bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The whale shark genome project
Authors: Read Timothy D. , Alam Md. Tauqeer , Pettit Robert A. , Haase Chad , Weil Ryan , Webb D. Harry , Dove Alistair D.M.
Published: July 2019

Background The whale shark forms an interesting subject for a genome project because it represents a phenotypic extreme: the largest body size of any piscine vertebrate. Sharks are also important comparative genomics subjects because they were the first vertebrate lineage to evolve and adaptive immune response. To date, however, no shark has had its complete nuclear genome sequenced and assembled. Approach Sequencing and assembly of the whale shark genome has been underway for almost 6 years, based on tissue samples from animals in the collection at Georgia Aquarium. Initial efforts focused on 454 pyrosequencing, and later Illumina sequencing. The most recent assembly has incorporated longer-read sequence data acquired using Pacific BioSciences technology. For the genome assembly we used a de novo approach. Results We estimate the total whale shark genome size at 3.44 Gbp, 3.5x larger than that of the closest related species for which whole genome data exist, the holocephalan Callorhinchus milii (950 Mbp). The mitochondrial genome is of fundamentally similar structure to that of other elasmobranchs and whole mitogenome phylogeny affirms the accepted phylogenetic placement of this species among the Orectolobiformes. Conclusions The availability of the whale shark genome will facilitate detailed investigations of global population structure that are a necessary precursor to effective conservation management. Moreover, whale shark genome sequence should find use in comparative studies of evolution, immunology and metabolism. Those interested in collaborating on such studies should contact the authors.
Daily abundance and residency patterns of whale sharks (Rhincodon typus) at a unique provisioning site in the Philippines
Authors: Thomson Jordan , Araujo Gonzalo , Labaja Jessica , Mccoy Emer , Murray Ryan , Ponzo Alessandro
Published: July 2019

Background Shark viewing tourism is a burgeoning global industry. Numerous operations provision sharks to increase sightings yet the effects of provisioning on shark behaviour are often poorly understood. At a unique provisioning site in Oslob, Cebu, Philippines, whale sharks (Rhincodon typus) have become the focus of a mass tourism operation since late 2011, receiving over 185,000 tourists a year. Approach To better understand and advise management bodies on the effects of provisioning on these animals, we used photographic identification (photo-ID) to assess the daily abundance and site visitation patterns of the sharks. Principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) based on co-occurrence matrices was used to investigate visitation patterns amongst individuals and define groupings. Modified maximum likelihood methods were then used to model mean residency for these different groups. Results Between March 31st 2012 and March 31st 2015, we identified 209 (165 males, 34 females and 10 of unknown sex) individuals at the site (a 0.065 km2 demarked area located 50 – 100 m from shore), with an average of 12.4 (SD = ± 4.8, range = 2 – 31) sharks sighted per day. Daily shark abundance increased over time and showed strong seasonal variation, with annual peaks occurring between May and November. We documented a spectrum of site visitation patterns ranging from single sighting (21% of sharks identified) to year-round residency (5% of sharks identified). For frequently sighted sharks, PCoA revealed two primary residency groupings: highly resident sharks (N = 9), which were seen year-round with few prolonged absences, and seasonal sharks (N = 21), which were primarily present between May and November. The daily abundance of highly resident sharks varied nonlinearly over time with no clear trend, while the daily abundance of seasonal sharks showed a clear increase during peak season in each year of the study. Mean residency for highly resident sharks was estimated at 55.5 ± 175.5 SE (95% CI 49.5 – 730.0) days, 58.3 ± 161.7 SE (95% CI 23.2 – 81.4) days for seasonal individuals, and 16.8 ± 1.8 SE (95% CI 14.8 – 22.2) days for infrequent sharks (N = 130). Conclusions The difference in residency patterns between frequently sighted and infrequent individuals was almost fourfold. This shift in residency could have long-term implications for ca. 15% of identified whale sharks at the site. We provide insight into the impacts of provisioning on shark movements and inform the debate surrounding the future of this controversial activity.
Testing the affinity of whale sharks, Rhincodon typus, to offshore oil platforms in a newly discovered aggregation site off the cost of Qatar in the Arabian Gulf
Authors: Bach Steffen S. , Robinson David P. , Abdulrahman Ali A. , Al-Jaidah Mohammad
Published: July 2019

