A taxonomic review of the centipede genus Scolopendra Linnaeus, 1758 (Scolopendromorpha, Scolopendridae) in mainland Southeast Asia, with description of a new species from Laos

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The Centipede Genus Scolopendra in Mainland Southeast Asia: Molecular Phylogenetics, Geometric Morphometrics and External Morphology as Tools for Species Delimitation

Copyright: © 2015 The PLOS ONE Staff. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License [4.0], which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited. The attached file S1 is the corrected, republished version of the article. The attached file S2 is the original, uncorrected version of the article

STR-978: A HYSTERESIS MODEL FOR THE PISTON-BASED SELF-CENTERING BRACING SYSTEM CONSIDERING RESIDUAL DEFORMATION

A load deformation hysteresis model has been developed for the piston based self-centering (PBSC) bracing system. This bracing system utilizes shaft-piston mechanism for transferring load to its core energy dissipating elements, which are made of Nickel Titanium alloy (NiTinol) bars. These bars provide the brace its strength as well as the self-centering capability. Although in theory, the NiTinol based shape memory alloy bars are supposed to come back to their original shape after large nonlinear deformations, in reality, they experience residual deformation. The hysteresis models, which are currently available for capturing the behavior of self-centering systems, are known as flag shaped hysteresis. Unfortunately, these flag shaped hysteresis models cannot capture residual deformation. In order to solve this issue a novel hysteresis model has been developed for the PBSC bracing system. This model will enable researchers to capture the PBSC brace behavior in detail during quasi-static and dynamic time history analysis. This hysteresis model is developed using the results of nonlinear static analysis in MATLAB. The resultant plots were thoroughly examined to determine loading/unloading rules. These rules were coded and implemented in the S-FRAME software’s nonlinear analysis solver. A building frame model was built with PBSC bracing system and it was tested using ten earthquake records scaled to Vancouver soil class “C” response spectrum. It was observed that the PBSC brace has an excellent re-centering capability

Review of the pill millipede genus Hyperglomeris Silvestri, 1917 (Diplopoda, Glomerida, Glomeridae) with description of two new species from Laos

The pill millipede genus Hyperglomeris Silvestri, 1917 is reported from Laos for the first time. Two new species, namely H. bicaudata Likhitrakarn, sp. nov. and H. inkhavilayi Likhitrakarn, sp. nov., from Houaphanh and Khammouane provinces, northern Laos, are described and illustrated based on morphological characters and molecular analyses. Sequences of COI gene were used as DNA barcoding markers, and successfully supported the accurate identification of other Glomeridae species. Interspecific divergence of the COI uncorrected p-distance between these new species and other Hyperglomeris species ranged from 7.84–13.07%, while the intraspecific divergence was 0.45% in H. inkhavilayi sp. nov. and 5.3% in H. bicaudata sp. nov. The updated status of Hyperglomeris, a map of its distribution, and identification keys for all species are given

Annotated checklist of the terrestrial molluscs from Laos (Mollusca, Gastropoda)

The land area of Laos is composed of a large variety of undisturbed habitats, such as high mountainous areas, huge limestone karsts and the lower Mekong Basin. Therefore, Laos is expected to have a high species diversity, especially for the land snails. However, with respect to research on malacology, Laos is probably the least well-researched area for land snail diversity in Indochina (including Laos) over the past few centuries. The handful of species lists have never been systematically revised from the colonial period to the present, so these classifications are outdated. Herein we present the first comprehensive annotated checklist with an up-to-date systematic framework of the land snail fauna in Laos based on both field investigations and literature surveys. This annotated checklist is collectively composed of 231 nominal species (62 ‘prosobranch’ and 169 heterobranches), of which 221 nominal species are illustrated. The type specimens of 143 species from several museum collections and/or 144 species of newly collected specimens are illustrated. There are 58 species recorded as new to the malacofauna of the country, and two new replacement names are proposed as Hemiplecta lanxangnica Inkhavilay and Panha, nomen novum (Ariophantidae) and Chloritis khammouanensis Inkhavilay and Panha, nomen novum (Camaenidae). Four recently described species of the genus Amphidromus from Laos, “thakhekensis”, “richgoldbergi”, “attapeuensis” and “phuonglinhae” are synonymized with previously described species. In addition, thirteen nominal species are listed as uncertain records that may or may not occur in Laos. This annotated checklist may inspire malacologists to carry on systematic research in this region

Figure 9: Aspects of ultimate legs during courtship behavior.

