bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Beyond Calanus: changes to the copepod community in the northeast USA and implications for North Atlantic right whale foraging energetics
Authors: Evans TC , Record NR , Ross CH , Thorne LH
Published: November 2024

Declines and shifts in the distribution of the Critically Endangered North Atlantic right whale Eubalaena glacialis since 2010 have underscored the need to better understand drivers of right whale habitat use. The influence of Calanus finmarchicus prey on right whale distribution is well established, but less is known about the relative importance of other prey taxa, especially in habitats south of the Gulf of Maine (GOM). We used data from NOAA’s Ecosystem Monitoring Program (1980-2019) to assess spatiotemporal changes in the abundance of copepod prey and implications for right whale foraging energetics. Decadal-scale changes in copepods were most pronounced in the GOM, led by a marked summer increase of the copepod Centropages typicus. Spatiotemporal changes in right whale habitat use generally followed the estimated energy content of regional prey fields, driven mainly by the abundance of C. finmarchicus, which has an energy density approximately 10 times that of C. typicus. Increases in the abundance of smaller copepods in the GOM since 2010 have been insufficient to compensate energetically for the decline in C. finmarchicus in the eastern GOM in summer, where observations of foraging right whales have declined sharply. In southern New England, a site of increased right whale observations, the winter energy content of the sampled prey field was higher than in other subregions. Our analysis highlights that further ocean warming, predicted to negatively impact C. finmarchicus and positively impact smaller copepods, may influence whether traditional foraging grounds can support large numbers of foraging right whales.
Dual-laser flow cytometry reveals Synechococcus pigment type diversity
Authors: Tanaka A , Hashihama F , Katano T
Published: November 2024

Synechococcus cyanobacteria exhibit a highly diverse composition of photosynthetic pigments. The fluorescence excitation ratio (Ex495:545) of the blue light-absorbing photosynthetic pigment phycourobilin (PUB; λmax = 495 nm) to the green light-absorbing photosynthetic pigment phycoerythrobilin (PEB; λmax = 545 nm) differs between the pigment subtypes within Synechococcus pigment Type 3, which is predominantly found in marine waters. In the present study, we developed a method to assess the Ex495:545 of natural Synechococcus subpopulations that were distinguished using a flow cytometer equipped with both blue (488 nm) and green (532 nm) lasers. A significantly positive linear relationship of Synechococcus strains was obtained between spectrofluorometry and dual-laser flow cytometry (y = 0.542x + 0.08). Using this equation, the Ex495:545 values of natural Synechococcus subpopulations were enumerated. An Ex495:545 below 0.60 only occurred in the coastal areas and co-occurred with other subpopulations with higher Ex495:545, ranging from 0.73 to 1.80. The co-occurrence of multiple Synechococcus subpopulations with different Ex495:545 was also observed along the coastline of Japan. However, in the open ocean, only 1 subpopulation was observed, with Ex495:545 above 1.63 at the surface and increasing by depth to 2.13. The application of this method to enumerate Ex495:545 will advance the study of pigment type diversity and the light acclimation strategy of Synechococcus in marine environments.
‘Quixoptimism’ Translated by Jim Hicks
Authors: De Luca Erri
Published: November 2024

This essay, which argues for the contemporary political relevance of Cervantes’s masterpiece Don Quixote, was written in parallel with two theatrical performances of stories, poetry, and music, Don Chisciotte e gli invincibili (Don Quixote and the Invincibles) and Chisciottimisti (Quixoptimists), written and performed by De Luca together with the singer-songwriter Gianmaria Testa and the musician and composer Gabriele Mirabassi. 1 In ‘Quixoptimism,’ De Luca criticizes commonplace dismissals of Quixote as a dreamer and utopian thinker and compares him to other prophetic figures, including Jesus. He argues that Quixote’s ability to see beneath appearances and risk ridicule is lucid and essential, and that his refusal to admit defeat makes him invincible.
‘The Instigation I Aspire To’: Erri De Luca and Contrarian Education
Authors: Hicks Jim
Published: November 2024

This essay begins with a summary of the trial of Erri De Luca by the Italian state for the alleged crime of instigation, focusing in particular on the discussion during that trial of the definition of the word ‘sabotage’. It then elaborates on the theme of education in De Luca’s self-defense against the Italian state’s charges and connects the Italian writer’s ideas on this subject to the ongoing neoliberal attack in the US against liberal arts education, using the recent history of Hampshire College in Massachusetts as a key example. The essay ends by summarizing an argument that reveals how the US Supreme Court decision from 1957, Sweezy v. New Hampshire – traditionally cited in discussions of free speech on campuses – was in fact borrowed from an earlier debate during the initial phase of the anti-apartheid movement in South Africa.
Against the White Racial Imaginary: Claudia Rankine, Citizen: An American Lyric
Authors: Shea Anne
Published: November 2024