Background A large aggregation of whale sharks in the central part of the Arabian/Persian Gulf has recently been documented by the Qatar Whale Shark Research project. Observations made by offshore workers have indicated a continuous presence of whale sharks close to platforms in the Al Shaheen oil field during the summer months. It has been established that the sharks come here to feed on fish eggs of the Mackerel tuna, Euthynnus affinis. The Al Shaheen location is characterized by numerous offshore platforms that could attract the spawning Mackerel tuna and thereby influence the numbers and distribution of whale sharks in the area. Understanding the movement and residency patterns of whale sharks is critical for their management, particularly in an offshore oil field. Approach In the period from 2012–2015 a total of 104 whale sharks were fitted with acoustic V16 tags. The sharks were all tagged in the Al Shaheen oil field during the aggregation period from May to September and ranged in size from 4 to 10 meters TL. The movement pattern of sharks within the Al Shaheen field was monitored using an array of up to 15 VR2W receivers placed a minimum of 4 km apart. The receivers were placed on the seabed at different distances from selected offshore installations and recovered using remotely activated releases. Results Of the 104 tagged sharks, 102 were detected by the deployed receivers during the study period. The maximum detection distance was estimated to be between 500–1000 m from the receiver. More than 99% of the detections occurred between the months of April–September. Average annual residence time in the Al Shaheen area was 38.5 days (±27.5 SD) with some sharks showing a continued presence during the entire April–September period. Conclusions The results indicate that the whale sharks are almost only present in the Al Shaheen area during the April–September period, confirming the visual observations made by workers on the offshore installations. Aggregations, sometimes numbering more than 100 individuals, have only been observed while the whale sharks were feeding on Mackerel tuna spawn. The long residence time indicates that the Al Shaheen area is a highly important feeding ground. The sharks showed a high affinity for the same platforms throughout the study period, while their presence was only rarely recorded at other platform locations. This could indicate that the Mackerel tuna are spawning in a confined location within the study area and that the whale shark distribution within Al Shaheen is strongly associated to the spawning site and the prevailing currents. The platforms themselves may concentrate whale shark presence in the spawning area, but their full importance for the behavior of whale sharks is still to be determined. Mitigating measures have been established in order to minimize potential impacts on whale sharks related to offshore activities.
Characteristics of whale sharks (Rhincodon typus) in Teluk Cenderawasih National Park, Indonesia
Authors: Tania Casandra , Blæsbjerg Mette , Himawan Mahardika Rizqi , Noor Beny A. , Suruan Sampari Sanerao , Pranata Bayu , Stewart Brent S.
Published: July 2019

Background The whale shark (Rhincodon typus) is an iconic species for Teluk Cenderawasih National Park (TCNP), West Papua and Papua. They appear regularly near lift-net fisheries (bagans) year round in some areas, especially near Kwatisore in West Papua, resulting in the development of limited tourism since 2009. The objective of our study was to document the characteristics (i.e., number, size, sex) of whale sharks that occur in TCNP. Approach We used photographs to identify whale sharks from natural patterns and other body markings that periodically appeared near operational bagans in southern Cenderawasih Bay. The photo ID technique was used to identify each individual based on the white body spot pattern. We also made subjective estimates of the relative sizes of each shark and determined whether they were male or female from the presence or absence of claspers. Results We obtained 8,530 photos of sharks from February 2010 through June 2015. From that database we tentatively identified 126 sharks, 83% of them male, 14% female and 3% undetermined. The estimated length of the sharks averaged 4.4 m (± 1.25 m, range = 2 m to 8 m). Around 40% of the individuals had scars, mostly around their mouths and fins. Most (59%) of the sharks were seen in one year, while only 3% were seen over more than one year during the five year study. Some exceptions were one shark that was seen 32 times over four years, and another that was seen 29 times over five years. Conclusions Juvenile male whale sharks appear to be transient and highly mobile in Cenderawasih Bay. Whether adult males or adult females occur here is not known, as they may not be attracted to the fishing bagans or do not otherwise approach the sea surface where they can be observed. Because of the increased tourism for whale sharks and the interactions of whale sharks with the fishing bagans, we recommend continued systematic observations of whale sharks and vigilant surveillance for understanding the dynamics of interactions among tourist activities, fishing operations, and whale sharks.
Applications for genetic inference to characterise a cryptic life-stage in the whale shark
Authors: Watts Alexandra M. , Pierce Simon J. , Rohner Christopher A. , Prebble Clare E. M. , Cain Bradley , Watts Phil C.
Published: July 2019

Background Research efforts on whale sharks have so far been limited to sub-adult males which make-up the vast majority of aggregations around the world. The movements of mature sharks, their reproductive techniques and key habitats remain poorly understood, whilst details of this demographic group are the most important to mitigate current threats. This quandary qualifies the use of indirect analyses such as genetic inference to characterise cryptic life-stages of the species. Approach Tissue samples will be collected from free-swimming whale sharks from locations around the WIO with past biopsy efforts providing additional tissue from every tropical ocean. Photographic identification, approximate visual size and gender information will be recorded for each individual. Microsatellite markers will be extracted from the samples using species-specific primers from previous studies. Additional open access sequences will be obtained via GenBank for appropriate locations. Software packages simulating modes of inheritance such as GERUD will be used to reconstruct parental genotypes. Results This is an outline of potential results of the study. Parental genotype reconstruction can provide information on: 1) Number of parents per litter – maternal genotypes will be reconstructed first as the likelihood of sampling littermates is higher than sampling offspring from different females who happened to mate with the same male. Paternal genotypes can be determined once the maternal genotypes are removed from the progeny sequences. 2) Juvenile recruitment – survival rate of individuals per litter, considering however that juvenile female whale sharks are underrepresented in the majority of sampling areas. Incomplete reconstruction of a parental genotype suggests incomplete offspring sampling. 3) Reproductive mode – i.e. monoor polyandry, demonstrated by single or multiple male genotypes per litter (respectively), which may confirm or refute the single only other demonstration of reproductive mechanism, monandry, in the species. 4) Breeding site fidelity – common and complete parental genotypes of either or both parents within an aggregation or in associated areas (assuming monandry) suggests that whale sharks return to or remain in a common area to pup whereas multiple incomplete genotypes may suggest random dispersal from any given pupping site. Conclusions The reproductive patterns of mature sharks, as inferred by these analyses, will define whale shark movements within their circumglobal range and may highlight important habitats such as breeding or pupping grounds. Resources for protecting the species will be limited and so must target these groups and areas to be most effective at mitigating threats and conserving the species.
An overview of whale shark movement ecology projects in the Red Sea Research Center
Authors: Berumen Michael L.
Published: July 2019

