bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Saline irrigation management in field conditions of a semi-arid area in Tunisia
Authors: DAGHARI ISSAM , DAGHARI HEDI , NIHED BEN KHALIFA , MARIEM MAHMOUD
Published: April 2023

Abstract. Daghari I, Daghari H, Ben Khalifa N,, Mahmoud M. 2022. Saline irrigation management in field conditions of a semi-arid area in Tunisia. Asian J Agric 6: 103-108. Tunisian saline soils occupy about 25% of the total irrigated area. The irrigated area of ??"Dyiar-Al-Hujjej" in Tunisia was considered because seawater intrusion took place and salinization of the aquifer reached a very high water electrical conductivity value of 15 dS/m in the 90s, which caused many local farmers to abandon land parcels and wells. In addition, salinity has reduced plant growth and water quality, leading to lower crop yields and degradation of stock water reserves. Excess salt affects overall soil health, reducing productivity. It kills plants, leaving bare soil prone to erosion. In this study, the electrical conductivity of the soil under several irrigated crops was evaluated for two soil layers (0-20 cm and 20-40 cm). Follow-up surveys of agricultural practices have shown that the irrigation water's quality has a considerable effect on the soil's electrical conductivity and, therefore, on the choice of crops. We also showed that crop rotation is a practice done by farmers to maintain and improve soil fertility by utilizing soil nutrient losses due to salinization. This study can be the basis of a valuation to allow farmers to have the best cultural practices to fight the salinization of their soils.
Cropping pattern and intensity in the lower belt of Sarpang District, Bhutan
Authors: TASHI TSHERING , TOBGAY TSHERING , WANGMO TSHERING , KINLEY RATU , GYELTSHEN SONAM
Published: April 2023

Abstract. Tashi T, Tobgay T, Wangmo T, Kinley R, Gyeltshen S. 2023. Cropping pattern and intensity in the lower belt of Sarpang District, Bhutan. Asian J Agric 7: 1-6. Information on cropping and farming land use is vital for increasing crop production and identifying production gaps, including planning and investment. Increasing cropping intensity through adopting multiple approaches increases crop production rather than pressure on cropland expansion in many countries. In the case of Bhutan, there is a shortage of information on cropping and its intensity in Bhutan. This study presents the status of cropping patterns and cropping intensity at the household level in the Sarpang District using a multistage random sampling technique. Different forms of multiple cropping practices were recorded in the district but were mostly practiced on a small scale and were intermittent. The rice-based cropping pattern was popular in wetlands, while the maize or vegetable-based cropping pattern predominated in dryland. With an average cropping intensity of 112%, the district had a cropping intensity of 97% and 126% for dryland and wetland, respectively. The landholding size revealed a significant inverse relationship with cropping intensity among farmer characteristics. The district's most serious farming problems were a lack of irrigation water and wildlife crop predation. The study recommends a similar study at the national level and developing appropriate intensification of agricultural land use strategy to minimize pressure on cropland expansion in the future. Similarly, agricultural planning and investment merit assessment of crop diversity, crop production resources, cropping intensity gap, and crop mapping.
Molecular characterization of filamentous fungi associated with spoilage of sweet oranges sold in Choba Market, Port Harcourt, Nigeria
Authors: IKECHI-NWOGU CHINYERUM GLORIA , ODOGWU BLESSING ADANTA , EDUMASAM MARIA ADANIMA
Published: April 2023

Abstract. Ikechi-Nwogu CG, Odogwu BA, Edumasam MA. 2023. Molecular characterization of filamentous fungi associated with spoilage of sweet oranges sold in Choba Market, Port Harcourt, Nigeria. Asian J Agric 7: 52-56. Post-harvest spoilage of sweet oranges is one of the major causes of post-harvest losses. This study was conducted to identify the fungi associated with post-harvest spoilage of sweet oranges using molecular techniques in Choba Markets, Rivers State, Nigeria. The DNA of the fungal isolate SO-1 and SO-2 were characterized using Internal Transcribed Spacer 4 and 5 molecular markers and aligned by the Basic Local Alignment Search Tool for Nucleotide (BLASTN) 2.8.0 of National Centre for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) database. Based on the sequence similarities, it was observed that isolate SO-1 was 98.96% identical to Neurospora crassa Shear & B.O.Dodge while SO-2 was 99.48% identical to Aspergillus flavus Link. These findings showed that N. crassa and A. flavus are some of the causal fungal pathogens of spoilt sweet oranges. It is anticipated that this result will provide information that will be helpful in the deployment of the appropriate post-harvest management of these fungi during post-harvest handling to minimize the spoilage of sweet oranges and thus reduce post-harvest losses.
Filtering multi-collinear predictor variables from multi-resolution rasters of WorldClim 2.1 for Ecological Niche Modeling in Indonesian context
Authors: Pradhan Prakash , Setyawan Ahmad Dwi
Published: April 2023

