Scipedia: Collection of Achievements in the Life Sciences

Successive approximation method for solving (1+1)-dimensional dispersive long wave equations

bewar ali — Wed, 29 Oct 2025 21:07:34 +0100

In this paper, we study the (1+1)-dimensional dispersive long wave equations which describe the evolution of horizontal velocity component u(

Optimization of Bacillus subtilis SPB1 Biosurfactant Production Under Solid-state Fermentation Using By-products of a Traditional Olive Mill Factory

Scipedia content — Mon, 27 Mar 2017 15:26:00 +0200

Bacillus subtilis SPB1 is known to produce a highly effective biosurfactant that belongs to the class of lipopeptides. This biosurfactant has shown relevant properties that could be efficiently applied in various domains. However, high production and purification costs limit the use of B. subtilis SPB1 in high-volume applications. The present work aimed to promote an economical production of this lipopeptide biosurfactant. Statistical experimental designs and response surface methodology were employed to optimize the concentrations of agro-industrial residues, inoculum size and humidity for B. subtilis SPB1 biosurfactant production under solid-state fermentation. The best production yield was approximately 30.67 mg of crude lipopeptide biosurfactant per gram of solid material. This yield was obtained using a solid substrate ratio of 1.5, a moisture content of 90% and an inoculum size (OD600 ) of 0.08. These data support the utilization of a mixture of 6 g of olive leaf residue flour and 4 g of olive cake flour with a 10g total weight of the solid substrate. A mixture of two by-products of a traditional olive mill factory was demonstrated to be a suitable substrate for biosurfactant biosynthesis, providing enhanced bacterial growth and leading to a strong improvement in the yield of tensioactive lipopeptide production.

Waterfowl Population Structure: Phylogeographic Inference

Scipedia content — Mon, 27 Mar 2017 15:25:58 +0200

Population genetics and the phylogeographic structure of dabbling duck species were investigated using 5′-end sequencing of the mtDNA control region and ODC-6 of nuclear DNA. Overall, a weak phylogeographic structure and low genetic differentiation in mallards (Anas platyrhynchos ) and European wigeons (Anas penelope ) were discovered, which was likely due to the presence of large, long-term population sizes and significant intracontinental dispersal. Haplotypes of the mtDNA of spot-billed ducks (Anas zonorhyncha ) and American wigeons (Anas americana ) were found in Mallard and European wigeon samples, respectively. This presence of closely related species haplotypes in the gene pools of these species is consistent with the occurrence of historical and contemporary hybridization and incomplete sorting of haplotype lineages in mallards and wigeons.

Genetic Markers for Studying the Current Distribution Area and Population Structure of the Sable Martes Zibellina L.

Scipedia content — Mon, 27 Mar 2017 15:25:55 +0200

Three types of genetic markers (restriction fragments of cytochrome b mtDNA gene, SSR and ISSR) were proposed for the study of genetic variability in the sable Martes zibellina within its geographic range. mtDNA haplotypes of different subspecies of the sable were described. Haplotypes of the eastern sable Martes zibellina princeps, which was introduced to Tyumen region in the 20th century, are rare in the gene pool of the modern sable populations of West Siberia. Haplotype diversity in the West Siberian sable M. z. zibellina is high due to introgressive hybridisation with the pine marten Martes martes . Nuclear genetic markers of M. zibellina × M . martes hybrids are more similar to the sable than to the pine marten.

