bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ossifying fibroma – diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up: case report and literature review
Authors: Andriola Fernando De Oliveira , Zanettini Leonardo Matos Santolim , Barreiro Bernardo Ottoni Braga , Saraiva Valéria Rodrigues , Maito Fábio Luiz Dal Moro , Fritscher Guilherme Genehr , Heitz Cláiton , Pagnoncelli Rogério Miranda
Published: October 2017

OBJECTIVE: This article presents a case of ossifying fibroma (OF), including its diagnosis, treatment, and 15-month clinical and radiographic follow-up as well as a review of the literature about this pathology.CASE REPORT: A routine panoramic radiograph of a 27-year-old, systemically healthy, white woman revealed a radiolucent lesion with well-defined sclerotic margins of approximately 3 × 2 cm in the mandible. The histopathological diagnosis revealed it was an OF. Lower Right Canine and Lower Right First Premolar teeth were endodontically treated for later surgical removal of the tumor. There was no history of trauma in the region.CONCLUSION: OF is a benign fibro-osseous tumor of the craniofacial bones commonly involving the jaws, especially the mandible. The diagnosis is based on a combination of clinical, radiographic and histologic criteria. Conservative treatment is an effective option that reduces morbidity and simplifies postoperative rehabilitation. We emphasize the importance of properly documenting individual cases and interpreting postoperative radiographic images along with the patients in order to avoid possible confusion between areas of bone repair and of potentially suspicious lesions in the future.
Crecimiento y mortalidad del pez Canthidermis sufflamen (Perciformes: Balistidae) de los archipiélagos Los Frailes y Los Testigos, Venezuela
Authors: Alarcon Mayra Jennifer , Eslava Nora , González Leo Walter , Guevara Francisco
Published: October 2017

Canthidermis sufflamen has become a low cost food resource in high demand in El Tirano fishing community, and captures have been increasing in recent years. Since there is a lack of information on this resource population dynamics in Venezuela, the goal of this research was to provide some biological-fishery parameters, and has as general objective to determine growth and mortality of the triggerfish of Los Frailes and Los Testigos Archipelagos, Federal Territories of Venezuela. For this, a total of 3 595 specimens were collected from El Tirano commercial fishing, every week, from May 2012 to April 2013. We determined total length (cm), total weight (g), and sex for each specimen. No sexual dimorphism was shown with respect to length (ts = -0.96; p > 0.05), so one length-weight ratio was established for both sexes: W = 0.164*L2.26;and they both exhibited minor allometric growth. Growth was estimated by analysis of the frequency distribution of lengths, using FiSAT software. Growth parameters, estimated by the von Bertalanffy model, were considered slow, being L∞ = 61.69 cm, W∞ = 1 868.40 g, k = 0.36 / year, and to = -0.65 years. The maximum age was A0.95 = 8 years. The growth index (Ø′), showed a value of 3.14. The exploitation rate E = 0.72 / year, using total mortality values Z = 2.67 / year, natural M = 0.73 / year and from fishing F = 1.93 / year, indicates that C. sufflamen is being over-exploited by the artisanal fishers of El Tirano. We recommend following some harvest guidelines that will reduce mortality rate due to fishing.
Variación temporal en la distribución geográfica y ecológica de Amazona finschi, (Psittaciformes: Psittacidae)
Authors: Sánchez-Barradas Alejandro , Santiago-Jiménez Quiyari J. , Rojas-Soto Octavio
Published: October 2017

The lilac-crowned parrot (Amazona finschi) is an endemic species restricted to lowlands of the Mexican Pacific coast and is currently considered as endangered. It has been documented that it shows altitudinal and seasonal migrations along its distributional range, suggesting that its ecological and temporal distribution is still uncertain. We modeled the potential distribution of the A. finschi considering the two main activity seasons for the species: reproductive and non-reproductive. We used 428 historical occurrences (1882-2014), obtained from open access databases, combined with five environmental layers: three climatic and two topographic for each season, to perform ecological niche models using Maxent. We then transferred each model to the rest of the months to analyze the seasonal movements guided by climate. Differences in ecological variables between seasons were evaluated using a t-test. The geographic correspondence among the parrot distribution and the resources (plants) distributionswere analyzed by superimposing maps. A marked seasonality in the distribution of A. finschi was observed. Ecologically, the species displays greater amplitude during the breeding seasons in terms of minimum temperature, but a noticeable reduction as far as precipitation is concerned. The distribution of food and nesting resources largely corresponds to the distribution of this parrot. There is a wide area in the center of the geographical distribution in which the species finds conditions that meet both periods of activity, as well as transition conditions between these periods. Finally, our results on the seasonal variation in the geographical and ecological distribution of this species, possess a strong ecological meaning in the understanding of other species distribution, particularly those associated with highly seasonal environments, and definitively will contribute to the conservation of this species.
Diversidad, estructura y afinidades florísticas de un bosque temporalmente inundable de la Península de Yucatán
Authors: Albor-Pinto Cristopher , Tun-Garrido Juan , Ortiz-Díaz Juan Javier
Published: October 2017

