Dark Green Research Articles

Pharmacognostical Studies and Anti-oxidant Activity of Tagetes erecta (Marigold) LINN Flower

Plants are the living gifts of nature. Drugs obtained from plants have very low side effects and are very popular worldwide. Tagetes erecta Linn locally known as Genda Phool (Marigold) belongs to the family Asteraceae. It is containing about 50 species of annual or perennial herbaceous plant. The plants have numerous pharmacological activities such as antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, antiepileptic, anticancer, hepatoprotective, antidiabetic, antidepressant, antifungal etc. It is used as wound healing, soothing and softening the skin and thus used in skin care products. Microscopic parameters (Tagetes erecta) showed the presence of calyx (dark green, ovate), corolla (Bright orange, oblanceolate), cortical portion and fibro vascular bundle and macroscopic parameters showed that the flower is of bright orange colour, aromatic odour and distinctly bitter taste. Total ash value, water soluble ash, acid insoluble ash, water soluble extract value, alcohol soluble extract value, loss on drying (moisture content) were found to be 4.91% w/w, 1.63% w/w, 0.2% w/w, 72% w/w, 16.7% w/w and 7.44% w/w respectively. Phytochemical analysis of different extract showed the presence of different primary and secondary metabolites like tannins, phenolic compounds, flavonoids, steroids, triterpenoids, saponins, alkaloids compound etc. The IC50 value was calculated.

Comparison of different staining methods for the nematode Strongyloides papillosus isolated from rabbits

Strongyloidiasis in rabbits is a disease caused by Strongyloides papillosus helminths, manifested by skin inflammation, diarrhea, weight loss, and stunting of animals in growth and development. Confirmation of invasion is carried out mainly by required methods of helminthoovoscopy and helmintholarvoscopy. The most well-known methods of helmintholarvoscopic diagnosis of feces for strongyloidiasis are the method of D. Baermann (1917) and its modifications according to V. I. Shilnikov (1983), the method using the “asterisk” device (according to V. F. Nikitin and T. Pavlasek, 1988), the method of coprohelmintho-larvoscopic rings (according to S. I. Ponomar, N. M. Soroka, 2007), the method of T. I. Popova, standardized by S. I. Ponomar (2003). There are no laboratory methods with 100 % reliability at the present stage. Therefore, our studies on improving the lifelong helminthocoprological diagnosis of strongyloidiasis in rabbits are relevant. Our work aimed to compare different methods of staining the pathogen S. papillosus. Laboratory studies were carried out in the laboratories of the Department of Parasitology and Veterinary Sanitary Expertise of the Dnipro State Agrarian and Economic University. For staining S. papillosus, 20 dyes were used: 1 % alizarin red, 1 % brilliant blue, Turk's solution, 1 % brilliant green, 1 % methylene blue, 1 % amido black 10B, 1 % eosin, Ziehl's solution, Lugol's solution, 1 % сarbolic gentian violet, Romanowsky-type, 1 % Sudan, 1 % bromophenol blue, 1 % orange G, 1 % bromocresol green, 1 % safranin, Zadorozhny-Dozmorov's-type, Mikhin's-type, Muromtsev's-type. We have proposed 20 dyes for staining the internal organs of larvae and free-living males and females pathogens of Strongyloides without or with temperature fixation. Live pathogens S. papillosus, without temperature fixation, pass only Lugol's and safranin's solutions. All other dyes showed the highest staining, but only when the preparation was heated for 2–3 seconds to 60 °C. However, the dyes showed different degrees of coloration. Bromocresol green stained the walls of the internal organs of the helminth. Namely, the nematodes acquired a green color, and the membranes of a part of the esophagus and intestines became dark green. During microscopy, this allowed accurate identification and differentiation into larvae and free-living males and females of S. papillosus and simplified their counting.

