Production Sites Research Articles

ANALYSIS OF SALES AND SERVICE PRICING MECHANISMS FROM AN ISLAMIC ECONOMIC PERSPECTIVE

A trading activity will not escape the name of the price. Unclear prices can cause many things, for example, entrepreneurs do not like buyers and vice versa, even buyers can do something that can damage the good name of the seller or company and many other consequences. Therefore, the price really needs to be considered. This study aims to analyse the pricing mechanism and services at Latansa Gontor convection from an Islamic economic perspective. In this context, four pricing indicators according to the Islamic perspective are considered: wisdom, transparency, honesty and justice. The research method used is qualitative with an open coding approach. Data were collected through interviews with the manager of Latansa Gontor Convection as well as direct observation at the production site. The results of the analysis show that Latansa Gontor Convection successfully applies the principle of wisdom in pricing and services, this can be seen from how customers get clear information before the transaction. In addition, Latansa Gontor Convection adjusts product prices by taking into account customer needs and goals, as well as recognising the level of production difficulty in service pricing to provide appropriate compensation to employees.

Organizing the Chaos: Novel Insights into the Regulation of Z-3-Hexenal Production in Damaged Maize Leaves

Green leaf volatiles (GLVs) are important signaling compounds that help to regulate plant defenses against pests and pathogens. Made through the hydroperoxide lyase (HPL) pathway, they are rapidly produced upon damage and can signal to other parts of the same plant or even plants nearby, where they can induce rapid defense responses directly or prime them against impending danger. In this primed state, plants can respond faster and/or stronger should pests or pathogens attack. However, while all proteins and genes involved in the biosynthesis of GLVs have been identified, little is still known about how the first two steps in the pathway, e.g., oxygenation by a lipoxygenase (LOX) and subsequent cleavage by HPL, are facilitated within the damaged tissue, resulting in the production of Z-3-hexenal (Z3al) as the first committed product of the pathway. Here, we provide evidence that several factors might be involved in the production of Z3al, including pH, Ca2+, and an environment that is highly hydrophobic. We present a model in which the extraordinary circumstances that are present at the site of Z3al production are considered, and shine new light on potential regulatory mechanisms.

Production of biostable drinking water using a lab-scale biological trickling filter enriched with hydrogen-oxidizing bacteria

Safeguarding the drinking water quality remains a challenge from the production site to the tap. Alternatively to chemical disinfection, biostable drinking water could serve as a more sustainable approach to produce microbially safe drinking water and to maintain the microbial quality in the drinking water distribution system (DWDS). In this study, the potential of hydrogen-oxidizing bacteria (HOB) to produce biostable drinking water was examined in a continuous trickling filter supplied with hydrogen gas. A biofilm was naturally enriched for 5 months and the bacterial regrowth, invasion potential, and nutrient composition of the water were determined. Treatment improved the biostability significantly, and it is hypothesized that nutrient limitation, especially phosphorous, was a driving force. As a result, the regrowth and invasion potential were lowered, as shown with specific biostability bioassays. Overall, this study demonstrates the proof-of-concept of HOB for producing biostable drinking water through nutrient limitation.

Landscapes of production, production of meaning: Salt infrastructure and environmental history in imperial Rome and Han China

I investigate the material characteristics and spatial contexts of saltpans in two of antiquity’s most successful empires—Rome and Han China. Production strategies made salt widely available but were distinct in their form and appearance, as well as process. Rome’s infrastructure was less visually imposing and environmentally disruptive compared to the Han installations, which were made to stand out and overtake natural contexts. Born from its sites of production, salt had a different social role and political value in these empires.

