The freshwater fish fauna of southern Africa is highly diverse; however, the magnitude of parasitic species they host is unevenly known. The region’s documented adult trematode fish fauna is sparse, while the opposite is evident for intermediate trematode stages. Perceived difficulty in identification of underdeveloped stages lead to the exclusion of reporting metacercariae or lack either morphological or molecular data resulting in a depauperate comparative molecular data repository for species of the region and Africa as a whole. In an effort to address the morphological and molecular data void of the parasite fauna of southern African freshwater fishes, we sought to comprehensively investigate and characterise this fauna. Here we report on three metacercarial forms of Clinostomum (Clinostomidae) from three fish families (Clariidae, Mochokidae, and Mormyridae), provide the first report of a species of the Cryptogonimidae from a cyprinid host in South Africa, and include molecular data for the partial 28S rDNA, ITS1–2 and COI mtDNA regions of these metacercarial forms. Our clinostomid specimens morphologically and genetically corresponded with Clinostomum brieni (e.g., Clarias gariepinus) and Clinostomum ‘morphotype 2’ and ‘morphotype 3’ per Caffara et al. (2017) from the mormyrid Marcusenius pongolensis and the mochokid catfish Chiloglanis sp., respectively. Our cryptogonimid metacercariae did not correspond with any known species or available molecular sequence data; however, the presence of robust circumoral spines on the oral sucker indicated that they are either a species of Acanthostomum or Proctocaecum. The molecular data we provide are the first for an Acanthostomum/Proctocaecum-type cryptogonimid from Africa.

The value-creation opportunities enabled by the ubiquitous availability of data indisputably lead to the necessity of restructuring innovation processes. Moreover, the variety of stakeholders potentially involved in innovation processes and the apparent heterogeneity of scenarios and contexts imply much less established practices and routines and not yet constituted reference frameworks to lead the transition to data-driven product innovation. In this context, the paper attempts, from the analysis of the data-driven innovation processes of 36 Italian companies, to recognise the emerging innovation opportunities offered by the rich network of the resulting data flows. However, these opportunities also imply new tasks, which in turn raise further concerns. Building on data-driven design literature and on industrial practices in the field of innovation management, the authors discuss the role that research achievements in the field of engineering design can play in addressing such concerns.

This article investigates how British textile traders navigated Cuban markets when Spain, Britain, and the United States competed to maintain or gain access to Cuba’s commercial activity. Cuba was one of the largest textile consumers in the Americas and a loyal market for British textiles, a significance hitherto overlooked by existing scholarship on Anglo-Hispanic trading relations. The article fills this gap by examining the interplay between local dynamics and imperial rivalry through the case of the Manchester-based textile commission merchant, Stavert, Zigomala, & Co. Through the cross-examination of the company’s business records, visual, material, and other archival and primary printed sources this article contends that a successful engagement with the Cuban market required a nuanced approach transcending formal trading structures, challenging traditional assumptions about commercial predominance based on forms of imperialism. The article’s argument is divided into three parts: 1) it locates Stavert, Zigomala within Cuban consumer culture; 2) it examines how traders responded to Cuban demand; and 3) it situates the role of British textile merchants in the context of Cuba’s international relations between approximately 1860 until1914.

Speaking is often challenging for language learners to develop due to factors such as anxiety and limited practice opportunities. Dialogue-based computer-assisted language learning (CALL) systems have the potential to address these challenges. While there is evidence of their usefulness in second language (L2) learning, the effectiveness of these systems on speaking development remains unclear. The present meta-analysis attempts to provide a comprehensive overview of the effect of dialogue-based CALL in facilitating L2 speaking development. After an extensive literature search, we identified 16 studies encompassing 89 effect sizes. Through a three-level meta-analysis, we calculated the overall effect size and investigated the potential moderating effect of 13 variables spanning study context, study design and treatment, and measures. Results indicated a moderate overall effect size (g = .61) of dialogue systems on L2 learners’ speaking development. Notably, three moderators were found to have significant effects: type of system, system meaning constraint, and system modality. No significant moderating effect was identified for education stage, L2 proficiency, learning location, corrective feedback, length of intervention, type of interaction, measure, and key assessment component. These findings suggest directions for future research, including the role of corrective feedback in dialogue-based CALL, the effectiveness of such systems across proficiency levels, and their potential in diverse learning contexts with the integration of generative artificial intelligence.

We define the Schur–Agler class in infinite variables to consist of functions whose restrictions to finite-dimensional polydisks belong to the Schur–Agler class. We show that a natural generalization of an Agler decomposition holds and the functions possess transfer function realizations that allow us to extend the functions to the unit ball of $\ell ^\infty $. We also give a Pick interpolation type theorem which displays a subtle difference with finitely many variables. Finally, we make a brief connection to Dirichlet series derived from the Schur–Agler class in infinite variables via the Bohr correspondence.

