bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Astyanax laticeps (Teleostei: Characiformes: Characidae) from rivers and streams of Uruguay
Authors: Azpelicueta María , Loureiro Marcelo
Published: February 2023

Astyanax laticeps (Teleostei: Characiformes: Characidae) from rivers and streams of Uruguay. – Astyanax laticeps is recorded from different streams of Laguna Merín, Laguna Castillos and Laguna de Rocha basins (Uruguay). The species is recognized by low body (28.2-37.3 % of SL), blunt snout, 1–4 maxillary teeth, 18–24 branched anal-fin rays, 36–39 perforated scales in lateral line, short caudal peduncle (12.6–13.7 % of SL), dorsal-fin origin nearer snout than caudal-fin rays origin, a horizontally oval or rounded humeral spot, surrounded by a light area, mature males with bony hooks on branched pelvic-fin rays and anteriormost anal-fins rays.
Nannostomus rubrocaudatus spec. nov. - ein neuer Ziersalmler aus Peru (Teleostei: Characiformes: Lebiasinidae)
Authors: Zarske Axel
Published: February 2023

Nannostomus rubrocaudatus sp. n. is described from Peru. The new species is closely related with N. mortenthaleri and N. marginatus. The coloration of the males of N. rubrocaudatus sp. n. in life is extremly different from these species. The new species has a clearly developed sexual dichomatism, which is not to see in N. marginatus. The sexual dimorphism in the anal-fin described by WEITZMAN & WEITZMAN (2003) for N. mortenthaleri was also found in N. rubrocaudatus sp. n. and in a „colour variety“ of N. marginatus from the rio Negro basin.
Osteology of the African annual killifish genus Callopanchax (Teleostei: Cyprinodontiformes: Nothobranchiidae) and phylogenetic implications
Authors: Costa Wilson
Published: February 2023

Osteological structures of Callopanchax are fi rst described and illustrated. Twenty-six characters derived from comparisons of osseous structures among some aplocheiloid fishes provided evidence supporting hypotheses of relationships among three western African genera (Callopanchax, Scriptaphyosemion and Archiaphyosemion), as proposed in recent molecular analysis. The clade comprising Callopanchax, Scriptaphyosemion and Archiaphyosemion is supported by a laterally displaced antero-proximal process of the fourth ceratobranchial. The sister group relationship between Callopanchax and Scriptaphyosemion is supported by a constriction on the posterior portion of the parasphenoid, an anterior expansion of the hyomandibula, a rectangular basihyal cartilage, an anterior pointed process on the fi rst vertebra, and a long ventrally directed hemal prezygapophysis on the preural centrum 2. Monophyly of Callopanchax is supported by a convexity on the dorsal margin of the opercle, a long interarcual cartilage, and long neural prezygapophyses on the anterior caudal vertebrae.
The Nomenclature of Trichopodus pectoralis REGAN, 1910; Trichopus cantoris SAUVAGE, 1884 and Osphronemus saigonensis BORODIN, 1930 (Teleostei: Peciformes: Osphronemidae)
Authors: Paepke Hans-Joachim
Published: February 2023

The Snake-Skin Gourami was described twice: First by GÜNTHER (1861) as Osphromenus (sic!) trichopterus var. ß cantoris. The name was used partly up to the early twenties of the last century. But already in 1905 KÖHLER elevated that taxon on species level as Osphromenus cantoris. REGAN (1910) described the same species again as Trichopodus pectoralis. Both authors (GÜNTHER and REGAN) stressed different (nuptial and non nuptial) colour pattern of the species. As Trichogaster pectoralis (REGAN, 1910) the species was known lasting for decades. With the newly reinstatement of the genus name Trichopodus for the Southeast Asian gourami species trichopterus, microlepis, leerii an cantoris the oldest name available for the Snake-Skin Gourami is Trichopodus cantoris (GÜNTHER, 1861). Trichopus cantoris SAUVAGE,1884 is most probably a junior synonym of Trichopodus leerii (BLEEKER, 1852), while Osphronemus (sic!) saigonensis BORODIN, 1930 is without question a junior synonym of Trichopodus cantoris (GÜNTHER, 1861).
Reptiles and Amphibians in Dibbeen Nature Reserve, Jordan
Authors: Damhoureyeh Said , Qarqaz Mayas , Amr Zuhair , Himdan Nashat , Eid Ehab
Published: February 2023

Twenty-one species of reptiles and amphibians belonging to nine families were recorded in this survey. These species included one amphibian, one tortoise, 12 lizards, and seven snakes. The present study is the fi rst attempt to compare between opportunistic and systematic survey methods in Jordan for reptiles and amphibians. The opportunistic survey is the method of choice when conducting a survey to assess the presence or absence of reptilian species regardless of their abundance. On the other hand, the systematic survey proved to be an excellent method to evaluate the abundance of species, expressed in the total number of observations. Ophisops elegans was by far the most frequently observed species and accounted for 28.94 % and 61.03 % of all observations when employing opportunistic and systematic surveys respectively. Additionally, this lizard was found in all types of habitats studied within the reserve.
Description of Gambusia zarskei sp. n. - a new poeciliid fish from the upper Rio Conchos system, Chihuahua, Mexico (Teleostei: Cyprinodontiformes: Poeciliidae)
Authors: Meyer Manfred , Schories Susanne , Schartl Manfred
Published: February 2023

