53,782 research outputs found
Development and validation of QOL-E© instrument for the assessment of health-related quality of life in myelodysplastic syndromes
No full textObjective: Supportive care and sustained health-related quality of life (HRQoL) are essential in the management of myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), yet specific instruments for the measurement of HRQoL in MDS are lacking. We report on the development and validation of a psychometric questionnaire assessing HRQoL in MDS patients (QOL-E©).Methods: The questionnaire was developed in three stages. First, a Medline search and interviews in focus groups generated a list of concepts important to MDS patients. Second, pilot (derivation) study was performed in a cross-sectional sample of 52 MDS patients. Third, field (validation) testing in a clinical setting investigated psychometric properties in 147 MDS patients from six cohorts.Results: Forty-eight items were identified, and fine-tuned to a 37-item list, then a final 29-item questionnaire containing a general well-being dimension, four general health dimensions (physical, functional, social, and sexual), and disease-related dimensions (fatigue and MDS-related disturbances).Conclusion: Cognitive debriefing and psychometric analyses demonstrated good internal validity and patient acceptability. The QOL-E© is the first HRQoL instrument developed specifically for MDS patients
New simplified approach to the pooled analysis of calibration of clinical prediction rules for systematic reviews of validation studies
No full textIl mausoleo di Dimitrov a Sofia: a presence of an absence fra storia e progetto
No full textThe paper aims to analyse the issue related to the necessity to occupy a space on which a monument of the regime stood and new political and socio-economic structures have deliberately destroyed. Filling an urban public space with new destinations and new architectures is a choice that requires deep reflections, by the citizens and the public administration. The case analysed here is the Mausoleum of Georgi Dimitrov, the first communist leader of Bulgaria and violently torn down in 1999
045 Predicting risk of stroke following TIA: a systematic review of the validation of ABCD2 clinical prediction rule
No full textIntroduction: stroke is a leading cause of death and acquired disability in every society in which it has been studied. Stroke and transient ischaemic attack (TIA) arise from identical aetiologies and a number of studies have demonstrated that TIAs carry a significant risk of stroke. Several independent predictors of stroke have been incorporated into models such as the ABCD2 clinical prediction rule, which is used to predict risk of stroke following TIA. This systematic review assessed the predictive value of the ABCD2 rule in relation to 7 and 90?day risk of stroke.Methods: a computerised systematic literature search was performed to retrieve articles that validated the ABCD2 rule. The original derivation study was used as a predictive model and applied to all validation studies, with observed and predicted number of strokes at 7 and 90?days stratified by risk group (0-3 low, 4-5 moderate, 6-7 high). Results from the studies were pooled and risk ratios (RR) with 95% CI produced. Forest plots were used to graphically display the data. A RR score of 1 represents correct prediction by the ABCD2 rule, <1 represents under-prediction and >1 over-prediction.Results: nine validation studies (n=5626) predicted 7?day stroke risk. The ABCD2 rule correctly predicted occurrence of stroke at 7?days across all three risk strata: low risk (n=1933) — RR 1.12, 95% CI (0.61 to 2.05); moderate risk (n=2640)—RR 1.11, 95% CI (0.74 to 1.68); high risk (n=1053)—RR 0.98, 95% CI (0.69 to 1.41). There were 318 strokes predicted and 288 strokes observed at 7?days across all three risk strata. Data on five studies (n=4897) were pooled to predict 90?day stroke risk. The ABCD2 rule over-predicted the occurrence of stroke across all three risk strata — low risk (n=1660), RR 1.50, 95% CI (0.86 to 2.62); moderate risk (n=2214), RR 2.24, 95% CI (1.29 to 3.91); high risk (n=1033), RR 2.00, 95% CI (0.90 to 4.45). There were 268 strokes observed at 90?days in contrast to 404 predicted strokes. The chi-squared trend for analysis indicated that as the trichotomised ABCD2 score increased, the rate of stroke increased (p<0.0001).Conclusion: the ABCD2 score correctly predicts 7?day risk of stroke across all risk strata but over-predicts 90?day risk of stroke in all groups. The variation in the study setting and design needs to be considered in the interpretation of these findings. ABCD2 is a useful CPR, particularly in relation to 7?day risk of strok
An axiomatic approach to composite solutions
No full textDimitrov D, Haake C-J. An axiomatic approach to composite solutions. Working Papers. Institute of Mathematical Economics. Vol 385. Bielefeld: Universität Bielefeld; 2006.We investigate a situation in which gains from cooperation are represented by a cooperative TU-game and a solution proposes a division of coalitional worths. In addition, asymmetries among players outside the game are captured by a vector of exogenous weights. If a solution measures players' payoffs inherent in the game, and a coalition has formed, then the question is how to measure players' overall payoffs in that coalition. For this we introduce the notion of a composite solution. We provide an axiomatic characterization of a specific composite solution, in which exogenous weights enter in a proportional fashion
Pinkfloydia harveii Dimitrov & Hormiga 2011, SP. NOV.