Claudia Rankine’s Citizen: An American Lyric (2014) makes legible what neoliberalism has obscured – the ongoing, even the intensification of, white supremacy’s organization of social space. This essay shows how Rankine illuminates an American landscape forged in history, steeped in memory and invested with symbolic meaning to argue that it is, fundamentally, constructed by and entangled with white supremacy. Rankine reworks pastoral lyric imagery and documentary photography to situate contemporary anti-black violence within a longer history of white terror. She defamiliarizes the language of reportage to critique documentary strategies of visual evidence that reinscribe racial hierarchies through reliance upon an unmarked white gaze. In place of individual testimony, documentary evidence and bounded lyric subjectivity, Rankine gathers an assembly of voices, employing rhetorical strategies that resist the violence of neoliberal individuation.
Ambivalent Anti-Modernity: Fashwave and Far Right Temporality in the Internet Age
Authors: Keady Joseph
Published: November 2024

This essay provides an analysis of texts and images (memes) that have been widely distributed and discussed within the contemporary fascist/national socialist spectrum, and that articulate a pointed antagonism toward modernity. The meaning of the term ‘modernity’ is seldom clearly defined, but it can be generally understood, in this context, as referring to liberal or progressive stances on current hot-button topics concerning race, gender or sexuality as well as broader post-Enlightenment conceptions of democracy, equality or human rights. It is often contrasted with a mythologized past and an idealized future. Fascists thus style themselves as an elite-yet-beleaguered minority with the courage to contradict modern consensus values, despite all social or material costs. In particular, this essay takes a closer look at the online genre known as ‘fashwave’.
IN REGARDS TO IMPROVEMENT OF PAYMENT PROCEDURE FOR FORENSIC EXPERTISE IN CIVIL AND ARBITRATION PROCEDURES
Authors:   Peoples' Friendship University of Russia named after Patrice Lumumba (RUDN), Moscow, Russian Federation, SMIRNOVA S.A. , MOZGOV M.V. ,   Joint-Stock Company Gazprombank, Moscow, Russian Federation
Published: November 2024

The purpose of the research. The article deals with the actual problem of payment for expertise in civil and arbitration proceedings. Legal norms in terms of payment for expertise, their transformation, and influence on the legal position of a forensic expert are analysed. The purpose of the study is to identify the existing gaps of legal regulation affecting the mechanism of payment for expertise, as well as the author's proposals for their settlement by making appropriate changes in the legislation. This is necessary to improve the mechanism of payment for expertise in civil and arbitration proceedings. Results. As a result of the conducted research, the author concludes that recent changes in the civil procedural legislation, in terms of assigning a forensic examination only after depositing money to the court deposit, if there are no grounds to assign it at the expense of the budget, have significantly improved the position of the expert, but still a number of issues remain unresolved. Expert organizations often face the problem of receiving money from the court deposit without a reason and sufficient grounds for such delay. The author concludes that the problem of payment for expert examinations in civil and arbitration proceedings should be approached in a differentiated manner, supplementing the legislation with special mechanisms dedicated to the payment of remuneration to the expert.
DIGITALIZATION CHANGES CRIMINAL PROTECTION OF CITIZENS' RIGHTS AND FREEDOMS
Authors:   Far Eastern Federal University, Vladivostok, Russian Federation, KOROTKIKH N.N. , KOROSTIEV A.A.
Published: November 2024

The widespread use of modern digital technologies has raised a number of complex issues related to the investigation and resolution of criminal cases before law enforcement specialists. The mechanism for bringing to criminal liability by introducing a new crime related to the use of digital technologies into the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation, proposed by legal theorists, turned out to be an unsuccessful solution. This is due to the fact that there is an increase in the number of crimes related to digital technologies in one way or another. In this regard, this study becomes especially relevant. The purpose of the study is to determine how digitalization affects the protection and defense of public relations within the framework of criminal law. To achieve this goal, it is necessary to solve the following tasks: identify the signs of crimes committed using digital technologies; determine the most effective ways to counter such crimes; point out the mistakes that cybercriminals most often make when committing crimes. The following methods are used in the work: determinism, systemic, logical, comparative legal and functional. Conclusions: Digitalization transforms the methods of committing crimes, increases their latency and complicates the investigation and resolution of criminal cases. However, this process can be facilitated by involving highly qualified specialists (experts) in the field of high technology. The most vulnerable point in the process of committing a crime by a cybercriminal is the exchange of digital currency for regular money, which occurs through a bitcoin exchanger. Having studied it, you can identify the owner of the crypto wallet. The use of digital technologies (including cryptocurrency) as a method or instrument of crime should be recognized as an aggravating circumstance under Article 63 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation. This is due to the increased public danger of this type of crime.
THE FOURTH ENERGY TRANSITION: CURRENT STATUS AND OUTLOOK, RUSSIA'S STRATEGY IN THE GEOPOLITICAL STRUGGLE
Authors:   Russian State University for the Humanities, Moscow, Russian Federation, HODAKOVSKY E.A. , SIZOV A.A. ,   Moscow State Institute of International Relations (University) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation (MGIMO University), Moscow, Russian Federation
Published: November 2024

