bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A new species of Laetacara from the northern Brazil coastal floodplains (Teleostei: Cichlidae)
Authors: Ottoni Felipe , Bragança Pedro H. N. , Amorim Pedro , Gama Cecile
Published: February 2023

Laetacara flamannellus sp. n. is described from the northern Brazilian coastal floodplains. It differs from all its congeners by a combination of character states: presence of a dark brown or black spot located on dorsal-fin base; presence of a yellow stripe on the middle portion of the dorsal fin, crossing the whole fin; presence of an orange ring around the dorsal-fin base spot; absence of a red pigmentation on belly; absence of a red or purple zone on the anal-fin base; absence of a red zone on the caudal-fin base; cycloid scales on the opercle plate; and trunk scales above upper lateral line with few ctenii. The presence of a deep notch in the dorsal margin of the anterior ceratohyal, often used as diagnostic for Laetacara, is confirmed here for L. flamannellus.
Description of Apistogramma paulmuelleri sp. n., a new geophagine cichlid species (Teleostei: Perciformes) from the Amazon river basin in Loreto, Peru
Authors: Römer Uwe , Beninde Joscha , Duponchelle Fabrice , Carmen Rosa García Carmen Rosa García , Díaz Antonia , Renno Jean-François
Published: February 2023

A new species of Apistogramma is described from Peru, based on a total of 28 specimens collected in a small forest stream in the catchment of a nameless tributary of the Rio Amazonas about 80 kilometres south of Iquitos, Departamento Loreto (approximately 73° 34′ W / 04°24′ S). At first sight Apistogramma paulmuelleri sp. n. resembles A. regani, but is differentiated from the latter and all other Apistogramma species by the combination of a large band-like spot on the caudal-fin base, four distinct abdominal stripes, a roundish, banded caudal fin, a low dorsal fin without any striking features, in adult males yellow on the chin between the gill covers and on parts of the branchiostegal membranes, ivory sides to the head below the cheeks, and reversal of the band pattern during aggression and courtship display. Apistogramma paulmuelleri sp. n. is currently thought to be a representative of the Apistogramma eunotus complex within the Apistogramma regani lineage.
An annotated checklist, description and key to the dwarf snakes of the genus Eirenis JAN, 1863 (Reptilia: Squamata: Colubridae), with special emphasis on the dentition
Authors: Mahlow Kristin , Tillack Frank , Schmidtler Josef Friedrich , Müller Johannes
Published: February 2023

For the first time a comprehensive checklist and description of all species of the dwarf snake genus Eirenis is presented using both external morphological characters and osteological information derived from micro-computed tomography, and by considering more than 300 specimens from the entire distribution range. Our study recognizes 18 valid species, but also emphasizes that Eirenis modestus and E. persicus each represent a complex of several taxa which urgently need a revision. Regarding the latter complex, the validity of the taxon “Eirenis mcmahoni” is not accepted due to the current lack of understanding of the persicus-group. Also, further studies should be carried out to fully understand the species status of the newly described Eirenis kermanensis, which seems closely related to E. medus. At the same time, E. hakkariensis is resurrected to full species status given the dramatic morphological differences to E. thospitis, casting doubt on the apparent genetic identity as revealed by a previous investigation. In addition, our study presents the first record of E. eiselti for Syria. On the basis of our results it is for the first time possible to compile a key to all currently recognized species of Eirenis, which should be helpful for future systematic studies and faunal surveys.
The "nasal barbel" of the halfbeak Dermogenys pusilla (Teleostei: Zenarchopteridae) - an organ with dual function
Authors: Zanger Klaus , Greven Hartmut
Published: February 2023

Members of the taxon Zenarchopteridae (Beloniformes) possess external paired olfactory organs each consisting of a small cone-like papillae also called nasal barbel. We examined the structure of these barbels in the viviparous halfbeak Dermogenys pusilla using scanning (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Nasal barbels are covered by a typical epidermis characterized by ridged surface cells. Further, the epidermis contains goblet cells and small taste buds. The epidermis is interspersed with small depressions or pits (sensory islets) which contain the olfactory epithelium. Typically, taste buds consist of spindle-shaped dark cells with numerous apical microvilli, light cells with a thick microvillus each, basal cells and a rich nerve fiber plexus between receptor and basal cells. The olfactory epithelium at least contains two types of receptor cells, i.e. ciliated cells with a strikingly variable microtubular pattern and microvillous cells, and supporting and basal cells. An olfactory organ with an open groove and an elongated papilla is considered as synapomorphy of the Beloniformes (does not hold for the Adrianichthyoidei). Comparison of these olfactory organs suggests that D. pusilla and very probably all Zenarchopteridae may have the most uniform and least elaborated olfactory organs.
Description of two new species of the catfish genus Trichomycterus (Teleostei: Siluriformes: Trichomycteridae) from the coastal river basins, southeastern Brazil
Authors: Barbosa Maria A.
Published: February 2023

