Abstract: The Extended, Generalized, and Grand Riemann Hypotheses are proved under a unified framework, which is based on the divisibility of entire functions expressed as absolutely convergent infinite products of polynomial factors, where the uniqueness of zero multiplicities plays a critical role. Consequently, the existence of Landau-Siegel zeros is excluded, thereby confirming the Landau-Siegel zeros conjecture.

Abstract:

Over the last 15 years, mixture risk assessment for food xenobiotics has evolved from conceptual discussions and simple screening tools, such as the Hazard Index (HI), towards operational, component-based and probabilistic frameworks embedded in major food-safety institutions. This review synthesizes methodological and regulatory advances in cumulative risk assessment for dietary “cocktails” of pesticides, contaminants and other xenobiotics, with a specific focus on food-relevant exposure scenarios. At the toxicological level, the field is now anchored in concentration/dose addition as the default model for similarly acting chemicals, supported by extensive experimental evidence that most environmental mixtures behave approximately dose-additively at low effect levels. Building on this paradigm, a portfolio of quantitative metrics has been developed to operationalize component-based mixture assessment: HI as a conservative screening anchor; Relative Potency Factors (RPF) and Toxic Equivalents (TEQ) to express doses within cumulative assessment groups; the Maximum Cumulative Ratio (MCR) to diagnose whether risk is dominated by one or several components; and the combined Margin of Exposure (MOET) as a point-of-departure–based integrator that avoids compounding uncertainty factors. Regulatory frameworks developed by EFSA, the U.S. EPA and FAO/WHO converge on tiered assessment schemes, biologically informed grouping of chemicals and dose addition as the default model for similarly acting substances, while differing in scope, data infrastructure and legal embedding. Implementation in food safety critically depends on robust exposure data streams. Total Diet Studies provide population-level, “as eaten” exposure estimates through harmonized food-list construction, home-style preparation and composite sampling, and are increasingly combined with conventional monitoring. In parallel, human biomonitoring quantifies internal exposure to diet-related xenobiotics such as PFAS, phthalates, bisphenols and mycotoxins, embedding mixture assessment within a dietary-exposome perspective. Across these developments, structured uncertainty analysis and decision-oriented communication have become indispensable. By integrating advances in toxicology, exposure science and regulatory practice, this review outlines a coherent, tiered and uncertainty-aware framework for assessing real-world dietary mixtures of xenobiotics, and identifies priorities for future work, including mechanistically and data-driven grouping strategies, expanded use of physiologically based pharmacokinetic modelling and refined mixture-sensitive indicators to support public-health decision-making.

Abstract: Optical Fiber Composite Overhead Ground Wire (OPGW) cables serve dual functions in power systems, lightning protection and critical communication infrastructure for real-time grid monitoring. Accurate OPGW identification during UAV inspections is essential to prevent miscuts and maintain powercommunication functionality. However, detecting small, twisted OPGW segments among visually similar ground wires is challenging, particularly given the computational and energy constraints of edge-based UAV platforms. We propose OPGW-DETR, a lightweight detector based on the D-FINE framework, optimized for low-power operation to enable reliable onboard detection. The model incorporates two key innovations: multi-scale convolutional global average pooling (MC-GAP), which fuses spatial features across multiple receptive fields and integrates frequency-domain information for enhanced fine-grained representation, and a hybrid gating mechanism that dynamically balances global and spatial features while preserving original information through residual connections. By enabling real-time onboard inference with minimal energy consumption, OPGW-DETR addresses UAV battery and bandwidth limitations while ensuring continuous detection capability. Evaluated on a custom OPGW dataset, the S-scale model achieves 3.9% improvement in average precision (AP) and 2.5% improvement in AP₅₀ over the baseline. These gains enhance communication reliability by reducing misidentification risks, enabling uninterrupted grid monitoring in low-power UAV inspection scenarios where accurate detection is critical for communication integrity and grid safety.

