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Navigating uncertainty in museum workflows: genomic data mining and curation of the Diptera collections hosted at RMCA
No full textAs part of its extensive Diptera holdings, the Royal Museum for Central Africa (RMCA) houses over 100,000 specimens of Tephritidae and Syrphidae, which represent a critical resource for taxonomic and systematic research. Here, we present a feasibility study evaluating streamlined workflows for genomic data mining and archiving in museum collections. We analysed DNA yield, quality and sequencing performance from more than 1,400 insect vouchers and found few predictable trends, reflecting the nature of heterogeneous and skewed groups of samples collected under largely unknown field conditions. Regardless, our results show that Illumina short read whole genome sequencing can work well even with degraded insect material. In this context, routine short-read sequencing offers a practical first step for genomic data mining, particularly for large collections. It enables us to reserve more complex and resource-intensive methods for the subset of samples that fail initial sequencing (7% of specimens, in our case). As an outcome of this work, RMCA’s archiving system has been adapted to integrate genomic data and metadata alongside traditional specimen records. We argue that genomic data should be treated as an integral component of collection management, enhancing scientific value, supporting long term preservation and improving traceability of genetic resources in natural history collections
Confirmed occurrence of the eel goby Taenioides gracilis (Valenciennes in Cuvier & Valenciennes, 1837) (Gobiiformes, Gobiidae) from the Kuantan River estuary, Peninsular Malaysia
No full textTwo gobiid specimens collected from the tidal flat in the Kuantan River estuary, east coast of Peninsular Malaysia were identified as Taenioides gracilis (Valenciennes in Cuvier & Valenciennes, 1837) based on the morphological characters. The species has been known from Indo-west Pacific; however, previous Malaysian records of “Taenioides gracilis” had been misidentifications of other members of the Taenioides group because of taxonomic confusion with other species of Taenioides. The Kuantan specimens represent the first reliable records of T. gracilis in Malaysia
Current state of the art in therapeutic management of osteoarthritis
No full textOsteoarthritis is the most frequent rheumatic disease affecting the joints. Recent advances in genetic and biochemical studies reveal the mechanisms behind the degenerative process in OA; however, there is no known compound that can definitively halt the degenerative cascade. Numerous pharmacologic in vitro and animal model studies have been conducted in recent years to assess the efficacy and safety of new chemical and biological agents and plant-derived substances—candidates for novel osteoarthritis drugs. The aim of the study is to present the current state of the art in the therapeutic management of osteoarthritis. Nevertheless, the primary targets of current treatment are pain relief and improvement of joint mobility. Autologous conditioned serum represents a new direction in the development of disease-modifying osteoarthritic drugs for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis. This therapy is a simple, safe, and conservative option with limited adverse effects and few contraindications. Biological approaches, such as the use of human granulocyte colony stimulating factor combined with autologous activated peripheral blood stem cells or platelet-rich plasma, appear to be among the most promising strategies for cartilage recovery. In advanced cases, for patients with osteoarthritis of the knee and hip, arthroplasty is performed
Interpretable Clustering Using Dempster-Shafer Theory
No full textThis study presents DSClustering, a novel algorithm that merges clustering validity with interpretability using the Dempster-Shafer theory. Traditional clustering methods like K-means, DBSCAN, and agglomerative clustering, while widely used for their efficiency and accuracy, often fall short in transparency, creating barriers in critical fields such as healthcare, finance, and consumer analytics where decision-making requires clear, interpretable insights. DSClustering aims to bridge this gap by assigning clusters based on belief functions from Dempster-Shafer theory, which allows it to generate rule-based explanations for each data point’s cluster assignment. Through detailed experiments on real-world datasets, including consumer behavior and airline satisfaction data, we evaluate DSClustering against traditional algorithms using key metrics such as Silhouette score, Rand index and Dunn’s index for clustering validity. The results indicate that DSClustering not only performs competitively but also offers a clear interpretative layer, making it suitable for applications where understanding model outputs is as essential as the accuracy of the outputs themselves. This work underscores the increasing importance of interpretability in machine learning, particularly in unsupervised learning, where transparency is typically challenging to achieve. DSClustering demonstrates a promising approach for balancing robust clustering with user-oriented interpretability, potentially encouraging broader adoption of interpretable clustering models in data-critical industries
Karyotype of Hynobius fucus Lai et Lue, 2008, a salamander endemic to Taiwan with comments in memory of June-Shian Lai, a pioneer in studies of mountainous salamanders (Urodela, Hynobiidae)
No full textThe chromosome number of Hynobius fucus was found by Lai and Lue (2008) to be 2n = 58, displaying a karyomorph similar to those previously reported in stream-type salamanders from Taiwan. Based not only on cytogenetic features but also on developmental characteristics such as the embryonic stage and the presence of interdigital membranes during limb formation this species can be confidently classified as a lotic stream-type salamander. Morescalchi (1975) proposed that karyotype evolution in families of urodeles tends to proceed from higher to lower chromosome numbers. Our findings from Taiwan suggest karyotype evolution within the genus Hynobius, that is, the chromosome number of this species may have increased from 2n = 56 in the pond-type ancestor to 2n = 58 in this stream-type lineage
Evaluation of large language models in pediatric dentistry: a Bloom’s taxonomy-based analysis