Two new species of catfish genus Trichomycterus are described from southeastern Brazil. Trichomycterus mimosensis new species is diagnosed by the number of pectoral-fin rays, the first pectoral-fin ray prolonged as a filament, the length of the pectoral-fin filament, the length of the dorsal-fin base, the morphology of the metapterygoid, the length of the maxillary barbel, the morphology of the hypobranchial 1, the width and depth of the head, the depth of the caudal peduncle, the shape of the head and caudal fin, and the colour pattern. Trichomycterus gasparinii new species is diagnosed by the number of pectoral-fin rays, the length of the pectoral-fin filament, the width of the head, the depth of the caudal peduncle, the arrangement of the odontodes on opercular path, the morphology of the metapterygoid and the caudal-fin shape.
Four new species of the genus Atlantirivulus (Cyprinodontiformes: Rivulidae) from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest
Authors: Costa Wilson
Published: February 2023

Material obtained from recent collections was used to revise taxonomy of the genus Atlantirivulus in the coastal basins of south – eastern Brazil, making possible to recognise four new species: Atlantirivulus maricensis, new species, from the rivers drainages connected to the Maricá lagoon system; Atlantirivulus guanabarensis, new species, from river drainages flowing into the Guanabara bay; Atlantirivulus paranaguensis, new species, from the river basins of the plain area adjacent to the Paranaguá bay; and Atlantirivulus ribeirensis, new species, from the Ribeira de Iguape river basin. All the new species herein described are members of the A. santensis species group, diagnosed by the lateral line being divided in two sections. Atlantirivulus maricensis is considered to be closely related to A. janeiroensis, A. jurubatibensis and A. nudiventris by all sharing a horizontally elongated female caudal spot, whereas A. guanabarensis seems to be more closely related to A. lazzarotoi and A. simplicis, by all having a high number of neuromasts in the section of infraorbital series around orbit, and A. paranaguensis seems to be more closely related to A. santensis by both having the anal and caudal fin margin highly black pigmented in males; relationships of A. ribeirensis among congeners is unclear, but the presence of intense yellow pigmentation on venter suggests close relationships with A. santensis. Characters used to diagnose new species include colour patterns, number of scales in the longitudinal series and vertebrae, and shape of caudal fin.
An enigmatic new Scaphiophryne toadlet from the rainforests of north-eastern Madagascar (Amphibia: Microhylidae)
Authors: Raselimanana Achille , Raxworthy Christopher , Andreone Franco , Glaw Frank , Vences Miguel
Published: February 2023

A new species of Scaphiophryne is described from north-eastern Madagascar. The new toadlet species is probably at least partly fossorial as can be judged from its large and sharp metatarsal tubercle, and seems to lead a secretive or strictly seasonal life since very few adult specimens were collected despite intensive field surveys in the region. The new species differs from all other Scaphiophryne, among other characters, by the absence of a tarsal tubercle and reminds the genus Paradoxophyla in its strongly marbled ventral pattern on belly and hindlimbs, and by its triangular head shape with pointed snout.
A new miniature killifish of the genus Melanorivulus (Cyprinodontiformes: Rivulidae) from the Xingu river drainage, Brazilian Amazon
Authors: Costa Wilson , Amorim Pedro , Bragança Pedro H. N.
Published: February 2023

Melanorivulus rubroreticulatus, new species, is described on the basis of material collected in the lower section of the Xingu river drainage, Brazilian Amazon. It is a member of a group endemic to the region encompassing the southern Amazonas river tributaries and the Parnaíba river basin. The new species is distinguished from other congeners of this group by the presence of broad red bars on the caudal fin in males, bars often interconnected to form reticulations, and short red bars contrasting with intense light blue ground colour on the anal-fin base. It represents the northern-most record for the group, besides being the only species occurring in the Amazon rain forest and possibly is also the smallest one, barely surpassing 25 mm of standard length.
Quaternary refugia and secondary contact in the southern boundary of the Brazilian subregion: comparative phylogeography of freshwater fish
Authors: Bruno María , Casciotta Jorge , Almirón Adriana , Ricillio Fernando , Lizarrade Marta
Published: February 2023

Freshwater fish are an ideal model to illustrate how climate-tectonic changes affect the distribution of genetic variation. Freshwater bodies are extensively affected by environmental changes, with streams even changing their courses in the most extreme cases. Fortunately, this situation is reflected in the genetic composition of populations and may currently be inferred from the study of mitochondrial DNA molecular markers. Here we analyze and compare the phylogeographic patterns of the species Corydoras paleatus and Jenynsia multidentata at the southern limit of the Brazilian subregion. These basins are isolated in the current hydrogeographic pattern due to geologic and paleoclimatic changes. Our results support a concurrent pattern for both species. Some lineages have persisted in the area under adverse climate conditions, possibly in environmental refuges, while other lineages may have colonized the area later by means of paleodrainages connections. In addition, the presence of independent, greatly diverging lineages, even within the same watercourses, suggests secondary contact between these lineages. This work represents a first approach to understand how geologic and paleoclimatic changes have affected the distribution of genetic variation in the Southern Pampean Area.
Phylogenetic position and re-description of the endangered cichlid Nannacara hoehnei, and description of a new genus from Brazilian Cerrado (Teleostei, Cichlidae, Cichlasomatini)
Authors: Ottoni Felipe , Mattos José Leonardo O.
Published: February 2023