Abstract: The Mar Menor is the second largest coastal lagoon in the Mediterranean Sea with a surface area of about 136 km². It is restricted from the open sea by a sandy barrier system (La Manga) interrupted by three tidal inlets. As a result of high evaporation it is hypersaline (42-47 ppt) in parts. This study examines the factors leading to the rise in sea surface temperature in the Mar Menor through the analysis of long-term sea surface temperature using HadSST1.1 data together with shorter term MODIS and OISST data. A thermal box model has been constructed for the lagoon in an attempt to balance major heat sources and sinks. As well, a thermal probe was deployed in 0.3 m of water to evaluate the benthic flux of heat of the shelly fine sand that covers the lagoon seabed. Results show that the vertical thermal gradient in the seabed inverts between the day and night. Prior to 1980 there was no clear trend in SST and variations were strongly associated with the AMO and NAO. Post 1980, maximum summertime SST showed a steady increase of 0.34°C/decade. Cross-correlation of SST in the Mar Menor with external drivers showed that it is dominated by SST of the Western Mediterranean, followed by CO₂, AMO and IOD. There was a strong inverse relationship with sun spot activity and the Spanish national GDP. There were no significant links in trends between SST in the Mar Menor and PDO, NAO or ENSO3,4 in a Spearman Rank order evaluation and PCA analysis.

Abstract: A sustainable city requires a sustainable means of transportation. This ambition is leading towards a higher penetration of electric vehicles (EVs) in our cities, in both the private and commercial sectors, putting more and more burden on the existing power grid. Modern deregulated power grids vary electricity tariffs from location to location and from time to time, to compensate for any additional burden. In this paper, we propose a profit-aware solution to strategically manage the movements of EVs in the city to support the grid while exploiting these locational, time-varying prices. This work is divided into three parts: M1) Profit-aware charging location and optimal route selection, M2) Profit-aware charging & discharging location and optimal route selection, and M2b) Profit-aware charging & discharging location and optimal route selection considering the demand-side flexibility. This work is tested on the MATLAB programming platform using the Gurobi optimisation solver. From the extensive case study, it is found that M1 can yield profits up to 2 times more than those of its competitors, whereas M2 can achieve profits up to 2.5 times higher and simultaneously provide substantial grid support. Additionally, M2b extension has made M2 more efficient in terms of grid support.

Abstract: Metal additive manufacturing (AM) has emerged as a transformative route for producing lightweight, high-precision, and geometrically complex components in aerospace, biomedical, and microelectronic sectors. Among AM technologies, Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF) offers exceptional design freedom; however, its widespread adoption particularly for titanium alloys remains constrained by two persistent challenges: shrinkage-induced dimensional deviation and porosity-related performance loss. In LPBF-processed Ti-6Al-4V, residual linear deviation typically falls within 0.1–0.8% when geometric compensation, preheating, and support strategies are implemented, while raw, uncompensated shrinkage is more commonly reported in the range of 1.2–2.0%, especially for thin-wall or thermally constrained geometries. Volumetric contraction (approximately 2–6%) may remain significant depending on part architecture and localized thermal accumulation. Concurrently, gas-induced and lack-of-fusion pores continue to undermine fatigue resistance and dimensional reliability. Research into process optimization, thermal management, and post-processing such as Hot Isostatic Pressing (HIP), vacuum sintering, and stress-relief annealing has improved density and mechanical integrity, while recent developments in AI-assisted monitoring, physics-informed models, and digital-twin frameworks are redefining defect prediction and control. Drawing on more than 100 peer-reviewed studies, this review synthesizes mechanism-driven insights and outlines a forward-looking roadmap, demonstrating how hybrid processing, real-time sensing, and data-centric control collectively advance the pathway toward defect-minimized, industrial-scale manufacturing of titanium components.

