Agabiformius Vernoeff, 1908 (Isopoda: Oniscidea) – a new genus for the territory of the Crimean Peninsula

We investigate the role of etching in the formation of Ag nanoplates with different morphologies. By examining the reduction of AgNO3 with poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) in an aqueous solution under a hydrothermal condition, we confirm that etching plays an essential role in promoting the growth of Ag triangular nanoplates with straight edges at the expense of multiple twinned particles via Ostwald ripening. Once all the multiple twinned particles are gone, etching will continue at the corners of nanoplates, leading to the formation of enneahedral nanoplates with curved edges. When the nanoplates with straight edges are transferred into ethanol and subjected to a solvothermal treatment, we obtain nanoplates with wavy edges and sharp corners due to etching on the edges. A comparison study indicates that, at the same particle concentration, Ag nanoplates with wavy edges embraces a SERS enhancement factor at least 6 and 13 times stronger than those with straight and curved edges, respectively. The results from finite difference time domain calculations support our experimental observation that the sharp features on nanoplates with wavy edges are the most active sites for SERS.

BackgroundIn differentiated gonochoristic species, a bipotential gonad develops into an ovary or testis during sex differentiation. Knowledge about this process is necessary to improve methods for masculinizing genetically female Atlantic cod for the subsequent purpose of producing all-female populations.MethodsGonads were examined histologically in juveniles from 14 to 39 mm total body length (TL). Number and size of germ cells were determined in a subset of the samples. Relevant genes were cloned, and mRNA levels determined by qPCR of amh, cyp19a1a; dax1 (nr0b2); shp (nr0b2a) and sox9b in a mixed-sex and an all-female population ranging from 12–49 mm TL.ResultsIndividuals between 14–20 mm TL could be separated in two subgroups based on gonad size and germ cell number. Ovarian cavity formation was observed in some individuals from 18–20 mm TL. The mixed sex population displayed bimodal expression patterns as regards cyp19a1a (starting at 12 mm TL) and amh (starting at 20 mm TL) mRNA levels. After approximately 30 mm TL, cyp19a1a and amh displayed a gradual increase in both sexes. No apparent, sex-dependent expression patterns were found for dax1, shp or sox9b transcripts. However, shp levels were high until the larvae reached around 35 mm TL and then dropped to low levels, while dax1 remained low until 35 mm TL, and then increased sharply.ConclusionsThe morphological sex differentiation in females commenced between 14–20 mm TL, and ovarian cavities were evident by 18–20 mm TL. Testis development occurred later, and was morphologically evident after 30 mm TL. This pattern was corroborated with sexually dimorphic expression patterns of cyp19a1a from 12–13 mm TL, and a male-specific increase in amh from 20 mm TL.

Nymphs of the desert locust are spontaneously attracted to simple forms in the visual environment, and show a preference for certain figures. Experiments are described which analyse certain of the important properties which make a figure attractive to this insect. The insects show a preference for long straight vertical edges as opposed to short straight vertical edges. Straight vertical edges are preferred to straight oblique edges and vertical figures with straight edges are preferred to vertical figures with wavy or serrated edges. In the absence of straight vertical edges a preference is shown for the figure with the more complex contour (for figures of comparable size). It is postulated that in this insect form discrimination is based on the number of stimulus changes per unit time produced by moving contours and on the spatial and temporal distribution of such changes. The results are compared with those of previous workers and in particular with those of Hertz and of Wolf and Zerrahn-Wolf on the bee.

