Preservation Of Activity Research Articles

Biochemical and Functional Characterization of Kombucha tea or Probiotic bacteria and Their Preservative Action on Chicken Meat

Biochemical and Functional Characterization of Kombucha tea or Probiotic bacteria and Their Preservative Action on Chicken Meat

The unidirectional relationship between forest disturbance and armed conflict in the Andean Paramo

The armed conflict in Colombia has profoundly transformed rural landscapes, significantly impacting local communities. Sumapaz, the world's largest paramo, is a crucial water source for over 15 million people in the central Andean region of Colombia. Historically, the paramo functioned as a strategic corridor for the leftist guerrilla Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia (FARC) to gain access to Bogotá for a potential armed takeover of political power. The specific impact of the conflict between the FARC and the Colombian army in the paramo, as well as the effects of conflict de-escalation, remain understudied. By analyzing forest disturbances and records on victims and conflict events, we identified a unidirectional relationship between the intensity of armed conflict and landscape transformation. Forest disturbances were significantly higher during the armed conflict (2001-2012). In contrast, forest disturbances have markedly decreased since the beginning of peace negotiations in 2012 and the subsequent peace agreement period 2016-2020. These findings contrast with documented trends in other regions of the country, such as the Andean and Amazonian areas. Our results demonstrate that the legacy of armed confrontation between the Colombian army and FARC in the paramo negatively impacted the landscape. Importantly, these findings provide valuable insights into conservation policies and environmental management during the post-peace agreement era, offering an opportunity to develop future preservation actions and shape the future of the Andean Paramo.

Review on the extension of shelf life for fruits and vegetables using natural preservatives.

Fruits and vegetables are important for the nutrition and health of individuals. They are highly perishable in nature because of their susceptibility to microbial growth. Foodborne pathogens create a significant problem for consumers, food businesses, and food safety. Postharvest factors, including transportation, environment, and preservation techniques, cause a reduction in product quality. The present world is using synthetic preservatives, which have negative impacts on consumer health. Food safety and demand for healthy foods among consumers, the scientific community, and the food industry resulted in the exploitation of natural preservatives, which play an important role in their effectiveness, prolonged shelf life, and safety. Natural preservatives include plants, animals, and microbiological sources with polymers to extend shelf life, improve quality, and enhance food safety. This review specifically focuses on mechanism of action of natural preservatives, spoilage of fruit and vegetables, the importance of edible film and coating on fruits and vegetables.

Establishing a Novel Packaging Film by Longan Seed and Tea Polyphenols: Properties and Preservation Action

Establishing a Novel Packaging Film by Longan Seed and Tea Polyphenols: Properties and Preservation Action

Active Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) Films Containing Phenolic Compounds with Different Molecular Structures.

To obtain more sustainable and active food packaging materials, PHBV films containing 5% wt. of phenolic compounds with different molecular structures (ferulic acid, vanillin, and catechin) and proved antioxidant and antimicrobial properties were obtained by melt blending and compression molding. These were characterized by their structural, mechanical, barrier, and optical properties, as well as the polymer crystallization, thermal stability, and component migration in different food simulants. Phenolic compounds were homogenously integrated within the polymer matrix, affecting the film properties differently. Ferulic acid, and mainly catechin, had an anti-plasticizing effect (increasing the polymer glass transition temperature), decreasing the film extensibility and the resistance to breaking, with slight changes in the elastic modulus. In contrast, vanillin provoked a plasticizing effect, decreasing the elastic modulus without notable changes in the film extensibility while increasing the water vapor permeability. All phenolic compounds, mainly catechin, improved the oxygen barrier capacity of PHBV films and interfered with the polymer crystallization, reducing the melting point and crystallinity degree. The thermal stability of the material was little affected by the incorporation of phenols. The migration of passive components of the different PHBV films was lower than the overall migration limit in every simulant. Phenolic compounds were released to a different extent depending on their thermo-sensitivity, which affected their final content in the film, their bonding forces in the polymer matrix, and the simulant polarity. Their effective release in real foods will determine their active action for food preservation. Catechin was the best preserved, while ferulic acid was the most released.

