IDENTIFYING THE ECOTOURISM SUITABILITY SCORE FOR MARINA BEACH AND ELLIOT'S BEACH OF CHENNAI COAST, TAMIL NADU, INDIA.

At the Chennai Coast in Tamil Nadu, India, research is done. Finding out whether Marina Beach and Elliott's Beach are suitable for ecotourism is the study's main goal. For the research using the ecotourism suitability index methodology, land use, land cover, erosion, accretion, beach type, beach width, proximity to bus stop, proximity to train station, and suspended sediment load have all been taken into account. The suitability index of eco tourism is assigned into 4 (four) classes, which are: Class S1 (Highly suitable), Class S2 (Quite Suitable), Class S3 (Suitable with condition) and Class N (Not Suitable). Result of analysis indicates that coast area of Marina Beach and Elliots beach area comes in the class of Highly suitable (S1) by score total of 129 or 95.5 % and 116 or 85.9 % respectively. According to the research, Marina Beach has a sand feature as a land use land cover, 213 metres of beach width, good clarity (500 mg/L), is located 361 metres from a bus stop and 681 metres from a train station, has moderate erosion, and has not experienced any accretion. The beach type is white sand. Likewise, Elliots Beach has a sand feature as a land use land cover, with 222 metres of beach width, good clarity (600 mg/L), 642 metres from the bus stop, and 2351 metres from the railway station, which is high. There is moderate erosion and no accretion, and the sand is of the beach type, which is white. Marina beach has high tourism suitability index as compared to Elliot's beach. By considering marina beach, all the eight parameters are considered to be ne whereas Elliot's beach has far away accessibility this is the main reason for lowering the tourism suitability.

A Rapid Method to Screen for Multi Drug Resistance (MDR) Trait in Clinical Isolates of Acinetobacter baumannii-Acyl Homoserine Lactone (AHL) Screening in CRAB and CSAB Isolates

Aims: Our proposal aimed to evaluate Acyl Homoserine Lactones (AHL) as a functional marker for Multi drug resistant (MDR) potential in clinical isolates of Acinetobacter baumannii. We investigated the AHL production potential of clinical isolates using a biosensor assay directly on a commonly used agar media. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Molecular Diagnostics and Biomarkers, Gleneagles Global Hospitals, Lakdikapul, Hyderabad-500004. Methodology: Antimicrobial drug sensitivity testing (AST) was performed on 72 clinical isolates of A. baumannii against two front-line antibiotics, Imipenem (10µg) and Meropenem (10µg), by Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method. Production of long chain Acyl Homoserine lactone (AHLs) in the clinical isolates of A. baumannii was tested by cross streaking with the biosensor Chromobacterium violaceum mutant strain CV026 and Agrobacterium tumefaciens (NTL4pZLR4) by agar plate diffusion assay. Screening and identification of the quorum sensing mediator gene abaI was done by PCR to confirm its presence in all the 72 clinical isolates. Results: Out of the 72 clinical isolates, 58 were Carbapenem resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB) and 14 were Carbapenem sensitive Acinetobacter baumannii (CSAB) for AST by agar disc diffusion method. None of our isolates produced short chain AHLs whereas all the isolates could produce varying amounts of long chain AHLs. Genotypic confirmation of AHL gene was obtained by abaI gene PCR. Conclusion: Carbapenems are the front-line antibiotics used to treat gram negative bacterial infections in emergencies and in the critical care units of hospitals. Clinical isolates A. baumannii has innate resistance to several antibiotics due to various mechanisms, biofilms forming the first line of defense against antibiotics for the bacterium. Our study used AST to carbapenem as the leading marker for MDR, assuming the innate resistance of A. baumannii to other beta lactam antibiotics. Our study brought out certain important observations namely: a) All clinical isolates of A. baumannii produced Quorum Sensing signal molecules, the AHLs b) the clinical isolates of A. baumannii did not produce any short chain AHLs b) All the clinical isolates of A. baumannii produced long chain AHLs c) AHL production is not specific to carbapenem drug resistance because even CSAB isolates produced AHL d) AHL production is inherent to all clinical isolates of A. baumannii and it apparently indicates an underlying biofilm potential and MDR trait in these A. baumannii isolates. e) AHLs could be a universal marker for revealing MDR trait and biofilm potential in clinical microbiology AST profiling protocols.

