bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effect of the Boss's Authentic Leadership Perceived by the Members of the Organization on Organizational Commitment: Resilience as a Mediator Effect
Authors:   The Korea Parents Education Association, Hong moon-sun , Do mi-hyang
Published: January 2024

The purpose of this study is to investigate whether the boss's genuine leadership perceived by the members of the organization affects organizational commitment through resilience. After conducting a survey of 313 office workers working in this study, the collected data were analyzed using SPS 27.0 and AMOS 27.0. The results of this study are as follows. Self-awareness, balanced information processing, internalized moral perspective, and relational transparency, which are four subfactors of genuine leadership, were statistically significant to all three subfactors of organizational commitment, and positivity and sociality, which are subfactors of resilience, were found to affect emotional, normative, and continuous factors of organizational commitment, but did not affect the control of resilience and continuous factors of organizational commitment. The four subfactors of the boss's genuine leadership, the positivity of resilience, and sociality were affected. In other words, in order to increase the genuine leadership of the boss and the organizational commitment of the members of the organization, the results suggest that various support systems are needed in the direction of increasing their resilience. This study suggests that in order to survive in a rapidly changing era, changes must be made from within the company, and that leaders must create an environment in a good atmosphere with a sincere attitude as leaders and pay a lot of attention to human management in order to improve their members' organizational commitment.
Nabi Yesaya Teladan Kekuatan Iman dalam Masa Ujian: Menggali Pesan Nabi Yesaya dalam Analisis Makna Puasa dalam Konteks Yesaya 58:6-10
Authors: Tamba Gerbin , Nainggolan Sarwedy , Siswanto Daniel , Sinaga Janes , Sinambela Juita Lusiana , Purba Beni Chandra
Published: January 2024

This research explores an in-depth understanding of the Prophet Isaiah's message about the strength of faith in facing times of trial, with a focus on analyzing the meaning of fasting in the context described in Isaiah 58:6-10. This research aims to understand how the Prophet Isaiah became an example of the strength of faith through the teachings of fasting, in line with his theological and contextual understanding. Text and context analysis methods are used to detail the meaning and implications of fasting in Isaiah's writings, with the aim of identifying teachings that can empower people to strengthen their faith during times of trial. It is hoped that the results of this research can contribute to practical and theological understanding of the power of faith in the context of trials, especially through understanding the message of the Prophet Isaiah about the meaning of fasting.
A CONTRIBUIÇÃO DO SISTEMA EMBRAPA PARA O DESENVOLVIMENTO DA AGROPECUÁRIA NORDESTINA
Authors: Portugal Alberto Duque , Contini Elisio
Published: January 2024

Analisa as recentes contribuições e os próximos macrodesafios para o Sistema Embrapa de pesquisa agropecuária, na sua contribuição para o desenvolvimento do Nordeste Brasileiro. Descreve, brevemente, a evolução recente da agricultura nordestina e estabelece marcos referenciais para o desenvolvimento. Apresenta a infra-estrutura disponível de pesquisa agropecuária para a região. Analisa as principais contribuições e macrodesafios para temas importantes como: recursos naturais, recursos genéticos, convivência com a seca, agricultura familiar e para as principais cadeias produtivas da região. As cadeias analisadas contemplam os principais produtos: grãos nos cerrados da Bahia e do Meio Norte; pecuária bovina, caprina e ovina; fibras, com algodão e sisal; fruticultura irrigada, coco da Bahia e caju; cana-de-açúcar; e mandioca. Resultados de pesquisa acenam para a potencialidade da fruticultura irrigada e pecuária no semi-árido.
Integrating molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation approaches for the investigation of the affinity and interactions of curcumin with Class D β-lactamase
Authors:   Medical Sciences Research Center, Ghalib University, Kabul, Afghanistan, Mangal Jawid Khan , Mosawi Sayed Hussain ,   Medical Sciences Research Center, Ghalib University, Kabul, Afghanistan, Bayan Abdul Musawer ,   Medical Sciences Research Center, Ghalib University, Kabul, Afghanistan, Rahmatzai Hijratullah ,   Medical Sciences Research Center, Ghalib University, Kabul, Afghanistan, Stanikzai Enayatullah ,   Medical Sciences Research Center, Ghalib University, Kabul, Afghanistan
Published: January 2024

ntroduction: Antimicrobial resistance has become major concern of treating infectious disease due to their extensive use, which led to bacterial gen modification and secretion of some enzymes by these microorganisms that make them survival despite the presence of antibiotics. Searching of inhibitors for these resistant pathogens were helpful to elevate the impact of antibiotics in curing diseases. Curcumin is a natural compound which has several medicinal effects, can be used to inhibit OXA-10 β-lactamase class D enzymes. Materials and Methods: Molecular docking and Molecular dynamic simulation utilized to understand the binding pose, structural integrity, stability and binding energy of class D beta lactamase with Curcumin using Autodock 4.2.2 software and GROMACS 2019.6 program applying AMBER99SB force field respectively. Results: Molecular docking results and interaction analysis of molecular dynamics simulations indicated stable hydrogen bonds and van der Waals interactions of Curcumin with OXA-10 β-lactamase. Conclusion: This paper indicates that curcumin which is a natural ingredient can be used as a potential inhibitor of class D β -lactamase OXA-10.
Analisis kebutuhan pelatihan dan pengembangan perangkat desa se-Kecamatan Alasa Talumuzoi dalam meningkatkan pelayanan publik
Authors: Mendrofa Yanta Firman Jaya , Lase Delipiter , Waruwu Sukaaro , Mendrofa Syah Abadi
Published: January 2024