No full text<i>PINKFLOYDIA HARVEII</i> DIMITROV & HORMIGA SP. NOV. (FIGS 8–16) <p> <i>Types:</i> <i>Holotype</i>: male from Australia, Western Australia, Stirling Range National Park, Wedge Hill; 34°23′17″S, 118°10′18″E; 02.v.1996, Harvey, M. S., Waldock, J. M., Main, B. Y. Legit (Leg). (AUSTMUS T66621).</p> <p> <i>Paratypes:</i> 1 female, same data as holotype (in the same vial). Australia, Western Australia: 1 female, Walpole, Tinglewood Road, 35°00′S, 116°40′E, 13.vi.1987, Main, B. Y. Leg. (AUSTMUS 93/2124); 4 females, Mt Cooke, 32°25′S, 116°18′E, 27.iv.1992, Harvey, M. S., Waldock, J. M. Leg. (AUSTMUS 93/2080, 93/2081; 93/2082, 93/2083); 1 male, Boddington Bauxite Mine, site SSB02, 32°59′36″S, 116°28′23″E, vi.2003, Graby, G. Leg. (AUSTMUS T71617); 1 female, Stirling Range National Park, Toolbrunup Peak Track, 34°24′S, 118°04′E, 2.iv.1993, Harvey, M. S. Leg. (AUSTMUS T66619); 1 female, Bold Park, site BP1, 31°57′07″S, 115°45′30″E, 20.v.– 20.vii.1993, Harvey, M. S., Waldock, J. M. Leg. (AUSTMUS 93/2075); 1 female, Bold Park, site BP3, 31°56′33″S, 115°46′13″E, 20.v.–20.vii.1993, Harvey, M. S., Waldock, J. M. Leg. (AUSTMUS 93/2076); 2 males, Bold Park, site BP4, 31°56′29″S, 115°46′01″E, Harvey, M. S., Waldock, J. M. Leg. (AUSTMUS 93/2077, 93/2078); 1 male, Perth Airport, site PA5, 31°58′03″S, 115°58′11″E, 24.vi.–28.vii.1993, Harvey, M. S., Waldock, J. M., Sampey, A. Leg. (AUSTMUS 93/2085); 1 male, 1 female, Talbot Road Reserve, site TR2, 31°52′24″S, 116°02′52″E, 24.vi.–28.vii.1993, Harvey, M. S., Waldock, J. M. Leg. (AUSTMUS 93/2086, 93/2087).</p> <p> <i>Etymology:</i> The species epithet is a patronym after the Australian arachnologist Mark S. Harvey, collector of this and many other new species of arachnids from Western Australia.</p> <p> <i>Diagnosis:</i> As this genus is monotypic the diagnosis of <i>P. harveii</i> coincides with the diagnosis given for the genus (see above under Diagnosis).</p> <p> <i>Description (male holotype):</i> Total body length 2.77. Cephalothorax 1.36 long, 0.93 wide, 1.11 high. Sternum almost as long as wide; 0.67 long, 0.65 wide. Abdomen 1.41 long, 0.90 wide, 0.98 high. Cephalothorax, chelicerae, and sternum brown; dorsally sternum with darker markings laterally. Fovea well marked, with darker coloration. Eyes placed on a conically elevated and slightly projected forward cephalic region; PME on short elevations, much larger than the rest of the eyes (Figs 9B, 12A, B, D). Lateral eyes juxtaposed. Distance between AME 1.5 times one AME diameter; between AME and ALE about one AME diameter. Distance between PME almost two PME diameters. Lateral eyes placed close to the PME. Clypeus height 1.85 times one AME diameter. Chelicerae slender, elongated, and cylindrical (Figs 9B, 12D), with three anterior and two posterior teeth, and two small denticles between the anterior and posterior margins, adjacent to the fang joint (Fig. 12I). Cheliceral cuticle rugose (Fig. 12D). Abdomen oval, longer than wide, with grey-brownish coloration and very few remains of guanine patches. Dorsally with a darker band medially delimited by two clearer dorsolateral bands. Caudal tubercle more darkly pigmented (Fig. 9A, C). Ventrally abdomen lighter in colour, with few small darker dots medially. Legs yellowish. Femur I 1.78 long; 1.30 times the length of the cephalothorax. Femur I with a