High-resolution taphonomy of the Lower Cretaceous “Amargosa Biota”, Central Tucano Sub-Basin, Bahia, Brazil: Implications for the paleoenvironmental dynamics of a new Konservat-Lagerstätte

We report the Amargosa Biota from the middle part of the Lower Cretaceous Marizal Formation (Central Tucano Sub-Basin, NE Brazil), as a new Konservat-Lagerstätte . Exceptionally preserved fossils are confined to the lower part of an up to 15-m-thick, mud-dominated succession, named Amargosa Bed. Seven bedding planes (L0-L6) with distinct sedimentological and taphonomic attributes were identified in the type section (Amargosa Village, Euclides da Cunha County, Bahia State), distributed in an ~1-m-thick succession of well-laminated claystone, mudstone, siltstone, and very fine-grained sandstone. These contain ostracods, spinicaudatan carapaces, palaemonid shrimps, fish, and comminuted plant remains. Fossils occur in high concentration on at least four bedding planes (i.e., L2, L3, L5, and L6), forming polytypical assemblages that are dominated by one of the fossil groups. Assemblages are formed mainly by autochthonous to parautochthonous elements, representing variable, but limited, temporal mixing. A key attribute of some fossil-rich strata (L3, L5, and L6) is the preservation of poorly biomineralized organisms and/or of complete soft-bodied parts, which are typically prone to destruction due to rapid decay or bioturbation. The polytypical nature of these fossil assemblages, interbedded with non-fossiliferous intervals, suggests mass mortality events, probably caused by abrupt changes in water parameters (anoxia, salinity, pH, among others). The dark greenish gray color (yellowish when weathered), and the finely laminated nature of the claystone, siltstone, and mudstone containing members of the Amargosa Biota indicates that the benthic infaunal life was absent or, at least, very scarce in a locally, relatively deep, oxygen-poor lake bottom. Anoxia and high salinity, linked with local semi-arid conditions during the Lower Cretaceous may have played key roles in the exceptional preservation of some fossils (shrimps, fish). Finally, our data provide a more comprehensive understanding of the temporal distribution of taxa and taphonomic processes associated with the complex genesis of the fossil-bearing interval of the Amargosa Bed in its type locality. • A new Aptian Konservat-Lagerstätte is described in NE Brazil; • Fossil-bearing strata reveal complex taphonomic histories; • Triggers are short-term variations in oxygen availability and salinity, coupled with water level fluctuations; • Fossil-rich bedding planes are frozen snapshots of paleocommunities that lived in highly stressed, aquatic system.

Intercalary membrane break and detachment causes intrachoroidal cavitation in macular coloboma.

To describe the clinical and imaging features in a series of patients diagnosed with macular coloboma (MC) and intrachoroidal cavitation (ICC). Patients diagnosed with MC based on clinical examination between June 2017 and July 2021 were retrieved from the electronic medical record system and were included in the study. Colour fundus photographs, optical coherence tomography (OCT) and Multicolour® imaging scans of these patients were analysed. We identified 16 eyes of 11 patients with MC on fundus examination. Based on OCT imaging features, conforming variant of MC was seen in 9 (56%) eyes and non-conforming variant in 7 (44%) eyes. No eyes with MC in the study showed features of both conforming and non-conforming varieties simultaneously. In the non-conforming variety of MC with presence of intercalary membrane break, ICC was identified in 5 (71%) of these eyes. ICC in MC appeared as flat, dark greenish areas with or without an orange-coloured boundary abutting the margin of the coloboma on Multicolour® imaging. In 31% eyes, ICC was seen in non-conforming type of MC and was well-identified on Multicolour® imaging. It appears that presence of intercalary membrane break and detachment are prerequisites for developing ICC.

Two new species of Hypoxylon (Hypoxylaceae) from China based on morphological and DNA sequence data analyses

Two new species, Hypoxylon larissae and Hypoxylon jianfengense, are described and illustrated on the basis of a combination of morphological and molecular characters from China. Hypoxylon larissae was collected from southwest China (Yunnan province), while H. jianfengense was collected from southern China (Hainan province). Hypoxylon larissae is characterized by effused-pulvinate stromata, Orange (7) and Luteous (12) pigments extracted in 10% KOH and light brown to dark brown ascospores with straight germ slit. It is phylogenetically and morphologically closely related to H. fenderi. Hypoxylon jianfengense is distinguished by tubular to long tubular perithecia, Dark Green (21), Isabelline (65) and Dull Green (70) pigments extracted in 10% KOH and conspicuous coil-like perispore ornamentation. Hypoxylon jianfengense clustered with H. invadens and H. trugodes in a well-supported clade. Phylogenetic analyses of multi-gene sequences (ITS-LSU-RPB2-TUB2) support the recognition of the taxa as distinct.