Rondonacara, gen. nov. is herein described as a member of the tribe Cichlasomatini, being considered as the sister taxon of Laetacara. The new genus differs from all the other genera of Cichlasomatini by having transversal streaks originated at the insertion of spines and softs rays of dorsal fin. Additionally, the new genus differs from the other genera of the Cichlasomatini by its unique combination of character states: longitudinal stripe of the flank horizontally oriented, ending directed to caudal-fin base; conspicuous suborbital bar; caudal-fin base spot on the middle of the fin and not ocellated; preopercle without scales; two supra-neural; and uniserial predorsal squamation. Rondonacara is monotypic, including only Rondonacara hoehnei, re-described herein. This species was originally described from a tributary of the Araguaia River, Mato Grosso state, with unprecise locality. Currently, Rondonacara hoehnei is known only from a single locality, a tributary of the das Mortes River, Araguaia River basin, in the Brazilian Cerrado. The restrict distribution area, and the widespread and accelerated destruction of natural habitat strongly indicate that Rondonacara hoehnei is critically endangered
Description of two new taxa of the ceratobatrachid genus Platymantis from western New Guinea (Amphibia, Anura)
Authors: Günther Rainer
Published: February 2023

Two new taxa of the ceratobatrachid genus Platymantis are described from western New Guinea on the basis of bioacoustic, morphological, ecological and biochemical studies. One of these, described as new species, is known only from in the Fakfak Mountains (Bomberai Peninsula) and the other, described as new subspecies, from Yapen Island. Their nearest relatives appear to be P. batantae Zweifel, 1969, and P. cryptotis Günther, 1999 respectively. Besides data on the new taxa, some morphological, bioacoustic and molecular data are given for P. papuensis Meyer, 1875 from the type locality Biak Island.
Taxonomic checklist of the day geckos of the genera Phelsuma GRAY, 1825 and Rhoptropella HEWITT, 1937 (Squamata: Gekkonidae)
Authors: Glaw Frank , Rösler Herbert
Published: February 2023

The day geckos of the genus Phelsuma have their center of diversity in Madagascar and the adjacent archipelagos in the western Indian Ocean, especially the Mascarenes, Comoros and Seychelles. Their brilliant colours, diurnal activity, and interesting behaviours have resulted in a long lasting high demand for the pet trade. Accordingly, the international trade of all Phelsuma species is regulated by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Floras (CITES) where all species are included in CITES appendix II. In order to facilitate operating and control of these regulations by national and international nature conservation authorities we provide an updated taxonomic checklist for all species and subspecies of the genus Phelsuma and for Rhoptropella ocellata (a taxon resurrected from the synonymy of Phelsuma). Since a few species (especially P. dubia, P. grandis and P. laticauda) have become invasive across different countries and political territories, updated distributional data is also provided. Although a substantial number of the currently accepted taxa is well defined, the taxonomy of several species and subspecies is in need of revision and taxonomic changes are expected in future. We designate Phelsuma ornatum Gray, 1825 as type species of the genus Colobopus Fitzinger, 1843 in order to allow an unambiguous interpretation of this genus name.
Paraschistura delvarii spec. nov. - a new species of stone loach from the Persian Gulf basin, southern Iran (Teleostei: Nemacheilidae)
Authors: Eagderi Soheil
Published: February 2023

Paraschistura delvarii, new species, from the Mond River drainage in the Persian Gulf basin, differs from other species of the genus in Iran by having a combination of the colour pattern consisting of marbled colour pattern without distinct bars on the flank, shallow and elongated body, incomplete lateral line extending to the dorsal-fin base, absence of dorsal adipose crest, bold black spot at base of first dorsal-fin rays, scatter scaled body, short and blunt snout, and suborbital groove in males.
Re-description of Apistogramma payaminonis KULLANDER, 1986, with descriptions of two new cichlid species of the genus Apistogramma (Teleostei, Perciformes, Geophaginae) from northern Peru
Authors: Römer Uwe , Soares David , Dávila Carmen Rosa García , Duponchelle Fabrice , Renno Jean-François , Hahn Ingo
Published: February 2023

Apistogramma payaminonis Kullander, 1986 is redescribed based on the only two type specimens available, and two new, closely-related Apistogramma species are described from Peru. Data from the original description of A. payaminonis are supplemented with information on phenotypic appearance, which is important for differentiating the taxon from several other species discovered in the last few years. Apistogramma feconat sp. n. is described from four specimens from the catchment of the Río Tigre, Loreto; information on its ecology, biology, and current conservation status is summarised. Apistogramma wolli sp. n. is described from six specimens from the catchment of the Napo river, Loreto, close to the Peru-Ecuador border; information on its ecology and biology is sparse. Both newly described species are representatives of the Apistogramma nijsseni complex that live in small forest streams influenced by blackwater. Information on differentiating females of some members of this group of related species is presented. At present no clear information based on voucher specimens is available regarding the possible distribution of the two species in Ecuador. Man-made environmental hazards potentially endangering the aquatic fauna in the western catchment of the Río Marañón and the Rio Amazonas, between their tributaries the Rio Pastaza and the Rio Napo, are discussed.
Diversity and evolution of the Middle American cichlid fishes (Teleostei: Cichlidae) with revised classification
Authors: Říčan Oldrich , Piálek Lubomír , Dragová Klára , Novák Jindřich
Published: February 2023

