded species would be provided in this paper.
First record of Matsubaraea fusiformis (Perciformes: Percophidae) in the waters of Western Taiwan: A taxonomic description
Authors: WANG YI-CHEN , MAO YI-CHEN , LIEN YU-YI
Published: December 2024

Herein, we present a new record of Matsubaraea fusiformis in western Taiwan waters; the discovery was based on its morphological characters. Five M. fusiformis samples were collected (August 2022) from the offshore waters (depth: 35.3–49.6 m) of Changhua County, western Taiwan, by using commercial bottom trawlers. A total of 5 genera and 10 species of the family Percophidae have been found in the waters of southwestern and northeastern Taiwan, primarily in the sandy deep-sea regions. This paper presents the first record of M. fusiformis in Taiwan. The findings also reveal that M. fusiformis is predominantly found in shallow waters.
Three new records of the conger eels (Anguilliformes: Congridae) from Taiwan and the Dongsha Islands
Authors: HUANG JIAN-FU , CHEN HONG-MING , CHAN TIN-YAM
Published: December 2024

Three newly recorded species of conger eels were recently discovered in Taiwanese waters and the South China Sea. These are Heteroconger polyzona Bleeker, 1868; Parabathymyrus philippinensis Ho, Smith & Shao, 2015; and Congriscus maldivensis (Norman, 1939). A brief description of the Taiwanese collections is provided in this paper.
A new species of Cryptocentrus (Teleostei: Gobiidae) from northern Taiwan
Authors: CHEN I-SHIUNG , YANG YEN-CHENG
Published: December 2024

A new marine, shrimp-associated goby of Cryptocentrus was discovered from the coastal waters of New Taipei City, Taiwan but it is very rare merely with three adult specimens. The new species, Cryptocentrus taiwanensis n. sp. can be well distinguished from all other congeners by the unique combination of the following features: (1) fins: second dorsal fin rays I/11; anal fin rays I/10; pectoral fin rays 16; (2) squamation: longitudinal scale series 100–101, transverse scale rows 29–31, perdorsal scales 15–17; (3) vertebral count 26; (4) head canal pores: anterior oculoscapular canal with terminal pore σ; single pore λ; lateral section of anterior oculoscapular canal with three pores α, β and ρ; posterior oculoscapular canal with two pores θ, τ; preopercular canal present with three pores γ, δ and ε; sensory papillae: 5 major transverse rows of infraorbital region; (4) rear edge of mouth: extending beyond the vertical of rear margin of pupil in male and (5) specific coloration: body scattered with many white spots and a middle longitudinal row of 8 blackish brown blotches, second dorsal fin with vertical blackish brown bars on branched rays on distal half, anal fin with three horizontal rows of blackish brown blotches and connected to stripe in middle row, caudal fin translucent radiating with thick blackish stripes in middle 1/3 region in male. The brief morphological comparison with its own related species would be also addressed.
A new species of marine gobiid fish genus Lubricogobius (Teleostei: Gobiidae) from the Philippines
Authors: CHEN I-SHIUNG , LIAO YUN-CHIH , HO LIN-TAI , SHAO KWANG-TSAO
Published: December 2024

A new marine goby of genus, Lubricogobius Tanaka, 1915 was collected from the Philippines. This new species, Lubricogobius rubrofasciatus n. sp., can be distinguished from other congeneric species by following unique combination of features: (1) second dorsal fin I/10; anal fin I/7; pectoral fin 18; (2) head and trunk entirely naked; (3) both anterior and posterior nostrils as short tubes; (4) gill opening large, extending ventrally beyond the rear vertical of peropercle; (5) infraorbital papillae all belonging to longitudinal pattern; and (5) colouration in life: body and head creamy white to yellow; iris bright orange; an oblique bright red orange stripe from nape to upper lip through eye; dorsal, anal, pelvic and caudal fins all with yellow to orange with wide, distal deep black margin. The description of new species and a diagnostic key to all congeners in the Indo-Pacific region will be reported in this paper.
Two new species of Luciogobius Gill (Teleostei: Gobiidae) from the Matsu Islands in Taiwan
Authors: CHEN I-SHIUNG , SHAO YI-TA , CHOU LI-CHIN , CHEN KUO-SHU , CHANG CHIH-WEI
Published: December 2024