conspicuous line of oval markings prolaterally (Fig. 12E, G) that extend over the tibia. Similar markings also present on femur IV (under the SEM these markings seem to be made of adhered particles). Palp (Figs 8A–E, 13A–C, E, 14A) with a very long tibia, as long as or slightly longer than the cymbium (Fig. 12A, B). Patella without macrosetae (Fig. 12A, B, D). Paracymbium large and ventrally displaced with two distinctive black, long, and thick macrosetae (Figs 8A, C, 13G, 14A). Cymbial ecto-basal process very long with pointed tip and strongly chitinized (Figs 8B, 13A, D). Cymbial ecto-median process with transparent rim and numerous cuspules dorsally (Figs 8B, E, 13D, H, I). Embolus with large metine embolic apophysis, rectangular, with a pointed and folded laminar distal edge (Figs 8A–C, 13B, F, 14A). Conductor with blunt tip narrower than its base (Fig. 13B, E, F). Epiandrous fusules as in Figure 14D.</p> <p>E, prolateral; G, detail. Abdomen: F, ventral; H, lateral. I, cheliceral denticles. Adt, distal tubercle of the abdomen. Scale bars: A, B, C, D, F, H = 100 Mm; E = 30 Mm; I = 10 Mm; G = 2 Mm.</p> <p>fertilization duct; S, spermatheca; UE, uterus externus. Scale bars: A, B, C = 100 Mm; D, E, F, G, H = 10 Mm.</p> <p> <i>Female (paratype, AUSTMUS 93/2124):</i> Total body length 4.51. Cephalothorax 1.86 long, 1.16 wide, 1.15 high. Sternum almost as long as wide; 0.77 long, 0.70 wide. Abdomen 2.65 long, 2.15 wide, 1.86 high. Coloration pattern and eyes distribution as in males. Sternum slightly more elongated than in males; 0.77 long, 0.70 wide. Abdomen wider than in males, which gives it more rounded appearance (Fig. 10A, B, D). Chelicerae shorter and more robust than in male, with smooth cuticle (Figs 10C, 14E). Clypeus height 1.40 times one AME diameter. Legs brown-yellowish; femur I 1.83, 0.98 times the length of the cephalothorax. Epigynum well sclerotized, dark brown (Figs 8F, 10D, 15D–E). Epigynal plate flattened, with numerous cuticular pores (Fig. 15D, E, G). Remains of a ‘resinous’ secretion forming a genital plug are visible around the edges of the epigynum (Fig. 10E). Copulatory ducts well chitinized, opening on the ventral side of the epigynum and entering the spermathecae at their base (Figs 8G, H, 15F, 16C). Fertilization ducts membranous, originating very close to the copulatory duct entrance in the spermathecae but much wider than it (Figs 8G, H, 15F, H, 16A). Spermathecae oval, weakly sclerotized, and sack like (Fig. 15F, H).</p> <p> <i>Variation:</i> Male cephalothorax ranges in length from 1.36 to 1.61 (<i>N</i> = 7). Female cephalothorax length varies from 1.68–186 (<i>N</i> = 14). Male total body length ranges from 2.77 to 3.75 (<i>N</i> = 7). Female total body length ranges from 3.54 to 4.51 (<i>N</i> = 14). The male abdominal tubercle varies in height and length, in some specimens being very short, which gives the distal edge of the abdomen a more rounded appearance.</p> <p> <i>Natural history:</i> Very poorly known. Many of the specimens that we studied were collected by pitfall traps. We photographed the webs of four juvenile specimens of <i>P. harveii</i> in the Walpole area (Darling Range). Their horizontal webs were built on the leaf litter in a disturbed area and had a maximum frame width between 52 and 92 mm. These orbs were relatively densely spun, as they had many radii (17–28, mean 22, <i>N</i> = 4), lack split radii, and have numerous spiral turns (Fig. 11). The hub is closed and the temporary spiral is removed in the final web (see Fig. 11D). We observed one of the webs being built at night time.