New Visions in Biological Science Vol. 2

Foliar Sound Absorption Capacities of Tree Leaves by Impedance Tube Method

Payal Rane - Acharekar, Ambika Joshi, Nitesh Joshi — Sat, 28 Aug 2021 00:00:00 +0000

The sound absorption coefficients of substances are measured using a variety of methods. Sound absorption coefficients are often tested with expensive tools and absorption coefficients are calculated. The current study uses an impedance tube, function generator, standard audio amplifier, omnidirectional microphone, and oscilloscope to calculate sound absorption ratios of leaves from several tree species. In a closed system, a sound absorption ratio was developed to evaluate sound absorption on a relative scale. Sabine's formula was used to compute the sound absorption ratio, and the absorption ratio was calculated. When the sound absorption ratio approaches unity, it implies that the sound absorption capacity is poor. The sound absorption ratio of different tree species' leaves was investigated for different frequencies. Observations were done using an oscilloscope connected to a long impedance tube and a speaker. A range of 500Hz–1000Hz was chosen as the operating frequency for reverberation testing and sound absorption testing when constructing the tube. The leaves of several plant species showed varying absorption at different frequencies. It was observed that leaves of Barringtonia acutangula Goerb, Eucalyptus globulus Labill, Ficus benghalensis L, Ficus glomerata Roxb, Ficus religiosa L, Mangifera indica L, Polyatlhia longifolia Thev, Sterculia urens L and Thespesia populnea Soland are good at sound absorption. The method is relatively inexpensive and easy to use to measure sound absorption of foliar surfaces.

Studies on Gross, Histomorphological, Histochemical and Ultrastructural Characteristics of Pecten Oculi in Guinea Fowl (Numida meleagris)

Pratiksha Mishra, Balwant Meshram — Sat, 28 Aug 2021 00:00:00 +0000

Pecten Oculi of Guinea fowl (Numida meleagris) was studied on their 18 eyes for gross, histological, histochemical and ultrastructural observations. The pecten oculi has 13 to 17 number of accordion (pectineal) folds. These accordion folds were initiated from cauda of optic nerve and travelled via fundus distally into the vitreous humour as an undulated pathway as snake. The shape of pecten oculi was not different than the water floating sail board. The maximum average length and height of pecten oculi was found on the tune of 3.378±0.061 mm and 5.913±0.074 mm respectively. Microscopically the pecten oculi showed an organization as the festoon of blood capillaries with their elastic, collagen and reticular fibers that were corresponding with the structure of spring diving board, which works after the Hook’s law. Melanocytes, melanosomes and melanin granules were observed in and around blood capillaries of pecten oculi. It has divided into three parts apex, middle one third and base. The highest concentration of melanin was observed in the apex. Histochemically the pecten oculi was shown very weak activity of acid and alkaline phosphatase. It had shown a strong activity of glycogen at optic nerve and collagen fibers of pectineal capillaries. Ultrastructurally, the nucleated erythrocytes were witnessed at luminal area of pectineal blood capillary with the tight intercellular endothelial junction. The primary and secondary lamellae were observed in the luminal region of pectineal capillary with pigment depositing globules. Pecten oculi of Guinea fowl has shown various anatomical features thereby it performs various functions as the organ of haemostatic utility, phagocytosis, providing source of energy to vitreous after the diffusion, protecting eye from ultraviolet sunlight radiation, supplementation of nutrition and provide oxygen to the retina to have visual acuity.

Phytochemical Studies and Antioxidant Activity of Mauritia flexuosa and Mauritiella armata

Sat, 28 Aug 2021 00:00:00 +0000

Mauritia flexuosa and Mauritiella armata belong to the Arecaceae family and are widely found in Brazil. In this work were evaluated: the phytochemical profile of the secretion popularly known as wine, obtained from M. flexuosa. The antioxidant activity of the hydroethanolic extracts of leaves, root and petioles of the two species, as well as the quantification of flavonoids and the chromatographic profile. by means of high performance liquid chromatography. The chromatographic profile was determined by high performance liquid chromatography, the quantification of flavonoids and antioxidant activity were performed by spectrophotometric method. It was observed in the extracts of all analyzed structures, of the two species (M. flexuosa and M. armata), the presence of flavonoids and also antioxidant activity. The phytochemical profile of the wine evidenced the presence of secondary metabolites reported in other structures of M. flexuosa. In the chromatographic analysis, it was observed that the evaluated extracts have between three and nine compounds. Further studies must be carried out to identify the active compounds in both species.