Two new gobiid fishes of Luciogobius Gill, 1859 have recently been collected from the intertidal waters of the Matsu Islands in Taiwan. The first new species, Luciogobius matsuensis sp. nov., is characterized by the following unique combination of features: (1) second dorsal fin rays: I/12 and anal fin rays I/12; (2) pectoral fin rays modally 16 and with one upper, short free soft ray; (3) vertebral count modally 17+20–21=37–38; and (4) specific coloration: second dorsal fin translucent with tiny brown spots; caudal fin with many tiny brown spots; anal fins pale yellow and translucent, spotless, and darker in its rays; and pectoral fin creamy yellow with anterior 2/3 region with tiny brownish to black spots. The second new species, Luciogobius dongyinensis sp. nov., is characterized by the following unique combination of features: (1) second dorsal fin rays: I/16 and anal fin rays I/16; (2) pectoral fin rays modally 14 and with 2 upper, short free soft rays; (3) vertebral count modally 18+23=41; and (4) specific coloration: a long infraorbital deep brown stripe below eye; a long deep brown stripe above and along upper jaw; pectoral fin with many small patches of melanophores except posterior, distal 1/5 region; and caudal fin brown with many light rounded spots. A brief discussion of their own related species will also be addressed.
A new Calamiana species (Teleostei: Gobiidae) from brackish waters of northern Taiwan
Authors: CHEN I-SHIUNG , SHAO KWANG-TSAO , HUANG SHIH-PIN
Published: December 2024

A new species of brackish water goby, Calamiana taiwanensis sp. nov., from northern Taiwan is described in this paper. This new species is characterized by the following unique combinations of features: (1) second dorsal fin rays I/7–8, anal fin rays I/7–8; (2) longitudinal scale rows 34–36; (3) first dorsal fin triangular, second to third spines filamentous in adult males; and (4) specific head pore system: anterior termination with a pair of head pores σ and λ, median interorbital region with a pair of pores κ1 and κ, postorbital region with a pair of pores ω, lateral termination with a pair of pores α, upper margin of preopercular region with a pair of pores β and ρ. The present study revealed that the head pore pattern is varied among the species of genus Calamiana, therefore this feature can be regarded as an important character for the species identification within Calamiana.
A new species of Paratanakia (Teleostei: Cyprinidae) from Guangdong, China
Authors: HUANG SHIH-PIN , CHENG YOU-HUA , SHAO KWANG-TSAO , CHEN I-SHIUNG
Published: December 2024

A new species of bitterling, Paratanakia haifengensis sp. nov. was collected from Guangdong Province in southern China is described in this study. P. haifengensis sp. nov. can be well distinguished from P. himantegus (Günther, 1868) and P. chii (Miao, 1934) based on the following morphological characters: (1) meristic counts: dorsal fin rays 3, 9; anal fin rays modally 3, 12; pectoral fin rays modally 1, 13; lateral-line scales modally 36; (2) specific longitudinal blue stripe on body side: the longitudinal blue stripe extending forward to the position below the third spine of dorsal fin in maximum and usually not exceeding the anterior margin of dorsal fin, its anterior tip inserted above the 13th–14th lateral-line scales; and (3) specific dorsal fin color pattern: dorsal fin with a broad shiny yellow stripe, and with an indistinct, very thin gray margin in male. In this study, the coloration, morphometric measurements and meristic features of P. haifengensis sp. nov. will be provided and the comparison of morphological characters between P. haifengensis sp. nov. and other species of Paratanakia will be discussed. In addition, a diagnostic key to all species of Paratanakia will be provided in this paper.
A new rainbow gudgeon of Sarcocheilichthys (Teleostei: Cyprinidae) from Fujian Province, China with redescriptions of S. hainanensis
Authors: CHEN I-SHIUNG , LI HSIEN-EN
Published: December 2024

The teleostean family Cyprinidae is a megadiverse fish taxon that occupies most of the freshwater biomes of the world. The cyprinid genus Sarcocheilichthys of the subfamily Gobioninae is represented by a total of 14 nominal species, most of which are distributed in the vast continent of China. Our recent field collections and surveys in river systems of Fujian Province, southern China, had discovered a cyprinid fish that was recognized herein as a Sarcocheilichthys species new to science. The undescribed species, temporarily known as the Hanjiang rainbow gudgeon, is most similar to S. nigripinnis but can be well distinguished by differences in meristic counts, dorsal fin blotch patterns, and the morphology of oromandibular structures and genital organs. A detailed redescription of the valid Hainan rainbow gudgeon, S. hainanensis, is also provided herein.
Hemimyzon luae, a new species of balitorid fish (Teleostei: Baltioridae) from the Tzengwen River basin, southern Taiwan
Authors: CHEN I-SHIUNG , YEH MING-FON
Published: December 2024

