Bryophyta (Mosses) of Senegal: the case of Mosses in Herbaria and databases

In Senegal, Mosses constitute a large and diverse systematic group. This work is a contribution to the knowledge of Bryophyta in the herbaria of Senegal. It specifically proposes to determine the structure of the Bryophyta on the prospected sites in order to provide basic knowledge for a better sustainable management. This study is carried out in the first place in the herbaria of the University Cheikh Anta Diop of Dakar/Senegal: the herbarium of the Institut Fondamental d'Afrique Noire Cheikh Anta Diop (IFAN) and the herbarium DAKAR of the Department of Plant Biology of the Faculty of Sciences and Techniques. Secondly, a consultation of different checklists and databases was conducted to collect more information. This research work on the flora of the mosses allowed us to identify a total of 70 species divided into 44 genera, 24 families and 12 orders. The orders Hypnales, Dicranales and Hookeriales are the most represented. Bryaceae are dominant followed by Pottiaceae, Calymperaceae, Dicranaceae and Hypnaceae. The genera Fissidens, Calymperes, Bryum, Gemmabruym and Leucoloma are more diversified. These results are important for the conservation of the environment and the enhancement of plant biodiversity in Senegal.

Contribution to the biosystematic study of carpophoric basidiomycetes (higher fungi) in the Dakar region (Senegal)

In Senegal, fungi constitute a large and diverse systematic group. However, despite their numerous food and pharmacological potential, few studies have been devoted to this group, particularly carpophore fungi. This work is a contribution to the knowledge of macromycetes in Senegal. It specifically proposes to determine the structure of the fungi on the prospected sites and to propose identification tools. Inventories were made at four (4) sites: two sites in Cheikh Anta DIOP University of Dakar (Botanical Garden, Faculty of Science and Technology and that of Faculty of Medicine), the Forest Park of Hann and the classified forest of Mbao. The identification and description of the samples were carried out based on macroscopic and ecological characteristics. This methodology allowed us to identify (15) morphotypes distributed in 2 subclasses of the Basidiomycetes class. They belong to 5 orders (Agaricales, Pluteales, Trichlomatales, Phallales, Gasterales), 7 families (Agaricaceae, Lepiotaceae, Pluteaceae, Marasmiaceae, Termitomycetaceae, Phallaceae, Sclerodermataceae) and 8 genera. Among these morphotypes, four (4) are identified down to the species level (Phallus roseus, Podaxis pistillaris, Micropsalliota cf elata and Scleroderma auriculatum) and 11 down to the genus. In this fungi group, the genus Termitomyces dominates with five (5) species, followed by the genus Volvaria with three (3) species. This work made it possible to bring out the common and differential characters between the species. It then appeared that the mode of insertion of the foot is the only characteristic common to all species. In addition, the identification of discriminating characteristics made it possible to develop a key for determining all the species inventoried.

How Relationship-Enhancing Transcendent Religious Experiences during Adversity Can Encourage Relational Meaning, Depth, Healing, and Action

Research on the relationship between religion, spirituality, and health suggests that religious involvement can help people deal with various kinds of adversity. Although there has been a great deal of work on the influence of religious involvement and religious and spiritual practices on physical, mental, and relational health, there exists a gap in the theoretical and empirical literature about the potential benefits of transcendent religious experiences on marriage and family relationships. We report some findings from a study of in-depth interviews with 198 religious American exemplar families from diverse religious, ethnic, and geographic backgrounds. The religious-ethnic make-up of the sample included: African American Christian (13%), Asian Christian (12%), Catholic and Orthodox Christian (11%), White Evangelical Christian (12%), White Mainline Christian (10%), Latter-day Saint (LDS, Mormon), (14%), Jewish (16%), and Muslim (12%). Systematic group coding resulted in the findings that, during times of adversity, transcendent religious experiences reportedly (a) provided relational meaning, (b) increased relational depth, (c) healed relational hurt, and (d) encouraged relational action. We suggest implications for theory, research, clinical practice, and pastoral work.

Chimpanzee lip-smacks confirm primate continuity for speech-rhythm evolution

Speech is a human hallmark, but its evolutionary origins continue to defy scientific explanation. Recently, the open–close mouth rhythm of 2–7 Hz (cycles/second) characteristic of all spoken languages has been identified in the orofacial signals of several nonhuman primate genera, including orangutans, but evidence from any of the African apes remained missing. Evolutionary continuity for the emergence of speech is, thus, still inconclusive. To address this empirical gap, we investigated the rhythm of chimpanzee lip-smacks across four populations (two captive and two wild). We found that lip-smacks exhibit a speech-like rhythm at approximately 4 Hz, closing a gap in the evidence for the evolution of speech-rhythm within the primate order. We observed sizeable rhythmic variation within and between chimpanzee populations, with differences of over 2 Hz at each level. This variation did not result, however, in systematic group differences within our sample. To further explore the phylogenetic and evolutionary perspective on this variability, inter-individual and inter-population analyses will be necessary across primate species producing mouth signals at speech-like rhythm. Our findings support the hypothesis that speech recruited ancient primate rhythmic signals and suggest that multi-site studies may still reveal new windows of understanding about these signals' use and production along the evolutionary timeline of speech.