Determining the Extractivism of Pequi Fruits (Caryocar brasiliense Camb.): Optimization of Production and Distribution Logistics

Sat, 28 Aug 2021 00:00:00 +0000

The extractive activity of pequi is of great relevance to the northern mesoregion of the state of Minas Gerais. Thus, this study aimed to identify strategic locations for storage, processing and distribution units for pequi extraction in the region, in order to help strengthen the pequi chain. In order to do so, a mathematical model of Location-Allocation of type uncapacitated p-median used through Geographic Information Systems, which allowed the execution of a localization-allocation heuristic method. In order to do so, we inserted into the ArcGIS 10.1 software the location of 118 extractive communities of pequi in 22 municipalities in the north of the state of Minas Gerais, 26,407.32km of vectorial features of the road system of the contemplated regions and 3,711 potential points for the installation of the extractive units. The simulations carried out for the implantation of five extractivist units sought to minimize the time spent displacing between the demand points (communities) and the facilities (extractive units) and contemplated the Municipalities of Lontra, Mirabela, Januária, Japonvar, Chapada Gaúcha and Brasília de Minas. It was verified that with the increase in the number of storage, processing and distribution units for pequi extractivism, the total time of displacement in relation to the extractivist communities is reduced, which consequently reduces transportation costs, the implementation of five extractive units the most advantageous simulation.

Determination of Genetic Diversity of Anacardium humile (Anacardiaceae)

Sat, 28 Aug 2021 00:00:00 +0000

Anacardium humile Saint Hilaire is a tropical shrub native to the Cerradobiome. It's a fruit-bearing plant having biological, medical, and social value. Knowing how natural populations' genetic variability is arranged enables for the development of conservation and sustainable use plans for the species and its environment. Interest in genetic studies of natural populations that combine evolutionary biology and ecology has increased in recent years. This work aims to assess how natural populations of Anacardium humile, an important tropical shrub species native to the Cerrado biome, are genetically structured. Based on investigations of 242 adult plants, six microsatellite loci previously identified from Anacardium occidentale were utilised to evaluate the regional genetic organisation and genetic diversity of eight natural Anacardium humile populations. These communities have a high level of genetic variety (expected heterozygozygosity H_e = 0.710), according to the findings. With a mean of 0.142 (p = 0.001), the endogamy coefficient was positive and significant for most populations. Although the genetic divergence between groups was small (\(\theta\) = 0.075 and G_ST = 0.066), it was significant (p = 0.0001). The results show that genetic conservation measures for A. humile populations should be undertaken in order to keep this species alive.

Development of New Indicator Traits for Selection for High Milk Yield of Indigenous Dual-Purpose Cows in Hot-Humid Environment, Ghana

I. Coffie, S. Y. Annor, J. K. Kagya-Agyemang, A. Annan-Prah, H. Seidu — Sat, 28 Aug 2021 00:00:00 +0000

Records on association of milk yield and morphological traits, particularly parts distal to the knee/hock joints (fore/hind shank length and circumference) in dual-purpose cows, are hardly available. This makes the selection for milk yield potentials in favour of these traits difficult. The objectives of this study were to estimate the relationship between average milk yield (AvMY) and morphological traits (MT) and determine the best MT predictor of average milk yield in dual-purpose cows of the hot-humid environment in Ashanti Region of Ghana. Three hundred and eighty-four (384) cows were purposively selected to measure the association between AvMY and MT in 20 farms from April 2015 to July 2017. Analysis of data revealed that phenotypic correlations between AvMY and MT (i.e., head length, horn length, horn tip spacing, and muzzle circumference) were low (0.14 to 0.24), whilst that of heart girth, ear length, tail length and pelvic width were medium (0.34 to 0.46). High correlations were observed among AvMY, body length, body height at withers, height at rump, hock circumference, and fore/hind-shank length and circumference (0.50 to 0.84). The best predictor of AvMY was the hind-shank circumference, followed by the fore-shank circumference, hind-shank length, fore-shank length, and hock circumference in descending order. It was concluded that there was an association between AvMY and MT. Breeders and producers should consider fore- and hind-shank circumference and length when selecting for improvement in AvMY potential.

Studies on D\({_1}{_0}\) Values (Y- Irradiation) of Five Postharvest Fungal Pathogens and their Effect on the Biochemical Properties of Fresh capsicum Fruits

