bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mycorrhizal and endophytic fungi structure forest below-ground symbiosis through contrasting but interdependent assembly processes
Authors: Noguchi Mikihito , Toju Hirokazu
Published: November 2024

Background

Interactions between plants and diverse root-associated fungi are essential drivers of forest ecosystem dynamics. The symbiosis is potentially dependent on multiple ecological factors/processes such as host/symbiont specificity, background soil microbiome, inter-root dispersal of symbionts, and fungus–fungus interactions within roots. Nonetheless, it has remained a major challenge to reveal the mechanisms by which those multiple factors/processes determine the assembly of root-associated fungal communities. Based on the framework of joint species distribution modeling, we examined 1,615 root-tips samples collected in a cool-temperate forest to reveal how root-associated fungal community structure was collectively formed through filtering by host plants, associations with background soil fungi, spatial autocorrelation, and symbiont–symbiont interactions. In addition, to detect fungi that drive the assembly of the entire root-associated fungal community, we inferred networks of direct fungus–fungus associations by a statistical modeling that could account for implicit environmental effects.

Results

The fine-scale community structure of root-associated fungi were best explained by the statistical model including the four ecological factors/processes. Meanwhile, among partial models, those including background soil fungal community structure and within-root fungus–fungus interactions showed the highest performance. When fine-root distributions were examined, ectomycorrhizal fungi tended to show stronger associations with background soil community structure and spatially autocorrelated patterns than other fungal guilds. In contrast, the distributions of root-endophytic fungi were inferred to depend greatly on fungus–fungus interactions. An additional statistical analysis further suggested that some endophytic fungi, such as Phialocephala and Leptodontidium, were placed at the core positions within the web of direct associations with other root-associated fungi.

Conclusion

By applying emerging statistical frameworks to intensive datasets of root-associated fungal communities, we demonstrated background soil fungal community structure and fungus–fungus associations within roots, as well as filtering by host plants and spatial autocorrelation in ecological processes, could collectively drive the assembly of root-associated fungi. We also found that basic assembly rules could differ between mycorrhizal and endophytic fungi, both of which were major components of forest ecosystems. Consequently, knowledge of how multiple ecological factors/processes differentially drive the assembly of multiple fungal guilds is indispensable for comprehensively understanding the mechanisms by which terrestrial ecosystem dynamics are organized by plant–fungal symbiosis.
Biological performance of Bollgard II® Bt-resistant vs susceptible population of pink bollworm, Pectinophora gossypiella (Saunders) on non-toxic diet
Authors: Jambagi Suresh R. , Mohan M. , Muralimohan K. , Kambrekar D. N. , Venkatesan T.
Published: November 2024

Background

The pink bollworm, Pectinophora gossypiella (Saunders), is a devastating global pest of cotton that has caused substantial economic damage to Bt Bollgard-II® cotton plants in recent years due to the evolution of Bt resistance. The associated fitness cost is assumed to be one of the factors delaying the development of resistance against Bt transgenic crops. Hence, the present study was undertaken to assess the biological performance of pink bollworms by comparing the life history and demographic parameters of a resistant (Field-R) and susceptible (Lab-S) population.

Results

Prolonged larval duration (23.40 days in Field-R vs 18.80 days in Lab-S population), total life cycle (male = 50.00 vs 42.80 days; female = 53.60 vs 46.20 days), reduced fecundity (100.60 vs 154.20 eggs/female) and fertility (88.00 vs 138.00 fertile eggs/female) was observed. The demographic parameters indicated a significant reduction in the net reproductive rate (184.27 vs 276.72), innate capacity for increase in number (0.11 vs 0.15), finite rate of increase in number (1.12 vs 1.16 female progenies produced/female/day), weekly multiplication rate (2.16 vs 2.86), potential fecundity (545.06 vs 634.11 eggs), number of hypothetical F2 females (33 955.65 vs 76 572.41), but longer mean length of generation (47.54 vs 37.74 days) and population doubling time (6.30 vs 4.62 days) in Field-R compared with Lab-S population. A stage-specific life table demonstrated the differences in survival rates between susceptible and resistant populations at various life stages, with the resistant population having higher generation mortality (0.22 vs 0.19).

Conclusions

The study confirms the involvement of fitness costs associated with Bt resistance in P. gossypiella. Despite reduced reproductive fitness, the resistant population tried prolonging the larval stage as a compensatory mechanism to repair the damaged host tissues due to Bt intoxication and for accumulation of enough nutrient reserves for normal pupation and adult emergence. Presence of a high proportion of double Bt-resistant larvae in the field coupled with continued noncompliance with refug planting certainly favours the flaring up of this monophagous pest despite the observed fitness costs. The resistance cannot be effectively reversed unless suitable alternative management strategies are deployed.
Antioxidant activities of developed natural smoothies and their effects on blood glucose levels and expression of pro-inflammatory genes in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats
Authors: Michael Jemimah A. , Olatuyi Victor T. , Adelu Akeem O. , Falodun Adedolapo I. , Ogungbenro Gideon M. , Nwanna Esther E. , Elekofehinti Olusola O. , Badejo Adebanjo A.
Published: November 2024

