Hasil untuk "Zoology"

Steffan P. Hansen, Julien M. Haran

The monotypic genus Epibrithus (Curculionidae: Entiminae) was described by Marshall for Epibrithus pustulatus Marshall, 1955, a species from the Citrusdal region in a Western inland region of the Cape Floristic Region. This paper provides the re-description of the genus, the re-description of E. pustulatus and the description of two new species, Epibrithus longicarinatus Haran & Hansen sp. nov. and Epibrithus boroveci Haran & Hansen sp. nov. from South Africa. The species can most readily be distinguished on features of ventrite 5 of males, and features of the aedeagus and copulatory sclerites. COI data supports the morphological divisions. Based on morphological examination, we propose to transfer the genus to the tribe Oosomini until larger molecular revisions can confirm tribal relationships. Epibrithus appears to be native to a small area in the valleys/mountain slopes of the Western part of the Cape Floristic region. Adult Epibrithus appear to favour dense shrubs and trees, are rarely obtained in the field, and are scarce in collections.

Barasa Larsen, Cahyadi Tri, Simanjuntak Marihot et al.

This investigation explores maritime professionals' perspectives on blockchain-enabled agricultural supply chain integration for island community sustainability. Through qualitative analysis of ten experienced maritime graduates with decade-long industry expertise, the research examines professional readiness for technological transformation within traditional shipping operations. Using phenomenological methodology, the study reveals sophisticated professional understanding of blockchain potential for transparency verification, carbon credit integration, and multi- stakeholder coordination, while identifying critical capacity-building needs for successful implementation. Findings show strong recognition of blockchain benefits for supply chain transparency (80% high recognition) and environmental stewardship (80% high integration potential), but reveal significant development needs in blockchain technology literacy (80% high priority) and agricultural supply chain understanding (70% high priority). The research contributes frameworks for maritime education transformation and industry collaboration strategies supporting comprehensive sustainability initiatives.

Dai Yuting, Sos Marcel, Kübel Christian

Waheed Ezzat, Khalid M. Mahrose, Ahmed M. Rizk et al.

The exploration for effective in-feed additives is growing owing to the global climatic change trend to alleviate the negative effects of heat stress in laying hens. This research assessed the potential of using B-glucan (G) as an antiheat stress agent in Matrouh laying hens subjected to early heat shock programs during the growing period. Factorial design (3 × 3) was used, including 3 levels of heat stress (control, heat shock at 3 d and at 3 d and 8 wk of age) and 3 levels of β-glucan (0, 100, and 200 mg β-glucan /kg diet). During the first 12 wk of egg production (EP), treatments were exposed to heat challenge. The results revealed that heat shock program applications at 3 d and 8 wk of age significantly decreased body weight at 36 wk of age (P < 0.05) and reduced (P < 0.05) feed intake (FI). While significantly (P < 0.05) improved feed conversion ratio (FCR), hemoglobin, RBCs, WBCs, immunoglobulin M (IgM), immunoglobulin G (IgG), and Heat shock protein (HSP70) of the Liver (P < 0.01) as compared with the control group. At the same time, there was a decrease in lymphocyte%, H/L ratio, cortisol, and T3 compared to the thermo-neutral control. When compared to the control group, hens fed a diet containing 200 mg of βG significantly (P < 0.05) improved body weight at 16 wk and final weight at 36 wk, feed conversion (FCR) (g. feed/g. egg mass), hen-day egg production, and egg mass, as well as the digestibility coefficients of crude protein (CP), dry matter (DM), metabolizable energy (ME), and cortisol. The interactions between heat chock programs and βG levels were nonsignificant for the most studied traits except daily feed intake. Therefore, the early heat shock exposure 2 times and supplementation of Β-glucan (βG) at 200 mg/kg diet during the growth period for laying hens that are exposed to heat stress during the reproductive period could improve productive, reproductive performance, HSP70 level and enhance immunity responses.

Ek Martin, Godiksen Anita, Arnarson Logi et al.

Manuel Collado-Cuadrado, Claudia Alarcón-Torrecillas, Alfonso Balmori-de la Puente et al.