No full textAim: This study aimed to evaluate the performance of three large language models (LLMs)—ChatGPT-4.0, Claude 3.5 Sonnet, and DeepSeek R1—in answering multiple-choice questions (MCQs) related to pediatric dentistry. Accuracy and justification quality were analyzed using Bloom’s taxonomy. Materials and methods: A total of 90 MCQs were developed based on the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) guidelines, ensuring cognitive diversity across Bloom’s taxonomy levels. The models were assessed for answer accuracy and required to provide justifications, which were scored using a structured 4-point rubric by two independent pediatric dentistry experts. Statistical analyses, including Kruskal-Wallis tests and one-way ANOVA, were used to compare performance. Results: DeepSeek R1 demonstrated the highest accuracy (92.2%), followed by Claude 3.5 sonnet (86.6%) and ChatGPT-4.0 (72.2%). Significant differences in accuracy were observed at the “Understanding” level (p=0.009). Justification quality also varied significantly among models, with DeepSeek R1 outperforming the others (p<0.001). Inter-rater reliability was high (ICC: 0.615–0.848), showing the reliability of the evaluation. Conclusion: The study shows variations in LLM performance, with DeepSeek R1 excelling overall. It holds promise for pediatric dentistry education and AI decision-making, but further improvements are needed for better reasoning and clinical use
Neillia daloushanensis, a new species of Neillia (Rosaceae) from southwest China
No full textThrough detailed morphological comparison and robust molecular evidence, we confirm Neillia daloushanensis M.T.An & Xu Wu as a new species of Rosaceae from Guizhou province, southwest China. Morphologically, N. daloushanensis closely resembles N. gracilis but differs in several key traits: it is a creeping liana rather than a low subshrub; its stems are 0.6–1.5 cm long compared to the slender stems less than 0.5 cm tall in N. gracilis; its leaves are larger, measuring 5–9 × 3–6 cm vs. 2.5–3.5 × 2–3 cm; stipules are sessile, clasping, and larger (0.8–1.3 × 0.6–1.1 cm) rather than peitiolate and smaller (0.4–0.6 × 0.3–0.5 cm) without clasping; calyx tubes are densely pilose on both surfaces and bear stipitate glands abaxially, in contrast to the slightly pubescent, glandless calyx tubes of N. gracilis; and the seed number ranges from 2 to 4 instead of consistently 2. These morphological distinctions are further corroborated by molecular phylogenetic analysis based on 703 single-copy nuclear genes, supporting the recognition of N. daloushanensis as a distinct species within the genus
Four new species of Marasmius subgenus Globulares (Marasmiaceae, Agaricales) from subtropical regions of China
No full textMarasmius is a large genus in Agaricales, exhibiting rich species diversity and a wide distribution. In this study, four new species of Marasmius belonging to the subgenus Globulares were identified in subtropical regions of China. Morphologically, M. blandus is characterized by a light orange pileus, with a non-striate surface, medium-sized basidiospores, and subfusiform to narrowly utriform pleurocystidia; M. xingshanensis is identified by a brown pileus, variably shaped pleurocystidia, and absence of cheilocystidia; M. vulgaris is identified by large basidiospores, which are up to 16.0 μm long, narrowly fusiform to lageniform pleurocystidia, often with capitate, papillate, or constricted moniliform structures at apices; M. subpurpureostriatus is recognized by a grayish-green pileus with deeply sulcate violet striae, lamellae distant, and clavate to fusoid-clavate basidiospores, which are up to 22.0 μm long. The distinct taxonomic status of these four new species was confirmed by their positions in the 4-locus (ITS, LSU, tef-1α, rpb2) phylogenetic trees. Detailed descriptions and morphological photographs of four new species are provided in this paper
The Impact of ESG Indicators on Corporate Financial Performance: Evidence from Chinese Companies
No full textAs key actors in China’s transition to a green economy, companies are aligning their business strategies with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) goals. However, there is still a lack of empirical evidence on how ESG performance impacts financial outcomes in emerging markets. This study seeks to fill this gap by investigating the relationship between ESG indicators and corporate financial performance using a panel dataset of Chinese A-share companies, listed on Shanghai and Shenzhen exchanges, over the period from 2013 to 2022. Employing a two-way fixed-effects panel regression model, the analysis confirms a significant positive association between ESG performance and financial outcomes at the firm level. Furthermore, heterogeneity analysis reveals that this positive impact is more pronounced among NSOEs than SOEs. This differential impact is attributed to NSOEs’ greater operational flexibility and responsiveness to market conditions in implementing ESG strategies. The findings contribute to the growing body of literature on ESG, offering a large sample of context-specific evidence from China and highlighting ownership structure as a critical moderating factor. These results have practical implications for policymakers and investors seeking to promote sustainable economic growth through ESG-based practices in emerging markets
Additions to the taxonomy of the Auriculariales (Basidiomycota) with pedunculate basidia
No full textIn the present paper, we revise the taxonomy of the Auriculariales having pedunculate (stalked) basidia. In total, sixteen new species from Europe, East Asia, North and South America, and tropical Africa are described. They are classified among the genera Hydrophana, Mycostilla, Myxarium, Protoacia, Protohydnum, and Protomerulius. In addition, the generic affiliation of eleven extant species is re-established based on phylogenetic and/or morphological evidence. A new genus, Elmericium, is introduced to accommodate a crust-like fungus, E. alabastrinum, from East Asia; phylogenetic data place it in the vicinity of the anatomically similar poroid genera Elmerina and Protodaedalea (Auriculariaceae). The generic description of Protohydnum is amended; in its current scope, the genus encompasses several species formerly assigned to Bourdotia, Ductifera, and Exidiopsis. Available environmental data point to a wider distribution of some Protomerulius spp. and greater species diversity in the genus than currently surmised from physical fungal samples