Control Options Research Articles

Review of participatory epidemiology application in human health and nutrition and future directions

Participatory Epidemiology (PE) developed as a branch of veterinary epidemiology and has been widely used in infectious disease control and early warning in resource-limited settings. In the beginning, Participatory Epidemiology was focused on linking the researcher’s communication skills with participatory methods to enable the participation of livestock owners and herders in the identification and assessment of livestock diseases as well as in the development, monitoring, and evaluation of the disease control strategies. In this respect, the use of participatory techniques gradually developed into Participatory Epidemiology with increased recognition by epidemiologists who have developed several tools which are being adapted in human health and nutrition. Relative to veterinary uses and human nutrition, Participatory Epidemiology has not been used in public health in Kenya or for studies on important human diseases, such as Kala-azar. However, in the recent past there have been growing interests from epidemiologists to extend the testing and piloting of the Participatory Epidemiology approach in the arid and semi-arid settings of Kenya geared at empowering communities to identify and solve their health needs. Additionally, there is ongoing debate about the ability of epidemiology to give results that can be better applied in public health practice besides its ability to identify disease risk factors. Scientific research has recommended that participatory research be applied in epidemiology to bridge this descriptive gap and action. This review describes the implementation experiences and lessons learnt in the use of Participatory Epidemiology in understanding human diseases, both communicable and non-communicable as well as human nutrition, a key factor in health and wellness. The reviewed articles provide an understanding into the application of PE approaches which have been limited in pastoralist areas, where zoonotic diseases are prone. The article establishes that as opposed to more conventional methods, using Participatory Epidemiology can generate precise and scientifically credible information within a relatively short period. Data generated from Participatory Epidemiology can be sustainably used to effectively find solutions to the common community health problems based on local preferences for control options.

Possible Biological Control of Ash Dieback Using the Mycoparasite Hymenoscyphus Fraxineus Mitovirus 2.

Invasive fungal diseases represent a major threat to forest ecosystems worldwide. As the application of fungicides is often unfeasible and not a sustainable solution, only a few other control options are available, including biological control. In this context, the use of parasitic mycoviruses as biocontrol agents of fungal pathogens has recently gained particular attention. Since the 1990s, the Asian fungus Hymenoscyphus fraxineus has been causing lethal ash dieback across Europe. In the present study, we investigated the biocontrol potential of the mitovirus Hymenoscyphus fraxineus mitovirus 2 (HfMV2) previously identified in Japanese populations of the pathogen. HfMV2 could be successfully introduced via co-culturing into 16 of 105 HfMV2-free isolates. Infection with HfMV2 had contrasting effects on fungal growth in vitro, from cryptic to detrimental or beneficial. Virus-infected H. fraxineus isolates whose growth was reduced by HfMV2 showed overall a lower virulence on ash (Fraxinus excelsior) saplings as compared with their isogenic HfMV2-free lines. The results suggest that mycoviruses exist in the native populations of H. fraxineus in Asia that have the potential for biological control of ash dieback in Europe. [Formula: see text] Copyright © 2024 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 International license.

Biology, impact, management and potential distribution of Aromia bungii, a major threat to fruit crops around the world

AbstractAromia bungii Faldermann (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) is an emerging invasive pest of economically important Prunus species that is native to China, Mongolia, the Russian Far East, Korea, and Vietnam. It was recently introduced to Japan, Germany, and Italy, where it is spreading and damaging crops and ornamental trees. It exhibits an adaptable lifecycle, a high reproductive output, and the larvae live concealed under the bark of infested trees, which are traits that promote its invasiveness. Detection and monitoring of A. bungii currently rely upon visual identification of infested trees that are usually already damaged, which is inefficient and not target-specific. Current control methods rely primarily upon the labour-intensive physical removal of infested trees. Although native parasitoid natural enemies of A. bungii provide control in Chinese orchards, none are appropriate for classical biological control in invaded areas due to biosafety concerns surrounding their broad host ranges. However, entomopathogenic fungi and nematodes may provide viable options for biological control in invaded ranges. Recent advancements in semiochemical baited traps may provide sustainable, target-specific, and efficacious methods to monitor and control A. bungii. There remains much to learn about the biology and control of A. bungii, and continued advancements in the study of sustainable control tools are needed for the management of this emerging pest.