Abstract. Pradhan P, Setyawan AD. 2021. Filtering multi-collinear predictor variables from multi-resolution rasters of WorldClim 2.1 for Ecological Niche Modeling in Indonesian context. Asian J For 5: 111-122. WorldClim is one of the popular environmental datasets which hosts multi-resolution interpolated gridded climate raster surfaces and derived bioclimatic variables for both the immediate past, present and future scenarios. Bioclimatic variables along with other environmental factors like solar radiation, wind speed, water vapour pressure etc. have been used as primary set of explanatory variables for mapping and spatial modeling of many biological processes, including defining environmental niche of a species and identifying potential areas for its distribution through machine learning methods like Ecological Niche Modeling or Species Distribution Modeling or Habitat Suitability Modeling. However, the interpolated explanatory datasets are known to cause over-fitting of the models mainly due to multi-collinearity or redundancy within the variables. In the present study, 58 bioclimatic and environmental variables of Indonesian extent extracted from WorldClim 2.1 are screened to investigate the presence of multi-collinearity or redundancy. From the total 3364 variable pairs per raster resolution, 174 variable pairs were known to be affected by multicollinearity, from which temperature related bioclimatic variables, water vapour pressure and elevation associated variables were highly notable. For all the raster resolutions, bioclimatic variable 2, 3, 4, 15, 18 and 19, as well as slope, aspect, solar radiation for January, April, May, September, wind speed for August and November were found to be non-collinear. While, solar radiation for March and July were found to be non-collinear for 30s, 2.5m and 5m raster resolutions; Wind speed of July was non-collinear for 30s and 2.5m; Solar radiation for February and June were non-collinear for 10m; water vapour pressure for August for 2.5m and wind speed for January was non-collinear for 30s raster resolutions. The results of this study might serve as a convenient reference for investigators of the region for selection of bioclimatic and other environmental variables for conducting ecological niche modeling studies.
Discovery of a rare stiped puffball Calostoma junghuhnii in Neora Valley National Park, India: A new record for West Bengal, India
Authors: MAJUMDAR SHUVADEEP , RAI BUDDHA SINGH , RAI AJIT , GHOSH UJJAL , BHATTACHARYYA SILANJAN , BOSE ANIMESH , GOSWAMI NISHA , CHAKRABORTY DYUTIPARNA , SARKAR JIT , MUKHERJEE SUDIPTA , ACHARYA KRISHNENDU , PRADHAN PRAKASH
Published: April 2023

Abstract. Majumdar S, Rai BS, Rai A, Ghosh U, Bhattacharyya S, Bose A, Goswami N, Chakraborty D, Sarkar J, Mukherjee S, Acharya K, Pradhan P. 2022. Discovery of a rare stiped puffball Calostoma junghuhnii in Neora Valley National Park, India: A new record for West Bengal, India. Asian J For 6: 9-14. The varied topography, soil, and climate of West Bengal, India, make conducive conditions for nurturing the magnificent diversity of macrofungi and their habitats. During an exploration of macro-fungal diversity in Neora Valley National Park, West Bengal, India, in 2021, basidiocarps of Calostoma (Calostomataceae) were collected and photographed, along with macro-morphological and ecological notes were taken. The specimens were identified through macro and micro-morphological characters following standard literature. Amplified description of Calostoma junghuhnii (Schltdl. & Müll. Berol.) Massee, along with necessary figures and photographs, is presented in this paper. A literature survey revealed that C. junghuhnii is a new record for West Bengal. The outcome of the present study would enrich data related to the macro-fungal diversity in the state of West Bengal, India.
Impact of climate variability, farmers adaptation and coping strategies on coffee production in highlands of Kigoma District, Tanzania
Authors: MSUYA AZIZI MBAYU , MAHONGE CHRISTOPHER PAUL
Published: April 2023

Abstract. Msuya AM, Mahonge CP. 2022. Impact on coffee production of climate variability, farmers adaptation and coping strategies in highlands of Kigoma District, Tanzania. Asian J For 6: 34-42. Worldwide, climate change and variability have raised concerns about potential changes to crop yields and production systems. This study concerns climate variability’s effects on coffee production among smallholder farmers in the highland zone of the Kigoma District, the western part of Tanzania. This study specifically aimed to determine how climatic variability affected coffee production and the strategies taken to cope with the problem. Also, this study determined farmers” perceptions of climatic change and variability. The coffee production and rainfall data for thirty years (1981-2010) were used. Also, to study the trend relationship between climate change and agricultural production. Data were collected using household surveys, interviews, focus group discussions, documentary reviews, and field observations. The sampling unit was the household; 120 respondents were selected from 5 villages. First, a purposive sampling technique was employed to study wards and villages, and then 5 villages from 2 wards were selected. In each village, 24 households producing coffee were randomly selected from the village register to 120 respondents. Then, correlation analysis was used to examine the relationship between rainfall variability and coffee production in the area. In contrast, to study the effect of rainfall variability/change on coffee production, a simple linear regression was used. Both coffee production and rainfall showed a decreasing trend. However, the correlation between both trends was insignificant at a 5% probability level. Moreover, it can be concluded that coffee production was not much influenced by rainfall, given the weak correlation between rainfall and coffee production and the decreasing trend for both. Still, other factors, like a shortage of agricultural inputs such as fertilizers and pesticides, must influence coffee production in the study area.
Effectiveness of co-management in reducing forest dependency and improving socioeconomics of forest dependent people in Bangladesh
Authors: Yeasmin Suriya , Islam Kazi Nazrul , Jashimuddin Mohammed , Rahman Mohammad Mahfuzur , Jiku Anirban Chowdhury
Published: April 2023