The article is devoted to the analysis of the public and tacit reasons for the fourth energy transition. An assessment of the phenomenon of the fourth energy transition is given as an objective stage in the development of global energy, and through the prism of economic competition and geopolitical confrontation between the EU, USA, Russia, China, and fossil fuel exporting countries. The history of interaction between the USSR (RF) and European countries in the energy sector is outlined. The politically motivated background behind the causes of the energy crisis and the accelerated pace of energy transition is revealed. The problem of the risks of the energy transition in the modern geopolitical and socio-economic situation is touched upon. The main provisions of the energy development strategy of the Russian Federation in the conditions of the fourth energy transition are presented.
FAMILY POLICY OF A MODERN MEGAPOLIS ON THE EXAMPLE OF MOSCOW
Authors:   Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russian Federation, BOCHANOV M.A. ,   Russian State Social University
Published: November 2024

Family policy in Russia is of particular importance, given the demographic situation, existing challenges and the needs of families. The presidential initiative “Year of the Family” and strengthening the state’s attention to family and children make it relevant to study and analyze social policies aimed at supporting and developing the institution of the family. The scientific article examines the family policy of the Russian Federation with an emphasis on the city of Moscow, analyzes the significance of the family policy of the Russian Federation with a focus on the demographic situation and measures to support families in the metropolis. The article provides an analysis of social policy and support measures based on research data, statistical indicators and expert assessments. To identify successful programs and support measures, a comparative analysis of federal and regional initiatives is carried out, focusing on the social support infrastructure in Moscow. Results obtained: the study presents an analysis of successful social support programs for families in Moscow, describes effective measures that ensure well-being and comprehensive support for various categories of city residents, especially families with children. The results of the analysis show that the city provides comprehensive and targeted support to various categories of families, from large families to families with children with special needs, and also actively promotes the employment and education of women with children, which demonstrates an integrated approach to creating a favorable environment for the development of families and society as a whole.
LEGAL-COMMUNICATIVE COMPETENCE IN MODERN DOMESTIC AND FOREIGN SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH
Authors:   Ogarev Mordovian State University, Saransk, Russian Federation, USMANOVA E.F. , KHUDOYKINA T.V. , ADAEVA O.V.
Published: November 2024

The purpose of the study. Within the framework of the study the task was set to study and analyze domestic and foreign scientific research devoted to the communicative competence of a lawyer in order to identify the features and elements of this category, as well as to determine the ways of its formation and development. The conclusions of the study. In general, under the legal-communicative competence most researchers understand a systemic education characterized by the presence of communicative knowledge, skills and abilities necessary in legal practice. Communicative competence includes the following knowledge, skills and abilities: deep knowledge of the legal profession and mastery of the terminology of the professional sphere; ability to perceive, analyze and use legal information in relation to a particular situation; knowledge of the rules of etiquette and the ability to use them in professional communication; mastery of speech, which covers professional legal concepts and categories, containing speech and communication skills. It is noted that modern means of formation of communicative competence should be focused on all structural elements, as their interrelation with communicative experience is a personal-communicative education contributing to the achievement of social demands.
FEATURES PROTECTING RIGHTS IN THE SPHERE OF FAMILY RELATIONS: STATUS AND PROSPECTS
Authors:   Institute of State and Law of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russian Federation, LETOVA N.V.
Published: November 2024

Purpose of the study. The article identifies problems of theory and practice related to the consideration of cases in courts for the protection of rights arising in the field of family legal relations. The author substantiates the conclusion about the need to determine the specifics of justice in family cases, especially with the participation of minors, which is due to the participation of special bodies and authorized persons who ensure the protection of the family rights of citizens. The author has proven that effective protection of family rights is possible subject to the balanced use of different forms (jurisdictional and non-jurisdictional), including alternative methods, which essentially corresponds to the nature of family relations and contributes to the adoption of legal and informed decisions that meet the rights and legitimate interests of citizens.
THE POTENTIAL OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN CRIME INVESTIGATION: FOR OR AGAINST
Authors:   North Caucasus Institute for Advanced Studies (branch) of the Krasnodar University of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia, Nalchik, Russian Federation, BEROVA JU.M. , TUTUKOV A.YU.
Published: November 2024

Digital technologies are an essential element of modern life. Measures aimed at the use of artificial intelligence are recognized as a strategic direction of scientific and technological development of the Russian state. Research into the capabilities of artificial intelligence is mainly carried out from the point of view of its technical and civil components. But in recent years, artificial intelligence technologies have been widely introduced into law enforcement, in particular into the practice of investigating and solving crimes. The purpose of this article is to analyze the capabilities of artificial intelligence and determine the feasibility or inexpediency of its use in the investigation of crimes. To achieve this goal, the conceptual and categorical apparatus is considered, the signs of artificial intelligence are analyzed, on the basis of which the advantages and disadvantages of using this technology by law enforcement agencies are revealed. The authors conclude that it is advisable to use artificial intelligence in the investigation of crimes, taking into account all the capabilities and limitations of the technology in question.
Revisión de Recursos e Iniciativas de Apoyo a la Crianza Positiva en El Salvador
Authors: Erazo Abarca Mirna Elizabeth , Menéndez Álvarez-Dardet Susana
Published: November 2024