</p> <p> <i>Distribution:</i> Southern Western Australia (see map in Fig. 17).</p> <p> <i>Additional specimens studied:</i> Australia, Western Australia: 1 female, Chesapeake Road at Gardner River, 34°48′S, 116°11′E, 1.v.1990, Harvey, M. S., Waldock, J. M. Leg. (AUSTMUS 93/2079); 1 juvenile (juv.), Perth Airport, site PA5, 31°58′03″S, 115°58′11″E, 10.v.–20.vi.1993, Harvey, M. S., Waldock, J. M. Leg. (AUSTMUS 93/2084); 1 juv., Talbot Road Reserve, site TR2, 31°52′24″S, 116°02′52″E, 24.vi.–28.vii.1993, Harvey, M. S., Waldock, J. M. Leg. (AUSTMUS 93/2088); 1 male, Talbot Road Reserve, site TR3, 31°52′25″S, 116°03′03″E, 24.vi.–28.vii.1993, Harvey, M. S., Waldock, J. M. Leg. (AUSTMUS 93/2089); 1 juv., Kings Park, site J(E1), 31°58′S, 115°50′E, 26.iii.1981, UWA Zoology students, and B. Y. Main Leg. (AUSTMUS T66615); 1 female, Mt Cooke, 32°25′S, 116°18′E, 24.iv.1992, Harvey, M. S., Waldock, J. M. Leg. (AUSTMUS T66616, used for SEM); 1 male, Carabooda area, A. Lombardo’s property, un-named cave, YN-515, twilight zone, 31°35′S, 115°42′E, 22.v.1999, Foulds, R. Leg. (AUSTMUS T66617 used for SEM); 1 juv, Stirling Range National Park, Toolbrunup Peak Track, scree slope, 34°24′S, 118°04′E, 31.iii.1993, Harvey, M. S., Waldock, J. M. Leg. (AUSTMUS T66618); 1 female, Stirling Range National Park, S. of Bluff Knoll, 34°23′S, 118°15′E, 1.v.1996, Harvey, M. S., Waldock, J. M., Main, B. Y. Leg. (AUSTMUS T66620 used for dissection and SEM); 1 juv., Glenbourne, S. of Gracetown, site 5, 33°53′S, 115°00′E, 18.iv.–20.iv.1998, Marsh, L. <i>et al</i>. Leg. (AUSTMUS T66622); 1 juv., Karri Valley Resort, 34°26′S, 115°51′E, 21.x.1997, Waldock, J. M. Leg. (AUSTMUS T66623). 3 juv., forest near Tinglewood Cabins, 34°54′51.0″S, 116°43′50.9″E, elevation 185 m, G. Hormiga Leg. (GH0111, one of the specimens sequenced); 1 female, Talbot Road Nature Reserve, 31°52′24″S, 116°03′04″E, 29.viii.2006, Waldock, J. M., Edward, K. Leg. (AUSTMUS T79005); 2 juv., Jandakot Airport, site JK1, 32°05′36″S, 115°52′39″E, 4.v.– 6.vii.1995, Waldock, J. M., Harvey, M. S. Leg. (AUSTMUS T98587); 1 juv., Jandakot Airport, site JK1, 32°05′36″S, 115°52′39″E, 21.ii.–4.v.1995, Waldock, J. M., Harvey, M. S. Leg. (AUSTMUS T98588); 1 juv., Perth Airport, site PA6, 31°58′05″S, 115°58′05″E, 6.i.–18.iii.1994, Harvey, M. S., Waldock J. M. Leg. (AUSTMUS T98589); 1 juv., Woodman Point, site WO2, 32°07′50″S, 115°45′28″E, 04.xi.1994 – 19.i.1995, Waldock, J. M., Harvey, M. S. Leg. (AUSTMUS T98590); 1 juv., Woodman Point, site WO1, 32°07′47″S, 115°45′23″E, 19.i.–21.iii.1995, Harvey, M. S., Waldock, J. M. Leg. (AUSTMUS T98591); 1 female, Rottnest Island, near Lake Timperley, 32°00′23″S, 115°31′11″E, 13.vi.2007, Rix, M. G. Leg. (AUSTMUS T98592); 1 male, 1 female, Porongurup National Park, deep gully west of Waddy’s Hut, 34°40′55″S, 117°50′55″E, 29.iv.2008, Rix, M. G., Harvey, M. S. Leg. (AUSTMUS T98593); 1 male, Boonarring Nature Reserve, off Wannamel West Road, 31°10′27″S, 115°50′57″E, 15.vi.2007, Rix, M. G.Leg. (AUSTMUS T98594); 2 males, 1 female, Austin Bay Nature Reserve, E. of Peel Inlet, end of Beacham Road, 32°36′42″S, 