Rapid quantitative analysis of three elements (Al, Mg and Fe) in molten zinc based on laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy combined with machine learning algorithm

Hot-dip galvanizing represents one of the most cost-effective methods for the prevention of metal corrosion, and is therefore employed extensively across a range of fields. Carrying out the research and development of technology and devices for quantitative analysis of chemical elements in hot-dip galvanising process can provide theoretical basis and technical support for the efficiency of hot-dip galvanising process and reduction of energy consumption. A machine learning-assisted LIBS combined with a programmable logic controller (PLC) for simultaneous on-line/in-site monitoring of multiple elements in hot-dip galvanising solution (molten zinc) was developed in the current study. The LIBS spectral data of the on-site hot-dip galvanising solution was collected under optimised experimental conditions. In order to further reduce the influence of experimental noise on the analysis performance, the on-site LIBS spectral data were preprocessed and anomalous spectral data were screened based on normalisation and principal component analysis-mahalanobis distance (PCA-MD). On the basis of the optimised data, component prediction models for three key elements of on-site hot-dip galvanising solution were constructed. The storage and re-call of the model was achieved based on python combined with LabVIEW, thus real-time prediction of the on-site component content of hot-dip galvanising solution was achieved. The results show that the random forest model presents the best prediction results, in which the R2 is 0.9978 and the RMSE is 0.0013% for Al, the R2 is 0.9984 and the RMSE is 0.0011% for Mg, and the R2 is 0.9932 and the RMSE is 0.0001% for Fe. From the on-site analysis results of the constructed model, its MRE of Al, Mg and Fe is 0.0098, 0.0236, and 0.2102, respectively. In summary, the in-situ/on-line analysis system of hot-dip galvanising solution combined with machine learning constructed in this study shows excellent performance, which can satisfy the needs of hot-dip galvanising solution production site. This study is expected to provide theoretical basis and technical reference for quality control and process optimisation in other production sites in the metallurgical field.

Moving milk and shifting risk: A mixed methods assessment of food safety risks along informal dairy value chains in Kisumu, Kenya

Animal sourced foods (ASF) are important for global food security and in mitigating the impact of undernutrition. Across Sub-Saharan Africa, demand and urbanization continue to increase, creating a greater divide between farm-level production and consumption. Food safety residues including antibiotics and aflatoxin residues often originate at the production site, and risk can shift as milk is transported. In 2022, milk samples (n = 190) were collected from eight milk vendors in Kisumu, Kenya and tested for betalactams and aflatoxins with cut off values of 300 parts per billion (ppb) and 200 parts per trillion (ppt), respectively. Data was collected on the origin and containers of each sample, and the eight vendors responded to an open-ended questionnaire regarding the structure and challenges in their milk business.Aflatoxin residues were detected in 7 % (13/190) of samples with no samples (0/190) testing positive for antibiotic residues. Overall, 80 % samples were collected from metal transportation containers, and no milk containers >20 l tested positive for aflatoxins. The origin location(s) of milk was not significantly associated with residues (p = 0.44). Vendor questionnaire data were summarized into three themes: 1) Physical properties of milk are understood to influence quality, 2) Fluctuating availability of milk impacts profits and is the main influence on choice of supplier, and 3) Trust and rapport among value chain actors are key to mitigating business challenges.Our results indicate that farm-level practices around antibiotic use is not posing a major milk safety risk to urban consumers. Use of large 50-l containers for transporting milk may be protective as risk of aflatoxin residues is diluted below key thresholds. We recommend supporting existing relationships and identifying drivers that build trust among informal value chain actors which could strengthen collaboration and allow actors to move towards a shared goal of reliable and safe milk available for urban consumers.