Temporarily flooded forests (TFF’s) are among the most endangered tree communities in Southeast Mexico and in a contradictory way among the least known in terms of their diversity. Therefore, the aim of this study was to characterize the richness, diversity (Shannon-Wiener) and dominance (relative importance value; RIV) of a TFF of the Yucatan Peninsula, and evaluate its floristic affinities with other TFF’s and upland forests (UF’s) of Southeast Mexico. A sampling method based on 10 quadrants of 10 x 20 m (2 000 m2) was used to record all woody individuals with diameter ≥ 1 cm and height ≥ 1.5 m. A floristic similarity analysis was used including 192 genera of woody plants belonging to TFF’s and UF’s of the Yucatan and Tabasco TFF’s. A Mantel correlation test was performed to determine if the geographic distance has effect on the floristic similarities between TFF’s and UF´s of the Yucatan peninsula. The TFF under study was characterized with a low level of diversity (2.79) and species richness (56), and a high dominance level (52.3 % of RIV in five species). Dominant species such as Haematoxylum campechianum, Dalbergia glabra, Cameraria latifolia, Byrsonima crassifolia, Crescentia cujete and Terminalia buceras showed a floristic neotropical affinity typical of floodable habitats. The structure of the community was characterized by an inverted "J" pattern for the distribution of individuals in the diametric and height classes. The high density of woody lianas, mainly of Dalbergia glabra (22 % of the recorded individuals) suggested an optimal state of conservation of the studied area. The floristic similarity analysis revealed that most of TFF’s in Yucatan Peninsula were grouped with high similarity (55 %) independently of the adjacent UF’s; however, TFF´s resulted similar among them (36 % similarity) when compared with TFF’s from other regions (16 % similarity). According to the Mantel test, the similarity between sites is not influenced by its geographical proximity (r = -0.098, p>0.05). This emphasizes the need to generate conservation strategies for the TFF's of the Yucatan peninsula independently from other regions of Southeast Mexico. Our results suggest that the TFF of the studied region has a similar diversity from other TFF’s in Southeast Mexico, a different floristic composition compared with adjacent UF’s and a structure with an optimal conservation status, characteristics that indicate their importance for the regional flora conservation. Further ecological studies are needed to build a solid foundation for management and conservation for the TFF’s.
Desarrollo de los gametofitos de especies mexicanas de Gleicheniaceae
Authors: Farfán-Santillán Norberto , Mendoza-Ruiz Aniceto , Pérez-García Blanca , Velázquez-Montes Ernesto
Published: October 2017

In Mexico, the Gleicheniaceae family is represented by different species such as Dicranopteris flexuosa, Diplopterygium bancroftii, Gleichenella pectinata, Sticherus bifidus, S. brevipubis, S. palmatus and S. underwoodianus. Currently, few studies have described the gametophytes of some species in this family, and our objective was to contribute to the knowledge, and to describe and compare different aspects of their germination, gametophyte development, and to determine if the prothallus characters are useful for taxonomic delimitations in the group. For this purpose, specimens and spores of each taxon were collected in the field, spores were sown in Petri dishes containing agar and Thompson nutrient medium, and grown in a plant growing chamber under controlled conditions of light (12 hr light/darkness), (50 %) humidity, and temperature (18 °C night, 25 °C day). Additionally, observations of fresh materials were made and photomicrographs were taken using both optical and scanning electron microscopes. Our observations allowed distinguishing two types of germination Gleichenia and Cyathea; and three types of prothallial development Marattia, Osmunda and Drynaria. Gametangia presented more than three cells, and this is considered a primitive feature by other authors. As some variations in the germination type were observed and have not previously been reported in the literature for this family, and because of the heterogenity in the patterns of the prothallial cell development, and gametangia of more than four cells, it is important to broaden the study to other species, in order to determine the taxonomic value of the morphological characters of the gametophyte, as well as to determine if these variations are present in other species of the family.
How false is Nereis falsa (Annelida, Phyllodocida, Nereididae)?
Authors: Salazar-Vallejo Sergio I. , Gillet Patrick , Surugiu Victor
Published: October 2017

There are many taxonomic problems in polychaete species names and solving confusing or inadequate taxonomic procedures is both time-demanding and extremely important. Our objective in this contribution was to analyse what is the current taxonomic situation for Nereis falsa de Quatrefages, 1866; it was based upon Nereis pulsatoria? Rathke, 1837 from the Black Sea, and it is currently regarded as having a very wide distribution. The species has been collected from different benthic substrates and even can be found on floating objects or marine turtles. Nereis falsa has been recorded from the Mediterranean Sea, the Eastern Atlantic along Africa, the Western Atlantic (Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean Sea, Brazil), and the Indian Ocean. However, despite the fact N. falsa was proposed as a species from the Black Sea, it has not yet been found there. How can we explain that a species is able to attain a very wide distribution and yet be missing from its type locality? After a careful study of previous publications and with our understanding of the systematics of nereidid polychaetes, we clarify the current situation by examining several related species and pointed out some nomenclatural issues. Our analysis indicates there is more than one species included under the same name, and in this contribution we propose some means to promote discussion and actions, and suggest some basic research for solving this issue.
Aves silvestres como mascotas en la región central de Cuba: Elementos para una estrategia de mitigación
Authors: Ferrer-Sánchez Yarelys , Abasolo-Pacheco Fernando , Plasencia-Vázquez Alexis H. , Ruiz Idael
Published: October 2017