Background The Red Sea Research Center is part of a relatively new university on the Saudi Arabian Red Sea coast, the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST). KAUST officially opened in 2009 but began global collaborative research projects in 2007. Among the early discoveries arising from these collaborative projects was the identification of a whale shark aggregation site in the Red Sea. KAUST researchers have been studying this aggregation site since 2008. Approach KAUST researchers have employed various methods and technologies to track whale sharks, including acoustic tagging, satellite tagging technologies, genetics, and some technologies integrating the use of autonomous vehicles. Our whale shark studies include determining the population demographics of the sharks visiting our sites, the site fidelity of the sharks, and any potential connections with populations outside of the Red Sea. In 2012, KAUST began a collaborative effort with colleagues in the Marine Megafauna Foundation to study a whale shark aggregation at Mafia Island, Tanzania. Results The results from our movement studies highlight the pros and cons of various methodologies, and overall emphasize the importance of using multiple methods simultaneously to maximize the clarity of results. In Saudi Arabia, the whale sharks are very near to 50% male and 50% female, unusual compared to most aggregations. Satellite tracking suggests that the Saudi sharks migrate away from the site in the “off-season” and some are confirmed to have left the Red Sea. However, the majority of the sharks remain within the southern half of the Red Sea. Acoustic tracking of whale sharks at Mafia Island, in Tanzania, shows unexpected cryptic residency with many sharks being detected year-round despite a clear seasonal pattern in the sightings of whale sharks in boat-based surveys. These and brief summaries of our findings from other methods will be discussed. Conclusions The results from the Saudi aggregation are strikingly different from results of an aggregation we have been studying at Mafia Island, Tanzania. Future studies of plankton dynamics and fine-scale analysis of whale shark behavior may reveal fundamental differences in the sites that explain these differences in residency. Many emerging technologies hold great promise for improving our ability to learn more about the world's largest fish.
Inferring feeding habits of the whale shark (Rhincodon typus) using fatty acids, in the Northern Mexican Caribbean
Authors: Cárdenas-Palomo Natalí , Herrera-Silveria J. , Noreña-Barroso E. , Galván-Magaña F. , Reyes-Mendoza O.
Published: July 2019

Background In the Mexican Northern Caribbean, whale sharks feed on abundant plankton. Assessing the trophic role of this species is key to understanding its general ecology. Non-lethal sampling combined with biochemical methods such as analysis of fatty acids (FA) are promising approaches for investigating the assimilated diet of the whale shark. Approach During 2010 and 2011, a total of 68 whale shark samples (dermal tissue) were collected from free-swimming individuals while they were feeding. Zooplankton samples were collected near feeding whale sharks at the surface. These samples were divided in two categories: mixed zooplankton - several groups of zooplankton, and fish eggs - more than 95% of sample components were fish eggs. FA profiles were assessed from biopsies and zooplankton. ANOSIM was performed to identify the level of significant difference among the different groups of FA composition. Non-metric multi-dimensional scaling (MDS) plots were used to visualize grouping among whale sharks, zooplankton and fish eggs FA profiles. Results The FA profiles of R. typus and their potential prey were dominated by saturated FA. Whale shark FA profiles were significantly different from mixed zooplankton items (ANOSIM R value= 0.87). Fish egg and whale shark FA profiles formed separate groups with overlapping values (ANOSIM R value= 0.67). Whale shark and fish egg FA profiles registered high levels of oleic acid. Arachidonic acid (ARA; mean + SE=8.3+0.8) was the polyunsaturated fatty acid present at the highest level in the whale shark FA profile. These levels did not match the levels of mixed zooplankton and fish eggs. Conclusions The FA profile of the whale shark differs from other zooplanktivore animals whose profiles are usually dominated by polyunsaturated fatty acids. Results of the FA analysis suggest that R. typus is feeding mainly on near surface zooplankton. This is supported by whale shark behavioral observations and low levels of bacterial FA in R. typus profiles. The fact that levels of ARA registered in superficial zooplankton did not explain the ARA content found in biopsies suggests that the whale shark could have other complementary feeding sources, such as demersal zooplankton, in this aggregation area.
Reviewer acknowledgements for International Journal of English Linguistics, Vol. 9, No. 4
Authors: Xu Diana
Published: July 2019

Reviewer acknowledgements for International Journal of English Linguistics, Vol. 9, No. 4, 2019. 
Investigation of the Aerobic and Power Anaerobic Powers of the Students in Secondary School in Turkey
Authors: Çiğdem Kahvecioglu , Faruk Albay
Published: July 2019