Artikel ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis kebutuhan pelatihan dan pengembangan perangkat desa di Kecamatan Alasa Talumuzoi guna meningkatkan kualitas pelayanan publik. Dengan menggunakan metode penelitian deskriptif kualitatif, penelitian ini menggali informasi dari dua belas perangkat desa melalui wawancara semi terstruktur. Hasilnya menunjukkan bahwa terdapat variasi signifikan dalam pengetahuan dan keterampilan perangkat desa, dengan fokus utama pada keterampilan administratif, penggunaan teknologi, dan kebutuhan peningkatan komunikasi. Kendala yang diidentifikasi meliputi keterbatasan sumber daya, akses terbatas ke teknologi, birokrasi yang kompleks, ketidaksetaraan sosial, serta rendahnya partisipasi dan pemahaman hukum masyarakat. Pelatihan yang diperlukan mencakup beragam aspek seperti manajemen administrasi, hukum, keuangan, pengembangan masyarakat, dan penggunaan teknologi. Implikasinya adalah perlunya program pelatihan yang disesuaikan dengan kebutuhan lokal, peningkatan akses teknologi, pemahaman tata kelola yang baik, komunikasi efektif dengan masyarakat, evaluasi berkelanjutan, serta keterlibatan masyarakat dalam proses pembangunan. Penelitian ini memiliki keterbatasan dalam mengakses data spesifik dan mengukur dampak jangka panjang pelatihan, serta potensi bias dari responden. Namun, kesimpulannya menggarisbawahi kebutuhan pendekatan holistik dalam peningkatan pelayanan publik di desa.
Sedative Agents in Minor Paediatric Oral Surgical ProceduresA Narrative Review
Authors: Sheriff.K Mohammed Bilal , V Dharini , J Aarthi , C.G Madhan , A Packialakshmi , R.P Ramadevi
Published: January 2024

Sedation in pediatric dentistry reduces anxiety during surgical procedures and also helps cope with very stressful events encountered during dental treatment. Various sedative agents like Nitrous oxide, diazepam, midazolam, Ketamine, propofol, fentanyl, and dexmedetomidine have been administered through several sedation routes including oral, nasal, inhalation, intramuscular, and sub-mucosal to attain active sedation. However, it is evident that the sesedative drugs also have the prospective to causelethal complications. Aim: The present review was carried out to brief the clinical aspects of various sedative agents currently available in pediatric practices based on the existing literature with special emphasis on their role in minor pediatric oral surgical procedures. Discussion: Nitrous oxide is frequently used in combination with complextime-consuming procedures and dental extractions, particularly for young and anxious patients undergoing orthodontic extractions. Fentanyl decreases pain and anxiety but causes respiratory distress. Oral ketamine is a potent dissociative drug often combined with midazolam produces excellent analgesic and sedative effects. None the less, the most common combinations include sedatives with ketamine/opioids or dexmedetomidine to maintain the airway reflexes if given in small doses with precautions. Sometimes a combination of inhaled gases especially short-acting sevoflurane along with Diazepam is favored. Conclusion: Within the limitation, it is evident that a clear understanding of the proper selection of sedative agents, awareness of the intended level of sedation or route of drug administration, and knowledge of adverse responses during and after sedation are essential to achieve appropriate sedation levels during minor oral surgical procedures.
Low-stakes reflections on learning as a tool for teaching theory through children’s books
Authors: Andrianova Anastassiya
Published: January 2024

This study investigates the role of­ low-stakes reflections on learning in teaching literary theory through children’s books. Through an inductive thematic analysis of empirical data collected in a college course in literary analysis, five themes were identified in such reflections: 1. appreciating the use of children’s books; 2. recognizing the differences between adult and child perspectives; 3. successes and 4. difficulties with learning literary theory; and 5. the need for more examples of applying theoretical lenses to texts. Low-stakes reflections on learning were shown to be effective in teaching literary theory, with students expressing their appreciation for using children’s books and feeling comfortable applying theoretical lenses to them. The study concludes that teaching literary theory through children’s books makes difficult theoretical concepts more accessible and enjoyable for students. Low-stakes reflections on learning encourage students to self-evaluate their personal efforts; thus, they can help teachers gauge the students’ level of comprehension and the efficacy of scaffolding high-stakes assignments, also providing opportunities to better intervene in student learning. The study suggests that this approach is not limited to English majors, can be combined with visual analysis, and is urgent given the current censorship of children’s books in the U.S.
Understanding and Text Properties: Investigating Readers’ Sense-making Processes
Authors: Kirchhoff Leonie , Glaesser Judith
Published: January 2024

Literary reading and the comprehension of literary text(s) has long been a key part of education. While reading comprehension in general has received a fair amount of attention, empirical research on comprehension processes of literary texts is still relatively rare; and yet, it is advisable to gain a thorough understanding of comprehension processes along with potential difficulties and hurdles to understanding specifically of literary texts. To address this issue, we analyse such comprehension processes in a group of university students of English as a second language, drawing on a test based on Shakespeare’s sonnet 43 which employs standardised, open-ended questions. Our research has two goals: firstly, to analyse readers’ approaches that result in a more or less successful decoding of the text they are presented with, and, secondly, to explore whether different textual phenomena help or hinder understanding. We find that strong and weak readers employ similar reading strategies, they do differ, however, with regard to their literary response, with weak readers more likely to draw on irrelevant associations not warranted by the text. In addition, we are able to show that some textual phenomena are more difficult to understand than others. We discuss possible implications of our findings for teaching.
Estrategias pedagógicas novedosas para motivar a leer a jóvenes con DI: las Nubes de palabras
Authors: Ávila Vicenta , Gil Laura
Published: January 2024