Normalized difference vegetation index for desiccation evaluation with glyphosate + 2,4-D in magnetized spray solution

Abstract Water magnetization and geoprocessing are increasingly utilized tools in weed management. Our objective was to study the influence of water magnetization on herbicide efficiency and to verify whether there is a relationship between control scores and the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI). In the laboratory experiment, water was subjected to magnetization and evaluated with respect to four characteristics. In the field experiment, plots of Brachiaria grass were subjected to treatments in a factorial scheme (6 × 2 + 1). Six herbicidal factors (doses of glyphosate and glyphosate + 2,4-D) and the magnetization or absence of magnetization of the spray solution were evaluated and compared against the control treatment (without spraying). Weed control assessments were carried out six times. Images were obtained using an embedded multispectral camera to determine the NDVI values. Data related to water characteristics were analyzed using the t test. Weed control and NDVI data were subjected to analysis of variance and are presented in regression graphs. Dispersion analysis of NDVI data was performed according to the control scores. The magnetization process decreased the pH of the water and increased the surface tension, but it did not influence the control scores or the NDVI. As the glyphosate dose was increased, the control scores were higher and the NDVI values were lower. Magnetized water did not affect the biological efficiency of the herbicides, and there was a strong correlation between the control scores and the NDVI values.

Resumo A magnetização da água e o geoprocessamento são ferramentas cada vez mais utilizadas no manejo de ervas daninhas. Nosso objetivo foi estudar a influência da magnetização da água na eficiência do herbicida e verificar se existe uma relação entre os escores de controle e o índice de vegetação por diferença normalizada (NDVI). No experimento de laboratório, a água foi submetida à magnetização e avaliada em relação a quatro características. No experimento de campo, parcelas de capim-braquiária foram submetidas a tratamentos em esquema fatorial (6 × 2 + 1). Seis fatores herbicidas (doses de glyphosate e glyphosate + 2,4-D) e a magnetização ou ausência de magnetização da calda foram avaliados e comparados com o tratamento controle (sem pulverização). Avaliações de controle de plantas daninhas foram realizadas seis vezes. As imagens foram obtidas usando uma câmera multiespectral incorporada para determinar os valores de NDVI. Os dados relacionados às características da água foram analisados por meio do teste t. O controle de plantas daninhas e os dados de NDVI foram submetidos à análise de variância e são apresentados em gráficos de regressão. A análise de dispersão dos dados NDVI foi realizada de acordo com os escores de controle. O processo de magnetização diminuiu o pH da água e aumentou a tensão superficial, mas não influenciou nos escores de controle ou no NDVI. Conforme a dose de glyphosate foi aumentada, os escores de controle foram maiores e os valores de NDVI foram menores. A água magnetizada não afetou a eficiência biológica dos herbicidas, e houve uma forte correlação entre os escores de controle e os valores de NDVI.

Progress in DNA-sensing pathways in Epstein-Barr virus infection / 中华微生物学和免疫学杂志

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is generally susceptible in human beings and multi-organ systems can be involved in EBV infection, such as blood, respiratory, urinary, digestive and nervous systems. EBV infection also plays an important role in the pathogenesis of related tumors, autoimmune diseases and other diseases, posing a great threat to human health. As a DNA virus, EBV can be sensed by DNA recognition receptors to trigger a series of downstream immune responses. A DNA-sensing pathway consists of DNA sensors, adaptor molecules and downstream effector signals. Double-stranded DNA sensors mainly include absent in melanoma 2-like receptors (ALRs) and cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS). Adaptors were mainly stimulator of interferon genes (STING) and apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a caspase recruitment domain (ASC). Downstream immune responses mainly involve typeⅠIFN, inflammasomes and proinflammatory cytokines. As a double-stranded DNA virus of the Herpesviridae family, EBV triggers complex innate and adaptive immune responses in the host, especially the sensing pathways mediated by a variety of DNA recognition receptors, which play a key role in host immune defense and pathogen immune evasion. This review made the DNA sensor as the clue to comprehensively summarize the progress in the activation, regulatory mechanism and clinical relevance of DNA-sensing pathways in EBV infection in recent years, aiming to achieve a better understanding of the host innate immune responses during EBV infection and provide an immunological basis for the prevention and treatment of EBV infection-related diseases.

Ankle proprioception after a stroke / 中华物理医学与康复杂志

Objective:To explore vibration, position and motion proprioception of the ankle joints after a stroke.Methods:Twenty-eight stroke survivors with impaired ankle proprioception were divided into a right-side stroke group ( n=18) and a left-side stroke group ( n=8). Twenty-two healthy volunteers constituted a control group. Vibration perception thresholds, passive and active joint angle resetting, and motion minimum thresholds were quantified among the stroke survivors on both the healthy and the affected side. With the controls the dominant and non-dominant sides were used. The differences in proprioception between the healthy volunteers and the stroke patients, between the affected side and the healthy side of the stroke patients, and between left- and right-side stroke patients were analyzed and compared. Results:Among the stroke survivors the vibration perception threshold on the affected side averaged (28.91±22.53)μm. The absolute difference in the perception of passive positioning was (5.49±5.39)° for 15° of plantar flexion and (4.48±3.89)° for 5° of dorsal extension. In active positioning plantar flexion was (5.23±4.34)° and for 30° of plantar flexion it was (3.26±1.73)°. The 5° dorsal extension error was (4.97±3.48)°. The motion perception thresholds between 20° of plantar flexion, 10° of plantar flexion and the neutral position were significantly higher, on average, than among the control group. The stroke group also had significantly higher motion perception thresholds than the control group.Conclusion:The vibration, position, and motion sense of the ankle joint on a stroke survivor′s affected side tend to be impaired, with the impairment of vibration and motion sensing tend to be more substantial. After stroke, there is also mild impairment of vibration, position and motion sensing in the healthy ankle joint. The impairment of proprioception caused by right cerebral hemisphere injury may be more serious than that caused by injury on the left.