115°47′11″E, 12.vi.2007, Rix, M. G.Leg. (AUSTMUS T98595); 1 female, Sand Patch Beach Reserve, Cuthbert, W of Roberts Road, 35°01′59″S, 117°47′47″E, 18.iii.2008, Rix, M., Harvey, M. S. Leg. (AUSTMUS T98596); 2 males, 1 female, S. of Bremer Bay, near Yate Road, 34°24′10″S, 119°22′43″E, 02.v.2008, Rix, M. G., Harvey, M. S., Newell, J. Leg. (AUSTMUS T98597); 1 male, Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve, Sinker Reef Road, 34°59′12″S, 118°08′56″E, 01.v.2008, Rix, M., Harvey, M. S. Leg. (AUSTMUS T98598); 1 male, Stirling Range National Park, base of Pyongurup Peak, 34°21′54″S, 118°19′44″E, 05.viii.2008, Rix, M., Harvey, M. S. Leg. (AUSTMUS T98599); 1 female, Lesueur National Park, north of Mt Lesueur, 30°09′59″S, 115°12′06″E, 19.vi.2007, Rix, M. G. Leg. (AUSTMUS T98600); 1 female, 1 juv., Torndirrup National Park, Salmon Hole Road, 35°06′07″S, 117°58′03″E, 30.iv.2008, Rix, M. G., Harvey, M. S. Leg. (AUSTMUS T98601); 1 female, Badgingarra National Park, off Bibby Road, 4.4 km W of Brand Highway, 30°29′14″S, Lon; 115°26′05″E, 19.vi.2007, Rix, M. G. Leg. (AUSTMUS T98602); 1 male, Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve, near Picnic Area, 34°58′27″S, 118°10′42″E, 01.v.2008, Rix, M., Harvey, M. S. Leg. (AUSTMUS T98603); 1 male, Buller Nature Reserve, 9.5 km SW of Waroona, 32°52′04″S, 115°49′43″E, 22.vii.2007, Rix, M. G. Leg. (AUSTMUS T98604); 1 male, Modong Nature Reserve. 1.5 km NE of Rockingham, 32°13′10″S, 115°54′09″E, 5.vi.2007, Rix, M. G. Leg. (AUSTMUS T98605).</p>Published as part of <i>Dimitrov, Dimitar & Hormiga, Gustavo, 2011, An extraordinary new genus of spiders from Western Australia with an expanded hypothesis on the phylogeny of Tetragnathidae (Araneae), pp. 735-768 in Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society (Zool. J. Linn. Soc.) (Zool. J. Linn. Soc.) 161 (4)</i> on pages 756-763, DOI: 10.1111/j.1096-3642.2010.00662.x, <a href="http://zenodo.org/record/5440041">http://zenodo.org/record/5440041</a>
A simplified approach to the pooled analysis of calibration of clinical prediction rules for systematic reviews of validation studies
No full textObjective: Estimating calibration performance of clinical prediction rules (CPRs) in systematic reviews of validation studies is not possible when predicted values are neither published nor accessible or sufficient or no individual participant or patient data are available. Our aims were to describe a simplified approach for outcomes prediction and calibration assessment and evaluate its functionality and validity.Study design and methods: Methodological study of systematic reviews of validation studies of CPRs: a) ABCD2 rule for prediction of 7 day stroke; and b) CRB-65 rule for prediction of 30 day mortality. Predicted outcomes in a sample validation study were computed by CPR distribution patterns (“derivation model”). As confirmation, a logistic regression model (with derivation study coefficients) was applied to CPR-based dummy variables in the validation study. Meta-analysis of validation studies provided pooled estimates of “predicted:observed” risk ratios (RRs), 95% confidence intervals (CIs), and indexes of heterogeneity (I2) on forest plots (fixed and random effects models), with and without adjustment of intercepts. The above approach was also applied to the CRB-65 rule.Results: Our