Fruits and vegetables are laden with antioxidants and have been used to quench reactive oxygen species. The combination of two or more fruits and vegetables to produce smoothies is expected to yield a synergistic effect that could further improve functionality. This study investigated the antioxidative and blood glucose-lowering potentials of smoothies made from selected fruits and vegetables as well as their effect on the expression of pro-inflammatory genes in streptozotocin-induced diabetic Wistar rats. Standard procedures were used for the in vitro antioxidant determination while pancreas tissue was excised for molecular study. The inclusion of beetroot increased the total phenolic contents by 30-50% while the flavonoid content was increased by more than 3-fold. Similarly, smoothies with beetroot and bitter gourd exhibited stronger free radical scavenging abilities as shown by DPPH (1, 1- diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl), ABTS (2,2′-azino-bis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic) acid), Nitric oxide (NO) scavenging ability, metal chelation (Fe2+) and ferric reducing antioxidant properties (FRAP) compared to the sample devoid of the duo. The blood glucose levels of the rats fed the smoothie were significantly lowered with a similar trend in the animals that were administered metformin. The smoothies significantly (p<0.05) reduced the malondialdehyde (MDA) content thus reducing lipid peroxidation in the animals. The endogenous antioxidant enzymes; catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) in the pancreas were all significantly (p<0.05) increased when the animals were fed smoothies. The expression of pro-inflammatory genes, IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α, was down-regulated in the animals fed with smoothies. The findings showed that the smoothies made from the combination have the  potential for managing type-2 diabetes mellitus.

Graphical Abstract
Databases
Authors: Isachyenko Olyeg
Published: November 2024

The textbook is written in accordance with the standards of the group of specialties "Computer Science and computer Engineering", the discipline "Databases". The issues related to the principles of database construction, design and operation are considered.
Meets the requirements of the federal state educational standards of secondary vocational education of the latest generation.
For students of secondary vocational education institutions studying the discipline "Databases". It can be useful when studying a similar discipline within the curriculum of higher educational institutions.
Kontrolle und Selbstbestimmung
Authors: Brodersen Folke
Published: November 2024

Seit Mitte der 2000er Jahre zielen therapeutische Institutionen, Selbsthilfe und mediale Debatten darauf, sexuelle Gewalt gegen Kinder verursacherbezogen zu verhindern. Sie bestärken Pädophile zu Kontrolle und sexueller Selbstbestimmung. Die Befähigung, das eigene Sein, Fühlen, Handeln, Denken und Planen zu gestalten, erzeugt den sexuell kontrollierten Pädophilen als handlungsfähiges Subjekt. Anhand von Interviews, Behandlungskonzepten und Mediendarstellungen analysiert der Band die Struktur sexueller Selbstbestimmung. Er stellt dar, mit welcher sozialen Ordnung Pädophile aktuell gesellschaftsfähig werden und wie Selbstbearbeitungen ein Nicht-Handeln und das Versprechen auf eine sichere Zukunft hervorbringen.
influence of political party relationship patterns on people’s voting decisions ahead of the 2024 Elections
Authors: Nastain M , Wulandari Margareta , Faza Fariha Naela , Lestari Feni Indah , Pusphita Sari Nurmala
Published: November 2024

In the modern political context, the pattern of political party relations is an important aspect that influences voter attitudes and preferences. This relates to a rational perspective, where the mechanism of the relationship between political parties and society is a symbiotic relationship of mutualism. This research aims to determine the real influence of the pattern of political party relations on people's voting decisions ahead of the 2024 elections. In the upcoming 2024 elections, the General Elections Commission (KPU) determines 17 political parties as participants. With a large number of political parties, the reality of the relationship between political parties and voters becomes interesting. This study uses a quantitative approach by taking populations from two islands in Indonesia, namely Sumatra and all of Java. The research method used is non-proportional random sampling. Respondents came from 9 provinces in Indonesia with a total of 225 respondents. Variable X in this study is the relationship between political parties and the community and variable Y is the decision to vote. The results of the regression test obtained were Significance F = 0.000 <alpha (0.05) so it can be concluded that variable X has an influence on variable Y. Furthermore, based on the Multiple R value = 0.454, the correlation between the two variables is included in the medium category.
Communication planning clean drug program at village level
Authors: Anisa Sari Eka , Wijanarko Ari Wijanarko
Published: November 2024

Narcotics cases are complex problems related to legal, state security, health, economic and social issues. In 2022 Bantul Regency had 104 cases and became the second highest area prone to narcotics. In 2023 there was an increase to 129 cases. The drug-free village program aims to create a safe, comfortable, and peaceful situation in the village community. The study aims to find out the communication planning of the National Narcotics Board of Bantul Regency through Desa Bersinar (Drug-Free Village) in implementing the Drug Abuse Eradication and Illicit Trafficking Prevention program. This research uses an interpretive paradigm with a qualitative descriptive approach. Then the approach of the P-D-C-A (Plan-Do-Check-Action) stages of Strategic Management. The implementation of the shining village program has been running for 1 year, starting in January 2023. However, the implementation has not been optimal, such as budget planning for 2023 has not been budgeted, passive participation from the community in Shining Village activities, and the absence of effective communication between working groups, so that the use of communication media is still not optimal. The Plan and Do stages are very prominent, while the Check and Action stages are less prominent due to ineffective communication. A strategy is needed to develop all stages of effective communication. Then there is a need for additional outdoor communication media, such as pamphlets, posters, billboards, and banners at several points. As well as conducting Community-Based Intervention surveys every month so that evaluation and follow-up are running.
Influence of "All Eyes on the Judiciary" Twitter Campaigns on the Outcome of the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal in Nigeria
Authors: Onyebuchi Alexander Chima , Etumnu Emeka , Okoye Loveth , Igwemeziri Wisdom  Chimeziea , Alaekwe Kizito Nzube
Published: November 2024