The island of Cuba has the greatest diversity of birds in the Caribbean, and at the same time, a large number of endangered species. Illegal trade is one of major threats in Neotropical islands, because birds are captured for domestic and international illegal market. This study was undertaken with the aim to characterize the domestic market, in which captive wild birds are used as pets in the central region of Cuba. For this, a census and random survey to identify, and describe wild bird richness and abundance in 10 localities of urban and rural environments, was undertaken from August to November 2014, and from June to October 2015. Our results detected that at least 24 species and 973 individuals from six orders and 11 families were captive. The best represented order was Passeriformes (13 species), followed by Accipitriformes (four species). The best-represented families were Thraupidae (3.3 ± 0.33) and Cardinalidae (2.6 ± 0.45). Besides, the localities of Patria (17), Morón (13) and Bolivia (13) in the urban area had the highest richness. The richness of residents (5.80 ± 0.68) was higher than the endemics (1.70 ± 0.30) and migrants (2.70 ± 0.52), while the richness of endemics (2.5 ± 0.29) and residents (7.75 ± 0.63) was higher in urban areas. There were more captive species with Least Concern category (6.20 ± 1.02), but the Endangered category predominated in rural areas (12.5 %). The most common species were Passerina cyanea, Melopyrrha nigra, Tiaris olivaceus and Passerina ciris. A total of 46 % of the species were classified with a tendency to decrease, 33.3 % to increase and 20.8 % to stability. The abundance of species with a tendency to decrease (63.4 ± 22.13) was higher than those that tend to stability (14.8 ± 9.9). The actual traffic will lead to species extinction, mainly parrots and raptors, threatening several ecological services. Illegal trade should be addressed as an environmental, economic and social problem. Strategy for controlling this unsustainable trade was proposed.
Strong negative effect of diurnal rainfall on nocturnal activity of a wandering spider in Central Amazonia
Authors: Queiroz Marlus , Gasnier Thierry
Published: October 2017

Rainfall is a common phenomenon in tropical forests influencing the behavior of many animals, however, little is known about its post-occurrence effect on behavior. We investigated the effect of diurnal rainfall on the nocturnal activity of the wandering spider species Phoneutria reidyi in nights without rainfall. Our study included two different areas and periods: a coconut plantation, located 108 km from the city of Manaus, containing an area of 80 m x 80 m with 105 palms, from July 2014 to July 2015; and an area of 80 m x 80 m in a rainforest fragment in Manaus, from December 2015 to March 2016. Each night, we counted active spiders (found outside refugees) searching carefully on the vegetation and on the ground using a headlamp between 19:00-00:00. Spiders were not captured to avoid the effect of disturbance, and were measured by approaching a caliper rule. We used an index to measure the diurnal rainfall effect (DRE) which was the percentage of change in the number of active spiders at night after a diurnal rainfall, considering 100 % the number of spiders active at the previous or following night, without previous rainfall during the day. This pairwise approach was used to avoid seasonal bias and included 15 pairs of nights in the plantation, and 15 pairs in the forest. A total of 2 243 active spiders were counted. The number of active spiders was always smaller in nights after diurnal rainfall, with a mean reduction of 53.4 %. The abundance of active spiders reduced significantly in both areas after a diurnal rainfall, and the effect was not different between areas. Larger spiders (mostly adults) reduced their activity (-62.8 %) more than smaller spiders (juveniles, -48.5 %). The amount of rainfall during the day had no effect on the nocturnal activity, i.e., the effect of strong diurnal rainfall is similar to the effect of a weak rainfall. The air temperature did not change significantly at night after diurnal rainfalls. The seasonality of rainfall apparently has a weak or absent effect on the abundance of P. reidyi, which was approximately constant through one year. We believe that the moisture, which may affect the chemical cues of prey, is the major cause to reduce the active spiders after rainfall, but we discuss other potential causes. Smaller individuals are probably more active under less favorable conditions due to the stronger need of food for growing. If this effect of rainfall on the behavior is common for wandering spiders in general, the rainfall events may have important consequences for the entire community of arthropods and small vertebrates. We suggest that studies based on relative abundance of spiders should take in account this potential effect in collection and analysis of data.
Efectos de la fertilización del suelo sobre el crecimiento arbóreo en bosques pluviales tropicales del Chocó, Colombia
Authors: Quinto Mosquera Harley , Rivas Urrutia Yeison , Moreno Hurtado Flavio
Published: October 2017

The tree diameter growth (CDA) is a fundamental component of net primary productivity (NPP) and carbon storage in forest ecosystems; therefore, it plays a key role in mitigating global climate change. It has been hypothesized that CDA in lowland tropical rain forests is limited by the availability of soil nutrients, yet little experimental evidence is available, especially in forest of high precipitation (>5 000 mm per year). This study evaluated the effects of soil fertilization on CDA in tropical rainforests of the Colombian Pacific, one of the wettest areas of the world. Such effects were assessed at the level of localities, diametric categories, wood density, and functional groups. To do this, two arboreal inventories (2014 and 2015) were performed, five fertilization treatments (Nitrogen-N, Phosphorus-P, Potassium-K, NPK and Control) were applied, and the CDA was determined in five permanent plots of one hectare. We found that the application of N and NPK had little effect on CDA as compared to the control; while the addition of P and K produced significant reduction of the trees relative growth rate, with respect to the control at the level of localities, in small and medium sized trees, in all wood densities (low, medium and high), and in the group of dicotyledonous species. Although these results did not corroborate the hypothesis of nutrient limitation on CDA in the studied forests, it was found that during the early years of fertilization (mainly with P and K), different patterns of aboveground and belowground NPP occurred to maximize photosynthesis and soil nutrient acquisition.
Variación arquitectónica y morfológica de Hintonia latiflora (Rubiaceae) en relación a la cosecha de corteza y factores ambientales
Authors: Beltrán-Rodríguez Leonardo , Romero-Manzanares Angélica , Luna-Cavazos Mario , García-Moya Edmundo
Published: October 2017