Abstract. Yeasmin S, Islam KN, Jashimuddin M, Rahman MM, Jiku AC. 2022. Effectiveness of co-management in reducing forest dependency and improving socioeconomics of forest dependent people in Bangladesh. Asian J For 6: 56-64. Co-management of forest protected areas (PA) has started its journey in Bangladesh, intending to conserve forest resources by creating alternative income-generating activities for forest-dependent people. This study was designed to assess the effectiveness of co-management initiatives in improving socio-economic status and reducing peoples' forest dependency at Dudpukuria-Dhopachari Wildlife Sanctuary (DDWS), Bangladesh. A total of 142 respondents consisting of 71 co-management project-supported people (treatment) and 71 local people (control) with similar socio-economic conditions without any project support, were surveyed randomly through a semi-structured questionnaire. The Difference in Differences (DiD) method was applied to assess the effectiveness of this program. Results revealed that there was an insignificant difference between co-management participants and non-participants in the case of total income. Both parties also observed a similar trend for total forest resource extraction. However, the monthly income of co-management participants from secondary occupations increased by USD 16.46. In contrast, the monthly fuel wood extraction of the co-management participants was reduced, equivalent to USD 2.21. The studied socio-economic parameters were more or less similar for both parties. We conclude that the co-management interventions in DDWS resulted from insignificant differences in terms of socio-economic conditions and forest dependency of local forest-dependent communities.
Taxonomy, distribution and statistical ecology of black mildews fungi reported from Maharashtra state of India
Authors: DUBEY RASHMI , MOONAMBETH NEELIMA , PANDEY AMIT DIWAKAR
Published: April 2023

Abstract. Dubey R, Moonambeth N, Pandey AD. 2022. Taxonomy, distribution and statistical ecology of black mildew fungi reported from Maharashtra state of India. Asian J For 6: 97-125. The Maharashtra state of India represents some of the best non-equatorial tropical forests in the world. It supports many endemic species of plants, animals, and microorganisms, especially in the Western Ghats, India. Moreover, a research project entitled "Foliicolous fungi of Maharashtra" was allotted by the Botanical Survey of India, Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate change, India, to carry out the mycological studies. As part of this project, ongoing studies were carried out on black mildew fungi of this state. The present studies offer a taxonomic account, distribution, and ecological parameters of 72 black mildew taxa collected from different areas of Maharashtra state of India. The present study provides three new records of fungi to India, 31 new host records to India, 40 new records of fungi to the Maharashtra state of India, and one new variety, viz., Asterina jasmini Hansf. var. koyani var.nov., depicted by checklist and Figures. In addition, a comprehensive table containing information on location, date of collection, name of the collector, and new records are given for ready reference. During this study, Meliola was the dominant genus with 35 species, whereas Meliolina mollis was the dominant taxon obtained from a maximum of 5 collections. More than 90% of black mildew species are collected from the Western Ghats Districts. In diversity indices, Gini-Simpson's was 0.9818, and Shannon's was 4.1668. Pielou's evenness index was 0.9743, causing true diversity, calculated as an effective number of species (64), to be less than observed species richness (72).
Vegetation diversity, structure, composition and carbon stock of community managed forests of Mid-hills, Nepal
Authors: JOSHI PADAM , JOSHI RAJEEV , SAPKOTA RAMESH PRASAD , PANTA MANOJ , CHAND PRIYANKA
Published: April 2023

Abstract. Joshi P, Joshi R, Sapkota RP, Panta M, Chand P. 2023. Vegetation diversity, structure, composition and carbon stock of community managed forests of Mid-hills Nepal. Asian J For 7: 29-36. Depending on management practices, forests can serve as both carbon sinks and sources. The goal of reducing carbon emissions and increasing the carbon sink is thought to be feasible if carbon reservoirs in current forests are protected and conserved. This study was objectively conducted to assess the vegetation diversity, structure, and carbon stock of the Mid-hills of Nepal. The study was undertaken in the Lanta Community Forest, Jajarkot District, Nepal, which has an extent of 38.65 hectares. Data for vegetation analysis and carbon stock assessment were collected using systematic random sampling using quadrats of 10×10 m with a total number of 35 quadrats. Within each quadrat, individual trees and bamboo were identified in the sites, and their height (m) and DBH (cm) were measured. Density, frequency, basal area, and Important Value Index (IVI) were calculated as structural parameters of vegetation. The Above-Ground Tree Biomass (AGTB) and Below-Ground Tree Biomass (BGTB) were calculated using an allometric equation based on tree diameter, height, and wood-specific gravity. The species diversity, species richness, and evenness were found to be 2.2, 2.35, and 0.83, respectively. A total of 14 tree species, with 723 individuals and one bamboo species were recorded. Rhododendron arboreum Sm. had the highest tree density with 211 trees/ha, while Tsuga dumosa (D.Don) Eichler had the highest IVI. Total wood volume, biomass, and total carbon stock were estimated at 15.37 m3 ha-1, 31.99 t ha-1, and 15.03 t ha-1, respectively. There was a strong negative correlation (r = -0.59) between R. arboreum and R. campanulatum D. Don and a strong positive correlation (r = +0.65) between Malus sikkimensis and Machilus species. For the preservation and sustainable management of community forests, information regarding the structure, composition, and dominance of tree species is provided by the study. The establishment of community forests is thus demonstrated in this article as a means of promoting the protection and preservation of regional biodiversity.
Analysis of drinking water quality based on biological, physical and chemical parameters in Lekobalo Village, Gorontalo City, Indonesia
Authors: KATILI INTAN , BADERAN DEWI WAHYUNI K. , KUMAJI SYAM S.
Published: April 2023

