bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of the ecological and trophic status of Lake Bafa (Turkey) based on phytoplankton
Authors: Sukatar Atakan , Ertaş Alperen , Akgül Rıza , Tüney Kızılkaya İnci
Published: June 2021

Phytoplankton groups are one of the major quality element to be used in the evaluation of the trophic and ecological state of freshwater ecosystems according to the EU Water Framework Directive. This research was made to assess the trophic and ecological status of Lake Bafa in Turkey, on the basis of phytoplankton communities. Büyük Menderes River is one of the most important factor that carries pollutants to Lake Bafa. The eight sampling station were assigned to evaluate the ecological and trophic state of the lake. Phytoplankton species were collected monthly for 2 years study period. Most commonly used phtoplankton indices Q index and Carlson’s Trophic State Index (TSI), and different versions of diversity indices were used to estimate trophic and ecological state of the lake. Similarities between the sampling stations were clustured by using the unweighted pair group method using arithmetic average (UPGMA), based on phytoplankton communities. Correlations between the applied indices were determined by using Pearson Correlation. After the identification of collected phytoplanktons, total of 63 taxa which belong to classis of Cyanophyceae (11.2%), Bacillariophyceae (49.2%), Chlorophyceae (23.8%), Xanthophyceae (1.5%), Euglenophyceae (11.2%) and Dinophyceae (3.1%) were detected. The 1st and 2nd stations were the most similar stations to each other (88%) according to phytoplankton communities. Secchi disc depth (SD) and TP played an important role in the distribution of phytoplankton species in Lake Bafa. The highest significant positive correlation was determined between Q and TSI (r = 0.987, p˂0.01). Considering the TDI values in the phytoplankton composition of the lake, it can be said that although the productivity status of the studied lake is still “mesotrophic”, it has a tendency towards “eutrophic” state. According to the Q values, the first five stations reflect the moderate ecological state, while the 6th, 7th and 8th stations represent the poor ecological state.
Feeding ecology of portunid crab, Carcinus aestuarii Nardo, 1847 in Çardak Lagoon (The Turkish Straits System)
Authors: Acar Seçil , Ateş A. Suat
Published: June 2021

The aim of the present study was to determine the feeding ecology of portunid crab, Carcinus aestuarii in Çardak Lagoon. For this purpose, a total of 533 crab stomachs were analyzed. Stomach contents were examined under a binocular stereomicroscope and 240 (45%) of the stomach samples were recorded as full (containing at least one food item) and 293 (55%) were recorded as empty. The occupancy rates were 25% in 127 stomachs, 50% in 69, and 100% of 44. The main diet of crab individuals was composed of fragments of fish species. Diatoms were the least consumed food by crabs. A total of 8494 diet fragments were found in the stomachs. Total stomach content was 26.39 g of fish vertebrates having the highest weight (3.58 g).
Microbiological quality of frozen black mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis, Lamarck, 1819) purchased from markets in the İzmir Province of Turkey
Authors: Kafa Bülent , Kılınç Berna
Published: June 2021

The purpose of this study was to examine the microbiological quality and consumer safety of frozen black mussels purchased from four different markets (A, B, C, D) in the İzmir Province of Turkey. A total of 36 frozen black mussel packages, which contained approximately 50 mussels in each, were purchased from the markets. They were not only examined for total mesophilic, psychrotrophic, coliform and fecal coliform bacteria count but also investigated for pathogenic bacteria such as Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria monocytogenes and Vibrio spp. According to the results of the mesophilic bacteria counts, frozen black mussels did not exceed the microbiological limits set for safe consumption. The findings showed that frozen black mussels purchased from (A, B, C, D) of markets were safe for human consumption because pathogenic bacteria species such as E.coli, Salmonella spp., S. aureus, L. monocytogenes and Vibrio spp. were not present in the frozen mussel samples.
Retention probability of purse seine grating sieve based on fish morphology
Authors: Tosunoğlu Zafer , Mavruk Sinan , Kasapoğlu Nazlı
Published: June 2021

The retention-releasing patterns of the double-grid grating sieve placed on the deck of the purse seiners were revealed for four case species (Sardina pilchardus, Sardinella aurita, Engraulis encrasicolus and Boops boops) using a simulated data predicted from total length (TL) – maximum height (Hmax) and TL – maximum width (Wmax) regressions. To calculate these relationships, samples were collected during commercial purse seine operations between 3 April 2017 and 21 March 2018 in Izmir Bay, Aegean Sea (Turkey). Optimal Bar Spacing (OBS) values corresponding to minimum landing sizes or the length at first maturity were calculated separately for each species. OBS values were found 10.97 mm for sardine (Sardina pilchardus), 11.29 mm for round sardine (Sardinella aurita), 7.78 mm for anchovy (Engraulis encrasicolus) and 17.89 mm for bogue (Boops boops). The bar spacing regulations may constitute a promising management measure to release undersized fish for the purse seine fishery in the Aegean Sea.
Effect of hook and bait type on catch per unit effort in the Aegean Sea demersal longline fishery
Authors: Soykan Ozan , Sağlam Cemil , Aydın İlker , Kınacıgil Hasan Tuncay
Published: June 2021

