scholarly journals Clonality in Invasive Alien Macrophytes in Kashmir Himalaya: A Stage Based Approach

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
GOWHER WANI ◽  
Asgar Khan ◽  
Afshana Afshana ◽  
Mudasir Dar ◽  
Zafar Ahmad Reshi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Invasive Species ◽  
Alien Species ◽  
Aquatic Macrophytes ◽  
Freshwater Ecosystems ◽  
Strong Positive Correlation ◽  
Native Plant ◽  
Aquatic Habitats ◽  
Scatter Matrix ◽  
Positive Correlation ◽  
Species Invasiveness

Abstract BackgroundThe invasion of non-native species is a major cause of the global biodiversity loss and creates enormous economic costs. What determines alien invasive species dominance over native plant species is still little known, but there is an emerging pattern that many of the world’s worst invasive plants are successful invaders due to the significant connection between their clonal traits and invasiveness. Freshwater ecosystems are relatively more prone to decline and extinction of species caused by biological invasion than terrestrial and marine ecosystems. In view of the lack of information about whether or not aquatic alien species at different stages of invasion exhibit any significant relation with clonality, the specific question addressed in this study was whether there is any relationship between clonality and invasiveness in aquatic macrophytes and how does it vary along different stages of invasion? ResultsWhile the link between clonality and species invasiveness has recently been recognized, whether and how clonality varies with different invasion-stages remains open questions. Hence, we tested the relationship between clonality and species invasiveness of Kashmir Himalayan aquatic macrophytes vis-à-vis its variability along different stages of invasion. The data on clonality, stage of invasion, and growth form was obtained through an extensive survey of literature and database like CLO-PLA (CLOnal PLAnts, version 3) and PLADIAS (Plant Diversity Analysis and Synthesis, 2014–2018) followed by evaluation of the clonal organs thorough intensive field surveys undertaken over a period of 3 years (2014-2017) in different aquatic habitats of the Kashmir valley. Our results showed that 84% of the studied species and almost 90% of the most invasive species (stage V sensu Colautti and MacIsaac 2004) are clonal. A strong positive correlation (r=0.94; p<0.05) between clonality and invasiveness was observed, which further substantiates this association at a broad geographical scale representing the whole region. From the scatter matrix and Pearson’s correlation matrix, clonality seems to have a strong positive correlation with fragments, rhizomes, runners, turions, tubers, and buds, thereby further affirming the strong nexus of clonality with species invasions.ConclusionsOur results showed strong association of clonal architecture with not only the stages of invasion but also the distribution pattern of alien species in aquatic habitats, thereby indicating the pivotal contribution of clonality to invasiveness. Future studies directed at unraveling the reasons behind clonality need to be undertaken from the genomic perspective, in order to evolve better models for proper management of alien aquatic invasive species.

scholarly journals The non-native woody species of the flora of Ukraine: Introduction, naturalization and invasion

2019 ◽  
Vol 27 (3) ◽  
pp. 276-290 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. I. Burda ◽  
S. N. Koniakin
Keyword(s):  
Invasive Species ◽  
Seed Dispersal ◽  
Alien Species ◽  
Robinia Pseudoacacia ◽  
Woody Species ◽  
Plant Invasions ◽  
Ailanthus Altissima ◽  
Native Plant ◽  
Acer Negundo ◽  
Native Woody Species

