The evaluation of secondary stress response of grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella, Val. 1844) after exposing to the saline water

The stress response of grass carp to salinity was evaluated assessing the levels of hematocrit, leucocrit, plasma glucose, sodium, potassium and calcium. Mean hematocrit values increased following exposure to salinity. Mean leucocrit values elevated after exposure to salinity for 24 h, then decreased. Mean plasma glucose increased during saline exposure for 48 h and then decreased to normal values. Plasma sodium and chloride levels were increased to their highest values after 48 h. While plasma potassium value increased with the exposure time, plasma calcium values were not affected by salinity exposure.     

Selective control of polyamide dyeing with acid dyes using hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin

The effect of hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HPβCD) in the dyeing of polyamide fabric was investigated under conditions that mimic industrial dyebaths where dye mixtures are used. The dyes used were Telon Red BN, Telon Yellow A-2R, and Telon Blue RR. The blue dye complexed with HPβCD whereas the other dyes did not do so under the conditions used. The dyeing results were compared with those obtained using a traditional retarding agent, Albegal B. The exhaustion dyeing data showed that HPβCD mainly affected the dyeing behavior of the blue dye that became encapsulated. In the case of the yellow and red dyes, changes in the overall kinetics of dyeing were observed, resulting in modified exhaustion profiles. In comparison, Albegal B retarded the blue dyeing process and increased the rate of exhaustion of the yellow dye while the exhaustion curve of red dye remained unchanged. The color uniformity of the dyed polyamide was improved when HPβCD was used. This resulted from the more controlled exhaustion rate during the critical phase of the dyeing process.     

Estimation of the area-specific suspended sediment yield from discrete samples in different regions of Belgium

Journal of Soils and Sediments - Suspended sediment transport, which represents the majority of the sediment load, has been studied across very different scales and in a wide variety of regions and...     

Determining home range,changes in habitat use with time,and the threats to an endangered freshwater turtle (Rafetus euphraticus) in Turkey

1. The Euphrates softshell turtle (Rafetus euphraticus) is the most threatened chelonian species in the Middle East, where it is endemic to the Tigris and Euphrates basins. Since the ecology of this species is little known, it is difficult to plan any reliable action for its correct management and conservation.
2. To enhance the scientific knowledge on R. euphraticus, and to establish a science-based management strategy, a detailed investigation was undertaken on the distribution, habitat, activity and home range of R. euphraticus in Turkey. The previous distribution records in Turkey are for the 1990s; thus, this study is the first comprehensive field research on the species after nearly 3 decades.
3. There was a significant sexual size dimorphism in the Turkish population, with males larger than females.
4. Four individuals were radiotracked for 1 year. The mean home range was highly variable depending on how it was calculated, but that of males was considerably greater than that of females by all methods used.
5. A quantitative evaluation was made of habitat change with time. The land cover classes potentially available to turtles in the Euphrates River basin increased by more than 100% between the 1990s and 2018: 92% of this enhancement was derived from water bodies and coastal lands.
6. Fifteen dams have been built in the lower part of the basins in the last 30 years. In addition, continuing human interactions have caused the fragmentation or destruction of suitable habitats for R. euphraticus.
7. The factors threatening R. euphraticus were assessed and a conservation action plan was developed. Some objectives such as monitoring and creating awareness of this action plan have been met while others are still waiting to be achieved.

     

Occurrence of Pesticides in Water, Sediments, and Fish Tissues in a Lake Surrounded by Agricultural Lands: Concerning Risks to Humans and Ecological Receptors

Lake Vela (Littoral Centre of Portugal) is considered a natural habitat with community interest and consequently was included in the Natura 2000 Network. However, this freshwater ecosystem has been potentially exposed to diffuse pollution generated by agricultural and livestock activities, which seriously compromise its ecological balance. As part of the Ecological Risk Assessment (ERA) proposed for Lake Vela, this study aimed to evaluate the occurrence of pesticides in different compartments: surface water, groundwater, sediments, and fish tissues. Moreover, to assess potential concerning effects on ecosystem and human health, the measured concentrations of pesticides were compared with regulatory and toxicological benchmarks. The results confirmed the presence of high concentrations of pesticides, including organochloride pesticides banned decades ago, in surface water, groundwater, and sediment. The measured concentrations of pesticides, compared with toxicological benchmarks, indicated that harmful effects are likely for aquatic species due to the presence of alachlor, aldrin, and dieldrin. Additionally, the concentrations of pesticides detected in groundwater were also above the recommended safety levels for drinking water, which constitutes a concern for the local population’s health. Results also showed an accumulation of alachlor in predator and benthic fish species which could represent a risk to human consumers and particularly to the regular fish predators (e.g., otters and birds). This study, as the first exposure characterization performed on the Lake Vela system, constitutes valuable and useful information for the ERA process. Although this preliminary assessment of risks should be continued and confirmed through a weight-of-evidence approach, it had already unraveled how concerning are the problems in this ecosystem and the urgency of implementing restoration measures to guaranty its sustainability. Furthermore, this study reinforces the importance of evaluating similar freshwater ecosystems that are also highly threatened by diffuse pollution.     