The aim of this study is to investigate the aerobic and anaerobic powers of students in different grades of the schools and describe the correlation between these powers. Upon the written approval of Samsun National Education Management, this study was carried out with the voluntary participation of 120 females and 120 males aged 11–16, who were healthy and were not active in sports. The total number of the subjects participating in the study was 240. The aerobic and anaerobic power tests of the subjects were determined through Cooper and Wingate tests respectively. All statistical calculations were evaluated through the SPSS 13 package program. The relationship between the aerobic and anaerobic powers of male and female students aged 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, and 16 was examined through Spearman correlation test. The correlations between anaerobic and aerobic powers of the subjects were as follows: 0.06 for 11-year-olds, 0.43 for 12-year-olds, 0.21 for 13-year-olds, 0.24 for 14-year-olds, 0.27 for 15-year-olds, and 0.12 for 16-year-olds in females while 0.13 for 11-year-olds, 0.01 for 12-year-olds, 0.13 for 13-year-olds, 0.43 for 14-year-olds, 0.23 for 15-year-olds, and 0.56 for 16-year-olds in males. In conclusion, no meaningful correlations between the anaerobic and aerobic powers of subjects were found.
Lump System Analysis Modelling for Enhanced Ballistic Performance of Clay Box Doped with Different Types of Additives
Authors: Abduljelili Popoola , Olatona Gbadebo I. , Abdullahi Muhammed T.
Published: July 2019

The temperature of clay box used in the ballistic testing of body amour drops sharply upon removal from the oven. This implies that the clay has to be reinserted into the oven for another heating, which slows down the ballistic testing procedure. This paper attempts to solve the problem by studying the effect of addition of different percentages of rubber cuttings, saw dust and berley reeds additives on the cooling rate of clay used in clay box construction. The cooling rate is a measure of the ballistic performance of the clay box. The properties of the clay box such as the density, thermal conductivity and specific heat capacity are factored into the lump system analysis model. Minimum cooling rate of about 2.04×10-03 and 1.89×10-03oC/s were obtained when 0% and 10% rubber cuttings were used as dopands respectively. Rubber cuttings also proved to be the best additives that can be used to enhance the ballistic performance of clay box used in the ballistic testing of body armour.
Effect of Climatic Variability on Maize and Soybean Yield under High Input Farming System in Copperbelt Province, Zambia
Authors: Lubinga Pathias N. , Chabala Lydia M. , Kachulu Mutisungilire , Chinene Vernon R. N.
Published: July 2019

In many developing countries, the effect of climate change on agriculture is evaluated with reference to small scale farmers, mainly under low input systems. As a result, literature on climate variability and its effect on high input farming systems are scanty. We evaluated the impact of climatic variability on maize and soybean yield under a high input management system. The objectives of the study were to: (i) assess rainfall and temeperature variability at a high input farm (ii) evaluate the effect of rainfall and temperature on maize and soybean yield under high input management system. (iii) assess the impact of El Niño and La Niña on maize and soybean yield. Data for rainfall and temperature was obtained from Zambia Meteorological Department which was complimented by records from the weather station located at the study site. Yield data for both maize and soybean was provided by ZAMBEEF farm. The analysis covered 32 years from 1980 to 2012. Time series plot was used to investigate the trend in minimum and maximum temperature and seasonal rainfall. Correlations were done in SPSS to establish the strength and direction of association between climatic variables (temperature and seasonal rainfall) and maize and soybean yield. Multiple Regression in SPSS was then used to analyze variation in maize and soybean yield due to climatic variables. Results revealed that minimum temperature had an increasing linear trend of 0.3°C to 0.5 per decade while maximum temperature showed an increasing linear trend of 0.2°C to 0.3°C per decade. On the other hand, seasonal rainfall was variable with over the period studied. The variations in maize and soybean yield explained by seasonal rainfall and temperature was not significant with only 17.2% and 20.1% of the variation explained, respectively. Although there was no significant impact of both El Niño and La Niño on the yields of both crops, regression analysis revealed a negative relationship between El Niño and soybean yield and a positive relationship with maize yield and a positive relationship was revealed between La Niña and maize and soybean yields.
The Visegrad Cooperation as the Czech National Interest. A Conceptual and Empirical Analysis
Authors: Strnad Vladislav
Published: July 2019

This article analyses to what extent the Visegrad dimension of the Czech foreign policy can be considered a legitimate Czech national interest. The temporal framework of the study is driven by the paradigm shift in Visegrad cooperation in the context of the 2015 European migration crisis – from ‘inclusive’ (1991– early 2015) to ‘defensive’ (late 2015–present). Building on the conceptual framework for the legitimacy of national interest, I focused on the first period of cooperation and analysed whether the Visegrad dimension had internal and external legitimacy. Through a mixed method research design, I show that the topic of Visegrad is a long-discussed and advocated policy which has been present throughout the existence of the independent Czech state, regardless of the nature of the political leadership. As I demonstrate empirically, the Czech interest in the Visegrad policy is supported by Czech policy makers, it is acceptable for the other members, and it is compatible with the national interests of other democratic partners in the European and Euro-Atlantic area. The Visegrad policy can be considered as being in the legitimate Czech national interest during the first period of Visegrad cooperation.
The Northern Sea Route: Oil Transportation Alternative for Current Sea Lanes of Communication?
Authors: Vlček Tomáš , Bodišová Ľubica , Vencourová Žaneta
Published: July 2019