The process of invasion, naturalization, dispersion and invasive activity of non-native woody species in 5 regional floras, 5 urban floras and over 30 floras of the protected areas is discussed. It has been established that 182 non-native species out of 95 genera and 45 families are currently at different naturalization stages in the spontaneous flora of Ukraine. In terms of life-forms, they may be divided as follows: trees – 41%, shrubs – 35%, trees/shrubs – 15%, lianas – 9%. Most species spread both via seed dispersal and the vegetative way – 56%, using only seed dispersal – 42%, only the vegetative way – 2%. According to the preliminary rating of species-wise invasive activity, 71 species (40%) have naturalized completely, among them 20 invasive species, including 12 transformer species, 29 potentially invasive species, and 22 naturalized species which demonstrate no invasive tendencies. The initial stages of invasion of 111 species are as follows: introduction – 9%, survival – 36%, adaptation of the reproductive sphere – 28%, establishment, formative of local populations – 27%. In terms of dispersion, non-naturalized species are divided as follows: rare – 45%, local – 16%, sporadic – 6%, unique – 12%, spreading under control beyond collections and expositions in botanical gardens and arboretums – 21%. Twelve transformer species, the greatest threat to local diversity, are Acer negundo, Ailanthus altissima, Amorpha fruticosa, Bupleurum fruticosum, Elaeagnus angustifolia, E. rhamnoides, Fraxinus ornus, Parthenocissus quinquefolia, P. vitacea, Robinia pseudoacacia, Rhamnus alaternus, Salix × blanda and 8 invasive proper species: Berberis aquifolia, Colutea orientalis, Daphne laureola, Prunus cerasifera, P. serotina, Quercus ilex, Viburnum tinus, Vitis vinifera. The list of alien species, most widespread in 50 regions of Europe, includes Robinia pseudoacacia (42 regions), Ailanthus altissima (40), Acer negundo (38), Prunus cerasus (34), Quercus rubra (34), Rosa rugosa (34), Prunus domestica (31). The mitigation of the impacts of these species on local biodiversity is possible via the restoration of local native plant communities, land use organization, strict selection of introduced species prior to the introduction, culture of planting management, preventive measures and extending awareness and sharing of information about plant invasions. Therefore, Ukraine’s spontaneous flora is notable for the active process of naturalization of non-native woody species with considerable involvement of invasive alien species. This is the first and preliminary evaluation of the invasive activity of woody species in Ukraine’s flora. The manifestations of the global tendency of increased involvement and invasive activity of alien woody species in domestic flora have been confirmed. These conclusions are also relevant for elaborating the system of preventive, containing and mitigating measures regarding plant invasions in Ukraine.

scholarly journals Scientific literature on invasive alien species in a megadiverse country: advances and challenges in Mexico

NeoBiota ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 48 ◽  
pp. 113-127 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jorge E. Ramírez-Albores ◽  
Ernesto I. Badano ◽  
Joel Flores ◽  
José Luis Flores-Flores ◽  
Laura Yáñez-Espinosa
Keyword(s):  
Invasive Species ◽  
Biological Invasions ◽  
Alien Species ◽  
Invasive Alien Species ◽  
Research Priorities ◽  
Distribution Patterns ◽  
Freshwater Ecosystems ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Socioeconomic Impacts ◽  
Future Studies

Interest in invasive species has increased around the world over the last several decades. In Mexico, studies on invasive species date as early as 1939 and the number of publications has increased considerably in recent decades. However, to our knowledge, the analysis of information gaps and research priorities is lacking. Therefore, it is necessary to identify gaps in the knowledge of invasive species in order to define future research priorities and focus conservation efforts. We assessed the current state of knowledge of biological invasions in Mexico based on the existing literature. Our aim was to identify in which areas information is absent or insufficient and which areas should be prioritised. We identified a total of 869 references. The number of references increased over time and the topics were strongly biased towards two areas: 1) natural history and geographical distribution patterns and 2) effects on native biota and ecosystems. The remaining topics were only moderately or poorly studied. Most studies focused on vascular plants (n = 280) and fishes (n = 174). Notably, a large portion of the references (n = 215) focused on only eight invasive alien species, including their ecological and socioeconomic impacts. Only 95 references examined the effects of alien species on biodiversity; these studies were mainly carried out on islands (n = 41) or in terrestrial or freshwater ecosystems in protected natural areas (n = 165). The findings of the present review can guide future studies in filling in the existing research gaps on biological invasions. Additionally, future studies should aim to define national priorities of the impacts of biological invasions and to promote the prevention and control of alien species by considering the distinct vectors and pathways of introduction and movement.

The Strong Positive Correlation between Factor VII Clotting Activity Using Bovine Thromboplastin and the Activated Factor VII Level

1995 ◽  
Vol 73 (03) ◽  
pp. 429-434 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kazuomi Kario ◽  
Takefumi Matsuo ◽  
Reiko Asada ◽  
Toshiyuki Sakata ◽  
Hisao Kato ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factor ◽  
Bovine Brain ◽  
Factor Vii ◽  
Rabbit Brain ◽  
Strong Positive Correlation ◽  
Chromogenic Substrate ◽  
Moderate Correlation ◽  
Positive Correlation ◽  
Activated Factor Vii