Hintonia latiflora is a rare ecologically and economically important species from the Tropical Deciduous Forest of the Balsas Basin, Mexico, whose bark is traded as medicinal. Debarking practices have modified the shape of plants, their architecture and morphometry; but it is unknown if some topographic and edaphic factors may also influence in these attributes. Here we propose that the ecological conditions of this species distribution and harvesting areas, may determine the morphometric characteristics and the individuals variation in their architecture. To test this hypothesis we assessed the relationship of topographic and edaphic factors on the morphological characteristics of saplings (n = 143) and adults (n = 117), in eight harvesting areas of H. latiflora. The harvesting areas, with a surface of 0.6 ha, were selected randomly with the support of participatory mapping elaborated by gatherers of the study site. Data were analyzed using principal components (PCA) and canonical correspondence (CCA) analyses. The first three PC explained 92.1 % of the morphological variation; height, basal diameter, and coverage, explained morphometric differences in both, saplings and adults, in all eight harvesting zones. The terrain slope, slope orientation, soil depth and stoniness, were ecological factors statistically related with morphometric differences. A lower terrain slope, little stoniness, soil depth, slope orientation E-W in saplings (azimuth 90˚-270˚) and N-S in adults (azimuth 0˚-180˚) were the factors associated to height, number of basal branches, basal diameter and coverage of H. latiflora. Areas with higher harvesting intensity were composed by monopodic trees and some reiterated basitone individuals; the adults of these areas also had more fruits. At these sites, plants of H.latiflora were more abundant and produced more bark, but the high-intensity of harvesting, changes plant architecture, forming shrubby, multi-stemmed individuals, that originally were mesotone trees. Areas with lower harvesting intensity were characterized by steep slopes, shallow and rocky soils, and were dominated by basitone trees of smaller size, thin and scarce in the area. These sites are the least recommended for harvesting, because they produce less bark per tree, and serve to preserve the species at the site. Based on these results, we can develop restoration programs in areas affected by commercial harvesting, establish forestry plantations in key sites to ensure the establishment and development of individuals with desirable characteristics for bark harvesting and contribute to in situ conservation of H. latiflora in the Alto Balsas Basin.
Liana species composition differs, in spite of trait similarities, in two adjacent forest types in Central Brazil
Authors: Souza Brito Ana Carolina , Ferraro Alexandre , Burnham Robyn J. , Bagnatori Sartori Ângela Lúcia , Almeida Assunção Vivian
Published: October 2017

In the Parana basin, the Serra de Maracaju juxtaposes the Seasonal Dry Forest and the cerradão (a phytophysiognomy of Cerrado), two distinct vegetation types that differ in canopy height, tree density, and composition of the understory. In the same way, these differences may be reflected in the composition of climbing plant species found in these two forest types. Thus, in this study we compared the climbing species in two forest fragments of Serra de Maracaju to understand: (1) Are species richness and floristic composition of climbing plants similar in cerradão and seasonal deciduous forest?, (2) What degree of floristic compositional difference exists between the two vegetation types?, (3) Do the two vegetation types differ significantly in climbing mechanisms, life forms, and dispersal syndromes represented among climbing species? For this, we established and sampled four plots per forest type over 24 months. Species were identified and each one classified, based on three discrete traits. Proportional differences were analyzed using chi-square tests. Our results showed that species richness and floristic composition of climbing plants in the cerradão and the seasonal deciduous forest were not similar. Climber species richness in cerradão was 37 while in the seasonal deciduous forest it was 31; they share only 13 species. Four families, Dioscoreaceae, Fabaceae, Malpighiaceae, and Sapindaceae, included over 60% of the climbing species. The morphological traits most common in both forest types were herbaceous life form, apical twining mechanism, and wind dispersal. Dioscoreaceae was found to be the dominant family, but is the first time to be reported for this condition in Brazil. Bignoniaceae and Passifloraceae ocurred only in the cerradão, and Asteraceae and Combretaceae in the seasonal deciduous forest; some species were found exclusively in a type of forest. Floristic composition of the cerradão and seasonal deciduous forest fragments were substantially different, in spite of physical proximity. However, their climbing species are not statistically distinct in morphological characteristics, possibly due to uniform climatic conditions and the similarity of species because of a shared ancestry (similar families).
Antimicrobial Effects of Three Different Treatment Modalities on Dental Implant Surfaces
Authors: Larsen Olav I. , Enersen Morten , Kristoffersen Anne Karin , Wennerberg Ann , Bunæs Dagmar F. , Lie Stein Atle , Leknes Knut N.
Published: October 2017

