Bioprospecting of the agaricomycete Ganoderma australe GPC191 as novel source for l-asparaginase production

Abstractl-Asparaginase is a therapeutically and industrially-competent enzyme, acting predominantly as an anti-neoplastic and anti-cancerous agent. The existing formulations of prokaryotic l-asparaginase are often toxic and contain l-glutaminase and urease residues, thereby increasing the purification steps. Production of l-glutaminase and urease free l-asparaginase is thus desired. In this research, bioprospecting of isolates from the less explored class Agaricomycetes was undertaken for l-asparaginase production. Plate assay (using phenol red and bromothymol blue dyes) was performed followed by estimation of l-asparaginase, l-glutaminase and urease activities by Nesslerization reaction for all the isolates. The isolate displaying the desired enzyme production was subjected to morphological, molecular identification, and phylogenetic analysis with statistical validation using Jukes-Cantor by Neighbour-joining tree of Maximum Likelihood statistical method. Among the isolates, Ganoderma australe GPC191 with significantly high zone index value (5.581 ± 0.045 at 120 h) and enzyme activity (1.57 ± 0.006 U/mL), devoid of l-glutaminase and urease activity was selected. The present study for the first-time reported G. australe as the potential source of l-glutaminase and urease-free l-asparaginase and also is one of the few studies contributing to the literature of G. australe in India. Hence, it can be postulated that it may find its future application in pharmaceutical and food industries.

Análisis de la Posesión de Balón en el Fútbol Juvenil en Relación a Variables de Situación: Estudio de Caso

El objetivo del presente estudio fue estudiar cómo afectaron en la posesión del balón de un equipo de fútbol perteneciente a la categoría División de Honor Juvenil de España durante una temporada competitiva las siguientes variables de situación: entrenador (entrenador 1, entrenador 2 y entrenador 3), nivel del oponente (alto, medio y bajo), ubicación del partido (local y visitante) y resultado final (ganar, empatar y perder). Se analizaron los 30 partidos disputados por el equipo de referencia. Para valorar el rendimiento del equipo se emplearon diferentes indicadores de rendimiento de posesión. Primero se realizó la prueba de Kruskal-Wallis para todas las variables y condiciones. Posteriormente solo en las variables estadísticamente significativas (p<0,05) se aplicó la prueba de U de Mann-Whitney comparando las diferencias dos a dos. Los resultados mostraron en la variable nivel del oponente, que el equipo estuvo asociado con un descenso de la duración total del tiempo de posesión cuando se enfrentó con rivales de la zona alta de la clasificación a diferencia de cuando lo hizo con rivales de la zona media y baja. La principal conclusión del trabajo fue que la posesión de balón jugó un papel determinante en el rendimiento del equipo, si bien el nivel del oponente condicionó este indicador. Los entrenadores de fútbol formativo podrían incluir la posesión del balón como indicador de rendimiento, si se identifica con el modelo de juego, a partir de los cuales evaluar al equipo para proponer estrategias de intervención y optimizar su rendimiento. The aim of the present study was to study how the following situational variables affected the ball possession of a youth soccer team from Spain during a competitive season: coach (coach 1, coach 2 and coach 3), quality of opposition (high, medium and low), venue (home and away) and final outcome (win, draw and lose). The 30 league matches played by the reference team were analysed. Different possession performance indicators were used. First, the Kruskal-Wallis test was performed for all variables and conditions. Subsequently, only the Mann-Whitney U test was applied in the statistically significant variables (p <0.05) comparing the differences two by two. The results showed in quality of opposition, that the team was associated with a decrease in the total length of time of possession when faced with opponents from the high zone of the classification unlike when made with opponents from the medium and low zone. The main conclusion from the work was that the possession of the ball played a determining role in the performance of the team, although the quality of opposition conditioned this indicator. Soccer trainers of academies could include ball possession as a performance indicator, if it is identified with the game model, from which to evaluate the team to propose intervention strategies and optimize their performance. O objetivo do presente estudo foi estudar como as seguintes variáveis de situação afetaram a posse de um time de futebol juvenil na Espanha durante uma temporada competitiva: treinador (treinador 1, treinador 2 e treinador 3), nível do oponente (alto, médio e baixo), localização do jogo (casa e fora) e resultado final (vitória, empate e derrota). Os 30 jogos disputados pela time de referência foram analisadas. Para avaliar o desempenho da time, foram utilizados diferentes indicadores de desempenho. Primeiro, o teste de Kruskal-Wallis foi realizado para todas as variáveis e condições. Posteriormente, apenas o teste U de Mann-Whitney foi aplicado nas variáveis estatisticamente significantes (p <0,05) comparando as diferenças de dois a dois. Os resultados mostraram na variável nível do oponente, que a time esteve associada a uma diminuição no tempo total de posse quando confrontado com rivais da zona alta da classificação, diferentemente de quando feito com rivais na zona média e baixa. A principal conclusão do trabalho foi que a posse da bola desempenhou um papel determinante no desempenho da time, embora o nível do adversário condicionasse este indicador. Treinadores de futebol formativo poderiam incluir a posse da bola como um indicador de desempenho, se for identificado com o modelo de jogo, a partir do qual avaliar a equipe para propor estratégias de intervenção e otimizar seu desempenho.

