International Journal of Scientific Research in Biological Sciences
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Traditional Inland Fishing Practices in Bhadrak district of Odisha, India
Get PDFThis paper focuses on traditional fishing methods practiced by the fisherfolk communities of Bhadrak district, Odisha, India. Fifty-nine informants were selected for the study to enlist the varieties of fishing techniques that the people use to capture fish. Using a semi-structured questionnaire, data were collected through personal interviews and direct observation. A total of 15 handmade fishing devices made up of locally available resources are used to catch fish in freshwater bodies. The fisherfolk develop some unique fish-catching devices like Pohala and Bankia which ensure eco-friendly utilization of freshwater fishery resources without affecting the fish diversity in aquatic habitats. However, destructive fishing practices with fine mesh nets (e.g., masari jal) have also been noticed. Prominent fish species and prawns captured by using fishing devices include Amblypharyngodon mola (Hamilton, 1822), Anabas testudineus (Bloch, 1792), Channa striata (Bloch, 1793), Glossogobius giuris (Hamilton, 1822), Macrobrachium rosenbergii (De Man, 1879), Mystus gulio (Hamilton, 1822), Pethia conchonius (Hamilton, 1822), Wallago attu (Bloch & Schneider,1801) and Xenentodon cancila (Hamilton, 1822). The present investigation provides traditional knowledge-based fishing devices that may help proper management of fish resources in inland water bodies. Our findings affirm that fishers of the region still adopt the conventional method of fishing which affords substantial contributions to their livelihood. The challenge of using fine mesh nets can be overcome by creating awareness among the fishers.
 
Study of Diversity of Scolopendrid Centipedes (Chilopoda: Scolopendromorpha) in Achalpur Region, District Amravati, Maharashtra, India
Get PDFThe present paper deals with the diversity of Scolopendrid Centipedes fauna in Achalpur region, District Amravati, Maharashtra State of India. This study was done during July 2021 to October 2021 for total four months by visiting different habitats of Achalpur region. Samples were collected by using different collection methods such as hand collection method by using forceps and species were identified with the help of standard taxonomic literature. Total 04 species of Centipedes belongings to 02 genera namely Scolopendra and Cormocephalus under family Scolopendridae were identified from the study area
Studies on the Blood Samples of Gallus domesticus in Singur, Hooghly Districts of West Bengal identifies Prevalence of Haemosporidian Parasites
Get PDFWith the availability of Dipteran blood-sucking vector species, different haemosporidian parasites infect avian hosts, including domestic chickens, Gallus domesticus (order Galliformes), and cause anemia, tissue damage, weight loss, and enlargement of the spleen and liver. As these parasites are diverse and widely distributed, studies on the occurrence of these parasites are important to monitor public health issues and emerging infections. The prevalence of these parasites in chickens was studied in Singur town in the Hooghly district of West Bengal during the period from September 2022 to May 2023. Blood samples from a total of 21 chickens were collected from local meat shops, and light microscopic observation of Giemsa stained thin films was done. Out of 21 samples, 10 birds were infected with haemosporidians which presents a total prevalence of 47.6%. Three genera of Apicomplexan parasites, namely Haemoproteus, Plasmodium and Babesia were identified in the blood smear of the chicken host. Among those, Haemoproteus spp. showed the maximum prevalence of 23.8% (5/21) followed by 19.04% for Plasmodium spp. (4/21) and 9.5% (2/21) for Babesia sp. Morphological characterization of normal blood cells in chickens was done and abnormal cellular changes due to haemoprotozoa infection were also observed.
 