Resolution of peri-implant inflammation and re-osseointegration of peri-implantitis affected dental implants seem to be dependent on bacterial decontamination. The aims of the study were to evaluate the antimicrobial effects of 3 different instrumentations on a micro-textured dental implant surface contaminated with an avirulent or a virulent Porphyromonas gingivalis strain and to determine alterations to the implant surface following instrumentation. Forty-five dental implants (Straumann SLA) were allocated to 3 treatment groups: Er:YAG laser, chitosan brush, and titanium curette (10 implants each) and a positive (10 implants) and a negative (5 implants) control. Each treatment group and the positive control were split into subgroups of 5 implants subsequently contaminated with either the avirulent or virulent P. gingivalis strain. The antimicrobial effect of instrumentation was evaluated using checkerboard DNA–DNA hybridization. Implant surface alterations were determined using a light interferometer. Instrumentation significantly reduced the number of attached P. gingivalis (P < .001) with no significant differences among groups (P = .310). A significant overall higher median score was found for virulent compared with avirulent P. gingivalis strains (P = .007); the Er:YAG laser uniquely effective removing both bacterial strains. The titanium curette significantly altered the implant surface micro-texture. Neither the Er:YAG laser nor the chitosan brush significantly altered the implant surface. The 3 instrumentations appear to have a similar potential to remove P. gingivalis. The titanium curette significantly altered the microstructure of the implant surface.
Rozwój miasta – społeczna dynamika przekształceń
Authors: Słaboń Andrzej
Published: October 2017

In the paper urban development is understood as a chain of connected changes in the different spheres of inhabitants’ lives. Changes in urban areas depend on interactions between different actors. Foremost is the connection between the everyday behaviour of people and social changes. Individual behaviours are shaped by normative regulations, while excessive regulations lead to pacification and compensational reactions. Social dynamics of the changes in urban areas depend in many cases on the relationship between pacification processes and compensation.
Miasto – w stronę ponowoczesnej wielokulturowości
Authors: Kisiel Przemysław
Published: October 2017

The article characterizes multiculturalism in the modern city. It begins by analysing the notion that cultural diversity is a natural feature of the city. But the contemporary processes of cultural diffusion, globalisation and the fragmentation and recomposition of culture have a significant impact on the production of the postmodern multiculturalism of cities, which is supported by the formation of an individual level of cultural identity. The analysis also distinguishes and characterises the basic types of postmodern multi­culturalism: immanent multiculturalism, instrumental multiculturalism and tourist multiculturalism.
Przestrzenie pamięci w miastach o trudnej historii. Konflikty wokół narracji miejskich
Authors: Karwińska Anna
Published: October 2017

The article discusses the controversies around memory spaces that arise as an effect of historical processes. Different groups of city dwellers and users create their own important spaces and build their vision of the city. By doing so they use urban space and history to most effectively mark their presence in them. Some parts of city may have a difficult history where a wanted and an unwanted heritage coexist. Memory in urban space can be perceived as a tool that helps to define oneself in relation to others. This memory can also be used to create the meaning of one’s own actions, choices and evaluation criteria. The author presents different examples of cities with a difficult history to discuss the thesis on the controversial character of memory spaces created by different groups.
Production of Phytotoxic Metabolite Using Biphasic Fermentation System from Strain C1136 of Lasiodiplodia pseudotheobromae, a Potential Bioherbicidal Agent
Authors: ADETUNJI Charles Oluwaseun , OLOKE Julius Kola , PRASAD Gandham , ABALAKA Moses , IROKANULO Emenike Onyebum
Published: October 2017

Formulation of effective and environmental friendly bioherbicides depends on the type of fermentation medium used for the production of phytotoxic metabolites. The effect of biomass, colony forming unit and the phytotoxic metabolite produced from the biphasic fermentation was carried out, while the phytotoxic metabolite was  tested in vivo and in-vitro on Echinochola crus-galli and dicotyledonous Chromolaena odorata. The mutant strain of Lasiodiplodia pseudotheobromae C1136 (Lp90) produced the highest amount of conidia and the largest necrotic area on the two tested weeds when compared to its wild strain in the different biphasic media combinations. The study revealed that the biphasic system containing PDB + rice produced the highest bioherbicidal activities. Therefore, the phytotoxic metabolites from strain C1136 are suggested for large scale production of bioherbicides for the management of weeds in conventional farming to improve yield and enhance food security.
Chemical Composition, Toxicity and Antifungal Activities of Megaphrynium macrostachyum (K. Schum) Leaf Extract against Foodborne Fungi
Authors: ADEOGUN Oluwagbenga Oluwasola , ADEKUNLE Adedotun Adeyinka , ADONGBEDE Erute Magdalene , ASHAFA Tom Anofi
Published: October 2017

