Species Of Flora Research Articles

Taxonomic Identification of Commercial Boswellia spp. Resins by Ambient Ionization Mass Spectrometry

Historically, Boswellia resin, commonly known as frankincense, has been used for a variety of applications, including medicinal purposes and in religious ceremonies. These practices continued into the modern era, in which the trade of resin has increased dramatically. The genus Boswellia contains many species that are not currently protected by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), but research has found that some of these populations are predicted to decrease by 50 % in the next two decades due to overexploitation (Bongers et al., 2019). This highlights the need for a method that can identify Boswellia resins. In this research, resin from nine different species of Boswellia were collected and analyzed in positive ion mode by Direct Analysis in Real Time Time-of-Flight mass spectrometry (DART TOFMS) by dissolving the resin in methanol to obtain a chemotype devoid of background noise. Chemometric analysis of the data indicated that positive ion spectra from the resins separated the species effectively, indicating that DART TOFMS can be used to identify resins in trade.

The dynamics of the taxonomic composition of the alien fraction of the urban flora in the Kyiv urban area, Ukraine

Abstract This article presents the results of an investigation into the recent taxonomic composition of the alien fraction of the urban flora in the Kyiv urban area (KUA). Its main dynamic tendencies over the last 20 years have been highlighted, along with the most probable phytoinvasive threats. The obtained linear regression equation allowed forecasting for the growth in the abundance of alien plant species against the background of the enlargement of the Kyiv urban area (r=0.53) and its human population numbers (r=0.87). The alien fraction of the urban flora of the KUA contains 717 taxa of vascular plants (668 species, 41 subspecies, 6 varieties, 1 form and 1 nothoform). In the past 20 years, the number of species of the urban flora of the KUA has increased by at least 166 alien taxa, some of which are representatives of new genera, families, and orders for our flora. This enrichment of the taxonomic structure of the alien fraction in the urban flora of the KUA has caused changes in the ratio of life forms, ecotypes, invasiveness of species, and other features. We specified probable invasive threats, conditioned by the formation of the group of new woody species, hydrophytes capable of rapidly accumulating their phytomass, some genera complexes involving alien and local species, which are inclined to hybridization.

Pollinator competition and the contingency of nectar depletion during an early spring resource pulse.

Concerns about competition between pollinators are predicated on the assumption of floral resource limitation. Floral resource limitation, however, is a complex phenomenon involving the interplay of resource production by plants, resource demand by pollinators, and exogenous factors-like weather conditions-that constrain both plants and pollinators. In this study, we examined nectar limitation during the mass flowering of rosaceous fruit trees in early spring. Our study was set in the same region as a previous study that found severe nectar limitation in summer grasslands. We used this seasonal contrast to evaluate two alternative hypotheses concerning the seasonal dynamics of floral resource limitation: either (H1) rates of resource production and consumption are matched through seasonal time to maintain a consistent degree of resource limitation, or (H2) a mismatch of high floral resource production and low pollinator activity in early spring creates a period of relaxed resource limitation that intensifies later in the year. We found generally much lower depletion in our spring study compared to the near 100% depletion found in the summer study, but depletion rates varied markedly through diel time and across sampling days, with afternoon depletion rates sometimes exceeding 80%. In some cases, there were also pronounced differences in depletion rates across simultaneously sampled floral species, indicating different degrees of nectar exploitation. These findings generally support the seasonal mismatch hypothesis (H2) but underscore the complex contingency of nectar depletion. The challenge of future work is to discern how the fluctuation of resource limitation across diel, inter-diel, and seasonal time scales translates into population-level outcomes for pollinators.

