108 research outputs found
Exochaenium natalense Kissling & K. W. Grieve
No full text<i>Exochaenium natalense</i> (Schinz) Kissling & K.W.Grieve, <i> <i>combinatio nova</i>.</i> <p> <i>Basionym</i>:— <i>Belmontia natalensis</i> Schinz (1894: 220).</p> <p> <i>Homotypic synonyms</i>:— <i>Exochaenium grande</i> var. <i>homostylum</i> Hill (1908: 338).</p> <p> <i>Sebaea natalensis</i> (Schinz) Schinz (1906:782), <i>nom. illeg.</i> [non <i>Sebaea natalensis</i> Schinz (1896:442)].</p> <p> Type:— SOUTHAFRICA. KwaZulu-Natal, Clairmont, 5 Aug. 1893, <i>Schlechter 3060</i> (Lectotype Z [Z000070706]!, <i>hic designatus</i>; isolectotype Z [Z000070705]!).</p> <p> <b>Nomenclatural notes:</b> —There are two sheets of <i>Schlechter 3060</i> at Herb. Z. One [Z000070706] contains five stems each with a single flower, whereas the other [Z000070705] contains a single stem from which the flower is removed and stored in a pocket. These two specimens should be considered as duplicates and thus a lectotype needed to be chosen, in accordance with the <i>International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi and plants</i> Arts 8.2 and 8.3 (Turland <i>et al.</i> 2018). The first author (JK) has studied the type material in detail and confirmed that both sheets represent the same taxon. The sheet with five stems contains more and better material and is consequently chosen here as lectotype.</p> <p> When Schinz transferred <i>Belmontia natalensis</i> to the genus <i>Sebaea</i> in 1906, he clearly forgot that he had already described a different and currently still accepted species, as <i>Sebaea natalensis</i> in 1896. Thus, should <i>Exochaenium natalense</i> ever be transferred to the genus <i>Sebaea</i>, it will need a new name.</p> <p> <b>Diagnosis:</b> —This species is morphologically closely allied to <i>Exochaenium grande</i> (E.Mey.) Griseb., but is markedly different in terms of its much smaller flower size of <i>c.</i> 0.8–1.5 cm diameter (<i>vs c.</i> 3.0– 4.5 cm for <i>E. grande</i>) and the arrangement of the reproductive organs, with anthers positioned at the same level as the stigma (<i>vs</i> distyly in <i>E. grande</i>), possibly indicating differences in pollination strategies. The species can also be differentiated on the basis of their ecological preferences.</p> <p> <b>Description:</b> —Annual, erect herbs, 15–20 cm tall. <i>Stems</i> simple, rarely branched from base, sometimes branched above, 4-ridged. <i>Leaves</i> sessile, opposite, 7–20 mm long, 3–6 mm broad, lanceolate, acute at apex, base narrowed, margin entire, basal leaves sometimes reduced. <i>Inflorescence</i> corymbose, lax, single to several flowered. <i>Calyx</i> of 4 or 5 free sepals, each 7–16 mm long, 3–5 mm broad, ovate-lanceolate, acuminate, with conspicuous keel-wing, 2–3 mm broad at semi-cordate base, hyaline, presence of colleters on inside base. <i>Corolla</i> pure white; tube 9.0– 14.5 mm long, infundibuliform; corolla lobes suborbicular, 5.0– 8.5 mm long, 4–5 mm broad, margins entire, apex acuminate. <i>Stamens</i> inserted ± half way up tube, at same level as stigma. <i>Filaments</i> 6.0– 9.5 mm long; <i>anthers</i>, <i>c.</i> 1–2 mm long, each with apical and 2 tiny stipitate basal glands. <i>Ovary</i> ovoid, <i>c.</i> 2–6 × 2–4 mm, bilocular, placentation axile, ovules numerous. <i>Style</i> and <i>stigma</i> 4–18 mm long, filiform. <i>Stigma</i> slightly clavate, papillose. <i>Fruit</i> and <i>seed</i> not seen.</p> <p> <b>Iconography:</b> — Hill (1908: 317, plate G). See also drawing accompanying plate K000195293 (<i>J.M.Wood 541</i>) from Royal Botanic Gardens Kew.</p> <p> <b>Distribution:</b> —This species occurs along a section of the eastern coastal region of South Africa. It is found mainly in the Port Edward district, on the border between the Eastern Cape and southern KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The range extends northwards to Port Shepstone (Oribi Flats) and uMzinto districts in KwaZulu-Natal. There are historical records from the greater eThekwini [Durban] area and Zululand, localities that have been transformed by urban development and agriculture. The species has been observed by the second and third authors along the eastern seaboard of the Eastern Cape, known as the Pondoland coast, between Port St Johns and the Umtamvuna River, although no specimens have been collected from this region as yet.