bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Taxonomic review of the subfamily Bradyporinae (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae; Bradyporini; Ephippigerini) of Turkey, with description of new species and the relationship of the taxa
Authors: ÜNAL MUSTAFA
Published: February 2019

The members of the subfamily Bradyporinae including Bradyporini and Ephippigerini found in Turkey are studied. Two phylogenetic relationships based on morphology for the subgenera, species groups and for the all species of Bradyporus s.l. are proposed. A new diagram shows together the relationships and the schematized distributions of the taxa, Geographical Network Relationship, is proposed. A synonymic checklist of the known species of Bradyporus s.l. is given. Taxonomical changes, the doubtful and uncertain taxa names are discussed. Callimenus Fischer von Waldheim, 1830 is proposed as a subgenus of Bradyporus Charpentier, 1825. Four species groups, B. oniscus sp. group, B. macrogaster sp. group, B. dilatatus sp. group and B. latipes sp. group, are separated. Callimenus macrogaster pancici Brunner, 1882 is synonymized with Bradyporus (Callimenus) macrogaster longicollis (Fieber, 1853). Neotypes for B. (s.str.) dasypus (Illiger, 1800) and B. (Callimenus) macrogaster macrogaster (Lefebvre, 1831) are designated. Five new species, Bradyporus (Callimenus) avanos sp. n., B. (Callimenus) sureyai sp. n., B. (Callimenus) conophallus sp. n., B. (Callimenus) toros sp. n. and B. (Callimenus) karabagi sp. n. are described. Bradyporus (Callimenus) latipes (Stål, 1875) is recorded from Turkey for the first time. The species Schulmeisteri schulmeisteri Harz, 1992 is excluded from the subfamily Bradyporinae. All previous records of Bradyporinae species in Turkey with full synonymic list of each species are given. The previous misidentifications are determined and then the distribution of each species is adjusted. The characters used the separation of the taxa are briefly discussed. The titillator for Turkish species and the basal projecting of ventral valve of ovipositor are used for the first time. Descriptions and redescriptions of the studied Bradyporus species are given. Keys to tribes, subgenera, species groups and Turkish species of Bradyporus are provided. In addition 157 original figures including a distributional map are provided.
What about intraspecific variation? Reassessment of taxonomic and phylogenetic characters in the genus Synoeca de Saussure (Hymenoptera: Vespidae: Polistinae)
Authors: CELY CHRISTIAN C. , SARMIENTO CARLOS E.
Published: February 2019

Morphological variation within and between species of the genus Synoeca was studied to test species status and to propose characters that fulfill the principles of communicability, unit delimitation, and conjunction for taxonomic and phylogenetic analyses. Twenty-six morphological characters obtained from the literature were analyzed; 16 of these characters clearly exhibited delimited states but only four of them were unique for each species. The status of every species of the genus was supported by geometric morphometrics of the head (front view, dorsal view and metasomal tergum 1) and by the presence of unique character states for each species. Phylogenetic analyses included nest and genitalia characters. Character reassessment provided a less resolved tree to that previously published. Including polymorphic characters did not improve tree resolution or clade support, while applying the conjunction test offered a more resolved and better supported tree. The study revealed the importance of analyzing variation in taxonomic and phylogenetic studies within and between species. A new key to species and a phylogenetic hypothesis are offered.
Cordulegaster sarracenia, n. sp. (Odonata: Cordulegastridae) from east Texas and western Louisiana, with a key to adult Cordulegastridae of the New World
Authors: ABBOTT JOHN C. , HIBBITTS TROY D.
Published: February 2019

Cordulegaster sarracenia is described from spring seepages in pitcher plant bogs of southeast Texas and western Louisiana. It is most closely related to C. sayi of the C. diastatops group. It is unique among all North American species of its genus in having the mesepimeral and metepimeral stripes distinctly paler than the mesepisternal stripes in combination with yellow bands on S3–8 that are interrupted middorsally by the carina.
Yaothrips shii gen. et sp. n. from western China (Thripidae: Thripinae)
Authors: MIRAB-BALOU MAJID , WEI SHU-JUN , LU HONG , CHEN XUE-XIN
Published: February 2019

A new genus and micropterous species of Thripinae (Thysanoptera: Thripidae), Yaothrips shii gen. & sp. n., are described and illustrated from Tibet, western China. The relationship of this genus with other genera of Thripinae is discussed, particularly because of a pair of dorso-apical setae on the first antennal segment.
Comparative development of five sympatric coastal Fundulid species from the northern Gulf of Mexicoa
Authors: LANG ERIK T. , PETERSON MARK S. , SLACK WILLIAM T.
Published: February 2019