WITHDRAWN: Recombinant osteopontin stabilizes the blood brain barrier following subarachnoid hemorrhage in rats

Background and PurposeRecombinant osteopontin (rOPN) decreases neuronal cell death and brain edema and improves the neurological scores following subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) in rats. The molecular mechanisms of the preservation of blood-brain barrier of rOPN following SAH in rats were examined in this study. MethodsAdult rats were divided into 3 groups: sham, vehicle, and treatment groups. Each animal in the SAH group underwent a surgical procedure to induce SAH, and the brains was harvested at 24 hours for analysis. For the mechanism part of the study two additional groups were operated and treated with Fib-14 and Wortmannin additional to rOPN. rOPN was administered via the nasal route and neurological scores as well as brain water content were evaluated at 24 hours after SAH induction. The blood brain barrier (BBB) permeability was evaluated using Evans Blue dye extravasation. The expressions of tight junction proteins claudin-3, claudin-5, occludin and the phosphorylation of β-catenin were examined using Western blot analysis. ResultsrOPN improved neurological scores and reduced brain edema at 24 hours after SAH. The BBB preservation action of rOPN is mediated in part through stabilizing β-catenin and increasing expression of tight junction proteins, claudin-3, claudin-5, and occludin. rOPN is thought to exert its effects through FAK activated PI3K-Akt pathway. ConclusionSince BBB disruption is one of the major pathophysiology of EBI after SAH, rOPN may be a promising drug to maintain BBB integrity and functions in SAH treatment.

Analysis of structural integrity through the combination of non-destructive testing techniques in heritage inspections: The study case of San Segundo's hermitage (Ávila, Spain)

The establishment of proper conservation and preservation actions has become one of the major concerns for historic cities. Given that possible damage affecting these buildings can be fast-acting and irreversible, the evaluation of the damage origin must be faced from the application of different prospecting possibilities adapted to the specific conditions of the approach. In this regard, the application of non-destructive testing techniques has become one of the most common practices for the characterization of pathologies in cultural heritage. The present research focuses on the analysis of the structural integrity of the Hermitage of San Segundo (center of Spain) through the application of these prospective methodologies that do not pose any damage to the asset. More specifically, the work combines geophysical and optical techniques (ground-penetrating radar, terrestrial laser scanner and drone with RGB camera, and infrared thermography) to provide a complete characterization of the analyzed building. Results show that the combination of the three non-destructive techniques allows detecting defects, defining their possible causes and providing a solid basis for future decision-making regarding maintenance and restoration actions. Methodological integration has shown that certain pathologies can only be detectable with specific techniques while others have been corroborated through the results obtained with the three testing methodologies.

Preserving Linguistic Diversity in the Digital Age: A Scalable Model for Cultural Heritage Continuity

In the face of the rapid erosion of both tangible and intangible cultural heritage globally, the urgency for effective, wide-ranging preservation methods has never been greater. Traditional approaches in cultural preservation often focus narrowly on specific niches, overlooking the broader cultural tapestry, particularly the preservation of everyday cultural elements. This article addresses this critical gap by advocating for a comprehensive, scalable model for cultural preservation that leverages machine learning and big data analytics. This model aims to document and archive a diverse range of cultural artifacts, encompassing both extraordinary and mundane aspects of heritage. A central issue highlighted in the article is the dominance of English, especially in popular culture, and its role in reshaping cognitive patterns, leading to the loss of traditional languages and cultures. This trend, favoring orality over literacy, amplifies the need for the preservation actions proposed. The article underscores the importance of establishing a more meaningful and comprehensive lingua franca as the first step in this endeavor. This approach is not just about safeguarding languages but also about preserving the nuanced ways in which different linguistic paradigms shape our understanding of the world. The paper explores how language evolution, translation nuances, and the unique perspectives inherent in various linguistic paradigms contribute to a rich cultural diversity. It also examines the impact of technology and social media on traditional cultural norms and the critical need for deliberate efforts to reinforce endangered languages and practices. The proposed model aims to bridge the gap between past and present cultural expressions, using technology to reinforce mother-tongue contexts and enhance the appreciation of diverse human identities and worldviews. Through this, the article presents a compelling case for a more inclusive and holistic approach to preserving the global tapestry of cultural heritage.

