Short Life Cycle Research Articles

Study of phytoplankton biology index and water quality parameters of kali Surabaya River

Phytoplankton is used as an indicator of water quality because of its short life cycle and fast response to changes in the aquatic environment, especially in river ecosystems. In addition, the existence of industrial, agricultural, and community activities around the river will cause changes in the water quality of the waters. This study aim was to analyze the distribution of the phytoplankton community based on the biological index related to the water quality parameters of the Kali Surabaya river. The study was carried out in January – February 2021. The study sample used a random sample method which was divided into four observation station. The samples obtained were identified by the type of phytoplankton and tested for water quality parameters (pH, temperature, brightness, strong currents, dissolved oxygen, biological oxygen demand, nitrate, phosphate, and chlorophyll-a). The results showed the phytoplankton abundance index in the Kali Surabaya river is low with a range of 485,49–626,21 cell/L, the diversity index (H’) is moderate with a range of 1.446–1.703, uniformity index (E) in the range of 0,61–0,626, and dominance index (D) with a range of 0,293–0,368. The relationship between the biological index of phytoplankton with the water quality of the Kali Surabaya River that the water quality parameters that had more influence on the diversity index, uniformity index, and dominance index were pH, dissolved oxygen, and nitrate.

Habitat characteristics of Octopus ocellatus and their relationship with environmental factors during spring in Haizhou Bay, China

In recent years, a variety of important fishery resources in China's coastal waters have declined. Octopus ocellatus has the characteristics of short life cycle and rapid growth, with great contributions to fisheries of China's coastal waters. However, we know little about the habitat distribution characteristics of O. ocellatus and its relationship with environmental factors, which is not conducive to better protection and utilization of its resources. Here, we analyzed the distribution characteristics of O. ocellatus and its relationship with environmental factors using three machine learning methods, i.e., random forest model, artificial neural network model, and generalized boosted regression models, based on the survey data of fishery resources and habitat in Haizhou Bay during spring of 2011 and 2013-2017. Among the three models, random forest model had great advantages in the fitting effect and prediction ability. The model analysis results showed that sea bottom temperature, seawater depth and sea bottom salinity had significant effects on the habitat distribution of O. ocellatus. The relative resource density of O. octopus increased first and then decreased with the increases of sea bottom temperature, seawater depth, and sea bottom salinity. Based on environmental data simulated by the FVCOM model, we predicted the habitat distribution of O. ocellatus in Haizhou Bay using random forest model and found that O. ocellatus was mainly distributed in the area between 34.5°-35.8° N and 119.7°-121° E.

Bionomics of Oriental Fruit Fly Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel) on Guava

A study on bionomics and morphometrics of the Oriental fruit fly Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel) was carried out during rainy and winter season guava crop over the period of 2018-2019 at the Department of Agricultural Entomology, BCKV, Mohanpur, West Bengal. Comparative bionomics data of B. dorsalis revealed that the egg, larval and pupal periods of B. dorsalis in the rainy season crop amounted to 1.56±0.56, 10.14± 0.59 and 10.74± 0.42 days, respectively in the winter season these worked out to 2.11± 0.33, 11.0± 0.41 and 13.87± 0.82 days, respectively. The lifecycle got extended when reared with the winter season fruit crop compared to that of rainy season. This study revealed that short life cycle with more damage of oriental fruit fly, B. dorsalis was observed in the rainy season guava as compared to winter season.

Life cycle and production potential of a traditionally eaten phloem-feeding planthopper (sakondry,Zanna tenebrosa) in Madagascar