This study aimed to examine the preservative potential of Megaphrynium macrostachyum on fungi responsible for the deterioration of orange juice and corn Jell-O. The phytochemicals from plants’ leaves were extracted with four solvents: acetone, aqueous, ethanol and hexane. The solvents were differently and tested against fungi isolated from orange juice and corn Jell-O using disc diffusion method. Phytochemical screening of the extracts from the leaves was carried out, and the most active extract was tested via GC-MS for the essential oils and HPLC fingerprinting. The toxicity test of the extracts against brine shrimp was carried out after exposure for 24 hours. The toxicity test showed that the extracts were non-toxic on the Brine Shrimps at LC50 (379.21μg/ml and 107.21μg/ml for aqueous and ethanol extracts). The qualitative phytochemical test reported the presence of alkaloids, tannins, saponins, flavonoids, steroids, and terpenoids in different extracts of the plant’ leaves. The quantitative phytochemical determination of the most active extract revealed alkaloids with the highest contents of 107.48mg/100g. The GC-MS analyses of the fresh leaves of the plants revealed the presence of isodecane with the highest percentage at 15.56%. The GC-MS analyses of the dried leaves revealed isodecane with the highest percentage at 10.43%. The HPLC analysis revealed the presence of various phytochemical constituents in the dried leaves. This study has been able to establish the potency of Megaphrynium macrostachyum leaves on fungi associated with the spoilage of Citrus sinensis (orange) juice and Corn Jell-O (‘Eko’) which contribute to tremendous research towards the use and acknowledgment of natural antimicrobials for the preservation of food.
Changes in Nutrient Contents of Soil across Different Land Uses in a Forest Reserve
Authors: AGBOOLA Oludare Oladipo , AKINSOJI Aderopo , OYEDEJI Stephen
Published: October 2017

In order to assess the changes in soil chemical properties’ resulting from conversion of forest to other agricultural land uses a study was conducted in Okomu Forest Reserve (Nigeria). Five soil samples collected from top and sub soils of marked points within the undisturbed forest, farmland, cocoa plantation, oil palm plantation and rubber plantation were analyzed for pH, organic carbon, total nitrogen, available phosphorus, exchangeable acidity, sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium. The results showed variations in all chemical parameters across the land use types with soil depths (top and sub soils). Soil pH ranged from 4.88 (in the cocoa plantation subsoil) to 6.75 (in the forest top soil). Soils (top and sub soils) of the rubber plantation, forest and cocoa plantation had the highest stock of soil organic carbon (SOC), N and exchangeable Na respectively. Available P was highest in the top soil of the rubber plantation and sub soil of the farmland. Exchangeable Ca and Mg were highest in the top soil of the forest and sub soil of the rubber plantation. Exchangeable K and C:N was highest in the farmland top soil and cocoa plantation sub soil. Relationship among the chemical parameters varied with soil depth. Conversion of forest and cocoa plantation resulted in the highest decline (55.78% and 44.40%) in soil N. There is the need to regulate the conversion of natural forests to agricultural lands and plantations as conserve the nutrient cycling processes.
Body Weight, Carapace Length and Width Relationship and Condition Factor of the Mud Crab Scylla serrata (Forskal) in Mangrove Ecosystem
Authors: MYLA Sarvabhowma Chakravarty , TIRUMANI Vijaya Bharathi , PATURI Rama Chandra Ganesh
Published: October 2017

The relationship of length-weight and width-weight of the carapace and the relative condition factor of mud crab Scylla serrata from Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary (Andhra Pradesh, India) was the subject of present study. Significant difference in both males and females was observed between carapace length-weight, carapace width-weight with a linear relationship. The regression values of both the sexes were found to be statistically significant. The regression equations calculated for length-weight were W= 0.00000178 L 3.1139 (r= 0.95) for males, W= 0.00000520 L 2.8056 (r=0.94) for females and for sexes combined it was W = 0.0000297 L 2.9891(r= 0.94).  In case of carapace width-weight relationship of males, females and sexes combined the regression equations were W= 0.00000121 CW 3.0426 (r= 0.92), W= 0.00000178 CW 2.775 (r=0.93) and W = 0.00000204 CW 2.9210(r= 0.92) respectively. The male crabs showed positive allometric growth whereas female had negative allometric growth. Analysis of covariance confirmed remarkable difference between males and females in the growth pattern. The mean relative condition factor (Kn values) of both males and females and of the pooled sexes ranged from 0.680 (April) to 1.029 (November). A gradual raise in Kn values was observed from small- to big- sized crabs in both the sexes. Peak values were observed in 12.0-13.9 cm size group in November.
Molecular Level Investigation of Staphylococci’s Resistance Mechanisms to Antibiotics
Authors: PRUTEANU Lavinia Lorena , JÄNTSCHI Lorentz , CRĂCIUNAȘ Cornelia
Published: October 2017

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR ) techniques development allows elaboration of many assays for identification of bacteria’s resistance mechanisms to antibiotics.  Following this idea, the results of molecular level investigation of bacteria’s resistance mechanisms to antibiotics may give many opportunities to find more rapid methods for identifying the genes which are responsible for antibiotic resistance induction. The aim of this study was to investigate antibiotic resistance genes in Staphylococcus bacteria on molecular level. As classes of antibiotics it was used macrolides-lincosamides-streptogramin B (MLSB) and beta-lactams. In the proposed study the bacterial strains are represented by 50 isolates of Staphylococcus. The bacterial strains were analyzed using polymerase chain reaction to identify the nuc, tuf, tst, sea, pathogenic activity genes. After this, the bacteria were tested for ermA, ermB, ermC genes and for mecA, femA which are involved in resistance to macrolides, lincosamides, streptogramin B and to beta-lactams, respectively. The presence or the absence of these genes confirms that tested strains are resistant to specific antibiotic or not. Bacteria pathogenic activity was emphasized by genes as follows: sea (enterotoxin) which was found at all isolates, tst (toxic shock toxin) gene was not detected in any of isolates and tuf gene (elongation factor) was obtained with one pair of primers. Resistance to beta-lactams was evidenced by the presence of mecA in all isolates and femA in some strains. Each of ermC, ermA and ermB, macrolides-lincosamides-streptogramin B resistance genes, were detected.
Root Structure and Belowground Biomass of Hybrid Poplar in Forestry and Agroforestry Systems in Mediterranean France
Authors: JHA Kaushalendra Kumar
Published: October 2017