We present a taxonomically complete and topologically robust molecular phylogeny of the Middle American heroine cichlids based on which we review their diversity and genus-level systematics. In order to ascertain the diversity of the group and its phylogeny we have used three nested taxon sampling analyses of the concatenated nDNA/mtDNA datasets and additionally to these analyses we present a summary of the results of a new Next Generation Sequencing-generated nuclear phylogeny based on a data set of ~ 140,000 informative characters. The NGS ddRAD phylogeny has a species-level sampling covering virtually all species (including the enigmatic Cichlasoma microlepis Dahl, 1960) with multiple sequenced specimens per species. Based on our results the Middle American heroine cichlids are made up of three main clades. The three clades (the herichthyines, the amphilophines, and the astatheroines) are however not each other sister groups since they are interspersed with South American (Australoheros, Caquetaia, Chocoheros, Heroina, Mesoheros) and Antillean (Nandopsis) genera and they represent probably two separate colonization events of Middle America from South America, probably via the Antilles. Our study reveals many cases of cytonuclear discordance and/or introgressive hybridization both at the genus and deeper levels stressing the importance to study the nuclear and mitochondrial phylogenetic signals independently and not solely in concatenated analyses. We have found that a great majority of morphological characters are ecologically correlated and that they form only a limited number of functionally-determined combinations – i.e. ecomorphs. We have found five main cranial ecomorphs but only two postcranial ecomorphs (the lotic and lentic ecomorphs, plus the undifferentiated ancestral character combination). The cranial and postcranial ecomorphs are not combined completely randomly having produced thirteen modular whole-body ecomorphs. Both the cranial and postcranial ecomorphs, and even their combinations, have evolved repeatedly in the Middle American cichlids in the same habitats both in sympatry as well as in allopatry. Our analyses of the diversity of Middle American cichlid clade support the existence of 31 genera in Middle America (plus six in South America and one in the Greater Antilles) as separate evolutionary lineages occupying separate adaptive zones. Nine new genera are described here for species and species groups that have lacked a genus level name to this day or were associated with other unrelated genera. We also review the species level diversity based on the mtDNA cytb gene population-level analysis. Furthermore, we provide a new biogeographical analysis of the group which explains their evolutionary history and demonstrates that biogeography is a much better indicator of evolutionary relationships in this fish group than are most morphological characters due to their ecological correlation.
Description of a new dwarf snakehead (Perciformes: Channidae) from western Yunnan
Authors: Endruweit Marco
Published: February 2023

Channa shingon, new species, is described from small mountainous rivulets associated with the Irrawaddy drainage in western Yunnan Province, China. Its maximum SL of about 100 mm makes it the smallest pelvic-fin bearing dwarf snakehead. Further specific characters are lateral head length 27 – 30 % SL; interorbital width 33 – 35 % HL; 25 – 27 anal-fin rays; 44 – 45 lateral-line scales; 4 – 5 scale rows between dorsal-fin origin and lateral line; 8 – 9 scale rows between lateral line and anal-fin origin; 1 mandibular scale; 43 – 44 vertebrae; inferomesial process of parasphenoid very shallow and straight; dorsal profile conspicuously bulging in front of dorsal fin; juveniles without ocellus-like mark on posterior part of dorsal fin; and a pectoral-fin pattern of 3 – 4 broad gray to black bands alternating with cream to white interspaces, bands increasingly wide towards distal edge of the fin, interspaces equally wide as bands or narrower.
Acoustic variation in the advertisement call of the Lime treefrog Sphaenorhynchus caramaschii (Anura: Hylidae)
Authors: Rodiguez Forti Lucas , Lingnau Rodrigo , Bertoluci Jaime
Published: February 2023

Frog vocalizations are acoustic signals that contain specific recognition information, so detailed descriptions of calls are critical for improved taxonomic understanding and to establish boundaries between species. The study of the variation of acoustic properties, both within and among individuals, contributes to species diagnosis and can provide support for phylogenetic hypotheses. Herein we provide a more thorough description of the vocalizations of Sphaenorhynchus caramaschii, which includes analysis of the variation in call characteristics within and among individuals. We analyzed 305 calls of 14 males from three municipalities (Ribeirão Branco, Iporanga, and Ribeirão Grande) and compared the acoustic properties among these populations. Two types of notes were recognized in the advertisement call: a previously undescribed note with multiple pulses, called “A”, and another note with single pulse, called “B”. The temporal properties of the call were considered dynamic because of a high level of variation, and the spectral properties were considered static (with low variation) among calls from the same individual and those from different individuals. The advertisement call description presented in this paper is very distinct from the previous description, which was based on a single male recorded at Piraquara (140 km from the type-locality). Herein we discuss the implications of the variation in acoustic properties among populations. In addition, we present data on the effect of air temperature on dynamic acoustic properties and calling sites used by the species.
Comparative skeletal osteology of three species of Scincid lizards (Genus: Ablepharus) from Turkey
Authors: Yıldırım Elif , Kumlutaş Yusuf , Candan Kamil , Ilgaz Çetin
Published: February 2023