The new balitorid fish was collected in the Tzengwen river basin from southern Taiwan. The new species, Hemimyzon luae n. sp. can be well distinguished from other congeneric species by following combination of features: (1) dorsal fin rays 3 + 8; pectoral fin rays 11–12 + 9–11 (total 20–22; modally 22); (2) pelvic fin moderate large, extending to rear vertical of dorsal fin, pelvic simple rays modally 3 which fewer than any other endemic ones of Taiwan; (3) lateral-line scales 68–72 (modally 70); predorsal scales 39–42 (modally 40); (4) the position of anus with much larger distance of pelvic rear tip to anus about 2.4–3.2 times of that of anus to anal fin origin and (5) specific coloration: dorsum of body and head olive brown to greenish brown; predrorsal region deep brown with several rounded or oblong cloudy deep brown patches; lateral body uniformly olive brown to deep brown; and pectoral, pelvic and anal fins pale white with deep brown rays. The morphological comparison of congeners and the diagnostic key of Taiwanese species would be also provided in this paper.
A new ricefish of genus Oryzias (Teleostei: Adrianichthyidae) from western Taiwan
Authors: CHEN I-SHIUNG , LAI HONG-THIH
Published: December 2024

The new brackish ricefish were collected recently from western Taiwan which has been identified as the species new to science. The new species, Oryzias chenglongensis n. sp. can be well distinguished from other congeners by the following unique combination of features: (1) fin-ray counts: dorsal-fin rays 6 (6 seen in holotype); anal-fin rays 19–20 (19); pelvic-fin rays 6 (6); pectoral-fin rays 10 (10); principle caudal-fin rays i,4/5,i (i,4/5,i); (2) body compressed laterally with body depth at pelvic origin 24.0–24.3 (24.3), body depth at anal fin origin 15.5–20.4 (20.4); (3) the dorsal-fin origin inserted almost at the vertical of 14th anal-fin rays, membrane between dorsal-fin 5th and 6th rays without distinct notch in adult male; and (4) body translucent, light yellowish green or brown, scattered with minute melanophores, a narrowly dotted, longitudinal black line along the middle forward to vertical above pelvic fin; T-shape black mark of caudal fin base in male; operculum and pre-pectoral region slivery, no any silvery scales on lateral body, lip color grayish or creamy yellow and eye bluish silvery dorsally. The diagnostic characters, and comparison with related species would be also provided.
A new species and two newly recorded species of Eviota (Teleostei: Gobiidae) from Taiwan
Authors: SHEN KANG-NING , HUNG TSANG-HSIEH , CHEN I-SHIUNG
Published: December 2024

A new species and two new records of marine gobies from the genus Eviota were discovered in Taiwan between 2017 and 2023. The new species, Eviota rubrostriata n. sp., was found in eastern Taiwan and is more related to the E. zebrina complex, both morphologically and genetically. Bayesian analysis suggests it has a closer phylogenetic relationship to E. pseudozebrina from Fiji. The new species can be easily distinguished from other congeners by the following unique combination of features: (1) second dorsal fin I/8, anal fin I/7, pectoral fin 14; (2) longitudinal scale rows 23–24; (3) typical head canal pattern type 2; (4) fifth pelvic fin rays about 8–10% of fourth pelvic fin rays; (5) mouth large, extending to middle vertical of eye; and (6) specific coloration: ventral profile after anus with 6–7 main blackish brown spots; infraorbital band wide, deep red through posterior upper lip to lower lip; opercle with a horizontal blackish brown triangular stripe; eye with 5 main brown red regions; first dorsal fin with red spots in distal filamentous anterior 2 spinous rays in male; pectoral fin base with an orange band between two snow white bars; caudal fin base with a vertical black line, in front of the line with a pentagon shape of large black spot; and bright yellow above and below the black spot. Two new records of Eviota species from Taiwan are Eviota storthynx (Rofen, 1959) from eastern Taiwan and Eviota rubriguttata Greenfield & Suzuki, 2011 from Penghu, western Taiwan. A brief discussion of the new species with related species is also included.
Eggs of Perlidae (Insecta, Plecoptera) of the Russian Far East
Authors: TESLENKO VALENTINA A.
Published: December 2024