Zanna tenebrosa (Hemiptera: Fulgoridae), a traditionally eaten phloem feeding planthopper known as sakondry, has received recent attention for its farming potential; these insects have been successfully cultivated on bean plants in remote, rural communities that depend on natural resources for their food security, without increasing the loss of local wild habitats. Yet production is currently limited by the lack of knowledge on the basic life history and ecology of this insect. This study examinedZ. tenebrosa’s: (1) life cycle; (2) growth curves under various rearing conditions; and (3) the potential of the insect for sustainable food production, considering its feed conversion ratio (FCR) and nutrient retention. TheZ. tenebrosa life cycle was characterised by five instars of nymphs, followed by adulthood. Managed, outdoor free-range populations appear to be the ideal rearing choice in rural settings; free-range insects were significantly heavier and had shorter life cycles than those reared in enclosures on plants or cuttings. Mortality was highest in during the fifth instar (when insects are harvested), and phloem needs are likely high.Z. tenebrosa’s feed conversion ratio (1.3) was significantly more efficient than other livestock and insect meats. Further, unlike traditional meats that return only a fraction of the edible nutrients they consume,Z. tenebrosa providedmore nutrients than the edible portion of their feed. Their calorie and protein retention were three to 15 times higher than other livestock or insect meats and eatingZ. tenebrosa provided two, five, and 16 times the amount of iron, zinc, and fat than the edible portion of its feed would have provided. To our knowledge, this is the first time such amplification has been found in an animal raised for its meat. Our findings indicate thatZ. tenebrosa has promise as a farmed insect, particularly for remote malnourished communities with little access to land or infrastructure.

Capacity Policy for an OEM under Production Ramp-Up and Demand Diffusion

This paper presents a study on capacity policy for an OEM, launching a new short life cycle consumer durable product, and undergoes a demand diffusion process and a production ramp-up process with learning. The demand/supply dynamic system is described by the Bass diffusion demand rate and time constant production rate. The mismatch of demand peak and production plateau creates challenges for balancing the interactive trajectories. Indivisible lumpy capacity increments in the production network exacerbate the difficulty. In conjunction with mathematical and graphical analysis and computation power, we model a discrete optimization model (running on CPLEX) to investigate “how the OEM should determine an optimal capacity size” and “when to market the new product and expand capacity” under various Bass parameters, which describe the behavior intensity of the innovation and imitation of new product consumers.

BpEIN3.1 represses leaf senescence by inhibiting synthesis of ethylene and abscisic acid in Betula platyphylla

Leaf senescence and abscission play crucial role in annual plant adapting to seasonal alteration and climate changes by shortening life cycle and development process in response to abiotic and/or biotic stressors underlying phytohormones and environmental signals. Ethylene and abscisic acid are the major phytohormones that promotes leaf senescence, involving various transcription factors, such as EIN3 (ethylene-insensitive 3) and EIL (ethylene-insensitive 3-like) gene family, controlling leaf senescence through metabolite biosynthesis and signal transduction pathways. However, the roles of EIN3 regulating leaf senescence responding to environmental changes in perennial plant, especially forestry tree, remain unclear. In this study, we found that BpEIN3.1 from a subordinated to EIL3 subclade, is a transcription repressor and regulated light-dependent premature leaf senescence in birch (Betula platyphylla). BpEIN3.1 might inhibits the transcription of BpATPS1 by binding to its promoter. Shading suppressed premature leaf senescence in birch ein3.1 mutant line. Ethylene and abscisic acid biosynthesis were also reduced. In addition, abscisic acid positively regulated the expression of BpEIN3.1. This was demonstrated by the hormone-response element analysis of BpEIN3.1 promoter and its gene expression after the hormone treatments. Moreover, our results showed that abscisic acid is also involved in maintaining homeostasis. The molecular mechanism of leaf senescence provides a possibility to increasing wood production by delaying of leaf senescence.

Effect of gamma radiation on antioxidant enzymes and biochemicals of coriander (Coriandrum sativum L)

Coriander or Cilantro (Coriandrum sativum L.), is an annual herb that distinguishes with short life cycle , it displays broad adaptation as a crop around the world , growing well under many different types of soil and weather conditions. The analysis was carried out in 2022 in the laboratories of Biology Department, College of Science under stable variables such as temperature, humidity, sunlight, grains of Coriander were irradiated with gamma rays at dose levels ( 25,50, 100 and 150 Gy) in addition to control treatment ( not irradiated ) using Cobalt 60 as irradiation source and planted in nursery of AL-Kufa university to study the effects of gamma irradiation on the antioxidant enzymes (Antioxidant enzyme include Catalase (CAT), Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and Peroxidase (POD) in addition to several biochemicals (Chlorophyll a and b , α and β Carotenes , Proline and Malondialdehyde). In sum, the results here presented show that the effects of gamma radiation of Coriander depend on the irradiation dose.

