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Evaluation of the Sensitivity and Specificity of Human-Associated Escherichia coli Accessory Genes as Potential Markers for Microbial Source Tracking
No full textThe human-associated H8 accessory gene in Escherichia coli is one of the potential microbial source tracking (MST) markers used for source identification of human fecal contamination, including sewage, in environmental waters. However, this gene has also been found in Klebsiella, a species ubiquitous to aquatic environments. A second accessory gene, H12, has been proposed as an alternative human marker to H8. In this study, culture and quantitative PCR (qPCR) methods were used to determine the specificity and sensitivity of H8 and H12 genes. Five fecal samples from eight different animals and influent samples from two wastewater treatment plants were tested for presence of these marker genes. Two animal fecal samples (one deer and one chicken) tested positive for the H8 gene, and nine tested positive for the H12 gene (two deer, two chickens, one duck, three horses, and one shore bird). Concentration of the H8 gene was an order of magnitude higher than the H12 gene in sewage. A BLAST search for H12 gene sequence on the NCBI database revealed that it is also found within Salmonella enterica, which is present in human and animal intestinal tracts, and Raoultella planticola, a bacterium ubiquitous in aqueous environments. The H12 gene has lower specificity (76.9%) compared to the H8 gene (94.9%). H8 and H12 genes demonstrated similar sensitivity values (both 100%). Prevalence of the H12 gene (1.67%) in sewage was lower than the H8 gene (15.56%). Based on these results the H12 gene is not a viable marker for source tracking purposes
Quantification and Categorization of Microplastics within Soft Tissue of Crassostrea virginica in Bayboro Harbor
No full textMicroplastics are a form of pollution that are a concern for oysters, as the particles can be ingested when oysters filter-feed. This study examined the abundance of microplastics ingested by Crassostrea virginica oysters sampled from Bayboro Harbor. The soft tissue of sampled oysters was lyophilized, dissolved, and filtered. The lyophilization of the oysters was a new method intended to account for differences in water content between the samples. The filters were then examined under ultraviolet light using microscopes, where the microplastics were categorized and counted. A mean of 115.8 microplastics/g dry flesh was found from the samples. Fibers made up the majority of microplastics found, with a mean proportion of 0.653616. These results indicate that microplastics are of concern to oysters within Bayboro Harbor, but more research is needed to examine oysters in other areas of Tampa Bay. More research in the prevention of microplastic release into the environment and removal of microplastics from the environment is also needed
Does choice of DNA isolation protocol kit affect DNA recovery from Anoa Fecal samples?
No full textThe lowland dwarf buffalo (Bubalus depressicornis) is native to the island of Sulawesi, Indonesia and is currently listed by the IUCN as an endangered species. The primary issue that is threatening anoa survival is habitat loss due to human footprint. Specifically, there is historic and ongoing hunting from the local villages, and habitat destruction from logging that have greatly decreased their numbers over the years. If this species became extinct, it could negatively affect the Indonesian lowland biodiversity. Tracking genetic health of the population is a necessary part of the conservation plan but it requires sampling from the animals. Given their low numbers and cryptic lifestyle, the animals are difficult to find. However, it is possible to locate fecal material for genetic collection. Using fecal material as a genetic source is beneficial because it eliminates the need to interact with the animals. However, it introduces challenges in the laboratory. Our objective is to contribute to conservation efforts of anoas by determining the best methods to isolate anoa DNA from their fecal samples. There are many DNA isolation protocols, including commercial kits. However, it is unknown whether protocol choice will significantly influence fecal DNA recovery. This study analyzed fecal samples from captive anoas held at ZooTampa to compare DNA recovery using commercially available kits. Through this pilot study, we hope to contribute new tools to conserve genetic diversity of the anoas and aid in species recovery
NCKRI Symposium 9: Proceedings of the 17th Multidisciplinary Conference on Sinkholes and the Engineering and Environmental Impacts of Karst Full Proceedings
No full textCryogenic ridges: a new speleothem type
No full textCryogenic cave carbonates have been described from several formerly or presently glaciated karst caves. In most of these occurrences, they precipitated as loose grains or aggregates with various morphologies and sizes. Here, we report on a new speleothem type (cryogenic ridges) identified in Sohodoalele Mici Cave (SW Romania) within a large chamber near the entrance shaft. This study was motivated by the presence of a network of calcite ridges over the stalactites’ surface and by the observation that during winter, these speleothems are covered by a thin ice layer. The higher δ18O (−3.5 to –1‰) and δ13C (0 to 7‰) values found in the calcite ridges relative to δ18O (–7.5 to –4‰) and δ13C (–9 to –2‰) values of calcite from the inner stalactite indicate that the ridges are of cryogenic origin and formed during relatively rapid carbonate precipitation associated with evaporative cooling and freezing of the water. Four U-series ages suggest that the stalactites with ridges formed during cold winters of the Holocene, when cave air temperatures dropped below freezing
Let the devil speak for itself: Should ChatGPT be allowed or banned in hospitality and tourism schools?
No full textSince the inception of Open AI’s ChatGPT, its usage has been a polarizing topic. This is particularly true for the higher education sector, specially disciplines such as hospitality and tourism. As such, this opinion paper provides a balanced stance and outlines the benefits and limitations of using ChatGPT by students and faculty members in hospitality and tourism schools. This paper also outlines some ethical aspects revolving arounds usage of ChatGPT in hospitality and tourism schools
Crow\u27s Nest : 2023 : 02 : 13
No full text(Vol. 60, No. 2)https://digitalcommons.usf.edu/crows_nest/1884/thumbnail.jp
Modern Cognitive Operations and Hybrid Warfare
No full textConcepts of cognitive warfare and operations are explored in the context of hybrid warfare, including how cyber technologies promote greater asymmetric opportunities for influence, control, and undermining of one’s adversary. Research areas are analyzed in the interconnection with hybrid cognitive operations. The purpose of the article is to study the features and theoretical and applied substantiation of cognitive actions in cyberspace and through cyberspace and their possible consequences within the framework of hybrid conflicts