Gambusia zarskei, new species, is described from the upper drainage of Rio Conchos, Rio Grande system, Chihuahua, Mexico. It is clearly distinguished by metrics, gonopodial and other morphological characteristics from all other species of the genus. A mitochondrial DNA-sequence based molecular phylogenetic analysis revealed similar results on the status of the new species as a separate taxon and its relation to other closely related species.
Description of a new species of Microglanis from rio Barra Seca basin, southeastern Brazil (Siluriformes: Pseudopmelodidae)
Authors: Ottoni Felipe , Mattos José Leonardo , Barbosa Maria
Published: February 2023

Microglanis minutus, new species, is described from the rio Barra Seca basin. This species belongs to the Microglanis parahybae species complex by the following combination of characters: body light brown with fi rst and second dark brown saddles not extending ventrally below horizontal through pectoral-fin origin; light oval spot located below dorsalfin spine; third dark brown saddle not reaching anal-fin base; and caudal fin with upper lobe more developed than the inferior. The new species differs from all others M. parahybae species complex by a combination of morphological characters: pectoral and anal fins mottled or with relatively faint bands; caudal fin emarginate, trunk with dark brown saddles; caudal peduncle with faint to dark blotch irregularly shaped, caudal fin lightly mottled with narrow vertical dark brown band across central portions of lobes, dark saddle beneath adipose fin not extending ventrally to anal fin as continuous bar, continuous portion of lateral line not reaching vertical through origin of adipose fin, tip of pectoral spine as distinct bony point, a wider head, a dark blotch beneath adipose fin not extending to anal fin, distal portion of anal fin without dark band, dark saddle beneath adipose fin extending ventrally to more than the half of trunk and a light oval spot located below dorsal-fin spine.
Theodor von Heuglin's Ornithologie Nordost-Afrika 's, der Nilquellen- und Küsten-Gebiete des Rothen Meeres und des nördlichen Somal-Landes - Notes relevant to the dates of publication of its parts
Authors: van den Elzen Renate , Dickinson Edward , Dowsett Robert , Harding Alison
Published: February 2023

Our paper aims to establish publication dates of the monograph of Theodor von Heuglin which appeared in 57 parts over a period of six to seven years. Accurate dates for these parts would help determine authorship of some names that appear in two or three closely contemporaneous publications by authors dealing with new species of birds collected in north-eastern Africa. We have concluded that it is still not possible to date each part precisely, or even to be certain of the pagination of some parts, but that we can arrive at some reasonable conclusions as to which pages and which plates were published in which year. Due to the limits to our evidence these conclusions must be preliminary. So one of our objectives is to appeal for help in finding a set of this book still in the wrappers of the original parts, and, second, for help in locating relevant published reports of all books published in Cassel in the period 1868 to 1875. We are confi dent enough in our year dates that we list in an appendix the new generic names and species-group names proposed in this work. None of these names occurs within pp. 1 – 64 (which may have appeared in either 1868 or 1869).
Trichomycterus puriventris (Teleostei: Siluriformes: Trichomycteridae), a new species of catfish from the rio ParaÃ­ba do Sul basin, southeastern Brazil
Authors: Barbosa Maria , Costa Wilson
Published: February 2023

Trichomycterus puriventris, new species is described from the upper Paraíba do Sul river basin, southeastern Brazil. It differs from all species of the genus by the unique colour pattern consisting of dark pigmentation concentrated along and above midline of flank, but absent below midline. The new species is similar to T. alternatus, T. caudofasciatus, T. longibarbatus, and T. pantherinus by all possessing a long pectoral-fin filament. The new species differs from the above species by the presence of anteriormost section of infraorbital canal, number of pleural ribs, pelvic-fin insertion, dorsal and anal-fins origin, size of nasal barbel, depth and width of the body, and length of the head.
Ontogenetic changes in the skull of the European wildcat (Felis silvestris SCHREBER, 1777)
Authors: Stefen Clara , Heidecke Dietrich
Published: February 2023

The postnatal changes of the skull of the male and the female European wildcat are described in detail using linear measurements and geometric morphometrics. Overall, the analysis of the linear measurements and of the geometric morphometrics of the landmark data indicate the same postnatal changes in the skull morphology, which are, however, described better by geometric morphometrics. The changes mainly affect the caudal part of the skull and, in the mandible, the coronoid and the angular process as well as the ventral rim. Three growth phases can be distinguished particularly on the basis of the linear measurements with the fastest growth and the most obvious changes in the skull occurring from birth to about 7 months, slowed down growth from about 7 to 14 months, and only little growth from 14 to about 24 months of age, when the growth curves for most linear measurements level off. None of the easy and non-destructive means of the linear measurements employed was found to clearly determine the age of a skull.
Das Typusmaterial der Characiformes des Museums für Naturkunde zu Berlin. Teil 2b (3): Südamerikanische Characiformes im weiteren Sinne (Teleostei: Ostariophysi: Characiformes: Serrasalmidae, Acestrorhynchidae, Erythrinidae, Lebiasinidae)
Authors: Zarske Axel
Published: February 2023

