Abstract: Strong anthropogenic impact has uncontrolled
consequences on the nature of the soil. Hence, up-to-date sustainable
methods of soil state improvement are essential. Investigators provide
the evidence that biochar can positively effects physical, chemical,
and biological soil properties and the abundance of mycorrhizal fungi
which are in the focus of this study. The main aim of the present
investigation is to demonstrate the effect of two types of plant growth
promoting bacteria (PGPB) inoculums along with the beech wood
biochar and mineral N additives on mycorrhizal colonization.
Experiment has been set up in laboratory conditions with containers
filled with arable soil from the protection zone of the main water
source “Brezova nad Svitavou”. Lactuca sativa (lettuce) has been
selected as a model plant. Based on the obtained data, it can be
concluded that mycorrhizal colonization increased as the result of
combined influence of biochar and PGPB inoculums amendment. In
addition, correlation analyses showed that the numbers of main
groups of cultivated bacteria were dependent on the degree of
mycorrhizal colonization.
Abstract: Strong anthropogenic impact has uncontrolled
consequences on the nature of the soil. Hence, up-to-date sustainable
methods of soil state improvement are essential. Investigators provide
the evidence that biochar can positively effects physical, chemical,
and biological soil properties and the abundance of mycorrhizal fungi
which are in the focus of this study. The main aim of the present
investigation is to demonstrate the effect of two types of plant growth
promoting bacteria (PGPB) inoculums along with the beech wood
biochar and mineral N additives on mycorrhizal colonization.
Experiment has been set up in laboratory conditions with containers
filled with arable soil from the protection zone of the main water
source “Brezova nad Svitavou”. Lactuca sativa (lettuce) has been
selected as a model plant. Based on the obtained data, it can be
concluded that mycorrhizal colonization increased as the result of
combined influence of biochar and PGPB inoculums amendment. In
addition, correlation analyses showed that the numbers of main
groups of cultivated bacteria were dependent on the degree of
mycorrhizal colonization.
Abstract: In Algeria, the most impressive and most known
prehistoric art is the painted or engraved rock art which is present
with abundance in several regions. The existence of rock art in Great
Kabylia region has been known for over sixty years. The main purpose of this research is to show the dangers facing
these rock paintings and engravings and what are the arrangements
for their protection and recovery. As every vestige destroyed is a part of the world's memory which
disappears, some steps have to be taken in order to protect these
historical and archaeological heritages.
Abstract: The influence of physicochemical water quality
parameters on the abundance and diversity of caddisfly larvae was
studied in seven sampling stations in Mae Tao and Mae Ku
watersheds, Mae Sot District, Tak Province, northern Thailand. The
streams: MK2 and MK8 as reference site, and impacted streams
(MT1-MT5) were sampled bi-monthly during July 2011 to May
2012. A total of 4,584 individual of caddisfly larvae belonging to 10
family and 17 genera were found. The larvae of family
Hydropsychidae were the most abundance, followed by
Philopotamidae, Odontoceridae, and Leptoceridae, respectively. The
genus Cheumatopsyche, Hydropsyche, and Chimarra were the most
abundance genera in this study. Results of CCA ordination showed
the total dissolved solids, sulfate, water temperature, dissolved
oxygen and pH were the most important physicochemical factors to
affect distribution of caddisflies communities. Changes in the
caddisfly fauna may indicate changes in physicochemical factors
owing to agricultural pollution, urbanization, or other human
activities. Results revealed that the order Trichoptera, identified to
species or genus, can be potentially used to assess environmental
water quality status in freshwater ecosystems.
Abstract: Durian is the flagship fruit of Mindanao and there is
an abundance of several cultivars with many confusing identities/
names.
The project was conducted to develop procedure for reliable and
rapid detection and sorting of durian planting materials. Moreover, it
is also aimed to establish specific genetic or DNA markers for routine
testing and authentication of durian cultivars in question.
The project developed molecular procedures for routine testing.
SSR primers were also screened and identified for their utility in
discriminating durian cultivars collected.