Abstract. Katili L, Baderan DWK, Kumaji SS. 2023. Analysis of drinking water quality based on biological, physical and chemical parameters in Lekobalo Village, Gorontalo City, Indonesia. Intl J Bonorowo Wetlands 13: 22-29. Lekobalo Village is a part of the Gorontalo City, Indonesia area, which has not yet received full clean water coverage. Therefore, the community in Lekobalo used the wellsprings as the source of drinking water. An open water tank around the wellspring has been the source of drinking water for people in the surrounding. It becomes a place for household chores such as bathing, doing laundry, and serving as a lavatory. That makes the place look messy due to the household waste around the wellspring, which decreases the drinking water quality there. Hence, a test of the drinking water in Lekobalo is crucially needed. This study is descriptive-qualitative research that was conducted by a direct survey. Sample collection was conducted using sterilized bottles from the laboratory, and the data obtained were analyzed descriptively. This study aims to determine drinking water quality based on biological, physical, and chemical parameters. The research revealed that the quality of drinking water in Lekobali based on the biological parameter was considered polluted by Escherichia coli and coliform bacteria. The findings revealed that the average score of E. coli was 10.3 MPN/100 ml and coliform 200.5 MPN/100 mL. In physical parameters, the drinking water quality is relatively good with an average temperature of 20°C, turbidity NTU, scentless, tasteless, and colorless. The drinking water criterion that did not meet the physical parameters is the TDS (Total Dissolved Solid), which is 1,525 mg/L. According to the chemical parameter, the quality of the drinking water is considered relatively good with some average score of arsenic (As) 0 mg/L, fluoride (F) 1 mg/L, nitrite (NO2) 0.02 mg/L, nitrate (NO3) 3.6 mg/L, iron (Fe) 0.12 mg/L, Power of Hydrogen (pH) 6.6 mg/L and manganese (Mn) 0 mg/L. The chemical parameters that did not meet the standard qualification of drinking water based on the chemical parameters are chromium (Cr), and cadmium (Cd), as the average scores are 0.34 mg/L and 0.047 mg/L. This study can be used as one of the government's databases as an input in developing programs and activities to improve drinking water quality and control water pollution.
Short Communication: Molluscan diversity (Gastropoda: Neogastropoda) in the intertidal zone of Nguyahan Beach, Gunungkidul, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
Authors: PRASETYA TAUFIK ADHI , NAZIRA FITRIA KURNIA , MILLATY IRKHAMNA NOVIYANI KHUSNA , ZULFIKAR WILDAN GAYUH , NAZARA FITRI AINUN , TRIJOKO TRIJOKO
Published: April 2023

Prasetya TA, Nazira FK, Millaty INK, Zulfikar WG, Nazara FA, Trijoko. 2017. Molluscan diversity (Gastropoda: Neogastropoda) in intertidal zone of Nguyahan Beach, Gunungkidul, Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Ocean Life 1: 55-60. Neogastropod is a taxonomic order of sea snails which have a well developed siphonal canal on their shell. The order includes many families and the highest diversity species can be found in tropical seas. Nguyahan Beach is a tropical beach located in Kanirogo, Sapto Sari, Gunungkidul, Yogyakarta, Indonesia. The beach is still natural and the substrates are dominated by fine sand and coral reef flats. The aim of this research was to understand the diversity of Neogastropod in the intertidal zone of Nguyahan Beach, Gunungkidul, Yogyakarta. The research was conducted on March - May 2017. The ecological parameters recorded were 27°C for water temperature, 3.4% for salinity, and 7 for pH. Sample collection was conducted using purposive sampling method. The result of this research shows 5 families of Neogastropod order, they were Muricidae, Nassaridae, Conidae, Columbellidae, and Mitridae, while the most diverse family was Muricidae with 3 genera.
The abundance of bird species in three sections of Kwale District's coastal forests in Kenya
Authors: MUSILA SIMON NGANDA , MANOHAR SAYAM , MANGO NELSON
Published: April 2023

Abstract. Musila SN, Manohar S, Mango N. 2017. The abundance of bird species in three sections of Kwale District's coastal forests in Kenya. Ocean Life 1: 69-83. Specifically, the diversity of bird species in the three coastal forests of Kaya Gandini Important Bird Area, Kaya Mtswakara, and Mwache Forest Reserve, Kenya, was studied between October 2007 and August 2008. To survey the understory birds of each forest, three ringing stations separated by 200-500 m and two net lines (60 m (18m x 2, 12m x 2)) and (54m (18m x 3)) separated by 60 m were utilized. Twenty-two Timed Species Counts (TSCs) were conducted in the treetops of each forest to determine the bird population. 10 m2 plots were established at 50-meter intervals around the ringing locations and TSCs survey routes, with the plot centers 10 meters perpendicular to the paths. One hundred forty-one different bird species were documented across all locations; 93 were found in Gandini, 88 in Mtswakara, and 91 in Mwache. Common to all three sections were 41 bird species types (29%), accounting for 44%, 47%, and 45% of all bird species documented in Gandini, Mwache, and Mtswakara, respectively. Overall, 38 species of forest birds were registered across all forests, including 34 in Gandini and 25 in both Mtswakara and Mwache. Four globally endangered bird species and 14 endemics to the East African Coastal Biome were discovered across all forest types. There were no migrating birds in any of the three areas, even though they were all a part of the same forest. Although Gandini and Mtswakara were the most similar, all three locations shared a similar habitat structure. Bird populations in Mwache were affected by human activities such as firewood collecting, extraction of building poles (5-10 cm DBH) for domestic and commercial use, and quarrying. Gandini stands out as the most crucial location for avifauna conservation due to its greater diversity of Forest Specialist (FF), Forest Generalist (F), understory, globally threatened birds and EACB species. Due to their close vicinity and the significant number of overlapping forest birds and internationally vulnerable bird species, all three forests should be conserved or maintained as a single forest block to ensure the survival of the greatest possible number of bird species.
Differential responses of effective quantum yield to acute thermal stress in scleractinian corals including pre- and post-transplanted Acropora muricata
Authors: JEETUN SRUTI , RICOT MELANIE , TALEB-HOSSENKHAN NAWSHEEN , KAULLYSING DEEPEEKA , FLOT JEAN-FRANÇOIS , BHAGOOLI RANJEET
Published: April 2023