simplified method, applied to ABCD2 rule in three risk strata (low, 0–3; intermediate, 4–5; high, 6–7 points), indicated that predictions are identical to those computed by univariate, CPR-based logistic regression model. Discrimination was good (c-statistics =0.61–0.82), however, calibration in some studies was low. In such cases with miscalibration, the under-prediction (RRs =0.73–0.91, 95% CIs 0.41–1.48) could be further corrected by intercept adjustment to account for incidence differences. An improvement of both heterogeneities and P-values (Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test) was observed. Better calibration and improved pooled RRs (0.90–1.06), with narrower 95% CIs (0.57–1.41) were achieved.Conclusion: Our results have an immediate clinical implication in situations when predicted outcomes in CPR validation studies are lacking or deficient by describing how such predictions can be obtained by everyone using the derivation study alone, without any need for highly specialized knowledge or sophisticated statistics
Dysdera zonsteini Dimitrov 2021, new species
No full textDysdera zonsteini new species Figs 1–13 Type material. Holotype. ³. Turkmenistan, South-Western Kopet Dagh, near Kara-Kala Town, GPS: 38°28’N, 56°15’E, alt. 350–450 m, 21.04.1985, Sergei Zonstein leg. (MNHN, AR 5862). Paratype. 1♀, with same data as for holotype (MNHN, AR 5862). Etymology. Named after the well-known arachnologist Sergei Zonstein, who collected the type specimens. Diagnosis. Both male and female of Dysdera zonsteini n. sp. are morphologically close to Dysdera kronebergi Dunin, 1992. The two species can be separated by the following diagnostic characters: (1) the smaller size of D. zonsteini n. sp. [carapace length 1.65 vs. 2.45 in D. kronebergi]. Male of the new species differs also by (2) the strong process (PE) of the embolic division (Figs 7–9, 14) that is not seen in D. zonsteini (Dunin 1992, figs. 4–5) and (3) the overall shape of the tegulum and the embolic division of the bulb (Figs 7–10, 14–15). Female differs by (4) the thinner and straight transversal bar (Figs 12–13, 16–17) vs. more massive and with curved edges in D. kronebergi (Dunin 1992a, fig 6) and by (5) the more oval shape of the dorsal arc of the anterior diverticulum. The spermathecae of the two species are almost identical, but (6) in D. kronebergi it is wider than the dorsal arc of anterior diverticulum (Dunin 1992a, fig 6), while in D. zonsteini n. sp. it is narrower and its lateral wings do not exceed the width of the dorsal arc in its base (Figs 12–13, 16–17). Description. Male. (Figs 1–2, 5, 7–11, 14–15). Measurements. Total length 4.05; carapace length 1.65, width 1.18; sternum length 1.05, width 0.75; cheliceral length 0.72, width 0.25; clypeus height 0.05; labium length 0.40; gnathocoxa length 0.58; abdomen length 1.95, width 0.85; Eye diameters: AE—0.17, PE—0.14. Leg measurements. I—5.53 (0.92, 1.33, 0.77, 0.97, 1.04, 0.50); II—4.86 (0.83, 1.26, 0.43, 0.93, 0.94, 0.47); III—3.61 (0.65, 0.97, 0.43, 0.55, 0.65, 0.36); IV—4.66 (0.72, 1.13, 0.58, 0.86, 0.97, 0.40). Leg spination: coxae, trochanters and patellae spineless. Legs I and II have only one distal prolateral femoral spine, legs III and IV with well-armed femur and metatarsus. I—1pl, 0, 0; II—1pl, 0, 0; III—1d, 5pl 5rl, 5pl 2rl; IV—4d, 6pl 6rl, 6pl 