Maintenance Of Life Research Articles

The Weeping Earth: Entangled Humanism, Precarity, and Imaginaries in African Eco-Poetry

The ecological visions of two African poets and their portrayal of the precarious condition of the environment in Africa are discussed in this article. Their nostalgic reflections on the idyllic image of the continent before anthropogenic activities degraded its fertile greenery also received major attention. Zakari Musa’s Elegy for the Earth (2020) and John Ngong’s The Tears of the Earth (2019) are critically analysed to expound the poets’ temporal triangulation of ecological discourse in Africa. I adopt Nigeria and Cameroon as models of African ecological space to interrogate the poetic contemplation of eco-precarity, temporality, and a vision of a new Africa built on human-nature interdependency and the green economy imaginary. Drawing on insights from ecofeminism and other relevant conceptual perspectives in environmental humanities, I examine sundry ecological topoi, including the politics of gendering and anthropomorphising the environment, the effects of the politics on nature, and the possibility of educating the African mind through the focalisation of precarity in African ecological poetry. I argue that the poets’ romanticisation of nature offers them an opportunity to intensify their education project by emphasising nature's contributions to life sustenance, while warning that human beings are self-destructing because of their insensitivity to climate change.

The Potential for Organic Synthesis in the Ocean of Enceladus

The Cassini spacecraft detected a soup of organics in the plume of Saturn’s moon Enceladus. Those compounds could provide building blocks for the potential emergence or sustenance of microbial life in Enceladus’ subsurface ocean. However, the sources and stabilities of organics in Enceladus’ ocean are still poorly understood. Here, we perform nonequilibrium thermodynamic calculations to assess the energetics of abiotic synthesis for a broad spectrum of small organic molecules under both cold oceanic and hydrothermal conditions on Enceladus. Most of the organics that we studied are thermodynamically favorable to synthesize at micromolal dissolved concentrations over wide ranges of pH (8.5–11) and redox conditions. This suggests that many of the organic compounds detected by Cassini may be derived from reactions of CO2 and H2. However, some widely assumed precursors of biomolecules, such as formaldehyde, hydrogen cyanide, and acetylene, are found to be unstable and therefore unfavorable to be synthesized. We found that higher temperatures also seem to favor the synthesis of organic species under Enceladus hydrothermal conditions. Detection of thermodynamically unstable species in the plume might reflect artifacts introduced during high-speed spacecraft flybys and/or active synthesis via degradation of primordial chondritic organics, or biological activities.

Importance of Energy, Dietary Protein Sources, and Amino Acid Composition in the Regulation of Metabolism: An Indissoluble Dynamic Combination for Life.

This paper aims to present a unique perspective that emphasizes the intricate interplay between energy, dietary proteins, and amino acid composition, underscoring their mutual dependence for health-related considerations. Energy and protein synthesis are fundamental to biological processes, crucial for the sustenance of life and the growth of organisms. We explore the intricate relationship between energy metabolism, protein synthesis, regulatory mechanisms, protein sources, amino acid availability, and autophagy in order to elucidate how these elements collectively maintain cellular homeostasis. We underscore the vital role this dynamic interplay has in preserving cell life. A deeper understanding of the link between energy and protein synthesis is essential to comprehend fundamental cellular processes. This insight could have a wide-ranging impact in several medical fields, such as nutrition, metabolism, and disease management.

Indigenous agricultural practices employed by the Vhavenda community in the Musina local municipality to promote sustainable environmental management

Indigenous knowledge offers insights into preserving natural resources and further contributes towards improving rural livelihoods. Incorporating this knowledge into agriculture can therefore increase acceptance and innovation of sustainable technologies. In support of this argument, rural small-scale farmers have globally proven the significance of indigenous knowledge in the agricultural sector by incorporating their local strategies and practices for both commercial and subsistence agriculture. This article demonstrates the various indigenous farming practices employed by the Vhavenda Community and how these practices promote sustainable environmental management. It reflects the essential aspects crucial to indicating the value of indigenous agriculture. Using a mixed-methods approach, we administered face-to-face structured questionnaires to elderly villagers aged 50 years and above from the study area. Our results revealed various agricultural practices such as crop rotations, polyculture, intercropping, livestock farming, ploughing rituals, water harvesting, and seasonal agriculture. The Vhavenda community incorporates local knowledge, which is unique to these agricultural practices, and uses various strategies which contribute to a sustainable environment within their area. This has, in turn, allowed them to improve their livelihoods, reduce poverty, and provide life sustenance. The study's findings demonstrate the significance of indigenous knowledge in the agricultural sector and rural peoples' efforts towards supportable environmental management. The article therefore suggests that local indigenous knowledge should be understood as a collaborative concept within the agricultural industry. Furthermore, it proposes that stakeholders who influence decision-making and progress in rural communities should consider this knowledge and work together with local inhabitants. Additionally, it advocates for acknowledging the understanding of local indigenous peoples in pursuing sustainable environmental management.