The type specimens of the Characiformes (Teleostei: Ostariophysi) of the Museum of Natural History of Berlin are listed, investigated and discussed. Each taxon is figured with his historical original picture (or a picture by the author of the original description from the same time), a lateral view and an x-ray picture. The South American specimens of the families Serrasalmidae, Acestrorhynchidae, Erythrinidae, Lebiasinidae are listed. There are type specimens of 35 taxa of these families. Type specimens of three taxa of these families are probably lost. In a next part of this publication the type specimens of true South American Characidae will be listed, investigated and discussed.
Gymnotus interruptus, a new species of electric fish from the Rio de Contas basin, Bahia, Brazil (Teleostei: Gymnotiformes: Gymnotidae)
Authors: Rangel-Pereira Filipe
Published: February 2023

A new species of Gymnotus Linnaeus is described from Riacho Cambiriba a clear water stream, tributary of the Rio de Contas basin, Bahia, northeastern Brazil. The new species is a member of the G. carapo species-group, which is characterized by the presence of a transparent patch near the posterior end of the anal fin and two (vs. one) laterosensory pores in the dorso-posterior region of the preopercle bone. Gymnotus interruptus may be diagnosed by a unique combination of morphometric and meristic characters: wider interorbital distance (44.6 – 45.9% of STO); 9 scales above lateral line at midbody; 23 – 28 ventrally oriented lateral line rami; 37 – 40 pored lateral line scales to first ventral ramus of lateral line; shorter snout (29.6 – 30.5% of STO). Gymnotus interruptus, the first record of a gymnotiform fish from the rio de Contas basin, may be easily distinguished from G. carapo or G. bahianus, two congeners also occurring in northeastern Brazil, by its colour pattern, in which the pale interbands, anterior to vertical through first ventral lateral line ramus, are ventrally and/or dorsally fragmented, allowing union of adjacent dark bands
Betta siamorientalis, a new species of bubble-nest building fighting fish (Teleostei: Osphronemidae) from eastern Thailand
Authors: Kowasupat Chanon , Panijpan Bhinyo , Ruenwongsa Pintip , Jeenthong Adsanai
Published: February 2023

Betta siamorientalis sp. n., a new species of fighting fish belonging to the Betta splendens group, inhabiting four provinces in the eastern Thailand, is described. The combination of slender body shape with reddish vertical bars on the black opercle and an apparent black body distinguishes the new species from other congeners especially B. imbellis. The blacker appearance relative to B. imbellis is due to a higher proportion of black body area relative to that occupied by blue/green iridescence of the scales. Based on morphological similarity and fin colour pattern and vertical bar colour on the opercle, the new species appears to be more closely related to B. imbellis and B. splendens than other members of the B. splendens group.
Formation of the secondary tongue in Hynobius leechi and Ambystoma mexicanum (Amphibia: Urodela)
Authors: Greven Hartmut , Richter Heiko , Clemen Günter
Published: February 2023

Tongue development in several developmental stages of the metamorphosing newt Hynobius leechi (Hynobiidae) and the paedomorphic Ambystoma mexicanum (Ambystomatidae) before and after artificially induced metamorphosis was studied by light microscopy (LM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). In H. leechi the anlage of the glandular field (lingual glands) of the secondary tongue appears under the free tip of the primary tongue and is clearly seen in late larvae (developmental stage approx. 65). The epithelium of the primary tongue is stratified and composed of epithelial cells, AB-positive goblet cells, some superficial ciliated cells, very few Leydig cells and typical taste buds. Later more or less radially arranged tubular glands (lingual glands) develop in the anterior portion of the prospective secondary tongue, which open in furrows lined in their upper region by the surface epithelium (“neck portion”). Fully developed glands are variously long, moderately branched and contain columnar secretory cells that are preferably AB-positive in their upper region, but AB- and PAS-negative in their terminal portions. Posteriorly the tubular glands become shorter in favour of the neck portion and then are abruptly replaced by a heavily ciliated area containing indentations of the epithelium interspersed with numerous goblet cells (crypts). This zone is considered as a modified remnant of the former primary tongue. Formation of the secondary tongue, often described as “fusion” of the glandular field with the primary tongue, is considered as a process levelling the free, probably regressive end of the primary tongue and the posterior part of the growing glandular field. The development of the secondary tongue of metamorphosing A. mexicanum follows the same pattern. However, the putative anlage of lingual glands in semiadult paedomorphic specimens may be considered as a further character indicating partial metamorphosis in this species. In the transformed axolotl we demonstrate the secondary tongue with lingual glands, epithelial folds with noticeable numbers of AB-PAS-positive goblet cells at the lower surface of the free tip of the secondary tongue, and, contrary to H. leechi, tubular glands immediately behind the dentary.
Cichlid fishes (Teleostei, Cichlidae) collected by Ferdinand Deppe in Mexico
Authors: Paepke Hans-Joachim , Morgenstern Rico , Schindler Ingo
Published: February 2023

The specimens of Cichlidae collected by Ferdinand Deppe during the first part of the 19th century in Mexico and housed in the Museum für Naturkunde, Berlin (ZMB) are described and their taxonomic status is clarified. Three species are recognized among Deppe’s material, viz. Herichthys deppii (Heckel, 1840), Paraneetroplus nebuliferus (Günther, 1860) and P. fenestratus (Günther, 1860). Heros montezuma Heckel, 1840 as well as Herichthys geddesi Regan, 1905 are recognized as synonyms of Herichthys deppii. Heros parma Günther, 1862, Cichlosoma sexfasciatum Regan, 1905, and Cichlosoma gadovii Regan, 1905 are synonyms of P. fenestratus. A lectotype for Heros parma Günther, 1862 is designated. A short biography of Ferdinand Deppe is given and the collecting sites of his Cichlidae are located. The type locality of Heros deppii and Heros montezuma is Misantla, Veracruz, Mexico; that of Heros parma is the Rio Papaloapan at Tlacotalpán, Veracruz, Mexico.
Phylogeny and evolutionary radiation in seasonal rachovine killifishes: biogeographical and taxonomical implications
Authors: Costa Wilson
Published: February 2023

