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Doronicum micranthum (Asteraceae, Senecioneae): a distinct new species from western Qinling, China
No full textDoronicum micranthum (Asteraceae, Senecioneae), a new species from Hui County and Liangdang County in southeastern Gansu Province, China, is described and illustrated. This species is closely related to D. stenoglossum Maxim. and D. conaense Y.L.Chen, with which it shares the following characters: the ray florets are equal to or shorter than the involucre, and the small capitula are arranged in racemes at the stem apex. It differs by having swollen (vs. not swollen) rhizomes, smaller capitula (0.5–1.4 vs. 2–2.5 cm in diameter), and all florets’ achenes that are glabrous and lack a pappus (vs. achenes in all florets puberulent, pappus present, or glabrous and without pappus in ray florets, densely pubescent and bearing a pappus in disk florets)
The first record of Calamoceras illiesi Malicky & Kumanski, 1974 (Trichoptera, Calamoceratidae) and confirmation of the occurrence of Mystacides azureus Linnaeus, 1761 (Trichoptera, Leptoceridae) from Georgia
No full textIn this paper, we provide evidence of the presence of Calamoceras illiesi Malicky & Kumanski 1974 in the South Caucasus for the first time. In addition, the occurrence of Mystacides azureus Linnaeus, 1761 is confirmed in Georgia, with the initial photograph observation in social media supported by the collection of specimens from several locations in the country. Detailed collection data, photos of preserved specimens, and habitat of C. illiesi in Georgia are provided along with a map of known records for both species
Synopsis of the Triassic reptiles from Germany
No full textTriassic strata in the portion of the Central European Basin (CEB) that cover parts of conterminous Germany have yielded a long if discontinuous record of continental tetrapods spanning this period. The classic Germanic Triassic succession comprises two mostly terrestrial units, the Buntsandstein and Keuper groups, separated by the predominantly marine Muschelkalk Group (Fig. 1). Thus, it is not possible to trace lineages of terrestrial tetrapods continuously through the entire Triassic Period. Skeletal remains of Early and early Middle Triassic (Induan-early Anisian) reptiles are rare in the Buntsandstein Group and mainly known from the Upper Buntsandstein Subgroup. The Middle Triassic (Anisian-Ladinian) marine carbonates of the Muschelkalk Group have yielded a considerable diversity of sauropterygians together with a few ichthyopterygians, a possible thalattosaurian, and the long-necked tanysaurian archosauromorph Tanystropheus. The late Middle and Late Triassic continental deposits of the Keuper Group preserve a substantial record of the rapidly diversifying crocodile-line and bird-line archosaurs together with stem-forms of some tetrapod crown clades such as turtles and lepidosaurs. In recent years, many new discoveries have greatly increased our knowledge of reptiles from the Keuper Group, especially from the Ladinian-age Lower Keuper Subgroup. The latest Triassic (Rhaetian) is represented by bonebeds containing bones and teeth of marine and continental vertebrates including reptiles that were deposited before the Early Jurassic transgression completely inundated the CEB. This paper provides a detailed overview of the currently known taxa of reptiles from the Triassic of conterminous Germany and explores some more general aspects of this fossil record
Assessing the effect of sampling proxies on plesiosaur taxic diversity with comments on implications for Mesozoic sampling design