WOMEN’S ENGAGEMENT IN SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION: A RESEARCH PERSPECTIVE

The sustenance of life on earth relies heavily on essential natural resources such as soil and water, integral components of the environment. The conservation and management of these natural resources should be essential for survival of humankind. Women emerge as pivotal contributors to this conservation effort due to their traditional engagement with daily activities intimately connected to natural resources, fostering a reduction in waste and excessive consumption. Despite their significant role, governmental attention towards encouraging women’s involvement in natural resource conservation remains disproportionately minimal. In response to this gap, the study investigates the extent of women’s participation in soil and water conservation in Banaskantha district of Gujarat. A sample of 180 women respondents was randomly chosen for the study, and the quantitative data was carried out through the use of an interview schedule. The research indicates a moderate level of women’s engagement in soil and water conservation practices. Notably, women demonstrate the highest participation during the execution phase of soil conservation, while their involvement in planning and decision-making stages remains largely invisible. Similarly, in water conservation, women’s participation was notably lower not only during the planning phase but also in the execution phase. The study concludes by emphasizing the urgency for policy planners, government bodies, and other institutions to actively promote and encourage women’s participation in policy-making and planning processes. This can be achieved through targeted efforts such as additional exposure, awareness campaigns, and training programs. By enhancing the role of women in these critical aspects, society can harness their valuable insights and contributions towards ensuring the productive and efficient use of natural resources for the benefit of current and future generations.

Surface water quality prediction in the lower Thoubal river watershed, India: A hyper-tuned machine learning approach and DNN-based sensitivity analysis

The accurate and efficient monitoring, assessment, and prediction of water resources is crucial for the sustenance of life and health of the environment. Traditional methods for assessing water quality can be laborious and time-consuming, but the use of machine learning algorithms can improve the speed and precision of these predictions. The study aimed to evaluate the quality of surface water in the lower Thoubal river using a comprehensive approach that analyzed 12 physico-chemical properties of the water samples collected from 16 different sites. Four machine learning algorithms namely, deep neural network (DNN), gradient boost model (GBM), generalized linear model (GLM), and random forest (RF) were applied and compared for the prediction efficiency of a water quality index (WQI). Sensitivity and uncertainty analysis of the parameters were carried out using a DNN-based model. The study incorporated model evaluation using learning curve along with five key performance assessors. The findings revealed marked variation in the WQI in the watershed. Of the samples tested, about 70 % were found to have good water quality, 18 % had excellent water quality, 11 % had poor water quality, 1 % had very poor water quality, and less than 1 % were deemed unsuitable. Turbidity, BOD, and COD were found to be the most influential parameter towards WQI prediction. The effectiveness of the predictive models ranked as GLM>DNN>RF>GBM, GLM>GBM>DNN>RF, and GLM>DNN>RF>GBM; based on testing, training and 5-fold cross-validation. The GLM model consistently showed superior performance with the lowest RMSEs of 0.14783 in training, 0.15936 in validation, and 0.26115 in 5-fold cross-validation. Conversely, during the training, RF displayed the worst RMSEs of 5.38354, 4.79754 by GBM in validation, and 7.04887 by GBM in 5-fold cross-validation. The analysis using the Taylor diagram and learning curve further supported that GLM was the most effective model for predicting surface water quality. Biological oxygen demand, chemical oxygen demand, electrical conductivity, turbidity and total hardness were found to be the key parameters influencing the water quality. Unregulated and illegal sand mining from the riverbed, garbage dumping into the water bodies, runoffs from agricultural fields have significantly deteriorated the water quality in the study area. The scalable approach of the study and its results can benefit the local water managers and water research community.