A phylogenetic analysis combining available mitochondrial DNA sequences (total of 3,339 bp) and 161 morphological characters for 22 species of rachovine genera (Aphyolebias, Austrofundulus, Gnatholebias, Llanolebias, Micromoema, Moema, Neofundulus, Pterolebias, Rachovia, Renova, Terranatos, and Trigonectes), and 16 outgroups, supports monophyly of the group containing genera endemic to the Orinoco river basin and adjacent coastal drainages. Results of the present analysis are compared to previous studies. The tree topology indicates that the genera Moema and Rachovia as presently delimited are paraphyletic; consequently, Aphyolebias and Austrofundulus are respectively placed in the synonymy of Moema and Rachovia. This study also indicates that rachovines were in the past geographically restricted to the Amazonas-Paraguay area where diversification in niche exploitation was constrained by competition with sympatric members of older seasonal fish lineages. Rachovines later reached the Orinoco basin and adjacent coastal drainages by dispersal through the Paleo-Amazonas river basin, when major evolutionary radiation taken place.
Genetically determined mate choice can be influenced by learning in Apistogramma cacatuoides HOEDEMAN, 1951 (Teleostei, Cichlidae)
Authors: Römer Uwe , Engelking Bernd , Beisenherz Wolfgang
Published: February 2023

Mate choice in female Apistogramma cacatuoides is genetically determined. Females of the aquarium strain studied have a strong preference for red-coloured males of their own strain, although some deviate from this basic sexual preference, and those which choose redcoloured males in a first mate-choice experiment may subsequently choose males of a different strain. Where fry were raised by parents of a different strain in cross-fostering experiments, the mate choice of females raised in this way differed significantly from that of females raised by their own parents. This indicates a clear influence of learning on the basic genetically determined mate preference. The implications of these findings are discussed in the context of speciation.
Reproduction and diet of Hyla euphorbiacea (Anura: Hylidae) in a pine-oak forest of southeastern Puebla, Mexico
Authors: Luría-Manzano Ricardo , Gutiérrez-Mayén Guadalupe
Published: February 2023

We studied some reproductive characteristics and diet of the hylid frog Hyla euphorbiacea in a pine-oak forest from Sierra Negra, southeastern Puebla, Mexico. The breeding season lasted from June to September; during this period males exhibited monthly variation in gonadal activity, whereas females did not. Sexual size dimorphism was observed, with females being larger than males, and female size was positively correlated with number and diameter of ovarian follicles. Diet during the rainy season was composed of invertebrates, classified into 16 prey categories. The most important was Lepidoptera (larvae), followed by Coleoptera (adults), and Araneae. Diet diversity and trophic niche overlap between sexes were relatively high. We discuss some recent findings and biological characteristics of H. euphorbiacea, which potentially make this species more susceptible to population declines than other members of the genus.
Phylogeography of the Asian softshell turtle Amyda cartilaginea (BODDAERT, 1770): evidence for a species complex
Authors: Fritz Uwe , Gemel Richard , Kehlmaier Christian , Vamberger Melita , Praschag Peter
Published: February 2023

Using up to 2456 bp mtDNA and up to 2716 bp nDNA of fresh samples and short sequences of three mitochondrial genes of historical museum material, we examine the phylogeography of Amyda cartilaginea. This data set provides evidence for the existence of deeply divergent genetic lineages which we interpret as three distinct species, two of which are polytypic. On the Great Sunda Islands, the distribution ranges of the two subspecies of Amyda cartilaginea (Boddaert, 1770) sensu stricto and of an undescribed species match palaeodrainage systems. Amyda cartilaginea cartilaginea occurs in the East Sunda palaeodrainage, with records in eastern Borneo and Java. Also a record from Sulawesi, most probably not representing a native population, refers to A. c. cartilaginea. In the North Sunda palaeodrainage (Sumatra, western Borneo) lives Amyda cartilaginea maculosa subsp. nov., which is described herein. One sample from the Baram river (Sarawak, Malaysia) is genetically highly distinct and represents a new species. We refrain from naming this taxon until more material becomes available for morphological characterization. For the continental populations, we resurrect the species Amyda ornata (Gray, 1861). We identify Asian softshell turtles from the Mekong drainage with the nominotypical subspecies, while the genetically distinct populations from Thailand and Myanmar are assigned to Amyda ornata phayrei (Theobald, 1868). Samples from Bangladesh are also genetically distinct and represent an undescribed subspecies and the first country record for Amyda.
Taxonomy of the seasonal killifish genus Neofundulus in the Brazilian Pantanal (Cyprinodontiformes: Rivulidae)
Authors: Costa Wilson
Published: February 2023