</p> <p> <b>Ecology and habitat:</b> — The species inhabits the Indian Ocean Coastal Belt biome, in particular Pondoland-Ugu Coastal Sourveld (CB4) and KwaZulu-Natal Coastal Belt Sandstone Sourveld (CB3) (Mucina & Rutherford 2006). These vegetation types are characterised by undulating coastal plains, species-rich grasslands, rocky outcrops and forested gullies, at elevations up to 600 m. The area receives mostly summer rainfall with some rain in winter.</p> <p> <i>Exochaenium natalense</i> and <i>E. grande</i> occur sympatrically although the latter has a much wider distribution. The two species also have different ecological preferences—whereas <i>E. grande</i> is usually found in well drained grassland, <i>E. natalense</i> is always found in seasonally wet to moist grassland (sometimes even in water).</p> <p> <b>Etymology:</b> —This taxon was named by Schinz (1894), after its geographical origin, previously named Natal and now KwaZulu-Natal, in South Africa.</p> <p> <b>Conservation status:</b> —This species has a restricted distribution and is endemic to the southwestern region of KwaZulu-Natal. A small part of the region is statutorily conserved and the rest is transformed by agriculture and subsistence farming, infrastructure development and urban sprawl and for these reasons, the area is regarded as being of conservation concern (Mucina & Rutherford 2006). <i>Exochaenium natalense</i> is a habitat specialist and is fairly uncommon within this region of <i>c.</i> 1230 km 2. Because the extent of occurrence of the species is estimated to be less than 5000 km 2, based on historical collections and the authors’ observations, and because populations seem to be fragmented, and population decline is projected due to habitat loss and degradation, it is suggested that this species should be regarded as Endangered: B1ab(i–iv).</p> <p> <b>Representative specimens examined:</b> — SOUTH AFRICA. KwaZulu-Natal: Eisdumbeni, 1800 ft., <i>J.M.Wood 133</i> (K [K000195293], NH [NH0004093 -0]); [Durban] “ Bei Port Natal ”, 28 Mar. 1832, <i>J.F.Drège s.n.</i> (P [P00560847]); [Durban] Fields Hill, 358m,n.d., <i>H.Evans 190</i> (NH); Inanda,[Durban district],[252m], <i>J.M.Wood 541</i> (K [K000195293], NH [NH0002056-0]); Izinqoleni district: Kwazamane, 394 m, 21 Mar. 2019, <i>K.W.Grieve 2841</i> (PRE); Margate, [114 m], 4 Feb. 1987, <i>H.B.Nicholson 2561</i> (PCE [PCE0005454]); Mvoti kloof, Canema estate, 7 Oaks, [2930BA], 20 Jan. 1990, <i>A.Abbott 4999</i> (PCE [PCE0005472], NH); Oribi, [432 m], Apr.1937, <i>A.McClean 442</i> (NH); Paddock district, Oribi Flats, Whistling Pine Farm, 482 m, 25 Jan. 2017, <i>K.W.Grieve 2295</i> (PCE [PCE0014180]); Port Edward, Red Desert Nature Reserve coastal section, 10 m, 8 Dec. 2015, <i>K.W.Grieve 1886</i> (NU [NU0088250]); Port Edward, Red Desert Nature Reserve coastal section, 17 m, 23 Feb. 2017, <i>K.W.Grieve 2322</i> (PCE [PCE0014181]); Port Edward, Red Desert Nature Reserve coastal section, 24 m, 6 Jan. 2022, <i>K.W.Grieve 3078</i> (NH); Port Edward, Izingolweni roadside, [3130AA], 2 Jan. 1965, <i>O.M.Hilliard 3038</i> (NU [NU0092021]); Port Edward, Umtamvuna Nature Reserve, [350 m], 14 Apr. 1982, <i>H.B.Nicholson 2248</i> (PCE [PCE0005455]); Port Edward, Umtamvuna Nature Reserve, Clearwater, [350 m], 3 Mar. 1983, <i>A.Abbott 880</i> (PCE [PCE0005451]); Port Edward, Umtamvuna Nature Reserve, [350 m], 13 Mar. 1984, <i>A.Abbott 1827</i> (NH, PCE [PCE0005450]); Port Edward, Umtamvuna Nature Reserve, Office [Beacon Hill], [350 m], 12 Feb. 1986, <i>A.Abbott 2982a</i> (NH, PCE [PCE0005449]); Port Edward, Umtamvuna Nature Reserve, [350 m], 31 Mar. 1995, <i>A.Abbott 6740</i> (NH); Port Edward, Umtamvuna Nature Reserve, Beacon Hill, [350 m], 2 Mar. 1997, <i>C.J.Potgieter s.n.