A Novel Etanercept-loaded Nano-emulsion for Targeted Treatment of Inflammatory Arthritis via Draining Lymph Node.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic autoimmune disease (AD), and the global incidence rate is 0.5 ~ 1%. Existing medications might reduce symptoms, however, there is no known cure for this illness. Etanercept (EN) can competitively inhibit TNF-α binding to the TNF receptor on the cell surface to treat RA. However, subcutaneous injection of free EN predisposes to systemic distribution and induces immune system hypofunction. Draining lymph nodes (LNs) play a significant role in the onset, maintenance, and progression of RA as they are the primary sites of aberrant immune response and inflammatory cytokine production. The purpose of this study was to successfully treat RA with etanercept by encapsulating it in nanoemulsions (NEs/EN) and then delivering it specifically to draining LNs. The EN-loaded NEs were prepared by high-pressure homogenization method and modified with DSPE-mPEG2000 and Ca(OH)2. A novel nano-emulsion (NE) was constructed to deliver EN (NE/EN) to RA-draining LNs. To decrease aggregation and load EN, DSPE-mPEG2000 and Ca(OH)2 were successively decorated on the surface of the lipid injectable emulsions. The hydrodynamic diameter and morphology of NEs/EN were investigated by using a laser particle size analyzer and transmission electron microscopy, respectively. The in vivo fluorescence imaging system was used to study the in vivo LN targeting ability of the formulation. In the therapeutic experiment, NEs/EN was subcutaneously administrated to inhibit the development of the mouse arthritis model. Circular dichroism spectrum and L929 cell experiment confirmed that NEs encapsulation had no impact on the biological activity of EN. In vivo investigation on collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) mouse model showed that NEs/EN have good inguinal lymph node targeting capabilities, as well as, anti-inflammatory effect against RA. Compared with the free group, the paw thickness and arthritic score in NEs/EN group were significantly alleviated. Moreover, the concentration of pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-1β in NEs/EN-treated mice was lower than that in free EN. NEs/EN effectively improve the effectiveness of EN in the treatment of RA. Our work provides an experimental foundation for expanding the clinical application of EN.

Historical Geography in Brazil: Examining Backgrounds and New Perspectives

ABSTRACTThe sub‐discipline of historical geography in Brazil, in contrast to the Anglophone and Francophone scholarship, often tends to be overlooked by the northern disciplinary history of this sub‐discipline. In Brazil, historical geography studies emerged in the 1980s as a result of personal initiatives. Nonetheless, in the last few years, distinct generations of Brazilian historical geographers have contributed to this sub‐discipline's promotion and recognition, mainly by diversifying their methodological approaches and research interests. Undoubtedly, developing transnational academic networks and collaborations represents a crucial contribution. This review provides an overview of the main Brazilian historical geographers engaged in studying past geographies. It delves into the central themes they address and also examines the academic conferences and research groups responsible for establishing institutional spaces to foster the practice of historical geography in Brazil in recent years. In doing so, the review calls for a ‘polyphonic’ approach to historical geography, urging the inclusion of southern sites of knowledge production and embracing a diverse scholarship beyond the English‐speaking community.

Quercetin Promotes the Repair of Mitochondrial Function in H9c2 Cells Through the miR-92a-3p/Mfn1 Axis.

Cardiocerebrovascular disease is a severe threat to human health. Quercetin has a wide range of pharmacological effects such as antitumor and antioxidant. In this study, we aimed to determine how quercetin regulates mitochondrial function in H9c2 cells. An H9c2 cell oxygen glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) model was constructed. The expression of miR-92a-3p and mitofusin 1 (Mfn1) mRNA in the cells was detected using reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Changes in the mitochondrial membrane potential of cells were examined by JC-1 staining. ATP production in the cells was detected using a biochemical assay. Mitochondrial morphological changes were observed using transmission electron microscopy. Detection of miR-92a-3p binding to Mfn1 was done using dual luciferase. Western blotting was used to detect the protein expression of Mfn1 in the cells. miR-92a-3p is essential in regulating cell viability, apoptosis, and tumor cell metastasis. OGD/R induced miR-92a-3p expression, decreased mitochondrial membrane potential and mitochondrial ATP production, and increased mitochondrial damage. Mitochondria are the most critical site for ATP production. Continued opening of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore results in an abnormal mitochondrial transmembrane potential. Both quercetin and inhibition of miR-29a-3p were able to downregulate miR-29a-3p levels, increase cell viability, mitochondrial membrane potential, and ATP levels, and improve mitochondrial damage morphology. Furthermore, we found that downregulation of miR-29a-3p upregulated the protein expression of Mfn1 in cells. Additionally, miR-92a-3p was found to bind to Mfn1 in a luciferase assay. miR- 29a-3p overexpression significantly inhibited the protein expression level of Mfn1. Quercetin treatment partially reversed the effects of miR-29a-3p overexpression in H9c2 cells. Quercetin promoted the recovery of mitochondrial damage in H9c2 cells through the miR-92a-3p/Mfn1 axis.