There are five coastal fundulid species in the northern Gulf of Mexico (nGOM) including Fundulus jenkinsi, which is recognized within all states from Louisiana through Florida and federally as a Species of Concern. This particular fundulid was listed because of a perceived linkage to salt marsh habitat, only scant data available on its ecology, and salt marsh habitat being altered throughout its range. Little is known about the life history of this coastal killifish, but a detailed diagnostic key of the early life stages of select members of Fundulidae can provide the foundation needed to accurately identify this rare species in need of conservation. Larval and postlarval stages of select members of the family Fundulidae along the east coast of the U.S. have been described and compared among species. We illustrated various stages of coastal Fundulus spp. and Adinia xenica in the northern GOM and quantified morphometric and meristic characters. Total length, head length, body depth, caudal peduncle width, snout length, eye diameter, anal and dorsal fin counts, and diagnostic pigment patterns were compared among species. The first branch of our dichotomous key utilized the number of branchiostegal rays to separate young fundulids (< 15 mm TL) into two groups that can then be identified by selected pigment patterns, morphometrics, and meristics.
A new species of Sigmaxinella Dendy, 1897 (Demospongiae, Poecilosclerida, Desmacellidae) from the Tasman Sea
Authors: MITCHELL KIRSTY D. , HALL KATHRYN A. , HOOPER JOHN N. A.
Published: February 2019

Sigmaxinella hipposiderus sp. nov. is described from morphological and molecular datasets, based on a single known specimen collected from the upper margin of a submarine canyon on the edge of the continental shelf, south-east of coastal Victoria (Tasman Sea), Australia. Morphologically, the species is clearly assigned to the genus Sigmaxinella, and preliminary molecular data (COI mt DNA) support the close relationship of this new species to other specimens attributed to Desmacellidae. This is the thirteenth species of Sigmaxinella and the seventh described for the Australian EEZ. Remarkably, 12 of the 13 known species are recorded predominantly from temperate or subantarctic Australian, New Zealand or South African waters, with only a single species described so far from the temperate Atlantic Ocean.
A new species, Microphysogobio wulonghensis (Teleostei: Cypriniformes: Cyprinidae), from Shandong Province, China
Authors: XING YING-CHUN , ZHAO YA-HUI , TANG WEN-QIAO , ZHANG CHUN-GUANG
Published: February 2019

Microphysogobio wulonghensis sp. nov. is described based on 15 specimens collected from the Wulonghe River in Laiyang County of Shandong Province in eastern China. The new species can be distinguished from all congeners by the combination of the following characteristics: upper lip with one row of well-developed and compressed triangular papillae; two lateral pads of lower lip well-developed, contacting each other behind medial pad; two-thirds of area between pectoral-fin origin and pelvic-fin origin scaleless.
Three new species of Telemidae (Araneae) from Western Africa
Authors: WANG CHUNXIA , LI SHUQIANG
Published: February 2019

Three new species of the family Telemidae from Côte d’Ivoire and Cameroon are diagnosed, described, and illustrated: i.e., Cangoderces christae sp. nov. and Seychellia jeremyi sp. nov. from Côte d’Ivoire; Cangoderces milani sp. nov. from Cameroon. All types of the new species are deposited in the Nationaal Natuurhistorisch Museum, Leiden, the Netherlands (RMNH).
A new genus for a colorful spirostreptid milliped from East Africa (Diplopoda: Spirostreptida: Spirostreptidae)
Authors: HOFFMAN RICHARD L. , ENGHOFF HENRIK
Published: February 2019

The new generic taxon Sagmatostreptus is proposed for the type species Spirostreptus strongylopygus Attems, 1950, endemic to a limited area in northeastern Tanzania and adjacent Kenya.
Polycladida Acotylea from Patagonia. Redescription of Crassiplana albatrossi (Pseudostylochidae), lectotype designation and first record of Notocomplana palta (Notoplanidae)
Authors: BRUSA FRANCISCO , DAMBORENEA CRISTINA
Published: February 2019

Crassiplana albatrossi is redescribed on the basis of material collected in Patagonia (Argentina) and type material deposited in the USNM. The specimens have specific characters, showing tentacles; tentacular, brain and marginal eyes; genital pores in the posterior portion; male copulatory system with penis papilla; prostatic vesicle free, with strong muscular walls; internal epithelium of prostatic vesicle glandular and with conspicuous projections; seminal vesicle present; vagina very long and extending anteriorly up to pharynx; Lang’s vesicle absent; genito-intestinal duct present. Known geographic range is increased to include Patagonia (Argentina). Identity of Notocomplana palta is confirmed based on the presence of characters in the original description including: strongly muscular seminal vesicle, long, thin and muscular ejaculatory duct stretching into prostatic vesicle, which has a high and folded epithelium; conical penis papilla. A lectotype is designated from the material studied by Marcus and housed in the SMNH. Known geographic range of Notocomplana palta, known only from the type locality in south Chile, is enlarged to include Patagonia (Argentina), revealing its Magellanic affinities.
A new species of Sphaerephesia (Polychaeta: Sphaerodoridae) from Mamala Bay, south shore of Oahu, Hawaii
Authors: MAGALHÃES WAGNER F. , BAILEY–BROCK JULIE H. , BARRETT BRENDAN M.
Published: February 2019

A new species of Sphaerephesia is described from Mamala Bay, south shore of Oahu, Hawaii. Sphaerephesia mamalaensis sp. nov., differs from its congeners by the absence of microtubercles and number and arrangement of body and parapodial papillae. This species is commonly found in low abundance in shallow (20 m) and deep–waters (500 m) adjacent to ocean outfall diffusers or dredge dump sites and has been resilient to the waste water treatment plume of the outfalls for the last 25 years. A comparative table with morphological characteristics of all seven recognized species of Sphaerephesia is provided.
Two new species of the genus Elattoma (Acari: Heterostigmatina: Pygmephoridae) phoretic on Morimus verecundus (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) from Iran
Authors: RAHIMINEJAD VAHID , HAJIQANBAR HAMIDREZA , FATHIPOUR YAGHOUB
Published: February 2019