Evaluation of late‐season nitrogen source application on autumn color and winter injury of ‘Riviera’ bermudagrass in the upper transition zone of the United States

AbstractLate summer and autumn application of nitrogen (N) to bermudagrass (Cynodon spp.) in the transition zone has been associated with enhanced turfgrass color but has been thought to increase the potential for winter injury. Eleven N sources were applied in late summer and early autumn to provide a total annual N level of 98 kg ha−1 in Olathe, KS to evaluate fall color and spring green coverage of ‘Riviera’ bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.]. Treatments included experimental coated urea fertilizers, N sources containing urease inhibitors, urea, and nontreated turfgrass. Significant winter injury occurred throughout the experimental area. Turfgrass color in late October was positively correlated with green coverage evaluated in May (r = .55; P < .001). For example, bermudagrass treated with AND3.0EX (Poly/Humic Coated Urea) had a color rating of 3.5 (1 to 9 scale; 9 = dark green) in late October, and green coverage in May was 44%. Nontreated turfgrass had a color rating of 1.5 in late October, and green coverage in May was 8%. Enhanced winter survival of bermudagrass following late‐season N application may require that turfgrass managers rethink traditional N programs limiting application to only late spring and midsummer dates in the transition zone.

Preservation of Fe/Mn‐redox fronts in sediments of an oligotrophic, oxygenated deep‐water lake (Lago Fagnano, Tierra del Fuego)

AbstractChanging redox conditions in water columns or sediment–water interfaces of lakes are captured as sedimentary archives, and are often influenced by climate. Their study therefore permits the reconstruction of past climate change on (sub‐) annual to longer timescales. In Lago Fagnano (54°S Argentina/Chile), a large oligotrophic and deep‐oxygenated lake, alternations of light grey clay and dark greenish and black laminae are preserved throughout the Holocene sedimentary record. This study aims to clarify the mechanism of laminae formation and preservation in Lago Fagnano, and their relation to changing redox conditions in the lake. High‐resolution major element scanning and mapping along with detailed mineralogical analyses of sediment cores allowed identifying Fe‐oxides, Mn‐oxides and Fe‐(mono) sulphides as responsible for the lamination. Based on the interpretation of redox processes at the current sedimentary redox boundary and of buried palaeo‐redox fronts underlying mass‐transported deposits, the greenish laminae enriched in Fe‐oxides are interpreted as palaeo‐redox fronts. The preservation of such former interfaces in Lago Fagnano sediments is most likely promoted by rapid increases of sedimentation due to higher runoff related to stronger Southern Hemisphere Westerlies. The formation of black laminae, showing only traces of Fe‐(mono) sulphides and organic matter, is obscured by oxidation and early diagenetic processes, i.e. degradation and partial pyritization. These layers were presumably generated by small changes in bottom‐water oxygenation due to reduced mixing and/or higher productivity. This study highlights the value of high‐resolution sediment−geochemical analyses to better understand redox and diagenetic processes in oligotrophic mixed lakes.

Effect of Shade on Agro-Morphological Parameters and Weed Flora of Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) Cultivation in the Semiarid Zone of Eastern Morocco.

Saffron (Crocus sativus) has been an important medicinal plant since ancient times. This study aimed to seek the optimal light intensity for saffron growth by quantifying the effects of different shade levels on yield, vegetative growth, and weed development in the eastern region of Morocco. The plants were grown for 24 months in full sun (control) and 30%, 50%, and 70% shade. Overall, the results showed that shade positively affected the yield and vegetative growth parameters of saffron plants, with the highest yield (0.61 g/m2) and number of leaves (105 leaves/tuft) recorded when the plants were exposed to light shade (30%). The color of the leaves under the 70% shade levels was dark green. The results from the underground part showed that shade is positively correlated with the weight and diameter of daughter corms where the 70% shade recorded the highest values of weight (65 g) and percentage of large diameter corms (39%). As for weed density, this parameter was significantly affected by shade. The lowest weed density was recorded for the 70% shade treatment. In conclusion, 30% shade is suggested as optimal light irradiation for saffron cultivation.

