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Multilocus phylogeny and morphology reveal two new species of Lepiota (Agaricales, Verrucosporaceae) from southwestern China
No full textBased on phylogenetic and morphological evidence, two new Lepiota sect. Lepiota species collected from southwestern China are described and illustrated, namely L. brunneophora and L. ochraceosquamea. Lepiota brunneophora has a pileus with yellowish-brown to brown squamules and striations, a reddish-brown to purplish-brown stipe covered with whitish, floccose squamules, and penguin-shaped basidiospores with a narrowed apex. Lepiota ochraceosquamea is characterized by dark yellowish-brown to light ochre squamules on the pileus, a whitish annulus, broadly fusiform basidiospores, and a trichodermal pileus covering composed of subcylindrical terminal elements, narrowing toward the apex and lacking basal short elements. A comprehensive phylogenetic framework within L. sect. Lepiota, including agaricoid and sequestrate species, is also provided
The European Union‘s dependence on imports of active pharmaceutical ingredients from third countries – challenges and EU initiatives
No full textThe European Union’s dependence on imports of active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) from third countries has emerged as a critical challenge to the resilience of pharmaceutical supply chains and public health. Over recent decades, the production of API for generic medicines has progressively shifted outside the EU, primarily to China and India, leading to risk concentration and heightened vulnerability during global disruptions. The COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine further exacerbated the problem, illustrating how geopolitical and health crises can interrupt access to essential medicinal products. This study examines the existing regulatory frameworks and policy initiatives of the European Union aimed at diversifying supply sources, promoting domestic production, and strengthening strategic autonomy. It identifies the root causes of medicine shortages as well as potential risks to the Union’s health systems and economic security. The article underscores the need for a comprehensive and coordinated EU-level approach to ensure the security of medicine supply and to achieve greater resilience in the European pharmaceutical sector
On a new species of Chinapotamon Dai & Naiyanetr, 1994 and the first record of Chinapotamon pusillum (Song, 1984) and Songpotamon malipoense Shi, Pan & Sun, 2023 (Crustacea, Decapoda, Brachyura, Potamidae) from northern Vietnam
No full textThe presence of freshwater crabs of the genus Chinapotamon Dai & Naiyanetr, 1994 (Potamidae) in northern Vietnam was only recently established with the description of C. cf. depressum (Dai, Song, Li & Liang, 1980) from Cao Bang Province, and C. cf. pusillum (Song, 1984) and C. insulare Le, Dang & Do, 2024, from Quang Ninh Province (Le et al. 2024). Re-examination of the specimens referring to the first two species specimens in comparison with the holotypes and original descriptions of C. depressum and C. pusillum, revealed that C. cf. depressum represents a new species, herein named C. halangense sp. nov. While C. cf. pusillum is confirmed to be C. pusillum, a recorda that represents a range extension for the latter species. Chinapotamon halangense sp. nov., can be distinguished from congeners by distinct carapace proportions and clear differences in male gonopod morphology. In addition, we report on the discovery of Songpotamon malipoense Shi, Pan & Sun, 2023, from Ha Giang Province in northern Vietnam. As a result of these recent discoveries, Vietnam’s freshwater crab fauna now comprises 65 recognized species
Studies in phylogeny and divergence times of Irpicaceae and Meripilaceae (Polyporales, Basidiomycota), with an emphasis on Ceriporia and Meripilus including ten new species
No full textSpecies in Ceriporia and Meripilus are important wood-decaying fungi causing white rot on both angiosperm and gymnosperm wood. Morphologically, the two genera share similar micromorphology: a monomitic hyphal system of cyanophilous generative hyphae bearing simple septa. Phylogenetic and morphological analyses of Ceriporia and other related genera in Irpicaceae and Meripilus in Meripilaceae were carried out. Ceriporia is characterized by mostly resupinate basidiomata with a white to brightly colored pore surface when fresh, usually without changing color when bruised, and cylindrical to allantoid basidiospores. Meripilus is similar to Ceriporia, but it has resupinate, effused-reflexed to pileate basidiomata, sometimes with an erubescent pore surface when bruised, and ellipsoid to globose basidiospores. Phylogenies of species in the two genera were reconstructed with multiple-loci DNA sequences, including ITS, nLSU, nSSU, TEF1, RPB1, and RPB2, as well as two combined datasets: ITS+nLSU+TEF1+RPB1+nSSU for Ceriporia and ITS+nLSU+TEF1+RPB2+nSSU for Meripilus. Three new species of Ceriporia, one new species of Meruliopsis, and six new species of Meripilus are described and illustrated. Moreover, the evolutionary times of the Polyporales, including Irpicaceae and Meripilaceae, were revealed based on the conserved regions of three-loci DNA sequences (ITS+nLSU+TEF1). Irpicaceae and Meripilaceae are estimated to have emerged at the junction of the early and late Cretaceous, with mean crown ages of 108.9 Myr and 97.23 Myr, respectively. Bayesian evolutionary analysis shows that the divergence of Ceriporia emerged with a mean crown age of 83.61 Myr [95% highest posterior density (HPD): 65.25–106.35 Myr], which occurred during the late Cretaceous; the initial diversification of Meripilus also occurred during the late Cretaceous, with a mean crown age of 81.38 Myr [95% HPD: 61.89–105.78 Myr]
Morphological and molecular identification of new species and records of Daldinia (Hypoxylaceae, Xylariales) from Guizhou Province, China