Results of the study showed the following accomplishments:
1. Twenty (29) SSR primers were selected and identified based on
their ability to discriminate durian cultivars,
2. Optimized and established standard procedure for identification
and authentication of Durian cultivars
3. Genetic profile of durian is now available at Biotech Unit
Our results demonstrate the relevance of using molecular
techniques in evaluating and identifying durian clones. The most
polymorphic primers tested in this study could be useful tools for
detecting variation even at the early stage of the plant especially for
commercial purposes. The process developed combines the efficiency
of the microsatellites development process with the optimization of
non-radioactive detection process resulting in a user-friendly protocol
that can be performed in two (2) weeks and easily incorporated into
laboratories about to start microsatellite development projects. This
can be of great importance to extend microsatellite analyses to other
crop species where minimal genetic information is currently
available. With this, the University can now be a service laboratory
for routine testing and authentication of durian clones.
Abstract: In 2010-2011, the research on zooplankton was
conducted in the southern part of the Baltic Sea to determine seasonal
variability in changes occurring throughout the zooplankton in 2010
and 2011, both in the region of Gdańsk Deep, and in the western part
of Gdańsk Bay. The research in the sea showed that the taxonomic
composition of holoplankton in the southern part of the Baltic Sea
was similar to that recorded in this region for many years. The
maximum values of abundance and biomass of zooplankton both in
the Deep and the Bay of Gdańsk were observed in the summer
season. Copepoda dominated in the composition of zooplankton for
almost the entire study period, while rotifers occurred in larger
numbers only in the summer 2010 in the Gdańsk Deep as well as in
May and July 2010 in the western part of Gdańsk Bay, and
meroplankton – in April 2011.
Abstract: Solar energy is a good option among renewable
energy resources due to its easy availability and abundance. The
simplest and most efficient way to utilize solar energy is to convert it
into thermal energy and this can be done with the help of solar
collectors. The thermal performance of such collectors is poor due to
less heat transfer from the collector surface to air. In this work,
experimental investigations of single pass solar air heater having
triangular duct and provided with roughness element on the underside
of the absorber plate. V-shaped ribs are used for investigation having
three different values of relative roughness pitch (p/e) ranges from 4-
16 for a fixed value of angle of attack (α), relative roughness height
(e/Dh) and a relative gap distance (d/x) values are 60°, 0.044 and 0.60
respectively. Result shows that considerable augmentation in heat
transfer has been obtained by providing roughness.
Abstract: A study was conducted to determine the diversity and
abundance of shorebird species habituating the mudflat area of Jeram
Beach and Remis Beach, Selangor, Peninsular Malaysia. Direct
observation technique (using binoculars and video camera) was
applied to record the presence of bird species in the sampling sites
from August 2013 until July 2014. A total of 32 species of shorebird
were recorded during both migratory and non-migratory seasons. Of
these, eleven species (48%) are migrants, six species (26%) have both
migrant and resident populations, four species (17%) are vagrants and
two species (9%) are residents. The compositions of the birds
differed significantly in all months (χ2 = 84.35, p < 0.001). There is a
significant difference in avian abundance between migratory and
non-migratory seasons (Mann-Whitney, t = 2.39, p = 0.036). The
avian abundance were differed significantly in Jeram and Remis
Beaches during migratory periods (t = 4.39, p = 0.001) but not during
non-migratory periods (t = 0.78, p = 0.456). Shorebird diversity was
also affected by tidal cycle. There is a significance difference
between high tide and low tide (Mann-Whitney, t = 78.0, p < 0.005).
Frequency of disturbance also affected the shorebird distribution
(Mann-Whitney, t = 57.0, p = 0.0134). Therefore, this study
concluded that tides and disturbances are two factors that affecting
temporal distribution of shorebird in mudflats area.
Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to describe the main
characteristics of macroinvertebrate species in response to
environmental forcing factors. Overall, 23 species of Mollusca, 4
species of Arthropods, 3 species of Echinodermata and 3 species of
Annelida were identified at the 9 sampling stations during four
sampling periods. Individual species of Mollusca constituted 36.4%
of the total abundance, followed by Arthropods (27.01%), Annelida
(34.3%) and Echinodermata (2.4%). The results of Kruskal-Wallis
test indicated that a significant difference (p
Abstract: This research aims to study species, abundance, status
of birds, the similarities and activity characteristics of birds which
reap benefits from the research area in boat touring routes in Tha Ka
sub-district, Amphawa District, Samut Songkram Province, Thailand.
from October 2012 – September 2013. The data was analyzed to find
the abundance, and similarity index of the birds. The results from the
survey of birds on all three routes found that there are 33 families and
63 species. Route 3 (traditional coconut sugar making kiln – resort)
had the most species; 56 species. There were 18 species of commonly
found birds with an abundance level of 5, which calculates to 28.57%
of all bird species. In August, 46 species are found, being the greatest
number of bird species benefiting from this route. As for the status of
the birds, there are 51 resident birds, 7 resident and migratory birds,
and 5 migratory birds. On Route 2 and Route 3, the similarity index
value is equal to 0.881. The birds are classified by their activity
characteristics i.e. insectivore, piscivore, granivore, nectrivore and
aquatic invertebrate feeder birds. Some birds also use the area for
nesting.