Ixiolirion tataricum anthocyanins-loaded biocellulose label: Characterization and application for food freshness monitoring

A new intelligent pH-sensitive colorimetric label was fabricated by immobilizing Ixiolirion tataricum anthocyanins (ITA) into biocellulose (bacterial nanocellulose; BNC) film and was then studied to determine how it can be used as a label for monitoring freshness/spoilage of shrimp during storage at 4 °C. The formation of new interactions between ITA and BNC film and disruption of crystalline structure of BNC after anthocyanins immobilization were approved by FT-IR and XRD analyses, respectively. According to FE-SEM observations, the porosity of the BNC network decreased after ITA incorporation. The fabricated BNC-ITA label showed a distinct color change from violet to green over the pH range of 4–12. The pH, total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N), total psychrophiles count (TPC), and the quantity of biogenic amines (histamine, cadaverine, putrescine, and tyramine) in the shrimp samples and their correlation with color changes on the label were measured over a 4-day storage period. Consistent with changes in levels of TVB-N, TPC, pH, and biogenic amines, a visually distinguishable color change occurred on the BNC-ITA label as blue (fresh), dark green (medium fresh), and kelly green (spoiled). This research showed that ITA as a novel pH-sensitive dye is a promising candidate for developing pH labels for seafood intelligent packaging.

АГРОЭКОЛОГИЧЕСКАЯ ОЦЕНКА ПЕРСПЕКТИВНЫХ ПОПУЛЯЦИЙ ЛЮЦЕРНЫ ИЗМЕНЧИВОЙ В КЛИМАТИЧЕСКИХ УСЛОВИЯХ СРЕДНЕГО ПОВОЛЖЬЯ

The research was carried out in order to identify the most adapted promising populations of alfalfa (Medicagovaria T. Martyn.) to the conditions of the Middle Volga region for further transfer of those selected for the State Variety Test. The study was carried out in the conditions of the southern forest-steppe of the Middle Volga region in 2018-2021. The object of study was seven varieties and promising populations of variable alfalfa. The zoned variety of Izumruda was adopted as a standard. The soils of the experimental plot are represented by typical medium-humus chernozem of heavy loamy mechanical composition. The content of humus in the arable layer of soil 0 -25 cm - 5.2%, mobile potassium and phosphorus - 292.0 mg / kg and 156 mg / kg of soil, respectively, the pH of the salt extract of the soil is 6.9 - 7.2, the content of easily hydrolysable nitrogen - 11.6 - 13.2 mg per 100 g of soil. The plots in the experiments for assessing the productivity of green mass are six rows with a row spacing of 15 cm, an accounting area of 7.5 m2. Seeding rate 15 kg/ha.Repetition four times. The placement of variants within the repetitions is randomized, the agricultural technique is generally accepted for the cultivation of alfalfa in the Middle Volga region. On average, over the years of research, the largest total yield of green mass was provided by variety populations: Population 24 (39.5 t/ha), Dark Green (39.9 t/ha) and Population 13 (40.2 t/ha), exceeding standard grade Emerald by 11.0…12.9%. The maximum collection of dry matter in the sum for two cuttings was noted in Population 4 (9.4 t/ha), Dark Green (9.5 t/ha) and Population 13 (10.2 t/ha) exceeding the standard 11, 9-21.4%. As a result of the research, it was found that the promising variety populations Population 13, Dark green, Population 4 and Population 24 have plasticity, high fodder quality indicators and are fully adapted to changing growing conditions, suitable for cultivation without irrigation in the climatic conditions of the Middle Volga region.

Monitoring of mulberry (Morus L.) plantations to identify samples that combine high productivity and decorativeness

Aim. The purpose of the research was to identify unique mulberry specimens in the existing plantations, adapted to the climatic conditions of the growth zone, with a different combination of economic characteristics. The collection of the dendrological park "Ustimivskyi", protective strips within the land use of the Ustymivska Experimental Station of Plant Production of Plant Production Institute nd. a. V. Ya. Yuriev of NAAS, private estates of residents of the villages of Ustymivka and Novobudova of the Globynska UTC of the Poltava region. Results and Discussion. Among the mulberry plants growing in the collection of the Arboretum, one can single out sample УП33 as the sweetest of the examined samples. УП21 has large fruits 2-3 cm long, pale pink, when fully ripe - purple; whole leaf, large, 20-25 cm long, dark green. On the territory of the introduction-quarantine nursery of the station, the sample КР1 grows, which has only male inflorescences and a leaf blade 15-18 cm long and is recommended as a decorative one. In the village Newly, the HC1 sample deserves attention - a tree with dark purple sub-fruits 2.5-3 cm long, the fruits are pleasant to the taste, the leaf is small, leathery. Sample HC2 has white subfruits up to 2 cm long, when fully ripe they are faintly sweet, but without a pronounced specific taste, the leaves are small, smooth on both sides. In 1952-1954, between the fields of the experimental station, for feeding silkworms, a forest strip was planted, where you can distinguish the ЛЯ4 sample with dark purple fruits up to 2 cm long with a neutral, but pleasant taste. In sample ЛЯ5, individual fruitlets in the subfruit are large, red-purple, which remain shiny when overripe. Among the samples growing in the homesteads of the residents of the villages of Ustymivka and Novobudoka, a number of samples can be singled out (УВ7, УВ14, УВ24, УН2, УБ1, НХ1), which combine high taste qualities and the size of the leaf plates. Conclusions. Along with basic varieties and species, seedlings with an interesting combination of economic and valuable traits are growing on the surveyed territories, which deserve further study and use in selection programs and greening of settlements.