Several classical knot invariants, such as the Alexander polynomial, the Levine-Tristram signature, and the Blanchfield pairing, admit natural extensions from knots to links, and more generally, from oriented links to so-called colored links. In this note, we explore such extensions of the Arf invariant. Inspired by the three examples stated above, we use generalized Seifert forms to construct quadratic forms and determine when the Arf invariant of such a form yields a well-defined invariant of colored links. However, apart from the known case of oriented links, these new Arf invariants turn out to be determined by the linking numbers.

In [5], a particular family of real hyperplane arrangements stemming from hyperpolygonal spaces associated with certain quiver varieties was introduced which we thus call hyperpolygonal arrangements ${\mathscr H}_n$. In this note, we study these arrangements and investigate their properties systematically. Remarkably, the arrangements ${\mathscr H}_n$ discriminate between essentially all local properties of arrangements. In addition, we show that hyperpolygonal arrangements are projectively unique and combinatorially formal.

We note that the arrangement ${\mathscr H}_5$ is the famous counterexample of Edelman and Reiner [17] of Orlik’s conjecture that the restriction of a free arrangement is again free.

The NutriLight system presents a novel dietary approach designed to enhance health communication, promote sustainable eating habits, and address limitations in existing dietary patterns. Using a traffic light scoring system, it simplifies dietary recommendations, making them more accessible and adaptable across diverse populations. Unlike rigid diets, NutriLight categorises foods into green, yellow, and red groups, encouraging balance rather than restriction. This flexibility allows for cultural adaptations, ensuring relevance in different dietary contexts while supporting planetary health. Additionally, NutriLight mitigates the risk of nutrient deficiencies by emphasising whole, minimally processed foods and reducing overconsumption of unhealthy options. While promising, its effectiveness depends on proper implementation, localised adaptation, and long-term evaluation to confirm its health benefits. By bridging the gap between nutritional science and practical application, NutriLight has the potential to serve as an effective tool in public health nutrition, fostering healthier and more sustainable dietary choices worldwide.

The physical property requirements for kaolinite suspensions to display time-dependent structural rebuilding or rejuvenation behavior are the same as required by smectite gels such as hectorite and Na-montmorillonite (NaMnt), a rare discovery linking the two types of clay. A holistic framework for predicting clay gel behavior based on the clay physical properties such as charge, crystal structure, and mineralogy, may emerge and was the ultimate goal of this research. A structural rejuvenation process during both ageing and stepdown shear rate modes was postulated to require that the silica and alumina faces of the kaolinite platelets be negatively charged to produce a strong electric double layer (EDL) repulsion in all face-face configurations. This is needed to slow down the (+)edge to (–)face bonding process to produce the time-dependent behavior. Currently, the unlike charge attraction between the silica and alumina faces makes the structural rebuilding process of a pre-sheared kaolinite suspension too fast to be observable. Two methods of making the alumina face negatively charged, i.e. the use of adsorbed P2O74– and high pH, did indeed produce the time-dependent behavior for both KGa-1b and KGa-2 suspensions, thus validating the proposed hypothesis. The KGa-1b with a lower content of octahedral positive layer charge required less P2O74– and a lower pH to achieve the desired outcome. Addition of 0.002 M NaCl to the high pH-treated KGa-2 suspension hastened the structural rejuvenation process and increased the aged gel strength. The oscillatory behavior in the stepdown shear stress at low pH was due to layer agglomerates formed by (+)face to (–)face attraction. Bulky layered agglomerates were reduced markedly by both the P2O74– and high pH treatments. The knowledge gained was applied successfully to make clay-rich iron ore tailings time-dependent in both the ageing and stepdown shear rate modes.

Jatobá is a magnetite-hosted Cu-Ni deposit in the Carajás Domain, Brazil. The deposit is located along E–W structures belonging to the Canaã dos Carajás shear zone and hosted within the Neoarchean Grão Pará Group. Micron to nanoscale investigation of magnetite from mafic host lithologies and Cu-Ni-mineralisation facilitate constraints on ore genesis. Two texturally and geochemically distinct types of magnetite are defined: ‘trellis’ (country rocks) and ‘silicate-mottled’ (ore). An overlap between the types is recognised as ilmenite changes from lamellar trellis to blebby and patchy textures in the silicate-mottled magnetite. The blebby type comprises Al-hydroxides (gibbsite) and talc, replacing hercynite and Mg-amphibole, respectively. The mottled magnetite contains Mg-(Fe)- and Ce-bearing calcic amphiboles, both associated with non-classical pyriboles (NCP). Geochemical signatures change from Ti-Cr-Co-Mn in trellis magnetite to a pronounced REE enrichment in the mottled type. Nano-inclusions of allanite occur as epitactic intergrowths with actinolite within magnetite. Amphiboles in the host rocks mirror those found in magnetite, with ferro-tschermakite present in both cases.