Species distribution modelling of the genus Equisetum subgenus Equisetum for the territory of Russia

Horsetails are a complex taxonomic and systematic group. Therefore, the study of the geographical distribution of these species is necessary for a better understanding of the phylogeny of this family. We concluded an analysis of the distribution of 5 species of horsetail of the subgenus Equisetum (Equisetum, Equisetaceae): E. arvense L., E. fluviatile L., E. palustre L., E. pratense Ehrh., E. sylvaticum L. using the maximum entropy method implemented in the MaxEnt program. Modeling was carried out using climate variables from the WorldClim global climate base. Simulation results show good simulation quality. In 3 out of 5 species, the AUC of the test sample was in the range of 0.9–1, and in 2 species — 0.8–0.9. In general, for most species, a plausible picture of their intended distribution has developed. The obtained models suggest that the territory of Russia is favorable enough for the growth of horsetails. Analysis of the contribution of 14 bioclimatic variables to the distribution of the studied species revealed that the most important variables are: annual mean temperature, isotermality, temperature seasonality, max temperature of warmest month, temperature annual range, mean temperature of warmest quarter, mean temperature of driest quarter, mean temperature of coldest quarter, annual precipitation, precipitation of wettest month, precipitation seasonality, precipitation of driest quarter, precipitation of warmest quarter, and precipitation of coldest quarter.

FACTORS MEDIATING ANT SOCIAL BEHAVIOR: INTERPLAY OF NEUROMODULATION AND SOCIAL CONTEXT

The main aim of this review was to show that proximate causation of insect social behavior involves complex interplay of cues and signals originating from both lower and higher levels of organization encountered in insect societies. We focused our review on context-dependence of neuromodulation of insect social behavior by specific neuroactive compounds including several biogenic amines (octopamine, serotonin, dopamine and tyramine), and classical amino acid neurotransmitters [γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glutamate (Glu)]. We provided numerous examples of the role of these compounds in the mediation of affiliative social contacts, aggressive behavior, ontogeny of behavior (including behavioral reversion), and modifications of the reproductive status of the individual. We also discussed how brain contents of specific neuroactive compounds and the effects of their administration depend on individual properties of the tested insects, systematic group to which they belong, and external conditions defining their past and present physical and social environment.

Statistical parameters of the properties of agro-gray soils in the Northern part of the forest-steppe

The paper analyzes the regional statistical characteristics of analytical and morphometric properties of agro-gray soils formed in one-factor conditions of the Privyatskaya band of the Pre-Kama region of the Republic of Tatarstan. The sampling of analytical data was carried out in accordance with the systematic group and non-eroded soil analogues. The upper part of the soil profile of the studied soil has a low humus content, medium acid reaction, the profile distribution of the sum of absorbed bases is almost uniform and is in the range of 22.6 to 26.8 mmol /100 g of soil. Generalization of the accumulated analytical and morphological information is a zero cycle of monitoring of arable soils and can serve as a reference for comparison to identify changes in the properties and morphological structure of arable soils in the region. In conditions of intensive agriculture, statistical parameters make it possible to purposefully manage soil fertility in the studied region.

Counseling Junggringan Saintification of Ki Ageng Suryomentaram Teaching An Ideas Toward Indigenous Counseling

Before Indonesia Became an independent nation and declared its form to be Republic, in Reviews, those cluster of islands called the archipelago there are few independent kingdoms. One of them is the Mataram Kingdom, located in Java. As a living system, Mataram has its own culture, laws, and doctrines. One of the most widely known teachings is Junggringan, a systematic group dynamics of the which has a therapeutic effect. Junggringan was first taught by Ki Ageng Suryomentaram, son of King Mataram VIII. This paper is a scientific reconstruction of the technique of junggringan as indigenous counseling in group settings.

Accumulation of storage proteins in plant seeds is mediated by amyloid formation

Amyloids are protein aggregates with a highly ordered spatial structure giving them unique physicochemical properties. Different amyloids not only participate in the development of numerous incurable diseases but control vital functions in Archaea, Bacteria and Eukarya. Plants are a poorly studied systematic group in the field of amyloid biology. Amyloid properties have not yet been demonstrated for plant proteins under native conditions in vivo. Here we show that seeds of garden pea Pisum sativum L. contain amyloid-like aggregates of storage proteins, the most abundant one, 7S globulin Vicilin, forms bona fide amyloids in vivo and in vitro. The Vicilin amyloid accumulation increases during seed maturation and wanes at germination. Amyloids of Vicilin resist digestion by gastrointestinal enzymes, persist in canned peas and exhibit toxicity for yeast and mammalian cells. Our finding for the first time reveals involvement of amyloid formation in the accumulation of storage proteins in plant seeds.

Discrimination and Policies of Immigrant Selection in Liberal States

How should liberal societies select prospective members? A conventional reading of immigration history posits that whereas ascriptive characteristics drove immigration policy in the past, contemporary policy is based on the principle of nondiscrimination. Yet a closer look at the characteristics of those admitted reveals systematic group biases that run counter to liberalism’s core moral commitments. This article first discusses liberal states’ basic moral obligation to treat their citizens with equal respect. It then identifies ways in which the group biases produced by immigration policy violate that principle, when states either deprive their citizens of fundamental rights or stigmatize them through hierarchical constructions of citizenship. Three mechanisms are presented—structural bias, profiling, and positive selection—by which seemingly liberal admissions policies produce illiberal outcomes. The empirical analysis explores the resulting discriminatory group biases in the context of language and income conditionalities on family migration, excessive demand restrictions against economic migrants, and visa waivers for international travelers. We conclude that immigration reforms that mitigate, if not erase, these morally problematic patterns are within the reach of liberal states.