ANALISIS KETEBALAN LAPISAN SEDIMEN DAN INDEKS KERENTANAN SEISMIK KOTA JAMBI BAGIAN TIMUR

A Research was carried about analysis of sediment layer thickness and seismic vulnerability index in eastern Jambi City. The purpose of this research was to determine the effect of sediment layer thickness on seismic vulnerability index in eastern Jambi City based on microtremor data. The Acquisition data of microtremor is 25 points spread in research area. Processing data was carried out using the HVSR (Horizontal to Vertical Spectra Ratio) method to obtain the H/V curve. This curve represents the value of the natural frequency (f0) and amplification factor (A0). Based on the results of data processing obtained, the range of natural frequency (f0) value is 1.04 – 3.78 Hz, the range of amplification factor (A0) value is 1.13 - 4.88 times, the range of sediment layer thickness (h) value is 16.46 – 61.45 meters, and the range of seismic vulnerability index (Kg) value is 0.70 - 20.18×10-6 cm2/s. The results showed that the distribution of seismic vulnerability index (Kg) correlated relatively well with sediment layer thickness of the research area. The high zone of seismic vulnerability index (Kg) is relatively associated with alluvial deposits and also the sediment layer thickness of more than 30 meters. The high zone of seismic vulnerability index (Kg) is concentrated in Pasir Panjang, Tanjung Raden to Olak Kemang in Danau Teluk sub-district and Tanjung Sari in Jambi Timur sub-district.

Temperature, desiccation, and species performance trends along an intertidal elevation gradient

This study investigated the effects of intertidal elevation on ecologically relevant temperature traits and the intensity of organism desiccation during low tides on a subpolar NW Atlantic shore. The goal was to relate those descriptors of environmental stress to elevational changes in the growth of dominant sessile species (algae and mussels) that influence overall community structure. In-situ measurements taken at the low, middle, and high intertidal zones revealed that daily temperature maxima, daily temperature range, and desiccation rate increased significantly from low to high elevations. Conditions were especially stressful at the high zone, as the highest temperature (47 °C, recorded during aerial exposure at low tide) more than doubled seawater temperature and desiccation rate surpassed 90 %. Transplant experiments showed that seaweed (Ascophyllum nodosum) and mussel (Mytilus edulis) growth rate decreased dramatically from low to high elevations. Therefore, although subpolar shores are mostly known for their harsh winter conditions, the pronounced vertical stress gradient that characterizes the intertidal zone during ice-free months also plays a major role in determining spatial changes in benthic species performance. Our study also suggests that inferring stress differences between habitats based on growth data from transplanted specimens may be a useful field method to further develop stress ecological theory.

Alpaca Meat

The chapter analyses alpaca (Vicugna pacos) meat production and consumption in Peru. The analysis highlights what affects alpaca meat consumption, drawing from exploratory studies in the Andean high zone of Arequipa, Puno, and Cusco. The reasons that are behind alpaca meat consumption decisions are anthropological aspects related to historical and cultural processes, as well as the commercial channels and the presentation of the product. In this sense, the authors link the theoretical approach on consumption, emphasizing the influence of the consumer in the market and vice versa. Nevertheless, it is interesting to note that even in the current conditions of the market there is a growth in the demand for alpaca meat resulting from the increase in tourism flows, not only of foreigners but also Peruvians.

Groundwater Prospect Zonation Using Frequency Ratio Model For Banganga River Basin, India

Groundwater prospective Zonation mapping and its reasonable improvement are a significant perspective in Banganga River Basin. In the present investigation, the groundwater imminent zones were depicted by receiving a recurrence proportion (FR) model Land use land cover, Geomorphology, Geology, Drainage Density, Lineament Density Aquifer, Slope, well location and water level were the Thematic layers considered for groundwater prospective Zonation mapping. There are 157 spring wells situated in the investigation Study area, of which all wells were considered for evolution rate and staying absolute wells considered for predict rate in the FR model. The last groundwater prospective map was characterized into five zones as Very Low, Low, Medium, High and Very high. Finally, appropriate destinations for Groundwater revitalize for practical groundwater the board were distinguished. The locales were chosen based on profundity of groundwater level, wellspring of spring great areas and inclination from regular spring to select invigorate wells.Groundwater Prospective zone ranging from 2.8068 to 12.3712. It classified into five prospective classes Very low classes cover 904.62 sq km, low zone covers 1220.76 sq km, medium zone covers 1821.46 sq km, High zone covers 2145.55sq km and very High zone covers 2687.57 sqkm.Areas with steeply inclined limestone terrains and younger tough rocks had moderate to weak groundwater potential. The groundwater is mostly not appropriate in the research region for consumption but may be used for irrigation under unique circumstances, on the basis of the chemical analysis. The general findings show that using remote sensing and GIS methods provides strong method for developing groundwater and developing the right exploration scheme.