Eggs of 12 perlid species from the Russian Far East are examined and described based on scanning electron microscopy images. Morphological features of the chorion and extrachorion, including egg attachment structures, vary considerably among genera and species and may be useful for their recognition. The Korean species Neoperla goguryeo Murányi & Li, 2015 is recorded in the Russian Far East for the first time.
The genus Alurnus Fabricius, 1775 (Chrysomelidae: Cassidinae: Alurnini) in Colombia with four new species records and an updated checklist in the country
Authors: RENDÓN-RAMÍREZ ALEJANDRA , VERGARA-NAVARRO ERIKA VALENTINA , QUIROZ-GAMBOA JOHN ALVEIRO
Published: December 2024

In Colombia, the taxonomy of leaf beetles (Chrysomelidae) shows information gaps in the composition, biology, richness, distribution, among others, although most of them are of agricultural importance. The genus Alurnus is distributed in the Neotropical Region and it is the most specious genus of the tribe Alurnini (Chrysomelidae, Cassidinae). Species of this genus have been reported in association with palms of the family Arecaceae. Previous studies of Alurnus recorded 12 species for Colombia. In this study, 64 specimens were analyzed from 14 Colombian entomological collections, confirming previous records of seven species and reporting four new records for Colombia. This study provides the names of associations and host plants for some species, and the geographic distribution for each one.
New species, notes and record of New World Acanthocinini (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae, Lamiinae)
Authors: SANTOS-SILVA ANTONIO , BEZARK LARRY G.
Published: December 2024

Comments on Leptostylus LeConte, 1852, Pseudastylopsis Dillon, 1956, and Sternacutus Gilmour, 1961 are provided. Four new species and one new genus are described: Lepstotylus arcuatus sp. nov., from Costa Rica; Pseudastylopsis morrisi sp. nov., from Honduras; Quissunego confusus, gen. nov., sp. nov., from Bolivia; and Sternacutus similis sp. nov., from Bolivia. Leptostylus scudderi Wickham, 1914 is transferred to incertae sedis in Acanthocinini. A new regional record is provided for Neopalame albomaculata Monné & Martins, 1976.
First report of Osmia (Pyrosmia) Tkalců from India with description of a new species and redescription of Osmia gulmargensis Nurse
Authors: SARDAR SAYAN , KAZMI S. I. , RAMESHKUMAR A.
Published: December 2024

Osmia (Pyrosmia) Tkalců, previously known only from the Palaearctic region, is reported for the first time from India, specifically from northern India, which marks the confluence of the Palaearctic and Indo-Malayan realms and therefore, has a mixture of species from both. This is the third subgenus of Osmia Panzer after Osmia (Helicosmia) Thomson and Osmia (Osmia s.str.) reported from India. Osmia (Pyrosmia) muelleri sp. nov. is described based on the material deposited in the National Zoological Collection, Zoological Survey of India. The rare and unique osmiine bee with an unusually shaped mandible, Osmia gulmargensis Nurse, is also redescribed and illustrated.
On a Modified Definition of a Derecho. Part II: An Updated Spatial Climatology of Derechos across the Contiguous United States
Authors: Squitieri Brian Joseph , Wade Andrew R. , Jirak Israel L.
Published: December 2024

Derechos are known as widespread severe windstorms that accompany extratropical MCSs. However, questions remain whether the term derecho should apply to widespread windstorms from all linear storm structures, or just MCSs that evolve from a progressive cold pool, which support concentrated swaths of damaging winds. Part I of this manuscript focused on the derecho definition to windstorms with hurricane-force gusts that originate from cold-pool-driven MCSs. While Part I modified the derecho definition and formulated quantitative criteria for identifying future events, a derecho spatial climatology across the contiguous United States was derived for 2000–22 using this more focused definition in Part II. The derecho climatology was created from cases identified with the same algorithm employed in Part I of this manuscript, which ingested a combination of datasets to objectively detect derechos. For the 2000–22 climatology, derechos were found to be primarily warm-season events, with corridors of derecho occurrence noted across the Midwest and southern plains, in agreement with earlier studies, as well as the northern plains. Seventy derechos were identified over a period of 23 years. Derechos occur, on average, three times per year nationally, and once every 1–2 years at given points within the plains and Midwest corridors, with greater frequencies noted in earlier studies, likely due to stricter criteria requiring hurricane-force gusts and supporting cold-pool-driven MCS structures in the present study. Derechos frequently form in the afternoon and dissipate later at night but peak in intensity just a few hours after development.
Experimental and numerical simulation on axial compression of GFRP-long-tube under quasi-static and dynamic loads
Authors: Huang Kanjun , Liu Jinchun , Fu Xianwen , Wang Shida , Ren Xinxin , Tu Yan
Published: December 2024