La crianza positiva, se refiere al comportamiento y capacidad de amar, acoger, cuidar y orientar de los progenitores o cuidadores hacia los niños, niñas y adolescentes como sujetos activos de derechos. Dichos comportamientos y capacidades pueden ser promovidos y potenciados a través de apoyos sociales e intervenciones con las familias. El propósito de esta investigación fue identificar y analizar recursos e iniciativas de intervención para promover la crianza positiva en El Salvador. Para ello se revisaron sitios web de entidades reconocidas por el trabajo con infancia, adolescencia y familias en El Salvador y se contactó con los miembros de esas organizaciones. Seguidamente, se analizaron un grupo de indicadores con los 15 recursos identificados. Los resultados permitieron vislumbrar que el trabajo en crianza positiva en este contexto es bastante reciente y que los diferentes recursos e iniciativas han sido impulsadas principalmente por entidades privadas, y por lo general, de acceso universal y gratuito. No obstante, existen importantes brechas que reconocer y atender.
Exploring the potential of systemic fungicides and plant extracts in suppressing Fusarium wilt of tomato
Authors: Mustafa Azher , Naseer Saima , Saeed Saba , Ahmad Salman , Shahzad Umbreen , Khan Azhar Abbas , Umer Muhammad , Kalsoom Rabia , Ali Yasir
Published: November 2024

This comprehensive study has examined the potential of controlling Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici causing tomato wilt using systemic fungicides and plant extracts. For the field evaluation of several fungicides, namely Heritage, Pyranil, Folicur, Medallion, Bloom, Benomyl, Defeater, Chipco, Sporta, and Aliette, and plant extracts including Citrullus colocynthis, Eucalyptus globulus, Azadirachta indica, Zingiber officinale, Allium sativum, Nicotiana tabacum, Aloe indica, and Calendula officinalis, tomato seeds were cultivated in the greenhouse at the Vegetable Research Area at Ayub Agriculture Research Institute, Faisalabad, during October 2022. The key findings confirmed the significant effectiveness of fungicides such as Chipco, Bloom, Sporta, and Benomyl. These fungicides, at different concentrations, effectively inhibited the growth of the fungal mycelium. The amount of inhibition ranged from 1.75 cm to 5.84 cm, whereas the control group exhibited an increase of 9 cm. The study highlights the significant inhibitory impact of Bloom on fungal development, resulting in a remarkable reduction of fungal mycelial growth by 85.92%, 81.10%, and 79.90% at various concentrations. In addition, plant extracts demonstrated their natural antifungal characteristics, which varied in efficacy based on the concentrations used. The extracts from A. indica and A. sativum were the most effective, exhibiting the maximum growth inhibition percentage at a concentration of 8%. The present investigation highlighted the potential application of certain fungicides and plant extracts to combat F. oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici. These alternatives provide an environmentally friendly response to synthetic fungicides for managing the disease. Further research is needed to enhance the understanding of the exact efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
Effectiveness of onion germplasm, fungicides, and plant extracts in managing purple blotch disease of onion
Authors: Mustafa Azher , Naseer Saima , Saeed Saba , Kalsoom Rabia , Ahmad Salman , Khan Azhar Abbas , Shahzad Umbreen , Umer Muhammad , Ali Yasir
Published: November 2024

In the present study conducted at Ayub Agricultural Research Institute, Faisalabad, ten specific onion lines were evaluated for disease resistance against purple leaf blotch. The variety Phulkara emerged as the top performer with the lowest disease incidence of 6.57% and an AUDPC value of 55.67, indicating resistance to this disease. Various fungicides demonstrated differing effects on disease management. Copper hydroxide proved to be the most effective at 0.10%, reducing disease incidence from 17.59% in the first spray to 12.70% in the third. The second-best fungicide was trifloxystrobin 25% + tebuconazole, which reduced disease incidence from 67.51% in the first spray to 61.67% in the third compared to the control. Among all plant extracts, three sprays of Nicotiana tabacum extract at S/50, S/25, and S/15 proved to be most effective, reducing disease incidence from 43.51% to 35.59%. Similarly, Moringa oleifera extract reduced disease incidence from 42.61% to 35.70% compared to the control. These findings suggest that the onion variety Phulkara, copper hydroxide fungicide at a concentration of 0.10%, and extracts of N. tabacum and M. oleifera exhibit promising potential in managing purple leaf blotch disease in onions. However, further studies are necessary to corroborate these results and to fully understand the biological and chemical implications of their usage.
Cowpea nodulation and nitrogen fixation under potyvirus and rhizobium coincidence
Authors: Mohammed Mohammed Rasheed
Published: November 2024

The present study aimed to assess the impact of seed Rhizobia treatment and potyvirus inoculation on bacterial nodulation and nitrogen fixation in cowpeas. The plants were infected with the virus two weeks post-germination. Nodules were present on the roots of plants treated with Rhizobia; however, almost no nodules were detected on untreated plants. The average number of nodules per plant on virus-inoculated plants was significantly lower than the average number per non-inoculated plant. The virus caused a substantial decrease in the weight of nodules also. The study revealed that the presence of Rhizobia resulted in a significant rise in nitrogen content in the foliage. Specifically, the nitrogen percentage increased from 1.29% in plants not treated with Rhizobia and not inoculated by the virus to 2.502% in Rhizobia-treated plants that were inoculated by the virus and to 2.550% in Rhizobia-treated plants that were not inoculated by the virus. This difference was statistically significant at a p-value less than 0.05. The virus resulted in a rise in nitrogen content in plants that were not inoculated with Rhizobia. The Rhizobia resulted in a significant augmentation in the number of pods per plant, seed count per plant, and seed dry weight per plant compared to plants that were not treated with Rhizobia. The application of Rhizobia to virus-inoculated plants resulted in a notable enhancement of these parameters, except for the nitrogen content in seeds.
Assessment of genetic variability for wheat yellow rust resistance and Puccinia striiformis f.sp. tritici pathotypes from Pakistan
Authors: Hussain Shaukat , Shah Syed Jawad Ahmad , Leconte Marc , De Vallavieille-Pope Claude
Published: November 2024