5rl. Colouration very pale. Carapace, chelicerae and sternum light orange. Sternum a little lighter than the carapace. Abdomen and legs white. Other somatic characters. Body long and slim. Chelicerae dorsally covered with small tubercles. The distance between the AE equal to their diameter. Posterior eye-row very slightly procurved, almost straight. PE touching to each other. PLE touching to AE. Chelicerae with 3 teeth of approximately the same size, arranged in one row. The proximal one positioned near the base of the cheliceral groove, the medial one is close to it and the distal one is approximately at the middle of the groove (Fig. 5). Labium pyramidal, notched distally. Tarsi with 2 claws and claw tuffs. Anterior border of sternum wider than the labium. Palp. (Figs 7–11, 14–15). Cymbium length 0.45; Male copulatory bulb length 0.63. Tegulum oval, almost rounded from retrolateral view. Embolic division wide, bent in the middle, unevenly sclerotized, with massive process starting from its base. Embolus opens at the distal end (Figs. 10, 15). Crest positioned diagonally in the distal part of the embolic division (Fig. 15). Lateral sheet weakly sclerotized, almost transparent. Posterior apophysis short and bent perpendicularly to the embolic division, detached from the tegulum and surrounded by the distal haematodocha. Female. (Figs 3–4, 6, 12–13, 16–17). Measurements. Total length (including the chelicerae) 4.68; carapace length 1.80, width 1.26; sternum length 1.12, width 0.80; cheliceral length 0.72, width 0.35; clypeus height 0.05; labium length 0.41; gnathocoxa length 0.65; abdomen length 2.88, width 1.44; Eye diameters: AE—0.17, PE— 0.14. Leg measurements. I—5.41 (0.94, 1.25, 0.80, 1.04, 0.98, 0.40); II—4.92 (0.86, 1.12, 0.79, 0.90, 0.90, 0.35); III—3.34 (0.50, 0.76, 0.47, 0.54, 0.77, 0.30); IV—4.64 (0.76, 1.04, 0.58, 0.92, 1.04, 0.30). Leg spination as in male. Coloration very pale. Carapace, chelicerae and sternum light orange. Sternum a little lighter than the carapace. Abdomen and legs white. Anterior border of sternum as wide as the base of labium. Other somatic characters as in male (Figs. 3–4, 6). Vulva. (Figs 12–13, 16–17). Transversal bar width 0.38. Spermatheca small, with mushroom-like anterior part and deeply notched base. Dorsal arc of anterior diverticulum shaped as an irregular trapeze, wider than the spermatheca, weakly sclerotized, with almost transparent edges. Transversal bar comparatively straight. Posterior diverticulum wide, membranous. Distribution. Known only from the type locality in southwestern Turkmenistan. Discussion. The new species’ morphologically closest congener D. kronebergi was diagnosed as being close to the Dysdera gigas species-group (Dunin 1992a: 137), referring to Deeleman-Reinhold & Deeleman (1988). However, there is no D. gigas -group defined in the cited paper. Instead, D. gigas along with another three similar species are listed under the Dysdera asiatica -group (Deeleman-Reinhold & Deeleman 1988: 210). The authors explicitly mention that the lateral sheet is missing in these species whereas in D. zonsteini n. sp. it exists. All the species related to D. gigas are known from Greece and the Greek islands and their relationship with D. kronebergi suggested by Dunin is doubtful, since neither the genital morphology nor their distribution ranges