In order to obtain the failure morphology and mechanical properties of GFRP long tubes under quasi-static axial compression and considering the effects of loading rates on the mechanical properties of GFRP long tubes, axial compression tests were carried out on three 1000 mm-long glass fiber reinforced composite (GFRP) tubes. Subsequently, numerical simulations of the axial compression of GFRP long tubes were performed using the finite element analysis software ANSYS/LS-DYNA based on the experimental data. By applying different strain rates, the effects on the mechanical properties of GFRP long tubes were observed, further exploring their mechanical behavior. The results show that GFRP is a strain-sensitive material, and its maximum bearing capacity increases with the increase of strain rate, while its displacement decreases accordingly. The failure of GFRP long tube is concentrated in the middle, and the bearing capacity shows a linear change in the early stage. After reaching the ultimate bearing capacity, the bearing capacity will show a trend of first decreasing, then increasing and finally decreasing.
Impact of Public Infrastructure Spending and Institutions on Economic Growth in Côte d’Ivoire: Results and Implications
Authors: Sohalio Ouattara
Published: December 2024

This study uses annual data from 1984 to 2019 for the Côte d’Ivoire to estimate the effects of public infrastructure spending, institutions, institutional shocks and their multiplicative effect on economic growth. We construct three institutional indices and interaction variables to estimate linear and nonlinear AutoRegressive Distributed lag models (ARDL). The results reveal symmetric effects of institutional shocks to democracy and regulation and conflict prevention and asymmetric effects of institutional shocks to investment promotion and the economy. The institutional index for the conflict prevention dimension is favourable to economic growth, while the other institutional dimensions remain insignificant. The institutional index of democracy and regulation amplifies the positive effects of public spending on infrastructure on per capita income in the long term. The institutional indices of investment and economic promotion and conflict prevention reduce the positive effect of public infrastructure spending on per capita income. Public debt and domestic savings have effects on per capita income.

These results imply that improving institutions, particularly those promoting investment and the economy, is crucial to amplifying the benefits of public infrastructure investment in Côte d’Ivoire.
Research on ride comfort evaluation method of EMU based on CART algorithm
Authors: Jiang Jun , Zeng Jing , Wang JunPing , Dong Hao , Liu Pengfei
Published: December 2024

In this paper, the research team presents the findings of long-term tracking tests on power-centralized EMU. The results demonstrate clear discrepancies between the established ride comfort evaluation results and the actual vibration state of the vehicle body and the subjective experiences of the drivers and passengers. A fuzzy evaluation was employed to establish the data set, while the entropy weight method was used to determine the key indexes. The CART decision tree algorithm was then used to establish a model for the evaluation of ride comfort in power-centralized EMU. The resulting evaluation was verified through dynamic simulation and field testing. The findings of the research demonstrate that: The lateral ride index can be employed as the primary index for evaluating the vibration state of the vehicle. By implementing three consecutive lateral ride comfort evaluations of the vehicle, the false positive rate and false negative rate can be maintained below 4%. The accuracy of the evaluation results is greater than 95% when a CART decision tree model is constructed using the minimum, maximum, standard deviation, and 50th percentile of the lateral ride index of the vehicle. The results of the simulation and field tests demonstrate that the ride comfort evaluation results are highly consistent with the actual vibration state of the moving EMU, the annoyance rate, and the human subjective feeling. This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of the research content, taking into account the subjective experiences of drivers and passengers, as well as the practical considerations of railway maintenance personnel. The findings offer a valuable contribution to the decision-making process of railway maintenance professionals.
Design and characteristics of a double-layer gradient grid structure for broadband electromagnetic wave absorption
Authors: Li Hong-Zhou , Yang Jin-Shui , Xian Yu-Xuan , Song Ming-Zhao , Wang Xiang-Wei
Published: December 2024