The Use of Camera Traps for Monitoring the Population of Long-Tailed Gorals

Scipedia content — Mon, 27 Mar 2017 15:25:51 +0200

The long-tailed goral (Nemorhaedus caudatus ) is a rare montane ungulate species with a patchy distribution. In the Sikhote-Alin Reserve, gorals occupy the northern part of their range, concentrated primarily in a small coastal area (6.4 km2 ) in Abrek Urochishe. Our pilot study tested the feasibility of individual photo-identification of gorals and population size estimation using the capture–recapture method. We used 10 camera traps spaced 0.6–2 km apart on coastal slopes to monitor the gorals. Four additional cameras were placed at the Reserve boundaries, mainly for law enforcement purposes, such as documenting trespassers. Between June 1 and December 31, 2013, we collected nearly 3000 photographs of gorals, 500 photographs of other wildlife, and 12 images of illegal activities within the Reserve. The total sampling effort was 1870 camera days. Photo data showed that goral horns are reliable biometric identifiers, distinguishable by size, shape, pattern, and the number of rings. The proportion of individually identified gorals in our photos was 0.64 (SE = 0.05). Most individuals (45) were marked (i.e., first detected on camera) in the fall, therefore, preliminary estimates of the goral population size were made between October 11 and December 20, 2013. A closure test confirmed that the population was, in fact, closed (z = − 2.670, P = 0.004). The best-fit closed population multiple recapture model for our data was the heterogeneity model Mh (programme CAPTURE), which assumes an unequal capture probability (χ2 = 112.19, d.f. = 9, P = 0.000). The average goral capture probability was 0.16, and the corresponding population size was estimated at 90 individuals (SE = 6.91, 95% CI: 77–125 individuals). The average goral population density in a 3.5 km2 effective sampled area (56% of the entire plot area) was 25 individuals/km2 (SE = 5.62). Extrapolation to locations that lacked data suggests that Abrek Urochishe supports a goral population of 160 individuals. Our results demonstrate that camera trap data can be used for photographic capture–recapture sampling of goral populations. This approach may be more effective than traditional visual surveys of montane ungulates that tend to underestimate the population abundance. The use of camera traps will undoubtedly enhance goral monitoring efforts, aiding in the conservation of this rare species.

Contemporary Conditions and Key Trends in Development of Groups of Harbor Seals (Phoca vitulina stejnegeri ) and Spotted Seals (Phoca largha ) in the Bering and Medny Islands (Komandorsky Archipelago)

Scipedia content — Mon, 27 Mar 2017 15:25:47 +0200

The present paper elaborates on the status of both harbor and spotted (largha) seal populations on the Komandorsky Islands. Local populations of these seals have doubled since the 1980s. The total population of harbor and spotted seals at both Bering and Medny Islands is now estimated to be 4000–4300 animals. Various methods of counting have been applied. A methodological approach to counting seals on the Komandorsky archipelago is described.

Coleoptera in the Diet of the Asian badger (Meles leucurus Hodgson 1847, Carnivora , Mustelidae ) in Forest-steppe Zone of Urals

Scipedia content — Mon, 27 Mar 2017 15:25:44 +0200

We studied the remains of Coleoptera in Asian badger (Meles leucurus Hodgson, 1847) scats collected during 6 years in the northern forest-steppe zone of Urals region (Sverdlovsk Region). Species list and also ecological (habitat) groups and size classes' ratios were compared with the results of censuses of insects made by pitfall traps in the same study area and with literature data for the southern taiga and the northern forest-steppe zones of Urals region. Badgers consumed mainly the beetles living in the ground and herbal layers. The highest number of individuals was observed for big beetles (15–30 mm), while the highest number of species was found for small beetles (5–10 mm). Ecological (habitat) groups and size classes' ratios were different for the insects consumed by badger and those caught in pitfall traps. Such differences should be taken into account in the studies where predators' food remains are the main (or the only) source of information about the insect fauna. Assessments of the availability of insects for badgers cannot be based only on the data of pitfall-trap censuses, but other entomological methods should be used as well.

Organochlorine Pesticides in Fulmar (Fulmarus glacialis Linnaeus, 1761) from the Coast of Eastern Kamchatka and the Kuril Islands

Scipedia content — Mon, 27 Mar 2017 15:25:41 +0200

Organochlorine pesticides are persistent toxic substances of anthropogenic origin that affect biota. Hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) isomers (α-, β-, and γ-), DDT and its metabolites (DDD and DDE) were detected in five individuals of fulmars Fulmarus glacialis Linnaeus, 1761 from the coast of Eastern Kamchatka and the Kuril Islands. The average amount of HCH isomers in the organs of fulmars ranged from 608 ± 177 ng/g lipids in the total homogenate of the organs to 2093 ± 264 ng/g lipids in the feathers with skin. The average range of the amounts of DDT and its metabolites was from 3606 ± 333 ng/g lipids in the feathers with skin to 4076 ± 1624 ng/g lipids in the feathers. The results are discussed.