The post-independence Nigerian environment and economic development: An historical survey

Environment plays a vital role in shaping and determining the level of progress achievable by man, both individually and collectively in various fields of endeavour. Man, and his environment are inseparably bound together, as the environment provides him the platform for the expression and demonstration of his inherent potentials and skills as a gregarious and productive organism. Without environment, there will be no life because it is the environment that sustains life. Human environment should therefore be made conducive, enabling and salubrious for the sustenance of life and diverse activities. Thus, this paper begins, by a somber glance at the post – independence since 1960; effects of good environment on productivity and economic development, and the crushing influence of harsh environment on Nigerian economy. The paper concludes by highlighting an economic development-friendly environment as a must for our 21st century Nigeria. The paper employed participatory observation and historical methods in other to achieve its objectives. The paper recommends, among others, that the government should promptly and urgently rid our environment of the activities of insurgents, bandits, terrorist herdsmen, unknown gunmen, kidnappers, and criminals which constitute serious threats to life sustenance, peace, social stability, and economic development.

Evolution of the catalytic mechanism at the dawn of the Baeyer-Villiger monooxygenases

Enzymes are crucial for the emergence and sustenance of life on earth. How they became catalytically activeduring their evolution is still an open question. Two opposite explanations are plausible: acquiring a mechanism in a series of discrete steps or all at once in a single evolutionary event. Here, we use molecular phylogeny, ancestral sequence reconstruction, and biochemical characterization to follow the evolution of a specialized group of flavoprotein monooxygenases, the bacterial Baeyer-Villiger monooxygenases (BVMOs). These enzymes catalyze an intricate chemical reaction relying on three different elements: a reduced nicotinamide cofactor, dioxygen, and a substrate. Characterization of ancestral BVMOs shows that the catalytic mechanism evolved in a series of steps starting from a FAD-binding protein and further acquiring reactivity and specificity toward each of the elements participating in the reaction. Together, the results of our work portray how an intrinsically complex catalytic mechanism emerged during evolution.

They Make Death, and I'm the Labor of Life”

How is life affirmed under conditions of death, destruction, and debilitation? This article addresses this question by looking at the practice of sperm smuggling in Palestine as a life-affirming practice. The practice of sperm smuggling emerges in a context where reproductive injustices against Palestinians are daily occurrences of life under Israeli settler colonialism. The legal, social, and militarized targeting of Palestinian mothers and children, the mass incarceration of Palestinian men, and the attack on infrastructures of livability are Israeli biopolitical and necropolitical strategies of incapacitating the conditions necessary for the sustenance and reproduction of life in Palestine. Against this backdrop, the author argues that the practice of sperm smuggling circumvents settler-colonial efforts to curtail the reproduction of life and inaugurates a practice of life-making and a conception of life beyond its adjudication in the language of “rights.” Critically engaging with the work of Judith Butler and Rosi Braidotti, the author argues that sperm smuggling enacts an “affirmation of life” that refuses submission to the totalizing hold of physical, social, and political death.

Small Scale Subsistence Farming in Nalbari District of Assam, India and the Scope of Sustainable Development of the Households

Land is the free gift of nature to man for the sustenance of life and sustainable use of land resources is an inevitable choice for sustainable development. Maintaining productive land and healthy soils to ensure food security, sustainable development and restoration of degraded land is essential for the future of mankind. Small-scale farming does not require a large amount of land and this aspect enables the development of various crops and livestock in the neighbourhood. In the present study, Nalbari district of Assam, India has been taken and most of the inhabitants of case study villages in Nalbari district make their income from small-scale farming. Diversified uses of available land is one of the significant strategy adopted by households to remain sustained in their natural and human environment in the district. The sustainable use of land resource in the study area is based on indigenous knowledge systems. To compare various indicators generated from the primary survey of this study, standardization is required and Z-transformation method is used for standardizing indicators. Level of economic sustainability is high in Paramankhow, Mohina village (0.1 and above), medium in Haribhanga, Sataibari, No.1 larkuchi village (-0.25 to 0.1) and low in Tilana, Deharkatara, Paila, kachimpur, Suplekuchi, Sandheli, Barajal, Uttarkuchi, Barkuriha, Bajaliudaypur, Kalardia, Loharkatha, Chamata, Mohkhuli, Dahudi village (Less than -0.25). Based on composite Z score value, level of environmental sustainability is not high in the case study villages in Nalbari district. The type of soils and abundant rainfall are blessing for the commercial cultivation of different subtropical fruit crops such as Banana, Assam lemon, Mandarin orange, Coconut, Areca nut, Jackfruit, Papaya, Litchi, along with spice crops like Ginger, Turmeric, Chilli, Black pepper etc. in the district. The agriculture in entire district is organic by default, due to low use of agro chemicals in field and horticultural crops.