Two new species of the genus Elattoma Mahunka, 1969 (Acari: Heterostigmatina: Pygmephoridae) associated with Morimus verecundus (Faldermann 1836) (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) are described and illustrated from Oak forests in Golestan province, Northern Iran: Elattoma cerambycidum Rahiminejad & Hajiqanbar sp. nov. and E. abeskoun Rahiminejad & Hajiqanbar sp. nov. Both formed large colonies attached on the ventral surface, around coxae I–III of different individuals of the host beetles. This is the first phoretic record of the genus Elattoma for beetles of the family Cerambycidae. Furthermore, our record of Elattoma is new for the arthropod fauna of Iran. A key to world species of the genus Elattoma is also provided.
A new species of bonefish, Albula koreana (Albuliformes: Albulidae) from Korea and Taiwan
Authors: KWUN HYUCK JOON , KIM JIN KOO
Published: February 2019

A new species of the genus Albula of the family Albulidae is described based on five specimens collected from Korea and Taiwan. Its new scientific name, Albula koreana sp. nov., is derived from its type locality (Korea). We compared Albula koreana sp. nov. with its similar species, A. argentea from Fiji (seven specimens), using morphological and molecular methods. Albula koreana sp. nov. differs morphologically from A. argentea in its tooth patch distributions on the mesopterygoids and parasphenoid. The tooth patches on the mesopterygoids are distributed more anteriorly than those on the parasphenoid in Albula koreana sp. nov. On the other hand, the anterior end of the tooth patches on the mesopterygoids almost corresponds to that of the tooth patches on the parasphenoid in A. argentea. The numbers of vertebrae also differ between the two species (77–78 in Albula koreana sp. nov. vs 72–73 in A. argentea). We analyzed 546 base pairs of the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene sequence, and the Albula koreana sp. nov. sequence differed considerably from that of A. argentea. Kimura’s genetic distances between them were very large (15.9%–16.4%), robustly supporting the new species Albula koreana sp. nov.
A revisionary approach of Colombian Ananteris (Scorpiones, Buthidae): two new species, a new synonymy, and notes on the value of trichobothria and hemispermatophore for the taxonomy of the group
Authors: BOTERO-TRUJILLO RICARDO , D EDUARDO FLÓREZ
Published: February 2019

Some contributions to the knowledge of the buthid scorpion genus Ananteris Thorell, 1891 in Colombia are herein presented, based upon the examination of over 100 specimens. Ananteris ochoai sp. nov. and Ananteris solimariae sp. nov. are described from Nariño and Santander departments, respectively. The recently described Ananteris hasshy Teruel & Roncallo, 2008 is synonymized under Ananteris columbiana Lourenço, 1991 based on several evidences from morphology. The males of Ananteris dorae Botero-Trujillo, 2008, Ananteris ehrlichi Lourenço, 1994 and Ananteris myriamae Botero-Trujillo, 2007, and the female of Ananteris arcadioi Botero-Trujillo, 2008 are described for the first time. Ananteris meridana González-Sponga, 2006 is reported for the first time for Colombia and the genus Ananteris for the departments of Cundinamarca, Santander and Norte de Santander. Likewise, new locality records are given for A. arcadioi, A. dorae and A. myriamae. Revised diagnoses and data on intraspecific variability are provided for A. arcadioi, A. columbiana, A. dorae, A. ehrlichi, A. meridana and A. myriamae. Hemispermatophore morphology is described for the first time for A. arcadioi, A. columbiana, A. dorae, A. ehrlichi, A. meridana, A. myriamae, A. ochoai sp. nov. and A. solimariae sp. nov., providing evidence of this structure’s taxonomic usefulness and revealing a paramount need to describe it in further taxonomic works on Ananteris. Some notes on the use of the fixed finger trichobothria for the definition of Ananteris speciesare provided. A distribution map plotting the known locality records of the thirteen Colombian species of Ananteris and a key to their identification are also included. Finally, the name ‘Ananteris antioquensis’, used by Otero et al. (2004) but never published, is herein deemed a nomen nudum.
Rodents of the subfamily Sigmodontinae (Myomorpha: Cricetidae) as hosts for South American hard ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) with hypotheses on life history
Authors: GUGLIELMONE ALBERTO A. , NAVA SANTIAGO
Published: February 2019