Visual detection of aflatoxin B1 and zearalenone via activating a new catalytic reaction of "naked" DNAzyme.

Here, we have found for the first time that the catalytic activity of "naked" DNAzyme, a single-stranded G-quadruplex DNAzyme (S.DNAzyme), can be modulated by aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and zearalenone (ZEN). In fact, S.DNAzyme can mimic the activity of horseradish peroxidase to perform oxidation of 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) to colored ABTS˙+ (dark green). This catalytic activity can be inhibited upon addition of AFB1, leading to color fade of the solution. But with ZEN, the solution color will change to a yellowish-brown or yellow color. Thus, we have exploited this finding to achieve label-free, naked-eye detection of AFB1 or ZEN, and have explored the possible detection mechanisms. This approach is able to detect AFB1 and ZEN concentrations as low as 0.18 μM and 0.29 μM, respectively. Even in real samples, the limit of detection values of these two analytes are lower than 3 μM. Notably, S.DNAzyme cross-reacted with three other tested aflatoxins, including aflatoxin B2, aflatoxin G1 and aflatoxin M1, revealing the potential for a broadly applicable method to identify the family of aflatoxins. The AFB1- or ZEN-triggered new catalytic reaction between "naked" DNAzyme and ABTS may offer new opportunities for on-site visual detection of mycotoxins.

IMPACT OF FOLIAR SPRAY WITH SACCHAROMYCES CEREVISIAE EXTRACT IN DIFFERENT FORMS AND CONCENTRATIONS ON GROWTH, PRODUCTIVITY AND QUALITY OF LETTUCE PLANTS

This investigation was adopted during the two consecutive winter seasons of 2019/2020 and 2020/2021, to examine the impact of foliar spray with bread yeast in different forms and concentrations on the development, production yield and quality of lettuce cv. Dark Green (Lactuca sativa L.). This experiment was consisted of twelve treatments which were the combinations between four yeast forms (untreated yeast cells, yeast extract, yeast cells treated with nitric acid 50% and yeast cells treated with urea at three concentrations (1, 2 and 3, w/v).The results showed that, foliar spraying with yeast cells treated with urea at the highest concentration 3% recorded the largest values of the height of plant, leaf area per plant, total fresh and dry weights/plant, total chlorophyll, yield and its components, N, K and dry matter percentages in lettuce leaves in both seasons, with no significant differences between foliar spray with yeast cells treated with urea or with nitric acid treatments regarding number of leaves/plant, P (%) and nitrate content. In general, foliar spraying with yeast cells treated with urea at 3% increased yield and its component but at the same time increased nitrate content in leaves and decreased the quality of lettuce plants. Accordingly, it may be prudent to avoid using a high concentration of yeast cells treated with urea, in order to preserve the quality of lettuce plants, and instead of that it can be used a medium concentration to get the best quality and reasonable yield.