Exploring Emergent Properties in Enzymatic Reaction Networks: Design and Control of Dynamic Functional Systems.

The intricate and complex features of enzymatic reaction networks (ERNs) play a key role in the emergence and sustenance of life. Constructing such networks in vitro enables stepwise build up in complexity and introduces the opportunity to control enzymatic activity using physicochemical stimuli. Rational design and modulation of network motifs enable the engineering of artificial systems with emergent functionalities. Such functional systems are useful for a variety of reasons such as creating new-to-nature dynamic materials, producing value-added chemicals, constructing metabolic modules for synthetic cells, and even enabling molecular computation. In this review, we offer insights into the chemical characteristics of ERNs while also delving into their potential applications and associated challenges.

Glutathione Reductase Expression and Its Prognostic Significance in Colon Cancer.

Maintaining a balanced redox state within cells is crucial for the sustenance of life. The process involves continuous cytosolic disulfide reduction reactions to restore oxidized proteins to their reduced thiol forms. There are two main cellular antioxidant pathways-the thioredoxin (Trx) and glutathione (GSH)/glutaredoxin (Grx) systems. In the GSH/Grx system, glutathione reductase (GR; GSR) catalyses the reduction of GSH disulfide (GSSG) to its sulfhydryl form (GSH), which can then further reduce oxidized Grxs. GR is an essential enzyme that helps in maintaining the supply of reduced glutathione-GSH, which is a significant reducing thiol found in most cells and known for its antioxidant properties. Therefore, it can have a significant impact on cancer development. To investigate this further, we performed an immunohistochemical analysis of GR protein expression in colon adenocarcinoma samples collected from patients with primary colon adenocarcinoma (stage I and II) and patients with metastasis to regional lymph nodes (stage III). The results of our study revealed a significant relationship between the immunohistochemical expression of GR and tumour histological grade, depth of invasion, regional lymph node involvement, staging, and PCNA immunohistochemical expression. It was found that 95% of patients with stage I had low levels of GR expression, whereas 89% of patients with stage III had high levels of immunohistochemical expression. A high level of expression was also detected in the patients with stage II of the disease, where almost 63% were characterized by a high expression of GR. The Western blot method revealed that the highest level of expression was found in the LS 174T cell line, which corresponds to stage II. The results of our study indicate that the immunohistochemical expression of GR may act as an independent prognostic factor associated with colon adenocarcinoma patients' prognosis.

Metabolite cross-feeding enables concomitant catabolism of chlorinated methanes and chlorinated ethenes in synthetic microbial assemblies.

Isolate studies have been a cornerstone for unraveling metabolic pathways and phenotypical (functional) features. Biogeochemical processes in natural and engineered ecosystems are generally performed by more than a single microbe and often rely on mutualistic interactions. We demonstrate the rational bottom-up design of synthetic, interdependent co-cultures to achieve concomitant utilization of chlorinated methanes as electron donors and organohalogens as electron acceptors. Specialized anaerobes conserve energy from the catabolic conversion of chloromethane or dichloromethane to formate, H2, and acetate, compounds that the organohalide-respiring bacterium Dehalogenimonas etheniformans strain GP requires to utilize cis-1,2-dichloroethenene and vinyl chloride as electron acceptors. Organism-specific qPCR enumeration matched the growth of individual dechlorinators to the respective functional (i.e. dechlorination) traits. The metabolite cross-feeding in the synthetic (co-)cultures enables concomitant utilization of chlorinated methanes (i.e. chloromethane and dichloromethane) and chlorinated ethenes (i.e. cis-1,2-dichloroethenene and vinyl chloride) without the addition of an external electron donor (i.e. formate and H2). The findings illustrate that naturally occurring chlorinated C1 compounds can sustain anaerobic food webs, an observation with implications for the development of interdependent, mutualistic communities, the sustenance of microbial life in oligotrophic and energy-deprived environments, and the fate of chloromethane/dichloromethane and chlorinated electron acceptors (e.g. chlorinated ethenes) in pristine environments and commingled contaminant plumes.

