scholarly journals Diversity and Toxigenicity of Mycobiota in Grain Corn: A Case Study at Pioneer Grain Corn Plantations in Terengganu, Malaysia

Agriculture ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 237
Author(s):  
Siti Nur Ezzati Yazid ◽  
Wan Jing Ng ◽  
Jinap Selamat ◽  
Siti Izera Ismail ◽  
Nik Iskandar Putra Samsudin
Keyword(s):  
High Performance ◽  
Animal Feed ◽  
Fusarium Verticillioides ◽  
Fungal Species ◽  
Fungal Colonization ◽  
Plant Debris ◽  
Fungal Contamination ◽  
And Control

Malaysia has begun to locally mass-cultivate grain corn to reduce import dependency for animal feed industries. Since the Malaysian tropical climate constantly exposes grain corn to fungal colonization and mycotoxin production by mycotoxigenic species, it is, therefore, important to investigate the presence of fungal species, especially the mycotoxigenic strains in the Malaysian grain corn agroecosystem. In the present work, corn kernel, tassel, plant debris, and soil were collected from two pioneer grain corn farms (Kampong Dadong, KD; Rhu Tapai, RT), and morphological and molecular identifications were conducted. A total of 131 fungal isolates from 30 fungal species were recovered. Both KD and RT yielded log 4.7–6.7 CFU/g total fungal loads. Fusarium verticillioides was predominant in both farms, followed by the phytopathogenic Lasiodiplodia theobromae and the mycotoxigenic Aspergillus flavus, A. niger, F. incarnatum, and F. proliferatum. Mycotoxin analyses by high-performance liquid chromatography revealed that among 30 mycotoxigenic isolates tested for aflatoxins, deoxynivalenol, fumonisins, HT-2, T-2, ochratoxins A, and zearalenone, approximately 25 of the isolates could produce at least one mycotoxin in vitro. The present work serves as a baseline for more comprehensive research to better predict and control fungal contamination and the subsequent mycotoxin accumulation in Malaysian grain corn agroecosystems.

Critical Application to the Concept of Formal and Authority Becoming a New Concept of Talent Management

2019 ◽  
Vol 1 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Juan Nicolas Montoya Monsalve
Keyword(s):  
High Performance ◽  
Knowledge Society ◽  
Talent Management ◽  
Performance Practices ◽  
Business Objects ◽  
And Control ◽  
Relationship Of ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Relationship

The aim of this paper is to analyze the concept of formal authority in organizations, using a theoretical discussion of its components, their mainstreaming in the administrative process, and its effect on the proactive development of business objects, pretending to determine if this variable is proactive or not, in the development of high performance practices in Human Resource Management, and whether or not a restriction, for people to become their strategic base and/or competitive. We also try, from a case study to determine the effect of expression authority in non-hierarchical designs, the effects of structural position in organizations, the impact of leadership, the relationship of structures and the charges regarding the successes and achievements of the organization, the effect on intra-relationships and communication, imposing, authoritarian, non-cooperation with the lack of consistency with individual purposes, mission and Provisional Record, the continium of bad decisions, relationship with management and control, and finally connect all these elements with the current organizational individuals, immersed in a knowledge society.

Direct Analysis of Plasma Fibrinogen-Derived Fibrinopeptides by High Performance Liquid Chromatography: Investigation of Aα-Chain N-Terminal Heterogeneity

1986 ◽  
Vol 56 (02) ◽  
pp. 193-197 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christopher Southan ◽  
Elizabeth Thompson ◽  
David A Lane
Keyword(s):  
High Performance Liquid Chromatography ◽  
Liquid Chromatography ◽  
High Performance ◽  
Direct Analysis ◽  
Plasma Fibrinogen ◽  
Major Surgery ◽  
Normal Individuals ◽  
Variable Reduction ◽  
And Control