The arthropodium is the key innovation of arthropods. Its various modifications are the outcome of multiple evolutionary transformations, and the foundation of nearly endless functional possibilities. In contrast to hexapods, crustaceans, and even chelicerates, the spectrum of evolutionary transformations of myriapod arthropodia is insufficiently documented and rarely scrutinized. Among Myriapoda, Chilopoda (centipedes) are characterized by their venomous forcipules—evolutionarily transformed walking legs of the first trunk segment. In addition, the posterior end of the centipedes’ body, in particular the ultimate legs, exhibits a remarkable morphological heterogeneity. Not participating in locomotion, they hold a vast functional diversity. In many centipede species, elongation and annulation in combination with an augmentation of sensory structures indicates a functional shift towards a sensory appendage. In other species, thickening, widening and reinforcement with a multitude of cuticular protuberances and glandular systems suggests a role in both attack and defense. Moreover, sexual dimorphic characteristics indicate that centipede ultimate legs play a pivotal role in intraspecific communication, mate finding and courtship behavior. We address ambiguous identifications and designations of podomeres in order to point out controversial aspects of homology and homonymy. We provide a broad summary of descriptions, illustrations, ideas and observations published in past 160 years, and propose that studying centipede ultimate legs is not only essential in itself for filling gaps of knowledge in descriptive morphology, but also provides an opportunity to explore diverse pathways of leg transformations within Myriapoda

A review of the taxonomy of spiny-backed orb-weaving spiders of the subfamily Gasteracanthinae (Araneae, Araneidae) in Thailand

Spiny-backed orb-weaving spiders of the subfamily Gasteracanthinae are broadly distributed in the Old World. Despite their use as a model species in biology, evolution, and behavior because of their extraordinary characteristics, the systematics of this group of spiders are still poorly understood. This study elucidates the systematics of Gasteracanthinae in Thailand based on morphological and molecular-based analyses. In total, seven species from three genera, namely Gasteracantha, Macracantha, and Thelacantha, were recorded in Thailand. Shape of abdominal spines, pattern of sigilla, and female genitalia are significant characters for species identification. In contrast, coloration shows highly intraspecific variation in most species within Gasteracanthinae. A phylogenetic tree based on partial sequences of COI, 16S, and H3 genes recovered Gasteracanthinae as a monophyletic group and supports the existence of three clades. Gasteracantha hasselti is placed as a sister taxon to Macracantha arcuata. Hence, we propose to transfer G. hasselti to Macracantha. Moreover, molecular species delimitation analyses (ABGD, bPTP, and GMYC) using 675 bp of COI gene support all nominal species, with evidence of possible additional cryptic species

Enhancing Organizational Resilience through Mindful Organizing

Organizational resilience and mindfulness are inextricably connected and have specific characteristics related to responding to challenging events. This mixed-method research study aimed to explore the relationship between mindful organizing and organizational resilience. A qualitative critical incident analysis was conducted with executives to explore insights into mindfulness and resilience at the organizational level. Using the analysis of a moment structures (AMOS) program, the structural equation modeling method was employed to assess the relationships between mindfulness, mindful organizing, and organizational resilience. A total of 639 usable cross-sectional questionnaires from diverse organizations in Thailand were used for data analysis. The findings of the current study reveal that mindful organizing has a positive influence on organizational resilience. This paper discusses the implications and limitations of these findings, along with suggestions for future research

Enhancing employee resilience through Eastern spirituality and Western scientific mindfulness