Carbon stock assessment of a reforestation site within Mt. Arayat protected landscape, Pampanga, Philippines

The Philippines has very few studies in terms of biomass production and carbon stocks in reforestation sites and the level of emission that has been avoided due to forest protection activities. Most of carbon stock estimates being used in the country are based on secondary data or studies in other countries using the same species. The study aimed to provide a reliable assessment on the contribution of reforestation sites in biomass production and carbon stocks and the potential of these plantation to contribute to the climate change mitigation efforts in the Philippines. The guideline prepared by the Philippines’ Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Forest Management Bureau (DENR-FMB) in 2021 on Forest Resources Assessment (FRA) which follows the manual of Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Forestry Department in conducting FRA was used during data collection. A tract was established in the southern portion of the reforestation site wherein the species planted in 2012 are already very prominent and their diameter at breast height (DBH) and total height were measured and their corresponding wood specific gravity were taken into account. Carbon stocks were estimated using Chave et al.’s and Brown’s allometric equations. The estimated carbon stocks using Chave et al.’s formula is 542.3 tC/ha while the estimated carbon stock using Brown’s formula is 2001.6 tC/ha. The results of computation using Brown’s equation are considerably higher than the results using Chave et al.’s equation considering that Brown’s equation only took into consideration the DBH of trees while Chave et al.’s equation included the height and wood specific gravity of each species. The study demonstrated how important our forests in terms of their roles as carbon sinks and therefore contribute to our country’s efforts in climate change mitigation.

ATTRv-V30M amyloid fibrils from heart and nerves exhibit structural homogeneity.

Amyloidogenic transthyretin (ATTR) amyloidosis is a systemic disease characterized by the deposition of amyloid fibrils made of transthyretin. Transthyretin is primarily produced in tetrameric form by the liver, but also by retinal epithelium and choroid plexus. The deposition of these fibrils in the myocardium and peripheral nerves causes cardiomyopathies and neuropathies, respectively. Using cryoelectron microscopy (cryo-EM), we investigated fibrils extracted from cardiac and nerve tissues of an ATTRv-V30M patient. We found consistent fibril structures from both tissues, similar to cardiac fibrils previously described, but different from vitreous humor fibrils of the same genotype. Our findings, along with previous ATTR fibrils structural studies, suggest a uniform fibrillar architecture across different tissues when transthyretin originates from the liver. This study advances our understanding of how deposition and production sites influence fibril structure in ATTRv-V30M amyloidosis.

Molecular to macrofossils indicating last millennium sea level in Lavsa saltpans, Croatia

Intertidal salt production sites existed continuously around the Mediterranean since classical antiquity, and their remains are present in large numbers along the Dalmatian (east Adriatic) coast. Most of them are preserved and dated to medieval times. This study aims to develop complementary proxies identifying the salt production layer in submerged ancient saltpans of Lavsa, a remote island on the central Dalmatian coast, to date the saltwork units by optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) and use them to infer changes in sea level. The significance of the study is in the application of molecular fossil analyses identifying the hypersaline layer in the sediments from a core drilled in the saltpan's site. The molecular fossil analyses correlate with the results of micro and macrofossil analyses and geochemical findings, all representing the saltwork unit. The depth of the hypersaline layers and the OSL dates provide relative sea level (RSL) lower limiting points of −145 ± 5 cm at 1309 ± 33 CE, probably the time when salt production started in Lavsa, and −115 ± 5 cm at 1364 ± 52 CE when saltwork activities ended. These limiting points extend the known RSL index point in Lavsa Island of −92 ± 8 cm, with an updated average age of 1337 ± 62 CE, correlating with the historical records. Medieval lower sea levels were also observed in the northern and southern parts of the east Adriatic coast as well as in other parts of the Mediterranean, probably driven by climate-related events, generating centennial-scale fluctuations in past sea levels that cannot be predicted by glacial isostatic adjustment (GIA) models.