No full textMembers of Daldinia are widely distributed and commonly found on decaying wood, branches, and diseased leaves. In this study, four strains of Daldinia were isolated from diseased leaves of Indocalamus hirsutissimus and Rubus idaeus in Guizhou Province, China. Species identification was conducted using combined nuc rDNA ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 (ITS), partial sequences of the large subunit (28S), RNA polymerase II subunit 2 (rpb2), and beta-tubulin (tub2) sequence data, along with morphological comparisons. We introduce the new species D. rubi and D. eschscholtzii, accompanied by a new host record on Indocalamus hirsutissimus, supported by both morphological features and molecular evidence. In addition, a comprehensive analysis of D. eschscholtzii’s worldwide host distribution revealed that it spans 56 plant families across 31 countries. This study enhances our understanding of the species diversity of Daldinia and its broad host range, providing a new perspective for taxonomic research
Design Blast Factors Assessment and its Effect on Rock Fragmentation at Limestone Quarry, Setif, Algeria
No full textBlasting outcomes significantly impact all subsequent operations in quarrying and mining. The factors affecting blasting results are categorized as controllable, such as blast geometry and explosive characteristics, or non-controllable, including geological conditions and regulatory requirements. Achieving optimal fragmentation requires careful adjustment of controllable parameters to align with non-controllable parameters. This study analyzed four distinct blast designs by examining the influence of blast design parameters on rock fragmentation. Rock samples from each blast face were tested, and digital images of the resulting muckpiles were processed using WipFrag 3.3 software to assess the fragmentation. Particle size distributions (PSD) were established for each blast, and mean particle fragment sizes (MeanPS) were correlated with the respective blast design parameters. For a gyratory crusher with a 1200 mm feed size, the percentage cumulative passing ranged from 89.1%–100%. The study found strong correlations between MeanPS and factors such as the stiffness ratio and powder factor (PF). Specifically, MeanPS increased with the stiffness ratio (correlation coefficient: 76.13%) and decreased as PF increased (correlation coefficient: 98.74%). Conversely, the spacing-to-burden ratio had a minimal effect on the fragment size. All four-blast events studied produced good fragmentation, with a uniformity index ranging from 1.16 to 1.61. The study concluded that blast design parameters significantly influence rock fragmentation. The stiffness ratio and PF showed a high correlation with MeanPS. Regular assessment and optimization of these parameters can enhance the efficiency and productivity of quarrying operations in the long term
Adjustment of a Precise Levelling Network Without Using the Means of Line Elevations
No full textThe precise geometric levelling has been the main method for establishing height reference systems since the eighteenth century. Despite evaluating the methodology of measurements, levelling equipment, and the knowledge about the systematic effect of some natural processes, some systematic errors in the levelling data processing are still used in the geodetic practice. Such a systematic data processing error uses the mean of the measured line elevations in opposite directions. A newly revealed distribution Cv(n) gives the probability that the mean of n observations has the least true error than each of these n observations. The maximum value of the Cv(n) probability density function is in the case of the uniformly distributed data and n=3. In this case, Cv(n=3) < 0.50. The common case for the precise levelling is a line elevation to be measured twice, i.e., n=2. Then, the probability Cv(n=2) < 0.33. Consequently, using original values of the measured line elevations as initial data in an adjustment of a levelling network is expected to give better results than their means. The expected increase in accuracy is estimated to be twice. To test this theory, we readjusted the Third Levelling of Bulgaria network /1975-1984/ by selecting one of the two measured line elevations by a greedy algorithm. Comparison of the samples of benchmark height standard errors obtained by applying only the original measurements on the one hand, and the means of the other, shows the superiority of the proposed approach. Comparison of the means by t-test confirms this conclusion at a significance level higher than 99.99%. Comparison of the variations of the benchmark standard error samples rejected the null hypothesis of the sample variance equality at a significance level higher than 99%. In addition, the analysis of the differences between the adjusted benchmark heights reveals a systematic inclination of the classical adjusted variant in the Southeast-Northwest direction greater than +0.10 mm/km. The last value is close to the estimated systematic error of the Third Levelling of Bulgari
Educational Outcomes of Cross-Course Learning in Interior Architecture