Arı Kovanlarından Propolis Üretimi için Reçine Bakımından Zengin Alanları Tespit Etmek için Coğrafi Bilgi Sistemlerini ve Uzaktan Algılamayı Kullanma

Propolis (bee glue) is considered among bee products with medicinal properties. The majority of plants in Egypt are field crops which cultivated by farmers. Such crops may supply bee colonies with nectar/pollen, but are not good sources for resin due to their short life cycles. This study aimed to explore potential sites for producing high amounts of propolis from bee colonies based on a remote sensing analysis. The study was performed on a Governorate with intensive agricultural activity in Egypt (Assiut Governorate). The methodology depended on isolating trees from the satellite image using unsupervised classification followed by supervised classification based on numerous geographical coordinates of trees. Trees were transferred into points, and then point density was calculated to classify the study location into classes according to density. Sites with the very high numbers of trees were especially recommended for producing propolis on a commercial scale by beekeepers. Giving more attention to propolis production can enhance the income of beekeepers and maximize the economic benefit from bee colonies.

Weed suppression capacity of camelina (Camelina sativa) against winter weeds: The example of corn-poppy (Papaver rhoeas)

Crop rotation is one of the most relevant tools for Integrated Weed Management (IWM). In semiarid Mediterranean areas, the crop rotation is limited by climatic conditions. Camelina (Camelina sativa (L.) Crantz) is an interesting option to introduce due to its tolerance to cold and drought and because of its short life cycle, which allows a flexible management for weed control. In this study, the capacity of camelina to reduce the growth and seed rain of corn poppy (Papaver rhoeas L.) was studied. The experiment was carried out at the University of Lleida during three seasons (2018–19, 2019–20 and 2020–21). In each season, three camelina varieties (GP204, Sonny and Joelle) and barley were sown on two sowing dates (SD) (between November and February) in 1.5 m wide × 10 m long plots with three replications. Three 0.5 × 0.5 m2 quadrates were established, where five P. rhoeas plants from a natural population were allowed to grow in each SD. Additionally, every season in March, weed surveys were performed to observe the effect of the SD in the weed flora. Results show that delaying the SD effectively controlled winter weeds, including P. rhoeas, which could not establish in the second SD plots. The growth of P. rhoeas in the first SD was reduced similarly in the presence of the crops in 2018–19, but camelina competed better against it in 2020–21, while barley competed better in 2019–20. Due to the short life cycle of camelina and its earlier harvest date, the potential seed production of P. rhoeas was reduced by 34% in 2018–19, 52% in 2019–20% and 70% in 2020–21, while this reduction was of 23% in 2018–19% and 56% in 2020–21 in barley. The capacity of camelina to reduce the presence of corn poppy and its seed production in semiarid conditions should be considered as a tool for IWM.

Ubiquitous mRNA decay fragments in E. coli redefine the functional transcriptome.

Bacterial mRNAs have short life cycles, in which transcription is rapidly followed by translation and degradation within seconds to minutes. The resulting diversity of mRNA molecules across different life-cycle stages impacts their functionality but has remained unresolved. Here we quantitatively map the 3’ status of cellular RNAs in Escherichia coli during steady-state growth and report a large fraction of molecules (median>60%) that are fragments of canonical full-length mRNAs. The majority of RNA fragments are decay intermediates, whereas nascent RNAs contribute to a smaller fraction. Despite the prevalence of decay intermediates in total cellular RNA, these intermediates are underrepresented in the pool of ribosome-associated transcripts and can thus distort quantifications and differential expression analyses for the abundance of full-length, functional mRNAs. The large heterogeneity within mRNA molecules in vivo highlights the importance in discerning functional transcripts and provides a lens for studying the dynamic life cycle of mRNAs.

Exploring Machine Learning Algorithms to Unveil Genomic Regions Associated With Resistance to Southern Root-Knot Nematode in Soybeans.