Take a shot! Natural language control of intelligent robotic X-ray systems in surgery.

The expanding capabilities of surgical systems bring with them increasing complexity in the interfaces that humans use to control them. Robotic C-arm X-ray imaging systems, for instance, often require manipulation of independent axes via joysticks, while higher-level control options hide inside device-specific menus. The complexity of these interfaces hinder "ready-to-hand" use of high-level functions. Natural language offers a flexible, familiar interface for surgeons to express their desired outcome rather than remembering the steps necessary to achieve it, enabling direct access to task-aware, patient-specific C-arm functionality. We present an English language voice interface for controlling a robotic X-ray imaging system with task-aware functions for pelvic trauma surgery. Our fully integrated system uses a large language model (LLM) to convert natural spoken commands into machine-readable instructions, enabling low-level commands like "Tilt back a bit," to increase the angular tilt or patient-specific directions like, "Go to the obturator oblique view of the right ramus," based on automated image analysis. We evaluate our system with 212 prompts provided by an attending physician, in which the system performed satisfactory actions 97% of the time. To test the fully integrated system, we conduct a real-time study in which an attending physician placed orthopedic hardware along desired trajectories through an anthropomorphic phantom, interacting solely with an X-ray system via voice. Voice interfaces offer a convenient, flexible way for surgeons to manipulate C-arms based on desired outcomes rather than device-specific processes. As LLMs grow increasingly capable, so too will their applications in supporting higher-level interactions with surgical assistance systems.

Automated Domesticity: Exploring the Realm of Home Automation Systems

This research paper presents the development and implementation of a comprehensive smart home automation system comprising a smart switchboard, smart smoke, flame, and gas detector, and a smart door lock system. Leveraging innovative technologies such as voice control, sensor networks, and Bluetooth Low Energy connectivity, the system offers users enhanced convenience, safety, and energy efficiency within residential environments. The smart switchboard enables intuitive voice-controlled operation alongside traditional manual control options, while the smart smoke, flame, and gas detector provide real-time monitoring and alerting capabilities. Additionally, the smart door lock system ensures secure access control through voice password authentication and manual lock and key options. Through this integration, our research demonstrates the transformative potential of smart home automation in revolutionizing household management and enhancing quality of life

Identification of odorant-binding proteins and functional analysis of antenna-specific BhorOBP28 in Batocera horsfieldi (Hope).

The important wood-boring pest Batocera horsfieldi has evolved a sensitive olfactory system to locate host plants. Odorant-binding proteins (OBPs) are thought to play key roles in olfactory recognition. Therefore, exploring the physiological function of OBPs could facilitate a better understanding of insect chemical communications. In this research, 36 BhorOBPs genes were identified via transcriptome sequencing of adults' antennae from B. horsfieldi, and most BhorOBPs were predominantly expressed in chemosensory body parts. Through fluorescence competitive binding and fluorescence quenching assays, the antenna-specific BhorOBP28 was investigated and displayed strong binding affinities forming stable complexes with five volatiles, including (+)-α-Pinene, (+)-Limonene, β-Pinene, (-)-Limonene, and (+)-Longifolene, which could also elicit conformation changes when they were interacting with BhorOBP28. Batocera horsfieldi females exhibited a preference for (-)-Limonene, and a repellent response to (+)-Longifolene. Feeding dsOBP19 produced by a bacteria-expressed system with a newly constructed vector could lead to the knockdown of BhorOBP28, and could further impair B. horsfieldi attraction to (-)-Limonene and repellent activity of (+)-Longifolene. The analysis of site-directed mutagenesis revealed that Leu7, Leu72, and Phe121 play a vital role in selectively binding properties of BhorOBP28. By modeling the molecular mechanism of olfactory recognition, these results demonstrate that BhorOBP28 is involved in the chemoreception of B. horsfieldi. The bacterial-expressed dsRNA delivery system gains new insights into potential population management strategies. Through the olfactory process concluded that discovering novel behavioral regulation and environmentally friendly control options for B. horsfieldi in the future. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Biological strategies to control caterpillars in soybean, cotton and maize in the main producing regions of Brazil