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We introduce a new combinatorial framework for classical mechanics - the Ramsey -Hamiltonian approach - which interprets Poisson-bracket relations through the lens of finite and infinite Ramsey theory. Classical Hamiltonian mechanics is built upon the algebraic structure of Poisson brackets, which encode dynamical couplings, symmetries, and conservation laws. We reinterpret this structure as a bi-colored complete graph, whose vertices represent phase-space observables and whose edges are colored gold or silver according to whether the corresponding Poisson bracket vanishes or not. Because Poisson brackets are invariant under canonical transformations (including their centrally extended Galilean form), the induced graph coloring is itself a canonical invariant. Applying Ramsey theory to this graph yields a universal structural result: any six observables necessarily form at least one monochromatic triangle, independent of the Hamiltonian’s specific form. Gold triangles correspond to mutually commuting (Liouville-compatible) observables that generate Abelian symmetry subalgebras, whereas silver triangles correspond to fully interacting triplets of dynamical quantities. When the Hamiltonian is included as a vertex, the resulting Hamilton–Poisson graphs provide a direct graphical interpretation of Noether symmetries, cyclic coordinates, and conserved quantities through star-like subgraphs centered on the Hamiltonian. We further extend the framework to Hamiltonian systems with countably infinite degrees of freedom - such as vibrating strings or field-theoretic systems - where the infinite Ramsey theorem guarantees the existence of infinite monochromatic cliques of observables. Finally, we introduce Shannon-type entropy measures to quantify structural order in Hamilton–Poisson graphs through the distribution of monochromatic polygons. The Ramsey–Hamiltonian approach offers a novel, symmetry-preserving, and fully combinatorial reinterpretation of classical mechanics, revealing universal dynamical patterns that must occur in every Hamiltonian system regardless of its detailed structure.

Abstract: The emergence and persistence of life pose a profound paradox: abiogenesis appears statistically almost impossible under standard physical chemistry, yet once present, living systems exhibit remarkable long-term stability against entropic decay. Here we propose that both phenomena can be explained by the action of a hitherto unobserved informational reservoir that subtly “leaks” into biological systems, biasing microstate probabilities in real time. While quantum coherence and nonlocality currently represent the most plausible physical substrates, the hypothesis deliberately remains agnostic about the ultimate origin of this reservoir. Crucially, the transfer need not be intentional; it may constitute an unintended “crosstalk” across an ontological boundary—analogous to sound leaking through a wall between apartments. This framework offers a strictly naturalistic alternative to intelligent design theories while generating falsifiable predictions distinguishable from both pure chance and directed panspermia.

Abstract: Blood groups in the ABO system and the RhD factor is of great clinical importance, as it is related to susceptibility to various diseases caused by oxidative stress. The use of antioxidants such as C-phycocyanin (a phycobiliprotein) could be an alternative to mit-igate oxidative stress in the blood. Therefore, the objective of this study is to evaluate the antioxidant and erythroprotective activity of C-phycocyanin (C-PC) from Spirulina sp. against oxidative stress caused by peroxyl radicals, before and after in vitro digestion, comparing susceptibilities between blood groups. C-phycocyanin from Spirulina sp. was obtained commercially. The antioxidant capacity by ABTS+•, DPPH•, and FRAP assays of the bioaccessible fraction of C-PC increased compared to baseline in all assays. Samples appear to have high hydrogen atom transfer. C-PC is not cytotoxic in most blood groups. The AAPH hemolysis assays showed differences between blood groups, yielding results of 27.90, 22.60, 26.94, 27.66, 28.16, 28.34, and 24.91% hemolysis for O+, O-, A+, A-, B+, AB+, and AB-, respectively. Furthermore, in vitro digestion increased the erythropro-tective effect in the bioavailable fraction in most blood groups, showing 37.12, 80.13, 5.48, 92.38, 67.93, 80.30, and 76.49% inhibition of hemolysis in O+, O-, A+, A-, B+, AB+, and AB-, respectively. These results demonstrate the biotechnological and biomedical po-tential of phycobiliproteins as safe candidates for the development of nutraceuticals and functional foods aimed at preventing oxidative damage.

Abstract: Off-label use of glutamatergic agents is increasingly common in psychiatry, yet standardized protocols for outpatient dosing are lacking. This report describes the pharmacological management and dosing adjustments required for three patients receiving dextromethorphan (DXM) and piracetam for obsessive–compulsive disorder.Three adult women with severe OCD were treated in a routine clinical setting. Treatment history varied from naïve to treatment-resistant. All patients commenced treatment with a nighttime regimen of oral DXM and piracetam to minimize potential side effects while maintaining existing psychotropic regimens.One patient achieved full remission on a once-nightly regimen. The last two patients showed a "wearing-off" effect, that their symptoms got better quickly after they woke up but then came back in the late afternoon, which neccesitated the schedule to be changed from once a day to twice a day (b.i.d.). This change fixed the afternoon symptom breakthrough without needing to raise the dose.Experience with these cases suggests that while bedtime administration is a safe starting point for routine care, the half-life of the agents may necessitate split dosing for some individuals. The observation that simple schedule adjustments can resolve diurnal symptom fluctuation provides a practical insight for psychiatrists managing OCD with glutamatergic augmentation.