In poplar, one of the most used species of forestry and agroforestry, below ground biomass allocation plays an important role in providing anchorage as well as efficient nutrient and water distribution channel. Available literature on this aspect is not enough in hybrid Poplar, Populus euramaricana I-214. Therefore, the study was aimed at finding how this species developed its root system and how much belowground biomass was allocated in Forest System (FRS) and Agroforest System (AFS). This was done using soil excavation and root coring methods. Coarse roots were distributed in all directions but their number and proximal cross section area (CSA) were not uniform. In the case of AFS tree maximum CSA was distributed in the south and south-west direction while in FRS it was in the north-east and south-east direction. Fine roots were observed throughout the rooting zone along with coarse and medium roots up to a maximum depth of 2.4 m in FRS and 2.8 m in AFS. Total belowground biomass was higher in AFS tree (130 kg tree-1) than FRS tree (120 kg tree-1). But on hectare basis FRS accumulated (24.5 Mg ha-1) more biomass than AFS (18.1 Mg ha-1). However, if practiced in surplus agriculture area and considered the system as a whole, AFS allows grain production in lieu of some biomass deficit.
Report on the 30th International Florida Artificial Intelligence Research Society Conference (FLAIRS‐30)
Authors: Rus Vasile , Markov Zdravko , Russell Ingrid
Published: October 2017

The 30th International Florida Artificial Intelligence Research Society Conference (FLAIRS‐30) was held May 22–24, 2017, at the Hilton Marco Island Beach Resort and Spa in Marco Island, Florida, USA. The conference events included invited speakers, special tracks, and presentations of papers, posters, and awards. The conference chair was Ingrid Russell from the University of Hartford. The program cochairs were Vasile Rus from the University of Memphis and Zdravko Markov from Central Connecticut State University. The special tracks were coordinated by Keith Brawner from the Army Research Laboratory.
Steps Toward Robust Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Dietterich Thomas G.
Published: October 2017

Recent advances in artificial intelligence are encouraging governments and corporations to deploy AI in high‐stakes settings including driving cars autonomously, managing the power grid, trading on stock exchanges, and controlling autonomous weapons systems. Such applications require AI methods to be robust to both the known unknowns (those uncertain aspects of the world about which the computer can reason explicitly) and the unknown unknowns (those aspects of the world that are not captured by the system's models). This article discusses recent progress in AI and then describes eight ideas related to robustness that are being pursued within the AI research community. While these ideas are a start, we need to devote more attention to the challenges of dealing with the known and unknown unknowns. These issues are fascinating, because they touch on the fundamental question of how finite systems can survive and thrive in a complex and dangerous world.
The First Winograd Schema Challenge at IJCAI‐16
Authors: Davis Ernest , Morgenstern Leora , Ortiz Charles L.
Published: October 2017

The first Winograd Schema Challenge was held in New York, New York, as part of the International Joint Conference on Artificial Intelligence. The challenge was original conceived by Hector Levesque as an alternative to the Turing test. This report details the results of this first challenge.
ERVA-MATE, TRADIÇÃO E INOVAÇÃO: UM ESTUDO A PARTIR DOS SISTEMAS AGROALIMENTARES LOCALIZADOS
Authors: Chechi Leticia Andrea , Niederle Paulo André , Schultz Glauco
Published: October 2017

Os estudos que abordam as especificidades locais de produção e consumo têm sido cada vez mais frequentes, principalmente após um período em que as pesquisas se voltavam principalmente aos sistemas globais de produção. Neste sentido, este trabalho objetiva identificar e caracterizar as dimensões e objetos de investigação presente na abordagem SIAL, em duas regiões produtoras de erva-mate no sul do Brasil e a contribuição destas dimensões para compreender o surgimento de inovações em um setor que se mantém enraizado na tradição. Para isso, foram entrevistados 22 gestores de organizações processadoras de erva-mate e 13 agentes locais. Os conceitos mobilizados possibilitaram compreender que a tradição presente na produção, beneficiamento e comercialização da erva-mate não é contrária à dinâmica inovativa, mas se utiliza dessa característica para desenvolver inovações. Ainda, o histórico, a experiência técnica e a interação entre os agentes, através de estratégias individuais e coletivas, e com seu conhecimento tácito, promovem nas regiões produtoras de erva-mate uma dinâmica própria, conciliando tradição e inovação.
Reestructuración agraria y cambios socioterritoriales en Capayán (Catamarca, Argentina)
Authors: Cruz Rodolfo Dante , Carrizo Lila Silvia , Varela Barbara Ruth
Published: October 2017