On the basis of fish collections made between 1991 and 2014, four species of the seasonal killifish genus Neofundulus are reported to occur in the Brazilian Pantanal, Paraguay river basin: N. parvipinnis, endemic to the Cuiabá and São Lourenço river drainages, in the northern portion of the Pantanal; N. rubrofasciatus, new species, from the Miranda river drainage, N. aureomaculatus, new species, from the Aquidauana river drainage, both in the south-eastern portion of the Pantanal; and N. paraguayensis, occurring in the Paraguay and Nabileque river floodplains, in the southern part of the Pantanal. The new species are diagnosed by unique colour patterns, and a combination of morphological characters states indicating that they are more closely related to N. parvipinnis and N. splendidus than to N. paraguayensis
A new miniature killifish of the genus Melanorivulus (Cyprinodontiformes: Rivulidae) from the coastal plains of north-eastern Brazil
Authors: Costa Wilson , Bragança Pedro H. N. , Ottoni Felipe
Published: February 2023

Melanorivulus atlanticus, new species, is described on the basis of specimens collected in the coastal plains of north-eastern Brazil, constituting the first record of the genus for the Atlantic Forest biogeographical province. The new species together M. decoratus and M. jalapensis form a clade of small species, not surpassing 20 mm SL, mainly diagnosed by the presence of five branchiostegal rays. Melanorivulus atlanticus differs from those two species by a narrow black border along the entire caudal fin in males and the presence of 2 + 1 neuromasts in the mandibular series, besides differing from all congeners by having sexually dimorphic pelvic fin, which is pointed and with seven rays in males, elliptical and with five rays in females. The description of M. atlanticus expands in 670 km to east the known geographic range of the genus.
Multigene phylogeny of cyprinodontiform fishes suggests continental radiations and a rogue taxon position of Pantanodon
Authors: Pohl Moritz , Milvertz Finn , Meyer Axel , Vences Miguel
Published: February 2023

We studied phylogenetic relationships among major clades in the tooth carps (Cyprinodontiformes) based on a concatenated DNA sequence alignment of two mitochondrial and three nuclear gene segments, totalling 2553 bp, in 66 ingroup terminals. The inferred tree supports monophyly of the major tooth carp subgroups, aplocheiloids and cyprinodontoids, and of several aplocheiloid subclades corresponding to the well-established families (Aplocheilidae, Nothobranchiidae, Rivulidae), each of which is restricted to major continental settings (India-Madagascar, Africa, South America). Contrary to previous molecular studies, our tree supports a sister-group relationship of the aplocheilids and nothobranchiids, rather than a nothobranchiid-rivulid clade. Within cyprinodontoids, the phylogeny matched more closely continent-scale distribution than current classification, suggesting that the delimitation of the families Cyprinodontidae, Poeciliidae, and Valenciidae is in need of revision. The East African Pantanodon stuhlmanni did not show close relationships with any other taxon in our analysis, suggesting that the phylogenetic position and classification of this rogue taxon is in need of further study.
Important new records of Pelomedusa species for South Africa and Ethiopia
Authors: Fritz Uwe , Kehlmaier Christian , Mazuch Tomáš , Hofmeyr Margaretha , Preez Louis , Vamberger Melita , Vörös Judit
Published: February 2023

Because of a recent taxonomic revision, the species identity of helmeted terrapins (Pelomedusa) became unclear in many regions of their wide distribution range. Based on mtDNA sequence data, here we present the first record of Pelomedusa subrufa sensu stricto for the South African province of Mpumalanga. In South Africa, this species was previously known only from a single record in the province of Limpopo. In addition, we provide evidence for the occurrence of at least two distinct Pelomedusa species in Ethiopia. A sample from southern Ethiopia (Omo Region) turned out as P. neumanni, while another sample from Koka Lake (Oromia Region, central Ethiopia) represents P. somalica. Also a historical museum specimen from Ethiopia, most likely collected south of the Shebelle River (Oromia Region), belongs to P. somalica. However, these two Ethiopian specimens of P. somalica represent highly distinct genetic lineages, which may actually correspond to two different species.
Apistogramma sororcula, a new dwarf cichlid (Teleostei: Cichlidae) from the drainage of the rio Guaporé in Bolivia and Brazil
Authors: Staeck Wolfgang , Schindler Ingo
Published: February 2023

Apistogramma sororcula sp. n. is described from the drainage of the the rio Guaporé in Bolivia (Departamento Beni) and Brazil (Estado Mato Grosso). It can be distinguished from all the other described Apistogramma species by the following combination of characters of the males: upper pectoral spot present, chin with dark band just below lower lip, a suborbital stripe becoming ventrally much wider, on bases of anterior abdominal scales several short vertical streaks forming oblique stripes, small round caudal spot, lateral band reaching caudal fin or caudal spot, produced dorsal-fin lappets, truncate caudal fin with streamers and distinct pattern of narrow vertical stripes, filamentous extensions of the pelvic fins and only three infraorbital pores. It is most similar to Apistogramma staecki Koslowski, 1985, but differs from this species by the higher number of 10 to 12 vertical stripes on the caudal fin of adult males, a lateral band reaching caudal fin or caudal spot, short vertical abdominal stripes on bases of scales of the anterior body and produced dorsal-fin lappets.
Geographic variation in coal tit song across continents and reduced species recognition between Central European and Mediterranean populations
Authors: Pentzold Stefan , Förschler Marc , Tietze Thomas , Randler Christoph , Martens Jochen , Päckert Martin
Published: February 2023