SummaryWe compared factor VII clotting activity (FVIIc) assays using different thromboplastins to determine which is the most sensitive for activated FVII (FVIIa) or for FVII antigen (FVIIag). FVIIc levels were measured using thromboplastins derived from bovine brain (FVIIc Bov), human placenta (FVIIc Hum), and rabbit brain (FVIIc Rab). FVIIa levels were measured by fluorogenic assays using human soluble tissue factor (rsTF) or bovine rsTF. We also measured FVII activity by an amidolytic assay (FVIIc:am Hum) using human thromboplastin and a chromogenic substrate for thrombin. FVIIag levels were determined by ELISA. In the FVIIa assay, the reaction time obtained from using bovine rsTF was shorter than that with human rsTF, suggesting that the interaction of plasma FVIIa with bovine rsTF was stronger than with human rsTF. The plasma FVIIa levels measured using human rsTF and bovine rsTF were almost the same (r=0.947, p<0.0001). Among the three FVIIc assays, FVIIc Bov had the strongest positive correlation with the plasma FVIIa level (r=0.886, p<0.000l), but had no correlation with FVIIag. An increase of 1 ng/ml in the plasma FVIIa level yielded a 27.9% increase of FVIIc Bov. Plasma FVIIc Hum and FVIIc:am Hum showed moderate correlations with both FVIIa (r=0.520, p<0.02 and r=0.569, p<0.01, respectively) and FVIIag (r=0.438, p<0.05 and r=0.468, p<0.05, respectively). FVIIc Rab had the lowest correlation with FVIIa (r=0.367, p<0.1), but had a moderate correlation with FVIIag (r=0.436, p<0.05). After in vitro cold activation, FVIIc Bov levels increased the most and FVIIc:am levels showed the least change. These findings indicate that consideration of the thromboplastin used for assay is necessary when assessing the clinical significance of FVII activity as a cardiovascular risk factor.

scholarly journals Microsatellite Variation and Recombination Rate in the Human Genome

Genetics ◽  
2000 ◽  
Vol 156 (3) ◽  
pp. 1285-1298 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bret A Payseur ◽  
Michael W Nachman
Keyword(s):  
Recombination Rate ◽  
Microsatellite Polymorphism ◽  
Published Data ◽  
Strong Positive Correlation ◽  
Background Selection ◽  
Recombination Rates ◽  
Microsatellite Variation ◽  
Positive Correlation ◽  
Genome Recombination ◽  
Neutral Mutations

Abstract Background (purifying) selection on deleterious mutations is expected to remove linked neutral mutations from a population, resulting in a positive correlation between recombination rate and levels of neutral genetic variation, even for markers with high mutation rates. We tested this prediction of the background selection model by comparing recombination rate and levels of microsatellite polymorphism in humans. Published data for 28 unrelated Europeans were used to estimate microsatellite polymorphism (number of alleles, heterozygosity, and variance in allele size) for loci throughout the genome. Recombination rates were estimated from comparisons of genetic and physical maps. First, we analyzed 61 loci from chromosome 22, using the complete sequence of this chromosome to provide exact physical locations. These 61 microsatellites showed no correlation between levels of variation and recombination rate. We then used radiation-hybrid and cytogenetic maps to calculate recombination rates throughout the genome. Recombination rates varied by more than one order of magnitude, and most chromosomes showed significant suppression of recombination near the centromere. Genome-wide analyses provided no evidence for a strong positive correlation between recombination rate and polymorphism, although analyses of loci with at least 20 repeats suggested a weak positive correlation. Comparisons of microsatellites in lowest-recombination and highest-recombination regions also revealed no difference in levels of polymorphism. Together, these results indicate that background selection is not a major determinant of microsatellite variation in humans.

scholarly journals Changes in Antioxidative, Oxidoreductive and Detoxification Enzymes during Development of Aphids and Temperature Increase

Antioxidants ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (8) ◽  
pp. 1181
Author(s):  
Roma Durak ◽  
Jan Dampc ◽  
Monika Kula-Maximenko ◽  
Mateusz Mołoń ◽  
Tomasz Durak
Keyword(s):  
Antioxidant Enzymes ◽  
Enzymatic Activity ◽  
Antioxidant Enzyme ◽  
Temperature Increase ◽  
Enzyme System ◽  
Life Cycles ◽  
Detoxification Enzymes ◽  
Strong Positive Correlation ◽  
Positive Correlation ◽  
Antioxidant Enzyme System

Temperature, being the main factor that has an influence on insects, causes changes in their development, reproduction, winter survival, life cycles, migration timing, and population dynamics. The effects of stress caused by a temperature increase on insects may depend on many factors, such as the frequency, amplitude, duration of the stress, sex, or the developmental stage of the insect. The aim of the study was to determine the differences in the enzymatic activity of nymphs and adult aphids Aphis pomi, Macrosiphum rosae and Cinara cupressi, and changes in their response to a temperature increase from 20 to 28 °C. The activity of enzymatic markers (superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione S-transferase (GST), β-glucosidase, polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and peroxidase (POD)) in aphid tissues was analysed for three constant temperatures. The results of our research showed that the enzymatic activity of aphids (measured as the activity of antioxidant, detoxifying and oxidoreductive enzymes) was mainly determined by the type of morph. We observed a strong positive correlation between the activity of the detoxifying and oxidoreductive enzymes and aphids’ development, and a negative correlation between the activity of the antioxidant enzymes and aphids’ development. Moreover, the study showed that an increase in temperature caused changes in enzyme activity (especially SOD, CAT and β-glucosidase), which was highest at 28 °C, in both nymphs and adults. Additionally, a strong positive correlation between metabolic activity (heat flow measured by microcalorimeter) and longevity was observed, which confirmed the relationship between these characteristics of aphids. The antioxidant enzyme system is more efficient in aphid nymphs, and during aphid development the activity of antioxidant enzymes decreases. The antioxidant enzyme system in aphids appears to deliver effective protection for nymphs and adults under stressful conditions, such as high temperatures.