In recent times, allegations of electoral and judicial fraud have been alarming. Hence, this study aims to investigate the influence of "All Eyes on the Judiciary" Twitter campaigns on the outcome of the presidential election petition tribunal in Nigeria. The public sphere theory served as the theoretical foundation for the study. In this study, the survey research method was used with a population of 5,100,000 and a sample size of 385, which was derived from the Survey Monkey online sample size calculator. A purposeful sampling technique was employed. The instrument used was an online questionnaire. The data was analysed using percentages and mean analysis. Results showed that, at an average of 74.0%, citizens are exposed to the “all eyes on the judiciary” Twitter campaigns on the outcome of the presidential election petition tribunal in Nigeria to a large extent. Findings revealed that, at a mean of 1.8 (N = 372), the “all eyes on the judiciary” Twitter campaigns did not influence the outcome of the presidential election petition tribunal in Nigeria. It was concluded that as much as the exposure of respondents to the campaigns was high, so was its usefulness. The campaign could not influence the outcome of the presidential election petition tribunal in Nigeria.
Digital comics as a communication medium to convey the dangers of mental disorders among victims of bullying and perpetrators of bullying against teenagers at SMK Muhammadiyah 1 Yogyakarta
Authors: Sabri Sabri , Yordan Rismarinandyo Moch.
Published: November 2024

This study aims to investigates the efficacy of digital comics as a communicative medium to convey the potential dangers of mental disorders to adolescent victims and perpetrators of bullying at SMK Muhammadiyah 1 Yogyakarta. Using the Research and Development (R&D) methodology, the development process followed the ADDIE model, which includes the stages of analysis, design, development, implementation, and evaluation. To validate the developed comic, assessments were conducted by media experts, material experts, students, and teachers at SMK Muhammadiyah 1 Yogyakarta. In addition, this study also used pretest and posttest observations, as well as questionnaires. Data analysis involved normality and homogeneity tests. The results showed a high level of validity for the digital comics, with 87% of media experts rating the digital comics as valid, 95% of material experts rating the digital comics as highly valid, and 76% of language experts rating the digital comics as valid. In addition, teacher and student evaluations yielded very high levels of validity, at 90% and 92% respectively. These findings collectively demonstrate the potential of digital comics to effectively communicate the risks associated with mental disorders in the context of bullying, especially among adolescent victims and perpetrators. This research underscores the importance of digital comics as a valuable tool for mental health education and awareness among adolescents, ultimately contributing to the fostering of more supportive and inclusive school environments.
Digital Marketing of Purbayan Tourism Village Yogyakarta Through Instagram @kamwispurbayan in Facing Competition of Tourism Destinations
Authors: Ikmalina Faza Fadhila , Fikrani Deslia Iva
Published: November 2024

Purbayan Tourism Village is one of the villages in Kota Gede Yogyakarta, located at Jalan Canteng No.29, RT 37/RW 09, Purbayan, Kota Gede District, Yogyakarta City, Special Region of Yogyakarta. This village used to be an ordinary village, which has a distinctive feature, namely the existence of the remains of the Ancient Mataram Kingdom building and is famous for its silver-making crafts in Kota Gede Yogyakarta; gradually, this village became a tourist village. This study applies the SOSTAC Method in marketing Purbayan Tourism Village. The SOSTAC Method comprises six stages: Situational Analysis, Objective, Strategy, Tactic, Action, and Control. This study aims to understand how applying the SOSTAC Method can help Purbayan Tourism Village improve their marketing effectiveness. The research approach used is literature studies, documentation, and interviews with data analyzed descriptively. The study results show that applying the SOSTAC Method allows Purbayan Tourism Village to identify opportunities in planning and implementing marketing strategies. Suggestions for Purbayan Tourism Village include maximizing the use of social media, not just focusing on one social media. For the most actively used Instagram social media, there needs to be deeper monitoring related to the data collection of the number of views, followers, followers, and the number of visitors to the Instagram account, as well as the content created, so that it becomes an evaluation in conducting digital promotions through Instagram. There needs to be an increase in marketing in the field of social media so that it can maximize by increasingly productive human resources.
November 2024 Medical Image of the Month: A Case of Short Telomeres
Authors:   Mayo Clinic Arizona, Phoenix, AZ USA, Jokerst Clinton , Stib Matthew , Rojas Carlos , Gotway Michael
Published: November 2024