Intraspecific variation of passerine song may influence mate choice and consequently provides a potential mechanism for premating reproductive isolation in birds. Notable geographic variation of songs is particularly common in widespread bird species, such as the coal tit Periparus ater (Aves, Passeriformes, Paridae) having a large trans-Palearctic distribution range including allopatric populations. In this study, measurement and analysis of 16 song parameters from different Western Palearctic populations showed a relatively uniform song in all continental European and the island populations of Corsica and Sardinia. Song variation among and within these populations seems so variable that there is a broad geographical overlap of acoustic parameters between populations. However, songs from northwest African and Cypriot populations had lowest minimum frequencies and were thus significantly different from continental European, Corsican and Sardinian populations. To test for intraspecific species recognition and potential acoustic isolation of different Palearctic populations, we carried out field playback experiments on Central European coal tit males with songs from populations of the Eurasian (Germany, Latvia, Russian Far East, Japan) and the Mediterranean region (northwest Africa, Cyprus, Corsica, Sardinia). Eurasian song types elicited similar strong territorial reactions in Central European coal tits as local control songs. In contrast, none of the Mediterranean songs evoked any notable reaction. Thus, there is geographic variation in coal tit song across continents that coincides with reduced species recognition between Central European and Mediterranean populations.
Macroanatomical aspects of the gastrointestinal tract of the alpaca (Vicugna pacos Linnaeus, 1758) and dromedary (Camelus dromedarius Linnaeus, 1758)
Authors: Pérez William , König Horst , Jerbi Hassen , Clauss Marcus
Published: February 2023

Although camelids and taxonomic ruminants share fundamental convergent properties, such as microbial fermentation and a sorting mechanism in the forestomach with a resulting high degree of digesta particle size reduction, there are important differences in the capacity to process high amounts of food. We describe qualitative and quantitative characteristics of the gastrointestinal anatomy of alpacas (Vicugna pacos, 44.4 ± 5.5 kg body mass), supplemented with some observations in dromedaries (Camelus dromedarius). The long large intestine of alpacas (610 ± 128 cm) corresponds to the adaptation of camelids to arid environments. An important difference to taxonomic ruminants is the position of the second forestomach compartment (C2 vs. reticulum), which is not in line of the major forestomach axis in camelids, and the size of the corresponding orifice (C1-C2 vs. Ostium rumino-reticulare), which is distinctively smaller in camelids (alpaca: 3.2 ± 0.3 cm width × 4.2 ± 0.3 cm height, dromedary: 8.5 ± 0.7 cm diameter) as compared to literature data for similar-sized ruminants. The opening between the second and third forestomach compartment (C2-C3 vs. Ostium reticulo-omasale) is of similar magnitude in camelids (alpaca: 2.2 ± 0.7 cm diameter, dromedary: 3.1 ± 0.5 cm diameter) and ruminants, but is opposite to the C1-C2 opening in camelids in a dorsal position. The generally smaller opening might represent a reason for the generally lower food processing capacity in camelids, and together with the arrangement of the openings might result in conditions during contractions of the C2 that are more favourable to (a low proportion of) larger particle escape into the C3. In contrast, the different arrangement of the openings and the larger connection to the preceding chamber might make such an escape of (a low proportion of) large particles from the reticulum to the omasum less likely in ruminants, giving their sorting mechanism a clear-cut anatomical threshold in the Ostium reticulo-omasale.
Splitting and lumping: An integrative taxonomic assessment of Malagasy chameleons in the Calumma guibei complex results in the new species C. gehringi sp. nov.
Authors: Prötzel David , Vences Miguel , Scherz Mark , Vieites David , Glaw Frank
Published: February 2023

Calumma guibei (Hillenius, 1959) is a high-altitude chameleon species from the Tsaratanana massif in north Madagascar. Since its description was based on a juvenile holotype, its taxonomic identity is uncertain and little is known about its morphology. A recent molecular study discovered several deep mitochondrial clades in the Tsaratanana region assigned to C. guibei and C. linotum (Müller, 1924). In this paper we study the taxonomy of these clades and clarify the identity of C. guibei. Using an integrative taxonomic approach including pholidosis, morphological measurements, osteology, and molecular genetics we redescribe C. guibei and describe the new species C. gehringi sp. nov. which comprises two deep mitochondrial lineages. In terms of external morphology the new species differs from C. guibei by an elevated rostral crest, the shape of the notch between the occipital lobes (slightly connected vs. completely separated), presence of a dorsal and caudal crest in males (vs. absence), and a longer rostral appendage in the females. Additionally, we analysed skull and hemipenis morphology using micro-X-ray computed tomography (micro-CT) scans and discovered further differences in skull osteology, including a large frontoparietal fenestra, and separated prefrontal fontanelle and naris in C. guibei. Furthermore, we provide a comparison of micro-CT scans with traditional radiographs of the skull. The hemipenes have ornaments of two pairs of long pointed cornucula gemina (new term), two pairs of dentulous rotulae, and a pair of three-lobed rotulae, and are similar in both species, but significantly different from other species in the C. nasutum group. Geographically, C. guibei has been recorded reliably from the higher elevations of the Tsaratanana Massif above 1580 m a.s.l., whereas C. gehringi sp. nov. is found at mid-altitude (730–1540 m a.s.l.) in Tsaratanana and the surrounding area.
Integrative taxonomy reveals a new species of snakehead fish, Channa stiktos (Teleostei: Channidae), from Mizoram, North Eastern India
Authors: Lalramliana . , Knight John Daniel Marcus , Lalhlimpuia Denis , Singh Mahender
Published: February 2023