This paper deals with the Northern Sea Route, the Russian seaway, and its potential for maritime oil transport. The main objective is to determine if the Northern Sea Route might serve as an alternative to the current Sea Lanes of Communication used for maritime oil transport. It is concluded the route is not a suitable alternative to the current Sea Lanes of Communication, especially in light of the geography of oil production and consumption, as well as economic factors, legislative issues, and the undeveloped state of infrastructure. The Russian Federation, however, envisions the route as the next maritime highway.
Desempenho agronômico e supressão de plantas daninhas no sorgo em semeadura adensada
Authors:   Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Maringá, PR, Brasil., Machado Fellipe Goulart , Braz Guilherme Braga Pereira ,   Universidade de Rio Verde, Rio Verde, GO, Brasil., Carmo Eduardo Lima do , Rocha Antonio Germano Carpim , Simon Gustavo André , Ferreira Camila Jorge Bernabé
Published: July 2019

A semeadura do sorgo adensado pode influenciar no manejo cultural de plantas daninhas e desempenho produtivo da cultura. Sendo assim, o objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a influência do adensamento na semeadura do sorgo sobre o desenvolvimento agronômico da cultura e supressão de plantas daninhas. O experimento foi conduzido a campo no delineamento blocos casualizados. Os tratamentos foram dispostos em arranjo fatorial 2x2x2, adotando oito repetições. O primeiro fator consistiu em dois espaçamentos entre linhas, 0,50 e 0,25 m; o segundo fator foi composto por duas populações, 180.000 e 270.000 plantas ha-1; por fim, o terceiro fator correspondeu à convivência ou não com a comunidade infestante. Para o sorgo, foi avaliada a altura de plantas, comprimento e massa de panícula, massa de mil grãos e produtividade. Para as plantas daninhas, avaliou-se densidade e massa seca. O espaçamento entre linhas e a população de plantas influenciou os componentes de rendimento do sorgo, sem, contudo, apresentar efeito sobre a produtividade. A interferência das plantas daninhas durante todo o ciclo de desenvolvimento do sorgo promoveu redução na produtividade. O adensamento de plantas no cultivo do sorgo proporcionou redução da densidade de infestação e massa seca de plantas daninhas.
Efeito do pastejo de caprinos com diferentes lotações em pastagem de aveia preta e rendimento de milho com distintas adubações nitrogenadas em sucessão
Authors:   Instituto Federal do Paraná Câmpus Palmas, Pitta Christiano Santos Rocha , Silveira André Luís Finkler ,   Instituto Agronômico do Paraná, Adami Paulo Fernando ,   Universidade Tecnológica Federal do Paraná, Pelissari Adelino ,   Universidade Federal do Paraná, Cassol Luis Cesar ,   Universidade Tecnológica Federal do Paraná, Assmann Alceu Luiz ,   Instituto Agronômico do Paraná
Published: July 2019

Este estudo teve por objetivo avaliar diferentes níveis de suplementação em caprinos, sob pastejo de aveia preta, e sua influência na resistência do solo à penetração e no rendimento de grãos de milho, cultivado em sucessão com crescentes doses de N em cobertura. No inverno os tratamentos se constituíram do uso de suplemento alimentar correspondente a 0, 5, 10 e 15 g kg-1 do peso vivo de fêmeas de caprinos da raça Boer, com 10 meses de idade, em pastejo de aveia preta cv. IAPAR 61 e um tratamento sem pastejo. No verão as parcelas foram subdivididas e aplicadas doses crescentes de N em cobertura na cultura do milho (0, 50, 100 e 150 kg ha-1 de N na forma de ureia). No inverno foram avaliados: altura de dossel, massa de forragem e produção da forragem; carga e ganho de peso animal; e resistência do solo à penetração. No verão foram avaliados os componentes de rendimento do milho. Maiores níveis de suplementação, no inverno, aumenta a capacidade suporte da área de pastagem, o que eleva a intensidade de pisoteio e, consequentemente, a resistência do solo à penetração na camada superficial, sem afetar, no entanto, o rendimento de grãos de milho cultivado em sucessão. O pastejo no inverno, quando realizado respeitando a altura da forragem e adubação, reduz a necessidade de N em cobertura no verão para a obtenção do mesmo rendimento de grãos de milho de áreas sem pastejo no inverno.
Aplicação foliar de silício na produtividade e sanidade de cultivares de soja
Authors:   Universidade Federal da Grande Dourados, Dourados, MS, Brasil., Guazina Renato Anastácio , Theodoro Gustavo de Faria ,   Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande, MS, Brasil., Muchalak Sofia Michele ,   Raízen, Araraquara, SP, Brasil., Pessoa Luis Gustavo Amorim ,   Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul, Chapadão do Sul, MS, Brasil.
Published: July 2019