Los jóvenes con Discapacidad Intelectual (DI) muestran dificultades tanto en la comprensión lectora como en la producción escrita (Hallabaan et al., 2018). Esto parece llevar aparejado un menor hábito lector o gusto por la lectura. Sin embargo, los beneficios que implica la lectura son bien conocidos e implican mejoras psicológicas, como mayor bienestar, mejor estado de ánimo y puede suponer para jóvenes con DI mejoras en habilidades cognitivas y críticas (Qianquian Wang et al., 2022; Robinson, et al., 2018).  Por tanto es importante promover la lectura en los jóvenes con DI.
En torno a una narrativa argentina especulativa neoindigenista en el siglo XXI
Authors: Pérez Gras María Laura
Published: January 2024

En este trabajo estudiamos la presencia del neoindigenismo en la narrativa argentina especulativa del siglo XXI. En primer lugar, realizamos un recorrido diacrónico y local tanto por los antecedentes indigenistas como por los de la narrativa contrafáctica, que allanaron el camino hacia la producción actual. Luego, analizamos el cambio de paradigma que significaron los libros de La saga de los confines (2000-2004), de Liliana Bodoc, y El año del desierto (2005), de Pedro Mairal, para alcanzar una mejor comprensión de las estrategias narrativas de dos obras más recientes: Las aventuras de la China Iron (2017), de Gabriela Cabezón Cámara, y La Reina (2020), de Gabriela Saidón, ambas novelas especulativas contrafácticas neoindigenistas. Nos servimos de la imagología y de los estudios sobre literatura especulativa como marco teórico para abordar las lecturas que proponemos.
Ficciones de la discapacidad cognitiva en la novela hispánica contemporánea: entre el estigma y la desestabilización del canon
Authors: Pereyra Soledad , Salerno María Paula
Published: January 2024

Este artículo hace foco en la estigmatización y falta de representación de la discapacidad cognitiva en la ficción, también rastreable en la investigación académica. Analiza cómo dos novelas en español escritas a ambos lados del Atlántico (una en Argentina y la otra en España), ‘Las primas’ (2007) de Aurora Venturini y ‘Lectura fácil’ (2018) de Cristina Morales, retratan a mujeres narradoras y protagonistas con discapacidad cognitiva. El estudio compara los contextos de escritura, aparición y recepción de estas obras, se basa en los ‘disability studies’ y examina las representaciones junto a los viejos y nuevos significados que surgen de la discapacidad en las narrativas. Además, se debate sobre el papel de la ficción novelesca en la construcción de imágenes sociales sobre la discapacidad y las intersecciones con la estigmatización de las mujeres y la legitimación de las escritoras en el campo literario actual.
Memorias reflexivas de la violencia multicausal en Colombia: Procesos del recordar e intertextualidad en ‘Canciones para el incendio’ de Juan Gabriel Vásquez
Authors: Homann Florian
Published: January 2024

En la colección de relatos ‘Canciones para el incendio’, Juan Gabriel Vásquez escenifica diversas memorias y utiliza específicamente en el último cuento el ejemplo de la historia de la protagonista, ocurrida en la primera mitad del siglo XX, para abordar la violencia contra algunas mujeres inconformistas silenciada en la memoria cultural colombiana. Primero, este estudio examina cómo el relato es narrado, entre dos dimensiones distintas de la memoria colectiva, combinando diferentes registros literarios de una retórica de la memoria concebida por Astrid Erll. Al exponer qué modo narrativo predomina, pretende mostrar las consecuencias de ello sobre el efecto de la narración, especialmente en relación con la memoria colectiva: el relato narrado predominantemente en un modo reflexivo fomenta la reflexión sobre la construcción de la memoria cultural y el reconocimiento de la necesidad de una reescritura con la incorporación de memorias y perspectivas anteriormente olvidadas. En relación con esto, el análisis enfoca el papel desempeñado por la intertextualidad y sus funciones centrales. Finalmente señala cómo la violencia, que se manifiesta en el mundo narrado de forma directa e indirecta, según una clasificación de Johan Galtung, se basa en estructuras patriarcales colonialistas, así como en discursos conservadores e ideologías religiosas fundamentalistas.
Ocho apellidos digitales: ¿quiénes son los verdaderos nativos digitales
Authors: Rosales Andrea
Published: January 2024

Con el comienzo del milenio, hablar de «nativos digitales» se volvió algo muy común para muchos. Con este concepto, Marc Prensky (escritor y orador estadounidense experto en educación) hacía referencia a una nueva generación de estudiantes que comenzaban a llegar a las universidades y que no se adaptaban bien al sistema educativo. El diccionario de Oxford retoma la idea de Prensky y define a los nativos digitales como quienes han crecido en la era de las tecnologías digitales.
A dynamic bactofilin cytoskeleton cooperates with an M23 endopeptidase to control bacterial morphogenesis
Authors: Pöhl Sebastian , Osorio-Valeriano Manuel , Cserti Emöke , Harberding Jannik , Hernández-Tamayo Rogelio , Biboy Jacob , Sobetzko Patrick , Vollmer Waldemar , Graumann Peter L. , Thanbichler Martin
Published: January 2024