No abstract available. Article truncated after 150 words. A 50-year-old woman was referred to our institution for further evaluation of her ILD. Her history of present illness began during the COVID-19 pandemic, when she noticed that she had trouble climbing stairs while wearing a mask. She also had a slowly progressive cough which, at first, she attributed to seasonal allergies. Eventually her symptoms prompted pulmonary function testing at an outside institution, which showed moderately severe restriction with a DLco 40% of predicted. Chest x-ray (Figure 1) and chest CT (Figure 2) demonstrated findings of pulmonary fibrosis. The patient worked as an accountant and was a life-long nonsmoker. No concerning exposure history and no history of any medications associated with pulmonary fibrosis. Her family history is remarkable for a brother diagnosed with IPF at age 49, currently status post lung transplant. Her sister and father were both diagnosed with alpha-1-antitrypsin (both died in their 50’s). The patient also reports …
Madmen and Matriarchs: Gender, Race, and the Reimagining of Creole Identity in Johnelle , by Alfred Mercier
Authors: Schreier Lise
Published: November 2024

Abstract: Still relatively overlooked, Johnelle by Alfred Mercier is an intriguing meditation on societal collapse and resilience. Shaped by Mercier’s personal experiences and political leanings, the novel delves into motherhood, fatherhood, heredity, and mental illness, and links infanticide to the demise of Francophone Creole culture. It positions female characters as pivotal to Louisiana’s future, contrasting them with male figures whose relevance fades in the aftermath of the American Civil War. This essay examines how Mercier challenged nineteenth-century literary conventions by using gender both as a narrative device and an ontological framework. To a white, crumbling patriarchy, he opposed a multi-racial matriarchal system, and introduced a gender-non-conforming character, inviting readers to envision new possibilities for the future. Ultimately, Johnelle presents a radical vision that questions racial and gender hierarchies and advocates for alternative social structures in postbellum Louisiana.
Subjugation and Survival: Animal and Nature Narratives in the Himalayas
Authors: Orton Jane
Published: November 2024

Abstract: This article examines both vernacular and establishment narratives about animals and nature in Tibet and the Himalayas. Close readings of documents from the Tibetan Imperial Period and major works of Tibetan literature will be juxtaposed with community narratives collected during fieldwork in the Spiti region of India’s Northwest Himalayas. This article suggests that the historical tendency to emphasize the subjugation of nature has been challenged by recent vernacular and establishment accounts. We shall see that narratives in Spiti have stressed that the relationship between humans and the natural world is a reciprocal one, rather than one of subjugation.
Carving spaces of hospitality: Place attachment among migrant and non-migrant residents in a rural town undergoing rapid demographic change
Authors: Rydzik Agnieszka , Price Liz
Published: November 2024

This article explores the complex and evolving nature of place attachment in the rural Lincolnshire town of Boston, a new immigration destination. Drawing on 28 semi-structured interviews with residents, it examines the ways in which migrant and non-migrant communities make Boston their home, how they react to change and disruption, navigate (in)hospitable encounters and narrate their belonging in the town post the EU referendum, which saw residents overwhelmingly voting against EU membership. The findings show that in the face of place alteration and turbulence, both migrant and non-migrant residents demonstrate a nuanced and differentiated form of commitment to place and, despite intractable systemic challenges, actively work to bring communities together and reframe negative place narratives. Community leadership emerges as integral to the collective effort of creating spaces of hospitality. For migrant and non-migrant communities, place attachment is a dynamic and fluid process, shaped and constantly reshaped by socio-economic and political factors, media discourses and experiences of hospitality/hostility. It is an embodied and emotional process that involves individual and collective discursive efforts to reframe dominant narratives, material and social ways of connecting as well as pragmatic ways of distancing.
Interaction of some chalcone derivatives with calcium channels using a theoretical model
Authors: Figueroa-Valverde Lauro , Rosas-Nexticapa Marcela , Alvarez-Ramirez Magdalena , Aguilar-Sanchez Emilio , Mateu-Armad Maria Virginia , Bonilla-Zavaleta Enrique
Published: November 2024

For several years, different drugs have been used to treat heart failure, such as digoxin, captopril, spironolactone, milrinone, levosimedam, dobutamine, and others. However, some of these drugs can produce secondary effects such as arrhythmia, cough, hyperkalemia, and others. Analyzing these data, this study aimed to evaluate the interaction of some chalcone derivatives (1-17) with calcium channels using theoretical models. It is important to mention that 7pjx protein, nifedipine, amlodipine, diltiazem, and verapamil were used as theoretical tools in the DockingServer program. The results showed differences in the interaction of chalcone derivatives compared with nifedipine, amlodipine, diltiazem, and verapamil drugs. Other data indicate that the inhibition constant (Ki) for chalcone analog 1 was lower compared with nifedipine, amlodipine, verapamil, and diltiazem. Besides, other results suggest that Ki for compound 11 was lower compared with nifedipine, verapamil, and diltiazem. All these data suggest that chalcone derivatives 1 and 11 could act as calcium channel inhibitors; this phenomenon could be translated into changes in blood pressure through a decrease in calcium intracellular levels. These data suggest that chalcone derivatives 1 and 11 could be good therapeutic alternatives to treat heart failure.
The importance of financial controls for maximizing results for small rural entrepreneurs
Authors: Vieira Filho Warlei Alves , Furtado Gislaine Mendes
Published: November 2024