Review on Brucellosis Sero-prevalence and Ecology in Livestock and Human Population of Ethiopia

Scipedia content — Mon, 27 Mar 2017 15:25:38 +0200

The economic and public health impact of brucellosis remains of concern in developing countries. The disease can generally cause significant loss of productivity through abortion, still birth, low herd fertility and comparatively low milk production. In Ethiopia brucellosis prevalence studies have been conducted in different agro-ecology of the country. But, in general there was information gap on disease dynamics, identification of strain circulating in the region. The paper reviewed the distribution of brucellosis in different regions of Ethiopia and its prevalence among different livestock hosts. Risk factors for the occurrence of brucellosis and finally, different strategies for the control and prevention of brucellosis under Ethiopian conditions are discussed.

Quantitative Ethnobotanical Survey of Traditional Siddha Medical Practitioners from Thiruvarur District with Hepatoprotective Potentials through In Silico Methods

Scipedia content — Mon, 27 Mar 2017 15:25:32 +0200

The aim of the present study was to document the knowledge of traditional Siddha medical practitioners from Thiruvarur district in Tamil Nadu, India, and to quantitatively analyze the data to identify some useful leads of medicinal plants and to screening the phytocomounds. Field study was carried out for a period of 1 year in Thiruvarur district of Tamil Nadu. The ethnomedicinal information were collected from Siddha medical practitioners. The collected data were analyzed through quantitative analysis. The molecular docking studies were performed three marketed drugs and eleven different medicinal plant compounds against HBeAg using Schrodinger suite. A total of 33 species of plants distributed in 22 genera belonging to 22 families were identified as commonly used ethno medicinal plants by traditional Siddha practitioners in Thiruvarur. An interesting point in molecular docking study is that luteolin is an effective inhibitor for the inhibition of HBV when compared to commercial drugs. Traditional Siddha medical practitioner and remarkable medicinal plant knowledge and uses were documented for the study area.

Activity of 1,3-β-D-Glucanases and Expression of CG-GLU1 in the Mussel Crenomytilus grayanus (Bivalvia) in Three Bays of the Sea of Japan

Scipedia content — Mon, 27 Mar 2017 15:25:27 +0200

The level of the specific activity of digestive enzymes and expression of their corresponding glucanase genes (Cg-glu1 ) were studied in Grays mussels, Crenomytilus grayanus, collected from the mussels' assemblages in different parts of Peter the Great Bay (northwestern part of the Sea of Japan). Both methods demonstrated similar independent results: there is variability in the contribution of phytoplankton to the nutrition of mussels in different parts of Peter the Great Bay. The highest level of the specific activity of 1, 3-β-D-glucanases and expression of the glucanase genes were detected in the mussels from Amursky Bay: the differences were significantly increased (p

Dynamics of Geographic Range and Occurrence of Pine Marten (Martes Martes L.) in the South-East Forest Zone of Western Siberia

Scipedia content — Mon, 27 Mar 2017 15:25:24 +0200

This paper is devoted to the area and abundance of pine marten in the West Siberia during XX – XXI century.

Sample Preparation Method for the Determination of Organochlorine Pesticides in Aquatic Organisms by Gas Chromatography

Scipedia content — Mon, 27 Mar 2017 15:25:22 +0200

Sample preparation can be used in biology and ecology for gas chromatographic determination of organochlorine pesticides (OCP), namely, α-, β- and γ-isomers of hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH), dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) and its metabolites dichlorodiphenyldichloroethane (DDD) and dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (DDE) in various aquatic organisms (molluscs, fish, birds and mammals) containing lipids (because organochlorine pesticides are lipophilic) in the internal organs and tissues, fat, skin and feather cover. The method is easy to implement and economically profitable, it can be used in laboratories without special extraction equipment, as well as in the field, with a minimum set of glassware and reagents. The result of this process is an increase of efficiency and precision of research through a more complete extraction of pesticides chemically bonded with lipids using n -hexane and a reduction of the number of steps needed for the extraction and purification of co-extrusive substances with concentrated sulphuric acid.

Typology and Structure of Wetland Bird and Grouse Habitats in the Olekminsky Natural Reserve

Scipedia content — Mon, 27 Mar 2017 15:25:19 +0200

The Olekminsky Natural Reserve is composed of four types of lake land, six types of river land and two types of wetlands. The wetlands can be classified into four types of spatial complexes. The main types of forest habitats may be incorporated into six types of land. Forest complex functional forms in the reserve are characterized by four types. In accordance with the predominance of land types and typological complexes, the territory can be divided into four areas.