A soja é uma das principais espécies agrícolas cultivadas no Brasil, porém, pode ter a produtividade reduzida pela incidência de pragas e doenças. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito da aplicação de silício em diferentes estádios fenológicos da soja na severidade da ferrugem asiática (FAS), população de lagartas desfolhadoras e produtividade. O experimento foi conduzido no município de Chapadão do Sul, MS, durante a safra 2012/2013, em blocos casualizados, com cinco repetições e em esquema fatorial (2x5). Os fatores foram: duas cultivares de soja (Anta 82 RR e CD 2737 RR) e cinco tratamentos para o manejo da FAS (T1- testemunha negativa; T2- silicato de alumínio em R1 + R4; T3- silicato de alumínio em V5 + R1 + R4; T4- silicato de alumínio em V5 + R1 + R4 + R5.1; e T5- testemunha positiva: trifloxistrobina + protioconazol em R1 + R4). A severidade da FAS foi estimada periodicamente para o cálculo da área abaixo da curva de progresso da doença (AACPD) e a desfolha e a produtividade foram avaliadas ao final do ciclo da cultura. O monitoramento da população de lagartas desfolhadoras foi realizado semanalmente por meio de pano de batida. A aplicação de silicato de alumínio reduziu a severidade da FAS e a AACPD em relação à testemunha, porém os valores foram significativamente maiores que os observados para a testemunha positiva. Houve incremento da produtividade de grãos quando foram realizadas três e quatro aplicações de silicato de alumínio e não se verificou redução do nível populacional de lagartas desfolhadoras.
Plantas relatadas como tóxicas para ruminantes no semiárido nordestino
Authors:   Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, PE, Brasil., Bezerra José Jailson Lima , Silva Vivyanne Santos Falcão ,   Universidade Federal da Paraíba, João Pessoa, PB, Brasil.
Published: July 2019

Ao longo dos anos as intoxicações por plantas têm causado prejuízos significativos para os criadores de ruminantes de várias regiões do Brasil, afetando de forma direta o setor pecuário do país. Desta forma, objetivou-se realizar um levantamento com produtores, médicos veterinários, zootecnistas, engenheiros agrônomos e técnicos agrícolas sobre as principais plantas que causam intoxicações em ruminantes no Curimataú Paraibano. O presente trabalho foi realizado em cinco municípios da microrregião do Curimataú Ocidental Paraibano, incluindo Barra de Santa Rosa, Cuité, Damião, Nova Floresta e Sossego. As entrevistas foram realizadas por meio de três formulários estruturados, contendo indagações específicas sobre casos de intoxicações identificados na referida microrregião. Para a realização desta pesquisa, foram entrevistados 30 participantes (6 representantes de cada município) entre os meses de junho e outubro de 2016. A partir dos dados obtidos por meio das entrevistas, verificou-se que as principais plantas comprovadamente tóxicas do Curimataú Ocidental Paraibano, segundo os entrevistados, foram: Anadenanthera colubrina, Mascagnia rigida, Prosopis juliflora e Manihot glaziovii. Muitos entrevistados demonstram não conhecer o princípio tóxico de outras plantas presentes na região e citadas na literatura como responsáveis por intoxicações em ruminantes, tais como: Mimosa tenuiflora, Crotalaria retusa e a Solanum paniculatum. As plantas Physalis angulata e Ricinus communis foram mencionadas como tóxicas, mas estudos toxicológicos devem ser realizados para comprovar a toxicidade das mesmas. Tais resultados demonstram que são necessárias medidas profiláticas eficazes nas propriedades rurais, evitando, assim, a ocorrência de surtos e mortes de ruminantes.
Avaliação microbiológica de sushi e sashimi preparados em restaurantes especializados
Authors:   Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, RS, Brasil., Moraes ThamírisPereira de , Darley Fernanda Moreira , Timm Cláudio Dias
Published: July 2019

O objetivo foi avaliar o padrão microbiológico de sushis e sashimis de salmão comercializados em restaurantes especializados situados na cidade de Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul. Foram analisadas 20 amostras (10 de sushi e 10 de sashimi) submetidas à pesquisa de Salmonella, contagens de coliformes termotolerantes, Staphylococcus coagulase positiva e Vibrio parahaemolyticus. Observou-se que 70% das amostras estavam em desacordo com o padrão estabelecido pela legislação brasileira para estes produtos. Os resultados indicam a necessidade de maiores cuidados em relação à qualidade da matéria-prima e às medidas higiênicas e sanitárias durante o preparo e manipulação do produto, tendo em vista, ainda, o fato de que estes alimentos são consumidos sem cocção, o que aumenta o risco de contaminação.
Reflexões introdutórias ao monográfico «Cidade Educadora: olhares e práticas». Pela utopia de cidades educadoras: por um mundo onde todos tenham lugar
Authors: Moll Jaqueline
Published: July 2019