Heartworm disease, caused by <i>Dirofilaria immitis,</i> is a vector-borne zoonotic disease, (mainly affecting canids and felids) causing chronic vascular and pulmonary pathology in its early stages, which worsens with parasite load and/or death of adult worms in the pulmonary artery or right heart cavity, and can be fatal to the host. Angiogenesis is a mechanism by which new blood vessels are formed from existing ones. The aim of this work was to study the effect of two molecules of the <i>D. immitis</i> excretory/secretory antigen (DiES) on the angiogenic process, taking into account that this antigen is able to interact with this process and use it as a survival mechanism. For this purpose, an in vitro model of endothelial cells was used and treated with two recombinant proteins, i.e., actin (Act) and fructose-bisphosphate aldolase (FBAL) proteins belonging to DiES, and both pro- and antiangiogenic molecules were analyzed, as well as the cellular processes of cell proliferation, migration, and pseudocapillary formation. Act and FBAL proteins, together with vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF-A), as an angiogenic precursor, are able to stimulate the production of proangiogenic factors as well as cellular processes of proliferation, migration, and pseudocapillary formation. This implies that these molecules could be produced by <i>D. immitis</i> to facilitate its survival, and the relationship between parasite and canine host would be further elaborated.

Darman Agung Sandakila, Gracetia Devita Hadi, Riska Gultom et al.

The Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens L.) or BSF is one of a group of insects that has a length of 15-20 mm originating from America. The larvae of the BSF has a high protein content (44.26%), which has great potential in treating wound healing. This study investigated the wound healing potential of Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSFL) ethanolic extract on mice. The research aimed to determine the extract's content, its effect on wound closure percentage, and its impact on total DNA content in mice. Using a completely randomized design, 30 male mice were divided into 6 treatment groups: no treatment (K-1), placebo (K-2), povidone iodine 10% (K+), and BSFL ethanolic extract at 10%, 15%, and 20% concentrations. Wounds were treated for 14 days, with measurements taken every 2 days. Results showed that the 20% BSFL extract was most effective in wound healing, with wound lengths comparable to the povidone iodine group. The highest total DNA content was observed in the 20% BSFL group (42.25 ± 7.45 µg/mL), indicating enhanced cell proliferation. Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrophotometry analysis revealed high lauric acid content (44.27%) in the extract, known for its antibacterial properties. Organoleptic and homogeneity tests confirmed the ointment's suitability for topical application. The extract's efficacy is attributed to its high protein content, various amino acids, and minerals that play crucial roles in wound healing processes. The study concludes that BSFL ethanolic extract, particularly at 20% concentration, shows promising potential as a natural wound healing agent, offering antibacterial and tissue regeneration properties. These findings open new avenues for developing sustainable, insect-based wound healing treatments.

Dzhamilya Saralinova, Fursov Victor, Dokhkilgova Diba

At the present stage, one of the scientific problems of research is the study of processes and factors influencing sustainable development. The increasing relevance of methods for achieving sustainable development of the world economy is due to several factors. The fuel and energy complex is not only the backbone of the Russian economy, but also one of the most important elements in ensuring (taking into account climatic conditions) the country’s energy security. The geopolitical factor today forms the energy reality, and this trend implies the growing importance of developing an optimal mechanism for managing all processes in this area. Particular attention in public administration should be given to updating the priority tasks of the state energy policy and energy strategies of the Russian Federation, taking into account the goals of sustainable development. The strategic task today is to protect Russia’s interests in the dynamic system of regulation of world energy markets.

Andrea Mazzatenta, Serena Fiorito, Roberto Guadagnini et al.

The evanescent and invisible communication carried by chemical signals, pheromones, or signature mixtures or, as we prefer, the pheromonal individual fingerprint, between members of the same species is poorly studied in mammals, mainly because of the lack of identification of the molecules. The difference between pheromones and the pheromonal individual fingerprint is that the former generate stereotyped innate responses while the latter requires learning, i.e., different receivers can learn different signature mixtures from the same individual. Furthermore, pheromones are usually produced by a particular gland, while the pheromonal individual fingerprint is the entire bouquet produced by the entire secreting gland of the body. In the present study, we aim to investigate the pheromonal individual fingerprint of brown bears in northern Italy. We collected the entire putative pheromone bouquet from all production sites in free-ranging bears and analyzed the entire crude extract to profile the individual fingerprint according to species-, sex- and subjective-specific characteristics. We were able to putatively characterize the brown bears’ pheromonal individual fingerprints and compare them with the partial pheromone identifications published by other studies. This work is a step forward in the study of the complexity of chemical communication, particularly in a solitary endangered species.