Chlorophyll-a interannual and seasonal variability in Panay Gulf: Identification of potential productive sites in the municipal waters and offshore blooms aided by water currents

Chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) is often used as a substitute for marine primary productivity measurements in fishing grounds. Panay Gulf stands as one of the Philippines’ vital fishing grounds, however, there are limited studies on its Chl-a interannual and seasonal variability. As such, this study used remotely sensed Chl-a data from 2017-2023 to assess areas with high Chl-a concentrations, and high primary productivity. The relationship of Chl-a to location, month, year, and water current variables was evaluated using a generalized additive model (GAM). Chl-a value of >10mg.m-3 was observed approximately <6.5, <2km, and <1km from the coast of Negros, Guimaras, and Panay Island respectively. During the Northeast Monsoon, short-term offshore pockets with elevated Chl-a levels were noted 13-24km from the coast of Binalbagan, Negros Occidental that function as brief feeding grounds for marine organisms. These Chl-a pockets originated from the coast of Negros Occidental and were advected by the water currents to the center of the gulf. Furthermore, 2017 and 2022 have the highest Chl-a value in Panay Gulf, coinciding with the region's seasonal high fisheries production. Major peaks were regularly observed in January and December when offshore Chl-a pockets were present. A minor peak was observed in July corresponding to the Southwest Monsoon season and attributed to summer blooms. The lowest Chl-a values were observed in September during the transition months. Furthermore, high Chl-a values were found in low current speed near the coast and water moving west and southwest during the Northeast Monsoon. This study is the first to evaluate the Chl-a dynamics in Panay Gulf, which is valuable information to understand the influence of the environment on marine productivity. This study may prompt the local government to intensify monitoring efforts and coastal protection in these valuable areas within the municipal waters.

Zeolite Stone Buddha Sculptures (pulsŏkche) in the Kyŏngsang Province during the Late Chosŏn Dynasty: Production and Transportation

The rising popularity of zeolite stone Buddhist sculptures (pulsŏkche) during the late Chosŏn Dynasty meant that temples and monk-artisans encountered new challenges. The material properties of stone, difficult to transport and limited by regional availability, posed logistical difficulties. Unlike traditional materials like wood or clay, which artisans could work with directly at the temple, stone Buddha statues often required production at a separate location from their enshrinement site. Dedicated workshops, referred to as pulsangso 佛像所 (Buddha statue production site) and chosangch'ŏ 造像處 (statue manufacturing place), were established near stone quarries for the purpose of producing these statues. This indicates that artisans likely completed the sculpting process in these workshops, particularly in ones near Kyŏngju, before transporting the sculptures to their final destinations for eye-opening ceremonies and installation in the main hall. This separation between production and enshrinement reshaped the roles and task delegation among monk-artisan groups. The responsibilities of the chŭngmyŏng (證明, the monk overseeing Buddhist projects and the ritual of depositing votive objects) became increasingly limited in stone Buddha production. On the other hand, monks involved in the image-making process took on a broader range of tasks, from procuring the raw material to carving, to depositing offerings inside the statues. Unlike those who primarily worked with wood and managed the entire production of Buddha images, pedestals, and votive plaques, the monk-artisans working with zeolite stone focused exclusively on the creation of the stone images.

砥石을 통해 본 한반도 동남부지역의 開始期 철기 제작기술

In relation to the beginning of ancient iron production in the southeastern part of the Korean Peninsula, the issue of wrought iron production has been a major issue, with research focused on furnace wall and tuyre fragments, iron materials, and slag found in association within dwellings. However, whetstones, which functioned as a processing tool throughout humankind’s long history, have yet to be fully examined in relation to wrought iron production. Therefore, this paper presents the results of analysis undertaken on the use traces of the ground whetstones excavated from archaeological sites. It was found that the whet-stones can be largely divided into those with the abrasive section located partially or along the entire surface of the stone. In the areas where the iron tools were used from the initial stage, it was identified that the stone manufacturing technology of the local communities was utilized and evidence of the working of iron products could be observed on the sur-face of the whetstones. In addition, the fact that iron objects have have been unearthed in contexts in which iron production by-products have not been identified shows that the use of whetstones was not limited to iron smithing. In addition, in relation to the initial period of iron use ob-served mainly in the Geumho River basin, the characteristics and distribution of iron pro-duction sites from the same period are not uniform, indicating that the nature of iron use and production in the initial period in the southeastern region was not uniform. The development of the initial iron production technology for the southeastern part of the Korean Peninsula was examined by identifying different aspects in the southeastern part of Kyushu, Western Japan, where the situation of reusing iron fragments was con-firmed over a long period of time and over a wide area.