The effect of fishing-capture stress on the oxygen uptake rate and swimming activity of the holocephalan Callorhinchus milii.

Overfishing, capture mortality, and consequences following the release of surviving animals represent severe threats to chondrichthyans. Although holocephalans are common bycaught and discarded species, other than postrelease mortality, little is known of fishing capture stress impacts. The stress response elicited after capture, essential to increase survival chances, is energetically demanding and affects the amount of energy available for other biological activities, with potential long-term impairments. We measured the effect of 30-min simulated gillnet capture on oxygen uptake rate (ṀO2 ), a proxy for metabolic rate and energy use, on recovery pattern, and on swimming activity of elephant fish (Callorhinchus milii). Immediately after simulated capture, Active and Inactive ṀO2 , measured during swimming and resting periods, respectively, were 27.5% and 43.1% lower than precapture values. This metabolic decline is likely an adaptation for reducing the energy allocated to non-essential activities, thus preserving it to sustain the stress response and processes essential for immediate survival. Supporting this, after gillnet capture, animals decreased their swimming time by 26.6%, probably due to a reduction in the energy allocated to movement. After 7 days, swimming activity and both Inactive ṀO2 and Active ṀO2 returned to precapture values. Although metabolic decline may enhance survival chances, the associated decreased swimming activity might increase predation risk and slow the physiological recovery after a fishing event. Moreover, some of the activities involved in Inactive ṀO2 are fundamental for life maintenance and therefore its depression after a capture event might have long-term repercussions for life sustenance and health.

GEOSPATIAL ASSESSMENT OF IRRIGATION WATER QUALITY IN MULTAN TEHSIL: A COMPREHENSIVE ANALYSIS

Water pollution and scarcity threaten sustenance and quality of life. The water usage for irrigation necessitates its content evaluation to ensure safe application and to meet high productivity goals. Drawing upon prior reports addressing salinity concerns in diverse agricultural regions of Pakistan, our study focused on assessing the risks in the Multan Tehsil of Punjab. To accomplish this, well water samples (n=383) were examined for parameters such as electrical conductivity (EC), sodium absorption ratio (SAR), and Residual Sodium Carbonates (RSC). Laboratory analyses indicated elevated levels of selected parameters in water samples from southwestern sites, with 21.4% exceeding SAR limits, 28.7% surpassing RSC thresholds, and 66.1% crossing permissible EC limits. The underlying anthropogenic causes of groundwater pollution include an increased rate of run-off, leachate percolation, reduced infiltration, inadequate recharge of well water, and urban land expansion. Rather than relying on end-of-pipe management strategies, it is recommended to prioritize source water treatment

A Study on Role of Rural Women of District Anantnag of Kashmir Valley in Natural Resource Management

A natural resource is a material that comes from the natural environment and in its raw or “natural” state is of value for support and sustenance of life on earth with its ecological value and diverse resources. The natural resource management is the taking care of natural resources like land, water. It has been noticed that use and abuse of natural resources is a key issue that has been caused by mankind. The misuse of natural resources directly or indirectly refers to excessive use, destructive use or achieving imbalance between natural resources either individually or in combination. The purpose of current study was to investigate the role of Rural women in natural resources management and utilization in Anantnag, J&K. The role of women in natural resource management is crucial for sustainable development. This abstract explores the multifaceted contributions of women of this domain, including their roles as farmers, forest users, and water managers women”s local knowledge and expertise often lead to effective resource conservation and community resilience .Despite their significant contributions ,women often face barriers such as limited access to resources and decision making power and empowering women in natural resource management can enhance conservation efforts and promote equitable and inclusive development. In the current study quantitative as well as qualitative data was collected from 100 rural women selected at random using simple random sampling technique. The data collected were analyzed using appropriate statistical tools. The study revealed that the respondents understudy in majority have limited access of latest technology, skill training, education, extension services and current information. In order to strengthen the women’s participation in resources management and sustainable uses, the researchers suggest that suitable measures should be taken to empower women in decision making, skill training, education and extension activities.