Abstract: Nutraceuticals such as curcumin, resveratrol, lycopene, lutein, and coenzyme Q10 pos-sess strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities but their practical use is hin-dered by poor solubility and bioavailability. Traditional nanocarriers like liposomes, nanoemulsions, and polymeric nanoparticles often rely on surfactants and synthetic or-ganic solvents that limit safety, scalability, and regulatory acceptance. The present study evaluated the Facilitated Self-Assembling Technology (FAST) platform as a clean-label al-ternative for generating bioavailable nutraceutical nanoparticles. Using only food-grade facilitating medium, FAST enabled spontaneous formation of stable, amorphous nano-particles with strong negative surface charge and high colloidal stability. Hybrid nano-particles combining epigallocatechin-3-gallate-palmitates (EC16), curcumin, and resvera-trol further improved surface charge, reduced size range, and exhibited enhanced stability under simulated gastric conditions. All formulations demonstrated excellent biocompati-bility in XTT assays, with no reduction in viability compared to control. Fluorescent im-aging of EC16/Cy5 fluorescent hybrid nanoparticles confirmed nanoparticle–cell surface interactions without cytotoxicity. Compared with chemical conjugation and lipid-based nanoencapsulation, FAST offered faster, surfactant-free, and energy-efficient production, fully compliant with FDA generally recognized as safe (GRAS) standards. These results support the FAST platform as an efficient, economical, and scalable nanotechnology for next-generation functional beverages and oral nutraceutical delivery systems that meet both regulatory and consumer demands for natural, sustainable innovation.

Abstract: In the framework of the recently proposed 4G model of final unification, integrating three large atomic gravitational constants corresponding to the electromagnetic, strong, and electroweak interactions, we explore the physical existence of a fundamental electroweak fermion of rest energy 585 GeV. This particle is envisioned as the “zygote” of all elementary fermions and as the weak‐field counterpart to photons and gluons. Using three core assumptions and five defining relations, the model quantitatively reproduces key nuclear and particle physics observables, including the strong coupling constant, nuclear binding energies, neutron lifetime, charge radii, and several dimensionless large numbers. Theoretical string tensions and energies are derived for each atomic interaction (weak, strong, electromagnetic) using experimentally relevant scales (GeV–MeV–eV) rather than the inaccessible Planck scale, thus extending string theory’s applicability to testable low‑energy domains. Comparative analysis (Tables 1 and 2) demonstrates close agreement between calculated string energies and known interaction energies, providing a bridge between quantum gravity concepts and measurable nuclear data. The model also predicts possible astrophysical signatures of the 585 GeV fermion through annihilation and acceleration processes capable of generating TeV–multi‑TeV photons. A neutral fermion of 585 GeV seems to be in line with the recent Fermi-LAT gamma-ray excesses in the Milky Way halo. While the approach is qualitative in some mathematical details, its ability to fit fundamental constants and nuclear properties within a unified string–gravitational paradigm offers a promising, experimentally approachable route toward a physically grounded final unification theory. Additionally, our 4G model assumes a charged electroweak fermion with a mass of 585 GeV/c2 , intriguingly close to half the mass of the neutral supersymmetric Higgsino, estimated to lie between 1.1 and 1.2 TeV/c2. This numerical proximity reinforces the model’s alignment with leading theories of dark matter and supersymmetry, highlighting the charged fermion’s potential role as a fundamental building block within the electroweak sector. Such correspondence provides a compelling avenue for experimental searches and deeper theoretical investigations bridging nuclear physics and particle phenomenology.

Abstract: The structural vibration of industrial droplet dispensers can be modeled by telegraph-like equations to a good approximation. We reinterpret the telegraph equation from the standpoint of an electric-circuit system consisting of an inductor and a resistor, which is in interaction with an environment, say, a substrate. This interaction takes place through a capacitor and a shunt resistor. Such interactions serve as leakage. We have performed analytical investigation of the frequency dispersion of telegraph equations over unbounded one-dimensional domain. By varying newly identified key parameters, we have not only recovered the well-known characteristics but also discovered crossover phenomena regarding phase and group velocities. We have examined frequency responses of the electric circuit underlying telegraph equations, thereby confirming the role as low-pass filters. By identifying a set of physically meaningful reduced cases, we have laid foundations on which we could further explore wave propagations over finite domain with appropriate side conditions.