This study aimed to determine the impact of hook and bait type on the catch composition and catch per unit effort. Effects of hook and bait types on catch composition, catch per unit effort (CPUE), length and weight distributions in demersal longline fishery were determined by experimental surveys on demersal longline sets in the Aegean Sea. A total of 12 samplings corresponding to 4800 hook fishing effort were performed between April 2014 and September 2014. Two bait types; sardine (Sardina pilchardus) and grooved razor shell (Solen marginatus) and two hook types; J-hook and C-hook were tested. CPUE values were calculated for each species and assessed between different hook-bait combinations. A total of 623 individuals were captured belonging to 3 families and 9 species. It was found that more than 60% of total catch was captured by grooved razor shell and more than 50% of the total catch was caught with J type hook. J hook was found to be close to significant (p=0.06) and grooved razor shell was found significant (p=0.02) for CPUE. The effect of bait type was found to be more significant than that of hook type for CPUE and length distribution. Hook-bait combination differed according to species and C hook baited with sardine was determined to be the best combination for Sparus aurata as the most targeted fish in the study area. Discard ratio was calculated to be 34% in terms of weight and 42.5% in terms of total number of individuals for pooled data. The condition value (K) of the species ranged from 1.05 to 1.68 and differed according to bait type. Most of the high commercial value species caught with any hook-bait combination experimented within this study are larger than minimum fishing length according to minimum landing size regulations of Turkish fishery and maturity studies.
Determination of thermal tolerance parameters of swordtail (Xiphophorus helleri) and platy fish (X. maculatus) acclimated to different temperature levels
Authors: Yanar Mahmut , Özdeş Ali , Erdoğan Erhan , Evliyaoğlu Ece
Published: June 2021

Thermal tolerance parameters of swordtail (Xiphophorus maculatus) and platy (X. helleri) at three acclimation temperatures were determined in the study. The CTMin values at 20, 24 and 28°C acclimation temperature were 9.41,10.42 and 11.95°C respectively for platy and 9.38,11.5 and 13.23°C for swordtail, while CTMax values were 37.41, 39.19 and 40.52°C for platy and 36.94, 38.89 and 40.07°C for swordtail. Accordingly, acclimation temperature affected the lower and upper temperature tolerances of fish by 3-4 °C. The CTMin ARR values varied between 0.42-0.42 in swordtail and 0.20-0.34 in platy, while CTMax ARR ranged between 0.29-0.48 in swordtail and 0.33-0.44 in platy depending on acclimation temperature. Thermal tolerance polygon area of platy (232°C2) was slightly higher than that of swordtail (217.3°C). The fact that both fish species have lower temperature tolerances limits their geographic distribution and aquaculture in subtropical climates where the water temperature drops to 10°C in winter.
Seafood associated human pathogenic non-enveloped viruses
Authors: Tokur Bahar , Korkmaz Koray
Published: June 2021

Non-enveloped human pathogenic viruses, highly stable in the environment, can be transmitted by different routes, such as contaminated food and water. The waterborne transmission of non-enveloped viruses to humans causes illnesses when individuals are exposed to contaminated water resources such as agricultural water, drainage, outdoor water, field or subsurface water and even drinking water. In addition to waterborne transmission, viral foodborne transmission may consist because of contagious seafood, through infected food handlers due to inadequate hygienic activities, aerosol containing viruses produced by infected people. Most hazardous non enveloped enteric viruses assocated with water and seafood cause a significant and emerging food safety and public health problem and threat. In this review, norovirus (NoVs), hepatitis E virus (HEV) and hepatitis A (HAV), human adenovirus, rotavirus A and sapovirus are evaluated as seafood associated human pathogenic non-envoleped viruses.
Queueing Dynamics and State Space Collapse in Fragmented Limit Order Book Markets
Authors: Maglaras Costis , Moallemi Ciamac C. , Zheng Hua
Published: June 2021

In modern equity markets, participants have a choice of many exchanges at which to trade, each of which typically operates as an electronic limit order book. This paper analyzes this setting as a multiclass queueing system. Taking into account the effect of investors’ order-routing decisions across exchanges, they find that the equilibrium of this decentralized market exhibits a state space collapse property, whereby the queues at different exchanges are coupled, and the overall behavior of the market is captured through a one-dimensional process that can be viewed as a weighted aggregate queue length across all exchanges. The key driver of this coupling phenomenon is anticipated delay as opposed to the queue lengths themselves.
COVID-19 mRNA Vaccine and Myocarditis
Authors: Singh Balraj , Kaur Parminder , Cedeno Leon , Brahimi Taulant , Patel Prem , Virk Hartaj , Shamoon Fayez , Bikkina Manesh
Published: June 2021

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is believed to have originated in the Hua nan South China Seafood Market in Wuhan and can present with a spectrum of clinical manifestations. We report the case of 24-year-old male patient who developed chest pain after administration of the second dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech mRNA COVID-19 vaccine and who was diagnosed with myocarditis on work-up.
Influence of N-(p-acetylphenyl)-p-isopropoxyphenylsuccinimide on the protective action of classical antiepileptic drugs against maximal electroshock-induced seizures in mice
Authors: Łuszczki Jarogniew J. , Kominek Mateusz , Marzęda Ewa , Durmowicz Dariusz , Florek-Łuszczki Magdalena , Kocharov Sergey L.
Published: June 2021