Despite the abundance and diversity of lizards in the family Scincidae, descriptions of their cranial and postcranial osteologies are almost nonexistent. Here, we provide detailed descriptions of adult skeletal morphologies in three scincid species: Ablepharus kitaibelii, A. chernovi and A. budaki. The skeletal elements of these lizards are described on cleared and double-stained specimens. The general pattern of the cranial and postcranial skeletons in the three scincid species is characterized by the absence of the palatal teeth, presence of thirteen scleral ossicles in each eye, pattern of fore- hindlimb, and shape of the clavicle and interclavicle. Additionally, there are some remarkable variations regarding the number, size and position of the bones. These include the size and shape of the nasal, the degree of fusion or separation of the postfrontal and postorbital and the number of presacral vertebrae and marginal teeth.
Research of daily stock closing price prediction for new energy companies in China
Authors: Shen Qian , Zhang Yifan , Xiao Jiale , Dong Xuhua , Lin Zifei
Published: February 2023

Nowadays, China is developing new energy industries to reduce carbon emissions to meet the challenge of world climate change, so investors can consider to invest in stocks of Chinese new energy companies to gain income. In order to study how to forecast stock closing prices of new energy companies in China, we have chosen 12 representative companies, and first used autoregressive univariate time series models to predict the trends of the stock closing prices in the next month. The results show that Seasonal Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average model has the best out-of-sample trend prediction effect. Second, we use multivariate time series forecasting models to predict the stock closing prices of each day through external variables. The results show that Temporal Convolutional Attention Neural Networks has the best effect of out-of-sample prediction. We recommend that investors who are interested in investing in new energy companies in China first use the Seasonal Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average model to predict the short-term stock closing price trend in the future, and then use the Temporal Convolutional Attention Neural Networks model to predict the stock closing price on the next day to decide whether to invest.
Increased risk of diabetic ketoacidosis in an Urban, United States, safety-net emergency department in the COVID-19 era
Authors: Burner Elizabeth , Liu Lucy , Terp Sophie , Arora Sanjay , Lam Chun Nok , Menchine Michael , Dworkis Daniel A , Axeen Sarah
Published: February 2023

Aims

The incidence of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) increased during the COVID-19 pandemic but estimates from low-resource settings are limited. We examined the odds of DKA among emergency department (ED) visits in the Los Angeles County Department of Health Services (DHS) (1) during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to the pre-COVID era, (2) without active COVID infections, and (3) stratified by effect modifiers to identify impacted sub-groups.

Methods

We estimated the odds of DKA from 400,187 ED visits pre-COVID era (March 2019–Feb 2020) and 320,920 ED visits during the COVID era (March 2020–Feb 2021). Our base model estimated the odds of DKA based on the COVID era. Additional specifications stratified by effect modifiers, controlled for confounders, and limited to visits without confirmed COVID-19 disease.

Results

After adjusting for triage acuity and interaction terms for upper respiratory infections and payor, the odds of DKA during the COVID era were 27% higher compared to the pre-COVID era (95%CI 14–41%, p < 0.001). In stratified analyses, visits with private payors had a 112% increased odds and visits with Medicaid had a 20% increased odds of DKA during the COVID era (95%CI 7–36%, p = 0.003).

Conclusions

We identified increased odds of DKA during the COVID pandemic, robust to a variety of specifications. We found differential effects by the payor; with increased odds during COVID for privately-insured patients.
Vegetation of moist rock crevices and moist (slope) debris in the Liščak gorge (Bača Valley, Julian Alps) / Vegetacija vlažnih skalnih razpok in vlažnega pobočnega grušča v grapi Liščak (Baška dolina, Julijske Alpe)
Authors: Dakskobler Igor , Martinčič Andrej
Published: February 2023

We studied the phytosociology of communities of moist rock crevices and slope debris in the Liščak gorge in the southern Julian Alps. Based on the relevés from this and several other gorges in the Julian Alps and their foothills we described new associations Violo biflorae-Astrantietum carniolicae, Palustriello commutati-Astrantietum carniolicae, Veronico urticifoliae-Violetum biflorae, Palustriello commutati-Veronicetum urticifoliae, Veronico urticifolia-Saxifragetum cuneifolii, Calamagrostio variae-Asteretum bellidiastri and Lamio orvalae-Lunarietum redivivae, and a new alliance Astrantio carniolicae-Paederotion luteae.

Key words: vegetation, Asplenietea trichomanis, Arunco-Petasition albi, Lamio orvalae-Sambucetum nigrae, Natura 2000, Slovenia

Izvleček

Fitocenološko smo proučili združbe vlažnih skalnih razpok in pobočnega grušča v grapi Liščak v južnih Julijskih Alpah. Na podlagi popisov iz te grape in iz nekaterih drugih grap v Julijskih Alpah s prigorjem smo opisali nove asociacije Violo biflorae-Astrantietum carniolicae, Palustriello commutati-Astrantietum carniolicae, Veronico urticifoliae-Violetum biflorae, Palustriello commutati-Veronicetum urticifoliae, Veronico urticifolia-Saxifragetum cuneifolii, Calamagrostio variae-Asteretum bellidiastri in Lamio orvalae-Lunarietum redivivae ter novo zvezo Astrantio carniolicae-Paederotion luteae.