Abstract: The research objective of the project and article “The Linguistic and Legal Term "Real Estate" in the Polish Law and Literature” is characteristic of legal regulations in contemporary countries is the abundance of legal definitions, which are, in fact, formulated separately for the needs of each legal act. This situation does not create favourable conditions for comprehensibility and effectiveness of the law created. The definition mess leads to various interpretations of the same legal circumstances and does not support normal business trading. It needs to be pointed out that using numerous references within a legal act and to other legal acts results in new legal definitions being created for the needs of a given decision by the authority which issues the decision in question. Such interpretation freedom may lead to the law being misused, not to mention being instrumentalised.
Abstract: The calcarenites carbonate rocks of the Quaternary ridges, which extend along the northwestern Mediterranean coastal plain of Egypt, represent an excellent model for the transformation of loose sediments to real sedimentary rocks by the different stages of meteoric diagenesis. The depositional and diagenetic fabrics of the rocks, in addition to the strata orientation, highly affect their ultimate compressive strength and other geotechnical properties.
There is a marked increase in the compressive strength (UCS) from the first to the fourth ridge rock samples. The lowest values are related to the loose packing, weakly cemented aragonitic ooid sediments with high porosity, besides the irregularly distributed of cement, which result in decreasing the ability of these rocks to withstand crushing under direct pressure. The high (UCS) values are attributed to the low porosity, the presence of micritic cement, the reduction in grain size and the occurrence of micritization and calcretization processes.
The strata orientation has a notable effect on the measured (UCS). The lowest values have been recorded for the samples cored in the inclined direction; whereas the highest values have been noticed in most samples cored in the vertical and parallel directions to bedding plane. In case of the inclined direction, the bedding planes were oriented close to the plane of maximum shear stress. The lowest and highest anisotropy values have been recorded for the first and the third ridges rock samples, respectively, which may attributed to the relatively homogeneity and well sorted grainstone of the first ridge rock samples, and relatively heterogeneity in grain and pore size distribution and degree of cementation of the third ridge rock samples, besides, the abundance of shell fragments with intraparticle pore spaces, which may produce lines of weakness within the rock.
Abstract: Takerbucht is the only cultivar of date palm known as being resistant to the bayoud disease, caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. albedinis (F.o.a.). In the aim to understand more about the defense mechanisms implied, we realized phytochemical analyses of this cultivar leaflets and roots and this, for the first time, using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS).The examination of our results shows that fifty-four molecules have been detected, fourteen of which are common to leaflets and roots. This study revealed also the organs' richness in derivatives fatty acids: both saturated and unsaturated are represented mainly by methyl esters of Hexadecanoic and 9,12,15-Octadecatrienoic acids. 1-Dodecanethiol, derivative Dodecanoic acid is only present in roots. It’s of great interest to note that the screening revealed the steroidal saponins abundance, among which Yamogenin acetate and Diosgenin, exclusively detected in Takerbucht. They may play an essential role, in the date palm resistance to the bayoud disease.