After their release, commercial wheat cultivars often experience a notable decline in effectiveness against yellow rust, highlighting the crucial importance of genetic resistance studies for developing durable solutions for sustainable wheat production. This study characterized 205 wheat genotypes for seedling and adult plant (Yr18) resistance genes, using 14 diverse races of Puccinia striiformis f.sp. tritici (Pst). Additionally, 75 Pst isolates sampled during 2008 were also analyzed. Seedling resistance in 16 genotypes remained undetermined. Twelve resistance patterns emerged: 82 genotypes showed susceptibility across all pathotypes, while 10 displayed consistent resistance. Fifty-seven genotypes were inferred to carry Yr2, Yr3, Yr6, Yr7, Yr9, and an unknown gene. Yr18 prevalence was observed in 29 cultivars but was absent in landraces. Eight resistance spectra were shared between landraces and cultivars, and four were cultivar-specific (Yr6+Yr7, Yr9+Yr17, and Yr18). Many landraces carried defeated resistance genes, as evident from prevalent pathotypes in the 2006 and 2008 surveys in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. The low frequency of resistance genes in Pakistani cultivars underscores the need for increased use of undefeated seedling resistance genes and Yr18-associated cultivars for effective disease control.
Understanding the origins, impacts, and remedies for mungbean yellow mosaic virus
Authors: Bajwa Rabia Tahir , Mubeen Mustansar , Shafique Talha , Zafar Muhammad Irfan , Iftikhar Yasir , Shakeel Qaiser
Published: November 2024

Mungbean (Vigna radiata) is a crucial crop worldwide, especially in Asian countries, where it significantly contributes to agricultural yields. However, the Mungbean Yellow Mosaic Virus (MYMV), a begomovirus, causes substantial yield reductions. Despite ongoing efforts to identify resistant cultivars, most available varieties remain susceptible, potentially resulting in yield losses of up to 100%. In Pakistan, challenges such as inadequate irrigation, disease outbreaks, and poor-quality seed stocks exacerbate the impact of MYMV on mungbean production. Whiteflies (Bemisia tabaci) are the primary vectors for MYMV. Molecular characterization reveals that virus particles aggregate in the host nuclei, disrupting cell structure and leading to yield losses, with early infection stages resulting in more severe reductions. Efforts to manage MYMV include evaluating mungbean germplasm for resistance and emphasizing the importance of genetic resistance in disease control. Despite difficulties in developing resistant cultivars, ongoing research aims to reduce the impact of MYMV on mungbean production. This review explores the effect of MYMV on mungbean production, particularly in Pakistan, and examines the associated economic consequences. It also investigates the genetic susceptibility of mungbean cultivars, the influence of environmental conditions, and the dynamics of whitefly populations, which collectively contribute to MYMV incidence. The review highlights the correlation between whitefly populations and disease incidence and discusses strategies for managing MYMV and its vector. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of current approaches to develop sustainable and effective methods for mitigating MYMV-induced yield losses in mungbean cultivation.
Progresses in lowland pulse insect pest management in Ethiopia
Authors: Wondimu Mulatwa , Getu Emana
Published: November 2024

Grain legumes are one of the important cash crops for Ethiopian smallholder farmers and a significant agricultural commodity contributing to export earnings. Lowland pulses are comparatively inexpensive sources of protein in Ethiopia. However, these economically important crops are affected by various pests. Among the most damaging in storage are bruchids (Acanthoscelides obtectus, Zabrotes subfasciatus, and Callosobruchus spp.), while in production fields, the primary pests include the bean stem maggot (Ophiomyia spp.), African bollworm (Helicoverpa armigera), and aphids (Aphis craccivora Koch). Estimated yield losses due to bean stem maggot and African bollworm range from 11-100% and 12-16%, respectively. Various pest control strategies have been employed, including the use of resistant varieties, biological control, botanical treatments, and chemical control. This review summarizes relevant scientific studies on these economically important crops, the associated insect pests, the aggravating factors in Ethiopia, and available management options.
Effectiveness of some novel fungicides against the sheath blight pathogen Rhizoctonia solani in rice under in vitro and in vivo conditions
Authors: Morio Basit Ali , Zaman Sumbal , Dahar Ghulam Yaseen , Khanzada Nimra , Rajput Muhammad Aslam , Hussain Tasveer , Soomro Sadam Hussain , Iqbal Owais
Published: November 2024