Ključne besede: vegetacija, Asplenietea trichomanis, Arunco-Petasition albi, Lamio orvalae-Sambucetum nigrae, Natura 2000, Slovenija
Forest communities and characteristics of flora in the Liščak basin (Bača Valley, Julian Alps) / Gozdne združbe in značilnosti rastlinstva v povodju Liščaka (Baška dolina, Julijske Alpe)
Authors: Dakskobler Igor , Martinčič Andrej , Razpet Peter
Published: February 2023

With phytosociological relevés we documented at the rank of association more than ten forests communities in the Liščak basin in the southern Julian Alps. Due to its geological (limestone, marlstone, claystone, chert) and geomorphological specifics (steep slopes, south-facing gorge) the stands of associations Seslerio autumnalis-Fagetum and Saxifrago cuneifolii-Fagetum prevail. We identified similarities and differences between narrow and deep gorges and ravines in the Julian Alps by comparing flora and vegetation in the Liščak basin and the Vintgar Gorge at Podhom, and described two new syntaxa.

Key words: vegetation, flora, synsystematics, Kneška Grapa gorge, Vintgar Gorge, Triglav National Park, Natura 2000 

 

Izvleček

V povodju Liščaka v južnih Julijskih Alpah smo s fitocenološkimi popisi in preglednicami dokumentirali več kot deset gozdnih združb na rangu asociacije. Zaradi njegovih geoloških (apnenec, laporovec, glinavec, roženec) in geomorfoloških posebnosti (velika strmina, usmerjenost grape proti jugu) prevladujejo sestoji asociacij Seslerio autumnalis-Fagetum in Saxifrago cuneifolii-Fagetum. Podobnosti in razlike ozkih in globokih grap in sotesk v Julijskih Alpah smo ugotavljali na podlagi primerjave rastja in rastlinstva povodja Liščaka in soteske Vintgar pri Podhomu in pri tem opisali tudi dva nova sintaksona.

Ključne besede: vegetacija, flora, sinsistematika, Kneška grapa, Vintgar, Triglavski narodni park, Natura 2000
Characteristic properties of fly ash-based self-compacting geopolymer mortars with synthetic wollastonite microfiber produced from silica and calcite
Authors: Öz H.Ö. , Ünsal D.
Published: February 2023

This study investigated the fresh, physical, and mechanical properties of self-compacting geopolymer mortars (SCGs) with synthetic wollastonite microfiber (SWM). SCGs were designed with Class F fly ash (FA) as a binder by activating it with Na2SiO3 and NaOH solutions. First, SWM was produced in the laboratory. Alkali ratios were determined as 1.5, 2.0, and 2.5, whereas SWM percentages were utilized as 0%, 4%, 8%, and 12% by weight of the binder. After geopolymer mortars were cured at 80 oC and 100 oC for 24 hours, respectively, they were kept at room temperature until testing age. The compressive strength, flexural strength, ultrasonic pulse velocity, dynamic modulus of elasticity, water sorptivity coefficient values, and physical characteristics of SCGs were tested at the end of the 28th day. The highest compressive strength value was obtained as 28.9 MPa for SCG-1.5-8 cured at 100 oC, while 6.5 MPa was measured as the highest flexural strength for SCG-2-12 cured at 80 oC.
Impact of the Technology Revolution on the Logistics Sector
Authors: Aly Hesham
Published: February 2023

Developing in the smart cities concept and internet of things (IoT) technologies has become more demanding for the modern governments to overcome the growth of population and monitoring and controlling of the available resources. Smart cities with the use of the latest technologies in communications and electronics, which are the heart of IoT, have been developed and branched to cover most of the daily life needs. One of these branches is the intelligent transportation system (ITS), which is the heart of several fields like the logistics sector. This chapter aims to introduce a comprehensive overview for deploying two main examples of the technology revolution, which are autonomous vehicles and robotics technologies, in the logistics sector and illustrate the effect of using current and future approaches like IoT, AI, 5G, and more in the intelligent supply chain field.
The Role of Online Platforms in Enhancing Logistics Activity Performance
Authors: Haddad Sandra Samy , Nasib Nourhan Foaad
Published: February 2023

Technology has progressed from being a supporter of the fundamental element of today's economy. The “digital economy” includes digital sectors, such as media, e-commerce, as well as traditional industries that have been touched by digitalization to varying degrees. This case study focuses on the Saudi e-commerce retail industry and how much it has grown exponentially through increased internet penetration, use of smartphones, and language diversity on e-commerce platforms. Moreover, the adoption of digital wallets is now more prevalent, supported by a general shift towards digital payments. The development of transport and logistics systems is based on digital platforms, such as Salla platform, which has a significant impact on the efficiency and competitiveness of supply chains and the logistics activities in KSA. Salla connects its sellers and customers. The platform provides companies with many advantages and tools.
Facilitating Engaging Learning Practices
Authors: Orr Lynne , Bartle Gamin
Published: February 2023