Historical information shows that Sigmodontinae are irrelevant hosts for South American ticks of the genera Haemaphysalis Koch, Rhipicephalus Koch and Dermacentor Koch. Nine Amblyomma Koch species were found on Sigmodontinae but only Amblyomma triste Koch, 1844 appears strongly related to them. Eighteen species of Ixodes Latreille were determined on these hosts. Four species sporadically infest Sigmodontinae; eight are found mostly on Sigmodontinae but the records are too few for any inference. Six: I. amarali Fonseca, 1935, I. longiscutatus Boero, 1944, I. loricatus Neumann, 1899, I. luciae Sénevet, 1940, Ixodes sigelos Keirans, Clifford and Corwin, 1976 and I. venezuelensis Kohls, 1953 are usual parasites of Sigmodontinae. It is proposed that the Ixodes-Sigmodontinae relationship evolved from a South American tick ancestor parasite of Didelphidae. Their descendants are two extant clades, one formed by I. loricatus-I. luciae defined by analysis of 16S rDNA sequences further including I. amarali and I. schulzei by morphological affinities. These species (I. schulzei excluded) have adult ticks feeding on Didelphidae and sub-adult ticks feeding on Didelphidae and several species from five sigmodontin tribes. The second clade is formed by I. abrocomae Lahille, 1916 (known from few specimens, mostly collected from Sigmodontinae), I. sigelos (mainly a parasite of Sigmodontinae), I. stilesi Neumann, 1911 (parasite of deer), and possibly I. taglei Kohls, 1969 (parasite of deer) by morphological affinity. This clade is related to I. neuquenensis Ringuelet, 1947, an exclusive parasite of Dromiciops gliroides Thomas (Microbiotheriidae Ameghino).
The study of proventricular micromorphological characterization of ten Grylloidea species (Orthoptera: Grylloidea) from China
Authors: LI XIAOQIANG , REN BINGZHONG , ZOU YUTING , ZHANG JIAN , WANG YINLIANG
Published: February 2019

The present study compares the proventricular morphology, analyzed under optic microscope and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), among ten Grylloidea species. The result showed that the size of proventriculus was of critical value. Internally, the main differences were the number of sclerotized appendix (sa), middle denticles (md) and lateral denticles (ld), and the structure of lateral teeth (lt). In addition, we analyzed the crickets’ feeding habits and note that the the proventriculus possesses highly sclerotized projections which act in the selection of victuals. The morphology of proventriculus is closely related to feeding habits. A clustering analysis of seven features of the proventriculus was constructed. It revealed that the proventriculus had significance for taxonomy and species relationships. Observations on morphological characterization of proventricular morphology will be useful in future studies of the feeding habits and phylogeny of crickets.
A new genus Gnathospinosa (Lepidoptera: Tineidae: Euplocaminae) from China, with description of a new species and its taxonomic position
Authors: LIAO CHENG-QING , WANG MIN , HUANG GUO-HUA
Published: February 2019

The genus Gnathospinosa Liao & Huang, gen. nov., belonging to the subfamily Euplocaminae, is described with a new species G. qinlingensis Liao & Huang, sp. nov. from China as its type species. The new species was illustrated with photographs of the adults and male genitalia. A preliminary phylogenetic study based on mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene (co1) sequence data of the new species and Psecadioides cuneus are presented.
New species of Ischalia Pascoe, 1860 (Coleoptera: Ischaliidae), with a key to aposematically coloured species from continental Asia, and new notes on their mimicry
Authors: KAZANTSEV SERGEY V. , TELNOV DMITRY
Published: February 2019

Three new species of false fire-coloured beetles, namely Ischalia (s. str.) ancora, I. (s. str.) holzschuhi, and I. (s. str.) laosensis spp. n., are described from Laos and Vietnam. Ischalia (s. str.) martensi Paulus, 1971 is redescribed from the type and additional material. Male genitalia are for the first time illustrated in I. (Eupleurida) sichuanensis Young, 2008. A key to aposematically coloured species from the Asian continent is presented for the first time. Their mimicry association is further investigated and a new case involving Anthicidae is reported.
Redescription of the little known hermit crab, Clibanarius clibanarius (Herbst, 1791) (Decapoda: Anomura: Diogenidae), based on material from southern India and type material
Authors: KOMAI TOMOYUKI , RESHMI REMA , RAHAYU DWI LISTYO , KUMAR APPUKUTTANNAIR BIJU
Published: February 2019

A little known littoral hermit crab, Clibanarius clibanarius (Herbst, 1791), is redescribed on the basis of material from southern India, supplemented by the photographs of the type material. The species appears closest to C. infraspinatus Hilgendorf, 1869, but the absence of a prominent ventral spine or protuberance on the cheliped meri immediately distinguishes C. clibanarius from C. infraspinatus. Although the species has been reported from wide areas in the Indo-West Pacific, records outside of India still needs to be verified.
Novel Bougie for the Management of Esophageal Coins in Children: An Observational Study
Authors: Xiong Yuanping , Yu Jieqing , Luo Qing , Jiang Hongqun , Zhang Jian
Published: February 2019

Objectives:

To determine the efficacy and safety of a novel bougie for the removal of esophageal coins lodged in the proximal esophagus.

Subjects and Methods:

This was an observational study. Medical records were reviewed of patients who were confirmed with esophageal coins between July 2015 and October 2016 in our department. Sixty-three patients, upper esophageal coins were confirmed by radiographs, were treated by using this novel bougie to remove esophageal coins.

Results:

A total of 63 children were enrolled in this study. Sixty coins (95%) were removed successfully. The coin was extracted on the first attempt in 56 cases (89%), the second attempt in 3 cases (5%), and the third attempt in 1 case (2%). Two coins retained in the esophagus underwent endoscopy. In the remaining patient, the coin passed into the stomach and was confirmed to be passed in the stool within 48 hours. No serious complications occurred in any subject.