Sheath blight of rice, caused by Rhizoctonia solani, is one of the most aggressive and damaging diseases in rice cultivation, leading to significant crop losses. Consequently, chemical fungicides are the most effective method to inhibit R. solani infection and control this disease. In the present study, R. solani isolate was obtained from infected rice plants, and its pathogenicity was confirmed using Koch’s postulates on 20-day-old rice seedlings at three different inoculum levels. The lowest percent disease index and disease incidence were recorded with the 1 ml pathogen inoculum suspension, while the 2 ml and 3 ml suspensions resulted in 100% disease incidence, significantly affecting plant parameters. Furthermore, five different fungicides, Duphetar Plus, Evito, Nativo, Ridomil Gold, and Shincar, were evaluated at three concentrations (10, 100, and 1000 ppm) against R. solani using poisoned food method. The results revealed that two fungicides, Shincar and Nativo, resulted in maximum mycelial growth inhibition of R. solani, whereas the other fungicides failed to inhibit the mycelial growth of the pathogen at all concentrations. Shincar and Nativo were further tested in a greenhouse setting to control pathogen infection in rice plants. These fungicides showed excellent results, reducing R. solani infection and minimizing disease incidence in treated rice plants compared to the control. The highest root length, shoot length, and plant weight were observed with Shincar, followed by Nativo. It is suggested that the use of these fungicides may reduce sheath blight disease incidence, effectively control pathogen infection, and improve plant growth parameters in field conditions.
Evaluation of bread wheat germplasm for adult plant resistance to stem rust using artificial inoculation
Authors: Abebele Getnet Muche , Zerihun Alemu Ayele
Published: November 2024

Wheat stem rust, caused by Puccinia graminis f.sp. tritici, is a major biotic threat to wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in many wheat-producing countries worldwide, including Ethiopia. The pathogen is capable of continuously evolving new fungal races with high reproductive potential. It can be easily dispersed by wind over large geographic areas, allowing it to attack resistant varieties. Under optimal environmental conditions, it can cause epidemics leading to severe yield losses (up to 100%). A total of 91 germplasms, comprising 81 advanced bread wheat lines and 10 varieties, including the susceptible check Morocco, were planted using an augmented design. The experiment was conducted with artificial inoculation on spreaders to evaluate their slow rusting response against four virulent stem rust races viz. TTKTF, TKKTF, TTKTT, and TTTTF under field conditions at the Kulumsa Agricultural Research Center during the 2022-2023 offseason. Slow rusting resistance at the adult-plant stage was assessed by measuring the final rust severity (FRS) and the average coefficient of infection (ACI). Accordingly, 50 (61.7%) of the advanced lines and 6 (60%) of the released varieties namely Boru, Abay, Shaki, Kakaba, Deka, and Dursa exhibited low levels of FRS and ACI. In contrast, 31 (48.3%) of the advanced lines and 4 (40%) of the varieties showed high FRS and ACI values. The germplasms with low FRS and ACI values were considered to exhibit good slow rusting resistance and could be recommended for release into production and/or used in breeding programs aimed at achieving durable stem rust resistance in Ethiopia.
In vitro investigation of phytochemical, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of Harpagophytum procumbens seeds extracts
Authors: Habeeb Hadeel Makki , Salih Ghussun Saib , Hassan Intisar Abdullah , Hamad Sumaya Fadhil , Al-Kubaisy Wijdan Hameed Abd , Al-Qaysi Safaa Al-Deen Ahmed Shanter
Published: November 2024

Medicinal plants contain bioactive substances that are highly bioavailable in extracts or pure molecules, making them promising for therapeutic applications and precursors for chemo-pharmaceutical semi-synthesis. Harpagophytum procumbens (Devil’s Claw) is widely recognized as one of the most potent therapeutic herbs. This study aimed to extract seeds from H. procumbens using two types of solvents and to assess both qualitative and quantitative aspects of the extracts. The two extracts were evaluated for antibacterial and anti-biofilm activities using agar well diffusion assays against four bacterial isolates and two yeast isolates. Qualitative analysis identified the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, and terpenoids. The active components detected were: alkaloids (12.69%), flavonoids (3.25%), total phenolic compounds (24.58%), total terpenoids (8.55%), and total steroids (1.25% for methanolic and 4.55% for petroleum ether). Both methanolic and petroleum ether extracts exhibited antioxidant activities of approximately 85.33% and 74.19%, respectively, compared to ascorbic acid, which had an antioxidant effect of 67.99% at a concentration of 200 µg/ml. The extracts demonstrated a broad spectrum of activity against all tested bacteria (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes) and fungi (Candida albicans, C. tropicalis, C. parapsilosis). At a concentration of 1000 µg/ml, the seed extracts showed the highest bactericidal activity, with inhibition zones ranging from 10 to 22 mm. Moreover, both extracts exhibited greater anti-biofilm activity at 1000 µg/ml compared to lower concentrations. Our study found that seed extracts of H. procumbens possess significant antibacterial and antioxidant activities, particularly at a concentration of 1000 µg/ml.
EDITORIAL VOL. 11 - 2024
Authors: Mikosz José Eliézer
Published: November 2024