Mechanism of action of the microbial quorum-sensing system in the development of skin inflammation / 中华皮肤科杂志

Quorum-sensing system is a way of communication between cells that depends on changes in population density of microorganisms, and is closely associated with variety and pathogenicity of skin microbiota. The synthesis of virulence factors of Staphylococcus aureus ( S. aureus) is regulated by the accessory gene regulator (Agr) quorum-sensing system. Various skin commensals such as coagulase-negative Staphylococcus and Corynebacterium can inhibit the Agr quorum-sensing system of S. aureus, thus decrease the synthesis of virulence factors and attenuate skin inflammation. This review summarizes the mechanism of action of microbial quorum-sensing system in skin inflammation and various quorum-sensing inhibitors.

Evaluation of left and right ventricular systolic function by cardiac MR compressed sensing ultrafast cine sequence / 中华放射学杂志

Objective:To explore the clinical value of cardiac MR (CMR) compression sensing (CS) ultrafast cine sequence in evaluating left and right ventricular systolic function by comparing with traditional segmented acquisition cine sequence (Seg).Methods:Twenty-seven patients with various heart disease were prospectively included. Seg, breath holding CS (bhCS) and free breathing CS (fbCS) covering the left and right ventricles using multi slices in short axis were performed in random order. Friedman test was used to evaluate the overall image quality (grade 1-5 score), blood pool myocardial signal ratio (BMC) and edge sharpness under different methods. Biventricular end diastolic volume (EDV), end systolic volume (ESV), stroke volume (SV), ejection fraction (EF) and left ventricular myocardial mass (Mass) were measured for all three methods. The agreements of the functional measurements between bhCS and Seg (gold standard), and between fbCS and Seg were analyzed by Bland-Altman, and the correlation test was performed.Results:Twenty-four patients with diagnostic images(overall image quality score≥2) for all three methods were included in further analysis. The total imaging time of Seg, bhCS and fbCS decreased successively[375.0 (332.0, 405.6) vs. 50.0 (47.8, 53.7) vs. 20.0 (17.8, 23.7) s, χ 2=48.00, P<0.001]. The overall image quality of fbCS was slightly lower than that of Seg ( Z=-2.67, P=0.023), and there was no difference between Seg and bhCS ( Z=-1.44, P=0.447), bhCS and fbCS ( Z=1.23, P=0.660). There were no differences in edge sharpness (χ 2=1.08, P=0.582) and BMC (χ 2=0.58, P=0.747) for three methods. Bland-Altman polts showed good agreement for biventricular functional measurements between bhCS and Seg, and between fbCS and Seg. All functional measurements of bhCS and fbCS were highly correlated with that of seg ( r>0.96, P<0.001). Conclusions:Compared with traditional sequences, CS ultrafast cine sequences can save scanning time and provide similar image quality. No matter whether breath holding or not, the cardiac functional results of CS sequence and traditional cine sequence have good agreement and high correlation.

Clinical application of single breath-holding left ventricle artificial intelligence assisted compression sensing T 2-weighted dark blood imaging sequence / 中华放射学杂志