The effect of various nitrogen fertilizers on zinc (zn) availability in non calcic brown forest soils

In this article the effect of different nitrogen fertilizer application on the availability of zinc (Zn) content in non calcic brown forest soil was investigated. For this purpose increasing rates of NH₄Cl, (NH₄)₂S0₄; NH₄N0₃ and Ca(N0₃)₂.4H₂0 fertilizers were applied for having different physical and chemical properties in two soil samples. An incubation experiment was carried out over 4 months. The available Zn content of the soils was determined each month. According to the results the highest available Zn content of the soils was obtained from NH₄Cl applied to the soils followed by (NH₄)₂S0₄; NH₄N0₃ and Ca(N0₃)₂.4H₂0 application to soil. At the end of the experiment the average available Zn content of non calcic brown forest soils for NH₄Cl, (NH₄)₂S0₄; NH₄N0₃ and Ca(N0₃)₂.4H₂0 fertilizers are 0.93, 0.91, 0.88 and 0.77 mg kg^?1, respectively.     

Seeking Mathematical Strategies in Sperm Function Analysis: Between Scylla and Charybdis?

During the last decades, essential progresses in reproductive biotechnology were achieved, implying development of special spermatological techniques. The major problem was to set up simple, rapid, precise and adequate evaluation methods. The key aspect to be considered in all assays of sperm fertilizing function is capacitation. As not all spermatozoa respond to fertilizing conditions in a similar manner, it seems to be logical to assess samples via their response to these specific conditions. For the spermatological practice, the sensitivity of methodology for assessment and analysis of data with respect to differences in individual response, in heterogeneity of the population, and proper temporal characterization of the response is crucial for the improvement of evaluation procedures. Currently, most used statistical analytical tools in spermatology do not always fulfil these essential sensitivity requirements. We structured our paper concerning different fields of mathematical science (distribution analysis, fractal geometry, functional approximation and differentiation) related to the modern insights in sperm function analysis. The spectrum of methods we are going to review in this paper is restricted to basic ideas to illustrate how the accuracy and sensitivity of sperm evaluation assays may be improved by applying adequate elementary tools of the mathematical analysis.     

Dicoumarol toxicity in cattle associated with ingestion of silage containing sweet vernal grass (Anthoxanthum odoratum)

A diagnosis of dicoumarol toxicity in a herd of Friesian cattle was made following investigation of the deaths of three mature cows and eleven yearling heifers. Affected stock had been fed wrapped, bailed silage containing approximately 90% sweet vernal grass ( Anthoxanthum odoratum ). Sweet vernal grass contains coumarin, which can be converted to dicoumarol, a vitamin K antagonist, through the action of moulds. Most deaths were preceded by lethargy, severe anaemia and subcutaneous and internal haemorrhage. Dicoumarol toxicosis was suspected based on clinical signs, necropsy findings and prolonged prothrombin and activated partial thromboplastin times. Dicoumarol analysis of blood from affected animals and silage confirmed the diagnosis.     

Inheritance of angular leaf spot resistance in common bean line BAT 332 and identification of RAPD markers linked to the resistance gene

The existence of genetic variability for angular leaf spot (ALS) resistance in the common bean germplasm allows the development of breeding lines resistant to this disease. The BAT 332 line is an important resistance source to common bean ALS. In this work we determined the inheritance pattern and identified RAPD markers linked to a resistance gene present in BAT 332. Populations F₁, F₂,BCs and BCr derived from crosses between BAT 332 and cultivar Rudá were used. Rudá is a commercial cultivar with carioca type grains and susceptible to ALS. The resistance of BAT 332 to race 61.41 of the pathogen was confirmed. Segregation analysis of the plants indicated that a single dominant gene confers resistance. For identification of RAPD markers linked to the resistance gene, bulk segregant analysis (BSA) was used. Two RAPD markers,OPAA07₉₅₀ and OPAO12₉₅₀, linked in coupling phase at 5.10 and 5.83 cM of this gene, respectively, were identified. These molecular markers are important for common bean breeders and geneticists as source of genetic information and for marker assisted selection in breeding programs. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.