No full textThe fossil record of plesiosaurs, while extensive, is strongly affected by geological and anthropogenic biases that may obscure true diversity patterns. This study evaluates the influence of rock availability and sampling effort on taxic diversity estimates (TDE) of plesiosaurians throughout the Mesozoic period and proposes a method for determining priority stages for future fossil sampling. Two primary proxies—the number of fossiliferous marine formations (FMF) and fossil marine collections (FMC)—are considered. Our findings indicate that neither FMF nor FMC alone accounts for observed diversity peaks and troughs in plesiosaurian TDE. To address this, we integrate phylogenetic diversity estimates (PDE) into our framework, using the difference between PDE and TDE (i.e., phylogenetic residuals) to identify stratigraphic stages where recorded diversity likely underrepresents true lineage richness. This combined approach reveals that some previously recognized declines in TDE—such as during the Berriasian—are consistent with low sampling proxy values and may reflect genuine sampling bias. In contrast, other intervals, particularly the Aalenian–Bathonian, Valanginian and Coniacian ages, exhibit low TDE despite limited rock and collection data but high phylogenetic residuals, highlighting them as high-priority targets for future paleontological fieldwork. These stages represent critical intervals for testing the consistency between diversity models based on sampling proxies and phylogenetically inferred diversity trends
Informatieverschaffing over de dubbele materialiteitsanalyse door beursgenoteerde ondernemingen in Nederland
No full textIn dit artikel wordt verslag gedaan van een onderzoek naar de rapportage over de dubbele materialiteitsanalyse door de eerste groep (grote) in Nederland beursgenoteerde ondernemingen die heeft gerapporteerd op basis van de Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD). Het onderzoek laat diversiteit zien in de gehanteerde aanpak, maar over het algemeen transparante informatieverschaffing over de aanpak en de belangrijkste uitkomsten. Verbetering is mogelijk in het concreet maken van de wijze waarop ondernemingen de waarschijnlijkheid, omvang en aard van de effecten van de geïdentificeerde risico’s en kansen beoordelen en de gehanteerde parameters. Daarnaast kan de connectiviteit tussen het CSRD-verslag en de jaarrekening worden verbeterd door concreter in te gaan op de financiële effecten van duurzaamheidskwesties
Prognostic value of osteoprotegerin for estimation of cardiovascular risk in patients with long-standing type 1 diabetes mellitus
No full textВъведение: Сърдечно-съдовите заболявания (ССЗ) са основно усложнение при пациенти с дългогодишен тип 1 захарен диабет (Т1ЗД), като остеопротегринът (ОПГ) се разглежда като потенциален биомаркер за сърдечно-съдов риск (ССР). Настоящото проучване цели да оцени прогностичната стойност на ОПГ при пациенти с Т1ЗД, използвайки STENO Type 1 Risk Engine (ST1RE) и ESC – 2019. Материал и методи: Настоящото проспективно проучване тип случай-контрола включва 183 участници: 124 с Т1ЗД (53.2% мъже на възраст 42.7 ± 10.4 години, продължителност на диабета 25.3 ± 8.2 години) и 59 здрави контроли (54.1% мъже, на възраст 45.1 ± 9.1 години). Серумните нива на ОПГ са определени с ELISA; CRP – имуно-турбидиметричен метод (Advia chemistry 1800); HbA1C (%) – имуно-инхибиционен анализ (ADVIA chemistry 1800); албумин в урина (AlbU) (mg/l) – имуно-турбидиметричен анализ (Olympus AU600). Инструменти за оценка на ССР: STENO Type 1 Risk Engine (ST1RE) и ESC – 2019. Моделът RiskFactor3 е конструиран като комбинация от: CRP ≥ 3 mg/l, HbA1C ≥ 7% и AlbU ≥ 30 mg/l. Резултати: Не открихме значима междугрупова разлика в ОПГ, но и в двете групи OПГ е отчетен по-висок при жените: T1ЗД 5.34 ± 1.2 pmol/l срещу 5.73 ± 1.83 pmol/l и контролна група 5.06 ± 1.65 pmol/l срещу 6.16 ± 2.38 pmol/l, p < 0.05. Възрастта, продължителността на заболяването и AlbU са значими положителни детерминанти за OПГ при пациентите с T1ЗД: R² = 3% – възраст, R² = 4.8% – продължителност на T1ЗД, R² = 3.9% – AlbU, p < 0.05. Според ESC –2019, 30.6% от пациентите с T1ЗД са с висок ССР, 69.4% – с много висок CСР; според ST1RE 38.7% от пациентите с T1ЗД са с нисък, 28.2% – с умерен, и 33.1% – с висок CСР. Според ST1RE AUC-ROC за мъжете е 0.716 (p = 0.005), cut-off = 5.075 pmol/l (ДЧ 70.8%, ДС 55.9%); за жените – 0.683 (p = 0.039), cut-off = 5.355 pmol/l (ДЧ 66.7%, ДС 60%). Относно ESC-2019, AUC-ROC за жените е 0.644 (p = 0.102), cut-off = 5.025 pmol/l (ДЧ 70%, ДС 60%). Заключение: ОПГ е обещаващ биомаркер за оценка на ССР при Т1ЗД. Връзките на ОПГ с възрастта, продължителността на заболяването и AlbU подчертават неговото прогностично