Channa stiktos, a new species of snakehead fish, is described from the River Kaladan and its tributaries, Mizoram, North Eastern India based on comparison of morphological and molecular features with closely related species. Channa stiktos is morphologically similar to C. ornatipinnis described from the Rakhine State of Myanmar, however, differs from it in having black spots on dorsal and ventral sides of the head (vs. no spots on dorsal and ventral sides of the head, but rather spots restricted to the post-orbital lateral region of the head), and lacking dark spot on the anal fin of juveniles (vs. presence of series of upto 10 dark spots). The molecular analysis, based on cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) sequences, shows that C. stiktos is distinct from other close Channa species, except clade 3 of C. ornatipinnis, available in the GenBank (interspecies distance ranges from 8.24 – 25.33%). Channa stiktos clustered cohesively with clade 3 of C. ornatipinnis (only 1.43% genetic distance) indicating that they are conspecific. The genetic distance between Channa stiktos and C. ornatipinnis (from the type locality and another locality in the Ayeyarwaddy basin) are 8.24 – 8.59%, and between C. stiktos and C. pulchra is 12.92%, supporting the conclusion that they are different species.
Quand la « lutte contre les discriminations » se fait « promotion de la diversité »
Authors: Bruneel Emmanuelle
Published: February 2023

Cet article étudie la manière dont la lutte contre les « discriminations ethno-raciales » se transforme en « promotion de la diversité » selon une approche sémio-politique. Nous envisageons « la diversité » comme une formule (Krieg-Planque, 2009) employée pour désigner tour à tour des politiques antidiscriminatoires, des mesures d’intégration des « minorités », l’« inclusion de l’altérité » ou encore la « gestion des différences 1  », en tant que leviers de performance. Nous observons que « la diversité » est prise dans une tension entre qualification valorisante des personnes racisées et disqualification de la notion de « race » en tant que support signifiant. Nous prenons pour exemple les discours institutionnels de l’organisation « Les Entreprises pour la Cité » – le réseau d’entreprises pionnier, porteur de la « Charte de la diversité 2  » – et nous montrons que l’instrumentalisation consensuelle dont « la diversité » fait l’objet rend la formule particulièrement dépolitisante.
Effect of piston geometry design and spark plug position on the engine performance and emission characteristics
Authors: Tran Quoc Dang , Nguyen Thanh Nhu , Duy Vinh Nguyen
Published: February 2023

This paper investigates the influence of piston geometry design and spark plug position on the engine performance and emission characteristics at a range of speeds from 1200 rpm to 2200 rpm. Accordingly, the parameters of the indentation depth, the spark plug position, the location of the recess, and the engine's compression ratio are changed and evaluated. The concave center depth improved the mixture of air and fuel, increased power, and reduced fuel consumption. The power can be improved by up to 3% when the piston top recess is 25 mm. In addition, within a limited range, the combustion process and the engine's power and emission characteristics are enhanced when the engine's compression ratio rises. Increasing the depth of the depression on the top of the piston improves fluid flow in the cylinder, resulting in increased power, fuel efficiency, and emissions; however, the improvement between the indentations remains unclear.
Deep evidential learning in diffusion convolutional recurrent neural network
Authors: Feng Zhiyuan , Qi Kai , Shi Bin , Mei Hao , Zheng Qinghua , Wei Hua
Published: February 2023

Graph neural networks (GNNs) is applied successfully in many graph tasks, but there still exists a limitation that many of GNNs model do not consider uncertainty quantification of its output predictions. For uncertainty quantification, there are mainly two types of methods which are frequentist and Bayesian. But both methods need to sampling to gradually approximate the real distribution, in contrast, evidential deep learning formulates learning as an evidence acquisition process, which could get uncertainty quantification by placing evidential priors over the original Gaussian likelihood function and training the NN to infer the hyperparameters of the evidential distribution without sampling. So evidential deep learning (EDL) has its own advantage in measuring uncertainty. We apply it with diffusion convolutional recurrent neural network (DCRNN), and do the experiment in spatiotemporal forecasting task in a real-world traffic dataset. And we choose mean interval scores (MIS), a good metric for uncertainty quantification. We summarized the advantages of each method.
Tutorial on prescriptive analytics for logistics: What to predict and how to predict
Authors: Tian Xuecheng , Yan Ran , Wang Shuaian , Liu Yannick , Zhen Lu
Published: February 2023

The development of the Internet of things (IoT) and online platforms enables companies and governments to collect data from a much broader spatial and temporal area in the logistics industry. The huge amount of data provides new opportunities to handle uncertainty in optimization problems within the logistics system. Accordingly, various prescriptive analytics frameworks have been developed to predict different parts of uncertain optimization problems, including the uncertain parameter, the combined coefficient consisting of the uncertain parameter, the objective function, and the optimal solution. This tutorial serves as the pioneer to introduce existing literature on state-of-the-art prescriptive analytics methods, such as the predict-then-optimize framework, the smart predict-then-optimize framework, the weighted sample average approximation framework, the empirical risk minimization framework, and the kernel optimization framework. Based on these frameworks, this tutorial further proposes possible improvements and practical tips to be considered when we use these methods. We hope that this tutorial will serve as a reference for future prescriptive analytics research on the logistics system in the era of big data.
Evaluation of nanostructured electrode materials for high-performance supercapacitors using multiple-criteria decision-making approach
Authors: Hezam Ibrahim M. , Al-Syadi Aref M. , Foul Abdelaziz , Alshamrani Ahmad , Gwak Jeonghwan
Published: February 2023