support it. Some important morphological traits of the new species correspond well with the diagnose of the D. asiatica -group (sensu Deeleman-Reinhold & Deeleman 1988): 1. Chelicerae are shorter than half of the length of the carapace; 2. The embolic division is longer than the tegulum; 3. The presence of crest and lateral sheet on the embolic division of the male palp; 4. The arched spermatheca of the vulva. However, the diagnosis of the group itself (sensu Deeleman-Reinhold & Deeleman 1988) has one serious disadvantage: it is named after a species known only by male sex. Thus, all the other members of the group are linked to Dysdera asiatica based only on the males. Apart from that, as already stated by Deeleman-Reinhold & Deeleman (1988: 210), the group is very rich in species and in Central Asia is neither homogenous nor can be clearly separated from the D. aculeata -group. The group warrants a thorough new revision. Here, I provisionally place D. zonsteini n. sp. in D. asiatica species-group. Most of the other species, known from Turkmenistan belong to the D. aculeata -group according to the same classification. Although the data about the distribution of D. zonsteini n. sp. are insufficient to identify with certainty its zoogeographical status, its occurrence in the southern part of the country implies that it could be an Irano-Turanian species.Published as part of Dimitrov, Dragomir, 2021, Description of Dysdera zonsteini n. sp. (Arachnida: Araneae: Dysderidae) from Turkmenistan, pp. 588-594 in Zootaxa 4938 (5) on pages 589-593, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4938.5.6, http://zenodo.org/record/457510
Variations in General Practitioners' prescribing patterns in Ireland: preliminary results
No full textIndagine sulle percezioni del livello di efficacia dei docenti e sui loro atteggiamenti nei confronti dell’inclusione
No full textI recenti sviluppi delle politiche e delle pratiche educative a livello internazionale hanno fatto emergere la necessità di una formazione docente, iniziale
e in servizio, focalizzata sulle competenze fondamentali per la promozione di pratiche inclusive. Tra i fattori ritenuti determinanti per l’adozione di un
approccio inclusivo, sostenibile e di qualità, la ricerca scientifica nazionale e internazionale, in ambito educativo e nel settore delle scienze umane e sociali, ha posto l’attenzione su tre aspetti fortemente correlati: 1. il costrutto dell’efficacia degli insegnanti (teacher efficacy), determinato da fattori intrinseci e estrinseci all’interno di uno specifico contesto culturale; 2. il concetto di habitus, che prende in considerazione il processo di inculturazione; 3. l’atteggiamento dei docenti verso l’inclusione, influenzato da credenze, opinioni e preoccupazioni. Partendo da questo quadro teorico, il lavoro di ricerca mira a indagare il livello di efficacia dei docenti di quattro province campane per la realizzazione di una didattica inclusiva in relazione alle loro opinioni, ai loro atteggiamenti e alle loro preoccupazioni verso l’inclusione. I risultati hanno dimostrato una correlazione positiva tra il livello di teacher efficacy e
gli atteggiamenti verso l’inclusione, sebbene ciò non risolva le preoccupazioni relative all’effettiva implementazione di un approccio inclusivo
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