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of N-(p-acetylphenyl)-p-isopropoxyphenylsuccinimide (APIPPS) on the protective action of four classical antiepileptic drugs (AEDs: carbamazepine [CBZ], phenobarbital [PB], phenytoin [PHT] and valproate [VPA]) in the maximal electroshock (MES)-induced seizures in mice. Tonic hind limb extension (seizure activity) was evoked in adult male albino Swiss mice by a current (25mA, 500V, 50Hz, 0.2s stimulus duration) delivered via auricular electrodes. Total brain AED concentrations were measured with fluorescence polarization immunoassay to ascertain whether any observed effects were consequent to a pharmacodynamic and/or a pharmacokinetic interaction between APIPPS and classical AEDs. Results indicate that APIPPS administered intraperitoneally at a dose of 150 mg/kg significantly elevated the threshold for electroconvulsions in mice. APIPPS at lower doses of 25, 50 and 100 mg/kg had no impact on the threshold for electroconvulsions in mice. Moreover, APIPPS at 100 mg/kg significantly enhanced the anticonvulsant activity of PB and VPA, but not that of CBZ or PHT, in the MES test in mice. APIPPS at a dose of 50 mg/kg significantly potentiated the anticonvulsant action of VPA, but not that of PB in the mouse MES model. Pharmacokinetic experiment revealed that APIPPS did not alter total brain concentrations of PB or VPA in mice. Summing up, the enhanced anticonvulsant action of PB and VPA by APIPPS in the mouse MES model and lack of pharmacokinetic interactions between drugs, make the combinations of APIPPS with PB and VPA of importance for further experimental and clinical studies. The combinations of APIPPS with CBZ and PHT are neutral from a preclinical viewpoint.
Analysis of serum proteins by agarose gel and capillary electro phoresis
Authors: Korpysz Maciej , Malecha-Jędraszek Arleta , Donica Helena
Published: June 2021

Electrophoresis is a basic technique used to identify disorders of blood serum protein fractions. Agarose gel is the most frequently used medium for routine protein separations. However, capillary electrophoresis seems to be an attractive alternative to gel electrophoresis. The article presents the results of comparative analysis of two systems (Sebia): Hydrasys designed for electrophoretic separations on agarose gel and Minicap for capillary electrophoresis. The purpose of study was to evaluate comparatively the concentrations of each serum protein fraction obtained by gel and capillary electrophoresis and to analyze the correlations between the results obtained by those two systems depending on the concentrations of each protein fraction. The study was carried out in the group of 98 patients, 46 females and 52 males. Despite slight quantitative differences in certain fractions obtained by both methods, capillary electrophoresis offers a fully automatic process of analysis, high speed and efficiency which proves that capillary electrophoresis is appropriate alternative to gel electrophoresis.
Concentration of lipoprotein - associated phospholipase A2 in chronic dental diseases and stable coronary artery disease
Authors: Kimak Aleksandra , Zięba Bartosz , Kimak Elżbieta , Bachanek Teresa
Published: June 2021

Lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2) is an enzyme that has been shown to be a risk factor of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and that is involved in the degradation of the phospholipid mediator platelet-activating factor (PAF), a potent mediator of inflammation. The aim of the present study was to investigate concentration of Lp-PLA2 in control group and patients with chronic dental diseases and stable coronary artery disease (CAD). We studied 10 patients with chronic dental diseases, 10 patients with stable coronary artery disease and 10 healthy individuals as controls. Our patients with stable coronary artery disease were using anti-hypertension medicaments, acetylsalicylic acid and statins although patients with chronic dental diseases were not. A plasma Lp-PLA2 assay kit (ELISA, Human, Life Inc., Wuhan, China) was used. Our results showed that both groups of patients with chronic dental diseases and stable coronary artery disease had significantly increased Lp-PLA2 mass as compared to controls. However, Lp-PLA2 mass in patients with chronic dental diseases and stable coronary artery disease was non-significant statistically. We concluded that patients with chronic dental diseases have increased the serum lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2, which is believed to be an independent cardiovascular risk factor, although future studies are required.
Could osteoprotegerin serve as a marker of metabolic syndrome?
Authors: Dąbrowska Anna Maria , Tarach Jerzy S. , Wojtysiak-Duma Beata , Malecha-Jędraszek Arleta , Toruń-Jurkowska Anna , Kudlicki Janusz , Donica Helena
Published: June 2021

There has been a dramatic increase in the worldwide prevalence of obesity, which is associated with the development of several chronic diseases such as metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Osteoprotegerin is a glycoprotein mainly secreted by bone but produced also by heart muscle and blood vessels. It inhibits the recruitment, proliferation, and activation of
osteoclasts. The role of osteoprotegerin in the pathogenesis of metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases is still discussed. The study was carried out on 62 patients with metabolic syndrome aged 35-83 (34F and 28M). Type 2 diabetes was diagnosed in 76% of subjects and 62% of them suffered from coronary artery disease as a macrovascular complication.
Determinations of biochemical parameters and anthropometric measurements were performed in the studied group. The relationships between serum osteoprotegerin concentrations and components of metabolic syndrome and total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, HbA1C, BMI, levels of calcium and phosphate in the blood and 24-hour urinary calcium have been analysed. Diabetics had higher osteoprotegerin concentrations than patients without diabetes (5.570 pmol/l vs 4.690 pmol/l). Osteoprotegerin levels in patients with diabetes and coronary artery disease were significantly higher (6.640pmol/l) than in those without macrovascular complications (5.295 pmol/l) (Z=1.986; p=0.047). Furthermore, the associations between osteoprotegerin and calcium and phosphate levels in the blood and 24-hour urinary calcium have been shown. A lower calcium level in the blood was negative but a lower phosphate level was positive correlated with OPG serum concentration (respectively: 6.825 pmol/l vs 5.195 pmol/l, Z=2.656, p=0.008; 4.250pmol/l vs 5.640 pmol/l, Z=2.718, p=0.007). What’s more, the inverse correlations between OPG concentrations and 24-hour urinary calcium and diastolic blood pressure have been observed. No associations between osteoprotegerin and waist circumference, BMI, cholesterol levels and HbA1C, were found. In summary, osteoprotegerin is not
a use ful marker of all components of metabolic syndrome. It is level depends on the presence of hypertension, type 2 diabetes and coronary artery disease. This glycoprotein may serve a a marker of calcium and phosphate homeostasis. We concluded that the relationship between osteoprotegerin concentrations and calcification of atherosclerotic plaques in patients with metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes should be analysed in further investigations.
Estimation of Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) due to Burning of Household Biomass Fuel and Assessment of Health Risk among Women in Rural West Bengal
Authors: Chakraborty Deep , Mondal Naba Kumar
Published: June 2021