Revealing Morphological Variability in Some Confectionery Pumpkin Genotypes

Bu çalışma, S4 kademesinde ümitvar olarak belirlenmiş 105 adet çerezlik kabak hattında (Cucurbita pepo L.), bazı morfolojik özelliklerin incelenmesi ve genotipler arası yakınlıklar belirlenmeye çalışılmıştır. Çalışmada bitki, meyve ve tohum özelliklerine ait bazı gözlem ve ölçümler yapılmıştır. Genotiplerin bitki görünümü %81.9 dik, %15.2 sarılıcı, %0.9 yarı sarılıcı bulurken kol atma derecesi %32.3 zayıf, %47.7’si orta %22.8 fazla, genotiplerde %84.7 kol atma var %15.2 kol atma yok olarak saptanmıştır. Genotiplerin %49.5’i yeşil gövdeli, %37.14’ü açık yeşil, %13,3’ü ise koyu yeşil olarak bulunmuştur. Genotiplerde yaprak, %64.7’si yeşil, %30.4 koyu yeşil, %4.7 açık yeşil renkte; %1.9’u az, %48.5’i orta, %2.8’i fazla, %4.7’si çok fazla dilimli, %41.9’u dilimsiz, olarak tanımlanmıştır. Meyve benek renginde, % 31.4’ü yeşil, %7.6’sı turuncu, %0.9’u sarı, %60’ı krem; benek yoğunluğunda; %73,3’ü az, %24.7’si yoğun, %1.9’u fazla; meyve renginde, %19.0’u krem, %4.7’si sarı, %0.9’u yeşil, %1.9’u yeşil-sarı, %4.7’si koyu-sarı, %28.6’sı açık sarı, %41.9’u turuncu olarak bulunmuştur. Tohumluk meyve boyu; %21.9’u kısa, %38.0’i orta, %40’ı uzun; meyve çapı genotiplerde %62.8’i uzun, %35.23’ü orta, %3.8’i dar olarak bulunmuştur. Genotiplerde meyve iriliği; %14.2’si iri, %36.1’i orta, %50.4’ü küçük, %0.9 küçük-orta olarak bulunmuştur. Elde edilen verilerle genotipler arasındaki genetik çeşitliliğin belirlenmesi amacıyla, temel bileşenler analizi (PCA) ile cluster analizi yapılmış ve genotiplerin 6 gruba ayrıldığı görülmüştür.

Mechanism and influence of different colors of opaque outdoor surfaces on cooling demand of malls

ABSTRACT The present study investigated a specific mall in Chengdu with diverse opaque outdoor surface colors (black, dark grey, dark green, navy blue and yellow). It was revealed that different colors had a variation effect and energy-saving mechanism on the cooling energy saving ratio in hourly, daily, monthly and annual dimensions. These results revealed that for the whole year, the annual cooling load exhibited a differential change. For the whole day, as affected by meteorological factors, especially wind speed, and when the solar radiation is the same, the daily cooling energy saving amounts presented two branches. The global horizontal radiation has a significant positive influence on the daily cooling energy saving amount, but the daily cooling energy saving ratio was not significant. At the hourly level, due to the leading role of wind speed and the diffuse radiation-to-global solar radiation ratio, the hourly cooling energy-saving amount and hourly cooling energy-saving rate presented different branches. When the hourly horizontal solar radiation was the same, the lower the wind speed, the greater the cooling energy savings. Furthermore, the higher the diffuse radiation-to-global solar radiation ratio, the greater the cooling energy savings.

Isolation And Characterization Of Biosurfactant Producing Bacteria From Different Environmental Soil Samples

Isolation And Characterization Of Biosurfactant Producing Bacteria From Different Environmental Soil Samples

The Poldnevskoye deposit of demantoid (Middle Urals): Geology and mineralogy

Research subject. The results of studying the geology and mineralogy of the Poldnevskoye deposit of demantoid are presented. Material and methods. The factual material was collected during feld research. Demantoid samples were pro vided by mine owners. Rock and vein minerals were studied in hand specimens, polished specimens and thin sections; the chemical composition was determined by X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, electron probe X-ray spectral microanalysis, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry with laser sampling (LA-ICP-MS).Results. The Korkodinsky ultrabasic massif containing the deposit experienced strong decompression and syndecompression mineral formation during the ascent. At an early stage, veins of clinopyroxenite formed in dunite, which also experienced decompression cracking. Then the rocks underwent antigoritization and the appearance of vein antigorite, which was replaced by veins of clinochrysotile (+ magnetite ± carbonate ± demantoid). This was followed by the formation of lizardite (+ magnetite ± carbonate ± demantoid), which also developed along the earlier vein serpentines. Demantoid is represented by rounded grains and rounded grain aggregates with the signs of growth under the conditions of allround extension. The predominant color is brownish-green, yellow-green, rarely green and dark green. Green and dark green demantoids contain Cr2O3 0.52–2.3 wt %. In the central part of some grains and demantoid aggregates, a brown color is observed, which binds to TiO2, the content of which reaches 1 wt %. The demantoids of the Poldnevskoye deposit bear typomorphic features of the Ural-type demantoids (inclusions of the “horse’s tail” type). The distribution of demantoid is nested. The length of the veins with demantoid is frst meters. Their pillar-like shape is assumed. Conclusion.Demantoids from nests in serpentinized massive or brecciform dunites are more intact; demantoid nests in strongly serpentinized rocks were tectonic crushed and contain little gemstone.