PURPOSE: The current study was performed to present a morphological and biometrical description of the sucking louse Linognathus stenopsis Burmeister, 1838 (Anoplura: Linognathidae) and the chewing louse Bovicola caprae Gurlt, 1843 (Ischnocera: Bovicolidae) found in goats. METHODS: A total of 100 male and 100 female lice of each species were subjected to morphological and biometrical identification. The key points used for identification were as follows: head length (HL), head width (HW), thorax length (TL), thorax width at the prothorax (TW), abdomen length (AL), abdomen width (AW), total body length (TBL), index of the head (IH = HL/HW), index of the body (IB = TBL/AW), last segment length (LSL), last segment width (LSW) and index of the last segment (ILS=LSL/LSW) as well as the ratio of the total body length to the head length (TBL/HL). RESULTS: The complete morphological description of the species L. stenopsis revealed that the TBL in females varies from 1.7 mm to 2.4 mm, while in males it ranges from 1.2 mm to 1.6 mm. The body length of female specimens of the species B. caprae ranges between 1.5–1.9 mm, and that of males between 1.0–1.4 mm. TBL in L. stenopsis is strongly influenced by AL. The analysis shows a distinctive connection between TBL and AW as well as in AL and AW of females. TBL in female B. caprae shows a strong correlation with AW and AL and in males between TBL and AL and TL. CONCLUSIONS: These morphological and biometrical descriptions could be used as a reliable marker for species identification.

Previous methods for identifying the sex of eels were difficult to apply to yellow eels due to their undeveloped gonads. In this study, we investigated easy method to identify the sex of cultured eel, Anguilla japonica, using the ratio between the vertical and horizontal length of the pectoral fin and total body length. Females had longer total body length (TL):horizontal fin length (Fh) and TL:vertical fin length (Fv) ratios than males. Based on our results, we found that both the TL:Fh and the TL:Fv ratio were suitable for determining the sex of cultured yellow eel. We therefore suggest using the TL:Fh ratio to determine the sex of yellow eels under natural conditions (i.e. without anesthetizing or sacrificing the eels). Specially, eels with TL:Fh ratios below and above 31.6 should be identified as males and females. To our knowledge, this is the method to determine the sex of yellow eel.

The islands of Sumatra and Java in Indonesia are home to slow lorises, and the long-standing biogeographical separation between the Sunda and Javan species contributes to morphological divergence. However, morphological identification and body size prediction remain limited due to insufficient anatomical data. This study aimed to investigate the anatomical characteristics of the thoracic and pelvic limbs in relation to the total body length (TBL) and pelvic breadth (PB) of the Sunda and Javan slow lorises, which are relevant to distinct biogeographic pressures. Morphometric data were collected from 43 adult slow lorises in a rehabilitation and conservation area under the supervision of Yayasan Inisiasi Alam Rehabilitasi Indonesia, Bogor. Measurements comprised the upper arm length, that considered the bony landmark of the humerus (HL), thigh length referring to the femur bone landmarks (FL), TBL, and PB. Measurements were taken during routine medical check-ups within a week. Statistical analyses, including correlation and regression, were conducted using the established methodologies. The results showed that HL, FL, TBL, and PB of Javan slow lorises were significantly higher than those of Sunda, but there was no statistically significant difference between males and females. Both HL and FL were moderately correlated with TBL in both species, contributing to TBL prediction. HL and FL showed no significant correlation with PB. The body measurements of Sunda slow lorises were significantly smaller than those of the Javan species. These results provided useful morphometric data that improved species identification and helped estimate body length, but did not serve as reliable indicators of sexual dimorphism. The data obtained could help in comparative anatomy and forensic applications in conservation efforts, such as fur color pattern and body size identification. In line with genetic and ecological behavior data, the results are expected to serve as an important reference in conservation programs.

Um estudo sobre as relações morfométricas entre o comprimento cefálico (Lc) e o comprimento total do corpo (Lt), e o número de artículos do flagelo do primeiro e segundo pares de antenas e o comprimento total do corpo foi realizado em uma população de Talitroides topitotum (Burt, 1934), no entorno da Usina Hidroelétrica de Guaricana, Guaratuba, Paraná. O objetivo foi auxiliar na inferência do comprimento do corpo a partir do comprimento cefálico e da idade relativa dos exemplares pela contagem do número de artículos de seus flagelos antenais. Um total de 975 exemplares foi coletado e fotografado, dos quais os artículos dos flagelos direito e esquerdo das antenas 1 e 2 foram contados e os comprimentos do segmento cefálico e do corpo foram medidos. Houve uma correlação linear entre o comprimento do segmento cefálico e o comprimento total do corpo definido pela equação Lc = 0,0506Lt + 0,3297; r² = 0,9577. Diferenças significativas foram observadas entre os números de artículos dos flagelos direito e esquerdo de ambas as antenas. A diferença foi de até quatro artículos no primeiro par de antenas e de doze no segundo. O maior número de artículos entre os dois flagelos mostrou uma correlação com a distribuição das classes de comprimento total do corpo com a equação a1 = 4,3463Lt0,4264 para o primeiro par de antenas, e a2 = 10,5700Lt0,3581 para o segundo par. Foi possível inferir o estágio relativo de desenvolvimento de T. topitotum pelas medidas do comprimento do segmento cefálico. Entretanto, somente o maior número de artículos entre os flagelos direito e esquerdo constitui parâmetro de referência para inferir a idade relativa dos indivíduos desta espécie.