More than 75% population living in rural sectors in India and mostly rely on biomass fuels due to their easy availability. Here in this study we examined the health risk from the smoke emitted due burning of biomass fuels while cooking in rural houses in West Bengal. Out of numerous gaseous pollutant this study selected NO2 component to find out the health risk of women. NO2 has been monitored in kitchen and adjacent living room in N= 30 households in three season namely summer, monsoon and winter, respectively. Study results found that highest NO2 concentration found in kitchen room than in living room in all seasons and the difference between the concentrations showed significant results (< 0.001). However, ANOVA analysis has been done to check the seasonal variation within the kitchen and living room NO2 concentrations and results have revealed that there was significant (< 0.001) difference present within kitchen and living room concentration seasonally. Moreover, women health risk were assessed with established empirical model. Results showedthathere were no immediate acute health risk present among women whereas women possessed chronic health risk (HQ > 1) from kitchen room NO2 concentration. This study concluded that NO2 has chronic health effects on women who habituated to continue cooking with unprocessed biomass fuels. Study also suggested to use more clean fuel like LPG, electric and solar energy for daily use and in this respect PMUY is doing a significant work.
A newly qualified physiotherapist non-medical prescriber in the pandemic
Authors: Chambers Hannah
Published: June 2021

Hannah Chambers discusses what it is like to be a new non-medical prescriber within physiotherapy, having to implement and develop new skillls during the COVID-19 pandemic
Exploring pharmaceutical communication
Authors: Winter George
Published: June 2021

George Winter examines the importance of effective communication within pharmaceutical practice, drawing upon papers that explore the role of language within patient care
Evidence-based use of newer agents in type 2 diabetes
Authors: Morris David
Published: June 2021

The DPP-4 inhibitors, GLP-1 receptor agonists and SGLT-2 inhibitors are newer agents for glycaemic control in type 2 diabetes that can offer additional health benefits. All three treatments carry a low risk of hypoglycaemia. GLP-1 RAs and SGLT-2 inhibitors are associated with weight loss and DPP-4 inhibitors are weight neutral. The GLP-1 RAs and SGLT-2 inhibitors offer protection against cardiovascular events. SGLT-2 inhibitors are the agents of choice to add on to metformin for glycaemic control in chronic kidney disease and heart failure, with GLP-1 RAs an alternative to be considered if SGLT-2 inhibitors are poorly tolerated or contraindicated. DPP-4 inhibitors are very well tolerated. Gastrointestinal side-effects can be problematic with GLP-1 RAs though frequently these settle with time. Genital thrush is a common side-effect with SGLT-2 inhibitors and diabetic ketoacidosis is a rare but serious side-effect. It is important that healthcare professionals with responsibility in diabetes familiarise themselves with these treatments in order to know when and how to safely and effectively deploy them. The selection of newer agents should be based on careful assessment of individual circumstances. Overall, the standpoint has shifted from a largely glucocentric approach to one considering the impact of treatments on weight, risk of hypoglycaemia, and co-morbidities (notably atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, heart failure and chronic kidney disease). Case histories are used in the article to illustrate the pragmatic use of these agents.
The role of community pharmacies during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Glasper Alan
Published: June 2021

Emeritus Professor Alan Glasper, from the University of Southampton, discusses the role of community pharmacies in providing health care as an important adjunct to the NHS, especially during the pandemic
Ethnobotanical study of plants used as food and for maternal health care by the Malays communities in Kampar Kiri Hulu, Riau, Indonesia
Authors: Susandarini Ratna , Khasanah Uswatun , Rosalia Nurma
Published: June 2021