Phytodiversity of the Inhulets River floodplain flora (Shyrokivskyi district)

The phytodiversity of the floodplain of the Inhulets River in the Shyrokivsky district was studied and the bioecological characteristics of flora species were compiled based on the results of systematic, biological and ecological analyzes. It was found that the flora of the floodplain landscape is represented by 329 species belonging to 69 families. The spectrum of the studied flora is dominated by perennials among biomorphs, heliomorphs – heliophytes, trophomorphs – mesotrophs, hygromorphs – mesophytes, and cenomorphs – ruderals and pratants. In the studied flora, 20 species from the Red List of Dnipro region were recorded, three of which are included in the Red Book of Ukraine: Crocus reticulatus Stev. ex Adam., Ornithogalum bouscheanum (Kunth) Aschers and Tulipa quercetorum Klokov et Zoz. Rare species included in the Red Data Book of Dnipro region were recorded in the woody and shrubby vegetation of the studied area: Viburnum lantana L., Berberis vulgaris L., Rosa maeotica Dubovik. All of this emphasizes the significant conservation value of the studied floodplain. The adventitious flora is represented by 95 species (29.6% of the total flora of the floodplain), among which five species are invasive. The macrophytic vegetation of the Inhulets floodplain is distributed in the coastal shallow waters, which are on average up to 5 meters wide and are represented by intermittent bands of air-water and submerged vegetation. Higher aquatic vegetation is characterized by intermittent-zonal and border types of overgrowth. The results of the study show a fairly high phytodiversity of the floodplain of the Ingulets River – 22.94% of the total number of flora species of the Right Bank Steppe Dnipro region, and is also important for the creation of a cadastre of plant species of Ukraine and for river restoration and management.

Attributive analysis of the anthropophytes fraction as a part of the urban flora of Kyiv urban area (climamorphotype, residence time category, pathway of introduction into Ukraine and geographical origin)

The significant global growth of invasions, distribution and naturalization of alien vascular plants requires clear knowledge about the volume, taxonomic and typological diversity of plant invasions in Ukraine in order to control and contain them. The screening of four features of the fraction of alien species of urban flora of the KUA is outlined: climamorphotype, time, way of immigration, and geographic spread. According to our data, the taxonomic diversity of the fraction is high. The alien flora of Kyiv urban area is 711species-level taxa recruited from 358 genera, 95 families, 6 classes, and 3 divisions. Attributive analysis relies on categories of invasive botany. The climamorphotype is represented by fanerophytes — 127 species, 18% or the total amount, hamephytes — 13 (1.8%), hemicryptophytes — 83 (11.7%), cryptophytes — 79 (11.1%), terrophytes — 389 (55%) and hydrophytes — 9 (1.3%,) other categories — 10 species. According to the time of immigration, the following are present: archaeophytes — 112 species, 16% or the total amount, kenophytes — 194 (27%) and eukenophytes — 404 (57%) and not determined one taxa. According to the method of immigration, the fraction contains acolytophytes — 149 species, 21% or the total amount, ergasiophytes — 331 (46.6%), xenophytes — 201 (28.4%) and xeno-ergasiophytes — 28 (3.9%) and 2 others. The trend of increasing the role of immigrants-ergasiophytes — «escaped plants» — has been noted. Screening of geographic origin records wide spatial amplitude: immigrant plants from five continents are present. Immigrants of Mediterranean origin dominate — 230 species, 32% or the total amount, American 179 (25%), and Asian 154 (24%), represented equally, European — 51 (7%). The geographical origin was not revealed for 38 species, 5%. Attention is drawn to "species of anthropogenic origin" (23 species, 3%), as well as the high presence of hybrid combinations at the species level — 16 hybrids, 2%, etc. The growth trends of the participation of American and East Asian immigrant species in the urban flora of KUA, predicted at the beginning of the 2000s, have been confirmed. In general, the taxonomically rich fraction of anthropophytes of the urban flora of KUA, according to the screening results, demonstrates a variety of typological features. However, each of the specified properties requires constant, detailed study for the purpose of reliable monitoring of plant invasions.

Biological resources utilization in grebeg maulud ceremony in Surakarta City, Indonesia