SummaryFibrinopeptide A (FPA), released from the fibrinogen Aa-chain by thrombin, can be resolved by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) into three forms, the intact peptide (A), a modified peptide phosphorylated at the serine in position 3 (AP), and an N-terminally degraded form (AY). A new method has been developed, using HPLC, that allows direct measurement of the proportions of AP, A, and AY released by thrombin from fibrinogen in plasma samples of 200 ul or less. The method was used to examine variations in the proportions of AP and AY expressed as a % of total FPA in a number of patient and control groups. The mean percentages of AP and AY of plasma fibrinogen were found to be 21.7 and 14.2%, respectively, in normal laboratory controls. In older, apparently normal, individuals these figures were 27.0 and 15.5%, respectively. Cord plasma exhibited very high AP and slightly reduced AY levels (41.6 and 12.4%, respectively) compared with normal adults. Patients with liver failure had low AP levels and high AY levels (11.6 and 21.1%, respectively). Patients, recovering from major surgery or acute thrombotic stroke showed an acute-phase rise in fibrinogen level that was accompanied by an increase in AP and variable reduction in AY. Incubation of heparinized whole blood for 8 days in vitro demonstrated a gradual decrease in the proportion of AP and increase in AY of plasma fibrinogen. These results provide some support for the idea that an increased “aging” of fibrinogen in the circulation may result in a decrease in the AP content of fibrinogen accompanied by a more variable increase in AY.

scholarly journals Implementing Local Government Strategies: A Framework for Action

2018 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 73
Author(s):  
Emanuele Padovani ◽  
David W. Young ◽  
Alexander Heichlinger
Keyword(s):  
Local Government ◽  
High Performance ◽  
Coalition Building ◽  
Institute Of Public Administration ◽  
Strategic Vision ◽  
European Institute ◽  
Multiple Case ◽  
And Control ◽  
The City

To implement its strategy, a local government (LG) can use six interrelated activites, which we call the Six Cs. These activities comprise coalition building, citizen involvement, conflict management, compensation and rewards, cross-unit collaboration, and control. Each activity is related to one of Chester Barnard’s classic three functions of the executive (communication, coordination, and commitment to purpose). The research was based on in-depth investigations of seven European cities that had received an award for high performance by the European Institute of Public Administration (EIPA). A multiple case study “action research” methodology was used. Although each city had a different strategy, each had used the Six Cs in concert to make its strategy a reality. The Six-C model constitutes a framework that can be used by any city to help implement its strategy. Although there is no “cookbook solution” for using the Six Cs, they nevertheless constitute a conceptual framework that an LG’s management team can use to think about how it will move toward its strategic vision. An LG that wishes to achieve its strategy must think about how it will employ the Six Cs in a coordinated way. The central issues are not only the specifics of each C but how each matches and is aligned with the other five in order to assist the city to move toward its strategic vision.

scholarly journals Effect of Different Durations of Solid-Phase Fermentation for Fireweed (Chamerion angustifolium (L.) Holub) Leaves on the Content of Polyphenols and Antioxidant Activity In Vitro

Molecules ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (4) ◽  
pp. 1011 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marius Lasinskas ◽  
Elvyra Jariene ◽  
Nijole Vaitkeviciene ◽  
Ewelina Hallmann ◽  
Katarzyna Najman
Keyword(s):  
Antioxidant Activity ◽  
High Performance ◽  
Solid Phase ◽  
Principal Component ◽  
Biologically Active ◽  
Chamerion Angustifolium ◽  
Oenothein B ◽  
And Control

Fireweed has recently been recognized as a plant with high antioxidant potential and phenolic content. Its leaves can be fermented to prepare an infusion with ideal antioxidant activity. The aim of this study was to investigate and to determine the influence of solid-phase fermentation of different durations on the variation of polyphenols in the leaves of fireweed. Laboratory experiments were conducted in 2017–2018. The leaves of fireweed, naturally growing, were fermented for different periods of time: not fermented (control) and fermented for 24 and 48 h. The evaluation of polyphenols and antioxidant activity in leaves was performed using high- performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Additionally, principal component analysis was used to characterize differences in bioactive compounds between fireweed samples fermented at different durations. Solid-phase fermented leaves were characterized by higher contents of oenothein B, quercetin and benzoic acid but had lower contents of quercetin-3-O-rutinoside, luteolin and chlorogenic and gallic acids. Antioxidant activity in short- (24 h) and long-term (48 h) fermentation (compared to control) gave the highest level of regression in 2017, but in 2018 the effect was observed only with short-term fermentation and control. In conclusion, solid-phase fermentation can be used to modulate biologically active compounds in fireweed leaves.

scholarly journals Activity and Anti-Aflatoxigenic Effect of Indigenously Characterized Probiotic Lactobacilli against Aspergillus flavus—A Common Poultry Feed Contaminant