Abstract. Susandarini R, Khasanah U, Rosalia N. 2021. Ethnobotanical study of plants used as food and for maternal health care by the Malays communities in Kampar Kiri Hulu, Riau, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 22: 3111-3120. Studies to reveal the diversity of food plants on communities living in remote areas with limited access to the market are important as an effort in documenting the traditional knowledge. The same applies to the diversity of medicinal plants used in maternal health care for communities that have limited access to public health facilities. The documentation of ethnobotanical knowledge is not only for the purpose of developing the potential of these plants, but also could have an impact on their conservation in nature. This study aims to document the traditional knowledge on the diversity of food plants and medicinal plants used in maternal health care by Malays tribes living within the Bukit Rimbang Bukit Baling Wildlife Reserve, Kampar Kiri Hulu Subdistrict, Kampar District, Riau Province, Indonesia. The research was conducted in three villages by collecting data through interviews and followed by fieldwork to collect plant specimens for identification. Data on food plant diversity data were obtained from 20 informants, while data on the diversity and use of medicinal plants for maternal health care were obtained from 73 informants. The results showed that there were 76 species of food plants from 35 families. These food plants were used as secondary food ingredients, vegetables, fruit and spices with most of these plants were obtained from the yard of the house. Plants used for maternal health care identified from this study were 34 species from 26 families. These plants were used for various purposes during pregnancy, child delivery, postpartum recovery, and infant health care. The diversity of food plants and medicinal plants for maternal health care documented in this study showed the valuable role of plant resources in supporting daily needs and health care of the communities living in the fringe of forest area.
Short Communication: The resistance of Styrax sumatrana wood of varying growth sites and stem axial positions to subterranean termite (Coptotermes curvignathus) attack
Authors: Iswanto Apri Heri , Tambunan Joel , Susilowati Arida , Hartono Rudi , Darwis Atmawi
Published: June 2021

Abstract. Iswanto AH, Tambunan J, Susilowati A, Hartono R, Darwis A. 2021. Short Communication: The resistance of Styrax sumatrana wood of varying growth sites and stem axial positions to subterranean termite (Coptotermes curvignathus) attack. Biodiversitas 22: 3192-3198.  As mega-biodiversity country, Indonesia consists of a large number of flora and fauna, including wood-destroying organisms such as termites.  One of the native trees known as a resin producer is Tobanese incense (Styrax sumatrana). The existence of this species has been studied for several wood properties such as physical, mechanical, and chemical properties, while its natural durability against termite attack has not been studied. As a country known as a haven for termites, the study on incense wood durability is very important for further utilization.  The objective of this research was to analyze the natural durability of S. sumatrana wood from two growing locations and different stem positions using a graveyard test. The Graveyard test method was used to investigate the mass loss and percentage of damage of the sampled woods. The test sample used is 2x2x20 cm3 in size. The sample is buried as deep as 15 cm and leaving 5 cm of the part that is above the soil surface. The distance between the samples is 60 cm. The results obtained from this study indicated that the incense wood originating from Pakpak Bharat and North Tapanuli districts can be classified as durable class V (Vulnerable category) and severely damaged (E category) with the respective mass loss percentages ranging from 22.03-31.70% and 18.46-20.79% and damage percentages ranging from 86.55-96.27% and 78.02-86.32%. In conclusion, the positions of the stem and the sites where it grows caused a difference in the natural durability value of Styrax sumatrana wood. The incense wood originating from North Tapanuli District had slightly better durability against subterranean termite attacks than that from Pakpak Bharat District, although overall the samples from these two sites fell into the same durability class.
Ethnobotanical study based on the five dimensions of basic life needs in Tidung Tribe of North Kalimantan, Indonesia
Authors: Suciyati Alfi , Suryadarma I Gusti Putu , Paidi Paidi , Abrori Fadhlan Muchlas Abrori
Published: June 2021

Abstract. Suciyati A, Suryadarma IGP, Paidi Abrori FM. 2021. Ethnobotanical study based on the five dimensions of basic life needs in Tidung Tribe of North Kalimantan, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 22: 3199-3208. The Tidung tribe is one of the original inhabitants of North Kalimantan, Indonesia. Research results related to the Tidung tribe, especially those related to ethnobotany, are still rare. This research aimed to make an inventory of plant species used by Tidung Tribe based on the five dimensions of basic life needs of Tidung Tribe. The five dimensions of basic life needs of Tidung Tribe is that plants are useful as food (ngakan), shelter (baloy), health/medicine (sihat), traditional ceremony (adat), and clothing (memana). Informants were obtained by conducting snowball sampling consisting of 22 family heads and as many as 65 people. There were three instruments in the data collection: questionnaires of list of plant species, quantitative plant assessment instruments, and semi-structured interviews. According to the inventory result, Tidung Tribe utilize 60 plant species in their daily life. Most of these plants are used as food (ngakan) and traditional medicine (sihat). The Availability Index and Frequency Use Index data showed that Arecaceae, Pandanaceae, Solanaceae, Zingiberaceae, and Poaceae families were the most widely available plants in the research location and most often used by the community.
Ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants used by the Mamanwa tribe of Surigao del Norte and Agusan del Norte, Mindanao, Philippines
Authors: Nuneza Olga , RODRIGUEZ BIVERLY , Nasiad Juliet Grace
Published: June 2021