The subfamily Cercidoideae (Fabaceae Lindl.) in the Chapada do Araripe, Northeast Brazil

The Fabaceae family holds the greatest floral diversity and number of species in Brazil, having high economic, ecological, and medicinal importance, and is currently divided into six subfamilies. This study consisted of a survey and description of species of the Cercidoideae subfamily occurring in the Chapada do Araripe, Northeast Brazil. Nine species belonging to the genera Bauhinia and Schnella were cataloged, and one species (B. forficata) is presented here as a new record in Ceará state. This article provides botanical identification keys, data on phenology, and distribution, and a geographic distribution map aiming to expand knowledge of the regional flora and to support preservation actions in the Chapada do Araripe.

For perpetuating social media collective memory proactively and inclusively: Explore the interests and tensions of stakeholders in preservation actions

AbstractGoing beyond the limitations of technology, time, and platform lifecycles, achieving long‐term preservation of social media collective memory is an important issue. As a social action involving multiple stakeholders, social media preservation faces a complex problem space. Taking China as an example, this study revealed, from the perspective of stakeholders, the underlying logic of cultural, ethical, legal, and other issues that social media preservation encounters, namely, the tension arising from differences in stakeholders' interests and power inequalities. We specifically investigated and analyzed five categories of stakeholders and revealed six tensions among them in the power/interest matrix. In the final discussion, we analyzed what proactive and inclusive preservation actions should be. Our research not only contributes to the development of theories for social media preservation in information science but also provides clues for state regulators and memory institutions to make responsible and inclusive decisions.

Nine principles of green heritage science: life cycle assessment as a tool enabling green transformation

AbstractThis literature review presents a comprehensive review of life Cycle Assessmernt (LCA), as an emerging tool in the field of cultural heritage research and demonstrate how this tool could be useful to support the development of green heritage science into an environmentally responsible field of scientific endeavour. LCA is a standardised, structured, comprehensive, international environmental assessment tool and a rapidly evolving field of research that leverages and harmonises efforts across many sectors to inform environmentally-friendly solutions and choices. LCA has been growing in importance as an evidence-based tool in the field of heritage science, being used as a decision-support tool at micro level (typically for questions related to specific products/processes) and macro levels (e.g. strategies, scenarios, and policy options). This review explores applications of LCA (and the complementary Life Cycle Cost Assessment (LCC), and Social Life Cycle Assessment (S-LCA)) to a wide array of conservation and preservation actions. The paper also examines challenges associated with the application of these life cycle-based methods in heritage science, in order to put forward a set of recommendations to guide the domain of heritage science towards greener and more sustainable practices and impacts.Based on a review of the principles of green chemistry, green analytical chemistry, green engineering, and nature conservation, the paper also attempts to formulate nine principles of green heritage science, taking into account the complexity of research challenges and the environmental and socio-economic sustainability.

SUSTENTABILIDADE E ODS NAS PÁGINAS: UMA ANÁLISE DE CONTEÚDO DOS LIVROS DIDÁTICOS DO PNLD 2021 NO CONTEXTO DA QUÍMICA

SUSTAINABILITY AND SDGS ON THE PAGES: A CONTENT ANALYSIS OF PNLD 2021 TEXTBOOKS IN THE CONTEXT OF CHEMISTRY. Sustainability and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) have gained prominence in contemporary discourse, driven by the urgency of addressing climate change and demand for transformative actions for planet preservation. Recognized by global entities such as the United Nations and the Brazilian Chemical Society, Basic Education is crucial for instigating societal change. In the context of the diverse Brazilian classrooms, textbooks stand out as a common resource for educators and students, so how would the terms sustainability and SDGs be used in textbooks? Are these terms covered in the context of chemistry? This article utilizes Bardin’s content analysis to approach the terms sustainability and SDGs in National Textbook Program (PNLD) materials for Natural Sciences area, focusing on chemistry. The analysis of PNLD collections revealed that “sustainability” is broadly defined, but lacks specific contextualization within chemistry. SDGs, on the other hand, are mentioned cursorily, serving more as historical markers than engaging in meaningful discourse. Consequently, this article emphasizes the need for greater involvement of the chemistry community in shaping decisions related to textbooks. It calls for a concerted effort by chemistry Educators and Society to actively contribute to educational material discussions, fostering a more comprehensive integration of sustainability and SDGs within Chemistry Education.