Abstract. Jeetun S, Ricot M, Taleb-Hossenkhan N, Kaullysing D, Flot J-F, Bhagooli R. 2023. Differential responses of effective quantum yield to acute thermal stress in scleractinian corals including pre- and post-transplanted Acropora muricata. Indo Pac J Ocean Life 6: 54-63. Global climate change has had a serious impact on the health status of coral reefs and has led to the use of active reef restoration measures to remediate the decline in coral cover and assist in the recovery of depleted coral populations. This study aimed to assess the thermal photo-physiological responses of Acropora muricata pre- and post-transplantation from reef, lagoon, and nearshore stations to the experimental nearshore station and of four other non-transplanted coral species, namely, Acropora cytherea, Galaxea fascicularis, Pocillopora damicornis and Lithophyllon repanda from the reef. A visual assessment of dinoflagellate symbiont loss was conducted during summer bleaching events in 2011, 2016, and 2019 for A. muricata at the three stations, nearshore, lagoon, and reef, and for the other four corals at the reefs of Belle Mare (BM), Mauritius. The 2016 bleaching event appeared to be more severe for P. damicornis and L. repanda. A first experiment was carried out using pre-transplanted A. muricata from the reef, lagoon, and nearshore, respectively, in 2012, and a second one was conducted with post-transplanted A. muricata from the nearshore station in 2020, and A. cytherea, G. fascicularis, P. damicornis and L. repanda from the reef in both 2012 and 2020. The coral specimens were incubated at 28°C, 30°C, and 32°C for 3hrs. The results showed an enhanced photo-physiological thermo-tolerance through the measurement of the effective quantum yield of A. muricata following transplantation from the reef and lagoon to the nearshore station. Significantly different photo-physiological responses of the other four corals occurring on the reef were also reported between 2012 and 2020. These findings suggest that the nearshore transplanted A. muricata may have acclimatized, leading to enhanced thermo-tolerance when exposed to 30°C and A. cytherea among the test corals may have improved its thermo-tolerance at 30°C and 32°C possibly following several bleaching events. Further studies using longer experimental exposures and involving the symbiont species, antioxidant responses, symbiont cell density, and chlorophyll content along with coral genetics may shed light on possible mechanisms for such enhanced thermo-tolerance.
Differential photo-physiological responses of two giant clam species to elevated temperature stress from Rodrigues Island, Western Indian Ocean
Authors: RAMAH SUNDY , KAULLYSING DEEPEEKA , SOONDUR MOUNESHWAR , TALEB-HOSSENKHAN NAWSHEEN , BHAGOOLI RANJEET
Published: April 2023

Abstract. Ramah S, Kaullysing D, Soondur M, Taleb-Hossenkhan N, Bhagooli R. 2023. Differential photo-physiological responses of two giant clam species to elevated temperature stress from Rodrigues Island, Western Indian Ocean. Indo Pac J Ocean Life 7: 64-70. Bleaching events leading to mass mortality of coral reef and its associated symbiotic organisms have become an alarming issue worldwide. However, as compared to corals, little has been documented regarding giant clams’ (Tridacnines) thermal photo-physiological susceptibility. Triplicate specimens of the small giant clam Tridacna maxima and the fluted giant clam T. squamosa collected from the lagoon of Rodrigues Island, Western Indian Ocean were exposed at two temperatures, 29°C and 32°C, under a constant low light intensity of approximately 200 µmol quanta m-2 s-1 over a 12-hour duration. The photo-physiological parameters namely, effective quantum yield of photosystem II (?PSII), relative maximum Electron Transport Rate (rETRmax) and maximum Non-Photochemical Quenching (NPQmax) were determined using a Diving Pulse-Amplitude-Modulated (D-PAM) fluorometer prior to and after 3 and 12 hours of exposures. At 29°C the photo-physiological parameters did not vary significantly for both species. At 32°C, T. squamosa and T. maxima exhibited significant declines in ?PSII as at 3 and 12 hours, respectively. The rETRmax of T. squamosa showed a significant decrease at 3 hours while both species showed a significant reduction in their NPQmax functioning as from 3 hours. The experiment also recorded the disintegration of the mantle tissue in T. squamosa after 12 hours. These findings indicate that T. squamosa is thermally more susceptible than T. maxima. Further in-depth investigations on symbionts genetic types and antioxidant responses of both the Tridacna host and symbionts are required to thoroughly understand giant clams’ variable heat stress responses in the era of ocean warming.
Antioxidant and photo-physiological acclimatisation in tropical macroalgae at sites with distinct nutrient levels
Authors: GOPEECHUND ARVIND , BHAGOOLI RANJEET , NEERGHEEN VIDUSHI SHRADHA , BAHORUN THEESHAN
Published: April 2023