Cambarus robustus (Astacidae, Crustacea) females from acidic, metal-contaminated Wavy Lake and circumneutral, uncontaminated, fast-flowing Pike Creek showed significant allometric differences (relationships between total body length and wet mass, total body length and chela length, and carapace length and carapace width), as well as differences in their fecundity (relationships between total body length and numbers of eggs per ovary and numbers of eggs per ovary and diameter of eggs). Whereas crayfish from Pike Creek showed linear relationships between total body length, wet mass, and chela length (= isometry), decapods from Wavy Lake showed isometry only between total body length and chela length. Females from Pike Creek produced significantly more but smaller ovarian eggs than did those from Wavy Lake. Oxygen consumption was significantly lower and ammonia excretion significantly higher in crayfish from Wavy Lake than in those from Pike Creek.

Simple SummaryThe Indian pangolin (Manis crassicaudata) is one of the eight extant pangolin species in the world, listed as “endangered” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The species is native to the Indian subcontinent. The Indian pangolin population in Sri Lanka is geographically isolated from the mainland population and therefore, could possess morphological adaptations to the unique environmental conditions in the island. However, an accurate description of the morphological features has not been attempted for Indian pangolins occurring on the island. This study described the morphological features of Indian pangolins based on observations made on 27 specimens from Sri Lanka. The adult male Indian pangolin measures between 137 and 177 cm from the snout to the tip of the tail and weighs between 20.4 and 48.8 kg. The largest Indian pangolin recorded so far from any of its range counties, weighing 48.76 kg and measuring 176.8 cm in total body length was recorded in this study. Indian pangolins recorded from Sri Lanka on average bear 511 ± 21 scales. Three major scale morph/types are further described.An accurate morphological description and analysis based on reliable data are unavailable for the geographically isolated population of M. crassicaudata in Sri Lanka. This study provides the most updated morphological description of M. crassicaudata with special reference to body measurements directly obtained from 27 specimens collected island-wide. Morphological parameters were recorded under three age classes that were defined based on their body weight (BW) and total body length (TBL); juvenile (BW: <4.3 kg TBL: <56.0 cm), subadult (BW: 4.3–7.3 kg TBL: 56–101 cm), and adult (BW: >7.3 kg TBL: >101 cm) and gender to reveal sexual dimorphism based on morphometric parameters. The TBL of adult males ranged between 137 and 177 cm while body weight ranged between 20.4 and 48.8 kg. The average count of body scales was 511 ± 21. The body scales were found arranged in 13 longitudinal rows with the highest number of scales observed on the vertebral scale row (16 ± 1). Three major scale morphs were identified; broad rhombic scales, elongated kite-shaped scales, and folded shaped scales. Broad rhombic shaped scales was the dominant scale type (80.49%) on the body (405 ± 7). The tail-length to body-length ratio of an Indian pangolin was 0.87. The tail length of an Indian pangolin is a reliable predictor of the TBL and has potential implications in quick field data gathering.