Survey on Air Pollution in India: Insights, Predictions, and Mixed Gas Analysis for an Improved Future

Abstract: The sustenance of life on Earth is intricately tied to the quality of our air. But this precious resource is facing mounting threats from the harmful consequences of rapid industrialization, transportation networks, and the everyday practices of modern living. This research paper addresses the pressing issue of rising air pollution in India, with a strong emphasis on environmental well-being. Utilizing data from the Central Pollution Control Board of India (CPCB), our project focuses on air quality visualization, pollution prediction, and mixed gas analysis. We have developed an intuitive web-based platform for visualizing air quality data, offering a valuable tool for the public and policymakers. Additionally, predictive models are employed to anticipate pollution levels, facilitating timely intervention and mitigation. Our mixed gas analysis sheds light on the composition of atmospheric gases, enhancing our understanding of pollution sources. Through this interdisciplinary approach, our research aims to provide a comprehensive solution to combat air pollution, fostering environmental sustainability and public health improvement in India

A Comprehensive Review on Examination of Plant Biochemistry Including Pathways, Enzymes, and Applications

Plant biochemistry, an intricate nexus of molecular pathways, plays a pivotal role in the sustenance of both plant life and human civilization. While significant advancements have been made in this realm, the complexity of plant metabolic systems continues to pose formidable challenges for researchers. These challenges, however, are accompanied by emerging areas of exploration, such as the nuanced field of epigenetics and the intricate web of plant-microbe interactions. The insights garnered from such research hold vast potential for practical applications. In agriculture, there's an impending promise of high-yield, resilient crops tailored for a changing climate. Concurrently, the medical domain foresees a future where plants, both existing and bioengineered, become essential sources for pharmaceutical compounds. The broader industry can anticipate sustainable solutions ranging from biofuel synthesis to the creation of bioplastics, all rooted in plant biochemistry. In essence, as we delve deeper into understanding these biochemical pathways and interactions, we edge closer to harnessing them for global benefit, pointing to a future where plant biochemistry is not just a subject of academic intrigue but a linchpin for sustainable solutions across sectors.

The relevance of human flourishing to offender rehabilitation

The relevance of human flourishing to offender rehabilitation Sung Joon Jang and Byron R. Johnson, both from Baylor University, turn the spotlight on the relevance of human flourishing to offender rehabilitation in Colombia and South Africa. Humans are born with fundamental needs for survival (e.g., food, clothing, and shelter) and flourishing, which concerns happiness and life satisfaction, physical and mental health, meaning and purpose, character and virtue, and close social relationships (VanderWeele, 2017). Survival needs are essential to human existence, but flourishing needs are not meant to be secondary or less important. While the sustenance of life is necessary for human flourishing, both types of innate needs should be seen as primary concerns from a holistic point of view. This is evident because even when physical and material needs are fully met, people may still decline mentally or relationally. They may experience “diseases of excess” or “deaths of despair” (Clifton, 2022).

DEEP RESIDUAL LEARNING FOR RECOGNISING ADULTERATION IN PULSES VIA THERMAL IMAGING

Food is the most essential requirement for sustenance of human life and it is one of the basic necessities of life. For optimal health, we should consume pure, nourishing, and adulterant-free food. Adulteration is the malicious contamination of food products with inferior, less expensive, inedible, or hazardous ingredients. Food adulteration means adding harmful substances to food products to contaminate or adulterate it. Pulses are a significant part of Indian cuisine, serving as a staple food item. Pulses may be adulterated by accidental, commercial, or metallic components, which can be harmful to health, rendering them unsafe for consumption and posing health risks. In order to guarantee the safety and quality of food, it is necessary to analyse pulses for any potential adulteration. In this paper, we propose a method for determining adulteration in Dal (Lentils) using ResNet-50, a deep learning model based on CNN. For this work, thermal images of pure dal and adulterated dal were used to classify the adulterated and unadulterated samples. Experimental results show that the proposed system can achieve high accuracy in detecting adulteration in pulses. The proposed system is also fast and requires minimal human intervention, making it suitable for use in food quality control systems. Key Words: Adulteration, Deep learning, Thermal Images, Convolutional Neural Network (CNN), Residual Network, Pulses, lentils.