</i> (NU [NU0092023]); Port Edward, Umtamvuna Nature Reserve, western heights, 365 m, 9 Feb. 2017, <i>K.W.Grieve 2306</i> (PCE [PCE0014179]); uMzinto district, Vernon Crookes Nature Reserve, 449 m, 7 Feb. 2019, <i>K.W.Grieve 2801</i> (PCE [PCE0013839]); Uvongo sandflats, [19 m], 19 Dec. 1965, <i>R.Strey 6181</i> (NH); Zululand, Hlabisa district, Lake St Lucia, east shore [2832AB], 5–10 m, 30 Apr. 1974, <i>R.H.Taylor 175</i> (NU [NU0092020]); Zululand, Lake Nhlabane, 5 Jan. 1992, <i>C.J.Ward & A.Rajh 11674</i> (UDW [UDW13406]); Zululand, “ N’goya ” [oNgoye, 2831DD], 1000–2000 ft., 18 Mar. 1904, <i>J.M.Wood 9322</i> (K [K000195292]).</p>Published as part of <i>Kissling, Jonathan, Grieve, Kate W., Grieve, Graham & Bytebier, Benny, 2023, Exochaenium natalense (Gentianaceae), a reinstated taxon endemic to KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, pp. 117-122 in Phytotaxa 619 (1)</i> on pages 120-121, DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.619.1.8, <a href="http://zenodo.org/record/8425836">http://zenodo.org/record/8425836</a>
Supporting parentally bereaved studentsthe school counselor's role
No full textIncludes bibliographical references
Potential application of item-response theory to interpretation of medical codes in electronic patient records
No full textBackground: electronic patient records are generally coded using extensive sets of codes but the significance of the utilisation of individual codes may be unclear. Item response theory (IRT) models are used to characterise the psychometric properties of items included in tests and questionnaires. This study asked whether the properties of medical codes in electronic patient records may be characterised through the application of item response theory models.Methods: data were provided by a cohort of 47,845 participants from 414 family practices in the UK General Practice Research Database (GPRD) with a first stroke between 1997 and 2006. Each eligible stroke code, out of a set of 202 OXMIS and Read codes, was coded as either recorded or not recorded for each participant. A two parameter IRT model was fitted using marginal maximum likelihood estimation. Estimated parameters from the model were considered to characterise each code with respect to the latent trait of stroke diagnosis. The location parameter is referred to as a calibration parameter, while the slope parameter is referred to as a discrimination parameter.Results: there were 79,874 stroke code occurrences available for analysis. Utilisation of codes varied between family practices with intraclass correlation coefficients of up to 0.25 for the most frequently used codes. IRT analyses were restricted to 110 Read codes. Calibration and discrimination parameters were estimated for 77 (70%) codes that were endorsed for 1,942 stroke patients. Parameters were not estimated for the remaining more frequently used codes. Discrimination parameter values ranged from 0.67 to 2.78, while calibration parameters values ranged from 4.47 to 11.58. The two parameter model gave a better fit to the data than either the one- or three-parameter models. However, high chi-square values for about a fifth of the stroke codes were suggestive of poor item fit.Conclusion: the application of item response theory models to coded electronic patient records might potentially contribute to identifying medical codes that offer poor discrimination or low calibration. This might indicate the need for improved coding sets or a requirement for improved clinical coding practice. However, in this study estimates were only obtained for a small proportion of participants and there was some evidence of poor model fit. There was also evidence of variation in the utilisation of codes between family practices raising the possibility that, in practice, properties of codes may vary for different coder
The safety and effectiveness of different methods of ear wax removal: a systematic review and economic evaluation