Soybean, cotton and maize crops represent some of the main agricultural commodities grown during the hot season in Brazil. In order to provide more effective control options to producers, it is essential to deepen studies on management strategies using biological insecticides. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the application of the bioinsecticide Ocimum basilicum, in controlling the caterpillar complex, notably the looper (Chrysodeixis includens) in soybeans, the fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) in maize and the cotton leafworm caterpillar (Alabama argillacea) in cotton, as a control alternative aimed at mitigating damage and contributing to more sustainable agricultural practices. Experiments were carried out in each culture in various environments in the states of MT, MS, SP and PR in Brazil. A randomized block design with four replications was used in all the experiments. Agronomic traits, insect pest incidence and insecticide efficiency were evaluated for each of the crops. The data were subjected to after being subjected to stratified analysis of variance for each experimental phase. The interaction significant interactions were broken down to simple effects using Tukey's multiple comparison test of means at 5% probability. Subsequently, Scott-Knott mean grouping was used at 5% probability. Management using 1L per hectare of basil extract (Ocimum basilicum L) demonstrated satisfactory efficacy in controlling the caterpillar complex, approaching the results obtained with traditional chemical control.

Using multi‐criteria decision‐making methods in prioritizing structural flood control solutions: A case study from Iran

AbstractEffective management of flood risks requires the prioritization of appropriate flood control solutions. This study aims to prioritize structural flood control options using multi‐criteria decision‐making (MCDM) methods. Four MCDM methods, namely analytic hierarchy process, technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution, multi‐criteria optimization and compromise solution, and Fuzzy‐VIKOR are employed to assess and rank the flood control options based on multiple criteria. Field surveys, interviews with local authorities and experts, and on‐site assessments of existing flood control structures constituted the primary data collection methods. The findings demonstrate the effectiveness of reservoir dams, retention basins, and levees as viable solutions. Conversely, flood control gates and the no‐project options were assigned lower priorities. The findings highlight the importance of considering multiple MCDM methods to account for variations in rankings. The study provides valuable insights into the decision‐making process for prioritizing flood control options in the study area. These findings can assist policymakers and stakeholders in effectively allocating resources and implementing appropriate structural flood control measures to mitigate flood risks.

Outcome of illuminated microcatheter-assisted circumferential trabeculotomy following failed angle surgery in PAX6 aniridic glaucoma: a case report and literature review

BackgroundAniridia is a rare eye disorder with a high incidence of glaucoma, and surgical intervention is often needed to control the intraocular pressure (IOP). Here, we reported a case of illuminated microcatheter-assisted circumferential trabeculotomy (MAT) performed on an aniridic glaucoma patient following a previous failed angle surgery. The surgical procedures for aniridic glaucoma were also reviewed.Case presentationA 21-year-old man, diagnosed with aniridic glaucoma, came to our hospital consulting for the poor control of left eye’s IOP despite receiving goniotomy surgery 3 years ago. The IOP was 26 mmHg with maximum topical antiglaucoma eyedrops. The central cornea was opaque and the majority of iris was absent. The gonioscopy and ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) demonstrated that 360° anterior chamber angle was closed. The whole exome sequencing of peripheral blood confirmed a 13.39 Mb copy number loss at chromosome 11p15.1p13, containing PAX6 and WT1 gene. The 360° MAT surgery was performed on his left eye. At 1-year follow-up, the IOP was 19mmHg with 2 kinds of topical antiglaucoma medications, and the postoperative UBM demonstrated the successful incision of the anterior chamber angle.ConclusionsThe case presented here exhibited a case of aniridic glaucoma treated by MAT surgery. The MAT surgery may be an effective option for IOP control in aniridic glaucoma patients following a previous failed angle surgery.