Polarized Versus High-Intensity Multimodal Training in Recreational Runners

Purpose: This study longitudinally compared changes in running performance (5-km time trial) and fitness (maximal oxygen uptake [VO2max] and body composition [BC]) between polarized training and CrossFit Endurance (CFE) in recreational runners. Methods: Participants (N = 21) completed 12 wk of CFE or polarized endurance training (POL). Both groups trained 5 d·wk−1. POL ran 5 d·wk−1, whereas CFE ran 3 d·wk−1 and performed CrossFit 3 d·wk−1 (run + CrossFit 1 d·wk−1). Intensity was classified as low, moderate, or high (zone 1, 2, or 3) according to ventilatory thresholds. POL was prescribed greater volume (295 [67] min·wk−1), distributed as 85%/5%/10% in Z1/Z2/Z3. CFE emphasized a lower volume (110 [18] min·wk−1) distribution of 48%/8%/44%. Results: POL ran 283 (75.9) min·wk−1 and 47.3 (11.6) km·wk−1, both exceeding the 117 (32.2) min·wk−1 and 19.3 (7.17) km·wk−1 in CFE (P < .001). The POL distribution (74%/11%/15%) had greater total and percentage Z1 (P < .001) than CFE (46%/15%/39%), which featured higher percentage Z3 (P < .001). Time trial improved −93.8 (40.4) s (−6.21% [2.16%]) in POL (P < .001) and −84.2 (65.7) s (−5.49% [3.56%]) in CFE (P = .001). BC improved by −2.45% (2.59%) fat in POL (P = .02) and −2.62% (2.53%) in CFE (P = .04). The magnitude of improvement was not different between groups for time trial (P = .79) or BC (P = .88). Both groups increased VO2max (P ≤ .01), but with larger magnitude (P = .04, d = 0.85) in POL (4.3 [3.6] mL·kg·min−1) than CFE (1.78 [1.9] mL·kg·min−1). Conclusions: Recreational runners achieved similar improvement in 5-km performance and BC through polarized training or CFE, but POL yielded a greater increase in VO2max. Extrapolation to longer distances requires additional research.

Extraction, Identification and Pharmacological Evaluation of Phyto-Active Compound in Manilkara Hexandra (Roxb.) Dubard Stem Bark

Plants are made up of chemicals of differing nature produced by metabolism. These phytochemicals show varied biological activity. The present work was aimed to identify such active principle present in the stem bark of Manilkara hexandra (Roxb.)Dubard. Proximate, fluorescence, histochemical, mineral analysis was carried out for the plant material. From the preliminary analysis, the flavonoid rich extract was identified which was then subjected to using chromatographic methods for compound separation. Characterization of the separated compound was done by UV, FT-IR, and GC-MS studies. 7,9- DI-TERT-BUTYL-1-OXASPIRO[4.5]DECA-6,9-DIENE-2,8-DIONE was identified by GC-MS analysis. Antibacterial activity was carried and it shows high zone of inhibition, when concentration increases from 30 to 150 μg/ml. The separated flavanoid in future could be used to study its wide pharmacological applications as a lead compound in drug delivery.

Towards a Web Decision System Support for Planning Micro-Watershed Using Pressure-State-Response and Logic Fuzzy, Study Case in Colombia

This paper presents a conceptual web decision support systems (DSS) for assessment of a tropical Andean micro-watershed. A combination of pressure-state-response (PSR) indicators and logic fuzzy were used. Three indices were defined: climate change (ICC), quality water (IQW) and soil degradation (ISD). Each index is a combination of qualitative and quantitative indicators. Fuzzy functions were defined to generate operability in each index. Trapezoidal, triangular and singleton functions were defined. The inputs are the indicators value in each zones of the watershed: high zone, medium zone and low zone. Outputs of WebDSS are the value of each index. The Web DSS was applied in an Andean watershed named “El Chocho”, in Colombia. The results indicate the high degradation level in the watershed, evidenced by the indices values. This study indicates the possibility of building and applying a DSS to support management decision process in Andean micro- watersheds.

Practice of Subsistence Farming System in Bhojpur, Eastern Hills of Nepal

Nepalese hill agriculture is a subsistence type of farming system. Development of agriculture follows different trajectories as an outcome of both biophysical and cultural factors for production while culture determines the strategy and the extent of the technological inputs. The main objective of this study is to assess agricultural practice and calculate cost and benefit of crop production in the study area. This study is based on case study of Bhojpur VDC of Eastern hill of Nepal. Data were collected from household survey, key informant interview and field observation. Finding indicates that the crop-livestock combination is the main basis of livelihood of the people in the study area. Land and labor are the main components of the farming system. Maize, potato and millet are traditional crops. Likewise, potato and maize are the most important crops of high zone area. It is cultivated both in irrigated and non-irrigated fields. Paddy is the most important crop in middle zone. Maize, millet and potato are other important crops of this zone. High zone has benefit only in potato production and this zone has no paddy production due to cold climate and no irrigation facility. This zone is deficit in maize and millet production. Middle zone is in benefit only for millet production. Low zone is highly surplus situation in potato, maize and millet but deficit in paddy production. In general, Lower zone is the most suitable area for crop production compared with higher zone areas. However, paddy production is deficit even in lowland area. Cost and benefit analysis indicates that there is low economic return for the farmers in the study area.