O desa o de pensar e construir as cidades como territórios educa- tivos e com novas possibilidades para a convivência humana é o tema deste artigo. Diante de estruturas sociais e económicas violentas e desiguais, este desa o torna-se ainda maior, sobretudo em contextos de países como o Brasil. Alinhavando matrizes conceituais e experiências vivenciais para a construção do conceito de cidade educadora, parte do entendimento de que, para além de uma proposição metodológica ou uma teoria onírica sobre um modo dis- tinto de organizar as cidades, esta perspetiva constitui uma abordagem política e pedagógica possível para a recomposição dos mosaicos que são as nossas sociedades, na perspetiva de que seja possível convivermos e coabitarmos com as nossas diferenças, produzirmos a nossa vida material e gerarmos dignidade para todos e cada um. Neste sentido propõe tratar-se de um devir permanente, que exige ações intencionais e quali cadas por parte do poder público e da cidadania e que compõe os trânsitos paradigmáticos que estamos a vivenciar como civilização.
Redes de mujeres sin violencia: empoderamiento y transformación social desde los derechos humanos de las mujeres
Authors: Méndez Morales Mónica Maciel , Valenzuela Balderas Cinthia Aida
Published: July 2019

A partir de la experiencia del programa de Redes de Mujeres sin Violencia implementado por el Instituto Municipal de las Mujeres en el municipio de León, Guanajuato, México y la metodología utilizada, este artículo plantea dar a conocer uno de los principales derechos humanos de las mujeres: el derecho a una vida libre de violencia, como un pilar fundamental en la creación de acciones y políticas públicas con perspectiva de género. Se establece cómo surge el programa de Redes de Mujeres sin Violencia desde el año 2011 en el Municipio de León, el cual se ha constituido como una experiencia de educación popular dirigida a mujeres de colonias y comunidades rurales, la cual ha contribuido al empoderamiento y la transformación social de éstas y sus entornos por medio de procesos de formación y capacitación en los cuales se comparte información relacionada con la igualdad, los derechos humanos, la prevención y el acompañamiento de la violencia contra las mujeres. Además, se recuperan algunas vivencias y experiencias de las mujeres a fin de contextualizar la importancia de este programa en sus vidas cotidianas.
Przestrzeń cyfrowa i internet jako przedmiot zainteresowań w badaniach geograficznych = Digital space and the Internet as the subject of interest of geographical research
Authors: Janc Krzysztof
Published: July 2019

The development of the Internet drove significant changes in the social and economic functioning of people and spatial units. In the case of geography, the Internet changed its nature as a science about space, by expanding on the available topics and methods of study by which geographers come to know the world. New possibilities were a result, though also challenges, above all in relation to the role in geographical research played by the Internet and digital space (data generated through the use of the Internet). Major developments to the World Wide Web and to the Internet as a whole, as well as new solutions made possible by the latter’s creation combine with phenomena subject to scientific analysis to leave as insufficient previous state-of-the-art research methods in the field of Internet geography. The aim of this article is therefore to identify the main problems with research in digital space. Emphasis is put on relationships between real and digital space from the two complementary perspectives of digital space as a source of information about real space for research and of digital space as the subject of research. Explored first is the way in which digital space furnishes data upon which descriptions of real space can be based. An attempt is then made to discover the nature of digital space in its spatial aspects, with the relationship between digital and real space determined. A literature review further serves as the basis for the presentation of four research topics relating to the geography of the Internet, i.e. digital-divide analysis, issues of the management of socio-economic processes, cyber-balkanisation, and the relationships between real and digital spaces. The digital divide relates to access or skills, as well as to individual motivations and socio-cultural preferences, which can also be observed in the different ways people use the Internet. The digital divide is subject to constant change amid the rapid development of the Internet and the increasing importance of the Web in everyday life. Growing interest in concepts relating to the functionality of various areas in so-called smart cities and smart rural areas arises out of issues of spatial management. Cyber-balkanisation in turn constitutes a fragmentation of the Internet more and more manifested by users as they have increased control over online content. The final research topic, concerned with the relationships between real and digital spaces, is crucial to an understanding of the Internet’s role in geography. The presented areas of research on the Internet and digital space, as well as the research directions referred to, should be treated as a starting point for a broader discussion. In the case of analyses of Internet geography, it is essential for basic terms to be determined and defined. Also of importance is a general determination of the role and importance of the Internet in geography.
Gain-of-function mutations in the UNC-2/CaV2α channel lead to excitation-dominant synaptic transmission in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Huang Yung-Chi , Pirri Jennifer K , Rayes Diego , Gao Shangbang , Mulcahy Ben , Grant Jeff , Saheki Yasunori , Francis Michael M , Zhen Mei , Alkema Mark J
Published: July 2019

Mutations in pre-synaptic voltage-gated calcium channels can lead to familial hemiplegic migraine type 1 (FHM1). While mammalian studies indicate that the migraine brain is hyperexcitable due to enhanced excitation or reduced inhibition, the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying this excitatory/inhibitory (E/I) imbalance are poorly understood. We identified a gain-of-function (gf) mutation in the Caenorhabditis elegans CaV2 channel α1 subunit, UNC-2, which leads to increased calcium currents. unc-2(zf35gf) mutants exhibit hyperactivity and seizure-like motor behaviors. Expression of the unc-2 gene with FHM1 substitutions R192Q and S218L leads to hyperactivity similar to that of unc-2(zf35gf) mutants. unc-2(zf35gf) mutants display increased cholinergic and decreased GABAergic transmission. Moreover, increased cholinergic transmission in unc-2(zf35gf) mutants leads to an increase of cholinergic synapses and a TAX-6/calcineurin-dependent reduction of GABA synapses. Our studies reveal mechanisms through which CaV2 gain-of-function mutations disrupt excitation-inhibition balance in the nervous system.
Use of the Journal Impact Factor in academic review, promotion, and tenure evaluations
Authors: McKiernan Erin C , Schimanski Lesley A , Muñoz Nieves Carol , Matthias Lisa , Niles Meredith T , Alperin Juan P
Published: July 2019