scholarly journals Vitamin D Status Among Children aged 2 months to 13 years-a Hospital Based Study

2018 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 381-384
Author(s):  
Hem Sagar Rimal ◽  
Shripad J Walavalkar
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin D ◽  
Vitamin D Deficiency ◽  
Urban Area ◽  
Serum Calcium ◽  
Winter Season ◽  
College Teaching ◽  
Vitamin D Insufficiency ◽  
P Value ◽  
Strong Positive Correlation ◽  
Positive Correlation

Introduction: Vitamin D is an important micronutrient having crucial role in calcium and phosphate homeostasis but there is emerging evidence to suggest its role in prevention of infectious, inflammatory and neoplastic diseases. The vitamin D insufficiency/deficiency is a widely recognized problem among children in developed as well as developing countries.Objective: To find out the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency among children aged 2 months to 13 yrs and its correlation with serum calcium, phosphate and demographic factors.Methodology: Prospective, cross sectional, hospital based study conducted at Birat Medical College Teaching Hospital for a period of one year among children presented to pediatric OPD in whom pediatrician had a suspicion of Vitamin D Insufficiency /Deficiency. Venous blood Samples were taken for the estimation of 25(OH) Vitamin D, Calcium and Phosphate. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS software version 16. Results Among 174 children aged 2 months to 13 years, the prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency at the cutoff of <30ng/ml was 82.75% where as no cases of vitamin D deficiency was noted at cut off level of < 10 ng/ml. Children residing in urban area, samples taken in the winter season had higher prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency (p value <0.05). Serum calcium and phosphate level were found positively correlated with Vitamin D level (p<.05). However the relationship was very strong between Vitamin D and Calcium (r=0.402, p-value <0.001) and weak positive correlation was noted with phosphate(r=0.155, p value <0.05).Conclusion: There is very high prevalence of Vitamin D insufficiency among children. The vitamin D insufficiency was significantly higher in winter season as compared to summer. Children living in the urban area are more prone to Vitamin D insufficiency. Moderately strong positive correlation was observed between Vitamin D level and calcium but weak correlation existed with phosphate. BJHS 2018;3(1)5 : 381-384

scholarly journals Spatial Variation of the Relationship between PM2.5Concentrations and Meteorological Parameters in China

2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gang Lin ◽  
Jingying Fu ◽  
Dong Jiang ◽  
Jianhua Wang ◽  
Qiao Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Negative Correlation ◽  
Meteorological Parameters ◽  
Semiarid Region ◽  
Strong Positive Correlation ◽  
Annual Average ◽  
Strong Negative Correlation ◽  
Positive Correlation ◽  
Humid Region ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Warm Temperate

Epidemiological studies around the world have reported that fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is closely associated with human health. The distribution of PM2.5concentrations is influenced by multiple geographic and socioeconomic factors. Using a remote-sensing-derived PM2.5dataset, this paper explores the relationship between PM2.5concentrations and meteorological parameters and their spatial variance in China for the period 2001–2010. The spatial variations of the relationships between the annual average PM2.5, the annual average precipitation (AAP), and the annual average temperature (AAT) were evaluated using the Geographically Weighted Regression (GWR) model. The results indicated that PM2.5had a strong and stable correlation with meteorological parameters. In particular, PM2.5had a negative correlation with precipitation and a positive correlation with temperature. In addition, the relationship between the variables changed over space, and the strong negative correlation between PM2.5and the AAP mainly appeared in the warm temperate semihumid region and northern subtropical humid region in 2001 and 2010, with some localized differences. The strong positive correlation between the PM2.5and the AAT mainly occurred in the mid-temperate semiarid region, the humid, semihumid, and semiarid warm temperate regions, and the northern subtropical humid region in 2001 and 2010.