The enhancement of electrode materials' properties for improving mercantile supercapacitors' performances is a remarkable research area. Throughout recent years, a significant amount of research has been devoted to improving the electrochemical performance of supercapacitors via the improvement of novel electrode materials. The nanocomposite structure provides a greater specific surface area (SSA) and lower ion/electron diffusion tracks, consequently enhancing supercapacitors' energy density and specific capacitance. These significant properties offer a wide range of potential for the electrode materials to be applied in diverse applications. For instance, their applications are in portable electronic systems such as all-solid-state supercapacitors, flexible/transparent supercapacitors and hybrid supercapacitors. The authors of this paper introduced a multi-criteria model to assess the priority of nanostructured electrode materials (NEMs) for high-performance supercapacitors (HPSCs). This work combines Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) with the Evaluation Based on Distance from Average Solution (EDAS) and Grey Relational Analysis (GRA) methods. Herein, the rough concept addresses the uncertainties resulting from the group decision-making process and the vague values of the properties of the NEMs. The modified R-AHP method was employed to find the criteria weights based on the multi-experts' opinions. The results reveal that specific capacitance (SC) and energy density (ED) are the most important criteria. R-AHP was integrated with R-EDAS and R-GRA models to evaluate the fourteen NEMs. The results of the R-EDAS method were compared with those provided by the R-GRA method. The results of the proposed integrated approach confirmed that it results in reliable and reputable ranks that will provide a framework for further applications and help physicists find optimal materials by evaluating various alternatives.
Existence and uniqueness for a coupled system of fractional equations involving Riemann-Liouville and Caputo derivatives with coupled Riemann-Stieltjes integro-multipoint boundary conditions
Authors: Alruwaily Ymnah , Almaghamsi Lamya , Karthikeyan Kulandhaivel , El-hady El-sayed
Published: February 2023

Recently, coupled systems of fractional differential equations play a central role in the modelling of many systems in e.g., financial economics, ecology, and many more. This study investigates the existence and uniqueness of solutions for a nonlinear coupled system of fractional differential equations involving Riemann-Liouville and Caputo derivatives with coupled Riemann-Stieltjes integro-multipoint boundary conditions. The main tools are known fixed point theorems, namely, Leray-Schauder alternative, Banach fixed point theorem, and the Krasnoselskii fixed point theorem. The new system, which can be considered as a generalized version of many previous fascinating systems, is where the article's novelty lies. Examples are presented to illustrate the results. In this way, we generalize several earlier results.
La question agraire liée à l’installation des Goths en Gaule du sud et l’approche marxiste de la transition Antiquité-Moyen Âge
Authors: Boudartchouk Jean-Luc
Published: February 2023

Le manuscrit palimpseste BnF latin 12161, communément appelé « Code d’Euric », contient, dans les articles 276 et 277, le plus ancien témoignage de l’inscription dans la loi du partage des terres entre Goths et Romains, intervenu entre ca. 416 et ca. 418. Ces lois servirent de modèle pour les partages de même nature intervenus ultérieurement. Elles portaient certainement sur des superficies de terre considérables, nécessitant de véritables réformes agraires ; cet aspect a bien été perçu par Karl Marx, et plus encore Friedrich Engels qui avait en projet un ouvrage sur les anciens Germains. Dans le cadre du marxisme-léninisme tel que défini dans les années 1930, les historiens soviétiques revinrent sur le sujet et notamment, comme de juste, sur l’aspect économique et social du partage. Ces recherches, jointes à celles d’une partie des chercheurs occidentaux, attestent bien d’un partage réel, pérenne et à grande échelle, de la terre, ce qui constituait le but ultime des Goths au regard de leur développement économique et social. L’archéologie, grâce à son développement spectaculaire, est désormais en mesure de retrouver les traces de cet événement majeur mais souvent minoré, au cœur du maillage des domaines gallo-romains.
Les monnayages d’imitation dans les provinces du nord-ouest de l’Empire (2e moitié du IIIe siècle)
Authors: Pilon Fabien
Published: February 2023

La seconde moitié du IIIe siècle est une période particulièrement troublée qui voit se développer de nombreux monnayages d’imitation, tant frappés que coulés, dans les provinces nord-occidentales de l’Empire romain. Les quantités de monnaies « non officielles » qui sont alors produites, parfois très importantes, posent la question de leur statut – fausses monnaies, monnaies de nécessité, etc. –, en particulier au vu des cartes de localisation des ateliers émetteurs. Les découvertes effectuées à Châteaubleau (Seine-et-Marne) permettent d’avancer sur ces questions et de proposer des hypothèses, voire d’affirmer certaines conclusions pour les monnaies fourrées, les doubles sesterces frappés, les monnaies coulées et les imitations radiées du dernier quart du IIIe siècle. Pour ces dernières, l’intervention des autorités provinciales semble désormais plausible, de même que la tolérance de l’administration impériale. Celle-ci ne pouvait accepter ces expédients monétaires comme tels, mais elle ne s’est pas opposée à leur développement dans un contexte de raréfaction du numéraire officiel au sein de six provinces (Gaules Belgique et Lyonnaise, Germanies Inférieure et Supérieure, Bretagnes Inférieure et Supérieure).