Abstract. Ayuningtyas HR, Nabila I, ‘Azizah HPN, Andewi LC, Saensouk S, Setyawan AD. 2024. Biological resources utilization in grebeg maulud ceremony in Surakarta City, Indonesia. Asian J Ethnobiol 7: 43-49. Indonesia is a country of diverse nature, culture, and traditions in each region. Implementing traditional ceremonies is closely related to utilizing natural resources, both plants and animals, in the surrounding area. The sekaten or grebeg maulud is a ceremony which is often held every month of Rabi'ul Awal, involves gunungan elements in the form of crops contested by the community. This research was conducted in Surakarta City, Central Java, Indonesia, from November to December 2023, in Mojosongo Village, Keprabon Village, and Baluwarti Village. This study aims to determine the understanding of the community regarding the grebeg maulud ceremony, identify the biodiversity used in grebeg maulud, and determine the utilization of these resources in people's lives. The methods used in this research are survey methods, group discussions, ethnographic studies, key informant interviews, and the surrounding community interviews. The important thing that becomes the basis of this research is the utilization of crops by the surrounding community, which is calculated using the Index of Cultural Significance (ICS) value calculation. People in Mojosongo, Keprabon, and Baluwarti Villages utilize several species for grebeg maulud activities, including 2 species of fauna and 19 species of flora. The parts of the fauna utilized are eggs and meat; the most utilized part of the flora is the fruit.

Mosses of Coahuila, northern Mexico: The dryland species

The moss flora of the state of Coahuila and that in northwestern Mexico is poorly known. Recent exploration in the drylands of Coahuila have yielded findings that bring the number to about 101 species in the state moss flora where the Pottiaceae, Bryaceae, and Grimmiaceae are the families best represented. The lowland moss flora is well represented in the Chihuahuan Desert area in northern Mexico, but also in the southern United States. Species of Crossidium, Pseudocrossidium, and Syntrichia are known desiccation-tolerant mosses; Entodon concinnus and Ephemerum coherens are additions to the moss flora of Mexico.

BOTANICAL GARDEN NAMED AFTER JÓZSEF SZIKURA

Objective is to study and analyse the history of the creation of the József Szikura Botanical Garden, the results of its scientific, educational and environmental work. Materials and methods of the study. The collections of the natural flora plants established by Professor József Szikura in 2011 in the village of Velyki Berehy, located 8 km northeast of the city of Berehove, Zakarpattya region were studied. The main criteria for assessing the plants diversity in the botanical garden were the following: the qualitative and quantitative composition of the collections, their condition, the results of plant propagation, the possibility of repatriating them to natural ecosystems, the effects of research work, and educational activities. The plant compositions were analyzed, and the species composition of the plots was studied. The role of the botanical garden in preserving the gene pool of flora was also assessed by the qualitative and quantitative composition of the long-lived seed bank. The results of the cultivation and acclimatisation of species of the world flora and the Carpathians have been evaluated since 2012. The evaluation of the results, cultivation and acclimatization of species of the world flora and the Carpathians has been carried out since 2012. Scientific novelty. For the first time, the compositional and systematic composition of the József Szikura Botanical Garden was analysed in the context of successful solution of problems related to the conservation of plant diversity in artificially created phytocoenoses of Transcarpathia. Based on the results of the study, an electronic catalogue (EC) of the Bank of long-lived seeds was created for the first time. Conclusions. According to the results of the inventory analysis, it was determined that the area of 0,82 ha is represented by plants of different natural flora, the taxonomic composition of the collection of which includes 89 families, 468 species, 149 varieties and cultivars. The most numerous families in the collection are Amaryllidaceae J.St.-Hil., Iridaceae Juss., Poaceae Barnhart, Caryophyllaceae Juss., Lamiaceae Martinov, Asteraceae Giseke, Cupressaceae Gray. Three Allium L. species and two Iris L. species are listed in the Red Data Book of Ukraine. The collection contains plants listed in the IUCN Red List (Allium - 5 species, Iris - 2 species) and the relict Syringa josikaea J.Jacq. ex Rchb. The analysis of the composition of the Seed Bank showed the following distribution between taxa – 249 species belonging to 47 families. The József Szikura Botanical Garden effectively combines research work on the study and protection of biodiversity, introduction and acclimatisation, reproduction and efficient use of plants, and functioning as an educational regional centre for the dissemination of ecological and ethnographic knowledge, education and upbringing of the population in the traditions of caring for nature and preserving the cultural heritage of the region.