Bactofilins have emerged as a widespread family of cytoskeletal proteins with important roles in bacterial morphogenesis, but their precise mode of action is still incompletely understood. In this study, we identify the bactofilin cytoskeleton as a key regulator of cell growth in the stalked budding alphaproteobacterium
Hyphomonas neptunium
. We show that, in this species, bactofilin polymers localize dynamically to the stalk base and the bud neck, with their absence leading to unconstrained growth of the stalk and bud compartments, indicating a central role in the spatial regulation of cell wall biosynthesis. Database searches reveal that in a range of different species bactofilin genes are clustered with genes for cell wall hydrolases of the M23 peptidase family, suggesting a functional connection between these two types of proteins. In support of this notion, we find that the
H. neptunium
M23 peptidase homolog LmdC interacts directly with bactofilin
in vitro
and is required for proper cell shape
in vivo
. Complementary studies in the spiral-shaped alphaproteobacterium
Rhodospirillum rubrum
again reveal a close association of its bactofilin and LmdC homologs, which co-localize at the inner curve of the cell, modulating the degree of cell curvature. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that bactofilins and M23 peptidases form a conserved functional module that promotes local changes in the mode of cell wall biosynthesis, thereby driving cell shape determination in morphologically complex bacteria.
Landscape drives zoonotic malaria prevalence in non-human primates
Authors: Johnson Emilia , Kumar Sharma Reuben Sunil , Cuenca Pablo Ruiz , Byrne Isabel , Salgado-Lynn Milena , Shahar Zarith Suraya , Lin Lee Col , Zulkifli Norhadila , Mohd Saidi Nor Dilaila , Drakeley Chris , Matthiopoulos Jason , Nelli Luca , Fornace Kimberly
Published: January 2024

Zoonotic disease dynamics in wildlife hosts are rarely quantified at macroecological scales due to the lack of systematic surveys. Non-human primates (NHPs) host
Plasmodium knowlesi,
a zoonotic malaria of public health concern and the main barrier to malaria elimination in Southeast Asia. Understanding of regional
P. knowlesi
infection dynamics in wildlife is limited. Here, we systematically assemble reports of NHP
P. knowlesi
and investigate geographic determinants of prevalence in reservoir species. Meta-analysis of 6322 NHPs from 148 sites reveals that prevalence is heterogeneous across Southeast Asia, with low overall prevalence and high estimates for Malaysian Borneo. We find that regions exhibiting higher prevalence in NHPs overlap with human infection hotspots. In wildlife and humans, parasite transmission is linked to land conversion and fragmentation. By assembling remote sensing data and fitting statistical models to prevalence at multiple spatial scales, we identify novel relationships between
P. knowlesi
in NHPs and forest fragmentation. This suggests that higher prevalence may be contingent on habitat complexity, which would begin to explain observed geographic variation in parasite burden. These findings address critical gaps in understanding regional
P. knowlesi
epidemiology and indicate that prevalence in simian reservoirs may be a key spatial driver of human spillover risk.
Novel sterol binding domains in bacteria
Authors: Zhai Liting , Bonds Amber C. , Smith Clyde A. , Oo Hannah , Chou Jonathan Chiu-Chun , Welander Paula V. , Dassama Laura M. K.
Published: January 2024

Sterol lipids are widely present in eukaryotes and play essential roles in signaling and modulating membrane fluidity. Although rare, some bacteria also produce sterols, but their function in bacteria is not known. Moreover, many more species, including pathogens and commensal microbes, acquire or modify sterols from eukaryotic hosts through poorly understood molecular mechanisms. The aerobic methanotroph
Methylococcus capsulatus
was the first bacterium shown to synthesize sterols, producing a mixture of C-4 methylated sterols that are distinct from those observed in eukaryotes. C-4 methylated sterols are synthesized in the cytosol and localized to the outer membrane, suggesting that a bacterial sterol transport machinery exists. Until now, the identity of such machinery remained a mystery. In this study, we identified three novel proteins that may be the first examples of transporters for bacterial sterol lipids. The proteins, which all belong to well-studied families of bacterial metabolite transporters, are predicted to reside in the inner membrane, periplasm, and outer membrane of
M. capsulatus,
and may work as a conduit to move modified sterols to the outer membrane. Quantitative analysis of ligand binding revealed their remarkable specificity for 4-methylsterols, and crystallographic structures coupled with docking and molecular dynamics simulations revealed the structural bases for substrate binding by two of the putative transporters. Their striking structural divergence from eukaryotic sterol transporters signals that they form a distinct sterol transport system within the bacterial domain. Finally, bioinformatics revealed the widespread presence of similar transporters in bacterial genomes, including in some pathogens that use host sterol lipids to construct their cell envelopes. The unique folds of these bacterial sterol binding proteins should now guide the discovery of other proteins that handle this essential metabolite.
Mono-methylated histones control PARP-1 in chromatin and transcription
Authors: Bamgbose Gbolahan , Bordet Guillaume , Lodhi Niraj , Tulin Alexei
Published: January 2024

