Parasite biodiversity is underestimated or unknown in many regions, yet information on parasites is critical to understanding ecosystem structure and how this will change into the future. Understanding the diversity and role of parasites is especially important in regions exposed to anthropogenic pressures, such as aquatic ecosystems, as their interactions with other stressors can either exacerbate or mediate negative impacts. Water scarcity in the Brazilian semi-arid has led to a proliferation of reservoirs for human use. These artificial waterbodies host a diversity of taxa, including a large number of fish species; however, fish parasite diversity remains undocumented. This study investigated the parasitological diversity of fishes from reservoirs in the Paraíba and Mamanguape River basins in the Caatinga domain, Brazil – one of the most populated semi-arid regions worldwide. Eight reservoirs were studied, with fish sampled across the two phases of the hydrological cycle (dry and rainy seasons) using gillnets, cast nets, and trawl nets. Endo- and ecto-parasites were identified and enumerated, and parasitological indices (prevalence, intensity, and abundance) were calculated. In total, 1,170 individuals of 21 fish species were examined. Of these individuals, 42% were parasitized with at least one of 54 parasite taxa. We recorded 32 new geographical occurrences of parasites and 23 new fish-parasite interactions, expanding our understanding of ichthyoparasite diversity in the Brazilian semi-arid. Moving forward, it is important to develop knowledge around how anthropogenic changes (e.g., biological invasions, climate, and land use change) influence host-parasite structure and dynamics and ecosystem functioning in these ecosystems.

We conducted an international survey of stroke physicians to assess practices and attitudes toward cardiac monitoring and early rhythm control. A 20-question survey was completed by 241 clinicians representing 61 countries. The minimum duration of actionable atrial fibrillation varied widely, and more than 90% (223/241) of respondents indicated a willingness to enroll patients in a trial assessing the ideal duration of cardiac monitoring. Only a quarter of respondents (62/241) offered early rhythm control for patients with atrial fibrillation, with the majority (209/241, 87%) expressing an opinion that there was equipoise about the benefit of rhythm control in the post-stroke population.

Two poorly known parasitic Platyhelminthes were collected from the gills of the European barracuda Sphyraena sphyraena in the western Mediterranean. Specimens of Chauhanea mediterranea Euzet & Trilles, 1960 and Rhinecotyle crepitacula Euzet & Trilles, 1960 (Polyopisthocotyla) are redescribed based on newly collected material. A careful examination of Ch. mediterranea revealed inaccuracies in previous interpretations of the female openings. The midventral opening, previously referred to as the ‘vaginal opening’ in Pseudochauhanea Yamaguti, 1965 and used to distinguish this genus from Chauhanea Ramalingam, 1953, is demonstrated to be the uterus, as confirmed by the presence of eggs in the thin-walled duct associated with this opening. The lateral position of the cirrus and vagina is also confirmed. Consequently, Pseudochauhanea is synonymized with Chauhanea, resulting in the following new combinations: Ch. elegans Fuentes-Zambrano, 1997 n. comb.; Ch. elongata Kritsky, Bilqees & Leiby, 1972 n. comb.; Ch. macrorchis Lin, Liu & Zhang in Zhang, Yang & Liu, 2001 n. comb.; Ch. mexicana Lamothe, 1967 n. comb.; Ch. sphyraenae Yamaguti, 1965 n. comb. A detailed investigation of the clamp sclerites of Ch. mediterranea indicates that both Chauhanea and Cotyloatlantica Bravo-Hollis, 1984 share the subdivision of the basal oblique sclerite, which is a continuation of the marginal sclerite in the anterior jaw, a key feature used to distinguish these genera. As a result, Cotyloatlantica is also synonymized with Chauhanea, and its species are transferred as follows: Ch. pretiosa (Bravo-Hollis, 1984) n. comb. The reinstatement of Ch. mediterranea Euzet & Trilles, 1960 as a valid name is supported, and an amended diagnosis of Chauhanea is provided. Additionally, R. crepitacula is accurately redescribed, with a new geographical locality record and an assessment of morphometrical and anatomical variations between Mediterranean and oceanic specimens.

Ochetosoma heterocoelium (Travassos, 1921) was collected from the mouth and oesophagus of a pit viper, Bothrops moojeni Hoge, 1966 in São Sebastião do Paraíso Farm (21°51’48.26" S, 48°26’56.78" W), municipality of Boa Esperança do Sul, São Paulo State, Brazil. In this study, we provide the first molecular characterisation of this digenean using 28S rDNA and COI sequences, and its phylogenetic position within the Plagiorchiida is assessed. Furthermore, new morphological features are added to the diagnosis of the species, and scanning electron microscopy photomicrographs are presented. Sequences of the 28S rRNA gene of O. heterocoelium were successfully obtained and aligned with 35 digenean species belonging to Plagiorchiida. Only three congeners – O. aniarum (Leidy, 1890), O elongatum (Seo et al. 2024), and O. kansense (Crow, 1913) – have been sequenced for this molecular marker. The newly sequenced individuals of O. heterocoelium are 98.7% and 99.4% similar to O. aniarum and O. kansensis, respectively, and Ochetosoma is not recovered as a monophyletic group. Dasymetra nicolli Holl and Allison, 1935 and Lechriorchis tygarti Talbot, 1933 are nested with Ochetosoma.