A Art&Sensorium completa 10 anos ininterruptos de publicações acadêmicas. Foi e continua sendo um processo de aprendizado que busca atender a demanda da produção teórica e prática interdisciplinar em artes, algo que sentíamos ser um nicho importante para ser explorado por pesquisadoras e pesquisadores dentro e fora do Brasil.
EDITORIAL DOSSIÊ "ARTE E MELANCOLIA"
Authors: Lousa Teresa
Published: November 2024

Ao longo dos séculos o artista foi deixando de estar apenas ao serviço da encomenda, e a aura religiosa foi sendo removida. Por outro lado, é a Melancolia enquanto humor e marca da intelectualidade, mas também da excentricidade e sensibilidade que vai do final do Renascimento até pelo menos ao modernismo contribuir para manter essa imagem do artista como génio melancólico.
BIRDMAN E O SENTIDO DA EXISTÊNCIA
Authors: Correa Antenor Ferreira
Published: November 2024

Neste texto, proponho uma análise fílmica de base hermenêutica para o filme Birdman (ou a inesperada virtude da ignorância) escrito e dirigido por Alejandro Gonzalez Iñarritu. Esta obra é aqui considerada em relação às interpenetrações e interações entre os planos filosóficos, simbólicos, perceptuais e técnicos realizados no filme. Estes domínios são complementados com reflexões sobre aspectos da cinematografia e da transdiegese ocorrente na trilha sonora com o objetivo de interpretar as múltiplas camadas de significado e as questões existências propostas no enredo. Desse modo, intento demonstrar a absoluta organicidade do filme de modo a justificar, com base em critérios artísticos, o adjetivo masterpiece explícito no título deste artigo.
os dezenove milhões de nomes de maria camaleão : pedro lemebel no brasil colonial-técno-digital-ficcional do século vintchy-um
Authors: Varela Junior Nestor , Pazetto Debora
Published: November 2024

este trabalho propõe uma leitura travestida do texto “os mil nomes de maria camaleão”, de pedro lemebel, em articulações com outras referências artístico-teóricas. dois textos são desenvolvidos paralelamente – o de nestor no corpo do texto e o de debora nas notas de rodapé – para dialogar sobre corpos queer/cuir e seus processos performativos de nomeação como estratégia política de existência e sobrevivência. as estéticas e políticas queer/cuir são acionadas como operação de apropriação de discursos violentos endereçados a corpas dissidentes como forma de desestabilização das normas. o texto se encerra com um exercício de arte batismal: uma nova seção para a lista de apelidos apresentada por pedro em seu texto original, com uma atualização autoficcional de nomes, adjetivos e referências que se destacam na vivência de corpacuirs dissidentes em um interior suleado no brasil colonizado inserido na ficção-técno-digital no século vintchy-um.
How religion shapes the behavior of students: a comparative analysis between Romanian confessional and non-confessional schools
Authors: Coman Claudiu , Neagoe Alexandru , Onaga Florina Magdalena , Bularca Maria Cristina , Otovescu Dumitru , Otovescu Maria Cristina , Talpă Nicolae , Popa Bogdan
Published: November 2024

Introduction

While being a complex concept, religion can shape the way people in general, and students in particular, behave and make decisions in different types of contexts. In this regard, our paper aimed to assess the way religiosity influences the school climate and the social behavior of students from confessional and non-confessional Romanian high schools in order to raise awareness regarding the importance of religion in students’ education.

Methods

We used a quantitative method and we applied a questionnaire to 353 students from confessional and non-confessional high schools in Timișoara, Romania.

Results and discussion

The results of our study show positive correlations between religiosity and school climate, revealing that students from confessional schools have stronger feelings of belonging and better relationships with their teachers.
Ferroptosis in diabetic cardiomyopathy: from its mechanisms to therapeutic strategies
Authors: Tian Meimei , Huang Xinli , Li Min , Lou Pingping , Ma Huijie , Jiang Xinli , Zhou Yaru , Liu Yan
Published: November 2024

Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) is defined as structural and functional cardiac abnormalities in diabetes, and cardiomyocyte death is the terminal event of DCM. Ferroptosis is iron-dependent oxidative cell death. Evidence has indicated that iron overload and ferroptosis play important roles in the pathogenesis of DCM. Mitochondria, an important organelle in iron homeostasis and ROS production, play a crucial role in cardiomyocyte ferroptosis in diabetes. Studies have shown some anti-diabetic medicines, plant extracts, and ferroptosis inhibitors might improve DCM by alleviating ferroptosis. In this review, we systematically reviewed the evidence of ferroptosis in DCM. Anti-ferroptosis might be a promising therapeutic strategy for the treatment of DCM.
Gut microbiota and metabolic profiles in adults with unclassified diabetes: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Zhang Juan , Wu Lei , Zhang Zhongyun , Li Danjie , Han Rulai , Ye Lei , Zhang Yifei , Hong Jie , Gu Weiqiong
Published: November 2024

Aims

Our study, employing a multi-omics approach, aimed to delineate the distinct gut microbiota and metabolic characteristics in individuals under 30 with unclassified diabetes, thus shedding light on the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms

Methods

This age- and sex-matched case-control study involved 18 patients with unclassified diabetes, 18 patients with classic type 1 diabetes, 13 patients with type 2 diabetes, and 18 healthy individuals. Metagenomics facilitated the profiling of the gut microbiota, while untargeted liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry was used to quantify the serum lipids and metabolites.