Southern root-knot nematode [SRKN, Meloidogyne incognita (Kofold & White) Chitwood] is a plant-parasitic nematode challenging to control due to its short life cycle, a wide range of hosts, and limited management options, of which genetic resistance is the main option to efficiently control the damage caused by SRKN. To date, a major quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapped on chromosome (Chr.) 10 plays an essential role in resistance to SRKN in soybean varieties. The confidence of discovered trait-loci associations by traditional methods is often limited by the assumptions of individual single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) always acting independently as well as the phenotype following a Gaussian distribution. Therefore, the objective of this study was to conduct machine learning (ML)-based genome-wide association studies (GWAS) utilizing Random Forest (RF) and Support Vector Machine (SVM) algorithms to unveil novel regions of the soybean genome associated with resistance to SRKN. A total of 717 breeding lines derived from 330 unique bi-parental populations were genotyped with the Illumina Infinium BARCSoySNP6K BeadChip and phenotyped for SRKN resistance in a greenhouse. A GWAS pipeline involving a supervised feature dimension reduction based on Variable Importance in Projection (VIP) and SNP detection based on classification accuracy was proposed. Minor effect SNPs were detected by the proposed ML-GWAS methodology but not identified using Bayesian-information and linkage-disequilibrium Iteratively Nested Keyway (BLINK), Fixed and Random Model Circulating Probability Unification (FarmCPU), and Enriched Compressed Mixed Linear Model (ECMLM) models. Besides the genomic region on Chr. 10 that can explain most of SRKN resistance variance, additional minor effects SNPs were also identified on Chrs. 10 and 11. The findings in this study demonstrated that overfitting in GWAS may lead to lower prediction accuracy, and the detection of significant SNPs based on classification accuracy limited false-positive associations. The expansion of the basis of the genetic resistance to SRKN can potentially reduce the selection pressure over the major QTL on Chr. 10 and achieve higher levels of resistance.

Effect of High Glucose and Salinity on Embryological Development of Zebrafish, Brachyodanio rerio

Diabetes is a disease in which the blood glucose, or blood sugar, levels are too high. Glucose comes from the daily diet. Over time, having too much glucose in the blood can damage the eyes, the kidneys, the nerves, cause heart disease and stroke. Up to date, it is the leading disease around the world. Similarly, high blood pressure, heart disease, and kidney disease are also known to be attributed to high sodium levels. However, the effects of high salinity on embryological development post‐fertilization are yet to be researched. Danio rerio, commonly called the zebrafish, is a small freshwater fish. Its small size, short life cycle and high fecundity favor its lab uses as a test organism. It has been widely used for genetic development, transgenesis, toxicology and other genetic research due to the high conservation of gene function between zebrafish and humans. Zebrafish embryos are also transparent making them a preferable choice for developmental study. In this experiment, the effects on embryological (morphological and genetic) development were examined in the presence of a high glucose environment and high salinity conditions were examined. Zebrafish eggs were treated with normal media and high glucose for 5 days from 3 hours post‐fertilization(hpf) to 96hpf separately as control and experimental groups. RNA is extracted from control and experimental group to determine five genes’ change in high glucose group using PCR. Day 5 Larva is fixed in 10% formalin for H&E staining to detect organogenesis changes under high glucose conditions. Three progenitor genes that regulate organ development will be detected for protein level changes in experimental group by immunohistochemistry. Zebrafish eggs were treated with normal media and high salt (2%) for 3 days from 3 hpf to 72hpf separately as control and experimental groups. Day 1 and Day 2 larvae are fixed in 10% formalin for H&E staining. Glucose delayed the zebrafish embryo development by slowing the hatch rate about 24 hours. The brain, heart, and tail started showing morphology smaller in the glucose group compared to the control group at 24 hpf. Heartbeat is slower in the glucose group compared to the control group on day 2 and 3 with a statistically significant difference. The brain, heart, and tail started showing morphology smaller in the salt group compared to the control group at 48 hpf. These conditions contribute to significant physiological differences that may provide insight on functionality post‐embryological development. Testing to find consistent trends in morphology and genetic differences in high salt conditions, and genetic alterations for high glucose conditions are being further researched in this experiment.