значение. Интегрирането на ОПГ в клиничната практика би могло да подобри ранната диагностика и персонализираното управление на ССР. Background: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a major complication in patients with long-standing type 1 diabetes (T1D). Osteoprotegerin (OPG) has been proposed as a biomarker for cardiovascular risk (CVR), though its utility in this context requires further evaluation. This study aimed to assess the prognostic signifi cance of OPG in CVR estimation among T1D patients using specifi c CVR assessment tools. Patients and Methods: This prospective case–control study includes 183 participants: 124 with T1D (53.2% men, aged 42.7 ± 10.4 years, diabetes duration 25.3 ± 8.2 years) and 59 healthy controls (54.1% men, aged 45.1 ± 9.1 years). Serum OPG levels were determined via ELISA; CRP – immune-turbidimetric method (Advia chemistry 1800); HbA1C (%) – immuno-inhibition assay (ADVIA chemistry 1800); AlbU (mg/l) – immuno-turbidimetric analysis (Olympus AU600). CVR evaluation tools: STENO Type 1 Risk Engine (ST1RE) and ESC – 2019 guidelines. A RiskFactor3 model combined CRP ≥ 3 mg/l, HbA1C ≥ 7%, and AlbU ≥ 30 mg/l. Results: No signifi cant intergroup differences in OPG levels were observed. However, OPG was observably higher in women across both groups (T1D: 5.34 ± 1.2 pmol/l vs. 5.73 ± 1.83 pmol/l; controls: 5.06 ± 1.65 pmol/l vs. 6.16 ± 2.38 pmol/l, p < 0.05). In T1D patients, age (R² = 3%), disease duration (R² = 4.8%), and AlbU (R² = 3.9%) were signifi cant positive determinants of OPG (p < 0.05). According to ESC-2019, 30.6% of T1D patients had high CVR and 69.4% had very high CVR. ST1RE classifi ed 38.7% as low, 28.2% as moderate, and 33.1% as high CVR. ST1RE’s AUC-ROC for males was 0.716 (p = 0.005) with a cut-off of 5.075 pmol/l, and for females, 0.683 (p = 0.039) with a cut-off of 5.355 pmol/l. For ESC-2019, the AUC-ROC for females was 0.644 (p = 0.102) with a cut-off of 5.025 pmol/l. Conclusion: OPG is a promising biomarker for assessing CVR in patients with long-standing T1D. Higher OPG levels in women and its associations with age, disease duration, and AlbU emphasize its potential prognostic role. Using ST1RE and ESC-2019, OPG effectively stratifi ed patients by CVR. Incorporating OPG into clinical practice could improve early detection and personalized management of CVR in T1D patients
Evaluating monkeypox knowledge among Jordanian pharmacists and pharmacy students: bridging the knowledge gap
No full textBackground: The World Health Organization has declared monkeypox a global public health emergency. The involvement of healthcare providers, such as pharmacists, plays a crucial role in disease control. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted to assess the knowledge of monkeypox among Jordanian pharmacists and pharmacy students, as well as their ability to diagnose and manage monkeypox cases. The survey was developed based on an extensive literature review, assessed for face and content validity, and pilot tested. It was divided into three sections addressing demographics, knowledge, and the ability to diagnose and manage monkeypox cases. Results: The mean age of the study participants (n = 586) was 24.94 years (SD = 6.93). The primary information source about monkeypox was published research. The total knowledge scores (TK-score) ranged from −5 to 17, with a median of 6 (IQR: 3.0–9.0), while the symptoms knowledge scores (SK-score) ranged from −5 to 9, with a median of 2 (IQR: 1.0–4.0). A significant difference in TK-score was observed between males and females (p-value = 0.003), with a median TK-score of 5.0 for males (IQR: 3.0–8.0) and 6.0 for females (IQR: 4.0–9.0). Most participants were not confident in their ability to diagnose (82.9%) or manage (79.9%) monkeypox cases. Conclusion: Study participants demonstrated moderate knowledge concerning monkeypox. However, some items revealed areas for improvement, such as understanding transmission modes and prevention strategies. The findings also revealed low confidence levels in diagnosing and managing monkeypox. The moderate knowledge, coupled with low confidence, highlights the need for educational intervention