Analysis of the tendency of transition between segments of green consumer behavior with a Markov chain approach

PurposeThis study aims to determine the number of segments of green consumer behavior on toiletries products, and the tendency of transition between clusters is estimated. This study also provides recommendations based on the results.Design/methodology/approachThis study used primary data collected through an online and offline questionnaire. The questionnaire was intended to identify the socio-demographic characteristics, green consumer behavior state according to the environment as well as the willingness of the respondents to purchase various toiletries products (current, less green, and greener). Prior to segmenting green consumer behavior, scale purification using confirmatory factor analysis was performed to ensure the indicators used were valid. The k-means clustering algorithm was used for the segmentation, while discriminant analysis was used to validate the segmentation result. The Markov chain approach was performed to estimate the tendency of the transition between constructed segments, where the logistic regression model was applied to predict the individual transition probability.FindingsThe clustering algorithm resulted in three segments: light green, green and dark green. The light green segment has the lowest attitude toward the environmental criteria while the members of the dark green segment have the highest attitude among the other segments. The logistic regression indicated that the tendency of individuals to stay in the current segment or move to the adjacent segment was influenced by socio-demographic factors. The one-step transition probability matrix revealed that the tendency of a particular segment to move to the greener segment was greater than to stay or even move to the less green segment. The Markov chain approach then showed that the steady-state condition will emerge after 18 steps.Research limitations/implicationsThis study was limited geographically and by the criteria used for segmenting the green consumer behavior; therefore, it is recommended that this study be replicated on a greater scale with more criteria. A wider geographic area could be considered, including a national study, and more criteria, such as social influences, could be considered. This study does not focus on specific toiletries products. Selecting more specific toiletries products could be considered to provide a more reliable response from the respondents. Moreover, factors around the willingness to pay for green products were not investigated in greater detail although these factors might become indicators that can distinguish between two or more segments.Practical implicationsThis study empirically supports the theory that consumer environmentally friendly behavior can be used to appropriately categorize consumers into several segments, and thereby guide the development of a more differentiated policy approach for business and government.Social implicationsGreen consumer behavior may help save the environment and it will be beneficial in reducing environmental damage.Originality/valueThe study extends the existing literature related to green consumer behavior by segmenting the green consumer behavior based on the environmental criteria and applying the Markov chain approach to estimate the tendency of transition between segments.

First Report of Leaf Spot caused by Curvularia lunata on Wild Rice in China.

Wild rice (Oryza rufipogon), a species only recently cultivated in China, is an invaluable resource for rice breeding and basic research. In June 2019, a leaf spot disease on wild rice (O. rufipogon cv. 'Haihong-12') was observed in a 3.3 ha field in Zhanjiang (20.93 N, 109.79 E), China. The early symptoms were the presence of small, brown, and circular to oval spots that eventually turned reddish brown. The size of the spots varied from 1.0-5.0 mm × 1.0-3.0 mm. Disease incidence was higher than 20%. High temperature and high humidity climate were favorable for the disease occurrence. Twenty diseased leaves were collected from the field. The margin of the diseased tissues was cut into 2 mm × 2 mm pieces, surface-disinfected with 75% ethanol for 30 s and 2% sodium hypochlorite for 60 s, then rinsed three times with sterile water before isolation. The tissues were plated onto potato dextrose agar (PDA) medium and incubated at 28 °C in the dark for 4 days. Pure cultures were produced by transferring hyphal tips to new PDA plates. Three isolates, namely, Cls-1, Cls-2, and Cls-3, were subjected to further morphological and molecular studies. The colonies of the three isolates on PDA were initially light gray later becoming dark green. Conidiophores were erect, dark brown, geniculate, and unbranched. Conidia were fusiform, geniculate or hook-shaped, smooth-walled, dark-brown, 3-septate, with the second curved cell about 13.4-18.2 μm × 6.5-8.6 μm in size (n = 30). These morphological features agreed with previous descriptions of Curvularia lunata (Wakker) Boed (Macri and Lenna 1974). The ITS region, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), and translation elongation factor (EF-1α) were amplified using primers ITS1/ITS4, gpp1/gdp2 (Berbee et al. 1999), and EF-1/EF-2 (O'Donnell 1997), respectively. Amplicons of the three isolates were sequenced and submitted to GenBank (accession nos. MW042182, MW042183, and MW042184; MW091453, MW091454, and MW091455; MW090049, MW090050, and MW090051). The sequences of the two isolates were 100% identical to those of C. lunata (accession nos. MG971304, MG979801, MG979800) according to the results of BLAST analysis. A phylogenetic tree was built on the basis of concatenated data from the sequences of ITS, GAPDH, and EF-1α via the maximum likelihood method. The tree clustered Cls-1, Cls-2, and Cls-3 with C. lunata. The three isolates were determined as C. lunata by combining morphological and molecular characteristics. Pathogenicity tests were performed on Cls-1 in a greenhouse at 24 °C-30 °C with 80% relative humidity. Individual rice plants (cv. 'Haihong-12') with three leaves were grown in 10 pots, with approximately 50 plants per pot. Five pots were inoculated by spraying a spore suspension (105 spores/mL) onto leaves until runoff occurred, and another five pots were sprayed with sterile water and used as controls. The test was conducted three times. Disease symptoms were observed on the leaves after 10 days, but the controls remained healthy. C. lunata occurs on O. sativa (rice) (Liu et al. 2014; Majeed et al. 2016), but it has not been reported on O. rufipogon until now. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to report that C. lunata causes leaf spots on O. rufipogon in China. Thus, vigilance is required for breeding O. rufipogon.