Abstract: The moiré effect is a physical phenomenon in periodic (or nearly periodic) structures. A straightforward approach does not enable us to fully understand this complex phenomenon and describe it in all its details. Therefore, modeling of the effect is often necessary. The combined simulation incorporates both physical and computer simulations. Computer tools for simulating the moiré effect in parallel layers and volumetric displays are presented, along with methods for replacing original microscopic objects with their macroscopic equivalents, thereby facilitating the development of a physical model. (It resembles an aerodynamic model of an aircraft or vehicle.) The combined simulation was made for 3D displays, cylindrical structures (single- or double-layered nanoparticles), and volumetric 3D structures. The results can be applied to nanoparticles, crystallography, and the improvement of the visual quality of 3D displays.

Abstract:

The global demand for argane oil has grown considerably in recent years, creating economic opportunities while raising concerns about ecosystem degradation and the sustainability of production systems. To support long-term viability, several initiatives have promoted environmentally friendly practices and fair value-chain models. However, the effective market integration of these initiatives depends on understanding consumer behavior and preferences toward sustainable products. This study aims to identify the determinants influencing consumers’ purchase intention for sustainable argane oil using an extended framework of the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB). A structural equation modeling approach was applied to analyze responses from adult consumers with a minimum secondary education level. The results show that consumer attitude, perceived behavioral control, and willingness to pay have significant positive effects on purchase intention, while ecological literacy exerts an indirect influence through attitude, social norms, perceived behavioral control, and willingness to pay. In contrast, ecological literacy has no significant direct impact. These findings improve the understanding of behavioral mechanisms underlying green product consumption and offer insights for designing marketing strategies that align with sustainability values and promote responsible consumer choices.

Abstract:

Basal stem rot (BSR), caused by Ganoderma boninense, is a major threat to oil palm plantations, leading to severe yield losses and significant economic impact. Early detection of BSR remains challenging because of the delayed onset of symptoms, while monoculture practices further exacerbate disease prevalence. G. boninense, a white rot fungus, invades root and vascular tissues of oil palm, impairing water and nutrient transport, ultimately causing plant decay and death. This study aimed to isolate, characterize, and identify bacterial isolates with both anti-Ganoderma and plant growth-promoting (PGP) abilities from a commercial biofertilizer, CRPO, specifically formulated for oil palm cultivations. Two isolates, K3 (Margalitia shackletonii) and K8 (Bacillus subtilis) displayed strong antagonistic activity against G. boninense, with percentage inhibition of radial growth (PIRG) values exceeding 89%. For PGP traits, K3 demonstrated broad potential, including phosphate and potassium solubilization, nitrogen fixation, 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate (ACC) deaminase activity, siderophore and high indole-3-acetic acid production. In contrast, K8 displayed positive results only for nitrogen fixation and ACC deaminase production. The dual functions of these isolates in suppressing G. boninense while enhancing plant growth confirms their presence as biocontrol agents. These advance sustainable BSR management strategies by reducing reliance on chemical inputs and strengthening oil palm resilience.

Abstract:

Older adults with multiple diseases are likely to be prescribed multiple medications including anticholinergic agents, which are frequently prescribed to manage conditions such as overactive bladder and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and Parkinson’s disease. Overactive bladder (OAB) has been the subject of increased disease awareness and is a common and significant cause of reduced quality of life, particularly in the elderly. The selective β₃ adrenoceptor agonist, mirabegron was developed for the pharmacological treatment of OAB. Mirabegron has been shown to exert off-target effects on various functional proteins such as muscarinic receptors in rat tissues. This agent may relax the detrusor muscle by activating β₃ adrenoceptors and also antagonizing muscarinic receptors. Mirabegron and antimuscarinics exerted additive effects on muscarinic receptor binding and relaxant responses of cholinergic contractions of the detrusor muscle. Mirabegron excreted in human urine appears to directly attenuate muscarinic receptor-mediated functions in the bladder. Combination therapy of mirabegron and solifenacin in patients with OAB may enhance not only their therapeutic effects on OAB, but also increase the risk of anticholinergic adverse effects. Therefore, the safety of concomitant use of mirabegron and other drugs such as antimuscarinics for elderly patients needs to be carefully considered.