Ilmenite-magnetite nano-thermobarometry yields a range of temperature and logfO2 values (temperature from 728°C at logfO2= –12 to 414°C at logfO2= –31) for re-equilibration between magnetite and ilmenite from initial trellis to the trellis + blebby and to patchy ilmenite in the densely mottled magnetite. Ferro-tschermakite geobarometry enables an estimate of 6.4–7.4 kbar, compatible with amphibolite-facies metamorphism at ∼20 km depth. Syn-metamorphic deformation textures include magnetite + apatite as pods, banding and folds, as well as sigmoidal scapolite and pressure shadows surrounding magnetite. Collectively, these data support a genetic model implying deep shear-zone metamorphism at the base of the Canaã dos Carajás strike-slip structure. This area is a reservoir for metal sources as fluids can tap into granitoids and ultramafic lithologies in the basement. The telescoped transition from trellis to silicate-mottled magnetite records fluid fluxes of variable overprinting effects during protracted fluid–rock interaction.

How are partnerships between foreign states and armed groups formed? Previous research has suggested that the provision of external support is mainly based on group capacity and affinity ties. However, this neglects the fact that support provision is a dynamic matching process in which strategic adjustments often are made that enable the distribution of support. I argue that states place demands on rebel groups who may strategically rebrand, reform, and reorganise to facilitate the distribution of support. For state sponsors, this process serves the dual purpose of justification and control. For rebels, the process distinguishes them from competitors and increases their chances of receiving vital aid. Drawing on frame analysis, I illustrate how the Syrian Democratic Forces crafted narratives in tandem with the United States which created the necessary conditions that helped initiate and sustain the partnership. The findings highlight the importance of the strategic alignment process and show how it can supplement existing explanations related to battlefield performances and transnational affinities.

Financial relief proceedings come after divorce proceedings, whether in the same jurisdiction or not. In most cases, whether proceedings can continue against the other party is not an issue; the difficulty usually lies in the determination of the outcome of the financial relief proceedings. However, what happens when one party to the proceedings passes away before proceedings conclude? This was the crux of Unger and Another (in substitution for Hasan) v Ul-Hasan (Deceased) and Another [2023] UKSC 22 (Unger).

The trigonometric double affine Hecke algebra $\mathbf {H}_c$ for an irreducible root system depends on a family of complex parameters c. Given two families of parameters c and $c'$ which differ by integers, we construct the translation functor from $\mathbf {H}_{c}\text{-}{\mathrm{Mod}}$ to $\mathbf {H}_{c'}\text{-}{\mathrm{Mod}}$ and prove that it induces equivalence of derived categories. This is a trigonometric counterpart of a theorem of Losev on the derived equivalences for rational Cherednik algebras.

In this study, we investigate the impact of X-rays produced by conventional mCT instruments on fossil materials dated by radiocarbon. Our results clearly show a decrease on the collagen preservation in fossil and modern bones and teeth, and therefore on the radiocarbon analytical results (in particular, the collagen yield and, possibly, stable isotope composition), after mCT scanning. In other words, all the samples analysed here have experienced a noticeable radiation damage, regardless of their nature (bone and dental tissue) and age (modern and fossil). Given these observations, a prudent approach would be for radiocarbon laboratories to expect lower collagen yields for samples that have been previously mCT scanned and ensure appropriately sized standards are processed alongside these samples. Additionally, samples with originally low collagen yields might become unsuitable for radiocarbon dating after mCT or at least show a yield lower than the usual minimum cut-off value. In this case, it might be viable to extend the collagen yield quality assurance parameter for mCT scanned bones and teeth and instead focus on the C:N ratio as the most appropriate indicator of collagen quality, although we cannot exclude that the latter may also be impacted by X-ray exposure. Further investigations on a larger set of samples are required to confirm these first observations. Nevertheless, in the light of these results, we can reasonably conclude by recommending caution regarding the systematic and unlimited use of mCT scanning in palaeoanthropology or in other related disciplines involving fossil material.

This paper introduces a high single-pulse energy, narrow-linewidth mid-infrared self-optical parametric oscillator (mid-IR SOPO) with a cavity length of 120 mm and a Nd:MgO:PPLN crystal. To achieve high single-pulse energy and high peak power in mid-IR light sources, a LiNbO3 electro-optic Q-switch (EOQ) is introduced for the first time in a mid-IR SOPO. A narrow-linewidth EOQ-SOPO rate equation is formulated, and experiments are conducted using a single Fabry–Pérot etalon. At a 500 μs pump pulse width, a 4.71 mJ single-pulse idler light at 3838.2 nm is achieved, with a linewidth of 0.412 nm, single-pulse width of 4.78 ns and peak power of 985 kW. At 200 μs, the idler light at 3845.2 nm exhibits a minimum linewidth of 0.212 nm.