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Exploring the microbial diversity and characterization of cellulase and hemicellulase genes in goat rumen: a metagenomic approach
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Goat rumen microbial communities are perceived as one of the most potential biochemical reservoirs of multi-functional enzymes, which are applicable to enhance wide array of bioprocesses such as the hydrolysis of cellulose and hemi-cellulose into fermentable sugar for biofuel and other value-added biochemical production. Even though, the limited understanding of rumen microbial genetic diversity and the absence of effective screening culture methods have impeded the full utilization of these potential enzymes. In this study, we applied culture independent metagenomics sequencing approach to isolate, and identify microbial communities in goat rumen, meanwhile, clone and functionally characterize novel cellulase and xylanase genes in goat rumen bacterial communities. Results
Bacterial DNA samples were extracted from goat rumen fluid. Three genomic libraries were sequenced using Illumina HiSeq 2000 for paired-end 100-bp (PE100) and Illumina HiSeq 2500 for paired-end 125-bp (PE125). A total of 435gb raw reads were generated. Taxonomic analysis using Graphlan revealed that Fibrobacter, Prevotella, and Ruminococcus are the most abundant genera of bacteria in goat rumen. SPAdes assembly and prodigal annotation were performed. The contigs were also annotated using the DOE-JGI pipeline. In total, 117,502 CAZymes, comprising endoglucanases, exoglucanases, beta-glucosidases, xylosidases, and xylanases, were detected in all three samples. Two genes with predicted cellulolytic/xylanolytic activities were cloned and expressed in E. coli BL21(DE3). The endoglucanases and xylanase enzymatic activities of the recombinant proteins were confirmed using substrate plate assay and dinitrosalicylic acid (DNS) analysis. The 3D structures of endoglucanase A and endo-1,4-beta xylanase was predicted using the Swiss Model. Based on the 3D structure analysis, the two enzymes isolated from goat’s rumen metagenome are unique with only 56–59% similarities to those homologous proteins in protein data bank (PDB) meanwhile, the structures of the enzymes also displayed greater stability, and higher catalytic activity. Conclusions
In summary, this study provided the database resources of bacterial metagenomes from goat’s rumen fluid, including gene sequences with annotated functions and methods for gene isolation and over-expression of cellulolytic enzymes; and a wealth of genes in the metabolic pathways affecting food and nutrition of ruminant animals
Strategies for Higher Education Employees to Participate in Company Paid Professional Development
No full textThis study underscored the significance of company-paid professional development opportunities for higher education clerical support staff working in higher education facilities. Professional development constitutes an essential mechanism of continual education. It also facilitates the acquisition of innovative knowledge, an enhanced skill set, and a positive attitude towards improving job performance and career advancement. Regrettably, many clerical support staff within this field of higher education have neglected such opportunities. The reasons have been due to time constraints, lack of accessibility and comprehension, and no realization of the valuable impact on their lives. This research probed into the demand for professional development among higher education clerical support staff and proposed strategies for amplifying participation. A mixed-methods approach comprised of a survey and open-ended questions was employed to gather perspectives from higher education clerical support staff at a Southeastern HBCU. The results highlighted the benefits and challenges that led to the lack of participation, as well as offered constructive recommendations for the institution to use to stimulate increased participation and more engagement in professional development opportunities. By addressing the barriers faced, this study endorsed a culture of perpetual learning and development, the findings of which could assist other institutions to offer customized and strategic professional development activities. It is hoped that the findings contribute not only to the success of the individual institution but also to the broader higher education community
Investigation of physicochemical properties, nutritional status, and volatile compounds profiling of four underutilized spices of Cameroon origin
Get PDFIn this study, four underutilized spices (fruit and ulb of Aframomum sulcatum, fruit of Xylopia africana, and bark of Hypodaphnis zenkeri) were analyzed for their physical properties, nutrients composition, and profile of volatile compounds using standard analytical methods. The protein, fat, sugar, and dietary fiber contents were analyzed. The spices were revealed to be a good source of essential amino acids and fatty acids including pentadecanoic acid. Several minerals (Mn, Mg, Ca, Fe, and K) of nutritional importance were found at various proportions. Electronic nose analysis revealed the presence of fifty-six different compounds, belonging to ten major classes (phenylpropenes, acids, alcohols, aldehydes, esters, ketones, terpenes, pyrazine, sulfur-containing compounds, and ether) and also some flavor-characterizing compounds responsible for a variety of sensory descriptors. Bioactive volatile compounds like terpinen-4-ol, dimethyl trisulphide, and P-cymene were found in these spices, which can be further applied in the development of functional foods and nutraceuticals
The Exploration of Factors that Promote Posttraumatic Growth in BIPOC
No full textThe primary significance of this study was to understand the experiences of posttraumatic growth within the BIPOC community. Additionally, this study sought to identify the factors deemed to have an influence on fostering posttraumatic growth. Several benefits of this study include adding to the current limited literature on posttraumatic growth, encouraging cultural awareness and continued competency when creating and modifying effective treatment for trauma unique to the BIPOC population, and shining a light on the unheard voices and experiences of an underrepresented population that is underrepresented. Critical race theory was used as a lens to evaluate the historical sociopolitical climate for BIPOC in the United States, in addition to the effects on functionality, mobility, and mental health. Findings from this research aligned with previous literature paving a hopeful future for this topic. The first consideration is that racial minorities are more likely to experience posttraumatic growth compared to individuals that are more privileged (Manove et al., 2019). Secondly, individuals with increased coping capacity may not experience as much posttraumatic growth because they are less challenged by the trauma faced (Tedeschi & Calhoun, 2004). This research supports both Manove et al.’s (2019) and Tedeschi and Calhoun’s (2004) findings with 75% of trauma survivors endorsing posttraumatic growth in this qualitative study