Animals ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 166 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nimra Azeem ◽  
Muhammad Nawaz ◽  
Aftab Ahmad Anjum ◽  
Shagufta Saeed ◽  
Saba Sana ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Aspergillus Flavus ◽  
High Performance ◽  
Animal Feed ◽  
Aflatoxin Production ◽  
Aflatoxin Contamination ◽  
Poultry Feed ◽  
Poultry Production ◽  
Ameliorative Effect ◽  
Probiotic Lactobacilli

Aflatoxin contamination in human food and animal feed is a threat to public safety. Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) can be especially damaging to poultry production and consequently economic development of Pakistan. The present study assessed the in vitro binding of AFB1 by indigenously characterized probiotic lactobacilli. Six isolates (Lactobacillus gallinarum PDP 10, Lactobacillus reuetri FYP 38, Lactobacillus fermentum PDP 24, Lactobacillus gallinarum PL 53, Lactobacillus paracasei PL 120, and Lactobacillus gallinarum PL 149) were tested for activity against toxigenic Aspergillus flavus W-7.1 (AFB1 producer) by well diffusion assay. Only three isolates (PL 53, PL 120, and PL 149) had activity against A. flavus W-7.1. The ameliorative effect of these probiotic isolates on AFB1 production was determined by co-culturing fungus with lactobacilli for 12 days, followed by aflatoxin quantification by high-performance liquid chromatography. In vitro AFB1 binding capacities of lactobacilli were determined by their incubation with a standard amount of AFB1 in phosphate buffer saline at 37 °C for 2 h. AFB1 binding capacities of isolates ranged from 28–65%. Four isolates (PDP 10, PDP 24, PL 120, and PL 149) also ceased aflatoxin production completely, whereas PL 53 showed 55% reduction in AFB1 production as compared to control. The present study demonstrated Lactobacillus gallinarum PL 149 to be an effective candidate AFB1 binding agent against Aspergillus flavus. These findings further support the binding ability of lactic acid bacteria for dietary contaminants.

scholarly journals New Amylase Inhibitor Present in Corn Seeds Active In Vitro Against Amylase from Fusarium verticillioides

Plant Disease ◽  
2003 ◽  
Vol 87 (3) ◽  
pp. 233-240 ◽  
Author(s):  
Edson L. Z. Figueira ◽  
Alejandro Blanco-Labra ◽  
Antônio Carlos Gerage ◽  
Elisabete Y. S. Ono ◽  
Elizabeth Mendiola-Olaya ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High Performance ◽  
Fusarium Verticillioides ◽  
Gel Filtration ◽  
Anion Exchange Chromatography ◽  
Human Saliva ◽  
Exchange Chromatography ◽  
Experimental Conditions ◽  
Amylase Inhibitor ◽  
Fusarium Sp

A screening for specific amylase inhibitor levels against amylase from Fusarium verticillioides (Fusarium moniliforme), the most relevant mycotoxigenic fungus in corn, was conducted on 37 corn hybrids. The amylase inhibitor levels in these hybrids ranged from 5.5 to 16.0 amylase inhibitor units per gram of corn (AIU/g) in the MASTER and AG5011 hybrids, respectively. The hybrid with the maximum content of inhibitor was used as the source of this new protein. The inhibitor was partially purified using fractional precipitation, gel filtration on Sephadex G-75 column, high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) Superose HR 10/30 column, and HPLC anion exchange chromatography, obtaining a 20.7-fold purification. Electrophoresis after denaturing and heating under reductive conditions showed an apparent 23.8 kDa molecular mass and an acidic isoelectric point of 5.4, which differs from previous molecular masses reported for other inhibitors present in corn seeds (14 and 22 kDa). This inhibitor showed activity against amylases from human saliva and pancreas, from the fungi F. verticillioides and Aspergillus flavus, and from the insects Acanthoscelides obtectus, Zabrotes subfasciatus, Tribolium castaneum, and Sitotroga cerealella. The mycoflora found in the corn grain indicated Fusarium sp. as the most prevalent fungi (81.1% of the samples), with a count ranging from 1.5 × 102 to 2.4 × 106 CFU/g of corn. The presence of fumonisins was detected in 21 out of the 37 hybrids studied, ranging from 0.05 to 2.67 μg of FB per gram of corn. No correlation could be established between this amylase inhibitor level in the corn seeds and the presence of Fusarium sp. or with the fumonisin content under the experimental conditions of the test.