PARP-1 is central to transcriptional regulation under both normal and stress conditions, with the governing mechanisms yet to be fully understood. Our biochemical and ChIP-seq-based analyses showed that PARP-1 binds specifically to active histone marks, particularly H4K20me1. We found that H4K20me1 plays a critical role in facilitating PARP-1 binding and the regulation of PARP-1-dependent loci during both development and heat shock stress. Here, we report that the sole H4K20 mono-methylase, pr-set7, and parp-1 Drosophila mutants undergo developmental arrest. RNA-seq analysis showed an absolute correlation between PR-SET7- and PARP-1-dependent loci expression, confirming co-regulation during developmental phases. PARP-1 and PR-SET7 are both essential for activating hsp70 and other heat shock genes during heat stress, with a notable increase of H4K20me1 at their gene body. Mutating pr-set7 disrupts monomethylation of H4K20 along heat shock loci and abolish PARP-1 binding there. These data strongly suggest that H4 monomethylation is a key triggering point in PARP-1 dependent processes in chromatin.
Mycobacterium tuberculosis PhoP integrates stress response to intracellular survival by regulating cAMP level
Authors: Khan Hina , Paul Partha , Goar Harsh , Bamniya Bhanwar , Baid Navin , Sarkar Dibyendu
Published: January 2024

Survival of Mycobacterium tuberculosis within the host macrophages requires the bacterial virulence regulator PhoP, but the underlying reason remains unknown. 3′,5′-Cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) is one of the most widely used second messengers, which impacts a wide range of cellular responses in microbial pathogens including M. tuberculosis. Herein, we hypothesized that intra-bacterial cAMP level could be controlled by PhoP since this major regulator plays a key role in bacterial responses against numerous stress conditions. A transcriptomic analysis reveals that PhoP functions as a repressor of cAMP-specific phosphodiesterase (PDE) Rv0805, which hydrolyzes cAMP. In keeping with these results, we find specific recruitment of the regulator within the promoter region of rv0805 PDE, and absence of phoP or ectopic expression of rv0805 independently accounts for elevated PDE synthesis, leading to the depletion of intra-bacterial cAMP level. Thus, genetic manipulation to inactivate PhoP-rv0805-cAMP pathway decreases cAMP level, stress tolerance, and intracellular survival of the bacillus.
Genetic and pharmacologic alterations of claudin9 levels suffice to induce functional and mature inner hair cells
Authors: Chen Yingying , Lee Jeong Han , Li Jin , Park Seojin , Flores Maria C. Perez , Peguero Braulio , Kersigo Jennifer , Kang Mincheol , Choi Jinsil , Levine Lauren , Gratton Michael Anne , Fritzsch Bernd , Yamoah Ebenezer N.
Published: January 2024

Hearing loss is the most common form of sensory deficit. It occurs predominantly due to hair cell (HC) loss. Mammalian HCs are terminally differentiated by birth, making HC loss incurable. Here, we show the pharmacogenetic downregulation of Cldn9, a tight junction protein, generates robust supernumerary inner HCs (IHCs) in mice. The putative ectopic IHCs have functional and synaptic features akin to typical IHCs and were surprisingly and remarkably preserved for at least fifteen months >50% of the mouse’s life cycle. In vivo, Cldn9 knockdown using shRNA on postnatal days (P) P1-7 yielded analogous functional putative ectopic IHCs that were equally durably conserved. The findings suggest that Cldn9 levels coordinate embryonic and postnatal HC differentiation, making it a viable target for altering IHC development pre- and post-terminal differentiation.
Intraspecific predator interference promotes biodiversity in ecosystems
Authors: Kang Ju , Zhang Shijie , Niu Yiyuan , Zhong Fan , Wang Xin
Published: January 2024

Explaining biodiversity is a fundamental issue in ecology. A long-standing puzzle lies in the paradox of the plankton: many species of plankton feeding on a limited variety of resources coexist, apparently flouting the competitive exclusion principle (CEP), which holds that the number of predator (consumer) species cannot exceed that of the resources at a steady state. Here, we present a mechanistic model and demonstrate that intraspecific interference among the consumers enables a plethora of consumer species to coexist at constant population densities with only one or a handful of resource species. This facilitated biodiversity is resistant to stochasticity, either with the stochastic simulation algorithm or individual-based modeling. Our model naturally explains the classical experiments that invalidate the CEP, quantitatively illustrates the universal S-shaped pattern of the rank-abundance curves across a wide range of ecological communities, and can be broadly used to resolve the mystery of biodiversity in many natural ecosystems.
Силикатные сюрпризы: открытие двух новых минералов со слоистой структурой, "Природа"
Authors: Расцветаева Р.К. , Гридчина В.М.
Published: January 2024

В статье рассказывается об открытии двух новых минералов семейства слоистых силикатов — калюжныита-(Ce) NaKCaSrCeTi(SiO)OF(HO) и летниковита-(Ce) (Na )CaCe[SiO(OH)]F(HO). Они найдены в щелочном массиве Дараи-Пиоз в горах Тянь-Шаня (Таджикистан). В структурах этих минералов содержатся новые типы слоев из кремне-кислородных тетраэдров — калюжныитовый двойной слой [SiO] и летниковитовый слой [SiO(OH)]. Описаны их особенности в сравнении с близкородственными слоистыми силикатами. Оба минерала с широкими каналами в структурах могут служить прототипами для синтеза технологически полезных микропористых материалов.
Ихтиофауна Черного моря у кавказского побережья , "Наука юга России"
Authors: Гуськов Г.Е. , Бухмин Д.А. , Гуськова О.С.
Published: January 2024