Brazil's agricultural sector is crucial for the economy and global food security, encompassing about 41% of the country's total land area and housing over 5 million agricultural establishments. According to the Brazilian Confederation of Agriculture and Livestock (CNA), agribusiness contributed 23.8% to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2023, highlighting its diverse production of agricultural commodities. While technological advancements have boosted productivity, a significant gap exists between large and small producers. Large producers often benefit from technological progress, whereas small producers—a significant portion of family farming—face substantial challenges. Family farming accounts for 67% of agricultural activity and 80% of global food production, yet it struggles with financial management, lack of knowledge, and limited access to credit and technology. Efficient rural management is essential for optimizing resources, reducing costs, and enhancing productivity on small farms. Implementing financial management practices, such as budgeting, cost analysis, and cash flow control, can help small producers make better use of their resources and lower expenses. Public policies like the National Program for the Strengthening of Family Farming (PRONAF) and the Food Acquisition Program (PAA) aim to support these producers by providing financing and securing markets for their products. Family farming holds significant potential for sustainable practices. With the right support, it can continue to play a vital role in the Brazilian economy and global food security, fostering a sustainable and prosperous future for the agricultural sector.
Cobalt associated with potassium phosphite improves the post-harvest quality of mango cv. Palmer
Authors: Jesus Mariana Oliveira de , Mizobutsi Gisele Polete , Prates Paola Junayra Lima , Pinheiro Juceliandy Mendes da Silva , Oliveira Moacir Brito de , Mizobutsi Edson  Hiydu
Published: November 2024

Mango is a highly perishable climacteric fruit with a short post-harvest period. Therefore, to extend shelf life, the mangoes were treated pre-harvest with a potassium phosphite solution (1.4 g/mL KH2PO4) and a control solution (0 g/mL KH₂PO) associated with different doses of cobalt (0; 48; 64; 80; 112 ml.plant-1) at a density of 1.30 g/mL. The work measured physical, chemical, and biochemical variables. Cobalt and potassium phosphite favored maintaining color and firmness and reduced the respiratory rate. The treatments significantly affected the chemical variables, reduced the soluble solids content, conserved ascorbic acid, and preserved the pH. Foliar application of cobalt and potassium phosphite at pre-harvest is an efficient technique for improving shelf life and maintaining mango quality during storage at room temperature.
Development of Tuta absoluta (Meyrick, 1917) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) in tomato genotypes
Authors: Dalbianco Alessandro Bandeira , Alvarez Daniel de Lima , Silva Nadja Nara Pereira da , Daniel Diego Fernando , Santos Daniel Mariano , Seabra Júnior Santino , Oliveira Regiane Cristina de
Published: November 2024

Tomato plants are the most widely cultivated fruit vegetables globally. The tomato leaf miner (Tuta absoluta) is the leading pest of this crop and can cause up to 100% loss of production. Therefore, the aim was to evaluate the development and resistance of antibiosis and non-preference types (antixenosis) for oviposition and feeding of T. absoluta in commercial tomato hybrids in choice and no-choice tests. For the experiments, an open-pollinated tomato cultivar was used as a control: ‘Santa Clara’ cultivar - susceptible - Italian type, along with eight commercial tomato hybrids were used: ‘Compack’ - salad type, ‘Caniati’ - Italian type, ‘Grazianni’ - Italian type, ‘Sweet Heaven’ - grape type, ‘Cascade’ - cherry type, ‘Ellen’ - salad type, ‘Bento’ - Italian type, and ‘Dominador’ - salad type, all having an indeterminate growth habit. According to the evaluated biological parameters (dendrogram and principal component analysis - PCA), the ‘Sweet Heaven’ hybrid showed a negative effect on the development of T. absoluta, with an increase in the duration of the larval, adult, and total phases, and low larval and total viability. The tomato hybrid ‘Cascade’ exhibited lower attractiveness for T. absoluta oviposition in no-choice tests. The tomato hybrids 'Sweet Heaven', 'Compack', and ‘Cascade’ showed a lower percentage of leaf area consumed. However, ‘Dominador’, ‘Santa Clara’, and ‘Ellen’ were the tomato genotypes that showed higher susceptibility to the development of T. absoluta, encompassing high larval, pupal, and total viability (larva-adult period). Concluding that the ‘Sweet Heaven’ hybrid negatively affected the development cycle of T. absoluta, while the ‘Cascade’ hybrid exhibited lower attractiveness for oviposition.
Estudo da configuração ótima de eletrodos utilizados em processo de eletrofloculação
Authors: Prieto Patricia Lirian da Silva , Ferreira Elves dos Santos , Fleck Izabel Melz , Zoz Tiago , Fleck Leandro
Published: November 2024