Assessment of the Allergenic Potential of Urban Woody Flora of Rostov-on-Don

Introduction. Plant pollen causes various allergic reactions in humans, including respiratory diseases, immune system disorders, bronchitis, conjunctivitis, dermatitis, and hay fever. These diseases affect up to 30% of the world's population. In large cities, trees and shrubs used in landscaping are significant sources of allergenic dust. Despite this, the greening of cities worldwide often occurs without considering the allergenic properties of plants. With the development of proteomics, it has become possible to assess the degree of allergenicity of proteins that make up plant pollen in detail. Based on this information, a scale of potential allergenicity for woody plants has been developed. The aim of this study is to assess the allergenic potential of woody plants in the urban flora of Rostov-on-Don.Materials and Methods. The object of the study was trees and shrubs used in the landscaping of Rostov-on-Don. The analysis of floristic data was based on the materials obtained during field work in 2023 on the territory of Rostov-on-Don. The author also used the lists of the city's dendroflora compiled between 2007 and 2022. The assessment of the potential allergenicity of woody plant species was conducted on a five-point scale, with 0 indicating plants that did not pose an allergic hazard, 1 indicating a low allergenicity level, 2 indicating a medium class, 3 indicating a high level, and 4 indicating a very high level of allergenicity.Results. In the flora of woody plants in Rostov-on-Don, 61 species of potentially allergenic plants were identified, posing varying levels of danger to human health. The share of all types of potentially allergenic woody plants was 30% of the total number of urban woody flora species in the city. The most powerful sources of allergenic pollen included nine species (Fraxinus Excelsior, Betula Pendula, B. Verrucosa, Platycladus Orientalis, etc.), which posed the greatest threat of hay fever and other allergic reactions. As a rule, these were typically wind-pollinated plants that produced maximum amounts of pollen. The list of potentially allergenic species included a significant number of adventitious species (24 species), which made it difficult to control their spread. A taxonomic analysis of potentially allergenic species was carried out at the order level, for which specific protein reactions were identified and detailed approaches to the prevention and treatment of hay fever were developed. The orders Pinales and Fagales form the bulk of allergenic pollen in the winter-spring period.Discussion and Conclusion. For the first time, studies were conducted on the allergenic activity of urban woody flora in the southern regions of Russia. An assessment of their allergenic potential allowed us to determine the level of threat of allergic reactions in humans. The greatest danger comes from both allergenic and invasive species that can spread actively and increase in numbers. Representatives of the Pinales and Fagales orders have proven to be significant sources of allergenic pollen, as they often have high ornamental qualities and play a prominent role in design projects. In some cases, it may be possible to replace these cultures with less allergenic alternatives, such as representatives of the Rosales order, to reduce the risk of allergic reactions.

Taxa of Indian Acanthaceae, Verbenaceae and Labiatae Amending and/or Supplementing Calder's (1926) and Razi's (1959) Lists of Additions to Hooker's Flora of British India

Since the publication of the Flora of British India by Sir J. D. Hooker during the years 1872-1879, quite a number of additional species have been described from various parts of India by several botanists in different publications. The nomenclature of quite a number of species in Hooker's Flora has also changed with the result that several names therein have now come to be regarded as invalid. Calder et al (1926) and Razi (1959) published two lists as additions to species in Hooker's Flora of British India. The present account is an attempt at supplementing and/or amending the lists of Calder and Razi, with reference to the families Acanthaceae, Verbenaceae and Labiatae. In this account, altogether 232 taxa belonging to these three families alone are given under two separate lists. In the first list 54 taxa are included. They comprise of 53 taxa as additions to Hooker, Calder et al and Razi's account of the species under these three families, and one species of Hooker, earlier reported by him from outside India proper, since reported from Indian territory. In the second list, 178 taxa are included, wherein changes in nomenclature, including changes in status have been reported.