Abstract. Gopeechund A, Bhagooli R, Neergheen VS, Bahorun T. 2023. Antioxidant and photo-physiological acclimatisation in tropical macroalgae at sites with distinct nutrient levels. Indo Pac J Ocean Life 7: 79-90. The antioxidant efficacy, Total Phenolic Contents (TPC) and Total Flavonoid Contents (TFC) were investigated at Gis Gris with Lower Nutrient levels (LN site) and Bain boeuf with Higher Nutrient levels (HN site) around Mauritius Island. A field-based 7-days transplantation manipulation of Turbinaria ornata, Gracilaria salicornia and Sargassum obovatum between HN and LN sites was conducted to test the impact of different nutrient conditions on their physiology. All the species had lower antioxidant efficacies, TPC and TFC at LN compared to HN site. The glutathione peroxidase and catalase were more sensitive at reflecting the lower oxidative stress at LN site and acclimatisation to oxidative stress occurring at the HN site. ETRmax and ? were significantly higher in all species at HN site. The quantum yield Fv/Fm increased in S. obovatum only, after 7 days of transplantation at HN site, while, T. ornata and G. salicornia had similar adaptability to photo-physiological stress at both sites. NPQmax decreased in S. obovatum but increased in T. ornata transplanted to HN site, indicating increased photo-protection at HN site. Lagoons with higher nutrient levels may enhance macroalgal capacity to deal with oxidative stress, thus lowering the need for further photo-protection.
The red coralline alga Hydrolithon onkodes, an attractor of coral larvae, is photosynthetically more susceptible to thermal stress than Lithophyllum incrustans
Authors: PERRINE MARIE JEAN SYLVIO , MUNDIL SARVESH , KAULLYSING DEEPEEKA , BHAGOOLI RANJEET
Published: April 2023

Abstract. Perrine MJS, Mundil S, Kaullysing D, Bhagooli R. 2023. The red coralline alga Hydrolithon onkodes, an attractor of coral larvae, is photosynthetically more susceptible to thermal stress than Lithophyllum incrustans. Indo Pac J Ocean Life 7: 91-99. Red Coralline Algae (RCAs) are important components of coral reefs and are involved in reef-building via calcification, cementation, the synthesis of anti-fouling compounds and of chemicals to aid recruitment, settlement and metamorphosis of reef species. This study aimed to investigate the distribution of RCAs at four sites around Mauritius Island and the effects of thermal stress on the effective photosynthetic yield of photosystem II (FPSII) of two species of RCA namely, Lithophyllum incrustans (Philippi, 1837) and Hydrolithon onkodes, known to attract coral larvae. Out of the nine RCA species observed, two non-geniculate RCAs, H. onkodes and L. incrustans, were among the most dominant, especially at the lagoonal and reef zones of the four studied sites Flic en Flac, Belle Mare, Trou aux Biches and Flat Island. These two RCAs were collected, acclimated for 24 hours on a 12h:12h dark-light cycle and then exposed to 27°C, 30°C and 33°C for 3 (T3), 6 (T6) and 19 (T19) hours. After 3, 6 and 19 hours, relative change in FPSII compared to initial (T0) was used for comparison among tested species. At 27°C the FPSII did not fluctuate significantly during the experiment for both RCAs. At a temperature 30°C only H. onkodes significantly decreased from 0.541 ± 0.54 at T0 to 0.445 ± 0.116 at T19. At 33°C, L. incrustans showed a significant decline of 24.82 ± 7.4% while H. onkodes decreased by 90 ± 12.6%. Visual observations revealed that H. onkodes changed from the initial healthy-looking color of light grey to pale purple after thermal exposure. These findings indicate that the coral larvae-attracting H. onkodes is more susceptible than the L. incrustans to thermal stress, implying subsequent possible impacts on coral recruitment process especially in the wake of climate change-driven ocean warming.
Woody species diversity, composition, structure and carbon storage of a dry evergreen montane forest of Essimingor Nature Forest Reserve in Tanzania
Authors: MWAKALUKWA EZEKIEL EDWARD , MWAKISU ANDREW , MALIONDO SALIM MOHAMMED SALIM
Published: April 2023

Abstract. Mwakalukwa EE, Mwakisu A, Maliondo SMS. 2023. Woody species diversity, composition, structure and carbon storage of a dry evergreen montane forest of Essimingor Nature Forest Reserve in Tanzania. Intl J Trop Drylands 7: 26-36. The biodiversity status of flora and fauna of many forests found on small protruding and isolated hills in most parts of dry areas in Tanzania is largely less studied. Their contribution to climate mitigation options also remains largely unknown. This study assessed the woody species diversity, composition, structure and carbon stocks potential of a dry evergreen montane forest of Essimingor Nature Forest Reserve in Tanzania. The vegetation data were collected from 23 concentric sample plots of 5m, 15m, and 20m radius laid systematically across the entire forest area of 6,100 ha. A total of 54 trees and shrubs species belonging to 29 families were identified. Diversity indices indicated the forest to have a high diversity of woody species. The most important species were Cassipourea malosana, Diospyros abyssinica and Drypetes natalensis. Stand structure comprised 288±173 stems ha-1, basal area of 11.47±7.23 m2ha-1 and standing volume of 27.3±16.3 m3ha-1. The mean above-ground and below-ground carbon stocks were 56.93±34.60 Mg C ha-1 and 34.71±19.72 Mg C ha-1, respectively. The observed high species diversity and carbon density signify the importance of conservation efforts bestowed in this reserve. Quantification of other carbon pools for estimation of the total carbon stock potential of this forest is recommended.
Nanoscale plasmonic logic gates design by using an elliptical resonator
Authors: Alali Mohammed J. , Raheema Mithaq Nama , Alwahib Ali A.
Published: April 2023