Candida Berkh. (1923) Species and Their Important Secreted Aspartyl Proteinases (SAP) Genes Isolated from Diabetic Patients

Background: Candida Berkh. (1923) occurs naturally in the body. But it becomes opportunistic fungi, meaning that it infects humans when there is any weakening of the immune system, such as exposure to chemotherapy, diabetes, or organ transplantation. Most species of Candida grow at a temperature between 20-40 °C and have a pH of 3-8. Human pathogens of Candida species include C. albicans, C. glabrata, C. lusitaniae, C. parapsilosis, C. tropicalis and C. utili. C. albicans has many virulence factors that facilitate injury process. Virulence factors are considered as a measure of pathogenicity, and it is in the form of fungal toxins, enzymes, or cell structures that facilitate infection, as well as pathogen resistance in different conditions. This study aimed to investigate the frequency of some secreted aspartyl proteinases (SAP) genes from some Candida species isolated from diabetic patientsMethods: Candida spp. were identified on CHROMagar medium by color of each species after incubation at 37 °C for 48 hours such as: C. krusei, C. albicans, C. glabrata, and C. tropicalis. Germ tube formation test was used to distinguish between germ tube-forming species, such as C. albicans and C. dubliniensis , from those that do not produce germ tube. A portion of the isolation was taken and placed in a test tube containing 0.5 ml of serum, and then incubated at 37 °C for 2-4 hours. A drop of serum was taken out and examined under a microscope for the presence of the germ tube. Growth at 45 °C, has the advantage of distinguishing between C. albicans and C. dubliniensis by culturing Candida spp. on SDA medium and, incubation for 48-72 hours at 45 °C.Results: The results of isolation and diagnosis showed that Candida species grew at 37 °C for 48 hours on SDA medium, the shape of the colonies was round or oval-convex, and creamy white, shiny and smooth color. The results of the microscopic examination of the cells were spherical or oval, C. albicans was distinguished by its ability to grow at 45 °C and its ability to form the germ tube. The surface growth test showed the ability of C. tropicalis to grow surface on SDB medium. The medium of CHROMagar showed that C. albicans were light green in color. C. glabrata showed a pale pink color, while C. tropecalis showed a blue color and C. dublineiensis was dark green. DNA extracted samples, including 20 isolates, were used for four species of Candida, 1-9 C. albicans, 10-16 C. glabrata, 17-18 C. dubliniensis and 19-20 C. tropicalis. Parts of the body (mouth, vagina, Urine) detect SAP1 and SAP7 genes by PCR, and after electrophoresis of the PCR product, the results were positive for all Candida species studied as all isolates that contained SAP1 (578bp) and SAP7 (466bp).Conclusion: The SAP genes are among the main virulence factors for the occurrence of candidiasis. SAP1 and SAP7 genes are responsible for digesting and breaking down protein to penetrate the host's tissues.