Multivariate statistical analysis of bioavailability of heavy metals and mineral characterization in selected species of coastal flora

This study presents a thorough investigation into the concentration of heavy metals and mineral composition within four distinct coastal flora species: Cyperus conglomeratus, Halopyrum mucronatum, Sericostem pauciflorum, and Salvadora persica. Employing rigorous statistical methodologies such as Pearson coefficient correlation, principal component analysis (PCA), analysis of variance (ANOVA), and interclass correlation (ICC), we aimed to elucidate the bioavailability of heavy metals, minerals, and relevant physical characteristics. The analysis focused on essential elements including copper (Cu), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), magnesium (Mg2+), calcium (Ca2+), sodium (Na+), potassium (K+), and chloride (Cl–), all of which are known to play pivotal roles in the ecological dynamics of coastal ecosystems. Through PCA, we discerned distinctive patterns within PC1 to PC4, collectively explaining an impressive 99.65% of the variance observed in heavy metal composition across the studied flora species. These results underscore the profound influence of environmental factors on the mineral composition of coastal flora, offering critical insights into the ecological processes shaping these vital ecosystems. Furthermore, significant correlations among mineral contents in H. mucronatum; K+ with content of Na+ (r = 0.989) and Mg2+ (r = 0.984); as revealed by ICC analyses, contributed to a nuanced understanding of variations in electrical conductivity (EC), pH levels, and ash content among the diverse coastal flora species. By shedding light on heavy metal and mineral dynamics in coastal flora, this study not only advances our scientific understanding but also provides a foundation for the development of targeted environmental monitoring and management strategies aimed at promoting the ecological sustainability and resilience of coastal ecosystems in the face of ongoing environmental challenges.

Investigating the geographies of water use and water cover in the rural areas of Nagaon District, Assam (India): Unraveling the micro-ecological implications

The use and management of water resources are fundamental for sustainable human societies, economic development, and ecological conservation. Therefore, conducting a thorough investigation to comprehend water use (WU) patterns and assess the extent of water-covered areas (WCA) in a region is indispensable for fostering sustainable ecological and economic conditions, and for implementing effective water management practices. However, the rapid growth of human populations, particularly in developing countries, and the concomitant developmental activities have significantly influenced the WCA, leading to their degradation and loss. In this context, the present research focuses on investigating and understanding the variations in WU and WCA, with an emphasis on unraveling the ecological implications of these hydrological dynamics in the rural areas of Nagaon-a floodplain district of the middle Brahmaputra valley in Assam, India. The study also seeks to investigate the intricate and dynamic human-water relationship and their impact on the waterscapes and the associated hydroecological characteristics. The methodology employed in this study involved analyzing spatial data and conducting field surveys to procure some other relevant primary data and information to assess the current state of WU and WCA in the district. The results reveal substantial shifts in water usage patterns, with a growing reliance on groundwater and reduced dependence on surface water bodies. Notably, all wetlands, except the artificial ponds (pukhuris), have experienced significant declines in both quantity and size, resulting in a reduction of WCA and the associated aquatic vegetation cover. This reduction in WCA has consequently led to a substantial decline in wetland habitats and disruptions to their ecological conditions, posing serious threats to the floral and faunal species dependent on these aquatic ecosystems. The findings of this research will definitely help the concerned policymakers, environmental organizations, and local communities by providing a foundation for informed decision-making towards formulating effective conservation strategies to safeguard not only the WCA of the district but also to maintain the region's ecological health, proper water use, and the sustainable socio-economic development.

Classification and Status by Geological Periods Relicts, Rare Species of Zakatala and Belokan Districts

The article provides data on period III relicts and rare tree and shrub species common in the forest ecosystems of the Zakatala and Belokan districts of Azerbaijan, and their classification and status by geological periods is given. As a result of research and analysis, the species Taxus baccata L., Hedera pastuchovii Woronow ex Woronow and Smilax excelsa L. were included in the relicts of the Poltava flora. In the forest ecosystems of the study areas, 6 tree and shrub relict species belonging to 6 families and 6 genera of the subtropical evergreen Poltava flora (mesothermal relicts of the Arctic flora of the III period) were identified: Taxus baccata L., Platanus orientalis L., Punica granatum L., Hedera pastuchovii Woronow ex Woronow, Smilax excelsa L. and Diospyros lotus L. With the exception of Smilax excelsa L., other 5 species are listed in the Red Book of the Azerbaijan Republic. In the Zakatala and Belokan districts, relict tree and shrub plants belonging to 15 families, 23 genera and 30 species of Arctic and deciduous Turgai flora (mesothermal relicts of the Arctic flora of the III period) are widespread. Of these, 10 species (Pinus kochiana Klotzsch ex K. Koch = Pinus sylvestris var. hamata Steven, Fraxinus coriariifolia Scheele, Castanea sativa Mill., Quercus iberica Steven ex M. Bieb., Pterocarya pterocarpa (Michx.) Kunth ex Iljinsk., Juglans regia L., Acer pseudoplatanus L., Acer hyrcanum Fisch. ex C. A. Mey., Corylus colurna L., Vitis vinifera L., are considered rare plants of Azerbaijan. It was established that 38 rare tree and shrub species belonging to 35 there are 23 families.