Comprehensive radiotherapy for pediatric Ewing Sarcoma: Outcomes of a prospective proton study

Background and purposePatients with Ewing Sarcoma (EWS) are treated with multimodality therapy which includes radiation therapy (RT) as an option for local control. We report on the efficacy after proton radiation therapy (PRT) to the primary site for localized and metastatic EWS. Materials and methodsForty-two children with EWS (33 localized, 9 metastatic) treated between 2007 and 2020 were enrolled on 2 prospective registry protocols for pediatric patients undergoing PRT. PRT was delivered by passive scatter (74 %), pencil-beam scanning (12 %) or mixed technique (14 %). Treated sites included the spine (45 %), pelvis/sacrum (26 %), skull/cranium (14 %), extraosseous (10 %), and chest wall (5 %). Median radiation dose was 54 Gy-RBE (range 39.6–55.8 Gy-RBE). Patients with metastatic disease received consolidative RT to metastatic sites (4 at the time of PRT to the primary site, 5 after completion of chemotherapy). Median follow-up time was 47 months after PRT. ResultsThe 4-year local control (LC), progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS) rates were 83 %, 71 %, and 86 %, respectively. All local failures (n = 6) were in-field failures. Tumor size ≥ 8 cm predicted for inferior 4-year LC (69 % vs 95 %, p = 0.04). 4-year PFS and OS rates were not statistically different in patients with localized versus metastatic disease (72 % vs 67 %, p = 0.70; 89 % vs 78 %, p = 0.38, respectively). ConclusionIn conclusion, LC for pediatric patients with EWS treated with PRT was comparable to that of historical patients who received photon-RT. Tumor size ≥ 8 cm predicted increased risk of local failure. Patients with metastatic disease, including non-pulmonary only metastases, received radiation therapy to all metastatic sites and had favorable survival outcomes.

Trade-offs constrain the success of glyphosate-free farming

Glyphosate, the most widely used herbicide, is linked with environmental harm and there is a drive to replace it in agricultural systems. We model the impacts of discontinuing glyphosate use and replacing it with cultural control methods. We simulate winter wheat arable systems reliant on glyphosate and typical in northwest Europe. Removing glyphosate was projected to increase weed abundance, herbicide risk to the environment, and arable plant diversity and decrease food production. Weed communities with evolved resistance to non-glyphosate herbicides were not projected to be disproportionately affected by removing glyphosate, despite the lack of alternative herbicidal control options. Crop rotations with more spring cereals or grass leys for weed control increased arable plant diversity. Stale seedbed techniques such as delayed drilling and choosing ploughing instead of minimum tillage had varying effects on weed abundance, food production, and profitability. Ploughing was the most effective alternative to glyphosate for long-term weed control while maintaining production and profit. Our findings emphasize the need for careful consideration of trade-offs arising in scenarios where glyphosate is removed. Integrated Weed Management (IWM) with more use of cultural control methods offers the potential to reduce chemical use but is sensitive to seasonal variability and can incur negative environmental and economic impacts.

A scoping review of triatomine control for Chagas disease prevention: current and developing tools in Latin America and the United States.

Chagas disease is an infectious disease of human and animal health concern, with 6-8 million chronic human infections and over 50,000 deaths throughout the Americas annually. Hematophagous insects of the subfamily Triatominae, also called kissing bugs, vector the protozoan parasite, Trypanosoma cruzi Chagas (Trypanosomatida: Trypanosomatidae),that causes Chagas disease. Despite the large human health burden, Chagas disease is a neglected tropical disease with inadequate funding for research and preventive practices. Given the resource-poor environment of most agencies trying to protect public health, it is critical to consider all control options for reducing vector populations and the risk of human exposure to T. cruzi to identify the most appropriate tools for each context. While numerous triatomine control methods exist, the literature lacks a compilation of the strategies used, a critical examination of their efficiency, and a particular focus on triatomine control in the United States compared to elsewhere in the Americas. Here, we present a review of the literature to assess historical intervention strategies of existing and developing triatomine control methods. For each method, we discuss progress in the field, future research to further advance the method, and limitations. While we found that pyrethroid insecticide is still the most commonly used method of triatomine and Chagas disease control, we suggest that complementing these techniques with alternative control methods in development will help to achieve Chagas disease reduction goals.