Conclusions:

Our novel bougie procedure is likely a safe, highly efficient approach to managing esophageal coins given that no serious complications of the 63 patients were reported. This simple technique may provide another valuable option to physicians.
What Are the Key Drivers of Persistent Ghanaian Political Corruption?
Authors: Asomah Joseph Yaw
Published: February 2019

Since Ghana’s independence in 1957, political corruption has been a significant problem impeding the development of the country. Based on primary and secondary data, this article argues that grand corruption such as Ghanaian political corruption mainly stems from a complex interplay of greed, opportunities grounded in monopoly power, and weak deterrent systems. Hence, uncontrolled political corruption is primarily a product of consistent political leadership failure to aggressively regulate greed, reasonably limit political power, and effectively strengthen the public-sector accountability structures. To help address political corruption, major stakeholders, particularly the political leadership, should critically analyze the legal regime, power structures, and deterrent mechanisms to remove opportunities for political corruption through effective checks and balances, surveillance, and sanctions. This paper makes theoretical and empirical contributions to understanding and tackling political corruption generally.
Evaluating random vibration assisted vacuum processing of carbon/epoxy composites in terms of interlaminar shear strength and porosity
Authors: Yang Xiaobo , Zhan Lihua , Jiang Chengbiao , Zhao Xing , Guan Chenglong , Chang Tengfei
Published: February 2019

In the manufacturing process of carbon fiber-reinforced plastics composites, if the cure pressure that can form the hydrostatic pressure of resin is transferred inhomogeneously to the interior of composite structures, the critical imperfections such as voids and delamination which damage the mechanical properties and restrict subsequent use will be formed. Therefore, the present work reports the experimental research and analysis on the effect of random vibration applied to the curing system of carbon fiber-reinforced plastic laminates, mainly aiming at the reduction of the void content and improvement of mechanical performance under the vacuum pressure. The range of acceleration of vibrations was covered from 5 g to 15 g, for different periods of random vibration. Conducting a facile thermogravimetric analysis-based methodology, the influence of random vibration on the composite density, fiber volume fraction and void content of carbon fiber reinforced plastic laminates was analyzed. And the influence of voids on the interlaminar shear strength of materials was compared in terms of the initiation and propagation of interlaminar failure. In addition, the scanning electron microscopy was employed to observe the fracture surfaces of the composite specimens, which confirmed the different behaviors of fiber–matrix interface of various curing processes. The major benefits of the current research are that, the application of random vibration during the curing process can better wet through fibers by resin and increase the fiber volume fraction while reducing the bubbles and volatile gas of composite laminates at the same time.
What Matters Is Who Supports You: Diaspora and Foreign States as External Supporters and Militants’ Adoption of Nonviolence
Authors: Petrova Marina G.
Published: February 2019

Militant groups are usually committed to violent tactics to pursue their goals. Yet, in certain cases, militants adopt nonviolent tactics and desist from violence. As internal conflict rarely remains isolated from outside influence, I argue that external supporters affect militant groups’ tactical considerations. I expect that different external benefactors will have different effects on the probability of switching to nonviolent tactics. The focus here is on diaspora and foreign states as external supporters, and I conduct a large- N analysis with violent group-level data. I find that external support from diaspora is positively associated with rebels’ adoption of nonviolent tactics, while support from foreign states is not. In fact, foreign states as supporters are not as effective influencers as diaspora. These findings shed light on the important role of nonstate actors in conflict dynamics and present evidence that challenges the notion that diaspora’s involvement prolongs internal conflicts.
Status Dynamics in the Classroom: Roma Children’s Implicit and Explicit Preference for Majority Children Across Age Groups
Authors: Radoš Sonja , Zdraveva Marija , Žeželj Iris
Published: February 2019

Roma children are often segregated within the Serbian education system: They are disproportionally placed in special schools or put in ethnically homogeneous classrooms. Even in nonsegregated environments, they face everyday discrimination—an 80% dropout rate from elementary school testifies to that. Being a stigmatized minority might contribute to negative social identity, manifested in reversed in-group–out-group preferences. In this cross-sectional study, we investigated (a) if Roma children exhibit implicit/explicit preference for the majority group, and compared their preferences with those of majority children; (b) if these preferences differ in two age groups (second/third and seventh-grade elementary school); and (c) if they relate to academic self-efficacy. A total of 89 children completed the implicit associations test (IAT) test, three measures of explicit ethnic preference (semantic differential, feeling thermometer, and social distance), and a measure of academic self-efficacy. While Serbian children showed consistent explicit and implicit in-group preference, in Roma, we found out-group preferences on both sets of measures. Age-wise, the older group of Roma showed less explicit out-group preferences only in social distance, but not in other measures; the older children showed higher implicit out-group preference (Roma), and slightly lower implicit in-group preference (Serbs), in comparison with the younger. Finally, implicit, but not explicit, out-group preference predicted lower academic self-efficacy in Roma. Our findings demonstrate that out-group preference in Roma children is a robust phenomenon, and that implicit preference is stronger with age. This implies that schooling alone will not reduce negative social identity and that the minority children need to be strategically empowered.
Development of an orthotopic syngeneic murine model of colorectal cancer for use in translational research
Authors: Evans Jonathan P , Winiarski Boleslaw K , Sutton Paul A , Ressel Lorenzo , Duckworth Carrie A , Pritchard D Mark , Palmer Daniel H , Goldring Christopher E , Kitteringham Neil R
Published: February 2019