Diversity and characteristics of the melliferous flora of Moroccan Macaronesia (Territory of Sidi Ifni)

The melliferous flora of Central Western Morocco, precisely in the territory of the Ait Baâmrane of Sidi Ifni Province was studied between 2016 and 2018 using surveys among beekeepers and by observing the behavior of bees towards flowers. The plants foraged by bees were collected, identified and listed. A total of 117 honey species were recorded, representing 41.64% of the 281 species of the total flora of the study area, belonging to 98 genera and 40 families. The Asteraceae family is the most represented with 17.95%, followed by Labiatae and Leguminosae with 6.84% each. The area is characterized by a high rate of endemism, estimated at 26.5% of the 117 melliferous species. However, there are species classified as rare and endangered taxa, estimated at 10 species. According to their biological types, Therophytes represent 36.75% of the foraged species, followed by Chamephytes (17.95%). Regarding the flowering period, it lasts throughout the year. Spring however is the most represented period with 42.45% of the plants, followed by summer with 28.98%, then winter and autumn, with 15.10% and 13.47% respectively. Melliferous plants with yellow flowers are the most attracted by bees (28.21%), followed by white flowers (24.79%). These listed plants are either foraged for their nectar and pollen (74.36%), only pollen (15.38%), or only nectar (8.55%). In addition, they have other uses, such as edible, medicinal, and others. It appears from this study that the conservation of the melliferous flora is very imperative in order to improve and promote the continuity of the beekeeping sector in the region.

The legal framework of the European Union in the field of combating environmental crimes

The article focuses on the activities of the European Union regarding the development of an effective legal framework for combating environmental crimes considering modern realities. It is noted that the existing norms on combating environmental crime in the EU are based on the provisions of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU which sets the competence of the EU to define criminal offenses and sanctions in the spheres of EU policy to which harmonization measures apply (Article 83(2)). Attention is paid to the provisions of the following directives: Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on the protection of the environment through criminal law and replacing Directive 2008/99/EC, which supplemented the list of illegal acts with new categories of crimes, established a deterrent level of sanctions, which ensures a more consistent application of conditions for enterprises in the EU; Directive 2004/35/CE of the European Parliament and of the Council of 21 April 2004 on environmental liability with regard to the prevention and remedying of environmental damage, which sets rules based on the «polluter pays» principle and related directives 2000/60/EC, 2008/56/EC, 2009/147/EC and 92/43/EEC. It is noted that the EU constantly works on improving the provisions of the acts adopted by it in the specified area, as evidenced by the directives, on the basis of which changes and amendments were made to the above-mentioned directives, regarding safety issues, waste management, simplification of reporting obligations in the field of environmental legislation (Directives 2006/21/EC, 2009/31/EC, 2013/30/EC, Regulation (EC) 2019/101).
 Attention is focused on acts related to the protection of certain objects, including: 1) acts aimed at combating pollution from ships: Directive 2005/35/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 7 September 2005 on ship-source pollution and on the introduction of penalties, including criminal penalties, for pollution offence (as amended), Council Framework Decision 2005/667/JHA of 12 July 2005 to strengthen the criminal-law framework for the enforcement of the law against ship-source pollution; 2) acts on combating trade in wild animals: Regulation (EC) No 338/97 (as amended), Commission regulation (EC) No 865/2006 (as amended), Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 792/2012 97 (as amended), Revision of the EU action plan against wildlife trafficking of 2022.
 It is noted that EU legislation is based on international universal acts adopted within the UN in the relevant field (International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) of 1973, United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) of 1982, Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) of 1975), which simplifies law enforcement and the introduction of measures to combat environmental crime.
 The importance of strategic acts adopted by the EU, including the Agenda and Action Plan on Drugs 2021–2025 and the Biodiversity strategy for 2030 is emphasized. Relevant conclusions have been drawn.