Целью работы является ревизия ихтиофауны Черного моря у кавказского побережья. Анализ литературных источников за последние 20 лет и собственные данные, полученные в 2015 2021 гг. в ходе ихтиологических исследований, позволили определить количество видов рыб в северо-восточной и восточной части Черного моря. По уточненным данным, у берегов Кавказа к настоящему времени было отмечено 124 вида и подвида рыб, принадлежащих к 19 отрядам и 48 семействам, включая четырех пресноводных представителей ихтиофауны. В обновленный список добавлены ранее не учтенные для этого бассейна виды: темный окунь Sebastes schlegelii Hilgendorf, 1880, большая сериола Seriola dumerili (Risso, 1810) и сиган Siganus luridus (R ppell, 1828), – а также атлантический землерой Lithognathus mormyrus (Linnaeus, 1758), который ранее единично встречался только у берегов Румынии и позднее у крымских берегов. Ранее в списки рыб кавказского побережья были включены некоторые представители ихтиофауны, присутствие которых здесь вызывает сомнение. К ним можно отнести малую колючую акулу Squalus blainville (Risso, 1827), перкарину Percarina demidoffii Nordmann, 1840, полосатую пескарку Callionymus fasciatus Valenciennes, 1837, узорчатого лысунаPomatoschistus pictus (Malm, 1865), атлантическую скумбриюScomber colias Gmelin, 1789, морского угря Conger conger (Linnaeus, 1758), серую триглу Eutrigla gurnardus (Linnaeus, 1758), сфирену Sphyraena sphyraena (Linnaeus, 1758), смаридуSpicara smaris (Linnaeus, 1758). Однако другие средиземноморские виды могут встречаться в данной акватории. Учитывая продолжающуюся медитерранизацию, можно предположить, что в будущем у берегов Кавказа вероятно увеличение числа находок новых видов рыб.
Sustainable Sourcing of Organic Skincare Ingredients: A Critical Analysis of Ethical Concerns and Environmental Implications
Authors: Ajayi Samson Abidemi , Olaniyi Oluwaseun Oladeji , Oladoyinbo Tunbosun Oyewale , Ajayi Nneka Damola , Olaniyi Folashade Gloria
Published: January 2024

This study presents a comprehensive analysis of the organic skincare and cosmetics industry, focusing on the sourcing practices of ingredients and their implications for consumer health, ethical considerations, and environmental impact. The research employs a quantitative approach, utilizing data from 700 working-class women, analyzed through descriptive statistics, correlation, and regression methods. The findings highlight a critical need for enhanced transparency and ethical accountability in sourcing practices within the industry. A significant correlation was identified between the geographical proximity of organic skincare producers to consumers and an increased risk of unethical and unsafe skincare products, underscoring the importance of stringent quality control and ethical oversight. Additionally, the research explored the environmental aspects of sourcing practices and found that, while there is a relationship with ecological footprints, the impact is less substantial than initially presumed. This points towards the necessity for a broader and more comprehensive approach to sustainability in the organic skincare industry. Another key finding is the strong correlation between the cost of sourcing ingredients and the likelihood of small-scale producers compromising on product safety and ethical standards. This reveals a fundamental challenge in balancing economic viability with ethical and safety considerations. Based on these findings, the study recommends that industry regulators adopt a holistic approach to sustainability, focusing on sustainable farming practices and reducing carbon footprints, especially for small-scale producers. Future studies are suggested to further investigate the long-term health and environmental impacts of organic skincare ingredients.
Biological Processing of Leguminous Plants as Fish Feed Ingredients
Authors: Haetami Kiki , Nurmalasari Nury , Pratiwy Fittrie Meyllianawaty
Published: January 2024

Fish feed has a crucial role in the success of fish farming, namely influencing growth. Development and use of alternative feed in fish farming as a solution to reduce pressure on natural resources and increase the sustainability of the fisheries sector. The use of legume plants as an alternative fish feed ingredient can be used to support the sustainability of fish farming. This review article aims to collect and provide information about several research results regarding the use of legume plants as ingredients in fish feed. The method used in preparing this review article is a literature review. Many studies have been conducted to evaluate the nutritional potential, availability, and impact of the use of legume plants on fish growth. Legumes have the potential to be used as fish feed because their protein content ranges from 27-35% and have been proven to have an effect on increasing body weight due to their nutritional content so they can be used as alternative feed.
Machine Learning Models for Prediction of Meteorological Variables for Weather Forecasting
Authors: Obisesan Omodara E.
Published: January 2024

This study trained six machine learning models to predict meteorological variables at a tropical location. The models used are: Multiple linear regression, Decision tree, Random forest, Support vector machine, Extreme gradient boosting and Multilayer perceptron. This was with the aim of determining the best machine learning model for weather forecasting in a tropical location. The meteorological variables that were predicted are: Temperature, Solar radiation, Relative humidity and Wind speed.  To identify the efficiency and to quantify the predictive capacity of each models, evaluation metrics such as coefficient of determination (R2), mean absolute error (MAE), mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) and mean square error (RMSE) were employed. The best performed model for temperature is the Random Forest which has R2 of 0.93, MAE of 0.78 0C, MAPE of 2.84 % and RMSE of 1.13 0C. Also, the best performed model for solar radiation is the Random Forest having an R2 value of 0.72, MAE of 85.34 W/m2 and RMSE of 19008.45 W/m2. For relative humidity, Random Forest also has the best performance. From the evaluation metrics, it has R2 of 0.92, MAE of 3.41 %, MAPE of 0.75 % and RMSE of 24.71 %. The best performed technique for predicting the wind speed was also the Random Forest having an R2 value of 0.79, MAE of 0.16 m/s and RMSE of 0.044 m/s. The study concluded that the best machine learning model for predicting meteorological variables in a tropical location is the Random Forest.
Economic Evaluation of Precise Intelligent Cauliflower Harvester: A Comparative Study with Manual Harvesting
Authors: Kushwah Ajay , Sharma P. K. , Kushwaha H. L. , Nag Ramineni Harsha , Carpenter Gopal , Choudhary Mukesh Kumar , Chowdhury Manojit , Pandey Abhishek , Chaudhary Shubham
Published: January 2024

Aim: The traditional harvesting of cauliflower has been done by hand using labor-intensive, expensive, and time-consuming techniques that frequently lead to significant yield losses because immature curds are harvested without selection. A rising number of people are interested in creating selective cauliflower harvesters that can precisely detect and gather healthy, mature heads while reducing damage, waste, and labor-intensive operations in response to these difficulties. The purpose of this research article is to present a thorough analysis of the ownership and operating costs related to this kind of selective harvesting technology.

