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A review of the intertidal Medon Stephens (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae, Paederinae) with description of a new species on the East Asian coasts
No full textA taxonomic review of the seashore-inhabiting Medon Stephens along the East Asian coasts is presented based on morphological and molecular characters (COI). Specimens of Medon calculosus Ahn & Jeon, sp. nov. and M. tomokoae Shibata & Fujimoto are extremely similar to each other, although there are differences in the form and structure of the aedeagus. Detailed comparison of morphological characters and molecular analyses based on genetic divergence and gene tree monophyly for species delimitation support the validity of the new species. Intraspecific genetic divergence of COI using uncorrected p-distance among Medon individuals ranged from 0% to 0.79%, while interspecific divergence among three Korean Medon species ranged from 7.74% to 11.69%. Morphological characters of M. calculosus Ahn & Jeon, sp. nov., M. prolixus (Sharp), and M. tomokoae are compared. The new species is described with illustrations of diagnostic characters and a key to species of the East Asian coastal Medon is presented
Assessment of awareness about contraception among a sample of Iraqi women using hormonal contraceptives: a cross-sectional study
No full textNon-adherence to hormonal contraceptives is often due to lack of information, fear of adverse effects, and social and religious stigmas. The aim is to assess the women’s awareness and adherence to hormonal contraceptives among women of childbearing age and also to track the adverse effects of hormonal contraception. A cross-sectional, community-based study involved 80 women who were assessed for the level of women’s awareness and adherence using a validated Arabic questionnaire. Women had moderate levels of knowledge about hormonal contraceptives (46.25%), a neutral attitude level constituted the majority of women’s responses (52.5%), and a good practice level (53.75%). Most of the women (68.75%) had good adherence levels. Higher levels of non-adherence were associated with mood swings (84%) and depression (84%). There was a strong direct correlation between awareness score and higher adherence score. Regarding the education levels of wives, there was a direct significant correlation between awareness scores and higher adherence scores. In conclusion, the women had moderate knowledge, neutral attitudes, and good practices about contraception, mainly due to university education. Adherence to hormonal contraceptives was positively associated with good awareness
Two new species in the green lacewing genus Santocellus (Neuroptera, Chrysopidae, Leucochrysini)
No full textBased on adult morphological features, two new species are described and assigned to the leucochrysine genus Santocellus: Santocellus legrandi sp. nov. from Central America and Santocellus helene sp. nov. from Bolivia. As a result, the genus, which now contains five known species, becomes more securely defined. An updated catalog and an illustrated key to the known Santocellus species are provided
Forage harvesting using branch pruning compromises sustainable use and conservation of Pterocarpus erinaceus Poir., an endangered species
No full textPterocarpus erinaceus Poir. is a leguminous tree species with huge forage value. It is subjected to heavy pruning pressure in dry season for livestock feeding, resulting in yearly decline of forage production and vulnerability of the species which is currently classified as endangered species. This study aimed at: (i) identifying factors influencing branch pruning pressure on P. erinaceus tree, (ii) assessing the effect of branch pruning on foliage production of the species and (iii) developing allometric equations for estimating its foliage biomass. We measured leaf biomass on representative living branches on 48 individual trees of P. erinaceus distributed in protected and communal areas following topography gradient. Branch size distribution and branch pruning ratio (PR) expressing human pressure on sampled trees were appreciated. Results indicated that PR was significantly (p-value < 0.001) influenced by tree morphological traits such as diameter at breast height (DBH) and crown area, and tree density around sampled tree. Linear regression highlighted the dominance of small branches on sampled trees both for pruned and living branches, suggesting a regular pruning of trees. Topography position and PR were found as main factors affecting the species leaf production (p < 0.05). The potential leaf biomass estimated at 15.09 ± 6.58 kg per tree is reduced by 35.98% when using branch pruning for forage harvesting. DBH and PR were the best predictor variables for estimating leaf production of the species. Allometric model developed is a useful tool for optimizing harvesting activities and secure sustainable use of the species. Based on the harvesting pressure observed on the species, the promotion of more conservative harvesting techniques such as cutting of leafy twigs for forage harvesting instead of branch pruning and preserving of heavy pruned trees from harvesting during few years are highly recommended for enabling fast renewal of branches and seed production for species regeneration. Findings and recommendations from this case study on P. erinaceus could be used to improve the management of tree species subjected to similar harvesting pressure across tropical regions