The chapter's purpose was to explore the experiences of students with disabilities during the unplanned shift to remote learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. A description of the experiences during COVID-19 from the perspective of the institution, the faculty, and the students were presented. Two case studies were presented giving strategies that support learner engagement, lessons from COVID-19, and giving practices for universal design for learning. The literature and case studies support further needs of students with disabilities during online learning. These suggestions were applied by using inclusive teaching and universal design for learning as instructional strategies for the faculty to address the needs of students with special needs. There are a multitude of lessons learned that will further assist university professors in teaching which fosters greater learner engagement, proposes greater accessibility, and allows for greater inclusivity to all learners and various teaching contexts within the college setting.
Facilitating Student Motivation and Engagement in the Remote Learning Environment
Authors: Aslan Lindsay M.
Published: February 2023

While the use of technology in the education industry is growing, educators need to ensure that students with disabilities can navigate and functionally engage with technology tools. Additionally, students with disabilities will need to be motivated and engaged to succeed in the remote learning environment. This chapter provides many strategies for educators to utilize in their practice when teaching students with disabilities how to interact and use technology in the remote learning environment. Lastly, this chapter offers educators a range of tactics that may be incorporated into instruction to establish student motivation and engagement in the remote learning environment.
Supporting Students With Specific Learning Disorders Through Higher Education
Authors: Dumitru Cristina
Published: February 2023

Higher education became more inclusive and diverse, getting out of the lecture halls and seeking to facilitate an inclusive environment, as an indicator of educational programs quality. An inclusive learning environment is a barrier-free and inviting space, facilitating engagement and active participation, regardless of students' struggles, learning styles, and disabilities. Students with specific learning disorders (SLDs) succeed in higher education if their needs are addressed appropriately. University teachers have to address all their learners educational needs to ensure efficient knowledge and practice transfer. For doing that, they can test various ways to accommodate students' needs in order to identify the suitable one for a specific group of learners. The main issue in the process of digital transformation of the education environment is not only the creation of educational platforms and digital infrastructure with a good connection to the internet, but the elaboration and dissemination of new models of working and learning together.
Strategies for Supporting Teachers of Students With Disabilities in the Virtual Environment
Authors: Urgolo Huckvale Manina
Published: February 2023

This chapter is an informal study of the strategies used by a professor to support graduate students working in the field as teachers of students with disabilities in the virtual environment. The author discusses the use of self-care in graduate thesis classes over a four-year period both prior to and during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as thesis writing support, periodic phone calls (including FaceTime), and individual Zoom meetings in addition to Zoom class meetings and multiple emails lending support to individual students.
Animal-Based Fermented Foods in Tropical Countries
Authors: Mulyani Sri , Pramono Yoyok Budi , Handayani Isti
Published: February 2023

Tropical countries are rich in fermented animal foods, such as meat paste, shrimp paste, ronto, dadih, Nem chua, and chin som mok. The salt addition (2.4-3.0%) and carbon sources resulted in fermentation process at room temperature in tropical countries. The abundance of Salinococcus spp. during dough preparation and Lentibacillus spp. during fermentation contributes to the distinctive taste and umami of the shrimp paste. Lactic acid bacteria isolated from fermented animal foods have the potential as probiotics. Probiotics can play a role in increasing antioxidant activity and antimicrobial properties. Corynebacterium sp, Bacillus subtilis, and Lactobacillus plantarum were designated as functional starter cultures that could inhibit the growth of pathogenic bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella sp. and Escherichia coli). Animal based fermented foods in tropical countries are very diverse and have functional properties for health, related to antioxidant, probiotic, and antimicrobial properties.
Modified TiO2 Nanomaterials as Photocatalysts for Environmental Applications
Authors: Ariyanti Dessy , Purbasari Aprilina , Lesdantina Dina , Wicaksana Filicia , Gao Wei
Published: February 2023

Since the water splitting breakthrough using semiconductor reported in 1972, titanium dioxide (TiO2) has been extensively investigated as a promising material used in broad range of research areas. TiO2 is a transition metal oxide semiconductor with three distinct polymorph crystalline structures. With that alone TiO2 established remarkable performance as photocatalyst for organic photodegradation in the irradiation of UV. However, improvement on the light absorption properties that support the excellent photocatalytic activity still needs to be pursued for wider environmental application. In this book chapter, the limitations of TiO2 as photocatalyst were discussed especially in the industrial wastewater treatment application. The strategies in overcoming the limitation by TiO2 morphology and surface modification were also presented. The modified TiO2 nanomaterials proves to have excellent photocatalytic activity in dyes (Rhodamine B, Methyl Orange and Methylene Blue) as representative of organic pollutant degradation and Cu (II) reduction as representative of inorganic pollutant.
The Recent Design of Ag3PO4-Based Photocatalyst for Renewable Energy and Environmental Applications
Authors: Sulaeman Uyi , Abdullah Ahmad Zuhairi , Yin Shu
Published: February 2023