Phycodes radiata is a significant pest of fig trees, causing extensive damage to fig orchards in the Semnan region of Iran in recent years. egg masses of P. radiata were collected from four Ficus carica cultivars, Zard Semnan, Ghermez Semnan, Zard Garmsar, and Ficus sp., and were subsequently reared under laboratory conditions. The study investigated the biological parameters of P. radiata when fed on four different fig cultivars. The feeding index parameters were significantly higher in the Zard Semnan cultivar than in the others. Hemocyte types observed in the larval hemolymph included prohemocytes, plasmatocytes, granulocytes, and oenocytoids, as identified via light microscopy. The pathogenicity of five isolates of entomopathogenic fungi: three isolates of Beauveria bassiana (B1, B2, and B3), one isolate of Metarhizium anisopliae, and one isolate of Lecanicillium muscarium were assessed against P. radiata larvae. The larvae were directly immersed in the fungal suspension for 6 seconds. Control larvae were treated similarly with Tween 80 (0.01%) and distilled water. Larval mortality was highest with the B2, B1, and B3 isolates, respectively. To evaluate hemocyte density in response to pathogenic fungi, fungal spores were injected into insect hemolymph, and hemocyte type changes were recorded at 1, 3, 6, 12, 24, 48, and 72 hours post-injection. The most pronounced effects were observed with the B1 and B2 isolates at 3 and 6 hours post-injection. Overall, the findings indicate that entomopathogenic fungi can effectively disrupt the growth and defense mechanisms of P. radiata, leading to impaired development and increased larval mortality.

Aircraft tyres play a critical role in ensuring the safety of aircraft landings. This paper introduces a novel multi-scale analytical method for evaluating tyre impact performance, explicitly studying the effect of damage defects in the manufacturing and service process on tyre landing dynamic performance. Building on this approach, a numerical simulation of aircraft tyre static and impact load scenarios was conducted, followed by experimental validation. The study systematically compares and analyses the effects of void volume fraction, cord volume fraction and material scale factor on the maximum impact force experienced by aircraft tyre. The variations in maximum impact force arising from changes in tyre structural strength, and deformation can be explained by specific parameters. The findings of this research have significant implications for tyre design and engineering, as well as for enhancing the understanding of the factors that influence tyre performance and safety.

This paper examines the “beautiful countryside,” a newly initiated state rural development programme emphasizing “greening” and beautification elements, in western China. It explores how local bureaucrats, village leaders and planners implement the programme, which stresses the importance of greening and green development, on the ground. It also analyses how local officials and villagers understand the programme. By highlighting the significance of the greening and aesthetic elements of the project, as well as local government officials’ interpretation and understanding of programme implementation, this paper argues that constructing the “beautiful countryside” is a form of aesthetic governmentality. While this initiative constructs tidy and beautiful spaces, it also shapes subjectivities towards building a city-like modern space to promote rural urbanization in the countryside.

A topic of recent interest involves the nature of theistic faith, and in particular, the boundaries of such faith. For example, philosophers have taken opposing positions on whether atheists and agnostics can have theistic faith. I consider a related question: whether anti-theists, who think God’s existence would be a bad thing, can have faith. I argue for a negative answer, although with several caveats.

This paper addresses the taxonomic status of the extinct large-bodied sea mink Neogale macrodon. Since the early twentieth century, bones of this mink have been found commingled with those of the extant mink, Neogale vison, in Maine’s prehistoric archaeological sites. These two size classes of mink have been described as separate species and as sexually dimorphic size variants of N. vison. A century later, researchers revisited this dispute using data from North American modern and archaeological mink skulls, along with limited postcranial bones, and decided in favor of two species. However, this conclusion was challenged.

We return to the discussion by focusing on postcranial bones, which have advantages over skulls for metric analyses. We considered historical evidence for mink morphology and behavior and determined that, although the two forms shared the same habitat, our large number of identified specimens (NISP) of mink (NISP > 1200) contained no detectable evidence for interbreeding. We conclude that the sea mink was an emerging marine fissiped, transitioning from an undetermined N. vison ancestor in a manner analogous to the polar bear (Ursus maritimus) and the sea otter (Enhydra lutris). Lastly, we suggest N. macrodon became extinct during the nineteenth century under heavy pressure from market hunting.

