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Abstract: A preliminary molecular phylogenetic framework for 12 genera (23 species) of the family Parabathynellidae from Europe, Australia, North Africa and India is presented based on mitochondrial and nuclear markers (Cox1 and 18S). The generated hypothesis places the Southeast Asia genus Paraeobathynella closer to European genera (Iberobathynella, Paraiberobathynella and Parabathynella) than to the Australian (Brevisomabathynella, Atopobathynella, Billibathynella, Octobathynella, Arkaroolabathynella and Lockyerenella) or Indian genera (Habrobathynella), or to the cosmopolitan genus Hexabathynella (Spain and Australia). Three new species of the genus Paraeobathynella from Thailand, P. ratensis n. sp., P. siamensis n. sp. and P. hanjavanitiana n. sp., are described based on morphological and molecular features. This is the first record of the genus from Thailand and extends its range of distribution within Asia, where it was previously known only from Vietnam. The new species are clearly separated as independent units at least since the Middle Miocene.
Keywords: biogeography, morphology, molecular phylogeny, Thai cave fauna, Parabathynellidae, 18S, Cox1
Published in DiRROS: 12.03.2025; Views: 120; Downloads: 132
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Abstract: In this work, we tested whether variations in temporal pattern and architecture of the vibratory signals favor signals recognition and discrimination in two stinkbug species, Chinavia ubica and C. impicticornis. To relate the level of species recognition with species-specific vibratory signal we exposed males to natural or artificial signals. Different artificial signals were synthesized by changing the basic structure or temporal parameters of typical female calling signals of each species. Signals were transmitted to bean plants and the response of males was observed and recorded by a piezoelectric accelerometer. Results show that changes in temporal patterns of artificial signals significantly reduced the proportion of males responding by emitting the male song. Our results confirm that specific elements of male vibratory signals are critical for female signal recognition and discrimination by males and could contribute to prezygotic isolation in sympatric Chinavia species.
Keywords: neotropical stinkbugs, communication, sexual signals, reproductive behavior, signal architecture
Published in DiRROS: 12.03.2025; Views: 124; Downloads: 112
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Abstract: This study determines oxygen consumption (R), electron transport system (ETS) activity and R/ETS ratio in two pairs of epigean and hypogean crustacean species or subspecies. To date, metabolic characteristics among the phylogenetic distant epigean and hypogean species (i.e., species of different genera) or the epigean and hypogean populations of the same species have been studied due to little opportunity to compare closely related epigean and hypogean species. To fill this gap, we studied the epigean Niphargus zagrebensis and its troglobiotic relative Niphargus stygius, and the epigean subspecies Asellus aquaticus carniolicus in comparison to the troglobiotic subspecies Asellus aquaticus cavernicolus. We tested the previous findings of different metabolic rates obtained on less-appropriate pairs of species and provide additional information on thermal characteristics of metabolic enzymes in both species or subspecies types. Measurements were done at four temperatures. The values of studied traits, i.e., oxygen consumption, ETS activity, and ratio R/ETS, did not differ significantly between species or subspecies of the same genus from epigean and hypogean habitats, but they responded differently to temperature changes. Higher Q10-values for oxygen consumption of N. stygius than N. zagrebensis in the temperature range 10-20°C and higher Ea indicated higher thermal sensitivity in the subterranean species. On the other hand, lower Q10 and Ea-values for ETS activity of N. stygius than N. zagrebensis indicated more thermally stable enzymatic machinery in N. stygius than N. zagrebensis. In Asellus, we observed a similar trend of lower Ea for oxygen consumption and higher Ea for ETS activity in epigean than the troglomorphic subspecies, but the values did not differ significantly between the two. Our most important conclusion is that the low metabolic rate is not a universal property of troglobiotic animals, and the degree of metabolic adaptation is not necessarily in agreement with the degree of morphological adaptation (troglomorphy).