Effects of Aging on Performance and Oxidative Damage

The imbalance between the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the body’s antioxidant defense shortens lifespan and advances aging. ROS, chemical species that contain an unpaired electron in the outer orbit, are unstable and have the potential to oxidize macromolecules, such as lipids, causing damage to cell membranes, resulting in the production of peroxides, which can cause further oxidative damage. Lipid peroxides like malondialdehyde (MDA) are highly reactive, causing a cascade of oxidative reactions that inactivate cellular proteins, impair membrane fluidity and elasticity, and can ultimately lead to cell death. Fruit flies (Drosophila melanogaster) have been used as the insect model organism for aging studies due to its short life cycle, high fecundity, well understood genome, and age‐related diseases that are homologous to that of humans. However, only focusing on a few model organisms ignores the diversity of longevity and the mechanisms involved in aging plasticity. Polyphenic insects can exhibit vast differences in longevity due to environmental and social factors, levels of activity (prolonged flight), and aging intervention, such as diapause, a state of programmed developmental arrest coupled with metabolic suppression. In this study, we begin exploring the effects of diapause on aging by establishing a baseline in the solitary bee, Megachile rotundata,a long‐lived facultative diapauser that experiences intense levels of activity throughout its adult life. We hypothesized that M. rotundata experience age‐related performance declines and increased oxidative damage. We predicted that as bees age, flying and walking performances would decline, and MDA levels would increase. Adult M. rotundata were reared from emergence, and tested at day 0, 7, 14, or 21. For each age group, walking performance was measured using a locomotion activity monitor (LAM), and flight performance was assessed using a cylinder drop assay. Levels of MDA were quantified in whole bees using a thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) assay. Walking activity increased two‐fold from day 0 to day 7, and levels of MDA also doubled from day 0 to day 7. However, at day 14 and 21, walking and MDA remained high. In contrast, flight performance decreased with age, with nearly 100% of males and females being able to generate upward lift or slow their descent at day 0, but by day 21 only 34% of females and no males were able to do so. The continual decline in flight performance with age matches previous studies. The decline in flight performance may be attributed to prolonged damage caused by MDA and possible accumulation of other forms oxidative damage, such as protein carbonylation or DNA fragmentation. The plateau of MDA levels beyond the first week may be due to the effectiveness of antioxidant defenses and repair systems. The decline in flight, but not walking, may be explained by the metabolic activity; Insect flight is an intensive activity with a 30‐100 fold increase in oxygen consumption when compared to walking.

Temporal and spatial comparison of food web structure in marine pastures in the Pearl River Estuary: Implications for sustainable fisheries management.

The biological and ecological integrity of marine ecosystems in the Pearl River Estuary (PRE) has been compromised due to overfishing and water pollution. Fishing moratorium and artificial reef construction have been implemented in Wanshan and Miaowan for resource protection and restoration. Therefore, food web structure and trophic pathways of Wanshan, Miaowan, and Wailingding in different temporal and spatial situation will be determined using the Ecopath model, as well as the keystone species affecting these ecosystems, which can provide a basis for fishery management. The results showed that the energy transfer efficiency of IV and V trophic levels (TL) was higher than that of II and III‐TL before and after fishing moratorium, and the energy transfer efficiency of artificial reefs II and III‐TL was only slightly higher than that of nonartificial reefs in Wanshan. In addition, the mean values of ecosystem property indicators (consumption, respiration flow, total system throughput, and total biomass) after the fishing moratorium were significantly higher than those before the fishing moratorium. The average value of the ecosystem attribute indicators (consumption, respiration flow, total system throughput, and total biomass) of artificial reefs is lower than those of nonartificial reef areas, which may be related to the differences in community composition between artificial reefs and non‐artificial reefs. Finally, Nemipterus japonicus and Gastrophysus spadiceus are keystone species that distinguish the Wanshan and Miaowan artificial reefs from other areas. Overall, the fishing moratorium has a positive effect on the short‐term restoration of fishery resources, mainly restoring short‐life cycle organisms. However, the construction of artificial reefs will be more conducive to the persistence of ecosystem restoration. In addition, reasonable proliferation, release and fishing of N. japonicus and G. spadiceus will be beneficial to the sustainable utilization of fishery resources.