Abstract: Contaminated water detoxification remains difficult due to the presence of persistent halo-organic contaminants, such as perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and chlorophenols, which are chemically stable and resist conventional purification methods. Functionalized membrane-based separation and decontamination have garnered immense attention in recent years. Commercially available microfiltration membrane (PVDF) and polymeric non-woven fiber filters (glass and composite) are functionalized with Poly (methacrylic acid) (PMAA) that shows outstanding pH responsive performance and tunable water permeability under ambient conditions perfect for environmental applications. Polymer loading based on weight gain measurements on PMAA-Microglass composite fibers (137%) and Microglass fibers (116%) confirmed their extent of functionalization, which was significantly greater than that of PVDF membrane (25%) due to its wide effective pore diameter. Presence of chemically active hydrogel within PVDF matrix was validated by FTIR (hydroxyl/carbonyl) stretch peak, substantial decrease in contact angle (68.8° ± 0.5° to 30.8°± 1.9°), and decrease in pure water flux from 509 to 148 LMH/bar. Nanoparticles are generated both in solution and within PVDF membranes using simple redox reactions. This strategy is extended to PVDF-PMAA membranes, which are loaded with Fe/Pd nanoparticles for catalytic conversion of 4-chlorophenol and PFOA, forming Fe/Pd-PVDF-PMAA systems. 0.25 mg/L Fe/Pd nanoparticles synthesized in solution displayed alloy-type structures and demonstrated a strong catalytic performance, achieving complete hydrogenation of 4-chlorophenol to phenol and 67% hydrogenation of PFOA to its reduced form at 22-23 °C with ultrapure hydrogen gas supply at pH 5.7. These results underscore the potential of hybrid polymer–nanoparticle systems as a novel remediation strategy, integrating tunable separation with catalytic degradation to overcome the limitations of conventional water treatment methods.

Abstract: Background and aim: Staphylococcus aureus nasal carriage is an important source of community- and hospital-associated infections, including methicillin-resistant strains (MRSA). Detecting MRSA colonization is essential for infection prevention and may help guide antimicrobial therapy. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of nasal colonization by S. aureus and assess methicillin and glycopeptide resistance patterns in hospital and non-hospital settings in Maputo, Mozambique. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study was conducted among symptomatic outpatients and asymptomatic university students. Nasal specimens were cultured on Mannitol Salt and HiCrome™ Rapid MRSA agar, with isolates identified by Gram stain, catalase, and Microgen® Staph tests. Antimicrobial susceptibility to cefoxitin, vancomycin, and teicoplanin was assessed using the Kirby-Bauer method. Results: A total of 50 (39.1%) S. aureus isolates were obtained from 128 collected nasal samples, in which 104 (31.3%) were from university students and 24 (7.8%) from outpatient’s form university clinic. The isolates showed a low overall 7.8% resistance to cefoxitin and, 14.1% and 11.7% presumptive resistance to teicoplanin and vancomycin, respectively. Conclusion: Methicillin and glycopeptide resistant S. aureus were highly prevalent in asymptomatic students. These observations call for strategies to prevent S. aureus spread to more vulnerable populations where the consequences can be severe.

Abstract: The Cladia aggregata group of lichen-forming fungi comprises multiple species that are difficult to differentiate based on phenotypic characters. The Cladia aggregata group has a wide distribution across several continents, but is most diverse in Australasia. We aimed to delimit the species complex further, investigate the relatedness of the lineages, and examine their distributional ranges and phenotypic traits. We used Restriction Site Associated DNA Sequencing (RAD-seq) to compare thousands of loci across 91 individuals from the Americas, Asia, and Australasia. All Asian samples formed a distinct, monophyletic clade in all phylogenetic trees, while the American samples divided into two clades: one comprising South American samples and another comprising Caribbean samples—the latter representing C. aggregata sensu stricto, as the type specimen was collected in Jamaica. Further population-genomic analyses support the conclusion that the Asian samples are genetically distinct and are here described as a new species. The new species, Cladia asiatica, accommodates the Asian samples previously included in C. aggregata. Our analysis highlights the potential of next-generation sequencing to reveal hidden diversity and resolve the phylogeny of this species complex and lichen-forming fungi in general.