Understanding the Effects of Wind Intensity, Forward Speed, and Wave on the Propagation of Hurricane Harvey Surges
Get PDFHurricane storm surges are influenced by wind intensity, forward speed, width and slope of the ocean bottom, central pressure, angle of approach, shape of coastal lines, local features, and storm size. A numerical experiment is conducted using the Advanced Circulation + Simulation and Simulating Waves Nearshore (ADCIRC + SWAN) coupled model for understanding the effects of wind intensity, forward speed, and wave on the storm surges caused by Hurricane Harvey. The ADCIRC + SWAN is used to simulate hurricane storm surges and waves. The wind fields of Hurricane Harvey were reconstructed from observed data, aided by a variety of methodologies and analyses conducted by Ocean Weather Inc (OWI) after the event. These reconstructed wind fields were used as the meteorological forcing in the base case in ADCIRC+SWAN to investigate the storm surges caused by the hurricane. Hurricane Harvey was the second most costly hurricane in the United States, causing severe urban flooding by dropping more than 60 inches of rainfall in Texas. The hurricane made three landfalls, with its first landfall as a Category 4 based on the Saffir–Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale (SSHWS), with wind intensities of 212.98 km/h (59 m/s). The storm surges caused by Hurricane Harvey were unique due to the slow speed, crooked tracks, triple landfalls in the USA, and excessive rain. The model’s storm surge and wave results were compared against observed data. High water marks at 21 locations and time series at 12 National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) gauges were compared with the generated results. Several cases were investigated by increasing or decreasing the wind intensity or hurricane forward speed by 25% of the OWI wind and pressure data. The effects of the wave were analyzed by comparing the results obtained from ADCIRC + SWAN (with waves) and ADCIRC (without waves) models. The study found that the changes in wind intensity had the most significant effect on storm surges, followed by wave and forward speed changes. This study signifies the importance of considering these factors to enhance accuracy in predicting storm surges
Black Women’s Experiences of Stress and Perceptions of Wellness Activities
No full textResearch recently showed that disparities exist between Black women and the general United States population when it came to wellness practices. Black women have experienced stressors in unique ways due to their race and gender. Many of the everyday systemic stressors that Black women have faced could lead to increased occurrences of psychological distress if not dealt with effectively. Mind-Body wellness activities such as yoga, breathwork, and mindfulness have been scientifically proven to help decrease stress. However, Black women have faced barriers that have hindered them from engaging in these types of activities, adding to the wellness disparity. This phenomenological study looked at how ten Black women experienced stress and its resulting consequences. A Black Feminist Thought framework and included Intersectionality lens were used to ensure that participants’ voices were heard, and their experiences viewed as fact. Black women in this study shared their experiences with stress and their views on wellness activities aimed at combating that stress. While many of the participants understood the increased relaxation and benefits of these practices, there were still many barriers to engagement reported. One of the main barriers was ascription to ideal of the Strong Black Woman (SBW) archetype. This inaccurate historical adaptation of strength was noted to increase stress responses for participants. Participants in this study expressed a desire to redefine what a SBW was from their own experiences. The implications for this realization could lead to changes in counseling and effective practices to help Black women combat stress
Predictors of tropical cyclone-induced urban tree failure: an international scoping review
Get PDFBackground: Trees are critical components of rural and urban ecosystems throughout the world. While they have adapted to the historic conditions of their native environments, climate change, urbanization, and human-assisted range expansion may test the storm resiliency of many tree species.
Objective: In this global multilingual scoping review, we investigate a range of intrinsic (i.e., tree characteristics) and external (i.e., environmental and management) factors which have been used to predict tree failure during tropical cyclones.
Design: We searched online databases and journals in English, Chinese, French, Japanese, Portuguese, and Spanish to find peer-reviewed papers and dissertations. We retained papers that used ground-based methods to study tree damage following a tropical cyclone and conducted a statistical analysis of factors that influence tree resistance to damage. From each paper we extracted details of study methods, and the relationships between damage and predictors.
Results: Our efforts generated 65 peer-reviewed papers and dissertations that met our final criteria for inclusion (i.e., data on the relative proportion of trees failed/intact as assessed no more than a year after the storm event). Of these papers 37 independent variables were assessed to predict tree failure. Research in both urban and rural settings tends to be concentrated in regions frequently impacted by tropical cyclones. Characteristics of species such as wood density have been studied in rural environments and are also relevant predictors for tree failure in urban trees. Environmental characteristics unique to urban settings such as planting areas surrounded by pavement need further research. Several urban studies demonstrate that risk assessment methods can predict tree failure during a storm.
Conclusion: Results can be used by future storm researchers to identify both predictors may warrant inclusion in their models as well as predictors which have yet to be tested. Results can also inform planning and activities that can mitigate tropical cyclone damage to the urban forest