Abstract. Nuneza OM, Rodriguez BC, Nasiad JGM. 2021. Ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants used by the Mamanwa tribe of Surigao del Norte and Agusan del Norte, Mindanao, Philippines. Biodiversitas 22: 3284-3296. Traditional knowledge on medicinal plants plays an important role in public healthcare and development of drugs. In the Philippines, studies on ethnomedicinal plants have increased throughout the years. However, documentation on the ethnobotanical knowledge in Mindanao is few and mostly focused on other well-known tribes. This ethnobotanical study was carried out to document medicinal plants used by the Mamanwas tribe in ten Indigenous Cultural Communities (ICCs) of Surigao del Norte and Agusan del Norte, Philippines. Ethnomedicinal information on the plant parts used, different modes of preparation, and mode of utilization was gathered from 143 local informants through informal interviews and semi-structured questionnaires. Seventy-eight plant species under 70 genera and 42 families were documented to treat various ailments in their communities. Family Asteraceae held the dominance with ten species that were reported to have medicinal uses. Out of the 78 species, trees constituted the largest proportion with 32 plant species that cover 41%. In terms of plant parts used, leaves are frequently used constituting 46%. As to mode of preparation, decoction (40%) ranked the highest followed by poultice (18%) and heating over fire (14%). Documentation of the valuable ethnomedicinal knowledge will help preserve the vanishing tradition of cultural communities in terms of medicinal plant utilization.
Diversity analysis, identification, and bioprospecting of Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB) isolated from Sumbawa horse milk
Authors: FIDIEN KHADIJAH ALLIYA , Manguntungi Baso , SUKMARINI LINDA , MUSTOPA APON ZAENAL , TRIRATNA LITA , FATIMAH FATIMAH , KUSDIANAWATI KUSDIANAWATI
Published: June 2021

Abstract. Fidien KA, Manguntungi B, Sukmarini L, Mustopa AZ, Triratna L, Fatimah, Kusdianawati. 2021. Diversity analysis, identification, and bioprospecting of Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB) isolated from Sumbawa horse milk. Biodiversitas 22: 3333-3340. Sumbawa horse milk has a probiotic potential because of the presence of Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB). The LAB present in Sumbawa horse milk has been reported to have antimicrobial activities against pathogenic bacteria, including Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Vibrio cholerae. However, the potential of LAB from Sumbawa horse milk as antioxidant and antidiabetic is still unexplored. Studies related to the diversity of indigenous bacteria in Sumbawa horse milk based on metagenomic analysis have not been widely studied either. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the diversity of species of indigenous bacteria in Sumbawa horse milk and to identify LAB bioprospecting from Sumbawa horse milk. The diversity of indigenous bacterial species was investigated by the 16S rRNA gene-targeted metagenomic approach from bacterial DNA isolated from Sumbawa horse milk. The identification of LAB was also carried out by the 16S rRNA gene identification method. LAB bioprospecting on antioxidant activity was determined using the DPPH method, while the antidiabetic activity was measured using the ?-glucosidase inhibition assay. The diversity analysis of indigenous bacteria based on 16S rRNA gene-based metagenomic revealed at least 7 phyla were relatively abundant in Sumbawa horse milk. The greatest abundance was shown by the phylum Proteobacteria (0.641%) and Firmicutes (0.327%). Enterococcus durans (39.01%) was the species that had the highest abundance in Sumbawa horse milk, followed by Lactococcus garvieae (30.13%) and Lactococcus lactis (19.85%). Moreover, based on the identification of the 16S rRNA gene, eight LAB isolates had similarities to bacterial strains, including Enterococcus faecium DSM 20477, E. faecium NBRC 100486, E. faecium ATCC 19434, E. durans 98D, E. faecalis ATCC 19433, E. faecalis NRBC 100480, Lactococcus lactis subsp. hordniae NBRC 100931 and L. garvieae JCM 10343 with similarity levels of more than 98%. In terms of LAB bioprospecting, the antioxidant assay showed the highest DPPH radical binding activity by L. garvieae L.22PR (43%). Meanwhile, the highest inhibitory activity of ?-glucosidase was shown by E. faecium G.6PR (45%).
The potential of endophytic bacteria from the root of Eucalyptus pellita as a biocontrol agent against Ralstonia solanacearum
Authors: Susanti Yuliana , GIYANTO GIYANTO , SINAGA MEITY SURADJI , MUTAQIN KIKIN HAMZAH , TJAHJONO2 BUDI
Published: June 2021

Abstract. Susanti Y, Giyanto, Sinaga MS, Mutaqin KH, Tjahjono B. 2021. The potential of endophytic bacteria from the root of Eucalyptus pellita as a biocontrol agent against Ralstonia solanacearum. Biodiversitas 22: 3454-3462. Bacterial wilt disease (BWD) caused by Ralstonia solanacearum is one of the most damaging eucalyptus (Eucalyptus pellita F. Muell.) diseases. However, endophytic bacteria can be utilized to control it. This study aims to obtain and screen endophytic bacteria isolated from the root of eucalyptus as a biocontrol agent against BWD. A pathogenic R. solanacearum was isolated for artificial inoculation; subsequently, isolation, characterization and screening of the potential endophytic bacteria were conducted. Isolates of R. solanacearum demonstrated the pathogenicity for BWD in eucalyptus, with the highest virulence found in Rs 18. In total, 24 isolates of endophytic bacteria were obtained and screened for their biocontrol potential. The endophytic bacteria conveyed the capacity of antibiosis, indole acetic acid (IAA) hormone, nitrogen fixation, phosphate dissolution, protease enzyme and AHL-lactonase, which are the main indicators of bioagent characteristics in endophytic bacteria, as well as being plant growth stimulators. Four isolates were selected with the highest according to the analytic hierarchy process (AHP), identified on the 16S rRNA gene. Most isolates belonged to gram-negative bacteria. The four isolates, namely B33/77 (Serratia nematodiphila), B32/77 (Paenibacillus polymyxa), B13/497 (Brevundimonas olei) and B17/111 (Bacillus megaterium), indicated their potential for biocontrol as plant growth promoters. This study is the first report on the isolation of endophytic bacterial from eucalyptus roots with regard to its benefit as a plant growth promoter. It provides basic information about the characteristics of the endophytic bacteria, which showed potential as a biocontrol agent of R. solanacearum on eucalyptus.
Genetic diversity of Pleurotus ostreatus (Jacq.) P. Kumm. strains in Java based on random amplified polymorphic DNA markers
Authors: EKOWATI NURAENI , MUMPUNI ARIS , MULJOWATI JUNI SAFITRI , RATNANINGTYAS NUNIEK INA , MAHARNING ARDHINI RIN
Published: June 2021