Objective:To explore the feasibility of cardiac T 2 weighted dark blood sequence (T 2W-DB) based on artificial intelligence assisted compression-sensing(ACS) in clinical cardiac MR examination, compared with the conventional cardiac fast spin-echo T 2W-DB sequence. Methods:A total of 38 patients referred for cardiac MR examination in Tongji Hospital were enrolled prospectively from August to December 2021. The conventional T 2W-DB scan and the single-shot ACS T 2W-DB scan were acquired at continuous short-axial slices covering the whole left ventricle in all patients, and the acquisition time of each scan was recorded. The image quality of the two sequences was evaluated by the objective quantitative parameters and the subjective scoring methods, respectively. The signal to noise ratio (SNR), the contrast to noise ratio of the interventricular septum to blood pool (CNR), and the sharpness of the images were calculated. The subjective scoring was to evaluate the overall image quality, the effect of blood pool suppression, the visibility of right ventricular free wall, left ventricular free wall, and interventricular septum with a 5-point Likert scale. The intraclass correlation coefficient and Kendall W were calculated to evaluate the interobserver agreement of the objective quantitative parameters and subjective scoring. The paired t-test or Wilcoxon test was used to compare the difference in acquisition time, objective quantitative parameters and subjective scoring between the conventional T 2W-DB and the single-shot ACS T 2W-DB. Results:The inter-observer agreement between the single-shot ACS T 2W-DB and conventional T 2W-DB was good in all the objective quantitative parameters and subjective scoring of image quality ( P<0.05 for all). Compared with conventional T 2W-DB, acquisition time of single-shot ACS T 2W-DB was remarkably shortened [(85.8±14.7) s vs. (16.9±3.0) s, t=35.42, P<0.001]. Compared with SNR (66.4±29.0) and CNR(61.8±28.6) of conventional T 2W-DB, single-shot ACS T 2W-DB had significantly higher SNR(110.8±36.8, t=-8.13, P?0.001) and CNR(88.2±31.1, t=-5.89, P?0.001). Compared with conventional T 2W-DB, single-shot ACS T 2W-DB had better blood pool inhibition effect (4.6±0.6 vs. 4.7±0.5, Z=-2.64, P=0.008). There was no significant difference in overall image quality, visibility of right ventricular free wall, left ventricular free wall, and interventricular septum between the two sequences( P>0.05 for all). Conclusions:In cardiac MR examination, compared with the conventional T 2W-DB sequence, the single-shot ACS T 2W-DB sequence can significantly shorten the acquisition time and obtain better image quality.

Identification of Traditional Chinese Medicine Seahorses Using Graphene Oxide-based Fluorescent Sensing Technology / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo establish a method for seahorse identification based on graphene oxide fluorescence sensing technology， and to provide a new research idea for identification of traditional Chinese medicine. MethodThe fluorophore FAM was labeled at the 5' end of the specificity upstream primer Ja-F of Hippocampus japonicus as the nucleic acid probe FAM-ssDNA （single strand DNA）. The recognition site of RNA polymerase Ⅱ was added to its specific downstream primer Ja-R as Ja-R1. The seahorse samples were amplified with Ja-F/Ja-R1 primers， and the ssDNA of H. japonicus was obtained by reverse transcription of the amplification products using vitro transcription method. The 20 μL nucleic acid probe FAM-ssDNA （500 nmol·L-1） was incubated at 90 ℃ for 5 min， and was gradually cooled to room temperature. Different volume of graphene oxide solution （100 mg·L-1） and Tris hydroxymethyl amino methane HCl （Tris-HCl） buffer （50 mmol·L-1） were added into each probe solution to make a final reaction volume of 1 mL. The fluorescence intensity of each sample was measured after mixing and placing different times at room temperature away from the light. So that the most appropriate graphene oxide concentration and reaction time were screened for constructing the best nucleic acid probe-graphene oxide biosensor. Adding probe complementary sequence FAM-ssDNA-match solution into the nucleic acid probe-graphene oxide solution， the fluorescence intensity of the reaction mixture was measured after being placed different times at room temperature. Therefore， the optimal reaction time of fluorescence recovery was screened and the feasibility of the sensor was tested. The sensitivity was detected via adding ddH2O as the blank control and different concentration H. japonicus ssDNA into each nucleic acid probe-graphene oxide solution， respectively. Finally， the commercial hippocampal were identified using the optimal experimental condition， and the feasibility of this method for the identification of Chinese medicinal materials was verified. ResultThe fluorescence of 1 mL reaction mixture including 10 nmol·L-1 nucleic acid probe FAM-ssDNA and 12 mg·L-1 go solution for 20 min at room temperature away from the light could be completely quenched. Feasibility test of the biosensor showed that when probe complementary sequence FAM-ssDNA-match solution （final concentration 90 nmol·L-1） was added to the biosensor solution and reacted 1 h reaction at room temperature， the fluorescence signal was significantly enhanced. Sensitivity test showed that the minimum concentration of ssDNA detected by this method was about 10 mg·L-1. This method was used to detect commercial seahorses， and only H. japonicus samples had obvious fluorescence signal. ConclusionThe graphene oxide-based fluorescent sensing technology could be used for zoological origin survey of commercial hippocampus.