We analyzed how often and in what ways the Journal Impact Factor (JIF) is currently used in review, promotion, and tenure (RPT) documents of a representative sample of universities from the United States and Canada. 40% of research-intensive institutions and 18% of master’s institutions mentioned the JIF, or closely related terms. Of the institutions that mentioned the JIF, 87% supported its use in at least one of their RPT documents, 13% expressed caution about its use, and none heavily criticized it or prohibited its use. Furthermore, 63% of institutions that mentioned the JIF associated the metric with quality, 40% with impact, importance, or significance, and 20% with prestige, reputation, or status. We conclude that use of the JIF is encouraged in RPT evaluations, especially at research-intensive universities, and that there is work to be done to avoid the potential misuse of metrics like the JIF.
Market Making and the Role of Intermediary Firms in Marketing of Genetically Modified Livestock Products
Authors: Haghiri Morteza
Published: July 2019

Agricultural biotechnology, by changing the process of agricultural production in the agri-food sector has posed serious challenges for the industry. The fundamental problem was that the biotechnology industry, with tremendous vertical integration from the research sector through to farm gate, has still relied upon decentralized markets to commercialize their products.  Their innovations have for the most part been left to find their consumer markets.

This work was done by an illustrated review of the existing literature and reports.

The major contribution of this study to the economic literature is three-fold. First, it addresses an important issue in marketing GM livestock products. Second, the study discusses the theory of market microstructure in production economics. Third, it provides policy implications for managers and policymakers in the industry.

This paper examined the theory of market-making and the role of intermediaries in creating new markets and hypothesizes that without intermediation in the biotechnology market, the optimal market size will not be realized, reducing private research investment and depriving society of the potential social gains of this new technology.
Characterization of a Novel Thrombin-like Enzyme, Globlase from the Venom of Gloydius blomhoffii (Japanese Mamushi)
Authors: Komori Yumiko , Takashima Yusuke , Ono Shoko , Nikai Toshiaki
Published: July 2019

Aims: To elucidate the coagulation mechanisms of a novel clotting factor isolated from Gloydius blomhoffii venom, its hydrolytic activity on various substrates were examined. Furthermore the primary structure was determined and compared with the other snake venom components.

Methodology: A thrombin-like enzyme was isolated from the crude venom of G. blomhoffii by DE52 Cellulose and CM52 Cellulose column chromatography. Enzyme activity was measured by using synthetic substrates (arginine esters, MCA-substrates and 3-(Acyloxy)-4-nitrobenzoic acid). Effect on fibrinogen was detected with bovine and human fibrinogen. Isoelectric point and molecular mass were measured by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and MALDI-TOF-MS. Amino acid sequence was decided with a protein sequencer by analyzing enzymatically cleaved peptides.

Results: A clotting factor was found to be homologous as indicated by a single band on SDS-PAGE, and the final preparation was named as globlase. Molecular mass of this enzyme was determined to be 13,876.36 Da and the isoelectric point was 8.8. Globlase showed arginine ester hydrolytic activity, and specificity for substrates of thrombin. Proteolytic activity and phospholipase A2 (PLA2) activity were not detected. Complete amino acid sequence analysis indicated that the primary structure of globlase is similar to PLA2. However the aspartic acid which exists in the active site of PLA2 was found to be substituted by glutamine.

Conclusion: It was shown in our current investigation that globlase is a novel thrombin-like enzyme isolated from G. blomhoffii venom. It was revealed that this enzyme had structure unlike the serine-protease such as the other thrombin-like enzymes.
Therapeutic Potential of Trinapanchamool: Review Study
Authors: Pandey Awanish , Mishra Hari Shanker
Published: July 2019

The present review determines the potentiality of therapeutic activity of Trinapanchamool, a group of five native grasses namely- kush, kaas, nala, darbha, ikshu; all belonging to family Poaceae which is an important therapeutic formulation widely used in Ayurveda. The Grasses are underestimated medicinal repository. A large number of Grasses have been indicated for the treatment of various ailments in classics. Which are least affected by the climatic change and natural calamities. These herbs have been used in social rituals in day today life, meditation purposes and in therapeutics. In spite of environmental changes this group of herbs remain unaffected where as various other herbs have entered in to Red Data Book due to environmental adversity and other exploitation. Herbs under study possess diversified therapeutic potential which is time tested right from the dawn of human civilization. Therapeutic potential of these herbs discussed in ancient Ayurveda classics have been experimentally and clinically verified in modern era. In spite of well established therapeutic potential and easy availability, this group of herbs has least therapeutic application in modern Ayurveda. From the study it may be concluded that Trinapanchamool is important group of therapeutically potential herbs. There is need towards judicious use of these herbs in therapeutics for the well-being of ailing humanity.