Keywords: food scarcity, temperature, oxygen consumption, ETS activity, amphipod, isopod
Published in DiRROS: 12.03.2025; Views: 113; Downloads: 97
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Abstract: Podatki so rezultat v letu 2024 izvedene analize političnih tvitov in elementov sovražnega govora v kontekstu priseljenske problematike, ki je potekala v okviru raziskovalnega programa »Razsežnosti slovenstva med lokalnim in globalnim v začetku tretjega tisočletja« (šifra ARIS P5-0409). Podatki za analizo sovražni govor v političnih tvitih, povezanih z migracijami, so bili pridobljeni na podlagi dveh korpusov: Janes TwePo (2014–2017) in delovna zbirka KorpusMigracije (2023–2024), ki je bila ustvarjena v orodju SketchEngine v namen primerjave že obstoječega gradiva z aktualnim. S pomočjo orodja Sketch Engine so bili identificirani jezikovni vzorci, ki izražajo negativno vrednotenje migrantov. Analiza je pokazala, da politiki pogosto uporabljajo intenziven jezik, ki prispeva k družbeni polarizaciji in utrjevanju stereotipov. Raziskava vključuje ročni postopek anonimizacije.
Keywords: sovražni govor, politični diskurz, migracije, analiza jezika, korpusna lingvistika
Published in DiRROS: 10.03.2025; Views: 211; Downloads: 94
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Abstract: Background and objectives This is a protocol for a living systematic review and meta-analysis. This review will assess the effects of state-of-the-art exercise interventions designed to promote functional mobility. Therefore, after identifying all potential interventions, we will use the F.I.T.T. principles (frequency, intensity, time, type) as well as the physical and health status of the participants as moderators to analyse the mechanisms for the positive benefits of exercise interventions. The main research questions are: Which exercise types are most beneficial for improving functional mobility in various populations of older adults? Which physical exercise characteristics in terms of frequency, intensity, time and duration will achieve the greatest benefit in terms of the defined outcomes, i.e, the functional mobility of older adults? Methods The systematic literature research according to PRISMA guidelines will search databases like MEDLINE, APA Psych-Info and Web of Science. Inclusion criteria are: healthy older people ≥ 50 years, randomized-controlled trials including exercise intervention and a walking or mobility assessments (eg., TUG, SPPB) as an outcome measure. A preliminary search revealed more than 33,000 hits that will be screened by pairs of independent reviewers. The results will be summarized according to the effects regarding functional mobility and potential dose-response relations via respective meta-analysis. Conclusion The systematic review will comprise the knowledge of the existing literature with regards to the effects of the physical activity interventions compared to an active or inactive control group. We will summarize the effects with respect to the F.I.T.T.. They provide a foundation for structuring an optimal exercise training program. If possible, we will also compare interventions from the different categories (eg. cardiovascular, resistance, motor-coordinative, multicomponent or mind-body exercise) as a network analysis and report the influence of moderator variables. Based on the results evidence-based guidelines following GRADE for physical exercise interventions to improve functional mobility in older adults will be provided. Functional mobility of older adults is a crucial determinant of health and independence. Mobility can reverse or delay age-related health issues and promote independence, while immobility or limitations in mobility (such as difficulty rising from a chair, balance problems, or reduced walking capacity) can cause or increase dependency. This underscores the significance of fostering mobility among the growing population of older adults. The development of tailored exercise programs targeting the independence of older adults is one of the motivators for the improvement of crucial policy action areas described by WHO in the Equity Policy Tool, namely ʻliving conditionsʼ and ʻsocial and human capitalʼ (WHO, 2019). The key outcomes related to functional mobility in older age include gait, walking capacity, and balance. Additionally, aspects of life-space mobility, such as the overall walking distance within the environment, are significant factors that characterize mobility in older adults. Exercise can be seen as a preventive measure, so that, without adequate physical activity levels, the ageing process may be associated with premature development of disease and dysfunction. However, different training types will enhance outcomes of functional mobility via specific pathways. For example, walking capacity has an endurance and a strength component. Accordingly, aerobic training will improve walking capacity by enhancing cardio-respiratory fitness, as shown within different clinical trials with older patient cohorts. Resistance training helps to increase muscle strength in the lower limb, which increases gait stability. However, recent literature reviews showed that a combination of both interventions might be more sufficient to gain most benefits on walking capacity. This review will systematically assess the effects of state-of-the-art exercise interventions designed to promote mobility. The ultimate aim is to provide evidence-based guidelines for the optimal type and dose of exercise to preserve and enhance functional mobility in diverse populations of older adults
Keywords: functional mobility, older adults, exercise programs, systematic review
Published in DiRROS: 10.03.2025; Views: 186; Downloads: 190
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