Improving outcomes in colorectal cancer requires more accurate in vivo modelling of the disease in humans, allowing more reliable pre-clinical assessment of potential therapies. Novel imaging techniques are necessary to improve the longitudinal assessment of disease burden in these models, reducing the number of animals required for translational studies. This report describes the development of an immune-competent syngeneic orthotopic murine model of colorectal cancer, utilising caecal implantation of CT26 cells stably transfected with the luciferase gene into immune-competent BALB/c mice, allowing serial bioluminescent imaging of cancer progression. Luminescence in the stably transfected CT26 cell line, after pre-conditioning in the flank of a BALB/c mouse, accurately reflected cell viability and resulted in primary caecal tumours in five of eight (63%) mice in the initial pilot study following caecal injection. Luminescent signal continued to increase throughout the study period with one mouse (20%) developing a liver metastasis. Histopathological assessment confirmed tumours to be consistent with a poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma. We have now performed this technique in 68 immune-competent BALB/c mice. There have been no complications from the procedure or peri-operative deaths, with primary tumours developing in 44 (65%) mice and liver metastases in nine (20%) of these. This technique provides an accurate model of colorectal cancer with tumours developing in the correct microenvironment and metastasising to the liver with a similar frequency to that seen in patients presenting with colorectal cancer, with serial bioluminescent reducing the murine numbers required in studies by removing the need for cull for assessment of disease burden.
Age Estimation in Foreign-accented Speech by Native and Non-native Speakers
Authors: Gnevsheva Ksenia , Bürkle Daniel
Published: February 2019

Current research shows that listeners are generally accurate at estimating speakers’ age from their speech. This study investigates the effect of speaker first language and the role played by such speaker characteristics as fundamental frequency and speech rate. In this study English and Japanese first language speakers listened to English- and Japanese-accented English speech and estimated the speaker’s age. We find the highest correlation between real and estimated speaker age for English listeners listening to English speakers, followed by Japanese listeners listening to both English and Japanese speakers, with English listeners listening to Japanese speakers coming last. We find that Japanese speakers are estimated to be younger than the English speakers by English listeners, and that both groups of listeners estimate male speakers and speakers with a lower mean fundamental frequency to be older. These results suggest that listeners rely on sociolinguistic information in their speaker age estimations and language familiarity plays a role in their success.
Nitrogen inhalation suicide pacts
Authors: Byard Roger W. , Winskog Carl , Heath Karen
Published: February 2019

Suicide pacts usually result in simultaneous deaths by mutual arrangement. While nitrogen and helium gas inhalation are being increasingly used in solitary suicide attempts, for some reason they have been rarely utilised in suicide pacts. A search of autopsy files at Forensic Science SA over a 15-year period (2003–2017) was undertaken to determine how often this method of joint suicide occurs. Only two cases were found. Case 1 comprised a 64-year-old husband and wife (who had a history of multiple sclerosis). They were found deceased in a vehicle with two empty cylinders of nitrogen gas. Case 2 comprised an 87-year-old man (who had a history of ischaemic heart disease) and his 81-year-old wife who were found deceased with plastic bags over their heads, with plastic tubes connecting the bags to opened cylinders of nitrogen. The deaths in all cases were due to nitrogen-induced asphyxiation, in the latter instance augmenting plastic-bag asphyxia. Although suicide pacts have previously usually involved carbon-monoxide toxicity or drug overdose, it is possible that dissemination of information on the use of inert gases in individual suicide attempts may alter the methods used in future.
Farmers’ assessment of plant biosecurity risk management strategies and influencing factors: A study of smallholder farmers in Australia
Authors: Duong Thi Tam , Brewer Tom D , Luck Jo , Zander Kerstin K
Published: February 2019

Plant biosecurity threats such as pest, weeds and disease occurrences cause substantial economic damage to the agricultural sector, worldwide and in Australia. How smallholder farmers choose biosecurity management strategies remains poorly understood, particularly of smallholder cultural minority groups. In this study, we explore how Vietnamese smallholder farmers in Australia assess their biosecurity risk management strategies and the factors that explain their choice of different strategies. To do so, we conducted a survey of 101 Vietnamese farmers in the Northern Territory, South Australia and Western Australia. Based on the protection motivation theory, we assessed farmers’ perceived self-efficacy, response efficacy and response costs (all elements of their coping appraisal) using descriptive statistics, factor analysis and stepwise regression. Information sources related to biosecurity and farmers’ trust in public management explain how farmers assess their risk management strategies. Previous experience with biosecurity issues does not influence how farmers appraise their biosecurity risk coping capacity. Farmers use four types of biosecurity risk management strategies: chemical control, plant growth strategies, on-farm strategies and asset investment strategies. The first two are the most frequently used. We recommend tailoring relevant government policies to better support farmers’ adoption of risk management strategies based on their specific needs, more investment into biosecurity information dissemination and into trust building.
Police officers giving evidence: Understanding the enablers and challenges of performance
Authors: Brian David , Cruickshank Dr Andrew
Published: February 2019

