An Ecological Foodniche Concept as a Proxy for Fish-Pond Stocking Rates in Integrated Aquacultural Farming for Malaysia

The merits of integrated aquaculture farming (IAF) as a strategy for bolstering income for the rural poor have been recognized, but the economic efficiency and sustainability are yet to be determined. The effects of one species on another and the economic benefits, net of government support, have not been critically evaluated. The concept of a foodniche for alternative species in an aquatic environment has not been properly tested in an economic setting. Thus, this report reflects the results of applying the technique of mixed integer linear programming to determine the optimum combination of species within the context of a foodniche. The objective also included maximizing revenues, with minimal external input requirements, for a representative small Malaysian wet-rice farm. It was found that the foodniche concept permitted flexibility in stocking rates, and that farmers could actually stock species at the exact rate that was optimal for profit, instead of standard fixed rates. Also, government subsidies for pond construction were essential for IAF success. The net revenues from IAF were low without interest-free loans for pond construction.     

Boron-Calcium Synergically Alleviates Aluminum Toxicity in Wheat Plants (Triticum aestivum L.)

The effects of B and Ca treatments on root growth, nutrient localization and cell wall properties in wheat ( Triticum aestivum L.) plants with and without Al stress were investigated. Seedlings were grown hydroponically in a complete nutrient solution for 7 d and then treated with B (0, 40 μM), Ca (0, 2,500 μM), and Al (0, 100 μM) in a 500 μM CaCl₂ solution for 8 d. The cell wall materials (CWM) were extracted with a phenol: acetic acid: water (2:1:1 w/v/v) solution and used for subsequent pectin extraction with trans -1,2-diami-nocyclohexane- N,N,N,N -tetraacetic acid (CDTA) and Na₂CO₃ solutions. Boron, Ca, and B + Ca treatments enhanced root growth by 19.5, 15.2, and 27.2%, respectively, compared to the control (pH 4.5). Calcium and B+Ca treatments enhanced root growth with Al stress by 43 and 54%, respectively, while B did not exert any effect. The amounts of CWM and pectin per unit of root fresh weight increased by Al treatment, whereas the Ca and B+Ca treatments slightly reduced the contents of these components. Seventy-four percent of total B, 69% of total Ca, and 85% of total Al were located in the cell wall in the B, Ca, and Al treatments, respectively and 32% of total B, 33% of total Ca, and 33% of total Al were located in the CDTA-soluble and Na₂CO₃-soluble pectin fractions. A more conspicuous localization of B was observed in the presence of Al. Aluminum treatment markedly decreased the Ca content in the cell wall as well as pectin fractions, mainly in the case of the CDTA-soluble pectin fraction. Boron + Ca treatment decreased the Al content in the cell wall and pectin fractions compared to the Ca treatment alone in the presence of Al. It is concluded that the B+Ca treatment enhanced root growth and, B and Ca uptake, and helped to maintain a normal B and Ca metabolism in the cell walls even in the presence of Al.     

Production of polyclonal antiserum against recombinant VP28 protein and its application for the detection of white spot syndrome virus in crustaceans

The VP28 gene of white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) was cloned into pRSET B expression vector. The VP28 protein was expressed as a protein with a 6-histidine taq in Escherichia coli GJ1158 with NaCl induction. Antiserum was raised against this recombinant-VP28 protein in rabbits and it recognized VP28 protein in naturally and experimentally WSSV-infected shrimp, marine crabs, freshwater prawns and freshwater crabs. The antiserum did not recognize any of the other known WSSV structural proteins. Various organs such as eyestalks, head muscle, gill tissue, heart tissue, haemolymph, tail tissue and appendages were found to be good materials for detection of WSSV using the antiserum and detection of WSSV was successful in experimentally infected Penaeus monodon and P. indicus at 12 and 24 h post-infection (p.i.), respectively. The antiserum was capable of detecting WSSV in 5 ng of total haemolymph protein from WSSV-infected shrimp.     

Ecological disturbances due to high cutback in the green infrastructure of Karachi: Analyses of public perception about associated health problems

This paper evaluates the changes to the green infrastructure of the megacity of Karachi, Pakistan, occurring during a period of rapid development, involving extensive loss of trees and green spaces since 2000, occurring as a consequence of road widening and improvements to the city's transport infrastructure, aggravated by a series of cyclones, involving further tree loss and which has led to numerous ecological problems in the city, assessing how the effect of the reduction of Karachi's green infrastructure has impacted both the reality and the perception of human health conditions. It uses medium-resolution satellite images classified for land use and land cover (LULC) data extraction and detailed field surveys to map the extent of change; structured questionnaires are used to identify the perception of selected, targeted groups regarding the state of Karachi's urban green infrastructure and perceived human health conditions. Findings indicate that the public perception of green space functionality or presence does not equate with the remote sensing and field mapping results, which show a dramatic loss. The need to develop a comprehensive urban greening strategy, which considers the needs and priorities of the population, is identified. The impact of such a strategy in terms of increased frequency of visits to green sites and associated increase in the physical activity of the people to improve overall physical health is discussed in relation to the general development of Karachi.     