EFFECT OF ETHANOLIC EXTRACT OF BLACK PEPPER (Piper nigrum) ON PRESERVATION OF AFRICAN CATFISH (Clarias gariepinus)

Fish preservation is an important stage of fish production as it helps in the reduction of post-harvest losses. This leads to the study of ethanolic extract of black pepper as a preservative of African catfish. A sample size of five (5) fish of average weight 600g for each treatment were slaughtered and gutted before they were dipped in the black pepper extract for 10minutes and 20 minutes in separate bowls. The fish samples that had been preserved with the plant extract were monitored for spoilage at an interval of four (4) hours for the period of forty eight (48) hours and the organoleptic characteristics were observed and recorded. The shelf life of the experimental African catfish was extended from 20 hours as seen in the unpreserved sample to between 24 – 26 hours in the preserved sample. The study also indicated that the duration of dip did not have any effect on the preservative action of black pepper seed extract and this was because the extract was only able to extend the shelf life of the sample to 24 – 26 hours before becoming unfit for consumption at 28 hours for both the 10 and 20 minutes dipping durations. It can therefore be concluded from the findings of this research that African catfish can be preserved using natural preservatives (plants) and thereby reducing post-harvest losses.

Development of a “Green” Emulsion with a Milk Protein Hydrolysate: An Evaluation of Rheology, Texture, In Vitro Bioactivity, and Safety

Bioactive peptides are promising cosmetic active ingredients that can improve skin health and appearance. They exhibit a broad spectrum of activity, including anti-aging, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory effects. The aim of this study was to develop a safe, stable, and efficacious environmentally friendly (“green”) emulsion using a milk protein hydrolysate as a model active ingredient. Potential emulsions were formulated with biodegradable emollients, stabilized with naturally derived mixed emulsifier, and prepared by cold process. They were evaluated for rheological behavior (continuous rotation and oscillation tests), physical stability (dynamic mechanical thermal analysis—DMTA test), and texture profiles, as well as cytotoxic, antioxidant, and antimicrobial effects. Rheological characterization revealed shear-thinning flow behavior with yield point from continuous rotation tests and predominantly elastic character from oscillation (amplitude and frequency sweep) tests, with small structural change detected in the DMTA test. These results implied satisfactory rheological properties and good stability. Texture analysis revealed acceptable spreadability and substantivity of the emulsions. The protein hydrolysate showed antioxidant activity. The developed emulsions showed low antibacterial activity against selected microorganisms, but this was due to the action of preservatives, not peptides. All potential emulsions showed a desirable safety profile. The results obtained provide the basis for the next stage of formulation development, i.e., in vivo efficacy tests.

Analysis of the environmental integrity of water springs in rural areas

The Brazilian legislation recognizes water springs and their surroundings as permanent preservation areas. In rural areas, many property owners do not follow the legislation, compromising their integrity and ecosystem functions. The objective of the study was to evaluate the environmental integrity of water springs in rural areas using the Environmental Impact Index of Springs and new indicators for planning, recovery, and preservation actions. The study was carried out in the northwest of the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, analyzing water springs with different use and conservation conditions. The Environmental Impact Index of Springs was evaluated and a detailed description of risks of pollution was carried out, called Characterization of the Surroundings of the Water Spring. The Environmental Impact Index of Springs shows that the preservation of springs in rural areas is compromised, mainly due to absence of vegetation, use by humans and animals, and easy accessibility. The Characterization of the Surroundings of the Water Spring pointed out that, even in the presence of vegetation, potential sources of contamination are found, showing the need for action plans to mitigate these effects. The joint use of these methodologies provides multidisciplinary and comprehensive subsidies to assess the integrity of these threatened ecosystems.