Application of bluetooth mesh network in multi-device system management

Currently, the application of the Internet of Things (IoT) in the industrial sector to improve the productivity and efficiency of industrial processes is no longer unfamiliar. However, for a wireless control system to operate reliably and stably even without the Internet, additional issues regarding energy and alternative control options need to be addressed. In this article, the authors have investigated the application of Bluetooth Mesh networks in industrial production systems. In a manufacturing facility, Bluetooth devices are installed on machinery and can exchange data with each other through a gateway device that serves as a data receiver for the Bluetooth devices. Additionally, the system can be remotely monitored and controlled through a Web server. Implementing this system in production enables industrial companies to digitize processes, transform business models, and enhance performance and productivity.

Recovery of phosphate from aqueous solution by modified biochar with concentrated seawater and its potential application as fertilizer

Concentrated seawater as a byproduct of seawater desalination, its resource utilization potential has attracted widespread attention because of its rich inorganic salt resources. Concentrated seawater-modified biochar for phosphate recovery is undoubtedly a promising and sustainable option for resource utilization and eutrophication control. In this study, peanut shells as a carbon source, and modified biochar composites were successfully synthesized by co-precipitation with concentrated seawater for phosphate removal from aqueous solution. Meanwhile, the potential of phosphorus-enriched modified biochar as a soil slow-release fertilizer was evaluated. A series of characterization results showed that magnesium/calcium in the form of Mg(OH)2 and CaCO3 were successfully loaded onto the modified biochar composites. Furthermore, the pseudo-second-order kinetic model and Langmuir model can describe the adsorption process more accurately. According to the Langmuir model calculations, the theoretical maximum adsorption of phosphate by modified biochar composite was 173.09 mg/g, which can be compared with those of many Ca/Mg biochar composites. The primary sorption mechanism is electrostatic adsorption, ligand exchange and chemical precipitation interactions between phosphate and modified biochar composites. In addition, it was shown that the phosphorus-rich modified biochar embodied significant effects in improving the germination rate as well as the growth of plants, and had great potential as a slow-release fertilizer for agricultural soils.

Bплив ранньовесняних строків сівби насіння ромашки лікарської на польову схожість та виживання рослин в умовах правобережного лісостепу України

An important place in the effective technology of growing medicinal chamomile (Matricaria recutita L.) is occupied by the early spring sowing period. Therefore, they provide a dense emergence of seeds, as evidenced by many conducted scientific studies in the field of plant breeding. The article presents the results of experimental research on the effect of early spring sowing dates of medicinal chamomile on field seed germination and plant survival. It was established that medicinal chamomile plants depended on weather and climatic conditions, sufficient amount of moisture in the soil, soil crust, which as a result led to variation in the passage of growth and development phases, and therefore, a question arose in the study of agrotechnical techniques aimed at the productivity of medicinal raw materials. The cultivation of tetraploid of medicinal chamomile variety Perlyna Lisostepu and Zloty Lan in the conditions of the Right-Bank Forest-Steppe of Ukraine during the period of research (2018-2023) in the early spring sowing period was studied. It was established that the investigated varieties of medicinal chamomile had the highest field germination of seeds due to the content of productive moisture. The highest field seed germination rates of 74.16% were recorded during the early spring (15-18.04) sowing period of the Perlyna Lisostepu variety, and the Zloty Lan variety was 72.68%, respectively. According to six-year research data, the highest field seed germination of 68.00% on the control variant (1-3.04) according to the sowing dates was noted in the Perlyna Lisostepu variety, and the lowest 67.00% – in the Zloty Lan variety. The maximum rate of plant survival at the end of the growing season was 88.96%, which was obtained in the variant of the early spring (15-18.04) sowing period of the Perlyna Lisostepu variety, the minimum rate was 69.15% in the control (1-3.04) of the Zloty Lan variety. The germination rate on average over six years exceeded the control by 6.14%, and the survival of chamomile plants on average over the years of research exceeded the control option by 1.5%. The difference in factors was insignificant (2-3%)