G. K. Frimpong, A. A. Adekunle, T. O. Ogundipe, A. A. Okyere — Sat, 28 Aug 2021 00:00:00 +0000

Fungi are increasingly implicated as the agents of spoilage of economically important fruits and vegetables. Five postharvest fungi of pepper fruits namely Aspergillus niger, A. fumigatus Colletotrichum capsici, C. trumcatum and Fusarium solani were tested for their population responses to gamma irradiation. These fungi were irradiated at dose 0.2, 0.4, 0.6 and 0.8KGy at a dose rate of 1.08KGy/hour. Stumbo equation was used in generating D₁₀ values of the organisms. The fungi were inoculated on the pepper fruits for 8 days and their biochemical/physiochemical properties (pH, total ascorbic acid, total titratable acidity and soluble solids) and physiological weight loss were assessed. Complete randomized block design was employed. GenStat 12^th edition was used with one- and two-way Anova for D₁₀ values and biochemical parameters respectively. The D₁₀ values ranged from 0.714 to 0.995 KGy with Fusarium solani being the most radio resistant whereas Colletotrichum species were also more susceptible to the lethal effect of gamma irradiation. Generally, fungi inoculated pepper fruits had higher biochemical values compared to the control samples. Gamma irradiation decontaminated fresh pepper fruits of their bioburden thereby extending their postharvest life since these fungi when present are either pathogenic or saprophytic to the pepper fruits. Deteriorating activities of fungi also have adverse effect on the physiochemical properties of pepper fruits.

Impact of Habitat Degradation on Mangrove Biodiversity

Nandini Vaz Fernandes, Madhu Balekai, Tessa Vaz, Prasanna Naik Goankar — Sat, 28 Aug 2021 00:00:00 +0000

Terrestrial marine/brackish water, and strictly inter-tidal creatures all find refuge in mangrove forests, giving them a varied ecology. Mangroves have been exploited beyond their sustainable potential due to increasing reliance on natural resources. The goal of this study was to see how anthropogenic activities affect faunal and floral distribution. The sites chosen for the study were mangrove areas of Shiroda and Assolna in south Goa. The mangroves of the two sites studied, showed variations in the physicochemical parameters of the water due to the anthropogenic activities associated with it. Anthropogenic activities caused more perturbations in the Shiroda mangrove ecosystem. The water quality at Shiroda site was altered by having high concentration of calcium and sulphates. Hardness, TDS and calcium exceeded the permissible limits. Both studied sites showed similar species indices of fauna but differed in richness. Species diversity of crustaceans, Aves, mammals and Actinoptergii was higher for Assolna as compared to Shiroda. From the present study, it can be inferred that ecological disturbance on account of anthropogenic activities decreases the species richness and evenness of specific fauna.

New Species of Oedogonium Link, a Fresh Water Filamentous Algae from India

Priya Jitendra, V. K. Anand — Sat, 28 Aug 2021 00:00:00 +0000

The present paper deals with the eight species of Oedogonium which are being reported for the first time from India. All the taxa are arranged in broad groups according to their morphological peculiarities and sexual reproduction i.e. Macrandrous (Homothallic and Heterothallic). During the present investigation 5 macrandrous homothallic (O. subvaucherii Claass., O. pseudofragile Claass., O. upsaliense [Wittr.] Hirn., O. visayense Britt., O. amplius (Tayl.) Tiff.) and 3 macrandrous heterothallic forms (O. cf capillare (L) Kutz., O. angustistomum Hoff., O. magnusii Wittr. var. major Bock and Bock) have been collected for the first time.

Camels can Provide a Solution of Red Meat Shortage in Egypt

Alaa Y. El-Badawi — Sat, 28 Aug 2021 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Due to several environmental factors and managerial practises, there is a growing gap between public expectations and available levels of animal protein (particularly red meat protein) in Egypt (a semi-arid country). As a result, the requirement to fatten male dromedary camels may be a possible answer to this problem. Camels are a good source of economical meat due to their unusual resilience to high environmental temperatures, solar radiation, water scarcity, and poor vegetarianism, as well as their high metabolic efficiency. The energy and protein requirements for maintenance are substantially lower than for other ruminants. Camel produces a huge amount of meat while using less feed than other agricultural animals (1.5–2.0 kilogramme feed intake per 100 kg body weight, with a daily growth of 800–1000 g).Well-fed butchered camels have a dressing percentage of 56–62 percent. The colour, texture, and flavour of fattened camel calves (2-3 years old) meat are comparable to that of young beef cattle. Furthermore, camel meat is high in protein, iron, and vitamin B, but low in fat (less than 5%) and cholesterol. Due to its high quantity of glycogen, unsaturated fatty acids like linoleic acid, and vital amino acids, camel meat has numerous other health benefits. It is strongly advised that camels be given special consideration as a cheap and healthy meat source.