scholarly journals Indoor fungal contamination as a biological risk factor

2020 ◽  
Vol 101 (4) ◽  
pp. 513-518
Author(s):  
E V Khaldeeva ◽  
N I Glushko ◽  
S A Lisovskaya ◽  
V R Parshakov ◽  
G G Khaidarova
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factor ◽  
Indoor Air ◽  
Residential Buildings ◽  
Fungal Species ◽  
Composition Analysis ◽  
Fungal Contamination ◽  
Fungal Community Composition ◽  
Air Samples ◽  
Biological Risk Factor ◽  
And Control

Aim. To assess the degree of fungal contamination and the species composition of the fungal microbiota of residential apartments in Kazan Methods. A mycological study of 90 air samples and 60 samples from sites of fungal biodeterioration from the residential buildings of Kazan was carried out using cultural and microscopic methods. Results. The presence of micromycetes fungi were detected in 90% of air samples and 100% of samples from sites of biodeterioration. Higher fungal species diversity was noted in the sites, compared with air samples. Fungal concentrations in indoor air varied between 8 and 360 CFU/m3. Fungal community composition analysis of the sites of biodeterioration showed that the surfaces were more frequently contaminated by undemanding and capable of growth at different moisture levels fungal species (Penicillium spp., Aspergillus spp., Rhizopus stolonifer). The resulting fungal plaque can create conditions favorable for aggressive fungal species that actively damage materials (Chaetomium spp., Acremonium spp., Aureubasidium spp). Allergenic fungi, as well as potentially pathogenic and toxin-forming species, were widespread in the air that can be a health risk factor. A quantitative assessment of air mycobiota indicated the moderate level of fungal contamination. Conclusion. The presence of potentially pathogenic, allergenic and biodegradable fungal species in the sites of biodeterioration has been confirmed, as well as the relationship between airborne fungal contamination and the spread of fungi in indoors, confirming the need to prevent fungal biodeterioration and control indoor air quality.

scholarly journals Articial Intelligence and Brain Simulation Probes for Interstellar Expeditions

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eray Özkural
Keyword(s):  
High Performance ◽  
Quantum Physics ◽  
Mission Design ◽  
Autonomous Agent ◽  
Fusion Reactions ◽  
Positron Source ◽  
Agent Based ◽  
Research Problems ◽  
And Control

We introduce a mission design for an interstellar expedition to nearby earth-like exoplanets, which our analysis determined to be Tau Ceti and Gliese 667C, at the time of analysis in 2013. We review the research problems in propulsion and AGI that must be addressed to launch an AI guided interstellar probe within 100 years. We propose a new semi-autonomous agent approach for intelligent control of the spacecraft. We introduce the concept of a semi-autonomous agent as having built-in safety guarantees that constrain operation. An autonomous agent case study is presented formulating the objective, constraints, AGI implementation of the agent based on Solomono's Alpha architecture, and adding specicity. We discuss the training required to reach human-level and trans-sapient levels of intelligence which corresponds to an entire crew of AI experts specialized in elds such as astrophysics, astromechanics, astrobiology, quantum physics, computer science, molecular biology, and so forth. We project the feasibility of the human-level AI technology based on empirical ndings in neuroscience, and  nd that it should be feasible by 2030. We analyze Solomono's innity point hypothesis in light of Koomey's law about energy eciency of computing and nd that the trends in 2013 indicated an early singularity by 2035, which implies that we might encounter physical bottlenecks which will decelerate computing technology improvements signicantly. We recommend thus year 2040 for launching the probe by which date other required technologies will have been developed. We discuss the scenario of a virtual crew made of brain simulations, which is a bio-information based AI approach. We detail the subsystems of command and control, communication, scientic instrumentation, power, propulsion, navigation, and shielding. We propose a variation of ICAN-II/AIMStar propulsion which uses a positron source instead of anti-protons to initiate micro-fusion reactions. We combine the positron initiated fusion pulse propulsion scheme with a miniaturized version of the Daedelus fusion thruster obtaining high performance. We derive two mission proles one for fusion pulse propulsion, and the yet hypothetical Q-Thruster. Fusion thruster requires 132.2 years for Tau Ceti, and 233.2 years for Gliese 667C, while Q-Thruster takes only 42.3 years for Tau Ceti, and 62.5 years for Gliese 667C. We also discuss extended roles for intelligent interstellar probes such as self-reproduction via nanotechnology, refueling, construction, robotic bodies, and transmission of brain simulations.