Methodology: Through accurate cost insights, farmers can make well-informed decisions on the purchase of new machinery, the maintenance, and upkeep of current equipment, or the investigation of alternative approaches to improve farm productivity and financial results. The economic assessment was conducted through the computation of operating costs utilizing the straight-line method, coupled with breakeven point analysis and determination of the payback period.

Results: The developed selective harvester's ownership and running costs are calculated to be 58.41 and 75.5 rupees per hour, respectively. The selective harvester has several advantages over typical manual harvesting techniques, as demonstrated by a comparative analysis. In particular, the selective harvester shows a remarkable 24.6% cost reduction in addition to saving an astounding 60.6% of the necessary time.

Conclusion: These results highlight the efficiency and financial gains that come with using selective cauliflower harvesting technologies. This analysis is further utilized by farmers for decision-making.
Transformation of arsenic(V) by the fungus Fusarium oxysporum melonis isolated from the alga Fucus gardneri
Authors: Granchinho Sophia C. R. , Franz Catherine M. , Polishchuk Elena , Cullen William R. , Reimer Kenneth J.
Published: November 2002

A fungus isolated from the macroalga Fucus gardneri was identified by using 28S rDNA sequence analysis, 99% similarity match, as Fusarium oxysporum meloni. The fungus was exposed to arsenic(V) (500 ppb) in artificial seawater to investigate the possibility that the fungus is the source of the metabolic activity that results in the presence of arsenosugars in the macroalga. High‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry was used to identify the arsenic species in the fungus, and in the growth medium. The fungus was able to accumulate arsenic(V) and an increase in arsenite and dimethylarsinate was also observed. Some reduction of arsenate led to a small increase of arsenite in the growth medium. The fungus does not seem to be involved with the accumulation of arsenosugars by the Fucus. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Distribution of arsenic species in the freshwater crustacean Procambarus clarkii
Authors: Devesa V. , Súñer M. A. , Lai V. W.‐M. , Granchinho S. C. R. , Vélez D. , Cullen W. R. , Martínez J. M. , Montoro R.
Published: November 2002

The concentrations of total arsenic and arsenic species in the complete organism of the crayfish Procambarus clarkii and its various parts (hepatopancreas, tail, and remaining parts) were analyzed in order to discover the distribution of arsenic and its species. With this information it will be possible to establish where the chemical forms of this metalloid tend to accumulate and what risks may derive from the contents and species present in the edible parts of this crustacean. The total arsenic content in the complete organism and in the various parts analyzed ranged from 2.5 to 12 µg g−1 dry mass (DM), with inorganic arsenic representing 18 to 34% of total arsenic. The arsenical composition varied according to the part of the crayfish considered. The hepatopancreas had the highest levels of total arsenic (9.2–12 µg g−1 DM) and inorganic arsenic (2.7–3.2 µg g−1 DM). The tail (edible part) had the lowest levels of both total arsenic (2.5–2.6 µg g−1 DM) and inorganic arsenic (0.46–0.64 µg g−1 DM). The predominant organoarsenical species were the dimethylarsinoylribosides: glycerol riboside in the hepatopancreas, sulfate riboside in the tail, and sulfonate and phosphate ribosides in the remaining parts. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Review: Biological methylation of less‐studied elements
Authors: Thayer John S.
Published: November 2002

Biological methylation is an enzymatic process in which a methyl group is transferred from one atom to another. For elements having atomic number greater than 11, biological methylation has been most extensively studied for three elements: arsenic, mercury and sulfur. However, many other elements also undergo biological methylation but have received less attention. Recent work on these less‐studied elements and new applications of biological methylation to environmental remediation, along with a description of these reactions in terms of bonding models, is the focus of this review. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Review: Reactive selenium metabolites as targets of toxic metals/metalloids in mammals: a molecular toxicological perspective
Authors: Gailer J.
Published: November 2002

Human activities have been contaminating the environment with toxic heavy metal and metalloid compounds. Since the toxicity of one metal or metalloid can be dramatically modulated by the simultaneous ingestion of another, studies addressing the molecular basis of chemical interactions between toxic and essential elements are increasingly important. The intravenous injection of rabbits with selenite and arsenite or with selenite and mercuric mercury resulted in the in vivo formation of the seleno‐bis (S‐glutathionyl) arsinium ion, [(GS)2AsSe]−, or a glutathione‐coated mercuric selenide, (GS)5(HgSe)core, in blood. The formation of these species (and the formation of a cadmium–selenium species in blood after the exposure of rats to selenite and cadmium) critically involves reactive selenite metabolites, such as GS–Se− and/or HSe−, which indicates that these physiologically important metabolites are molecular targets of ingested toxic metals and metalloids. The fate and stability of [(GS)2AsSe]− and (GS)5(HgSe)core in vivo imply that the chronic exposure of mammals to inorganic arsenic and mercury will cumulatively affect the bioavailability of selenium, which could lead to selenium deficiency. Since selenium deficiency is significantly associated with the etiology of cancer in humans, the GSH‐driven in vivo formation of selenium‐containing metal and metalloid species provides a likely molecular mechanism for the chronic toxicity of environmentally persistent inorganic arsenic, mercury and cadmium. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis and biological activity of novel N‐benzoyl‐N‐tert‐butyl‐N′‐(β‐triphenylgermyl)propionylhydrazines
Authors: Wang Qing‐Min , Cheng Jun‐Ran , Huang Run‐Qiu
Published: November 2002