Launch Strategies for Newly Developed Short Life Cycle Products

Nowadays, due to the rapid pace of technology enhancement, growing consumer expectations, and market competitiveness, life cycle of products is shortening faster than it used to be. In such situations, where new generations of products lead to the obsolescence of those currently available, the simultaneous pricing of both newly developed and available products is a challenging task. In this paper, using game theory approaches, we investigate various possible conditions in which two firms may introduce new generations of products with short life cycles. Optimum price of newly developed and planned obsolescence products are determined by the proposed method. The effectiveness of the proposed method is verified using various numerical calculations and sensitivity analyses. A real case study from textile industry illustrates the application of the proposed approach in industry.

Insect pest scenario in Uttarakhand Himalayas, India, under changing climatic conditions.

The Himalayan mountains are early indicators of climate change, wherein slight changes in climate can lead to a drastic variation in faunal diversity, distribution, invasion of fauna into higher altitudes, rapid population growth, shortening of life cycle and increased number of overwintering species. The insects best represent the faunal diversity. In recent years, due to variation in pattern of rainfall and temperature regimes, several insect pests have moved northwards and are posing great threat to hill agriculture. Few among them are greenhouse whiteflies, thrips and mites in protected cultivation system; blister beetles on flowers of cereals, pulses and oilseeds; invasive insect pests like fall armyworm of maize and tomato pin worm and sporadic pests like grasshoppers that are reaching a status of major key pest in various crops. Keeping in mind the phenomenon of climate change and associated changes in pest population, the present article focuses on emerging insect pest problems in cereals, millets, pulses, oilseeds and vegetables of Indian Himalayas, along with their changing population density with respect to different climatic parameters, the per cent increase in the pest damage over the years and their potential of gaining the status of major pests in near future and causing huge economic losses to hill agriculture.

Analysis and Advances in Additive Manufacturing as a New Technology to Make Polymer Injection Molds for World-Class Production Systems.

The currently growing demand for metallic and polymeric products has undoubtedly changed the rules of manufacturing, enabling customers to more functionally define their products based on their needs. Nowadays, a new technique for rapid tooling, Additive Manufacturing (AM), can create customized products with more complex geometries and short life cycles (flexibility) in order to keep up with the new variables imposed by the manufacturing environment. In the last two decades, the migration from subtractive manufacturing to AM has materialized such products with reduced costs and cycle times. AM has been recently promoted to develop polymer molds for product manufacturing. This paper reviews the main findings in the literature concerning polymer molds created by AM compared to conventional (metal) molds obtained by subtractive manufacturing. Information about specific topics is scarce or nonexistent, for example, about the characterization of the most commonly injected materials and molds used in this type of technology, their mechanical properties (part and mold), designs for all types of geometries, and costs. These aspects are addressed in this literature review, highlighting the advantages of this alternative manufacturing process, which is considered a desirable technology worldwide.

Growth variation in the endangered fish Zingel asper: Contribution of substrate quality, hydraulics, prey abundance, and water temperature

Abstract Intraspecific variation in life histories and its environmental correlates can indicate the degree of vulnerability to extinction of endangered taxa and guide conservation actions. Zingel asper (Percidae) is an endangered fish endemic to the Rhône catchment (France and Switzerland), where five populations subsist in separate river systems (Loue, Beaume, Durance, Verdon, and Doubs). Two populations of Z. asper differ in growth and longevity, but the existence of broader intraspecific differentiation in life histories and the environmental origins of this variation (if any) remain unknown. The age structure and growth profile of four populations of Z. asper (Loue, Beaume, Durance, and Verdon) and nine additional sub‐populations within the Durance system were determined by scale‐reading analysis, before evaluating the contribution of measured variation in substrate quality, hydraulics, prey availability, and water temperature to growth differentiation among and within populations. A trade‐off between early growth and longevity largely differentiated the populations of Z. asper along a slow (i.e. slower growth, smaller adult size, longevity of >5 years) to fast (i.e. faster growth, larger adult size, longevity of <4 years) continuum of life histories. This continuum differentiated populations from different river catchments along a south (Durance, Verdon) to north (Beaume, Loue) latitudinal gradient, and mapped onto an upstream–downstream gradient of sub‐populations within the Durance system. Differences in prey availability, hydraulics, and water temperature explained most of the growth variation among populations from different catchments, whereas local variation in prey availability, substrate quality, and water temperature mostly contributed to within‐river growth differentiation. These results indicate that short life cycles strongly expose all populations of Z. asper to extirpation and should motivate additional conservation actions. This study illustrates how quantifying intraspecific variation in life histories and its sensitivity to ecological context can reliably assess extinction risk and guide conservation actions by identifying endangered populations requiring priority management.