Redescription of Papuanatula Lugo-Ortiz & McCafferty (Ephemeroptera, Baetidae), with description of a new subgenus and 20 new species
No full textMaterial from the type localities of most described species of Papuanatula and rich material newly collected across New Guinea and on the island Sulawesi form the bases for this comprehensive study of the genus, including the description of a new subgenus Papuafiliola subgen. nov. and 20 new species. Species delimitation is based on morphology of larvae and partly also imagos, supported by mitochondrial DNA data (COI) for some of the species. The total number of species is augmented from six to 26. The genus has a disjunct distribution on the islands New Guinea (incl. New Britain) and Sulawesi. A key to the larvae of all species is provided. Morphological similarities, the relationship of Papuanatula to other genera of Baetidae, and possible explanations for the high diversity in New Guinea are discussed
Invasive Prunus serotina vs. Robinia pseudoacacia: How does temperate forest natural regeneration respond to their quantity?
No full textInvasive trees negatively impact forests, by making the vegetation more homogeneous when invaders are present than when they are absent. Here, we aim to more deeply understand the effects of invasive trees on forests with a focus on seedlings and saplings and how they respond to continuous variation in aboveground biomass of invaders rather than presence/absence. Our findings are useful for close-to-nature silviculture, as they elucidate how much natural regeneration will change under particular biomasses of invasive species. Specifically, we evaluate the relationships of two invasive tree species: black cherry Prunus serotina Ehrh. and black locust Robinia pseudoacacia L. with natural tree regeneration in temperate forests. We established 160 circular 0.05 ha plots in western Poland managed forests, in two different habitat types: nutrient-poor with Pinus sylvestris L. and nutrient-rich with Quercus spp. We assessed natural regeneration by counting all trees < 1.3 m in height, within four circular subplots (r = 3 m). Relationships between invader biomass and regeneration of other tree species were idiosyncratic. Natural regeneration of dominant forest-forming tree species (P. sylvestris, Quercus petraea) decreased with increasing invader biomass, while shade-tolerant, nitrophilous tree and shrub regeneration increased with invader biomass. The most negatively correlated were P. sylvestris in nutrient-poor habitats and Q. petraea in both nutrient-poor and rich habitats. We observed increased density of other non-native species as R. pseudoacacia abundance increased, in line with the invasional meltdown hypothesis
The Formal Model for the butterfly Pieris napi (Lepidoptera, Pieridae) agent-based model in the Animal Landscape and Man Simulation System (ALMaSS)
No full textWe present a formal model for Pieris napi, the green-veined white. This model is intended for inclusion in the Animal Landscape and Man Simulation System as the basis for regulatory assessment of the impacts of pesticides on butterfly pollinators. We propose implementing the model using an individual-based format, with the added complication of a dynamically coupled individual-based model for parasitoids and hyperparasitoids. The model’s main drivers are weather, temperature and the distribution of larval food plants and nectar forage resources in space and time. A prototype model description is presented, describing the full model ready for implementation. The model considers individuals at all life stages, from eggs to adults and utilises thermal performance models to represent development. Movement is modelled in detail, integrating dispersal, egg laying and foraging. Mortality sources include parasitoids, background mortality, slow development and pesticide and farm management mortality. A simple toxicological model is described as a basis for future expansion
Advancements and global perspectives in the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles: A two-decade analysis