Employee resilience is closely linked to well-being, happiness, and workplace performance. Many studies have suggested a connection between mindfulness and employee resilience. However, a notable distinction arises between Eastern spiritual mindfulness and Western scientific mindfulness, prompting an investigation into the specific elements of each perspective that contribute to supporting employee resilience. This study aims to clarify whether Eastern mindfulness, characterized by awareness and attention, or Western mindfulness, characterized by qualities like novelty seeking, novelty producing, and engagement, exerts a more apparent influence on enhancing employee resilience. Furthermore, it seeks to explore any correlation between Eastern spiritual mindfulness and Western scientific mindfulness. This research employs a mixed-method approach utilizing critical incident analysis to gain profound insights of mindfulness perspectives. Furthermore, it applies structural equation modeling to rigorously examine the relationship between mindfulness and employee resilience. The findings reveal a positive association between Eastern and Western mindfulness. Surprisingly, while Eastern mindfulness does not directly impact on employee resilience positively, Western mindfulness demonstrates a favorable effect on employee resilience. Moreover, Western mindfulness emerges as a mediator in the relationship between Eastern mindfulness and employee resilience. This study contributes to both theoretical and practical realm of knowledge. Additionally, it acknowledges its limitations and offers recommendations for future research

ผลกระทบของข่าวที่มีต่อความผันผวนของอัตราผลตอบแทนจากดัชนีราคากลุ่มอุตสาหกรรมในแต่ละช่วงเวลาซื้อขาย

การศึกษานี้มุ่งศึกษาผลกระทบของข่าวที่มีต่อความผันผวนของผลตอบแทนของดัชนีกลุ่มอุตสาหกรรมในช่วงเวลาซื้อขายในวันทำการของตลาดหลักทรัพย์ในแต่ละกลุ่มอุตสาหกรรมในตลาดหลักทรัพย์แห่งประเทศไทย เมื่อมีการประกาศข่าวของแต่ละดัชนีอุตสาหกรรมแล้วจะส่งผลกระทบไปยังความผันผวนของ อัตราผลตอบแทนมากน้อยเพียงใด โดยศึกษาความผันผวนของผลตอบแทนของดัชนีจาก 8 กลุ่มอุตสาหกรรม กลุ่มอุตสาหกรรมเกษตรและอุตสาหกรรมอาหาร กลุ่มอุตสาหกรรมสินค้าอุปโภคบริโภค กลุ่มอุตสาหกรรมธุรกิจการเงิน กลุ่มอุตสาหกรรมสินค้าอุตสาหกรรม กลุ่มอุตสาหกรรมอสังหาริมทรัพย์และก่อสร้าง กลุ่มอุตสาหกรรมทรัพยากร กลุ่มอุตสาหกรรมบริการ และกลุ่มอุตสาหกรรมเทคโนโลยี ในการศึกษานี้คำนวนหาความผันผวน คำนวณโดย 2 วิธี คือ ความผันผวนอย่างง่ายโดยคำนวนจากค่าอัตราผลตอบแทนในแต่ละช่วงเวลา 30 นาที ของช่วงเช้าและช่วงบ่ายในแต่ละดัชนีอุตสาหกรรม และ ความผันผวนจากแบบจำลอง Generalized Autoregressive Conditional Heteroscedasticity (GARCH) เก็บข้อมูลตั้งแต่วันที่ 22 พฤษภาคม พ.ศ. 2558 ถึง 29 ธันวาคม พ.ศ. 2560 และทำการศึกษาแบ่งเป็น 2 ช่วงเวลา  คือ ช่วงเช้า (10.00 น. – 12.30 น.) และช่วงบ่าย (14.30 น. – 16.30 น.) ผลการศึกษาพบว่า ข่าวที่ถูกประกาศของแต่ละอุตสาหกรรมส่งผลกระทบต่อความผันผวนของแต่ละอุตสาหกรรมในช่วงเวลาที่แตกต่างกัน เช่น ข่าวของกลุ่มอุตสาหกรรมอสังหาริมทรัพย์ประกาศในช่วงเวลาเช้าส่งผลกระทบไปยังความผันผวนจากแบบจำลอง GARCH เป็นต้น ส่วนความผันผวนอย่างง่ายของแต่ละอุตสาหกรรมไม่ส่งผลกระทบกับข่าวที่ประกาศแต่จะส่งผลกระทบกับตัวแปรควบคุมอื่นๆ แท