This study implemented AND, NAND, OR, XOR, NOR, XNOR, and NOT plasmonic logic gates using the finite element method. The all-optical nanoscale logic gates were designed using a single structure based on the technology of insulator-metal-insulator nanoscale plasmonic waveguides. The phase of optical waves and the position of the control and input ports are the most important factors for attaining the optimal transmission value based on interference between the input and control ports. The transmission threshold is 35%, and 850 nm is the operating wavelength. This design creates nanoscale logic gates with a structure dimension of 250nm×250nm. The transmission threshold, modulation depth, contrast ratio, and insertion loss criteria were proposed to evaluate the efficacy of the all-optical gates.
Coordination measure for coupling system of digital economy and rural logistics: An evidence from China
Authors: Shu Hui , Zhan Lizhen , Lin Xiaowei , Zhou Xideng
Published: April 2023

As an important engine for high-quality economic development, the digital economy is gradually integrating with the rural logistics industry. This trend is contributing to making rural logistics a fundamental, strategic, and pioneering industry. However, some valuable topics remain unstudied, such as whether they are coupled and whether there is variability in the coupling system across the provinces. Therefore, this article takes system theory and coupling theory as the analytical framework, aiming to better elaborate the subject’s logical relationship and operational structure of the coupled system, which is composed of a digital economy subsystem and a rural logistics subsystem. Furthermore, 21 provinces are seen as the research object in China, and the coupling coordination model is constructed, aiming to verify the coupling and coordination relationship between the two subsystems. The results suggest that two subsystems are coupled and coordinated in the same direction, and they feed back and influence each other. During the same period, four echelons are divided and there is variability in the coupling and coordination between the digital economy and rural logistics, according to the coupling degree (CD) and coupling coordination degree (CCD). Findings presented can serve as a useful reference for the evolutionary laws of the coupled system. The findings presented here can serve as a useful reference for the evolutionary laws of coupled systems. Moreover, it further provides ideas for the development between rural logistics and the digital economy.
A study on the belt and road initiative’s trade and its influencing factors: Evidence of China-South Asia’s panel data
Authors: Zhou Ling , Mao Yanghai , Fu Qinyi , Xu Danlu , Zhou Jiaqi , Zeng Shaolong
Published: April 2023

The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is a development plan proposed by China that aims to build a new platform for international cooperation and create new drivers of shared development. South Asia is a key area in the Belt and Road Initiative, including eight countries. As the BRI implemented, China’s trade with South Asia has been gradually strengthened. This paper explores the influencing factors of China-South Asia trade under the background of the BRI by using Gravity Model of Trade. The results show that economic growth in China and South Asia, increase of savings rate and improvement of industrialization in South Asia has a significant positive effect on China-South Asia trade. While the development gap between China and South Asia has negative effect on China-South Asia trade.
Perception of the importance of continuing professional development among pharmacists in a middle east country: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Darwish Rula M. , Ammar Khawla , Rumman Asma , Jaddoua Saad M.
Published: April 2023

Background

The role of pharmacists has recently expanded, necessitating enhanced competencies. This requires pharmacists’ participation in continuing education initiatives. This study aims to explore attitudes, motivations, opportunities, and challenges of pharmacists in a country in the middle east, towards continuous professional development.

Methods

A cross-sectional observational close-ended questions study was conducted in Jordan between September and October 2021, and enrolled 309 pharmacists, the tool was developed by the research team and experts in the field to evaluate the continuous professional development perception among pharmacists. The research was approved by the Ethics and Research Committee in an area hospital and a University.

Results

The majority of participants had confidence that continuous professional development prepares pharmacists for practical development, believed that it enhances the status of the profession with other health care professionals as well as with the public, and felt confident that it meets their needs (> 98%). Most of the participants agreed that job restrictions (91%) and lack of time (83%) were the major barriers to participation in continuous professional development. The motivation was positively correlated with attitudes (R = 0.551, P < .001). However, barriers were not significantly correlated with either attitudes or motivations.

Conclusion

Our findings emphasize the positive attitude of pharmacists towards continuous professional development. Identified barriers to continuous professional development participation included job constraints and lack of time. The study highlights the need for policies and procedures that address these issues before the implementation of mandatory continuous professional development programs for pharmacists.
Optimised protocol for monitoring SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater using reverse complement PCR-based whole-genome sequencing
Authors: Child Harry T. , O’Neill Paul A. , Moore Karen , Rowe William , Denise Hubert , Bass David , Wade Matthew J. , Loose Matt , Paterson Steve , van Aerle Ronny , Jeffries Aaron R.
Published: April 2023

Monitoring the spread of viral pathogens in the population during epidemics is crucial for mounting an effective public health response. Understanding the viral lineages that constitute the infections in a population can uncover the origins and transmission patterns of outbreaks and detect the emergence of novel variants that may impact the course of an epidemic. Population-level surveillance of viruses through genomic sequencing of wastewater captures unbiased lineage data, including cryptic asymptomatic and undiagnosed infections, and has been shown to detect infection outbreaks and novel variant emergence before detection in clinical samples. Here, we present an optimised protocol for quantification and sequencing of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in influent wastewater, used for high-throughput genomic surveillance in England during the COVID-19 pandemic. This protocol utilises reverse compliment PCR for library preparation, enabling tiled amplification across the whole viral genome and sequencing adapter addition in a single step to enhance efficiency. Sequencing of synthetic SARS-CoV-2 RNA provided evidence validating the efficacy of this protocol, while data from high-throughput sequencing of wastewater samples demonstrated the sensitivity of this method. We also provided guidance on the quality control steps required during library preparation and data analysis. Overall, this represents an effective method for high-throughput sequencing of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater which can be applied to other viruses and pathogens of humans and animals.
rs66651343 and rs12909095 confer lung cancer risk by regulating CCNDBP1 expression
Authors: Shi Qiang , Ruan Ji , Yang Yu-Chen , Shi Xiao-Qian , Liu Shao-Dong , Wang Hong-Yan , Zhang Shi-Jiao , Wang Si-Qi , Zhong Li , Sun Chang
Published: April 2023