Green energy and environmental awareness have grown because human activities have an impact and are harmful to the environment. Recently, renewable energy and the environment are hot issues in the world that are facing serious challenges. A new photocatalyst, Ag3PO4, has great potential to be applied in producing renewable energy and the environment. The recent design of Ag3PO4-based photocatalysts and their applications are discussed in this book chapter. Modifications of Ag3PO4 photocatalysts are carried out to increase photocatalytic activity and stability. Surface modification and composite design into binary, ternary, and quaternary have given very important results in increasing the capability of this photocatalyst. The application of Ag3PO4-based photocatalyst is very prospective for hydrogen/oxygen production, organic pollutant degradation, antibiotic degradation, antibacterial, and environmental sensors.
Betung Bamboo-Based Magnetic Biochar for Dye Removal
Authors: Astuti Widi , Sulistyaningsih Triastuti , Hartanto Dhoni , Pradnya Irene Nindita , Rahmawati Khoiriyah , Kusnia Kusnia
Published: February 2023

Water is one of the vital resources of human life. The rapid development of the industrial sector in developing countries is one of the main factors that contribute to water pollution, due to a lack of environmental awareness. Therefore, it is very important to remove the pollutants from industrial wastewater before being discharged into water bodies. Adsorption using inexpensive and high availability materials such as magnetic biochar is a promising alternative. Embedding magnetite (Fe3O4) into biochar not only aims to solve the separating problem, but also to strengthen the adsorption performance of the biochar. This book chapter introduces the preparation and characterization of magnetic biochar derived from betung bamboo. Furthermore, a discussion was conducted to provide a perspective on the use of magnetic biochar in adsorption technology, particularly in the removal of dyes in an aqueous solution. Finally, the isotherm models for the magnetic biochar-dye system are discussed at the end of this chapter.
Development of Silica Thin Film as a Self-Cleaning Surface on Various Materials
Authors: Astuti Yayuk , Rahayu R. A. Yunita Suci , Estetika Esens
Published: February 2023

Materials with superhydrophobic surfaces have received great attention fom scientists recently. One of the materials that have this property is silica thin film. Silica thin film has been widely studied due to its high hydrophobicity and ability to be applied in various materials. Superhydrophobic silica thin film has a water contact angle of more than 150; consequently, it is suitable for applications as an anti-fogging, anti-reflective and self-cleaning material which is in great demand by the industry to develop. The development of superhydrophobic materials with self-cleaning capabilities has several advantages, such as reducing maintenance costs, increasing durability, preventing snow or ice adhesion, and protecting materials from the effects of environmental pollution. Superhydrophobic silica thin films have been developed in various materials that are on glass surfaces, wood surfaces, stainless-steel, and cotton fabric coatings. This chapter focuses on discussing the latest developments of superhydrophobic thin film silica applied on various materials.
Utilization of Vegetable and Fruit Waste as Raw Material of Bioethanol
Authors: Saputro Erwan Adi , Panjaitan Renova , Bobsaid Aiman Anas , Hutabarat Meisy Cruisyta
Published: February 2023

Most of the fruit and vegetable production ends up as agricultural waste. The waste is generated not only from fruits and vegetable residues that cannot be consumed directly, such as seeds, peels, and stems, but also from the result of inefficient post-harvest processing, in addition to the perishable nature of fruits and vegetables. Those wastes undoubtedly become a problem to the environment because it contributes to gas emissions production. Meanwhile, those wastes contain lignocellulose, starch, or sugar, which can be processed into bioethanol. As is known, bioethanol is an alternative in dealing with the problem of dwindling fossil energy. So, this chapter will overview various fruits and vegetable waste potential as raw materials for bioethanol production and the processing steps such as hydrolysis, fermentation, distillation, and dehydration. Besides, it will suggest future research about bioethanol production from fruits and vegetable wastes.
The Value of Cultural Diversity as a Language Curriculum Resource for Promoting Internationalization at Home
Authors: Katsara Ourania
Published: February 2023

This chapter discusses the importance of the concept of cultural diversity in language teaching. Internationalization at Home (IaH) practices in the literature illuminated the gap in putting internationalization crossways with intercultural learning, indicating the need to examine ways of integrating intercultural aspects such as cultural diversity in the internationalization of teaching and learning. Within this context, the chapter suggests the development of seminars based on a studied reading strategy entitled survey, question, read, recite, and review (SQ3R) in order to help Greeks comprehend the concept of cultural diversity by discussing the variation within a larger cultural group sharing a common basis. A lesson plan of such a seminar highlighting how the steps of implementing the SQ3R strategy could facilitate students' understanding and enhance their IaH experience is described. Recommendations for future research on the effectiveness of such seminars are offered suggesting their possible potential in becoming part of a language curriculum resource which could promote IaH.
The Marketing of Business Education in Estonia
Authors: McKenzie Brent
Published: February 2023

This study examines how the internationalization of one sector of higher education—business education—within a small country that was forcibly incorporated into the former Soviet Union has attempted to carve out its own niche in this sector. Business education represented one of the most overt examples of the transition from the Soviet period of Communism, planned economies, and free education, to one based on Capitalism, market economies, and a blend of funding models. This research takes a historical view of these changes from the period prior to the re-establishment of Estonian independence in 1991, to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. This study, aided by insights and analysis drawn from primary and secondary research, of the first private University in Estonia, the Estonian Business School will frame the evolution of business education within the growth and transition of the country of Estonia.