Dynamic regulation using a quorum-sensing circuit enhances the production of tyrosol by Escherichia coli / 生物工程学报

Tyrosol is a natural polyphenolic product that is widely used in chemical, pharmaceutical and food industries. Currently, the de novo synthesis of tyrosol by Escherichia coli suffers from issues such as low cell density and poor yield. Therefore, the phenylpyruvate decarboxylase mutant ARO10F138L/D218G obtained in our previous study was fused with an alcohol dehydrogenase from different microorganisms for fusion expression, and the optimal ARO10F138L/D218G-L-YahK produced 1.09 g/L tyrosol in shake flasks. In order to further improve tyrosol production, feaB, a key gene in the competing pathway of 4-hydroxyphenylacetic acid, was knocked out, and the resulted strain produced 1.26 g/L tyrosol with an increase of 21.15% compared to that of the control. To overcome the low cell density in tyrosol fermentation, the quorum-sensing circuit was used to dynamically regulate the tyrosol synthesis pathway, so as to alleviate the toxic effect of tyrosol on chassis cells and relieve the growth inhibition. Using this strategy, the yield of tyrosol was increased to 1.74 g/L, a 33.82% increase. In a 2 L fermenter, the production of tyrosol in the engineered strain TRFQ5 dynamically regulated by quorum-sensing reached 4.22 g/L with an OD600 of 42.88. Compared with those in the engineered strain TRF5 statically regulated by induced expression, the yield was increased by 38.58% and the OD600 was enhanced by 43.62%. The combination of blocking the competing pathway using gene knockout technology, and reducing the inhibitory effect of tyrosol toxicity on chassis cells through quorum-sensing dynamic regulation increased the production of tyrosol. This study may facilitate the biosynthesis of other chemicals with high toxicity.

Patent application of intelligent quality control technology in traditional Chinese medicine production process: a review / 中国中药杂志

In the new stage for intelligent manufacturing of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) from pilot demonstration to in-depth application and comprehensive promotion, how to raise the degree of intelligence for the process quality control system has become the bottleneck of the development of TCM production process control technology. This article has sorted out 226 TCM intelligent manufacturing projects that have been approved by the national and provincial governments since the implementation of the "Made in China 2025" plan and 145 related pharmaceutical enterprises. Then, the patents applied by these pharmaceutical enterprises were thoroughly retrieved, and 135 patents in terms of intelligent quality control technology in the production process were found. The technical details about intelligent quality control at both the unit levels such as cultivation, processing of crude herbs, preparation pretreatment, pharmaceutical preparations, and the production workshop level were reviewed from three aspects, i.e., intelligent quality sensing, intelligent process cognition, and intelligent process control. The results showed that intelligent quality control technologies have been preliminarily applied to the whole process of TCM production. The intelligence control of the extraction and concentration processes and the intelligent sensing of critical quality attributes are currently the focus of pharmaceutical enterprises. However, there is a lack of process cognitive patent technology for the TCM manufacturing process, which fails to meet the requirements of closed-loop integration of intelligent sensing and intelligent control technologies. It is suggested that in the future, with the help of artificial intelligence and machine learning methods, the process cognitive bottleneck of TCM production can be overcome, and the holistic quality formation mechanisms of TCM products can be elucidated. Moreover, key technologies for system integration and intelligent equipment are expected to be innovated and accelerated to enhance the quality uniformity and manufacturing reliability of TCM.

Research progress of research on the effect of quorum-sensing system on periodontal pathogens / 口腔医学

@#Periodontitis is one of the most common oral diseases in humans. As the initiating factor of periodontitis, dental plaque bacteria, is the primary factor leading to periodontitis. Quorum-sensing system relies on quorum-sensing signaling molecules to regulate and strengthenthe communication between different kinds of bacteria, strengthen the communication between bacteria, and promote the occurrence and development of diseases. Quorum-sensing system also plays an important role in promoting the formation of dental plaque biofilm by dental plaque bacteria. In recent years, many studies have shown that quorum-sensing inhibitors can effectively attenuate quorum sensing between bacteria and inhibit and reduce the formation of plaque biofilms between bacteria and the expression of their virulence factors. In this paper, we will review the progress of research on the effects of quorum-sensing signaling molecules on periodontitis pathogens.

Design of flexible wearable sensing systems / 生物医学工程学杂志

The aging population and the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases in the elderly have brought a significant economic burden to families and society. The non-invasive wearable sensing system can continuously and real-time monitor important physiological signs of the human body and evaluate health status. In addition, it can provide efficient and convenient information feedback, thereby reducing the health risks caused by chronic diseases in the elderly. A wearable system for detecting physiological and behavioral signals was developed in this study. We explored the design of flexible wearable sensing technology and its application in sensing systems. The wearable system included smart hats, smart clothes, smart gloves, and smart insoles, achieving long-term continuous monitoring of physiological and motion signals. The performance of the system was verified, and the new sensing system was compared with commercial equipment. The evaluation results demonstrated that the proposed system presented a comparable performance with the existing system. In summary, the proposed flexible sensor system provides an accurate, detachable, expandable, user-friendly and comfortable solution for physiological and motion signal monitoring. It is expected to be used in remote healthcare monitoring and provide personalized information monitoring, disease prediction, and diagnosis for doctors/patients.