Multi-Classifir Fire and Smoke Detectior Using Deep Learning

Fire is one of the most destructive powers that has been a double-edged sword. Although it is highly beneficial and provides energy when it is handled in an effective manner, it can be quite lethal if it is allowed to continue unchecked. Combustion, as well as the conversion and release of energy, is what makes fire so destructive. It is a violent process that has the potential to unleash enormous amounts of harm. This is a very unfavorable condition that has the potential to result in a truly catastrophic event. A great number of species of flora and fauna have become extinct as a result of the recent years, which have been marked by a big number of disastrous wildfires that have resulted in a large scale loss of life and property. This is one of the most deadly occurrences that has occurred in recent years. The most significant issue is that there is not yet a fire detection method that is both efficient and practical. Consequently, the purpose of this study piece is to propose an efficient multi-classifier strategy for fire detection. This approach identifies the color of the fire, the form of the fire, and the movement of the fire, in addition to the detection of smoke through the use of the convolution neural network. According to the extensive experimental results that demonstrate the superiority of the suggested multiclassifier fire and smoke detection strategy, this approach has shown to be one of the most effective approaches for fire detection. This is obvious through the fact that it has been one of the most effective techniques Key Words: — Convolution neural network, Multi-classifier, Fire shape, Fire Motion , Fore color, Temporal effect

Comparative analysis of the intestinal flora of BmNPV-resistant and BmNPV-sensitive silkworm varieties

Bombyx mori nucleopolyhedrovirus (BmNPV) is a very common and infectious virus that affects silkworms and hinders silk production. To investigate the intestinal flora of BmNPV-resistant and BmNPV-sensitive silkworm varieties, 16 S rDNA high-throughput sequencing was performed. The results of the cluster analysis showed that the intestinal flora of the resistant silkworm variety was more abundant than that of the sensitive silkworm variety. This was found even when infection with BmNPV caused a sharp decline in the number of intestinal floral species in both resistant and sensitive silkworm varieties. The abundances of the intestinal flora, including Aureimonas, Ileibacterium, Peptostreptococcus, Pseudomonas, Enterococcus, and Halomonas, in the resistant variety were considerably greater after infection with BmNPV than those in the sensitive variety. After infection with BmNPV, four kinds of important intestinal bacteria, namely, f_Saccharimonadaceae, Peptostreptococcus, Aureirmonas, and f_Rhizobiaceae, were found in the resistant silkworm variety. In the sensitive silkworm variety, only Faecalibaculum was an important intestinal bacterium. The differential or important bacteria mentioned above might be involved in immunoreaction or antiviral activities, especially in the intestines of BmNPV-resistant silkworms. By conducting a functional enrichment analysis, we found that BmNPV infection did not change the abundance of important functional components of the intestinal flora in resistant or sensitive silkworm varieties. However, some functional factors, such as the biosynthesis, transport, and catabolism of secondary metabolites (e.g., terpenoids and polyketides) and lipid transport and metabolism, were more important in the resistant silkworm variety than in the sensitive variety; thus, these factors may increase the resistance of the host to BmNPV. To summarize, we found significant differences in the composition, abundance, and function of the intestinal flora between resistant and sensitive silkworm varieties, especially after infection with BmNPV, which might be closely related to the resistance of resistant silkworm varieties to BmNPV.