No full textEar wax (cerumen) is a natural secretion produced to protect the inner ear from dirt and other fragments by moving these particles towards the outer ear. If this process does not happen properly, wax may build up causing blockage in the ear canal and the possibility of impaction. People with a build up of ear wax may suffer from hearing loss, discomfort and, on occasions, infection. It may present problems in assessing hearing, blocking the view of the ear drum during medical examination and interfering with the fitting or function of hearing aids. Although it is thought to affect between 2% and 6% of the population in the England and Wales, some groups may be at a higher risk, such as those using hearing aids or with small ear canals and/or skin conditions. Recurrence is thought to be high among some of these groups. The consequences of the build up of ear wax in the ear canal are thought to be a common reason for consultation and cost in general practice with over 2 million consultations per year in the NHS.Methods of removal of ear wax include drops, flushing with water in general practice, and removal with suction or probes in specialist clinics. The relative safety and benefits of these different methods of removal remains uncertain. This research will systematically review published and unpublished evidence on the clinical and cost effectiveness of different methods for the removal of ear wax. Where appropriate, it will develop an economic model using data from this systematic review and other relevant sources to estimate the relative costs and benefits of different methods. In addition, the project will provide recommendations for future research to try to help answer any remaining areas of uncertainty
‘Just checking’ : vulnerable and grandiose narcissism subtypes as predictors of phubbing
No full text“Phubbing” (phone snubbing) refers to a set of behaviors where phone users focus on their mobile phone instead of interacting with their physically proximal companions. Building on existing understanding of problematic phone use, this study examined narcissism subtypes as predictors of phubbing behavior. Participants (n = 250 smartphone users) completed an anonymous online study where they reported their phubbing behaviors and completed measures of vulnerable narcissism, grandiose narcissism, psychopathy, and Machiavellianism. Analysis was via multiple regression, with vulnerable and grandiose narcissism as predictors; psychopathy and Machiavellianism were also included to account for shared variance with grandiose narcissism. As hypothesized, vulnerable narcissism emerged as a significant predictor in the model, such that higher levels of vulnerable narcissism were associated with more phubbing. In light of previously established negative social outcomes associated with phubbing behaviors, we conclude that although phubbing might help those high in vulnerable narcissism to manage their need for admiration and their contingent self-worth, phubbing may be particularly problematic for these individuals. © The Author(s) 2020
Social-economic theory and short-term mate preferences: The effects of gender roles and socioeconomic status
No full textObjective Men's and women's mate preferences in long-term relationships have been extensively considered in research. However, men's and women's short-term mate preferences have not received nearly as much attention. In particular, theoretical origins of men's and women's short-term mate preferences have received limited consideration in comparison to long-term relationships. Specifically, although evolutionary origins of short-term mate preferences have been discussed, elements of social-economic theory (i.e., socioeconomic status ( SES) and gender roles) have not yet been explored. The current study sought to address the gap in the literature concerning short-term mate preferences and social-economic theory. Method Seven hundred eighty-one participants were recruited to complete a questionnaire that included the mate budget paradigm. Results For men, results showed significant independent effects of SES and gender roles on a short-term mate's physical attractiveness scores, but no significant interaction. Results also showed no significant main effect of SES and gender roles on short-term mate's social level scores, although there was a significant interaction between a masculine gender role and medium and high SES. For women, there were no independent or interactive effects of SES and gender roles on physical attractiveness and social level scores. Discussion Results were interpreted in relation to both evolutionary and social-economic theories, specifically discussing strategic pluralism and sexual strategies theories. Results of the study highlight the need for increased awareness of independent and interactional effects of social-economic theory elements on men's and women's short-term mate preferences, and further exploration of relationships outside the dichotomy of long and short term. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] Copyright of Australian Journal of Psychology is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.