This paper aimed to improve understanding of police officers performing as witnesses. Data was obtained by conducting semi-structured interviews and identified factors which enable and challenge an effective performance. Findings revealed specific appearance, behavioural, and cognitive enablers which underpin effective performance. Specifically, that performance is challenged by inconsistencies in police systems, poor training and preparation, anxiety, anticipation, and courtroom dynamics. These results indicate that police performance in court could be improved by producing appropriate systems to effectively manage anxiety and negative organisational narrative, as well as those that develop the appearance-, behaviour- and cognitive-based characteristics needed to achieve optimal performance.
Theoretical analysis of braiding strand trajectories and simulation of three-dimensional parametric geometrical models for multilayer interlock three-dimensional tubular braided preforms
Authors: Wang Zhipeng , Zhang Guoli , Zhu Youxin , Zhang Liqing , Shi Xiaoping , Wang Weiwei
Published: February 2019

Multilayer interlock three-dimensional (3D) tubular braided composites have been widely used in propeller blades, high pressure pipelines, rocket nose cones and engine nozzles owing to prominent interlaminar shear properties, reliable damage tolerance and outstanding torsion performance. The prediction of the mechanical properties and the design of the fabric structures for the 3D braided composites are dependent on the trajectory distribution of strands and the geometrical model of the braided structure. This paper aims to build theoretical models for the braiding strand trajectories and presents a creative method to establish the parametric geometrical models for the multilayer interlock 3D tubular braided structures. Firstly, mathematical models of braiding strand trajectories are derived based on the analysis for the characteristics of carrier paths, the interlacing and interlocking of braided structures and the motion of braiding strands. The mathematical models are then developed to establish parametric expressions for multilayer interlock 3D tubular braided structures by the advanced development of UG NX®. In addition, the models of corresponding braiding strand trajectories and braiding structures can be obtained automatically in the simulation environment with the modification of design parameters. Finally, the established models are compared with the carbon fiber braided specimen. The results show that the innovative parametric geometric models of the multilayer interlock 3D tubular braided structures accurately describe the key characteristics of the preform.
Biodegradability study to develop longer life jute geotextiles for road applications
Authors: Ghosh Mahuya , Rao Guda Venkatappa , Chakrabarti Syamal Kanti , Pal Supriya , Sarma Uma Sankar
Published: February 2019

To enhance the life of jute geotextiles (JGTs) for road applications, new types of JGT fabrics were developed following two different routes, viz., (a) rot-proof treatment of 100% JGT fabric and (b) preparation of jute–polypropylene blended JGT fabrics. The biodegradability behavior of these fabrics along with grey JGTs was studied for different durations up to 12 months in three categories of saturated soils, namely, Guwahati Lateritic Red soil, Kolkata Alluvial Silty soil and Andhra Pradesh Black Cotton soil and water separately. Biodegradability assessment was done through residual tensile strength study and microscopic study. The experimentation reveals that rate of biodegradation of the JGTs is different in the three experimental saturated soils and water. Saturated Black Cotton soil was found to be the most detrimental medium. Studies were also carried out to understand this differential degradation behavior of JGTs in different soils. This indicates that the pH of soil media and microbial population growing capability of the respective soils both affect the level of degradation of the JGT fabrics. Jute–synthetic blended JGT is essential for Black Cotton soil road-subgrade, while grey JGT and treated JGT can be used in Lateritic soil and Silty soil, respectively.
Keeping financialisation under the radar: Brussels Airport, Macquarie Bank and the Belgian politics of privatised infrastructure
Authors: Deruytter Laura , Derudder Ben
Published: February 2019

This article explores the financialisation of Brussels Airport following the acquisition in 2004 of a majority stake by the Australian Macquarie Bank. Adopting a variegated capitalism perspective, we argue for a greater sensitivity to the mutually constitutive relation between durable institutional governance structures and financialised practices injected by global investors. The case of Brussels Airport presents an informative case to examine this relation, as Macquarie has had to continuously interact with the Belgian federal state in its different guises of contractor, co-owner and regulator to implement financialisation. While Macquarie indeed brought in risks that are structurally associated with profit making through financial means, the governance of these practices is shaped by the Belgian state’s distinctive and pragmatic approach to infrastructure privatisation: the state enables these practices, but also contests them in case of a direct clash with its interests. Meanwhile, the regulatory environment marks the contradictory meeting point of two varieties of capitalism: while the light-handed regulatory framework is inspired by the UK’s airport industry, the Belgian regulator does not possess similar abilities as a UK regulator, and resultantly, informal negotiations between the stakeholders are more influential in the airport’s governance. The case of Brussels Airport shows that the state plays an active role in constituting global capitalism, yet also shapes how financialisation works out on the ground. To understand the tensions that mark the governance of financialised infrastructure, it is therefore imperative to be sensitive to the local, historical and political trajectories that underwrite the variegated outcomes of financialisation.
Social and spatial inequalities of educational opportunity: A portrait of schools serving high- and low-income neighbourhoods in US metropolitan areas
Authors: Owens Ann , Candipan Jennifer
Published: February 2019