Asian corn borer, Ostrinia furnacalis Guenée (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), is a major pest in corn production, and its management remains a significant challenge. Current control methods, which rely heavily on synthetic chemical pesticides, are environmentally detrimental and unsustainable, necessitating the development of eco-friendly alternatives. This study investigates the potential of the entomopathogenic nematode Steinernema carpocapsae as a biological control agent for O. furnacalis pupae, focusing on its infection efficacy and the factors influencing its performance. We conducted a series of laboratory experiments to evaluate the effects of distance, pupal developmental stage, soil depth, and light conditions on nematode attraction, pupal mortality and sublethal impacts on pupal longevity and oviposition. Results demonstrated that S. carpocapsae exhibited the highest attraction to pupae at a 3 cm distance, with infection declining significantly at greater distances. Younger pupae (<12 h old), were more attractive to nematodes than older pupae, and female pupae were preferred over males. Nematode infection was highest on the head and thorax of pupae, with a significant reduction in infection observed after 24 h. Infection caused 100% mortality in pupae within 2 cm soil depth, though efficacy was reduced under light conditions. Sublethal effects included a significant reduction in the longevity of infected adults and a decrease in the number of eggs laid by infected females compared to controls. These findings underscore the potential of S. carpocapsae as an effective biocontrol agent for sustainable pest management in corn production, offering a viable alternative to chemical pesticides.

Detained individuals subject to deportation have the right to a bond hearing in immigration court similar to that of detained individuals accused of a crime. Unlike criminal law, immigration law places the burden of proof on detained people rather than the government. We analyze the impact of a federal court decision that shifted the burden of proof to the government via a synthetic control study and a qualitative research design grounded in a new theoretical analysis of immigration courts that focuses on judicial decision-making and prosecutorial discretion. The evidence suggests significant limits on the federal courts’ ability to change bond outcomes merely through changing the burden of proof.

The effect dietary FODMAPs (fermentable oligo-, di- and mono-saccharides and polyols) in healthy adults is poorly documented. This study compared specific effects of low and moderate FODMAP intake (relative to typical intake) on the faecal microbiome, participant-reported outcomes and gastrointestinal physiology. In a single-blind cross-over study, 25 healthy participants were randomised to one of two provided diets, ‘low’ (LFD) <4 g/d or ‘moderate’ (MFD) 14-18 g/d, for 3 weeks each, with ≥2-week washout between. Endpoints were assessed in the last week of each diet. The faecal bacterial/archaeal and fungal communities were characterised in 18 participants in whom high quality DNA was extracted by 16S rRNA and ITS2 profiling, and by metagenomic sequencing. There were no differences in gastrointestinal or behavioural symptoms (fatigue, depression, anxiety), or in faecal characteristics and biochemistry (including short-chain fatty acids). Mean colonic transit time (telemetry) was 23 (95% confidence interval: 15, 30) h with the MFD compared with 34 (24, 44) h with LFD (n=12; p=0.009). Fungal diversity (richness) increased in response to MFD, but bacterial richness was reduced, coincident with expansion of the relative abundances of Bifidobacterium, Anaerostipes, and Eubacterium. Metagenomic analysis showed expansion of polyol-utilising Bifidobacteria, and Anaerostipes with MFD. In conclusion, short-term alterations of FODMAP intake are not associated with symptomatic, stool or behavioural manifestations in healthy adults, but remarkable shifts within the bacterial and mycobiome populations were observed. These findings emphasise the need to quantitatively assess all microbial Domains and their interrelationships to improve understanding of consequences of diet on gut function.

Many AI development organizations advertise that they have offices of ethics that facilitate ethical AI. However, concerns have been raised that these offices are merely symbolic and do not actually promote ethics. We address the question of how we can know whether an organization is engaging in ethics washing in this way. We articulate an account of organizational power, and we argue that ethics offices that have power are not merely symbolic. Furthermore, we develop a framework for assessing whether an organization has an empowered ethics office—and, thus, is not ethics washing via a symbolic ethics office.

Soil health is essential for a resilient ecosystem. The European Union proposed a Soil Monitoring Law for a legal framework of soil health. This study proposes a way to assess the mineral soil health. A database of mineral soils containing <20% organic matter and consisting of 10 soil classes and 22 soil types was used. There were four altitudinal groups (HM [high mountains], LM [low mountains and high hills], LH [low hills], PL [low plains]), covering the vegetation/climate floors, two land uses (forestland and grassland combined and cropland) and three soil textures (coarse [CO], loamy [LO] and clayey [CL]). Both soil organic carbon (SOC)/clay ratios and observed per mean SOC (O/M SOC) ratios were calculated for 19 regions. For SOC/clay, the 1/13, 1/10 and 1/8 thresholds were used, whereas O/M SOC categories were grouped as ‘low’, ‘intermediate’, ‘high’ and ‘very high’ health. SOC/clay and O/M SOC ratios combined were used to characterize soil health. SOC sequestration depends on many factors that are specific for each pedo-climatic region and texture and so is the soil characterization as healthy or not healthy. The recommended simultaneous application of these two indicators revealed specific SOC content values as reference levels for good soil health, which decrease from the wetter climates towards the drier ones. SOC content considerably differed among pedo-climatic regions, and soil health should be compared within the same regions that have specific SOC sequestration conditions. Correlations between support points SOC values and the aridity index allow separation between ‘healthy’ and ‘non-healthy’ soil conditions for any climate, vegetation floor and land use.