Abstract: Mammalian genomes contain large number of
retroelements (SINEs, LINEs and LTRs) which could affect
expression of protein coding genes through associated transcription
factor binding sites (TFBS). Activity of the retroelement-associated
TFBS in many genes is confirmed experimentally but their global
functional impact remains unclear. Human SINEs (Alu repeats) and
mouse SINEs (B1 and B2 repeats) are known to be clustered in GCrich
gene rich genome segments consistent with the view that they
can contribute to regulation of gene expression. We have shown
earlier that Alu are involved in formation of cis-regulatory modules
(clusters of TFBS) in human promoters, and other authors reported
that Alu located near promoter CpG islands have an increased
frequency of CpG dinucleotides suggesting that these Alu are
undermethylated. Human Alu and mouse B1/B2 elements have an
internal bipartite promoter for RNA polymerase III containing
conserved sequence motif called B-box which can bind basal
transcription complex TFIIIC. It has been recently shown that TFIIIC
binding to B-box leads to formation of a boundary which limits
spread of repressive chromatin modifications in S. pombe. SINEassociated
B-boxes may have similar function but conservation of
TFIIIC binding sites in SINEs located near mammalian promoters
has not been studied earlier. Here we analysed abundance and
distribution of retroelements (SINEs, LINEs and LTRs) in annotated
sequences of the Database of mammalian transcription start sites
(DBTSS). Fractions of SINEs in human and mouse promoters are
slightly lower than in all genome but >40% of human and mouse
promoters contain Alu or B1/B2 elements within -1000 to +200 bp
interval relative to transcription start site (TSS). Most of these SINEs
is associated with distal segments of promoters (-1000 to -200 bp
relative to TSS) indicating that their insertion at distances >200 bp
upstream of TSS is tolerated during evolution. Distribution of SINEs
in promoters correlates negatively with the distribution of CpG
sequences. Using analysis of abundance of 12-mer motifs from the
B1 and Alu consensus sequences in genome and DBTSS it has been
confirmed that some subsegments of Alu and B1 elements are poorly
conserved which depends in part on the presence of CpG
dinucleotides. One of these CpG-containing subsegments in B1
elements overlaps with SINE-associated B-box and it shows better
conservation in DBTSS compared to genomic sequences. It has been
also studied conservation in DBTSS and genome of the B-box
containing segments of old (AluJ, AluS) and young (AluY) Alu
repeats and found that CpG sequence of the B-box of old Alu is
better conserved in DBTSS than in genome. This indicates that Bbox-
associated CpGs in promoters are better protected from
methylation and mutation than B-box-associated CpGs in genomic
SINEs. These results are consistent with the view that potential
TFIIIC binding motifs in SINEs associated with human and mouse
promoters may be functionally important. These motifs may protect
promoters from repressive histone modifications which spread from
adjacent sequences. This can potentially explain well known
clustering of SINEs in GC-rich gene rich genome compartments and
existence of unmethylated CpG islands.
Abstract: Novel nitrogen removal technologies via nitrite
pathway attract increasing interest in recent years. In this study,
batch experiments were performed to investigate nitrite accumulation
characteristics and shifts in nitrifying community structure at
different growth environments including ammonia concentration, pH
and alkalinity. It was found that nitrite accumulation ratios were
maintained at around 95% at studied conditions, and the optimum pH
and Alk/N (ratio between alkalinity and nitrogen) for ammonium
oxidization were 8.5 and 8.33, respectively. Fluorescence in situ
hybridization analysis of nitrifying bacteria showed that high free
ammonia (from influent ammonium or caused by high pH)
significantly altered the structure of nitrifying community, leading to
abundance of ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB), especially
Nitrososmonas, and inhibition of nitrite-oxidizing bacteria (NOB).
The results suggest that free ammonia plays more important role than
other studied conditions on nitrite accumulation.
Abstract: In the context of large volume Big Divisor (nearly)
SLagy D3/D7 μ-Split SUSY [1], after an explicit identification
of first generation of SM leptons and quarks with fermionic superpartners
of four Wilson line moduli, we discuss the identification of
gravitino as a potential dark matter candidate by explicitly calculating
the decay life times of gravitino (LSP) to be greater than age of
universe and lifetimes of decays of the co-NLSPs (the first generation
squark/slepton and a neutralino) to the LSP (the gravitino) to be
very small to respect BBN constraints. Interested in non-thermal
production mechanism of gravitino, we evaluate the relic abundance
of gravitino LSP in terms of that of the co-NLSP-s by evaluating
their (co-)annihilation cross sections and hence show that the former
satisfies the requirement for a potential Dark Matter candidate. We
also show that it is possible to obtain a 125 GeV light Higgs in our
setup.
Abstract: Ammonia nitrogen is one of the most hazardous
water pollutants, discharging into water receptors through industrial
effluents. Negative environmental impacts of such chemical species
in hydrosphere include accelerated eutrophication, water toxicity and
harming the aquatics. Natural zeolite clinoptilolite has very high
selectivity & capacity for ammonium cation sorption. It occurs in
high abundances and rich mines of this zeolite exist in different parts
of Iran and thus are available more cheaply and with different sizing.