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Identifying idiolect in forensic authorship attribution: an n-gram textbite approach
No full textForensic authorship attribution is concerned with identifying authors of disputed or anonymous documents, which are potentially evidential in legal cases, through the analysis of linguistic clues left behind by writers. The forensic linguist “approaches this problem of questioned authorship from the theoretical position that every native speaker has their own distinct and individual version of the language [. . . ], their own idiolect” (Coulthard, 2004: 31). However, given the diXculty in empirically substantiating a theory of idiolect, there is growing concern in the Veld that it remains too abstract to be of practical use (Kredens, 2002; Grant, 2010; Turell, 2010). Stylistic, corpus, and computational approaches to text, however, are able to identify repeated collocational patterns, or n-grams, two to six word chunks of language, similar to the popular notion of soundbites: small segments of no more than a few seconds of speech that journalists are able to recognise as having news value and which characterise the important moments of talk. The soundbite oUers an intriguing parallel for authorship attribution studies, with the following question arising: looking at any set of texts by any author, is it possible to identify ‘n-gram textbites’, small textual segments that characterise that author’s writing, providing DNA-like chunks of identifying material
Fracture risk with use of liver enzyme inducing antiepileptic drugs in people with active epilepsy: cohort study using the general practice research database.
No full textPURPOSE: Liver enzyme inducing antiepileptic drugs (LEI AEDs) have adverse effects on bone metabolism but it is unclear whether this translates into increased fracture risk. This population based cohort study aimed to evaluate whether treatment with LEI AEDs is associated with increased risk of fracture in people with active epilepsy. METHODS: The cohort included patients diagnosed with epilepsy and prescribed AEDs while registered at a GPRD general practice during 1993-2008. The hazard ratio with current use of LEI AEDs for fracture at any site and hip fracture was estimated using Cox proportional hazards models. RESULTS: There were 7356 fractures (788 hip fractures) in 63259 participants. In women, the adjusted hazard ratio with use of LEI AEDs was 1.22 for fracture (95% CI 1.12-1.34; p<0.001) and 1.49 for hip fracture (1.15-1.94; p=0.002). In men, the hazard ratio for fracture was 1.09 (0.98-1.20; p=0.123) and for hip fracture 1.53 (1.10-2.12; p=0.011). For every 10000 women treated with LEI AEDs for one year, there could be 48 additional fractures, including 10 additional hip fractures. For every 10000 men treated with LEI AEDs for one year, there could be 4 additional hip fractures. CONCLUSIONS: LEI AEDs may increase the risk of fracture in people with epilepsy. In patients at high risk of osteoporotic fracture alternative AED therapy may be appropriate. Further information is urgently needed on the safety of valproate and newer AEDs and on strategies to maintain bone health in people who need to be treated with LEI
Utility of electronic patient records in primary care for stroke secondary prevention trials