This study was used to lift nets and trap net fishing at intertidal zone of lagoon and estuarine regions of southern Taiwan. From July 2013 to July 2018, a total 420 specimens of Pisodonophis were analyzed, the average total body length (TL) and average body weight (W) of P. boro eels are 68.4 ± 11.9 cm and 140.4 ± 86.1 g (N = 194), respectively. Typically, P. cancrivorus eels are smaller (TL = 52.8 ± 9.2 cm) and lighter (W = 107.9 ± 73.7 g [N = 119]) than P. boro eels. The natural logarithmic linear relationships between the TL and W of P. boro and P. cancrivorus are respectively expressed as ln(W)b = 2.4405 ln(TL) − 5.4448 (R2 = 0.796, N = 194) and ln(W)c = 3.2168 ln(TL) − 8.2027, (R2 = 0.934, N= 119). P. cancrivorus typically preys on shrimp, crab, and fish; lab assessment revealed that the frequencies of occurrence of these foods in their guts were 49%, 21%, and 15%, respectively (N = 100). The main catch months of P. boro were during the rainy season, and that of P. cancrivorus were the winter season in Taiwan. The average W values of P. boro from Jhuoshuei and Puzih estuaries were 343.2 ± 218.8 g (N = 91) and 140.4 ± 86.1 g (N = 194), respectively. Furthermore, the results of the study revealed that the Puzih estuary is overfished. We suggest that fishery management units should develop some protection measures for the conservation of aquatic ecosystems in estuarine regions. For example, the P. boro weighing less than 113 g will be released back to the estuary.

Metriorhynchids were a peculiar group of fully marine Mesozoic crocodylomorphs, some of which reached large body size and were probably apex predators. The estimation of their total body length in the past has proven problematic. Rigorous size estimation was provided using five complete metriorhynchid specimens, by means of regression equations derived from basicranial and femoral length against total body length. The use of the Alligator femoral regression equation as a proxy to estimate metriorhynchid total body length led to a slight underestimation, whereas cranial regression equations of extant genera resulted in an overestimation of body length. Therefore, the scaling of crania and femora to total body length of metriorhynchids is noticeably different from that of extant crocodylians, indicating that extant crocodylians are not ideal proxies for size reconstruction of extinct taxa that deviate from their semi-aquatic morphotype. The lack of a correlation between maximum, minimum, or the range of generic body lengths with species richness demonstrates that species diversification is driven by factors other than just variation in body size. Maximum likelihood modelling also found no evidence for directionality in body size evolution. However, niche partitioning in Metriorhynchidae is mediated not only by craniodental differentiation, as shown by previous studies, but also by body size variation.

The research aims at : - Determining the most important skilful variables and body measurements for volleyball players ( 1st and excellent grades ) . - Obtaining separately both functions of skilful differentiation and body measurements for volleyball players ( 1st and excellent grades ) . The researchers have adopted the descriptive methodology with a survey style for its convenience to the nature of the research. The research community consists of the volleyball players . The sample has been selected randomly. It includes (29) volleyball players ( excellence Grade ) belonging to (Erbil sport club, Akad Einkawa club, and Shaklawah club ) and (48) 1st grade volleyball players belonging to ( Qaraqoush sport club, Ashourjah sport club , Suolav Al-Jadeed sport club, and Neshtiman sport club) . Thus, the total number becomes (77) players. A number of skilful tests have been applied ,like : the upper serve test , test of reception accuracy from serving , overhand passing test from rear area ,test of diametrical and linear smashing striking accuracy , screen test , and the test of defense skill accuracy from centre (6).On the other hand , the used body measurements are ( body weight , total body length , body length with hands up , arm length with the hand length , leg length , shoulders width , chest width, brachium circumference and thigh circumference ). The results have been processed by using SPSS. So, the researchers have concluded the following results: - Obtaining the equation of differentiation for the skilful variables and extracting three variables ( smashing striking , serve reception , and defending the field ) which have the ability to differentiate the volleyball players ( the excellent and the first grades ). - Obtaining the equation of differentiation for body measurements and extracting three measurements (shoulders width, total body length, and brachium circumference) which have the ability to differentiate the volleyball players ( the excellent and the first grades ). - Using the skilful variables and body measurements resulted from the research as an initial style in selecting the volleyball players ( 1st and excellent grades ) . - The need to pay attention to the skilful variables and body measurements, which have the ability to differentiate the volleyball players to be a base and support for the volleyball coaches. - Taking into account the following differentiating factors in volleyball when selecting and training players in addition to develop all the values as much as possible. The factors are : the skill accuracy of diametrical and linear smashing striketing , measuring reception accuracy from serving , defending the field , shoulders width , total body length and brachium circumference . - Making studies on other morphological and functional variables that effect on players level in volleyball.