Relationship amongst ResearchGate altmetric indicators and Scopus bibliometric indicators

2015 ◽  
Vol 116 (9/10) ◽  
pp. 564-577 ◽  
Author(s):  
RISHABH SHRIVASTAVA ◽  
Preeti Mahajan
Keyword(s):  
Sample Size ◽  
Correlation Coefficients ◽  
Strong Positive Correlation ◽  
Bibliometric Indicators ◽  
Pearson’S Correlation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Positive Correlation ◽  
Pearson's Correlation ◽  
Different Characteristics ◽  
The Relationship

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is twofold. First, the study aims to investigate the relationship between the altmetric indicators from ResearchGate (RG) and the bibliometric indicators from the Scopus database. Second, the study seeks to examine the relationship amongst the RG altmetric indicators themselves. RG is a rich source of altmetric indicators such as Citations, RGScore, Impact Points, Profile Views, Publication Views, etc. Design/methodology/approach – For establishing whether RG metrics showed the same results as the established sources of metrics, Pearson’s correlation coefficients were calculated between the metrics provided by RG and the metrics obtained from Scopus. Pearson’s correlation coefficients were also calculated for the metrics provided by RG. The data were collected by visiting the profile pages of all the members who had an account in RG under the Department of Physics, Panjab University, Chandigarh (India). Findings – The study showed that most of the RG metrics showed strong positive correlation with the Scopus metrics, except for RGScore (RG) and Citations (Scopus), which showed moderate positive correlation. It was also found that the RG metrics showed moderate to strong positive correlation amongst each other. Research limitations/implications – The limitation of this study is that more and more scientists and researchers may join RG in the future, therefore the data may change. The study focuses on the members who had an account in RG under the Department of Physics, Panjab University, Chandigarh (India). Perhaps further studies can be conducted by increasing the sample size and by taking a different sample size having different characteristics. Originality/value – Being an emerging field, not much has been conducted in the area of altmetrics. Very few studies have been conducted on the reach of academic social networks like RG and their validity as sources of altmetric indicators like RGScore, Impact Points, etc. The findings offer insights to the question whether RG can be used as an alternative to traditional sources of bibliometric indicators, especially with reference to a rapidly developing country such as India.

scholarly journals Characterization of Black Carbon and Its Correlations with VOCs in the Northern Region of Hangzhou Bay in Shanghai, China

Atmosphere ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (7) ◽  
pp. 870
Author(s):  
Fangfang Wang ◽  
Jialuo Xu ◽  
Yinzhi Huang ◽  
Guangli Xiu
Keyword(s):  
Global Warming ◽  
Black Carbon ◽  
Northern Region ◽  
Hangzhou Bay ◽  
Industrial Park ◽  
Strong Positive Correlation ◽  
Incomplete Combustion ◽  
Positive Correlation ◽  
Industrial Parks ◽  
Haze Pollution

Ozone and PM2.5 (all particulate matter with diameter of 2.5 µm or smaller) are currently two disturbing environmental issues in most cities of China. Black carbon (BC), mainly from incomplete combustion, is one of the most important components of PM2.5 because it can absorb light and contribute to haze pollution and global warming. Meanwhile, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) have become a major air pollutant due to their association with haze, ozone (O3), global warming and human health by direct or indirect processes. In this study, one year-long observation campaign of BC, VOCs and other conventional air pollutants was conducted in the Northern Region of the Hangzhou Bay (NRHB) in Shanghai, China. The results indicated that higher concentration of BC mainly occurred in the autumn and winter, especially in December. In December, higher BC concentrations were found when the air mass came from northwest where there is an important local freeway, or southwest where some adjacent southwest chemical industrial parks are located. Different from the characteristics of BC in urban areas reported by previous studies, the diurnal variation of BC exhibited three peaks, two of which coincided with the morning and evening rush hours which are related to the heavy diesel traffic from a nearby freeway, and the third peak was often found late at night, around 2 am, which might be associated with abnormal emissions from an industrial park or marine traffic in the ocean waterway. BC had weakly negative correlation with O3 and NO, and a strongly positive correlation with PM2.5, SO2, NO2 and NOx, which implies that some incomplete combustion sources might occur in the nearby regions. With regard to VOCs, BC had a strong positive correlation with alkane, alkenes, alkynes, aromatic and non-sulfur VOCs, particularly with aromatic organic matter. Unlike the stronger correlation with aromatics in the morning rush hours, a stronger correlation between BC and alkenes and alkynes during the evening rush hour was observed. The relationships between BC and VOCs, particularly with some specific VOCs species related to the neighboring chemical industrial park, demonstrated that the contribution of the surrounding chemical industrial parks to BC should not be neglected.

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