Grid structures are renowned for their lightweight and high-strength properties. When combined with wave absorption technology, they can form multifunctional broadband wave-absorbing structures. However, traditional grid wave-absorbing structures face challenges in impedance matching control, limiting their effectiveness over a broader frequency band. Additionally, conventional simulation optimization methods in the field of wave-absorbing structures are inefficient and yield suboptimal results. To address these issues, this study introduces a double-layer gradient grid absorber composite structure (DGGS) and employs a genetic algorithm optimization framework to adjust its structural parameters. By applying the principles of impedance matching and genetic optimization algorithms, the DGGS successfully reduces electromagnetic wave reflectivity, achieving significant absorption effects within the 2.45 to 18 GHz frequency range. Furthermore, the absorber is constructed from composite materials such as fiberglass, ensuring reliable strength and significant cost-effectiveness. The genetic algorithm has optimized the structural parameters to achieve the optimal impedance gradient and maximize absorption efficiency. This structure not only exhibits exceptional mechanical strength but also demonstrates excellent energy absorption performance, presenting broad application prospects.
Meeting the Needs of Students and Teachers: The Implementation of Co-Teaching at Wheeler Middle School
Authors: Contat Brad , Willis Chris , Mrachko Alicia A.
Published: December 2024

Kyle was the new principal at Wheeler Middle School. It did not take him long to realize special education services in the building were not serving students well while simultaneously setting up his special education teachers for burnout. This prompts Kyle to engage in a transformation and learning process for himself and his staff. As a result of this process, Wheeler moved to a co-teaching model. But, even with all the good work before implementation, there was still uneven success. The case concludes with Kyle wrestling how to deal with poorly functioning co-teaching teams.
The Effects of Ethanolic Stem-Bark Extract of Khaya senegalensis on Fertility Parameters and Hormones on Male Wistar Rat
Authors: Wireko Manasseh B. , Lorraine Sallah , Coffie Peter N. , Asiwu Roberta Y. , Ananni-Akollor Max E. , Titiloye Nicholas A. , Duduyemi Babs M.
Published: December 2024

Background

The recent increase in interest in alternative medicine calls for an investigation into the non-target organ effect. Khaya senegalensis is one of such popular plants used to manage malaria in low-income countries. This study therefore aimed at investigating the effect of stem bark extract of Khaya senegalensis (KSE) on the testes (non-target organ) and its related serum hormones.

Methods

Grouped mature male rats (n = 4) were treated with 100–1000 mg/kg KSE or distilled water for twenty-eight days. Serum hormones were taken immediately after cervical dislocation, prepared appropriately, and assayed for Testosterone, Luteinizing, and Follicle Stimulating Hormone. The hormones levels were determined using ELISA kits The right testis and epididymis from treated animals were harvested and prepared for histological studies.

Results

The result indicated a significant increase ( p = 0.045, 0.038) in the epididymis and serum LH in the 1000 mg/kg KSE, but caused no significant increase in serum FSH and Testosterone ( p > 0.05), in any of the treatment groups. Histological sections of the testes showed mild to moderate degeneration of the spermatogonia and hyalinization (1000 mg/kg, 500 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg) of the seminiferous tubules with reduced spermatogenesis in a dose-dependent manner.

Conclusion

Khaya senegalensis could have an adverse effect on the morphology of the testis in a dose-dependent manner.
A Conceptual Framework for Sustainable Evidence-Based Design for Aligning Therapeutic and Sustainability Outcomes in Healthcare Facilities: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Read Julia , Meath Cristyn
Published: December 2024

Objective: The aim of this systematic review was to identify which aspects of evidence-based design (EBD) and sustainable design principles overlap based on evidence in the peer reviewed academic literature. By doing so, the study enables hospital infrastructure design decisions that prioritize both sustainability outcomes (sustainable hospital infrastructure design) and therapeutic (EBD) outcomes. Background: Healthcare facilities need to adapt to the future demands from a changing climate, demographic shifts, and economic restraints. Facilities need to be designed in ways that better support patients, staff, and the environment to ensure their long-term success. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted through searches in SCOPUS and Web of Science. All studies in acute care settings were included in the review except those investigating EBD in the context of specific health conditions, which were excluded. Themes that overlap were identified to form a conceptual framework for sustainable EBD. Results: Sixty-five articles were included in the final analysis. Identified sustainability features were related to: Sociocultural and functional, Indoor environmental quality and wellbeing, Energy and atmosphere, Water, Materials and resources, Waste, Sustainable sites, and Facility design. EBD thematic analyses were categorized into Indoor environmental quality, Design, Sociocultural, and Functional performance and safety. Conclusions: Key areas of synergy include Indoor environmental quality and wellbeing and Energy and atmosphere. The development of the conceptual framework enables scholars and practitioners to identify design features that align both priorities and through future research, refine the framework.
The effect of probiotics on select cognitive domains in mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Tripathi Shashank , Kaushik Meenakshi , Dwivedi Rekha , Tiwari Prabhakar , Tripathi Manjari , Dada Rima
Published: December 2024

Background

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer's disease (AD) are progressive neurodegenerative disorders, and probiotics may offer therapeutic benefits by modulating gut microbiota and reducing inflammation.