A model for managing returns in a circular economy context: A case study from the Indian electronics industry

The notion of a circular economy (CE) has recently gained significant attention, both in research and practice, due to increasing sustainability concerns and legislative requirements. Despite extensive research having been undertaken in this area, there is a paucity of research in developing decision-making models, which may consider life-cycle span of product returns while selecting an appropriate reprocessing option for value reclamation in CE. In this research, we have contributed to the CE literature in three ways. Firstly, we have developed a comprehensive decision-making model that makes a trade-off between different recovery alternatives while considering a wide range of significant criteria to determine the most optimal recovery option. Secondly, we propose a two-phase mathematical model combining the Interval 2-Tuple Linguistic (ITL) model and the Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) to overcome issues related to uncertainty and incomplete information in decision-making. Thirdly, it is one of the first studies to investigate and compare the implementation of product recovery in CE for short life cycle (SLC) vs. long life cycle (LLC) electronic returns. We validate the industrial applicability of the proposed model using real-world data collected from the Indian electronics industry. Our results provide managerial insights, including a focus on repair strategy for SLC returns and on remanufacturing strategy for LLC returns for efficient and effective product recovery in CE.

In vitro hemocyte phagocytosis activation after experimental infection of common octopus, Octopus vulgaris (Cuvier, 1797) with Photobacterium damselae subsp. piscicida or Vibrio alginolyticus at different temperatures and infection routes

Due to the fast growth rate, the short life cycle, the high market price and the high food conversion efficiency, O. vulgaris is considered as a good candidate for aquaculture. One of the prerequisites for the successful integration of new species, such as octopi, into industrial-scale production, is the knowledge of the pathological conditions that may arise, with emphasis on infectious diseases caused by microorganisms and para-sites transmitted through wild populations, especially for the farmed organisms cul-tured in cages in proximity to teleost fish. The main objectives of this study were to investigate the sensitivity of common octopus to experimental infection with pathogenic bacteria, to assess the activation of hemocytes and more specifically their phagocytic activity after infection and to associate sensitivity of the species and phagocytic activity of hemocytes to temperature changes, route of infection and pathogen. Common octopus individuals were intramuscularly and intravenously infected with either Photobacterium damselae subsp. piscicida or Vibrio alginolyticus. The hemocyte phagocytosis activation in vitro at two temperatures (21 ± 0.5 °C and 24 ± 0.5 °C) was studied, in an effort to relate these aspects to climate change. Hemolymph was withdrawn on days 0, 3 and 7 post infections/injections. Number of circulating hemocytes/ml hemolymph, phagocytosis ability and Phagocytosis Particle Binding Intensity index were determined. Correlations between hemocytes and bodyweight and between hemocytes and phagocytosis ability were also determined.No mortalities were recorded irrespective of pathogen, route of infection and temperature employed. Circulating hemocytes in control specimens ranged between 1.60x105 hemocytes ml−1 hemolymph to 20.02x105 hemocytes/ml hemolymph at both experiments and temperatures. The interrelation between octopi weight and circulating hemocytes showed that natural fluctuations, age, maturity stage and temperature may affect this relationship.Rise of temperature influenced phagocytosis which seemed to be route of infection, time-point and pathogen related. Specimens infected with Photobacterium damselae subsp. piscicida showed decreased phagocytosis with rise of temperature while when Vibrio alginolyticus was used, phagocytosis activity increased, in most cases. Temperature also played an important role in the correlation between the circulating hemocytes and phagocytosis activity, as at lower temperatures a negative strong correlation was observed. The results prompted us to calculate the activation index. This index showed that temperature is an important factor in hemocyte activation since for Photobacterium damselae subsp. piscicida infected specimens, hemocytes were more activated at 21 ± 0.5℃ instead of 24 ± 0.5℃, and the opposite observed for Vibrio alginolyticus samples and only later post-infection.Comparing the phagocytosis ability results with those obtained from Particle Binding Intensity index important differences concerned mainly confidence levels. The use of phagocytosis ability instead of PBI index provides more accurate results.