El espacio agrario y rural del departamento Capayán experimentó hasta el presente cambios notorios como resultado del impacto socioterritorial provocado en gran medida por las empresas agropecuarias instaladas durante la década de 1990. El arraigo de estas empresas fue favorecido por leyes de diferimiento y exención impositiva, contenidas por cambios macroeconómicos y del sistema agroalimentario. Así, la investigación se encuadra en un contexto social amplio, marcado por los efectos de la modernización de la estructura agraria departamental. Específicamente, intentamos reflexionar de manera general sobre las transformaciones socioterritoriales (socioeconómicas, socioculturales y sociodemográficas) ocurridas en el departamento Capayán, provincia de Catamarca, a partir del fuerte proceso de reestructuración de la agricultura iniciado en la última década del siglo pasado. Ello implicó dar cuenta tanto de la emergencia de una nueva territorialidad y geografía del poder por parte de las empresas, como de fenómenos de desterritorialización y territorialización inacabados en áreas rurales y rururbanas. Finalmente, como queda expresado a lo largo del trabajo, la dinámica de cambios fue configurando un territorio rural distinto, que genera significativas asimetrías territoriales, económicas y sociales producto de trayectorias históricas, ecológicas, productivas, económicas, políticas, de desarrollo y socio-territoriales superpuestas, inacabadas e incompletas. Palabras claves: cambios socioterritoriales - Capayán – Catamarca – desarrollo del capital
¿Innovar para resistir? La territorialización del Guaraná en la Amazonia (Brasil)
Authors: Pinton Florence , Congretel Mélanie
Published: October 2017

En los últimos años, Brasil ha conocido importantes transformaciones entre las cuales se encuentra el refuerzo de la participación ciudadana en la elaboración de políticas públicas e instrumentos innovadores para el desarrollo rural como son por un lado, “los territorios ciudadanos” conformados en 2008 y por otro lado el acceso al sistema de indicaciones geográficas creado en 2002. Consideraremos a estos mecanismos como favorables a la institucionalización de territorios específicos donde la gobernanza rompería con políticas tradicionales de manera que la valorización de recursos agrícolas localizados garantice un acceso seguro al mercado. Analizaremos el caso particular de la región de Maués (Amazonas), conocida originalmente como la tierra del guaraná (Paullinia cupana var. sorbilis). Esta planta forestal amazónica fue domesticada por las tribus Satéré Mawé para luego difundirse en la región y en otros Estados . A parte de su valorización en el marco de cadenas productivas, mostramos que el guaraná es el objeto de luchas de apropiación por parte de distintos colectivos con el objetivo de su reinscripción en su territorio de origen. El acceso a las indicaciones geográficas se encuentra en el corazón de un proceso multiforme de territorialización de Guaraná donde diversos actores se enfrentan, se excluyen o se coordinan para defender su especialización.
Territorios campesinos vinculados a la agroindustria: un análisis de las transformaciones territoriales desde la economía de la proximidad. El caso de las comunidades lecheras en Cayambe- Ecuador.
Authors: Martinez Godoy Diego
Published: October 2017

El presente artículo busca analizar el proceso de construcción social del territorio y las posibilidades locales de desarrollo existentes en el caso de las comunidades de Cayambe vinculadas a la agroindustria. Se indagará cómo a partir de la inserción al mercado de las economías campesinas se generan transformaciones que apuntan a un proceso de desterritorialización. De esta manera, se trata de suscitar el interés en repensar la organización social existente desde la perspectiva de lucha de actores en el campo socio económico y además incorporar la “proximidad territorial” como elemento indispensable para lograr un mejor posicionamiento y una relación más equilibrada entre actores externos y locales.
El Desarrollo Territorial. Una respuesta emergente a la globalización
Authors: Bouchillou Etienne
Published: October 2017

Reseña sobre el libro El Desarrollo Territorial. Una respuesta emergente a la globalización de Pierre Campagne y Bernard Pecqueur.
El desarrollo territorial, ¿una trampa para los campesinos peruanos?
Authors: Mesclier Ëvelyne
Published: October 2017

Según las estadísticas, los campesinos peruanos son más numerosos que nunca y controlan una parte importante de la superficie agropecuaria del país. Los estudios cualitativos muestran que, aparte de regular el acceso a la tierra, sus organizaciones manejan también otros aspectos de la vida social y económica en los territorios delimitados por sus propiedades colectivas. A nivel nacional, en cambio, sus intereses están débilmente representados y las políticas de las últimas décadas les han sido contrarias. El artículo discute la posibilidad de que el modelo de desarrollo territorial experimentado por el país desde los años 2000 pueda serles más favorable, gracias a una potencial concordancia con su propia escala geográfica de acción. El caso estudiado, en la región de Cusco, muestra que los municipios toman en cuenta su existencia pero no confían en ellas para el desarrollo de su localidad. Además los planes de desarrollo tienden a apoyarse en los grandes proyectos regionales antes que en la agricultura campesina, sobre todo a nivel regional. El desarrollo territorial aparece por lo tanto más como una trampa que como una oportunidad para los campesinos, sobre todo en el caso de aquellos que disponen de menos capitales individuales.