No full textIn order to implement the concept of Project-Based Learning within the bachelor’s program in Furniture and Interior Design (FID) at the Faculty of Architecture and Urban Planning, Politehnica University of Timișoara (FAUT), the curricular structure was designed to support the design process in a logical and progressive manner over the three years of study. The disciplines associated with design are organized into three categories, corresponding to the fundamental components of design: artistic, functional, and technical. Starting from the premise that design belongs to the field of arts, the first year is predominantly conceptual and artistic, while gradually introducing elements related to graphic representation, materials, construction techniques, and ergonomic principles. The second year maintains the artistic component—supported by the Form Study Studio and the Stylistics course—but places greater emphasis on the functional aspects of space and furniture. At the same time, technical knowledge diversifies to include digital representation, constructability, and finishes. The third year shifts its focus toward the technical detailing of the spatial and formal concept, in close correlation with complementary disciplines from both the humanities and engineering domains. This progression aims to prepare students for the diploma project, for continuing their studies through a master’s program in interior architecture, and for professional practice. This paper details the way in which the disciplines are correlated during the first year of study and highlights how they contribute to the acquisition and experimentation of knowledge within the design studio, considered the core subject of this educational model. Furthermore, the study presents strong arguments for the effectiveness of this type of curricular organization, through the increased applicability of theoretical knowledge and the development of transversal skills. Additionally, the coherent integration of disciplines around the design project enhances student engagement and interest, increasing the attractiveness of the program and reinforcing long-term motivation
My Dream School – An Experiential Learning Project for Elementary School Children
No full textIt is well known that experiential and group learning has beneficial effects on the development of skills and knowledge, understanding, motivation and relating to peers, whether adults or children. In primary education in Eastern Europe, alternative methods of teaching and learning continue to be under-used; optional classes in primary education fill this gap and are a fertile ground for pedagogical experiments. “De-a arhitectura” is a program developed by the association with the same name made of architects and teachers in 2013. The need to propose school-based education for the built environment comes from the idea that people should learn how to advocate for better living places and also as a response to the sustainability challenge. The name means "Let's play the game of architecture" and all programs are developed on the idea that the best way to learn is through play, promoting experiential learning and collaborative learning. The program was introduced nationwide firstly in third and fourth grade - "Let's play architecture in my city". The approach to these programs is free and based on a guide, so tutors can choose from the activities proposed in the guide or develop new activities. It should also be noted that the primary school teacher is complemented by a volunteer architect or student. This year the authors decided to do a model for a school - “My dream school” the children called it. Experiential learning is based on a cyclical loop: thinking - acting - experiencing - reflecting. In addition to this cycle we wanted to make the transition from individual learning, to learning in pairs and finally to the level where the whole class has to work together for the success of the project. The steps are presented in the methodology chapter, which presents the passage from the drawing to the 3D model, from the individual approach, to the approach in teams of 2-3 children with specific tasks (a specific classroom, hallway, one of the courtyards, gym, etc.), to the three variants of floor plan made by the architect from which the pupils voted and chose the favorite design, to the realization of the model in pieces and finally the assembly of the model in two groups of 12-13 children. The final step was the presentation of the model as the final result of a year of “De-a arhitectura” in the third grade (9-10 years old) in front of the other classes in the city in a festive setting. From the educational process perspective, there is a chapter dedicated to observations at each stage, both in terms of group dynamics and output. For the teachers the process was particularly interesting, and the cohesion effects at class level were beyond expectations. As a conclusion, once such a process of experiential and collaborative learning is used, the results show that it is really worth the effort
How to Build a Creative City through Design and its Heritage: Covilhã
No full textThis article presents the results of a course which, using drawing as its main tool and the different cultural backgrounds of the participants, explored possibilities for revitalizing Covilhã's industrial heritage in Portugal. Through the study of the city, its history, cultural context, and urban structure, the essential elements for a morphological reading of Covilhã and its potential for evolution were identified. Using new technologies and various tools of artistic expression, and with the active participation of the population and local agents, solutions were developed to enhance and publicize Covilhã's rich industrial heritage, which, despite its relevance, remains little visible to both visitors and the inhabitants themselves. These proposals are particularly useful for the local community and municipal authorities, especially in the field of tourism, as they make visible what was hidden and present the city and its culture in an innovative and collaborative way. Furthermore, the course fostered a dynamic exchange of ideas among participants, resulting in the creation of sustainable interventions that respect the historical and cultural significance of Covilhã’s industrial landscape while promoting its integration into contemporary urban life. These interventions not only highlight the aesthetic and historical value of the sites but also encourage community engagement and economic revitalization through culturally sensitive and environmentally conscious approaches