227 SUPPLEMENTATION WITH CYSTEINE, CYSTEAMINE, AND CATALASE DURING IN VITRO MATURATION PROTECTS BOVINE PRE-IMPLANTATION EMBRYOS FROM ANTI-DEVELOPMENTAL ACTIONS OF MENADIONE

2015 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 203
Author(s):  
G. Z. Mingoti ◽  
N. A. S. Rocha-Frigoni ◽  
B. C. S. Leão ◽  
P. C. Dall'Acqua
Keyword(s):  
Embryonic Development ◽  
In Vitro Maturation ◽  
Animal Feed ◽  
Molecular Probes ◽  
Apoptotic Cells ◽  
Blastocyst Development ◽  
Fluorescent Intensity ◽  
Fluid Medium ◽  
And Control

Menadione (MD), a naphthoquinone used as a vitamin K source in animal feed, can generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) and cause apoptosis. Hence, we examined whether MD reduces development of pre-implantation bovine embryos by inducing ROS production and apoptosis and tested the hypothesis that the anti-developmental actions of MD would be reduced by supplementation of the in vitro maturation (IVM) medium with antioxidants (a mixture of 0.6 mM cysteine + 100 μM cysteamine + 100 UI mL–1 catalase). Cumulus-oocyte complexes (COC; n = 3334; 50 per well in 11 replications) were matured in IVM medium (TCM-199 with bicarbonate, hormones, and 10% FCS) for 22 h. After fertilization, presumptive zygotes were cultured in synthetic oviduct fluid medium (SOF) with 2.5% FCS and 0.5% BSA up to 7 days (Day 0 = IVF). On Day 6, MD was included in the SOF medium (0 μM: Control; or 5.0 μM: MD5) during 24 h. All cultures were conducted at 38.5°C in 5% CO2 in air. In a second experiment, COC were matured in TCM-199 supplemented with or without the mixture of antioxidants (Antiox; only during IVM) and with or without MD at Day 6 in a 2 × 2 factorial design (Control, Control/Antiox, MD5, MD5/Antiox). The cleavage and blastocysts rates were evaluated on Days 3 and 7, respectively. A sample of the blastocysts (n = 1112) was stained for TUNEL (In Situ Cell Death Detection Kit, Roche, Indianapolis, IN, USA) to detect the apoptotic cells or with 5 μM H2DCFDA (Molecular Probes, Canada) to evaluate the ROS levels. Stained embryos were evaluated under an epifluorescence microscope and the images of embryos stained with H2DCFDA were analysed by Q-Capture Pro image software for determining the fluorescent intensity. The means (±s.e.m.) were compared by ANOVA followed by Tukey's test (P < 0.05). In the first experiment, and the cleavage rates were similar (P > 0.05) for Control (80.5% ± 0.9) and MD5 groups (78.9% ± 1.2), but the blastocyst rates were lower (P < 0.05) in the MD5 group (25.9% ± 2.1) when compared with Control (36.4% ± 1.5). The rate of apoptotic cells in blastocysts was higher (P < 0.05) in the MD5 group (19.2% ± 0.7) than in Control (10.0% ± 0.5), as well as the fluorescence intensity for ROS quantification (0.7 ± 0.1 v. 1.1 ± 0.1, respectively, for Control and MD5 groups). In an effort to rescue the impaired embryonic development, a mixture of antioxidants was added to the IVM medium and the results were transitional in response in which MD5/Antiox (28.3% ± 3.5) was intermediate (P > 0.05) between the Controls [Control (38.2% ± 2.5) and Control/Antiox (34.7% ± 1.9) groups] and the MD5 (21.4% ± 2.9) group. Principal effects evaluated were the presence of MD (without: 35.9% ± 2.3 v. with: 24.8% ± 2.3; P < 0.05) or Antiox (without: 28.4% ± 2.3 v. with: 32.3% ± 2.3; P > 0.05). In conclusion, addition of MD to embryonic culture reduces the blastocyst development and increases intracellular levels of ROS and the occurrence of apoptosis. Anti-developmental actions of MD on embryonic development can be partially blocked by treating oocytes with a mixture of antioxidants during IVM.Financial support was provided by FAPESP (2012/10083-8 and 2013/07382-6).

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