Normalized difference vegetation index for desiccation evaluation with glyphosate + 2, 4-D in magnetized spray solution / Índice de vegetação por diferença normalizada para avaliação de dessecação com glyphosate + 2, 4-D em calda magnetizada

Abstract Water magnetization and geoprocessing are increasingly utilized tools in weed management. Our objective was to study the influence of water magnetization on herbicide efficiency and to verify whether there is a relationship between control scores and the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI). In the laboratory experiment, water was subjected to magnetization and evaluated with respect to four characteristics. In the field experiment, plots of Brachiaria grass were subjected to treatments in a factorial scheme (6 × 2 + 1). Six herbicidal factors (doses of glyphosate and glyphosate + 2,4-D) and the magnetization or absence of magnetization of the spray solution were evaluated and compared against the control treatment (without spraying). Weed control assessments were carried out six times. Images were obtained using an embedded multispectral camera to determine the NDVI values. Data related to water characteristics were analyzed using the t test. Weed control and NDVI data were subjected to analysis of variance and are presented in regression graphs. Dispersion analysis of NDVI data was performed according to the control scores. The magnetization process decreased the pH of the water and increased the surface tension, but it did not influence the control scores or the NDVI. As the glyphosate dose was increased, the control scores were higher and the NDVI values were lower. Magnetized water did not affect the biological efficiency of the herbicides, and there was a strong correlation between the control scores and the NDVI values.

Resumo A magnetização da água e o geoprocessamento são ferramentas cada vez mais utilizadas no manejo de ervas daninhas. Nosso objetivo foi estudar a influência da magnetização da água na eficiência do herbicida e verificar se existe uma relação entre os escores de controle e o índice de vegetação por diferença normalizada (NDVI). No experimento de laboratório, a água foi submetida à magnetização e avaliada em relação a quatro características. No experimento de campo, parcelas de capim-braquiária foram submetidas a tratamentos em esquema fatorial (6 × 2 + 1). Seis fatores herbicidas (doses de glyphosate e glyphosate + 2,4-D) e a magnetização ou ausência de magnetização da calda foram avaliados e comparados com o tratamento controle (sem pulverização). Avaliações de controle de plantas daninhas foram realizadas seis vezes. As imagens foram obtidas usando uma câmera multiespectral incorporada para determinar os valores de NDVI. Os dados relacionados às características da água foram analisados ​​por meio do teste t. O controle de plantas daninhas e os dados de NDVI foram submetidos à análise de variância e são apresentados em gráficos de regressão. A análise de dispersão dos dados NDVI foi realizada de acordo com os escores de controle. O processo de magnetização diminuiu o pH da água e aumentou a tensão superficial, mas não influenciou nos escores de controle ou no NDVI. Conforme a dose de glyphosate foi aumentada, os escores de controle foram maiores e os valores de NDVI foram menores. A água magnetizada não afetou a eficiência biológica dos herbicidas, e houve uma forte correlação entre os escores de controle e os valores de NDVI.

Radiation environment monitoring system based on the Internet of Things technology / 中国辐射卫生

This paper presents a nuclear radiation environment monitoring scheme based on the Internet of Things technology. The scheme primarily utilizes ZigBee wireless communication protocol, dedicated line network topology, and cloud-based processing techniques to achieve the entire process of acquisition, localization, transmission, tracking, monitoring, and management of X, γ, α, β, and neutron radiation data at nuclear radiation monitoring sites. Through initial application, the system demonstrates favorable characteristics such as good portability, strong scalability, secure information transmission, and deep data mining.

Normalized difference vegetation index for desiccation evaluation with glyphosate + 2, 4-D in magnetized spray solution / Índice de vegetação por diferença normalizada para avaliação de dessecação com glyphosate + 2, 4-D em calda magnetizada

Water magnetization and geoprocessing are increasingly utilized tools in weed management. Our objective was to study the influence of water magnetization on herbicide efficiency and to verify whether there is a relationship between control scores and the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI). In the laboratory experiment, water was subjected to magnetization and evaluated with respect to four characteristics. In the field experiment, plots of Brachiaria grass were subjected to treatments in a factorial scheme (6 × 2 + 1). Six herbicidal factors (doses of glyphosate and glyphosate + 2,4-D) and the magnetization or absence of magnetization of the spray solution were evaluated and compared against the control treatment (without spraying). Weed control assessments were carried out six times. Images were obtained using an embedded multispectral camera to determine the NDVI values. Data related to water characteristics were analyzed using the t test. Weed control and NDVI data were subjected to analysis of variance and are presented in regression graphs. Dispersion analysis of NDVI data was performed according to the control scores. The magnetization process decreased the pH of the water and increased the surface tension, but it did not influence the control scores or the NDVI. As the glyphosate dose was increased, the control scores were higher and the NDVI values were lower. Magnetized water did not affect the biological efficiency of the herbicides, and there was a strong correlation between the control scores and the NDVI values.