No full textBACKGROUND: This study aimed to inform the design of a pragmatic trial of stroke prevention in primary care by evaluating data recorded in electronic patient records (EPRs) as potential outcome measures. The study also evaluated achievement of recommended standards of care; variation between family practices; and changes in risk factor values from before to after stroke.METHODS: Data from the UK General Practice Research Database (GPRD) were analysed for 22,730 participants with an index first stroke between 2003 and 2006 from 414 family practices. For each subject, the EPR was evaluated for the 12 months before and after stroke. Measures relevant to stroke secondary prevention were analysed including blood pressure (BP), cholesterol, smoking, alcohol use, body mass index (BMI), atrial fibrillation, utilisation of antihypertensive, antiplatelet and cholesterol lowering drugs. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) were estimated by family practice. Random effects models were fitted to evaluate changes in risk factor values over time.RESULTS: In the 12 months following stroke, BP was recorded for 90%, cholesterol for 70% and body mass index (BMI) for 47%. ICCs by family practice ranged from 0.02 for BP and BMI to 0.05 for LDL and HDL cholesterol. For subjects with records available both before and after stroke, the mean reductions from before to after stroke were: mean systolic BP, 6.02 mm Hg; diastolic BP, 2.78 mm Hg; total cholesterol, 0.60 mmol/l; BMI, 0.34 Kg/m2. There was an absolute reduction in smokers of 5% and heavy drinkers of 4%. The proportion of stroke patients within the recommended guidelines varied from less than a third (29%) for systolic BP, just over half for BMI (54%), and over 90% (92%) on alcohol consumption.CONCLUSIONS: Electronic patient records have potential for evaluation of outcomes in pragmatic trials of stroke secondary prevention. Stroke prevention interventions in primary care remain suboptimal but important reductions in vascular risk factor values were observed following stroke. Better recording of lifestyle factors in the GPRD has the potential to expand the scope of the GPRD for health care research and practice
Optimal (Adaptive) Design and Estimation Performance in Pharmacometric Modelling [Elektronisk resurs]
No full textThe pharmaceutical industry now recognises the importance of the newly defined discipline of pharmacometrics. Pharmacometrics uses mathematical models to describe and then predict the performance of new drugs in clinical development. To ensure these models are useful, the clinical studies need to be designed such that the data generated allows the model predictions to be sufficiently accurate and precise. The capability of the available software to reliably estimate the model parameters must also be well understood. This thesis investigated two important areas in pharmacometrics: optimal design and software estimation performance. The three optimal design papers progressed significant areas of optimal design research, especially relevant to phase II dose response designs. The use of exposure, rather than dose, was investigated within an optimal design framework. In addition to using both optimal design and clinical trial simulation, this work employed a wide range of metrics for assessing design performance, and was illustrative of how optimal designs for exposure response models may yield dose selections quite different to those based on standard dose response models. The investigation of the optimal designs for Poisson dose response models demonstrated a novel mathematical approach to the necessary matrix calculations for non-linear mixed effects models. Finally, the enormous potential of using optimal adaptive designs over fixed optimal designs was demonstrated. The results showed how the adaptive designs were robust to initial parameter misspecification, with the capability to "learn" the true dose response using the accruing subject data. The two estimation performance papers investigated the relative performance of a number of different algorithms and software programs for two complex pharmacometric models.In conclusion these papers, in combination, cover a wide spectrum of study designs for non-linear dose/exposure response models, covering: normal/non-normal data, fixed/mixed effect models, single/multiple design criteria metrics, optimal design/clinical trial simulation, and adaptive/fixed designs. </p
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