CHARACTERIZATION AND CLASSIFICATION OF SOILS DEVELOPED ON COASTAL PLAIN SOILS FOR CROP PRODUCTION IN ORON LGA, SOUTH- SOUTH, NIGERIA

Soils are characterized and classified based on its unique properties. Detailed characterization of four representative areas of Oron coastal plain soils in South –South, Nigeria was carried out. Soil samples were collected from pedogenic horizons of soils in four sampling sites. Routine analysis of soil properties was carried out in the laboratory with standard laboratory procedures. Soil data was subjected to descriptive statistics using statistical analytical system. The soils have a deep well drafted profile of about deep 200 cm. The soil texture varied in areas ranging from loamy sand to sandy loam, sandy and sandy clay loam while bulk density increased down the natural horizons. The pH varied between moderately acidic to strongly acidic in the soils of the study area. The morphology of soils ranged in various colour matrix of hues (10-7.5) and Chroma values (1-8) in all horizons. The soils were characterized by Dark Brown (10YR3/3), Dark Greyish Brown (10YR4/2) and Yellowish Brown (10YR 5/4) to Grey (7.5YR6/2). The soils had low concentrations of exchangeable cations (Ca, Mg, Na and K). The Coefficient of variation (CV%) values ranged from 0.74 to 91.6 in Ca, Mg, Na and K. All the parameters in the soils of the study area showed low and medium mean values except soils of Esin Ufot1 and 2 which showed high mean values of Na with Esin Ufot 2 having the highest mean value of sodium to be 0.18 Cmol/kg. Suborder soils were classified as Grossarenic Kandiaqualfs (CEC &gt; 16 Cmol/kg) for Esin Ufot1.Esin Ufot2, Esuk Oron1 while Esuk Oron 2 were classified as Typic Kandaquults (CEC &lt; 16 Cmol/kg). A great importance in providing adequate data to enable right decision taking in the choice of site for developmental projects and crop production.

Techno-economic and environmental assessment of green hydrogen and ammonia production from solar and wind energy in the republic of Djibouti: A geospatial modeling approach

This study conducts a thorough economic and technical analysis to assess the viability of green hydrogen and green ammonia production using renewable energy sources in the Republic of Djibouti. We explore the economic competitiveness of utilizing wind and solar power for sustainable energy production through various measures including levelized cost of energy (LCOE), hydrogen (LCOH), and ammonia (LCOA). Our analysis incorporates sensitivity assessments and Monte Carlo simulations to predict financial feasibility and environmental impact, focusing on CO2 emission reductions. A cost mapping of electricity, green hydrogen, and green ammonia from solar and wind resources was created to find Djibouti's most cost-effective production sites. The feasibility of exporting green ammonia to neighboring countries with high fertilizer demand was also evaluated using rail and truck transport scenarios. Key findings demonstrate that Moulouhlé, endowed with robust wind and solar resources, presents a strategic site for deploying renewable energy technologies. Wind energy, with a lower LCOE of 0.066 $/kWh compared to solar's 0.093 $/kWh, emerges as a more cost-effective solution for both hydrogen and ammonia production. Notably, wind-powered hydrogen production costs are 2.25 $/kgH2, significantly lower than solar-powered costs at 4.17 $/kgH2. In terms of green ammonia, wind power achieves production costs of 399.76 $/tonNH3, outperforming solar power which stands at 537.11 $/tonNH3. Additionally, our study evaluates the logistics of exporting green ammonia, determining rail transport as a more economically viable option than trucking. This research not only underscores Djibouti's potential as a leader in green energy exportation but also aligns with global decarbonization efforts, showcasing significant CO2 savings—154.94 Mt annually from wind. This work emphasizes the importance of strategic resource utilization in Djibouti, offering insights critical for stakeholders in making informed decisions about investing in renewable energy infrastructures. The outcomes suggest a promising future for regional energy sustainability and economic resilience, fostering a transition towards low-carbon energy systems.