A magnetização da água e o geoprocessamento são ferramentas cada vez mais utilizadas no manejo de ervas daninhas. Nosso objetivo foi estudar a influência da magnetização da água na eficiência do herbicida e verificar se existe uma relação entre os escores de controle e o índice de vegetação por diferença normalizada (NDVI). No experimento de laboratório, a água foi submetida à magnetização e avaliada em relação a quatro características. No experimento de campo, parcelas de capim-braquiária foram submetidas a tratamentos em esquema fatorial (6 × 2 + 1). Seis fatores herbicidas (doses de glyphosate e glyphosate + 2,4-D) e a magnetização ou ausência de magnetização da calda foram avaliados e comparados com o tratamento controle (sem pulverização). Avaliações de controle de plantas daninhas foram realizadas seis vezes. As imagens foram obtidas usando uma câmera multiespectral incorporada para determinar os valores de NDVI. Os dados relacionados às características da água foram analisados por meio do teste t. O controle de plantas daninhas e os dados de NDVI foram submetidos à análise de variância e são apresentados em gráficos de regressão. A análise de dispersão dos dados NDVI foi realizada de acordo com os escores de controle. O processo de magnetização diminuiu o pH da água e aumentou a tensão superficial, mas não influenciou nos escores de controle ou no NDVI. Conforme a dose de glyphosate foi aumentada, os escores de controle foram maiores e os valores de NDVI foram menores. A água magnetizada não afetou a eficiência biológica dos herbicidas, e houve uma forte correlação entre os escores de controle e os valores de NDVI.

Mapping threatened canga ecosystems in the Brazilian savanna using U-Net deep learning segmentation and Sentinel-2 images: a first step toward conservation planning / Mapeamento de ecossistemas de canga ameaçados no Cerrado brasileiro utilizando deep learning segmentação U-Net e imagens Sentinel-2: um primeiro passo para o planejamento de conservação

Abstract Canga ecosystems are iron-rich habitats and pose a challenge for conservation and environmental governance in Brazil. They support high levels of biodiversity and endemism and, at the same time, have suffered intense losses and degradation due to large-scale iron ore mining. The Peixe Bravo River Valley in the Brazilian savanna is one of the last natural canga areas that has yet to face the irreversible impacts of mining. However, there are vast gaps in data on the vegetation cover, location, spatial distribution, and area of occurrence of this ecosystem. Therefore, more information is needed on the appropriate scale, without which it is difficult to establish conservation planning and strategies to prevent, mitigate or compensate for impacts on canga ecosystems. In this study, we provide the first map of canga ecosystems in Brazil using the U-Net deep learning model and Sentinel-2 images. In addition, we estimate the degree of direct threat faced by ecosystems due to the spatial overlap of the mapped cangas and the location of mining concession areas for iron ore exploitation. The deep learning algorithm identified and segmented 762 canga patches (overall accuracy of 98.5%) in an area of 30,000 ha in the Peixe Bravo River Valley, demonstrating the high predictive power of the mapping approach. We conclude that the direct threat to canga ecosystems is high since 99.6% of the observed canga patches are included in mining concession areas. We also highlight that the knowledge acquired about the distribution of cangas through the application of an effective method of artificial intelligence and the use of open-source satellite images is especially important for supporting conservation strategies and environmental public policies.

Resumo Os ecossistemas de Canga, habitats com elevadas concentrações de ferro, são um desafio para conservação e governança ambiental no Brasil. Eles sustentam uma alta biodiversidade e endemismo, e sofreram intensas perdas e degradações de áreas naturais devido à mineração de ferro em larga escala. O Vale do Rio Peixe Bravo, localizado no Cerrado brasileiro, é uma das últimas regiões com ecossistemas de canga que ainda não sofreu impactos irreversíveis da mineração. Mas ainda há ausência de dados sobre a cobertura vegetal, localização, distribuição geográfica e a área de ocorrência desse ecossistema. Portanto, a ausência de informações em escala adequada dificulta o planejamento em conservação e as estratégias para prevenir, mitigar ou compensar os impactos nos ecossistemas de canga. Neste estudo, nós fornecemos o primeiro mapa de ecossistemas de canga no Brasil elaborado a partir de deep learning segmentação U-Net e imagens de satélite Sentinel-2. Além disso, nós estimamos o grau de ameaça direta dos ecossistemas devido a sobreposição espacial das manchas de cangas preditas e a localização dos títulos de concessão minerária para exploração do minério de ferro. O algoritmo de aprendizado profundo identificou 762 manchas de canga (acurácia acima de 98,5%) em uma área de 30.000 ha no Vale do Rio Peixe Bravo, demonstrando o alto poder preditivo do método de mapeamento. Nós estimamos que há um alto grau de ameaça direta aos ecossistemas de canga, uma vez que 99,6% das manchas de cangas preditas estão incluídas em áreas de concessão de mineração. Nós também destacamos que o conhecimento adquirido sobre a distribuição das cangas por meio da aplicação de um método eficaz de inteligência artificial e do uso de imagens de satélite de código aberto é especialmente importante para apoiar estratégias de conservação e políticas públicas ambientais.