Integrating nature-based solutions in estuary management: A climate mitigation perspective from Demak, Central Java
No full textEstuaries are vital ecosystems that play a crucial role in mitigating the impacts of climate change. They act as natural buffers against rising sea levels and coastal erosion while serving as significant carbon sinks due to their diverse and productive ecosystems. Integrating Nature-based Solutions (NbS) into estuary management offers a promising approach to mitigate the impacts of climate change while enhancing ecosystem services and community resilience. This study focuses on the potential of NbS in managing estuaries in Demak, Central Java, a region highly vulnerable to coastal hazards such as erosion, flooding, and land subsidence. Key strategies explored include mangrove restoration, sustainable aquaculture, and community-driven conservation efforts. The findings demonstrate that these approaches can reduce the risks associated with climate change, improve biodiversity, and support local livelihoods by providing sustainable economic opportunities. Mangrove restoration in Bedono Village, Demak, illustrates how Nature-based Solutions (NbS) and hybrid engineering can address coastal subsidence, tidal flooding, and ecological degradation. Field observations (2022–2025) show that mangrove rehabilitation supported by permeable brushwood barriers has increased sediment accretion by 5–15 cm/year and enabled natural recruitment of Avicennia and Rhizophora, contributing to shoreline stabilization. Community-led restoration achieved estimated mangrove survival rates of 60–70%, while participatory activities involving youth and women strengthened local livelihoods and environmental stewardship. Comparative analysis with other Indonesian and regional projects highlights the effectiveness of integrating community engagement with low-cost engineering. The Bedono model demonstrates the potential of NbS to enhance coastal resilience, support carbon sequestration, and align with national climate strategies, offering a replicable framework for vulnerable estuarine regions
Accountability under pressure: Auditor going concern reporting and bankruptcy in the Netherlands
No full textThis study investigates the reporting behaviour of Dutch organizations under statutory audit requirements in the three years preceding bankruptcy. Using unique nationwide audit data (2012–2020), 572 bankruptcies of organizations subject to mandatory audits were identified. The results reveal widespread non-compliance with filing obligations, indicating weak accountability among firms nearing insolvency. In the year before bankruptcy, only a minority files audit opinions, and many fail to disclose material going concern uncertainties. Although bankruptcies of audited firms are rare (0.31% of audits), they inflict substantial societal harm, largely due to a few major failures. Delayed or missing filings thus serve as important early warning signals. Moreover, the results challenge the notion of a strong self-fulfilling prophecy effect of GCOs
Analyzing Integration of BRIC into GVCs: A Value-Added Trade Perspective
No full textThis paper examines the involvement of Brazil, Russia, India and China (BRIC) in the global value chains (GVCs) between 2000 and 2014. It focuses on domestic value-added exports and vertical specialization. We use WIOD tables to assess the position of these countries in GVCs and a decomposition of their trade in terms of value added. China exhibits substantial growth in all indicators, whereas the other countries’ results appear to be mixed. The study also considers the economies of Mexico and South Korea, highlighting Mexico’s declining participation in GVCs in contrast to the steady growth of South Korea’s involvement. To ensure sustained long-term economic growth, the BRICS countries and other emerging economies should create a common growth agenda and increase their participation in global value chains. The paper provides insights into the dynamics of trade and vertical specialization and thus contributes to better understanding of economic relations between the BRICS countries and other emerging economies