Wading Birds in Lacustrine Wetland of Shrungarbandh Lake, District Gondia, Maharashtra
Get PDFThis Shrungarbandh Lake becomes increasingly productive as nutrients from the neighboring watershed collect in the form of compost, sediments, and other items. The Lake provides as an ideal wetland habitat for a variety of wading birds due to organic materials` enrichment that stimulate the growth of aquatic weeds, algae micro zooplanktons. By keeping a record of wading birds as per IUCN as well as Residential status, the present work of this wetland contributes in the protection and restoration of the existing condition of the wetland. The purpose of this study is to illustrate the state of wading bird biodiversity so that this habitat may be designated as a significant habitat for bird conservation. Anthropogenic activities have been shown to have an influence on this ecosystem. Wader tracking is a valuable method for emphasizing the significance of wetlands and its ecological values since it provides essential information on the condition of wetlands. From 2019 to 2021, a wading bird research was carried out in Shrungarbandh Lake. 16 families of wading birds recorded a total of 79 species. In the current findings, the birds were categorized using the IUCN Red Data Book for 2022, 07 species were identified as near threatened (NT), with the number of species decreasing (D). While 03 species were identified as vulnerable, their numbers were determined to be decreasing (D). Out of a total of 79 wading birds, 44 are determined to be residential, while 44 are winter migrants. The findings of this observations show that the avifauna in this area is plentiful, indicating the wetland is in good condition. The abundance is owing to the plenty of protein-rich invertebrates and other food, as well as safe environment. Long-distance migrants utilize the lake as a feeding area, while local migrants use it as a nesting site. Nesting colonies of grey herons, as well as other local migrants including cormorants, large egrets, and others, found here. 
Focus on Polydatin Interaction with Sirtuins Family: a Comparative Computational Analysis
Get PDFSirtuins (SIRTs), a family of NAD+-dependent deacetylases, are involved in the regulation of physiological functions such as aging and inflammation. They are able to catalyze metabolic reactions, thus regulating several cellular processes, such as energy metabolism, stress response, cell survival and apoptosis, DNA repair, tissue regeneration and neuronal signaling. The present article examines the interaction of three polyphenols, as Resveratrol, Polydatin and Curcumin, with Sirtuins family. The data obtained through a computational analysis, by Molecular Docking and Molecular Dynamics approaches, shows that these natural compounds are able to bind the active site of Sirtuins involved in numerous biochemical signaling. Moreover, the results highlight that Polydatin bind all the considered SIRT proteins showing an excellent docking capability in terms of Binding Energies scores and estimation of Inhibition Constant Ki. Moreover, by the study of Dynamic Simulation (RMSF, RMSD, protein-ligand interactions, timeline simulation in the range of 100 ns) and Repeatability Docking tests, Polydatin appear more stable than Curcumin when binds SIRT-3 rather than SIRT-5 protein
Emergence of Novel Microbial Community Following Natural Disturbance: Paradigm of Ecological Succession and Driving Force of Biodiversity
Get PDFDisturbances are specific events in time that directs changes in resources or alters the physical environment of an ecosystem and, thus, influence community framework and composition. In this systematic review, the impacts of these natural events in the diversity, resistance, resilience and individual unit of the microbial community were synthesized. A comprehensive search following the PRISMA guidelines and eligibility criteria was used to ensure relevance and accuracy of the review. A total of twenty (20) articles were included in this systematic review with eight (8) articles describing the effects of natural disturbance in microbial community in an uncontrolled setting while, the twelve (12) other articles illustrate the influence of simulated disturbance. Four of the most characterized natural disturbance affecting microbial community are volcanic eruption, flooding, pulse/ shock and water column mixing. The conducted statistical analysis (Pearson correlation) revealed that there is a strong correlation (r = 0.97) between the emergence of pioneer organism with the expected inhabitants of the disturbed area. A community can respond to disturbances in different ways regarding composition and function. It can be considered as resistant, that can withstand disturbances without any change or can be tagged as resilient. Overall, the cited studies in this review exemplified the positive impacts of episodic natural disturbances in the ecosystem. Studies showed that these phenomena mediated microbial communities by increasing their production and both their community and phylogenetic diversity
Molecular Identification of Fungi and Determination of Aflatoxin B1 in Dried Tomatoes
Get PDFOccurrence of fungi and their secondary metabolites such as mycotoxins in tomatoes is of great public health concern. World economies as well as human and animal health are significantly affected by their presence. It is therefore imperative to understand the species of fungi and the types of mycotoxins produced by them. This study is aimed at isolating, characterizing, and comparing the fungal load as well as quantifying aflatoxin B1 levels produced in dried tomatoes sold within Gusau metropolis. A total of 23 tomato samples were randomly obtained from different markets in the study area. Of the samples, 39 fungal isolates were found; three of the fungal isolates belong to the genus Aspergillus. Aspergillus flavus, which is known largely for the production of aflatoxins, was identified as the predominant occurring fungus with 48.7% (n = 19), and the least occurring fungi were Curvularia americana and Fomitoptis maliae with 2.6% (n = 1) each. The rRNA gene of the isolates was amplified by PCR and sequenced. The sequence data were deposited in the NCBI database, and accession numbers were assigned to each isolate. Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) was detected and quantified from the samples, and findings from this study indicated that AFB1 was present in all the samples analyzed. Also, 43.48% of the samples exceeded the maximum permissible number of 20 µg/kg set by the Standard Organization of Nigeria. In general, this result suggests that the presence of AFB1 in all the samples confirmed that Aspergillus flavus is the highest aflatoxins-producing fungus. It is therefore recommended that food products be screened for the types of fungal species and the presence of mycotoxins for food and public health safety.
 