Changes in coal waste DOM chemodiversity and Fe/Al oxides during weathering drive the fraction conversion of heavy metals

The long-term accumulation of coal waste on the surface during natural weathering leads to the inevitable migration of heavy metals contained in the coal waste, which increases the likelihood of environmental contamination and health risks. Dissolved organic matter (DOM) and Fe/Al oxides play crucial roles in the transformation and bioavailability of heavy metals. Thus, we analyzed the Fe/Al oxide content and DOM molecular composition in coal waste with different degrees of weathering and explored the influence of DOM chemical diversity and Fe/Al oxides on the potential mobility of heavy metals. Results showed that weathering-driven decrease in Fe oxides (Fed, FeO, and Fep decreased from 82.4, 37.5, and 3.6 mg∙L−1 to 41.3, 24.7, and 2.3 mg∙L−1, respectively) led to decreases in the reducible fractions of V and Cr. The potential environmental risks of more toxic metals of Cd and As, also increased as a result of the residual fractions decreased to 32.6 % and 41.3 %, respectively. Weathering caused an increase in oxygen-to‑carbon ratio, double-bond equivalent, modified aromaticity index, nominal oxidation state of carbon, and molecular diversity and a decrease in (m/z)w and (H/C)w, suggesting that the DOM of highly weathered coal waste possessed high unsaturation, aromatic structures, hydrophilicity, and strong oxidative characteristics. Additionally, although VMF and CrMF showed significant negative correlations with O/C ratio, polyphenolic, carbohydrates, and condensed aromatics, pH remained a key environmental factor determining the potential environmental risks of V and Cr by changing the residual fractions. The mobilities of Cd and As were significantly negatively correlated with those of Fe/Al oxides, particularly Fed, FeO, Fep, and Alp. Our findings contribute to the understanding of the impact of weathering on the geochemical cycling of different coal waste components, providing priority options for environmental risk prevention and control in coal mining areas.

Unveiling genome plasticity and a novel phage in Mycoplasma felis: Genomic investigations of four feline isolates.

Mycoplasma felis has been isolated from diseased cats and horses, but to date only a single fully assembled genome of this species, of an isolate from a horse, has been characterized. This study aimed to characterize and compare the completely assembled genomes of four clinical isolates of M. felis from three domestic cats, assembled with the aid of short- and long-read sequencing methods. The completed genomes encoded a median of 759 ORFs (range 743-777) and had a median average nucleotide identity of 98.2 % with the genome of the available equid origin reference strain. Comparative genomic analysis revealed the occurrence of multiple horizontal gene transfer events and significant genome reassortment. This had resulted in the acquisition or loss of numerous genes within the Australian felid isolate genomes, encoding putative proteins involved in DNA transfer, metabolism, DNA replication, host cell interaction and restriction modification systems. Additionally, a novel mycoplasma phage was detected in one Australian felid M. felis isolate by genomic analysis and visualized using cryo-transmission electron microscopy. This study has highlighted the complex genomic dynamics in different host environments. Furthermore, the sequences obtained in this work will enable the development of new diagnostic tools, and identification of future infection control and treatment options for the respiratory disease complex in cats.

An operational risk management approach for small fishing vessel

Human error is at the core of most preventable casualties in the maritime domain, and often not related to the specific individual. Hence to better understand human error there is the need to understand the contribution that human factors make to system success and safety. In this study, we introduce a novel framework that integrates evolving fishing vessel accident scenarios with risk control options, incorporating Bayesian network modeling and the Dempster-Shafer theory to address uncertainties within risk management strategies. To illustrate the practical application of our integrated approach, we present a case study focused on operational risk management within the West African region's small fishing vessel industry. This research contributes to the field of system safety and engineering by offering a structured and adaptable methodology to enhance safety measures in small fishing vessel operations, ultimately mitigating potential hazards and safeguarding lives and assets.