Herbicide paraquat dichloride augments the expression of the c-abl-noxa-apoptotic pathway, instigating ovarian atresia in edible fish, Channa punctatus.

Ovarian cells of animals undergo atresia to regulate egg numbers and their release. However, unrestrained atretic activity decreases the chances of oocyte maturity and further process, ultimately resulting in a reduced population. Edible fishes are a critical source of nutrition and it is required to regulate their population. The application of herbicides at fish production sites is a threat to their population by altering female reproductive activity. In concern to this, here, this 60-day study investigates herbicide paraquat dichloride (PD)-induced atresia in ovarian cells of Channa punctatus (C. punctatus). Further, 96-h LC50 of PD for C. punctatus was calculated as 58.40mg/L. At the end of each exposure period, an increase in intracellular ROS in blood cells and activities of SOD and CAT in ovary tissue were observed in PD-treated fish with increasing concentration. The frequency of micronuclei in blood cells subsequently increased with the highest PD concentration. A significant (p < 0.05) increase in the relative expression of target genes was observed at the 30th and 60th day of the sampling periods in the fish treated with the highest concentration of PD. The histological study confirmed the occurrence of atretic ovary cells in PD-exposed fish. From the results it can be concluded that PD enhances the uncontrolled death of ovarian cells and has consequences of impairing the ovary health and reproductive potential of fish, hence reducing the fish population.

Fire history in northern Sierra Nevada mixed conifer forests across a distinct gradient in productivity

BackgroundUnderstanding the role of fire in forested landscapes is fundamental to fire reintroduction efforts, yet few studies have examined how fire dynamics vary in response to interactions between local conditions, such as soil productivity, and more broadscale changes in climate. In this study, we examined historical fire frequency, seasonality, and spatial patterning in mixed conifer forests across a distinct gradient of soil productivity in the northern Sierra Nevada. We cross-dated 46 different wood samples containing 377 fire scars from 6 paired sites, located on and off of ultramafic serpentine soils. Forests on serpentine-derived soils have slower growth rates, lower biomass accumulation, and patchier vegetation than adjacent, non-serpentine sites. Due to these differences, we hypothesized that historical fire frequency and spatial extent would be reduced in mixed conifer forests growing on serpentine soils.ResultsFire scars revealed a history of frequent fire at all of our sites (median composite interval: 6–22.5 years) despite clear differences in soil productivity. Fire frequency was slightly shorter in more productive non-serpentine sites, but this difference was not consistently significant within our sample pairs. While fires were frequent, both on and off of serpentine, they were also highly asynchronous, and this was largely driven by differing climate–fire relationships. Fires in more productive sites were strongly associated with drought conditions in the year of the fire, while fires in less productive serpentine sites appeared to be more dependent on a cycle of wet and dry conditions in the years preceding the fire. Widespread fires that crossed the boundary between serpentine and non-serpentine were associated with drier than normal years.ConclusionsIn our study, fine-scale variation in historical fire regime attributes was linked to both bottom-up and top-down controls. Understanding how these factors interact to create variation in fire frequency, timing, and spatial extent can help managers more effectively define desired conditions, develop management objectives, and identify management strategies for fire reintroduction and forest restoration projects.

Beyond mining: physical commodity traders, market intermediation and the role of (de-)coupling

ABSTRACT Economic activities that involve natural resources are often associated with precarious terms of employment, uneven relationships between local communities and state authorities and transregional inequalities. In anthropology, the role of intermediaries who connect producers and consumers in the context of commodity trade remains largely unexplored. In this article, I want to go beyond mining to share an ethnographic account of how physical commodity traders sell and buy goods and organise logistical operations and to elaborate on how their mode of trading influences questions of social and economic inequalities. In doing so, I wish to shift the focus of research on mining and capitalism from the sites of production to the sites of exchange and to show how market intermediaries play a critical role in creating and sustaining unequal relationships between commodity producers and consumers through what I call (de-)coupling.