O processamento da mandioca gera efluentes líquidos que demandam tratamentos, como exemplo, a eletrofloculação. Estudos que buscam a otimização do sistema eletroquímico são essenciais para a redução de custos, dentre os quais a distribuição do arranjo de eletrodos de sacrifício. Utilizou-se um reator de 1L, o qual comportou o efluente de fecularia e os eletrodos de alumínio. Cada ensaio experimental foi realizado com um novo conjunto de eletrodos e com o mesmo tempo de reação (17,5 minutos) e intensidade de corrente elétrica (1,05 A). Foram controlados os fatores espaçamento e tamanho dos eletrodos, sendo seus efeitos sobre a eficiência de remoção de cor e turbidez, avaliados utilizando-se um DCCR. Para cada variável resposta foi gerado um modelo matemático quadrático. As variáveis respostas foram avaliadas simultaneamente pela função de desejabilidade. Os modelos matemáticos para remoção de turbidez e cor foram estatisticamente significativos. O arranjo de eletrodos de sacrifício que resultaram na maior remoção de cor e turbidez simultaneamente foram com 6 cm de comprimento e espaçamento de 4 cm. Com base na otimização do sistema, a eficiência prevista para a remoção de turbidez foi de 75,55% e a remoção obtida em condições otimizadas foi de 78,12%, com erro de 3,29%. Para remoção de cor, observa-se que a eficiência prevista foi de 87,98% e a remoção obtida em condições otimizadas foi de 89,74%, com erro de 1,96%. Os resultados mostram que o espaçamento entre eletrodos e o tamanho destes devem ser considerados no planejamento de sistemas de tratamento eletroquímico em escala real.
Soliton solutions to the (3+1)-dimensional KP and BA models using advanced exp⁡(-ϕ(ξ))-expansion scheme in mathematical physics
Authors: Zillu Md. Mohiuddin , Ghosh Supta , Biswas Anita
Published: November 2024

In this manuscript, the main motivation is the implement of the advanced exp⁡(-ϕ(ξ)) -expansion method to construct the soliton solution, which contains some controlling parameters of two distinct equations via the Biswas-Arshed (BA) model and the (3+1)- dimensional Kadomtsev-Petviashvili (KP) equation. Here the behaviors of the solutions are presented in graphically under some condition on those parameters. The height of the wave, wave direction, and angle of the obtained wave are formed by substituting the particular values of the considerations over showing figures with control plot. With the collaboration of the advanced exp⁡(-ϕ(ξ))-expansion method, we construct entirely the solitary wave results as well as rogue type soliton, combined singular soliton, kink, singular kink, bright and dark soliton, periodic shape, double periodic shape soliton etc. Therefore, it is remarkable to perceive that the advanced exp⁡(-ϕ(ξ))-expansion method is easy, compatible and powerful mathematical tool to elucidation of exact results to other non-linear equivalences.
Clinical characteristics of Behçet's disease in an Egyptian cohort
Authors: Farouk Hanan , Mamoun Tarek , A. Elbakry Samah , Ahmed Abdulrahman Maryam , Ahmed Elziaty Rahma , Samy Nermeen
Published: November 2024

Background: Behçet's disease is a multi-systemic vasculitis characterized by recurring lesions in the skin mucosa and sight-threatening uveitis.
The aim of the research: This research aimed to investigate the clinical features of Behçet's disease (BD) in individuals residing in Egypt.
Patients and methods: 150 individuals with BD were recruited, examined, and put through a skin allergy test, musculoskeletal assessment, laboratory tests, and comprehensive medical history. The disease's activity was evaluated using the Behçet Disease Current Activity Form (BDCAF). Complete ophthalmological evaluation and imaging studies were performed according to the organ involved.
Results: Cases were 116 men (77.3%) and 34 women (22.7%) (M: F 3.4:1). Their mean age was 34.05 ± 9.28 years, and the disease duration range was 1–20 years. Oral and genital aphthosis were reported in 86.7% and 82.0%, respectively. Eye affection was observed in 68.7%, mainly in anterior uveitis (35.3%). Vascular manifestations occurred in 58.7%, affecting primarily the venous side (31.3%) in the form of deep venous thrombosis (DVT). 32.7% had joint affection, and the pathergy test was positive for 28%. Central nervous system (CNS), skin lesions, and gastrointestinal tract involvement were the slightest common manifestations observed in 26%, 25.3%, and 7.3%, respectively. Articular manifestations were markedly linked to skin lesions (P = 0.002), and there was a significant predominance of articular manifestations among females (P = 0.042). BDCAF score was significantly related to male gender (P = 0.037), smokers (P < 0.000), those with older age (P = 0.028), delayed age of disease onset (P = 0.025), and additionally those with the eye (P = 0.000) and CNS involvement (P = 0.003).
Conclusion: The clinical features of Egyptian Behçet's patients were significantly dominated by mucocutaneous involvement, followed by ocular affection. Articular manifestations were markedly more significant in women. The disease activity score was more remarkable in males, smokers, those of older age, and those with a delayed age of disease onset.
Synthesis of silver nanoparticles using Senna sophera (L.) Roxb. leaf extract and study of antibacterial and anti-cancer properties
Authors: Pratap Goli Penchala , Mohd Kashif Husain , Vallepu Nagaraju , Gudivada Sudarsanam
Published: November 2024