Comparative evaluation of antimicrobial efficacy of triphala, assa-foetida and 0.2% chlorhexidine mouth rinses on salivary streptococcus mutans

Oral diseases, such as dental caries and periodontal diseases are major worldwide oral health problems. Poor oral health has a profound effect on general health and quality of life. Dental caries is still a major health problem in most industrialized countries, school-aged children and the vast majority of adults. Streptococcus mutans is considered as one of the most important cariogenic species of the human oral microbial flora. Studies have proved the association between S. mutans and dental caries. Traditional Indian system of medicine “Ayurveda” includes several important medicinal herbs, which are used since ancient days. Triphala, which has a wide range of systemic benefits, is one among them. Studies have shown that Triphala has good antimicrobial effects against S. mutans. Ferula assa-foetida (F.assa-foetida), is a large herbaceous perennial plant from the Apiaceae family. The properties of Assa-foetida according to Traditional Persian Medicine resources suggest it is very effective for relieving toothache. Different parts of F. assa-foetida have a wide variety of medicinal applications including antifungal, anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, anti-mutagenic and anti-microbial effects. To compare and evaluate the antimicrobial efficacy of Triphala, Assa-foetida and 0.2% Chlorhexidine mouth rinses on the salivary Streptococcus mutans level. Saliva samples were collected from children of age group of 5-11 years with a DMFT/def score ≥4 and with minimum of four active caries. Triphala and Asafoetida mouth rinses were prepared indigenously. Samples were plated on the culture media and then smeared on MHA media for assessing the antimicrobial efficacy against Chlorhexidine. The zone of inhibition was measured which showed the resistance against S.mutans. Results were statistically analyzed using one way ANOVA. Significant resistance was noted with asafoetida mouth rinse by measuring the zone of inhibition. Considering the results, Triphala and asafoetida mouth rinses serve as effective herbal mouth rinses for reducing the salivary Streptococcus mutans load and can be considered as an alternative to chemical mouthwash, like Chlorhexidine.

Assessment of the botanical origin of Saudi Arabian honey samples to identify pollen with chromatographic tools and packing and storage.

The increasing demand for honey purification and authentication necessitates the global utilization of advanced processing tools. Common honey processing techniques, such as chromatography, are commonly used to assess the quality and quantity of valuable honey. In this study, 15 honey samples were authenticated using HPLC and GC-MS chromatographic methods to analyze their pollen spectrum. Various monofloral honey samples were collected, including Acacia, Hypoestes, Lavandula, Tamarix, Trifolium, and Ziziphus species, based on accurate identification by apiarists in 2023 from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Honey analysis revealed the extraction of pollen from 20 different honeybee floral species. Pollen identified from honey samples using advanced chromatographic tools revealed dominant vegetation resources: Ziziphus species (23%), Acacia species (25%), Tamarix species (34%), Lavandula species (26%), Hypoestes species (34%), and Trifolium species (31%). This study uses HPLC to extract phenolic compounds, revealing dominant protocatechuic acid (4.71 mg g-1), and GC-MS to analyze organic compounds in honey pollen. Specifically, 2-dodecanone was detected with a retention time of 7.34 min. The utilization of chromatographic tools in assessing honey samples for pollen identification provides a reliable and efficient method for determining their botanical origins, thereby contributing to the quality control and authentication of honey products.

Seed dormancy, climate changes, desertification and soil use transformation threaten the Mediterranean endemic monospecific plant Petagnaea gussonei

This study investigated the germination capacity (endogenous factor) of Petagnaea gussonei (Spreng.) Rauschert, an endemic monospecific plant considered as a relict species of the ancient Mediterranean Tertiary flora. This investigation focused also on the temporal trends of soil-use, climate and desertification (exogenous factors) across the natural range of P. gussonei. The final germination percentage showed low values between 14 and 32%, the latter obtained with GA3 and agar at 10 °C. The rising temperatures in the study area will further increase the dormancy of P. gussonei, whose germination capacity was lower and slower at temperatures higher than 10 °C. A further limiting factor of P. gussonei is its dormancy, which seems to be morpho-physiological. Regarding climate trends, in the period 1931–2020, the average temperature increased by 0.5 °C, from 15.4 to 15.9 °C, in line with the projected climate changes throughout the twenty-first century across the Mediterranean region. The average annual rainfall showed a relatively constant value of c. 900 mm, but extreme events grew considerably in the period 1991–2020. Similarly, the land affected by desertification expanded in an alarming way, by increasing from 21.2% in 2000 to 47.3% in 2020. Soil-use changes created also a complex impacting mosaic where c. 40% are agricultural areas. The effective conservation of P. gussonei should be multilateral by relying on germplasm banks, improving landscape connectivity and vegetation cover, and promoting climate policies.