Abstract. Ekowati N, Mumpuni A, Muljowati JS, Ratnaningtyas NI, Maharning AR. 2021. Genetic diversity of Pleurotus ostreatus (Jacq.) P. Kumm. strains in Java based on Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA markers.  Biodiversitas 22: 3488-3493. Genetic variation in a fungal population can occur due to mutation and recombination, resulting in changes in the nucleotides that encode specific DNA sequences. Strains with a high genetic distance and good production capabilities can be used to develop genetic breeding. This study aimed to investigate genetic relationship among Pleurotus ostreatus strains cultivated in Java (Bogor, Cianjur, Tasikmalaya, Purwokerto, Yogyakarta, Tawangmangu, Malang, and Madiun) based on random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers.  The research method consisted of DNA isolation and DNA amplification using six primers, i.e. OPA2, OPA3, OPA4, OPA7, OPA9, and OPA10. DNA band data were analyzed using NTSYSpc21 software to determine the level of genetic similarity, based on the Unweighted Pair Group Method with Arithmetic Average Algorithm (UPGMA). In all, 101 amplified DNA bands were obtained, with sizes ranging from 136 to 2320 bp and 96.0% of the bands were polymorphic. Based on cluster analysis, it shows that three clusters were formed. There were genetic variations and relationships among eight P. ostreatus strains in Java with a genetic similarity varying from 37-98%.
A case study of agroforestry practices and challenges in Mt. Merapi risk and hazard prone area of Indonesia
Authors: Rozaki Zuhud , Rahmawati Nur , Wijaya Oki , MUBAROK ATIKAH FAJRIYAH , Senge Masateru , Kamarudin Mohd Fauzi
Published: June 2021

Abstract. Rozaki Z, Rahmawati N, Wijaya O, Mubarok AF, Senge M, Kamarudin MF. 2021. A case study of agroforestry practices and challenges in Mt. Merapi risk and hazard-prone area of Indonesia. Biodiversitas 22: 2511-2518. This paper presents a case study of agroforestry (AF) practices and challenges in Mt. Merapi risk and hazard-prone area of Indonesia. AF has been practiced by farmers in Mt. Merapi risk and hazard-prone area from older generation. Each area in Mt. Merapi has different types of AF such as agrisilviculture, silvopasture, and agrosilvopasture. In the village of Glagaharjo, Yogyakarta, this system has been used for land restoration or conservation. 139 AF adopters were chosen from 269 respondents that have been randomly interviewed from four different areas around Mt. Merapi. Statistical descriptive method using values of mean and percentage were used. Additionally, multinomial Logistic regression was utilized to understand the model. The findings of the study show that the trend of AF is increasing, especially in Glagaharjo, after the 2010 eruption. AF systems are also found to be practiced for mitigation strategies in facing Mt. Merapi hazards and risk, especially for crop protection, and land and water conservation. Promoting AF as one of the coping strategies in facing Mt. Merapi hazards and risk is important as indicated by the results of this study.
Diversity of Ralstonia pseudosolanacearum, the causal agent of bacterial wilt on Eucalyptus pellita in Indonesia
Authors: Siregar Bayo Alhusaeri , Giyanto Giyanto , Hidayat Sri Hendrastuti , Siregar Iskandar Zulkarnain , Tjahjono Budi
Published: June 2021

Abstract. Siregar BA, Giyanto, Hidayat SH, Siregar IZ, Tjahjono B. 2021. Diversity of Ralstonia pseudosolanacearum, the causal agent of bacterial wilt on Eucalyptus pellita in Indonesia. Biodiversitas 22: 2538-2545. The Ralstonia species complex was initially classified into five races and five biovars but the classification could not accommodate the isolates' phylogenetic history or geographic origins. A phylotype and sequevar system is based on the geographic distribution and characteristics of endoglucanase (egl) and hypersensitive response and pathogenicity (hrp) gene sequences. This study aims to describe pathogen diversity of the causal agent of bacterial wilt on Eucalyptus pellita F. Muell. Pathogens were isolated from wilting seedlings and trees in several Eucalyptus plantations. The phenotypic diversity analysis included biovar, exopolysaccharide quantification and virulence tests, while genotypic diversity included phylotypes and sequevar determination based on egl gene sequences. A total of 35 strains were isolated from the field and nurseries of Eucalyptus in various locations. All isolates were confirmed as Ralstonia species complex based on morphological characteristics and molecular studies using species-specific primers. These isolates were dominantly classified as biovar 3 and 4 and had a high variation on virulence and EPS production. Based on the egl sequence's alignment, 29 strains of Phylotype I are grouped into four sequevar references (sequevars 14, 17, 18, 30) and new a sequevar 58. This study shows that strains of R. pseudosolanacearum causing bacterial wilt on E. pellita in Indonesia have high phenotypic and genotypic diversities.
Measuring the effect of long-term pitfall trapping on the prevalence of epigeal arthropods: A case study in the Pacific Coast of Colombia
Authors: Martinez José Maria , Tarazona Rubilma , Lohr Bernhard Leo , Narvaez Consuelo Alexandra
Published: June 2021