No full textSilver nanoparticles, also known as AgNPs, have earned significant attention from scientists due to their remarkable physicochemical characteristics. These traits encompass potent antibacterial effects, plasmonic activity, and a notable surface area-to-volume ratio. The conventional methods for synthesizing (AgNPs) typically involve the use of hazardous chemicals. This practice not only poses risks to the environment and human health but also goes against the core principles of sustainability that underpin modern scientific research. This has led to the concept of “green synthesis,” which pertains to the utilization of natural resources, including plant extracts, microbes, and biomolecules, with the intent of filling the role of stabilizing and reducing agents. Bibliometric research analyzes systematic literary data statistically. This study used bibliometric indicators to examine, map, and evaluate global green synthesis research output on AgNPs. A Scopus search was performed to find all English-language peer-reviewed scientific works on AgNPs produced in the last two decades. Bibliometric indicators were determined using VOSviewer and Biblioshiny. We made thematic, conceptual, and visualization charts. A grand total of 4079 published documents were obtained. Indian authors exhibited the highest level of activity, accounting for around 41.8% of the overall publications. Conversely, researchers from the United States (USA) demonstrated the most substantial scientific influence. The findings of the study indicate a lack of substantial international collaboration within the scope of this research domain. The process of keyword mapping has successfully identified the primary areas of research focus and current trends within this particular field of study. The key clusters identified through theme and hotspot analyses included multimodal techniques in biosynthesis and characterization, antibacterial and antifungal action, in addition to anticancer, antioxidant activity, and apoptosis. The present work undertook an analysis and mapping of the growing domain of green synthesis research of (AgNPs), while also identifying diverse applications associated with AgNPs. AgNPs were employed as drug delivery systems in order to selectively target cancer cells and enhance the bioavailability of anticancer drugs. The study demonstrated the potential of customizing these NPs for precise medication administration by including biocompatible chemicals through biofunctionalization. Moreover, AgNPs have been applied in diagnostic imaging due to their good optical characteristics. However, clinical research is still required in order to transform this fundamental insight into formulations that are clinically useful
Checklist of ichthyoplankton of NORI-D polymetallic nodule exploration claim (eastern Clarion-Clipperton Zone) during winter 2021
No full textThere been increasing interest in polymetallic nodule mining within the Clarion-Clipperton Zone (CCZ). Polymetallic nodule mining within NORI-D will release a sediment plume within the water column and a previous mining collector test within the Nauru Ocean Resources Inc. (NORI-D) contract area released surface pollution from mining tailings. The mid-water plume, as well as accidental surface pollution, indicate that polymetallic nodule mining could impact surface plankton. Although the ichthyoplankton within the eastern tropical Pacific have been well-studied, recent data from within polymetallic nodule mining licence areas is lacking. Environmental Expedition C5e conducted an environmental baseline assessment of both pelagic and benthic fauna within the NORI-D region of the CCZ, which included the opportunistic collection of ichthyoplankton.Ichthyoplankton were collected within NORI-D from November–December 2021 using two plankton nets and a Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV). Here, we present a checklist of ichthyoplankton within the NORI-D licence area during this winter campaign. Eighteen samples were collected and identified through morphology, with a limited number identified through genetic sequencing. Specimens were from five orders, including Argentiniformes, Stomiiformes, Myctophiformes, Beloniformes and Scombriformes. This checklist will aid contractors and scientists conducting work within the CCZ to examine how wastewater discharge from polymetallic nodule mining could impact fish reproduction and ichthyoplankton survival
Three new species of Polleniidae (Diptera) from China
No full textDexopollenia guangxiensis Liu, Li & Yao, sp. nov., Dexopollenia chongqingensis Liu, Li & Yao, sp. nov. and Xanthotryxus huapingensis Liu, Li & Yao, sp. nov. from the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region and Chongqing are described and illustrated. Keys to species of the genera Dexopollenia and Xanthotryxus from China are provided. Photographs of the habitus and male genitalia of the new species are also provided