Results

Our findings revealed a unique gut microbiota composition in unclassified diabetes patients, marked by a depletion of Butyrivibrio proteoclasticus and Clostridium and an increase in Ruminococcus torques and Lachnospiraceae bacterium 8_1_57FAA. Comparative analysis identified the combined marker panel of five bacterial species, seven serum biomarkers, and three clinical parameters could differentiate patients with UDM from HCs with an AUC of 0.94 (95% CI 0.85–1). Notably, the gut microbiota structure of patients with unclassified diabetes resembled that of type 2 diabetes patients, especially regarding disrupted lipid and branched-chain amino acid metabolism.

Conclusions

Despite sharing certain metabolic features with type 2 diabetes, unclassified diabetes presents unique features. The distinct microbiota and metabolites in unclassified diabetes patients suggest a significant role in modulating glucose, lipid, and amino acid metabolism, potentially influencing disease progression. Further longitudinal studies are essential to explore therapeutic strategies targeting the gut microbiota and metabolites to modify the disease trajectory.
Enhancing type 2 diabetes mellitus prediction by integrating metabolomics and tree-based boosting approaches
Authors: Arslan Ahmet Kadir , Yagin Fatma Hilal , Algarni Abdulmohsen , Karaaslan Erol , Al-Hashem Fahaid , Ardigò Luca Paolo
Published: November 2024

Background

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a global health problem characterized by insulin resistance and hyperglycemia. Early detection and accurate prediction of T2DM is crucial for effective management and prevention. This study explores the integration of machine learning (ML) and explainable artificial intelligence (XAI) approaches based on metabolomics panel data to identify biomarkers and develop predictive models for T2DM.

Methods

Metabolomics data from T2DM (n = 31) and healthy controls (n = 34) were analyzed for biomarker discovery (mostly amino acids, fatty acids, and purines) and T2DM prediction. Feature selection was performed using the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression to enhance the model’s accuracy and interpretability. Advanced three tree-based ML algorithms (KTBoost: Kernel-Tree Boosting; XGBoost: eXtreme Gradient Boosting; NGBoost: Natural Gradient Boosting) were employed to predict T2DM using these biomarkers. The SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) method was used to explain the effects of metabolomics biomarkers on the prediction of the model.

Results

The study identified multiple metabolites associated with T2DM, where LASSO feature selection highlighted important biomarkers. KTBoost [Accuracy: 0.938; CI: (0.880-0.997), Sensitivity: 0.971; CI: (0.847-0.999), Area under the Curve (AUC): 0.965; CI: (0.937-0.994)] demonstrated its effectiveness in using complex metabolomics data for T2DM prediction and achieved better performance than other models. According to KTBoost’s SHAP, high levels of phenylactate (pla) and taurine metabolites, as well as low concentrations of cysteine, laspartate, and lcysteate, are strongly associated with the presence of T2DM.

Conclusion

The integration of metabolomics profiling and XAI offers a promising approach to predicting T2DM. The use of tree-based algorithms, in particular KTBoost, provides a robust framework for analyzing complex datasets and improves the prediction accuracy of T2DM onset. Future research should focus on validating these biomarkers and models in larger, more diverse populations to solidify their clinical utility.
Three-dimensional spatial structure and heterogeneity characterization of #5 coal of Shanxi Formation in eastern Ordos basin
Authors: Yunhe Shi , Hui Zhang , Bo Pan , Xueyuan Jing , Xiaowei Du , Xiaohu Zhou
Published: November 2024

Based on macroscopic qualitative observation, microscopic quantitative analysis, low-temperature adsorption, high-pressure mercury intrusion and three-dimensional CT scanning, the spatial structure and heterogeneity of the #5 coal from the eastern Ordos Basin, Shanxi Formation, are quantitatively characterized. The following observation were studied: 1) The main body of the #5 coal was intact structural coal seam, with the density of cleats gradually increasing from north to south. 2) The microscopic composition of the #5 coal is dominated by desmocollinite, which contains small amounts of inertinite and inorganic minerals, with the inorganic component mainly composed of carbonate rocks and a small amount of clay. The carbon content and the content of its inorganic minerals in the #5 coal gradually decrease toward the inner basin, caused by transport distance and depositional environment. 3) At the micrometer scale, no significant pores were observed, and the #5 coal bed is primarily composed of micro-mesopores smaller than 40 nm, with a small number of 50∼100 nm macropores. Simultaneously, micro-fractures in the coal bed were well developed; by using mercury intrusion data of the bimodal feature of the pore throat, indicates the coexistence of micrometer-scale micro-fractures and nanometer-scale mesopores within the coal, with pronounced differences and interconnected complexity. 4) The porosity and permeability of microfractures, as well as the number of microfracture bars and permeability, indicate that the connectivity of coal bed is primarily caused by the microfracture system. By reconstructing the three-dimensional spatial structure of the #5 coal through multiple tests, the heterogeneous characteristics are quantitatively characterized.