Lichens Distribution Pattern in Dry Rural Area of Malnad Region, Karnataka

V. N. Sudhama, J. Hemanthkumar, K. S. Vinayaka — Sat, 28 Aug 2021 00:00:00 +0000

The species diversity is significantly associated with forest structure and species composition of tropical forest communities. Humans have also been exploiting lichens and their substances for various purposes since long time and they area also act as Bioindicators. The main objective of the present study is to document the diversity and distribution pattern of lichen in the dry areas of Malnad region. In present communication we analysed diversity, distribution pattern of 29 species of lichens from tropical forests in Mallenahalli forest of Chikkamagaluru district. The study area covers moist and dry deciduous type of vegetation. From the present enumeration we recorded 17 macrolichen, and 12 microlichens species belongs to 17 genera and 15 families. Habitat specialization can account for the coexistence of lichen species in tropical forests. The members of families Parmeliaceae (7), Physciaceae (3), Pertusariaceae (3) exhibited the maximum species in the area. In our study, the foliose lichens were dominant, comprising 14 species followed by 12 species for crustose and three species for fruticose lichens.

A Descriptive Model of Amsams and Genes Transmission from Seven Generations

Sayee Rajangam, N. Leelavathy — Sat, 28 Aug 2021 00:00:00 +0000

According to an article in the Tamil magazine Subayogam, a man will have 84 ‘amsams' during his reproductive years, with 28 of his own and 56 passed on from his paternal line forefathers across six generations. The objective of the research was to interpret the amsams transmitted not only from the paternal forefathers but also from the maternal side and compare them to the genes in the human genome. The authors in the present article have interpreted that the same 84 amsams which is present in the man could also be present in the gametes of the women and the off springs receive the amsams from the grandmothers of the paternal line as well as from the grandparents of the maternal line. The association between the amsams and the genes found in Homo sapiens has also been investigated. The non-identical 30 genes calculated as 0.1 percent of 30,000 genes could be more or less equal to the 28 amsams particular to the individual. It can be recognised from the amsams or genes that the genetic constitution of the cloned cells differs from that of their parent.

Star Anise (Illicium griffithii Hook. f. and Thoms.): A Tree Spice from High Altitude Region of Arunachal Pradesh

Sat, 28 Aug 2021 00:00:00 +0000

Star anise, a tree species normally regarded as one of the valuable spice is normally observed in the high altitude region of Arunachal Pradesh. This spice has been an integral part in the social and traditional life of the native tribal of the region since yore. Star anise is utilized in different ways viz. for savouring local cuisines, flavouring tea, used as a medicine to cure various ailments etc. With the demand in pharmaceutical industries the spice thus contributes to the livelihood security of the locals. Further, Possessing good amount of nutritional values makes this spice a valuable crop for nutritional security. However, they remain largely underutilized and people are unaware of the nutritional factor though inadvertently utilized. Simultaneously, lack of consciousness and awareness coupled with habitat destruction may lead to the genetic erosion and threatened the species resource, which ultimately need to be conserved and further studies are required for its nutrient and phyto-pharmacological properties. Though it has much importance in commercial purposes, research and knowledge on this species is meagre and its utilization for human consumption has not yet been fully exploited.

Study on Biological Characteristics of Structural and Functional Remodelling in Skeletal Muscle: Effect of Exercise

Teet Seene, Priit Kaasik — Sat, 28 Aug 2021 00:00:00 +0000

The purpose of this review was to compare differences and similarities in structural-functional rearrangements in skeletal muscle in endurance and resistance training and the effect of these changes on endurance and strength capacity. The effect of locomotory activity on skeletal muscle form and function has been investigated for more than a half-century. These alterations are clearly dependent on the mode of action. Resistance and endurance exercise training have different impacts on metabolic pathways, skeletal muscle architecture, protein synthesis and degradation rates, neuromuscular junctions, and muscle spindles, as well as their intensity and length. The comparison of morpho-functional changes in different skeletal muscle fiber types may help an exercise biologist, sport physician, endurance and strength specialist to better understand the nature of specificity of different training modes on the functional capacity of an organism and build up exercise training strategies for both recreational and top athletes.

Hoyle’s Critique of Neo-Darwinian Theory and the Impact of Heavy-Tailed Distributions

Thomas B. Fowler — Sat, 28 Aug 2021 00:00:00 +0000

Physicist and astronomer Fred Hoyle has repeatedly criticized Neo-Darwinism as a flawed theory because of mathematical and statistical problems. His comments have been used by creationists and other opponents of the theory, even though he himself did not support their views. In this paper Hoyle’s critique of one aspect of Neo-Darwinism is analyzed to see what merits it may have. The conclusion is that while Hoyle’s mathematics is impeccable, and thus his critique based on them has merit, he did not carry his own reasoning far enough and specifically failed to consider the possibility of large variations in selective value. This may have been due to his belief that such variations would be extremely unlikely, due to an assumption that such variations would be governed by a normal distribution. However, if a heavy-tailed distribution is involved, such variations become feasible. The net result is that evolution in its early stages may have involved large jumps, which, though infrequent, would move it along. The objective of this study is to analyze the impact of Hoyle’s results and how they are affected by modern knowledge of heavy-tailed distributions.