Influence of Natural and Anthropogenic Factors on the Distribution of the Field Mouse in the Sikhote-Alin Mountains

Scipedia content — Mon, 27 Mar 2017 15:25:16 +0200

This paper describes the distribution of the field mouse along the gradient heights in the primary vegetation formations affected by anthropogenic transformation of forest ecosystems in the Sikhote-Alin Mountains. Based on the obtained data, schemes of the altitude-biotopical accordance of this mouse in undisturbed and transformed habitats were built. The results demonstrated that the field mouse is able to penetrate into the upper belts of the mountains to heights of 1200 to 1400 m above sea level.

Using Stripping Voltammetry to Analyse the Interactions of Metals with the Biomass of Acidophilic Algae

Scipedia content — Mon, 27 Mar 2017 15:25:13 +0200

Interactions of metals with the biomass of plant organisms, including algae, are of interest for biology, biogeochemistry and biotechnology. This work studies the interactions of the unique thermophilic red algae Galdieria sulphuraria (Class: Rhodophyta, Family: Cyanidiaceae) with copper and lead in the aquatic environment. This extremophilic, acidophilic organism is found in such ecosystems as hot springs and geothermal habitats. This paper presents the results of experiments with the biomass and mortmass of this organism. The results indicate that the biomass of this organism immobilises copper after incubation in aquatic medium with heavy metals. Lead was also added to the incubation environment, but no immobilisation of lead from the aquatic environment was observed. The mortmass of G. sulphuraria immobilised neither copper nor lead.

Pulsar Satellite Radio Beacon Application Experience in the Telemetry of Brown Bear (Ursus Arctos L.)

Scipedia content — Mon, 27 Mar 2017 15:25:10 +0200

This study shows application experience of pulsar satellite radio beacons (Russian production) in studying brown bear ecology. During 2011–2013 three brown bears were equipped with satellite collars fitted with a radio beacon in the Primorsky region and the Kostroma region. The animals were tracked using satellite technology and telemetry. We obtained data on brown bear space use and daily and seasonal movements. Our results show possibility of using this method for the study and conservation of wild animals.

Behavior of Brown Bears During Feeding in the Sikhote-Alin

Scipedia content — Mon, 27 Mar 2017 15:25:06 +0200

Feeding methods and habits of brown bear in Sikhote-Alin are varied and specific for each type of feeding behavior depending on the composition and condition of food, its availability and abundance, season, animals sex, age, physical condition, personal preferences and experience, the presence of competitors and disturbance from other predators and humans. A feature of the feeding behavior of bears in Sikhote-Alin is consumption of the remains of meals of tigers.

Marking activity of the Kamchatka brown bear (Ursus arctos piscator )

Scipedia content — Mon, 27 Mar 2017 15:25:03 +0200

The marking activity of brown bears was studied in the Kronotsky Reserve (eastern shore of the Kamchatka Peninsula) between 2002 and 2005. The goal of this investigation was to document communication mechanisms within the species. We recorded descriptions of bears rubbing and marking trees, as well as individual marking behaviour of bears in the Valley of the Geysers. We recorded 203 marked trees in an area of 2.5 km2 . Bears marked mostly stone birches (Betula ermanii ) with a mean diameter at breast height of 24 cm. Most trees were freshly marked with scratches or teeth marks and also exhibited scarring from previous years. Well-worn tracks were often recorded approaching marked trees. Regarding tree markings, 10.3% of trees were marked intensively, and 32% of trees were clustered. In addition, 88.9% of marked trees were located on ridges, and 79.3% were located on bear trails. The most intensive marking period was between May and June, which corresponded to bear mating season. The most commonly observed behaviour prior to marking was a rigid walking approach, rubbing on the trunk, and biting and removing tree bark. The high density and diversity of rubbed trees in the reserve should be considered a model for monitoring. The conservation of the Valley of the Geysers is intricately related to the wellbeing of the regions bears. Monitoring human impact on bears in the Valley of the Geysers, specifically tourism traffic, should include monitoring of the intensity and frequency of bear marking activity.

Operant Behaviour Features of the Selection Preference of Lithogenic Feed for Experimental Purposes

Scipedia content — Mon, 27 Mar 2017 15:25:00 +0200

In the present work, the influence of natural zeolites on the parameters of defensive behaviour was analysed in experiments with white laboratory rats and a modular device. The obtained data suggested that among the experimental individuals under conditions of tool stress, 76% preferred the food that contained a mineral additive in the form of a crushed zeolite, while the indicators of behavioural activity were optimized in the given category of animals.