The aim of this study is to investigate ammonia nitrogen removal
over this natural sorbent from real samples of high polluted
wastewater discharging from a fertilizer producing plant. The
experimental results showed that this natural sorbent without even
any pre treatment system & with the same particle size available in
Iranian markets has still high capability & selectivity in ammonia
nitrogen removal both in batch and continuous tests.
Abstract: Twenty seven tektites from the Wenchang area, Hainan
province (south China) and five tektites from the Khon Kaen area
(northeast Thailand) were analyzed for major and trace element
contents and Rb-Sr isotopic compositions. All the samples studied are
splash-form tektites. Tektites of this study are characterized by high
SiO2 contents ranging from 71.95 to 74.07 wt% which is consistent
with previously published analyses of Australasian tektites. The trace
element ratios Ba/Rb (avg. 3.89), Th/Sm (avg. 2.40), Sm/Sc (avg.
0.45), Th/Sc (avg. 0.99) and the rare earth elements (REE) contents of
tektites of this study are similar to the average upper continental crust.
Based on the chemical composition, it is suggested that tektites in this
study are derived from similar parental material and are similar to the
post-Archean upper crustal rocks. The major and trace element
abundances of tektites analyzed indicate that the parental material of
tektites may be a terrestrial sedimentary deposit. The tektites from the
Wenchang area, Hainan Island have high positive εSr(0)
values-ranging from 184.5~196.5 which indicate that the parental
material for these tektites have similar Sr isotopic compositions to old
terrestrial sedimentary rocks and they were not dominantly derived
from recent young sediments (such as soil or loess). Based on Rb-Sr
isotopic data, it has been suggested by Blum (1992) [1]that the
depositional age of sedimentary target materials is close to 170Ma
(Jurassic). According to the model suggested by Ho and Chen
(1996)[2], mixing calculations for various amounts and combinations
of target rocks have been carried out. We consider that the best fit for
tektites from the Wenchang area is a mixture of 47% shale, 23%
sandstone, 25% greywacke and 5% quartzite, and the other tektites
from Khon Kaen area is a mixture of 46% shale, 2% sandstone, 20%
greywacke and 32% quartzite.
Abstract: In this study, we illustrated the performance and
microbial community of single- and two-phase systems anaerobically
co-digesting cassava pulp and pig manure. The results showed that
the volatile solid reduction and biogas productivity of two-phase
CSTR were 66 ± 4% and 2000 ± 210 ml l-1 d-1, while those of singlephase
CSTR were 59 ± 1% and 1670 ± 60 ml l-1 d-1, respectively. Codigestion
in two-phase CSTR gave higher 12% solid degradation and
25% methane production than single-phase CSTR. Phylogenetic
analysis of 16S rDNA clone library revealed that the Bacteroidetes
were the most abundant group, followed by the Clostridia in singlephase
CSTR. In hydrolysis/acidification reactor of two-phase system,
the bacteria within the phylum Firmicutes, especially Clostridium,
Eubacteriaceae and Lactobacillus were the dominant phylogenetic
groups. Among the Archaea, Methanosaeta sp. was the exclusive
predominant in both digesters while the relative abundance of
Methanosaeta sp. and Methanospirillum hungatei differed between
the two systems.
Abstract: Seasonal survey of freshwater snails in different water
courses in Egypt during two successive years included 13 snail
species. They represented by Biomphalaria alexandrina, Bulinus
truncatus, Physa acuta, Helisoma duryi, Lymnaea natalensis,
Planorbis pantries, Cleopatra bulimoides, Lanistes carinatus,
Bellamya unicolor, Melanoides tuberculata, Theodoxus niloticus,
Succinia cleopatra and Valvata nilotica. B. alexandrina was most
abundant during autumn and spring represented by 26and14
snails/site, respectively. B. truncatus was most abundant during
winter (7.7and3.6snails/site) of the two years, respectively. L.
natalensis was represented by 7snails/site in summer. The tolerance
of different snail species to the chemical elements was determined
seasonally and correlated to their abundance. In spring, autumn and
winter, B. alexandrina was significantly found to live under the
highest level of Pb, Cd,Cu, Na, K and Ca concentrations than the
other species (p