Effect of Electronics Workbench Software on Technical College Students` Performance in Electronics Devices and Circuits in Bauchi State, Nigeria
Get PDFThis study examined the effect of electronics workbench software on technical college students` performance in electronics devices and circuits. To achieve this, three specific objectives, three research questions and three null hypotheses were formulated to guide the study. Literatures were reviewed in the areas related to the study. Quasi-experimental design was used as the design of the study. The area of the study is Bauchi State of Nigeria. The population of the study comprises of 92 NTC II technical colleges students that are offering electronics devices and circuits. A purposive sampling technique was used in selecting two colleges for the study. 92 students from two intact classes were assigned in to experimental and control groups. The research instruments Electronics Devices and Circuits Performance Test (EDCPT) were validated by three experts. The instruments were administered by the researcher with the help of two research assistants, the experimental group taught using electronics workbench software for four weeks while, the control group were taught using traditional method for same period. The data collected for the research questions were analyzed using mean and standard deviation while, the null hypotheses were tested using t-test at 0.05 level of significant. The result shows insignificant different between the pretest mean results of both the experimental and control groups, which showed that both groups have equal entry knowledge, while, the posttest mean performance score of experimental group stood at (62.52) which is significantly higher than the posttest mean performance score of control group (52.09) with mean difference of (10.43), this showed that, the students taught using electronics workbench software outperformed the students taught using traditional method. It was recommended among others that; Teachers should ensure that low-performing electronics devices and circuits students are exposed to electronics devices and circuits to equip them with learning skills.
 
Antibacterial Activity of Lactobacillus Casei on Some Pathogenic Bacteria
Get PDFWell-known probiotic L. casei has positive benefits on human health. Finding L. casei`s antimicrobial capabilities was the goal of this investigation. L. Casei was acquired from the Microbiology Department at Babylon University`s Science College. With the use of well diffusion agar procedures, the antimicrobial properties regarding such bacterial culture supernatants have been examined against four pathogenic bacterial strains (E. coli, S. aureus, S. pyogen, and K. pneumoniae) at varied concentrations (50,100,150,200 ?L). In this investigation, it was found that raising the concentration of Culture supernatants in a well also increased the growth inhibition. The results showed that 200 ?L higher concentrations of L. casei supernata fully prevented the growth of all of such bacteria while 50 ?L lower concentrations only had a minimal effect. Additionally, these results demonstrate that, while K. pneumonia has a modest inhibition zone at the same dose, E. coli has a 200 ?L higher inhibition efficiency than other bacteria.
 
Ecotoxicology of Microplastics with Interference in Human and Marine Ecosystems: A Mini Review
Get PDFThis review provides a comprehensive examination of the toxicological insinuations of microplastics, exploring its multifaceted impact in environment, marine ecology, and biological entities. Microplastics, pervasive in contemporary environments, pose a considerable threat to ecological balance. The assessment of environmental repercussions encompasses soil contamination, alteration of nutrient cycling, and disruptions in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. In marine environments, microplastics exert adverse effects on various life forms, influencing behaviour, reproduction, and community dynamics. Furthermore, the review delves into the complex pathways through which microplastics enter and interact with biological systems, and affects the metabolism and energy production, regulative processes, oxidation, neurological actions, cardiac responses, cardiovascular functions, pulmonary and liver function.