Morphometric characterisation of white-bellied pangolins rescued from trade for conservation in Nigeria

This study assessed the effect of oxygen uptake ($${\dot{V}O}_{2}$$) kinetics on swimming performance on 100-m (V100) and 800-m (V800) races. In male pubertal swimmers trained competitively for 4–5 years, pulling force (Fave) and $${\dot{V}O}_{2}$$ kinetics were measured in tethered swimming, and $${\dot{V}O}_{2}$$ amplitude ($$\dot{V}{O}_{2\_A})$$ and time constant (τ) were calculated. Biological age (BA) and such physical characteristics as body mass (BM), skeletal muscle mass of body segments, fat-free mass (FFM), and total body length (TBL) were considered in mutual interdependence and in the context of their influence on swimming performance. Depending on the significant differences in BA, swimmers were divided into early maturing and late maturing, and these groups presented differences in $${\dot{V}O}_{2}$$ kinetics and in Fave in relation to $${\dot{V}O}_{2}$$ and BM. Considering all swimmers, $${\dot{V}O}_{2}$$ in the subsequent 10-s periods was positively related to Fave, muscle mass of particular body segments, TBL, and BA. The same was observed between subsequent Fave in 10-s periods and $$\dot{V}{O}_{2\_A}$$ and body physical indicators: muscle mass, TBL, and BA. Longer τ was not positively related to V100 or V800; e.g., the indicator of $${\dot{V}O}_{2}$$ kinetics ($${\dot{V}O}_{2}$$ 31–60) was strongly related to FFM (0.60; p < 0.001), Fave1-60 (0.72; p < 0.001), and, though to a lesser extent, to TBL (0.44; p < 0.001). The collected physiological and anthropometric data mostly strongly influenced V100 and mostly moderately influenced V800; TBL was a weaker (did not reach the significance threshold) predictor of swimming performance. $${\dot{V}O}_{2}$$ kinetics constitutes an appropriate indicator of well-trained physiological predispositions, which translate into skillfully performed front crawl races (V100, V800). The results indicate that physiologically more mature pubertal swimmers—typically characterized by greater muscle mass and higher strength—tend to achieve better front crawl performance over 100 m and 800 m.

Understanding the population health status of long‐lived and slow‐reproducing species is critical for their management. However, it can take decades with traditional monitoring techniques to detect population‐level changes in demographic parameters. Early detection of the effects of environmental and anthropogenic stressors on vital rates would aid in forecasting changes in population dynamics and therefore inform management efforts. Changes in vital rates strongly correlate with deviations in population growth, highlighting the need for novel approaches that can provide early warning signs of population decline (e.g., changes in age structure). We tested a novel and frequentist approach, using Unoccupied Aerial System (UAS) photogrammetry, to assess the population age structure of small delphinids. First, we measured the precision and accuracy of UAS photogrammetry in estimating total body length (TL) of trained bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). Using a log‐transformed linear model, we estimated TL using the blowhole to dorsal fin distance (BHDF) for surfacing animals. To test the performance of UAS photogrammetry to age‐classify individuals, we then used length measurements from a 35‐year dataset from a free‐ranging bottlenose dolphin community to simulate UAS estimates of BHDF and TL. We tested five age classifiers and determined where young individuals (<10 years) were assigned when misclassified. Finally, we tested whether UAS‐simulated BHDF only or the associated TL estimates provided better classifications. TL of surfacing dolphins was overestimated by 3.3% ±3.1% based on UAS‐estimated BHDF. Our age classifiers performed best in predicting age‐class when using broader and fewer (two and three) age‐class bins with ~80% and ~72% assignment performance, respectively. Overall, 72.5%–93% of the individuals were correctly classified within 2 years of their actual age‐class bin. Similar classification performances were obtained using both proxies. UAS photogrammetry is a non‐invasive, inexpensive, and effective method to estimate TL and age‐class of free‐swimming dolphins. UAS photogrammetry can facilitate the detection of early signs of population changes, which can provide important insights for timely management decisions.