Pitfall trapping remains one of the most frequently used methods to assess ground-active arthropods’ diversity and density. Yet, one of its main drawbacks, the possibility that repeated collecting may affect the study objects’ population, has not been formally tested. We studied the effect of a yearlong epigeal pitfall trapping exercise with 22 fortnightly capture events in four differently disturbed areas at the Colombian Pacific coast. A transect of 100 m length with ten equidistant pitfall traps was established in each area, and the traps were operated twice a month for 24 hours. Using count data regression models, we find that trapping did not affect subsequent captures when we analyzed non-ant arthropods. For ants, regression estimates indicate that each subsequent trapping in highly-disturbed environments ended, on average, reducing all ants in between -3.8 and -4.1%, and Ectatomma ruidum between -4.7 and -5.1%. We recommend bio-ecological aspects of the species under study be considered when interpreting results. This is important for future studies that rely on this method to deliver consistent estimates of population sizes or study their dynamics through time. At the same time, it is also a call for scientists to revise more carefully how species’ peculiar traits may limit the reliability of traditional methods.
Seeking celestial positronium with an OH-suppressed diffraction-limited spectrograph
Authors: Robertson Gordon , Ellis Simon , Yu Qingshan , Bland-Hawthorn Joss , Betters Christopher , Roth Martin , Leon-Saval Sergio
Published: June 2021

Celestially, positronium (Ps) has been observed only through gamma-ray emission produced by its annihilation. However, in its triplet state, a Ps atom has a mean lifetime long enough for electronic transitions to occur between quantum states. This produces a recombination spectrum observable in principle at near IR wavelengths, where angular resolution greatly exceeding that of the gamma-ray observations is possible. However, the background in the near IR is dominated by extremely bright atmospheric hydroxyl (OH) emission lines. In this paper, we present the design of a diffraction-limited spectroscopic system using novel photonic components—a photonic lantern, OH fiber Bragg grating filters, and a photonic TIGER 2D pseudo-slit—to observe the Ps Balmer alpha line at 1.3122 µm for the first time, to our knowledge.
Bubble optics: Leonardo’s cross revisited—Part 2, paraxial analytical methods
Authors: Lock James A. , Selmke Markus
Published: June 2021

Around 1508, Leonardo da Vinci first noted and sketched a cross-shaped caustic produced by a plane wave diagonally incident on the meniscus surrounding a bubble on the surface of a water-filled container. This caustic was analyzed in a companion paper using a numerical ray theory spot diagram approach and is analyzed here using analytic ray theory approaches appropriate to the paraxial regime. We demonstrate that the caustic assumes the standard astroid form when the maximum meniscus slope is small, and the shape starts to distort as the maximum meniscus slope increases. We show that competition between generalized coma and generalized astigmatism, with generalized coma dominating, is responsible for the cusp points of the astroid in the plane of the incident light being reversed with respect to their images in the exit plane of the optical system. We also show that Leonardo’s cross is the result of the twofold symmetry of the astigmatic focusing of the diagonally incident plane wave by the circularly symmetric meniscus.
Multiplex optical biosensors based on multi-pinhole interferometry
Authors: Bläsi Johannes , Gerken Martina
Published: June 2021

The application of new sensor technologies for frequent biomarker monitoring in combination with the leverage of artificial intelligence has great potential to improve the design and safety of health care. With current research efforts, the screening of tens of biomarkers at the point of care and immediate adjustment of therapy is coming within reach. Here we introduce an optical multiplexing approach based on multi-pinhole interference providing inherent differential referencing between a multitude of measurement fields on a surface. A theoretical study of an 11-plex and a 54-plex design is complemented with the experimental demonstration of the technique for a 3-field refractive index measurements and detection of human α-thrombin.
Interferometric experiments on the transmission matrix of diffusive neutral inclusions
Authors: Niemeyer Andreas , Schroff Paul , Choi Wonjun , Cho Jaecheol , Naber Andreas , Choi Wonshik , Wegener Martin
Published: June 2021

By using tailored disorder in the regime of diffusive light
propagation, core-shell cloaking structures have previously been
presented. These structures make the cloak and an arbitrary interior
nearly indistinguishable from the diffusive surrounding. This
statement holds true for all incident polarizations of light, a broad
range of incident directions of light in three dimensions, and a broad
range of visible wavelengths. Here, by performing interferometric
transmission-matrix experiments, we investigate the statistical wave
properties of miniaturized versions of such structures. By using
singular-value decomposition, we derive the eigenchannels and
eigenvalues to assess the degree of wave correlation among multiply
scattered waves. We find small but significant differences in the
eigenvalue distributions, suggesting that the degree of wave
correlation is lower for the neutral inclusion than for a
homogeneously disordered reference sample, which corresponds to the
surrounding of the neutral inclusion. Likewise, we find similar
differences between optically inspecting the core-shell neutral
inclusion and its spatial neighborhood. These differences allow us to
reveal the neutral inclusion due to different statistics of the
underlying random walks of light.