In vitro antibacterial-antibiofilm effect of Hypericum atomarium Boiss and chemical composition

Abstract Treatment with plant is considered an effective option against increased antibiotic resistance. In this study antibiofilm activity of methanol (CH3OH), chloroform (CHCl3), ethyl acetate (EtOAc) and water (H2O) extracts of Hypericum atomarium Boiss. which is member of Hypericum genus was evaluated in Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1 and antibacterial performance against Gram (+) and Gram (-) strains and also bioactive compounds of extract were analysed using by HPLC and GC-MS. According to antibacterial activity test results the extracts were effective all Gram (+) bacteria and Gram (-) Chromobacterium violaceum (MICs ranging from 0.42 µg/ml to 4.3 mg). Inhibition effect of biofilm formation was found to be different rate in extracts (methanol-63%, chloroform-52%). The major flavonoids were detected (−)-epicatechin (2388.93 µg/ml) and (+)-catechin (788.94 µg/ml). The main phenolic acids were appeared as caffeic acid 277.34 µg/ml and chlorogenic acid 261.79 µg/ml. And according to GC results α-pinene was found main compound for three solvent extracts methanol, chloroform and ethyl acetate 67.05, 62.69, 49.28% rate respectively

Ajuste del coeficiente basal de cultivo (Kcb) de frijol (Phaseolus vulgaris) mediante teledetección

Para realizar un manejo eficiente del agua en la agricultura es necesario conocer los requerimientos hídricos del cultivo, lo cual, se puede realizar de manera sencilla y rápida, con la ayuda de cámaras convencionales. En este estudio, se determinaron los requerimientos hídricos de un cultivo de frijol (variedad DIACOL CALIMA G4494), sembrado en CIAT, Palmira - Valle del Cauca, Colombia, mediante la estimación de la curva del coeficiente basal de cultivo (Kcb), derivada de la curva de fracción de cobertura vegetal (Fcv). Para determinar la curva de fracción de cobertura vegetal, se emplearon imágenes tomadas con una cámara digital en el espectro visible (RGB), a baja altura (menos de 3 m). Las necesidades hídricas del cultivo de frijol, se calcularon empleando los valores del coeficiente basal de cultivo derivados junto con la modelación FAO-56. Los resultados indican que la curva de Kcb ajustada por fotografía fue diferente a la curva estándar presentada en la publicación FAO-56 para frijol, mostrando, principalmente, diferencia en la duración de las etapas y los valores de Kcb, en estas etapas. En cuanto a las necesidades hídricas, al emplear la curva de Kcb ajustada por fotografías, se evidencia que el cultivo requiere más agua en las etapas media y final, para evitar estrés hídrico en las plantas.

To carry out efficient water management in agriculture, it is necessary to know the water requirements of the crop, which can be done easily and quickly with the help of conventional cameras. In this study, the water requirements of a bean crop (DIACOL CALIMA G4494 variety) planted in CIAT, Palmira - Valle del Cauca, Colombia, were determined by estimating the curve of the basal crop coefficient (Kcb) derived from the vegetation cover fraction curve (Fcv). To determine the vegetation cover fraction curve, images taken with a digital camera in the visible spectrum (RGB) at low height (less than 3m) were used. The water needs of the bean crop were calculated using the basal crop coefficient values derived together with the FAO-56 modelling. The results indicate that the Kcb curve adjusted by photography was different from the standard curve presented in the publication FAO-56 for beans, mainly showing a difference in the duration of the stages and the Kcb values in these stages. Regarding water needs, when using the Kcb curve adjusted by photographs, it is evident that the crop requires more water in the middle and final stages, to avoid water stress in the plants.

A Case of Neonatal Severe Hyperparathyroidism: Challenges in Management

Neonatal severe hyperparathyroidism is a rare disorder arising from inherited defects in the calcium sensing receptor (CaSR) that presents early in life with severe hypercalcemia, failure to thrive, and developmental retardation. The authors describe an infant with neonatal severe hyperparathyroidism due to homozygous CaSR gene mutation presenting with recurrent episodes of severe hypercalcemia, growth retardation, and developmental delay. Medical management served as an efective bridge therapy to surgery. Total parathyroidectomy with right hemithyroidectomy was performed at 7 mo of age and resulted in successful cure and normalization of growth and developmental milestones. Timely medical and surgical management can help prevent mortality and morbidity in the form of neurodevelopmental sequelae. Life-long monitoring and treatment is mandatory for the resultant hypoparathyroidism.