Neighbourhoods and schools are both important contexts for children’s wellbeing. While often posited, little evidence documents inequalities in schools serving high- and low-income neighbourhoods. In this article, we use geospatial techniques to combine five administrative data sets to examine the characteristics of local public schools serving high- and low-income neighbourhoods in US metropolitan areas in 2013–2014. We find that high-income neighbourhoods are served by schools with greater social, financial, and instructional resources and greater student achievement than schools serving low-income neighbourhoods. Moreover, when metropolitan neighbourhoods are highly segregated by income, these inequalities are exacerbated. Our results demonstrate the link between neighbourhood and school disadvantage, with implications for policymakers concerned about social mobility and inequality.
“I Want to Have the American Dream”: Messages of Materialism as a Driving Force in Juvenile Recidivism
Authors: VanderPyl Taryn
Published: February 2019

Youth in the United States are raised with the message that economic achievement and the American Dream are the only means to obtain true success and happiness. Those youth who face barriers to these standards of achievement, however, internalize any shortcomings as their own personal failure, heightening the appeal of criminal means of monetary gain. Scholars have explored the correlation between materialism and youth crime, but have done so without involving youth in research about themselves. In this study, a content analysis was conducted of 1,008 writing samples from incarcerated youth in an effort to prioritize youth voice and perspective. Messages of materialism and its deleterious effects frequently emerged as prominent concerns for these youths. Incarcerated youth are missing interventions to devitalize materialism’s function as a motivating or justifying factor in criminal or delinquent acts, thus contributing to reoffending when they fail to achieve their economic goals through legal means.
Feedback motion planning of unmanned surface vehicles via random sequential composition
Authors: Ege Emre , Ankarali Mustafa Mert
Published: February 2019

In this paper, we propose a new motion planning method that aims to robustly and computationally efficiently solve path planning and navigation problems for unmanned surface vehicles (USVs). Our approach is based on synthesizing two different existing methodologies: sequential composition of dynamic behaviours and rapidly exploring random trees (RRT). The main motivation of this integrated solution is to develop a robust feedback-based and yet computationally feasible motion planning algorithm for USVs. In order to illustrate the main approach and show the feasibility of the method, we performed simulations and tested the overall performance and applicability for future experimental applications. We also tested the robustness of the method under relatively extreme environmental uncertainty. Simulation results indicate that our method can produce robust and computationally feasible solutions for a broad class of USVs.
Pigmented Melanotic Schwannoma of the Neck: Report of 2 Cases and Review of the Literature
Authors: Topf Michael C. , Pham Quang H. , D’Souza Jill N. , Chaskes Mark , Tuluc Madalina , Cognetti David M. , Luginbuhl Adam J.
Published: February 2019

Background:

Melanotic schwannoma is a rare tumor with indeterminate biologic behavior and varying treatment recommendations.

Methods:

We report 2 cases of pigmented melanotic schwannoma of the head and neck and perform literature review. The pathologic and immunohistochemical characteristics of melanotic schwannoma are reviewed.

Results:

Two cases of melanotic schwannoma are presented. Both cases underwent surgical resection with one patient receiving adjuvant radiation therapy.

Conclusions:

Melanotic schwannoma is a rare nerve sheath tumor that is frequently mistaken for malignant melanoma. We describe 2 cases of pigmented melanotic schwannoma of the head and neck with different presentations and review the histopathological and immunohistochemical features.
Risky Technologies: Systemic Uncertainty in Contraceptive Risk Assessment and Management
Authors: Geampana Alina
Published: February 2019

Focusing on the controversial birth control pills Yaz and Yasmin, this article explores how debates about the safety of these drugs have materialized in risk evaluations and the management of technological risk. Drawing on in-depth interviews with stakeholders and content analysis of legal, medical, and regulatory documents, I highlight how professional contraceptive risk assessment is characterized by systemic uncertainty and doubt, resulting in increased responsibility for users themselves to manage the drugs’ potentially increased risks of venous thromboembolism. The analysis centers on three key areas in the assessment process that denote disagreement: risk measurement in postmarket surveillance data, the distinctiveness of the drugs’ benefits when compared to other contraceptive technologies, and the weighing of the risks and benefits against each other. While professionals negotiate uncertainty both in epidemiological research and in clinical practice, users are constructed as agents who should manage risk individually. Such processes are underlined by a diffusion of responsibility in the systemic management of contraceptive risk. This article suggests, more broadly, that medical technologies can be conceptualized as artifacts that are instrumental in the dispersion of risks.
Future Time Perspective and Well-Being in Chinese Older Adults: Moderating Role of Age Stereotypes
Authors: Zhang Jinfeng , Zhou Mingjie , Yu Nancy Xiaonan , Zhang Jianxin
Published: February 2019

Through this cross-sectional study, we aimed to examine the association between future time perspective (FTP) and well-being among older adults, with age stereotypes as a moderator. The participants, 333 Chinese older adults (60–88 years), completed measures related to FTP, age stereotypes, and well-being. The results showed that opportunity and limitation emerged as two subcomponents of FTP, and their effects on well-being depended on older adults’ negative age stereotypes. Specifically, for older adults holding less negative age stereotypes, FTP-opportunity and FTP-limitation had a positive effect on well-being, whereas for older adults holding more negative age stereotypes, FTP-opportunity’s positive effect became stronger and FTP-limitation’s positive effect became weaker and even detrimental. These results indicate that certain qualifiers should be taken into account when considering the relationship between FTP and well-being. These findings contribute to the theoretical understanding of the role of FTP in older adults’ well-being.