The present study aimed to synthesise silver nanoparticles using an aqueous leaf extract of Senna sophera (L.) Roxb. (Fabaceae) to evaluate their antioxidant, antibacterial and anticancer activity. The silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) produced were characterized by different spectroscopic and microscopic techniques namely; UV-Vis spectroscopy, FTIR, DLS, XRD and TEM. The prominent peak at 424 nm in UV-Vis spectroscopy confirms the synthesis of nanoparticles, FTIR spectra confirms the presence of polyphenols and proteins from the leaf extract which mainly acts as reducing, capping and stabilizing agent. DLS results confirm the negative value of zeta potential and the XRD results revealed that the AgNPs are crystalline in nature with a face-centered cubic nature. TEM micrograph images indicate that the nanoparticles are 5-35 nm without any agglomeration. EDX result revealed that the weight % of nanoparticles is 69.56 %, indicating the purity of the sample. Biosynthesized AgNPs show effective DPPH, H2O2 scavenging activity and FRAP assay. AgNPs show strong antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumonia, Salmonella typhi, Bacillus subtilis, and Staphylococcus aureus with an inhibition zone of 17.6, 16.03, 15.66, 14.13 and 12.33 mm respectively. The antibacterial activity of leaf aqueous extract at different concentrations of AgNPs revealed the efficacy against Salmonella typhi. Further AgNPs exhibited good cytotoxic properties against HepG2 cell line with the IC50 value of 95.52 ?g/mL. The silver nanoparticles were successfully synthesized using Senna sophera leaf extract, proving it to be an economical, environmentally benign and sustainable method for its applications in pharmaceutical field.
Agricultural carbon credits: A pathway to environmental sustainability
Authors: Adhisankaran Kandasamy , Manivannan Venkatesan , Sakthivel Nalliappan , Balachandar Dananjeyan , Ragunath Kaliaperumal , Vasumathi Venkatesan
Published: November 2024

Climate change and ensuring food security for a rapidly growing global population are two of the biggest challenges in agriculture. To meet the commitments made in the Paris Climate Agreement, it is important to use effective methods for managing soil that can help sequester and stabilise carbon. Conservation agriculture has a huge potential to sequester carbon in plants and soil, making it a viable option for carbon trading despite its significant contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions. Carbon sequestration can be achieved through sustainable practices such as adopting conservation agriculture, crop rotation, cover crop cultivation, crop residue incorporation or mulching, effective management of nutrient supply to crops, and transforming towards organic agriculture and agroforestry. These practices promote food security and environmental improvement and help mitigate global warming. Carbon pricing mechanisms are policies that impose a cost on carbon pollution, encouraging people and organisations to choose low-carbon options and reduce their emissions. Agricultural producers can benefit from carbon trading by earning extra revenue by selling their excess carbon credits to those who emit higher amounts of greenhouse gases. Carbon credit systems in agriculture are still in the early stages, so farmers may have more opportunities to participate in future carbon trading.
Small millets: A multifunctional crop for achieving sustainable food security under climate change
Authors: Kumar Santosh , Kumar Ashutosh , Sen Hritik , Janeja Harmeet Singh , Maity Souvik , Banerjee Sonali , Singh Preeti , Channapur Arun M.
Published: November 2024

Millets, a varied collection of small-seeded crops from the Poaceae family, are re-emerging as a viable alternative for sustainable food and nutritional security in the context of climate change. Historically a staple in India, millet consumption declined during the Green Revolution due to emphasis on rice and wheat. However, their nutritional enrichment and climate resilience are rekindling interest. Over ten millet species, including sorghum, pearl, and finger millet, are cultivated globally and thrive in marginal lands with minimal water and low nutrients. Their C4 photosynthetic pathway enhances water-use efficiency, making them suitable for hot, dry climates. Despite their benefits, millets face challenges, such as consumer preferences for rice and wheat and vulnerabilities to extreme weather events. Nevertheless, they offer significant nutritional advantages, including high levels of dietary fiber, essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals. India is a leading millet producer, cultivating various types and experiencing a recent production surge. Investigations into the resilience of millets underscore their capacity to endure environmental stresses. Strategies for improving millet crops include conventional breeding, mutation breeding, and advanced techniques like CRISPR-Cas9. Bio-fortification efforts aim to address micronutrient deficiencies, with promising results in finger millet varieties. Advancements in genetic engineering and genome editing tools are revolutionizing millet improvement. The pangenome concept, which explores genetic diversity within species, offers a framework for developing enhanced cultivars. Integrating wild millet varieties into breeding programs can further unlock their potential. Comprehensive policy initiatives supporting millet cultivation, research, and public awareness are crucial for promoting these nutrient-rich grains, enhancing food security, and fostering sustainable agriculture.
Sustainability of cattle farms in Italy
Authors: STURARO Enrico , CASSANDRO Martino , COZZI Giulio
Published: November 2024

This paper aimed to analyze the sustainability of Italian cattle farms, in terms of nutrient surplus and land use, greenhouse gasses emission and animal welfare. Intensive livestock farms are concentrated in Northern Italy, especially in Po valley, in which the average livestock density is 1.7 livestock unit/ha of agricultural area. A high percentage of agricultural areas are Nitrates Vulnerable Zones, and the farmers were asked to adapt the farm management to the limits established by the Nitrates Directive. Also the mitigation of greenhouse gasses emitted by ruminants, in particular enteric methane, has become an important issue for livestock sustainability and an area of research in animal science. Indeed, agriculture is responsible for about 50% of global production of methane from human activities and the largest amount is produced by rumen fermentation in cattle. Furthermore, the importance of animal welfare in intensive livestock farms is well recognized by EU citizens. For Italian cattle farms, the improvement of animal welfare is an emerging issue especially for beef and calves. Strategies aimed at improve the sustainability of Italian cattle farms are discussed, including farm management, research approaches and regional planning and policies.
Characterization of exon 14 and intron 5 of the SREBP-1 gene in Sarda breed sheep
Authors: COSSO Giovanni , DAGA Cinzia , LURIDIANA Sebastiano , MURA Maria Consuelo , BODANO Sara , PALUDO Marta , DIAZ Maria Luisa , VACCA Giuseppe Massimo , CARCANGIU Vincenzo
Published: November 2024