Lung cancer is a malignant tumor with high rates of mortality and shows significant hereditary predisposition. Previous genome-wide association studies suggest that rs748404, located at promoter of TGM5 (transglutaminase 5), is associated with lung carcinoma. By analysis of 1000 genomes project data for three representative populations in the world, another five SNPs are identified to be in strong linkage disequilibrium with rs748404, thus suggesting that they may also be associated with lung carcinoma risk. However, it is ambiguous about the actually causal SNP(s) and the mechanism for the association. Dual-luciferase assay indicates that the functional SNPs are not rs748404, rs12911132 or rs35535629 but another three SNPs (rs66651343, rs12909095 and rs17779494) in lung cell. By chromosome conformation capture, it is disclosed that the enhancer encompassing the two SNPs, rs66651343 and rs12909095, can interact with the promoter of CCNDBP1 (cyclin D1 binding protein 1). RNA-seq data analysis indicates that CCNDBP1 expression is dependent on the genotype of these two SNPs. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assay suggests that the fragments spanning rs66651343 and rs12909095 can bind with the transcription factors, cut like homeobox 1 and SRY-box transcription factor 9, respectively. Our results establish the connection between genetic variations at this locus and lung cancer susceptibility.
Thermographic evaluation of acupoints in lower limb region of individuals with osteoarthritis: A cross-sectional case-control study protocol
Authors: Mi Bao-Hong , Wang Xue-Zhou , Yang Jing-Wen , Shi Guang-Xia , Zhang Wen-Zheng , Jin Li-Na , Yang Li-Sha , Liu Dong-Hua , Kang Si-Bo , Zhou Hang , Wang Yi-Ran , Wang Li-Qiong , Tu Jian-Feng
Published: April 2023

Purpose

Acupuncture has been widely used in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis (KOA), but the selection of acupoints is indeterminate and lacks biological basis. The skin temperature of acupoints can reflect the state of local tissue and may be a potential factor for guiding acupoint selection. This study aims to compare the skin temperature of acupoints between KOA patients and the healthy population.

Study design and methods

This is a protocol for a cross-sectional case-control study with 170 KOA patients and 170 age- and gender-matched healthy individuals. Diagnosed patients aged 45 to 70 will be recruited in the KOA group. Participants in the healthy group will be matched with the KOA group based on mean age and gender distribution. Skin temperature of 11 acupoints (ST35, EX-LE5, GB33, GB34, EX-LE2, ST34, ST36, GB39, BL40, SP9, SP10) will be extracted from infrared thermography (IRT) images of the lower limbs. Other measurements will include demographic data (gender, age, ethnicity, education, height, weight, BMI) and disease-related data (numerical rating scale, pain sites, duration of pain, pain descriptors, pain activities).

Discussion

The results of this study will provide biological evidence for acupoint selection. This study is a precondition for follow-up studies, in which the value of optimized acupoint selection will be verified.

Trial registration

ChiCTR2200058867.
Clinical significance of anti-NT5c1A autoantibody in Korean patients with inflammatory myopathies
Authors: Lee Seung-Ah , Lee Hyun Joon , Suh Bum Chun , Shin Ha Young , Kim Seung Woo , Yoon Byeol-A , Choi Young-Chul , Park Hyung Jun
Published: April 2023

To explore the clinical significance of anti-cytosolic 5’-nucleoditase 1A (NT5c1A) antibody seropositivity in inflammatory myopathies, we measured anti-NT5c1A antibodies and analyzed their clinical features. Anti-NT5c1A antibodies were measured in the sera of 103 patients with inflammatory myopathies using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Positivity for anti-NT5c1A antibody was found in 13 (12.6%) of 103 patients with inflammatory myopathy. Anti-NT5c1A antibody was most frequently identified in patients with inclusion body myositis (IBM) (8/20, 40%), followed by dermatomyositis (2/13, 15.4%), immune-mediated necrotizing myopathy (2/28, 7.1%), and polymyositis (1/42, 2.4%). In eight patients with the anti-NT5c1A antibody-seropositive IBM, the median age at symptom onset was 54 years (interquartile range [IQR]: 48–57 years), and the median disease duration was 34 months (IQR: 24–50 months]. Knee extension weakness was greater than or equal to hip flexion weakness in eight (100%) patients, and finger flexion strength was less than shoulder abduction in three (38%) patients. Dysphagia symptoms were found in three (38%) patients. The median serum CK level was 581 IU/l (IQR: 434–868 IU/L]. Clinically significant differences were not found between anti-NT5c1A antibody-seropositive and seronegative IBM groups with respect to gender, age at symptom onset, age at diagnosis, disease duration, serum CK values, presence of other autoantibodies, dysphagia, and the pattern of muscle impairment. Although anti-NT5c1A antibody is known to be associated with IBM, seropositivity has also been noted in non-IBM inflammatory myopathies, and is insufficient to have clinical significance by itself. These findings have important implications for interpreting anti-NT5c1A antibody test results as the first study in Korea.