A series of new N‐benzoyl‐N‐tert‐butyl‐N′‐(β‐triphenylgermyl)propionylhydrazines were synthesized by the condensation reaction of β‐triphenylgermyl propanoic acid with N‐benzoyl‐N‐tert‐butylhydrazines in good yields by using N,N′‐dicyclohexylcorbodiimide as dehydrating agent. These title compounds were evaluated for molting hormone mimicking activity. The results of bioassay showed that the compounds exhibit moderate larvicidal activity, and toxicity assays indicated that the title compounds can induce a premature, abnormal and lethal larval molt. We found that the title compounds possess potential anticancer activities in vitro. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hypervalent selenium compounds containing N → Se intramolecular interactions: synthesis, characterization and X‐ray structures of [2‐(Me2NCH2)C6H4]SeS(S)PR2 (R = Ph, OiPr)
Authors: Deleanu Calin , Drake John. E. , Hursthouse Michael B. , Kulcsar Monika , Light Mark. E. , Silvestru Anca
Published: November 2002

[2‐(Me2NCH2)C6H4]SeS(S)PR2 [R = Ph (1), OiPr (2)] were prepared by reacting [2‐(Me2NCH2)C6H4]2Se2 with the appropriate disulfanes, [R2P(S)S]2. The compounds were characterized by multinuclear magnetic resonance (1H, 13C, 31P). The molecular structures of 1 and 2 were determined by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. Both compounds are monomeric and the nitrogen atom of the pendent CH2NMe2 arm is strongly coordinated to the selenium atom. The organophosphorus ligands are monodentate, thus resulting in a T‐shaped coordination geometry around selenium. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Spatially explicit trophic modelling of a harvested benthic ecosystem in Tongoy Bay (central northern Chile)
Authors: Ortiz Marco , Wolff Matthias
Published: November 2002

A dynamical and spatial simulation model of a harvested benthic ecosystem of central northern Chile (Tongoy Bay) was constructed using the ECOSPACE software package.

In this system the red alga (Chondrocanthus chamissoi), the scallop (Argopecten pupuratus), the gastropod (Xanthochorus cassidiformis) and the crab (Cancer polyodon) are harvested intensively. The impacts of harvesting these resources exclusively in the seagrass, sand‐gravel, and in the sand habitats, as well as, in the seagrass and sand‐gravel and in all habitats were assessed. The goal was to explore policies of sustainable exploitation of the benthic systems.

The most important findings were: (a) Fishing exclusively in either the seagrass or sand habitats produces a population increase in the sea star Luidia magallanica, in the seagrass Heterozostera tasmanica, and in the crab Paraxanthus barbiger. (b) Exclusive fishing in the sand‐gravel habitat causes only small effects on the species and groups, which suggests that this habitat is the most resistant to harvest. (c) The simultaneous fishing on two or three habitats would produce the largest negative effect on the entire system. Therefore, a habitat rotation fishery is recommended.

Our study suggests that trophic‐spatially explicit models offer great possibilities for the screening and planning of effective interventions or manipulations of natural systems.

Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Frameworks for marine conservation — non‐hierarchical approaches and distinctive habitats
Authors: Roff John C. , Evans Susan M.J.
Published: November 2002

Conservation efforts have traditionally been directed to ‘flagship’ species (whales, seals, migratory birds, etc.) that capture public attention. Often these flagship species occupy distinctive habitats. Distinctive habitats appear to be distinguished because of anomalous physical structures and unique oceanographic processes occurring within them, whereas representative habitats are not notable in this way. Distinctive habitats are found in areas of various physical anomalies described primarily by temperature, chlorophyll and topography.

Several different kinds of distinctive habitats can be defined by their anomalous physical structures and oceanographic and biological processes. Species diversity may be either higher or lower in distinctive than in representative habitats. Distinctive habitats predominantly belong to a class of environments called ‘ergoclines’, and are typically associated with elevated resources at some ‘trophic level’.

These elevated resources may be either the product of true production (i.e. they are generated (in situ), or they are the product of physical accumulation due to circulation mechanisms. These processes lie at the heart of the ecology of distinctive habitats, and are fundamental to maintenance of ecosystem health, ecological integrity, distributions, abundances and recruitment of species, patterns of animal migrations, and potential or actual fisheries yields.

Conservation strategies need to examine the relationships between distinctive and representative habitats and species diversity. A strategy, leading from studies on flagship or other focal species, could have several advantages. It should rejuvenate the inherent appeal and significance of ‘species’ approaches to marine conservation, provide a rationale for human interest and a new foundation for examination of marine ecological interactions. It would also require a novel synthesis of relationships between ‘species’ and ‘spaces’ approaches to marine conservation by asking how we can take the best advantage of both approaches, rather than seeing them as in conflict.

Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.