SREBP-1 (Sterol Regulatory Element Binding Protein) is a transcription factor that regulates the expression levels of some genes and plays a central role in energy homeostasis. The aim of the present study was to screen for single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) or insertions/deletions in the exon 14 and intron 5 of the SREBP-1 in Sarda sheep breed. Two-hundred multiparous ewes were randomly chosen from four farms located in Sardinia. From each ewe a blood sample was taken to perform DNA extraction and PCR-SSCP analysis of the fragments above. 20 PCR products for each fragment were sequenced in both directions, then compared and aligned with sequence of Bos taurus (Gen- Bank AAFC03008483). Five nucleotide substitution (G19C, G22A, C52T, G53A and A68G) in the exon 14 and eighteen (C20T, G23A, T25G, G26A, C35G, C39G, A64G, T109C, T179C, G185A, G220A, G229A, G241A, G245A, G250A, C287T, A298T and G300A) in the intron 5 were detected in the sheep sequence compared to cattle. In the intron 5 of sheep SREBP-1 gene no deletion was found. Our data evidenced no variation in exon 14 and intron 5 of the SREBP-1 gene in Sarda sheep contrarily to that found in cattle. However, to extend the knowledge about SREBP-1 gene in this breed of sheep it would be necessary to enlarge the number of samples and to study other parts of this gene.
Shelf-life of freeze-thawed fillets of common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.) and silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix V.) packed under air
Authors: JEŽEK František , BUCHTOVÁ Hana
Published: November 2024

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of freezing and thawing on physicochemical changes in fillets of common carp (Cyprinus carpio, L.) and silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix, V.). Thawed fillets placed in microtene bags were stored for 11 days at 2 ± 2 °C. The parameters monitored in muscle tissue samples were: water activity, pH value, total volatile basic nitrogen, nitrogen trimethylamine, free fatty acids, peroxide value and thiobarbituric acid assay. Samples were evaluated on days 1, 2, 4, 7, 9 and 11 of cold storage. Results found in thawed fillets were compared with those in fresh fillets, and statistically evaluated. The comparison showed that the course of physicochemical changes in thawed fillets is different from that in fresh fillets.
Reproductive traits of pigs of Mangalitsa breed
Authors: PETROVIĆ Milica , SAVIĆ Radomir , PARUNOVIĆ Nenad , RADOJKOVIĆ Dragan , RADOVIĆ Čedomir
Published: November 2024

The aim of this study was to investigate the reproductive traits of sows of Swallow Belly Mangalitsa breed. The study was conducted in two herds (Herd 1 and 2) in which the pigs were grown in extensive conditions. The analysis covered reproductive characteristics of 53 sows in the first four parities (n = 129 litters). Effect of season (breeding and parity) was analysed in two periods: winter-spring and summer-autumn. Data analysis was performed using the statistical package SAS 9.1.3 (SAS Inst. Inc., 2002–2003). The results indicate low reproductive performance of this breed. Average values of the duration of age at mating (AM), age at farrowing (AF), gestation (G), lactation (LAK), farrowingmating period (IFM) and the reproductive cycle (RC) were: 717.95; 832.89; 114.91; 52.57; 92.31 and 206.51 days, respectively. Sows farrowed in average 4.60 live born, 0.30 still born and 4.09 weaned/reared piglets. All studied traits, except G, showed high absolute and relative variation. Variation of IFM was influenced by herd (H, P < 0.05) and age of sows expressed through parities (F, P < 0.05), and the number of weaned/reared piglets (NWP, P < 0.01). Only the NWP, of all properties of litter size, varied under the influence of herd (P < 0.05).
The associations of LEPR and H-FABP gene polymorphisms with carcass traits in pigs
Authors: TRAKOVICKÁ Anna , MORAVČÍKOVÁ Nina , KUKUČKOVÁ Veronika , NÁDASKÝ Rudolf , KASARDA Radovan
Published: November 2024

The aim of this study was to assess the impact of polymorphisms in porcine LEPR and H-FABP genes on carcass and meat quality traits in population of Large White x Landrace crossbreeds. The genomic DNA samples obtained from in total of 180 animals (86 boars and 94 sows) were genotyped using PCR-RFLP methods. The association analyses were carried out in relation to evaluate back-fat thickness, proportion of valuable meat parts, MLT area and proportion of thigh using One-way ANOVA procedure. The allele frequencies were as follows: H-FABP/HinfI H 0.31 and h 0.69, H-FABP/HaeII 0.65 and 0.35, and LEPR/HpaII 0.61 and 0.39. The average values of heterozygosity (0.37) and FIS index (0.17) indicated in population the prevalence of homozygous genotype across all evaluated loci. The statistical analyses showed significant effects on selected production traits only for H-FABP/HinfI (p < 0.001) and LEPR/HpaII (p < 0.0001) loci. The obtained results indicated the positive effect of H-FABP/HinfIH and LEPR/HpaIIA alleles in order to improvement of the economically important parameters for breeders.