Objective

This study systematically evaluated the impact of probiotics on cognitive function in MCI and AD through a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs).

Methods

A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed following PRISMA 2020 guidelines. PubMed, Embase, EBSCO, and Cochrane databases were searched for RCTs (January 2000–January 2024) on probiotic interventions lasting 8–24 weeks. Cognitive outcomes included Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), language, naming, visual-spatial, memory, and attention. Data were analyzed using R with a random-effects model to calculate pooled standardized mean differences (SMDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Risk of bias was rigorously assessed.

Results

Out of 2000 articles, 500 full texts were screened, and 10 studies were included. The meta-analysis showed varied effect sizes: MMSE (SMD: 0.28, 95%CI −0.35–0.91, p = 0.38), MoCA (SMD: 0.51, 95%CI −0.49–1.52, p = 0.33), language (SMD: −0.12, 95% CI −0.54–0.29, p = 0.56), naming (SMD: 0.02, 95%CI −0.69–0.74, p = 0.95), visual-spatial (SMD: 0.38, 95%CI −0.13–0.88, p = 0.14), memory (SMD: 0.20, 95%CI −0.15–0.55, p = 0.26), and attention (SMD: −0.07, 95%CI −0.44–0.30, p = 0.71). Positive SMDs suggest cognitive improvement, while non-significant negative SMDs indicate trends toward decline, inclined by probiotic strains, duration, and participant characteristics.

Conclusions

Probiotics did not significantly improve cognitive function in MCI and AD patients, with variability in effects across cognitive domains, suggesting the need for tailored interventions and future studies.
On the trail of missing border crossers in Webb County, Texas
Authors: Hadley Alison , Houston Kate , Olvera Sam , Hilburn Andrew
Published: December 2024

Current immigration policies of “prevention through deterrence” have been shown to increase fatalities at the US/Mexico border. These strategies are designed to remove access to safe areas of the border with the aim of reducing border crossings. One consequence of these deterrents is that they force undocumented border crossers into areas that are more desolate and treacherous. Such policies also come at a time when government officials have openly stated that its facilities to process and identify the remains of unidentified border crossers are overwhelmed. This paper discusses the current state of the identification and repatriation of the remains of undocumented border crossers in South Texas and the formation of the Center for the Study of Undocumented Border Crossers (CSUBC) at Texas A&M International University. CSUBC is a multidisciplinary, collaborative research and teaching center with the goal of assisting the community, academics, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in recording, reporting, and identifying border crosser remains. The hope is that this center will ultimately lead to the repatriation of decedents. This paper outlines the structure of the center, and aims for working with established NGOs and university centers, to bring together subject-matter experts and alleviate the pressures they face.
Discriminating Model Microcalcifications Immersed and Under Varying Depths of Wax Using Deep Low-Frequency Raman Spectroscopy
Authors: Chalmers Mitchell C. , Tomberg Teemu , Gordon Keith C. , Fraser-Miller Sara J.
Published: December 2024

Breast microcalcifications are crucial clinical features for breast cancer that remain poorly understood with many present contradicting findings and views. Prior research, which utilized Raman spectroscopy (RS), only focused on the mid-frequency spectral region. In this work, we applied low-frequency RS to three experimental setups, with synthetic calcium oxalate and hydroxyapatite in amorphous and crystalline forms immersed and under varying depths of paraffin wax. When comparing the full spectra at all offsets for the three experimental setups, we found that the defocused microspatially offset setup performed the best with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.87. Furthermore, it was found that the low-frequency spectral region was optimal for this setup with an AUC of 0.94. Overall, the low-frequency region outperformed the mid-frequency spectral regions for two out of the three experimental setups with the AUC improving by up to 13% from 0.81 to 0.94. This is attributed to the low-frequency Raman region containing order information of the probed solids allowing the amorphous and crystalline forms to be more accurately classified.