Enzyme production by the entomopathogenic fungi Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium anisopliae and their application in the control of nematodes (Haemonchus spp. and Meloidogyne incognita) in vitro

Brazil is affected by the infection of gastrointestinal nematodes (Haemonchus spp.) because it causes subclinical diseases in small ruminants that directly affect weight and milk production and, in turn, generate a health risk for the animals. In the same way root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne incognita) is a serious disease, which parasitize the roots of tomato plants causing damage such as poor nutrient absorption leading to significant yield losses. In order to minimize the economic impact of these nematodes, it is important to establish new control strategies. Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium anisopliae are two main mycoinsecticides used to control many orders of insects, such as Lepidoptera and Hemiptera. These fungi have the ability to produce extracellular enzymes, which play an important role to control in the pest infection process. The aim of this study was to evaluate the production of proteases and chitinases by the entomopathogenic fungi B. bassiana and M. anisopliae on different solid and liquid culture media and their application in vitro to the control of Haemonchus spp and Meloidogyne incognita. To achieve this goal, enzymes were produced under solid and liquid fermentation conditions to determine the highest chitinolytic and proteolytic activity of commercial two strain of B. bassiana (IBCB 66 and ESALQ PL63) and M. anisopliae (IBCB 425 and ESALQ E9) in liquid media: SDY broth, YPG culture medium, synthetic, and soluble starch with yeast extract. The solid media tested were: rice supplemented with whey and chrysalis flour mixed with rice. In addition, the nematicidal action of their extracts (containing concentrated enzymes and without fungal cells) was measured. The results showed that the best culture medium (p< 0.01) for protease was solid serum rice medium, with a value for M. anisopliae IBCB 425 of 52 U/mg, and for B. bassiana ESALQ PL63 the value was 36 U/mg, compared to all the tested media. On the other hand, for chitinase of M. anisopliae strain IBCB 425, the activity value was close to 0.60 U/mg. In contrast, for B. bassiana isolate ESALQ PL63, SDY medium was the best inducer for chitinase production, with a value of 0.90 U/mg. Regarding the nematicidal activity of the crude extracts, the reduction percentages were 58% for ESALQ PL63 and 100% for IBCB 425 in the case of animal parasites. For plant parasites, the reduction percentages were 19% for ESALQ PL63 and 71% for IBCB 425. Thus, the use of enzyme-rich crude extracts presents promising control options for pest control.

"Purplish Blue" or "Greenish Grey"? Indigo Qualities and Extraction Yields from Six Species.

Indigo quality is determined by its indigotin content. Another quality indicator is colour. For an evaluation of species, indigo samples from Indigofera tinctoria, Indigofera suffruticosa, Indigofera arrecta, Persicaria tinctoria, Strobilanthes cusia and Wrightia laevis cultivated in Austria and China were visually classified and analysed spectrophotometrically and using a L*a*b* measuring device. In addition to a standardised hot-extraction method without lime, some samples were extracted simulating traditional methods at ambient temperatures using lime. The highest indigotin contents were achieved with Indigofera arrecta (55%, Austria) and Strobilanthes cusia (56%, China). There were no statistically significant differences between the indigo extraction yields of the species cultivated in Austria, but Indigofera arrecta and Persicaria tinctoria had statistically significantly higher indigotin extraction yields than Indigofera tinctoria and Indigofera suffruticosa. From the species extracted in China, Strobilanthes cusia showed higher values in all parameters than Indigofera tinctoria, Indigofera suffruticosa and Wrightia laevis. Compared with the standardised method, the method simulating local practice yielded more indigo but had a lower indigotin content; the indigotin extraction yields did not differ greatly. L*a*b* values enabled precise estimations of the indigotin content, making it an interesting option for quality control, as inexpensive, easy-to-handle L*a*b* measuring instruments have become available.