Open-Access Theology: Introducing the <i>St Andrews Encyclopaedia of Theology</i>’s Digital Publishing Model

The St Andrews Encyclopaedia of Theology (SAET) is an online multi-author reference work designed as a resource for those engaged with, or wishing to learn more about, the academic study of theology. The SAET seeks to provide a suite of comprehensive, fully open-access peer-reviewed articles with no fees or sign-up requirements. In doing so, the editors aim to improve the availability of high-quality information for readers worldwide, especially those for whom access to resources through traditional academic publishing is restricted by cost, lack of institutional affiliation, or limited library resources. This article introduces the SAET’s digital publishing model, discussing the scholarly and editorial principles that have informed the development of the project. In particular, the article examines the ways in which the SAET’s commitment to providing quality open-access scholarship has significantly shaped the project’s information management and publishing processes.Technical strategies for widening access to theological knowledge are discussed, focusing on information discovery through the Encyclopaedia’s faceted search and in-article hyperlinks, as well as available article formats (HTML and PDF). This is accompanied by an explanation of strategies for long-term curation and preservation of theological knowledge within the SAET, namely capturing and preserving conceptual information through enriched XML mark-up and embedded metadata. The SAET’s article lifecycle is then conceptualized in reference to digital curation and preservation actions described by the Digital Curation Centre’s ‘DCC Curation Lifecycle Model’, leading to conclusions about the distinctive character of the SAET article workflow, in which curation and preservation of theological knowledge is integrated into its creation and production.

Dactylopius opuntiae [Cockerell] Could Be a Source of Antioxidants for the Preservation of Beef Patties.

Dactylopius opuntiae is an insect pest that contains at least carminic acid, which has antioxidant properties. Since there is a relationship between the antioxidant ability and preservative action of compounds applied to meat products, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant activity and usefulness of a D. opuntiae extract for beef patty preservation. The insects were bred and processed to obtain a liquid extract. For the extract, its carminic acid content, antioxidant activity against two free radicals, and actions on food quality parameters were determined. The D. opuntiae dry powder contained 2.91% w/w carminic acid, while the liquid extract exhibited an IC50 value of 3437.8 ± 67.8 and 19633.0 ± 674.5 µg/mL against the DPPH and ABTS radicals. Nevertheless, these antioxidant actions were lower than those found in a D. coccus extract. The D. opuntiae extract improved in a short time the redness and yellowness, eliminated the unfavorable effect of their vehicle on the MetMb level, and greatly reduced the TBARS formation. For the first time, an extract of D. opuntiae was applied to beef patties, and its beneficial antioxidant action on meat acceptance parameters was confirmed, which has potential commercial applications.

Use practices and vulnerability of Combretum micranthum G. Don and Sarcocephalus latifolius (SM.) Bruce exploited by the bwa community in the livestock of small ruminants in Burkina Faso

Populations in rural areas of Burkina Faso depend on woody plant resources to meet their daily needs. With regular anthropogenic pressure on these resources, it is necessary to assess the uses and vulnerability of the species C. micranthum and S. latifolius commonly exploited by the Bwaba populations in order to propose sustainable management solutions. To do this, semi-structured surveys were carried out with the community of Bwaba producers in the Boucle du Mouhoun region and associated with a dendrometric inventory. The results obtained show that the two plants are well used by the populations in traditional human and veterinary pharmacopoeia but also in livestock feed as fodder and in wood for energy and crafts. Apart from the use of the stem of C. micranthum used in energy wood, the leaves of the two plants constitute the most used organ. The dendrometric measurements have shown that the two plants are overexploited by the populations and must benefit from a particular attention of preservation actions. Sensitization of the populations of reasoned uses of these plant resources therefore remains necessary with a recommendation to use the leaves instead of the barks and roots when these parts can bring the same result, particularly in traditional pharmacopoeia.

Detection and Phylogenetic Analysis of Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamase (ESBL)-Genetic Determinants in Gram-Negative Fecal-Microbiota of Wild Birds and Chicken Originated at Trimmu Barrage.

Extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBL) give rise to resistance against penicillin and cephalosporin antibiotics in multiple bacterial species. The present study was conducted to map genetic determinants and related attributes of ESBL-producing bacteria in three wild aquatic bird species and chickens at the "Trimmu Barrage" in district Jhang, Punjab province, Pakistan. To study the prevalence of ESBL-producing bacteria, a total of 280 representative samples were collected from wild bird species; cattle egrets (Bubulcus ibis), little egrets (Egretta garzetta) and common teals (Anas crecca) as well as from indigenous chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus) originating from a local wet market. The isolates were confirmed as ESBL producers using a double disc synergy test (DDST) and bacterial species were identified using API-20E and 20NE strips. A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to detect ESBL genetic determinants and for genus identification via 16S rRNA gene amplification. A phenotypic antimicrobial susceptibility test was performed for ESBL-producing isolates against 12 clinically relevant antibiotics using the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion susceptibility test. A phylogenetic tree was constructed for the sequence data obtained in this study and comparative sequence data obtained from GenBank. The overall prevalence of ESBL-producing bacteria was 34.64% (97/280). The highest percentage (44.28%; 31/70) of ESBL-producing bacteria was recovered from chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus), followed by little egrets (Egretta garzetta) (41.43%; 29/70), common teal (Anas crecca) (28.57%; 20/70) and cattle egrets (Bubulcus ibis) (24.28%; 17/70). Five different ESBL-producing bacteria were identified biochemically and confirmed via 16S rRNA gene sequencing, which included Escherichia coli (72; 74.23%), Enterobacter cloacae (11; 11.34%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (8; 8.25%), Salmonella enterica (4; 4.12%) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (2; 2.06%). Based on PCR, the frequency of obtained ESBL genes in 97 isolates was blaCTX-M (51.55%), blaTEM (20.62%), blaOXA (6.18%) and blaSHV (2.06%). In addition, gene combinations blaCTX-M + blaTEM, blaTEM + blaOXA and blaCTX-M + blaSHV were also detected in 16.49%, 2.06% and 1.03% of isolates, respectively. The ESBL gene variation was significant (p = 0.02) in different bacterial species while non-significant in relation to different bird species (p = 0.85). Phylogenetic analysis of amino acid sequence data confirmed the existence of CTX-M-15 and TEM betalactamases. The average susceptibility of the antibiotics panel used was lowest for both Klebsiella pneumoniae (62.5% ± 24.42) and Salmonella enterica (62.5% ± 31.08) as compared to Enterobacter cloacae (65.90% ± 21.62), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (70.83% ± 33.42) and Escherichia coli (73.83% ± 26.19). This study provides insight into the role of aquatic wild birds as reservoirs of ESBL-producing bacteria at Trimmu Barrage, Punjab, Pakistan. Hence, active bio-surveillance and environment preservation actions are necessitated to curb antimicrobial resistance.

Young People and Nature: What Drives Underlying Behavioural Intentions towards Protected Areas Conservation?

This paper investigates university students’ motivations in nature park conservation, an area that has received limited research attention compared to other pro-environmental behaviours. By formulating a set of research hypotheses, an extended version of the Theory of Planned Behaviour is employed to examine the determinants of university students’ intentions to engage in nature park conservation. Structural equation modelling is conducted using survey data collected from university students in the Metropolitan City of Naples, Italy. The results show that attitudes, perceived behavioural control, and personal moral norms directly and positively influence university students’ intentions to undertake nature park preservation actions. Subjective norms indirectly influence behavioural intentions through attitudes, perceived behavioural control, and personal moral norms. Moreover, the findings reveal that university students with nature-oriented altruistic values exhibit a higher propensity for nature park conservation compared to their more egoistic peers. These findings have important implications for park management institutions, suggesting the need to increase awareness among young people about their potential role in preserving the environmental quality of nature parks. Collaboration between universities and nature park institutions is also crucial in providing young individuals with the necessary skills to participate in decision-making processes aligned with the principles of sustainable development.