Assessment of the accuracy of computed tomography for measurement of normal equine pituitary glands

OBJECTIVE: To describe the anatomic features of the pituitary gland region in horses via computed tomography (CT) and determine the accuracy of CT for estimating normal equine pituitary gland dimensions. ANIMALS: 25 adult horses with no clinical signs of pituitary disease. PROCEDURE: Transverse CT images and gross transverse tissue sections were compared in 2 horses. Contrast-enhanced CT of the pituitary gland region was performed postmortem in 23 horses with 4 slice thickness and interval settings (10-mm contiguous or overlapping slices and 4-mm contiguous or overlapping slices). Gross and CT estimates of pituitary gland dimensions were compared via ANOVA. Accuracy of CT estimates was calculated with gross pituitary gland measurements as the known value. RESULTS: Pituitary glands were located between the temporomandibular joints and had contrast enhancement. Mean gross dimensions were length, 2.11 cm; width, 2.16 cm; height, 0.98 cm; and volume, 2.66 cm3. Gross measurements and CT estimates of pituitary gland length from 10-mm contiguous and overlapping slices did not differ. Gross measurements and CT estimates of pituitary gland width from 4-mm contiguous and overlapping slices did not differ. Estimates of height and volume from all CT techniques differed from gross measurements. Accuracies for CT estimates were length, 88 to 99%; width, 81 to 92%; height, 58 to 71%; and volume, 43 to 55%. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Accuracy of estimates of pituitary gland dimension in horses varied with CT scanning technique; via CT estimates of length and width of glands were more accurate than estimates of height or volume.     

Understanding the economic and farming practices driving species selection in aquaculture within the Mymensingh division of Bangladesh

Aquaculture is a major supplier of animal protein for Bangladesh’s population, and the Mymensingh division is a major contributor to finfish aquaculture, producing 43% of the total pond pangasius and 9% of the total amount of tilapia (figures from 2018). We conducted a finfish farmer survey covering Netrokona, Jamalpur and Mymensingh districts to understand current finfish farming practices and identify factors that drive farmers in their species choice between pangasius or tilapia cultivation. We found that most finfish farmers in Mymensingh are experienced practitioners and practise polyculture with a range of stocking densities for each species. Using an economic model of polyculture practice, we have shown that over a production cycle, pangasius gain body mass at a rate nearly 4 times greater than that for tilapia, resulting in substantially larger revenues and providing a strong incentive for their culture. High levels of tilapia aquaculture likely persist due to their short production cycle and an associated decreased economic risk due to crop loss from disease, both factors providing a strong incentive for their culture. Our findings also indicate production yield differences through different species selection in polyculture systems. For example, co-culturing pangasius, tilapia and carp together was less productive than co-culture of pangasius with tilapia. Furthermore, higher yields of tilapia were obtained when co-cultured with carp compared with pangasius, the reasons for which are not known and warrant further investigation. Our study uses information provided by finfish farmers to produce a useful guide on fish species choices to maximise production yields, and therefore food production, from their ponds.

     

银杏幼胚离体培养再生植株的研究

 以佛手银杏幼胚为外植体, 研究了不同大小幼胚在不同培养条件下, 愈伤组织和胚状体的诱导发育情况。结果表明: 大于3 mm的幼胚, 在MK +NAA 1.0 mg·L ^{- 1} +BA 1.0 mg·L ^{- 1}培养基上胚状体诱导率最高, 达到53.6% , 最多的一块愈伤组织形成多达38个胚状体。暗培养不利于胚状体的发生。在MK培养基上添加10%椰汁对胚状体的生长发育有很好的促进作用, 有34.5%生长成苗。     

Co-Ion Effect on Cr3+ Sorption by Amberlyst-15(H+)

Cr³⁺ sorption on strong acid exchanger Amberlyst-15(H⁺) is studied as a function of time and temperature using CrCl₃.6H₂O and [Cr₄(SO₄)₅(OH)₂] solutions. The rate is found to be governed by a mixed diffusion for both the solutions and faster for Cl^1? solution than SO₄ ^2?. The exchange capacities are found to be higher for Cl^1? system than SO₄ ^2?. From the rate constant values, the energies of activation are calculated using the well-known Arrhenius equation. Equilibrium data is explained with the help of the Langmuir equation. The Langmuir parameters are also found to be higher for exchange from the chloride solutions. Various thermodynamic parameters (??H^o, ??S^o, and ??G^o) for Cr³⁺ exchange on the resin are calculated. The ??G^o values are found to be negative while ??H^o and ??S^o are positive for both the Cr³⁺/Cl^1? and Cr³⁺/SO₄ ^2? systems. It is suggested that in case of Cl^1? solutions, the metal is exchanged as Cr³⁺, while in case of SO₄ ^2? solutions, the metal exchanging specie is CrSO₄ ⁺.     

Isolation and partial characterization of excretory/secretory antigens of Gastrothylax crumenifer

The present study was carried out to identify the excretory/secretory (E/S) antigens of the rumen infecting digenetic trematode Gastrothylax crumenifer that may be useful for the immunodiagnosis of rumen amphistomosis particularly during the pre-monsoon season during which this rumen parasite stops shedding eggs. The in vitro released E/S proteins were purified on a Sephadex G-200 column. The gel filtration profile revealed three distinct fractions F1-F3 where F1 and F3 appeared as sharp peaks while the F2 fraction was dispersed. The antibody titre against each of the purified E/S fractions was determined by ELISA using anti-whole E/S polyclonal antibodies raised in rabbit. Among the three fractions, the antibody titre against F1 was highest (1:12,800) whereas IgG titre was very low (1:50) for fraction F2 and F3 (1:100). Of the total polypeptides resolved on gradient SDS-PAGE, only a few antigenic polypeptides were detected in each fraction with hyperimmune anti-serum as revealed by Western Blot analysis. However, a 33 kDa antigen detected in each fraction appeared to be immunodominant which could be exploited for the diagnosis of the pouched amphistome.