Visible Signs Research Articles

Use of UV-C radiation and packaging to maintain the quality of minimally processed kale

Kale, a imortant crop for family farms, gains added value through minimal processing, enhancing freshness and convenience. UV-C irradiation emerges as a promising method for extending kale's shelf life without chemicals, although standardization is complex due to varying food resistances to light penetration.The study in question analyzed the effects of two different irradiation times on minimally processed cabbage, packaged in bowls and Styrofoam with plastic film, observing changes in physical-chemical and sensory parameters, such as loss of mass, color, pH, and visual and olfactory signs of deterioration. Six treatments were tested, varying the exposure time and the type of packaging, as well as a treatment with chlorinated sanitizer, using the Tukey test at 5% significance to determine the most effective in preserving the product. It was found that the packaging in the cumbuca resulted in less mass loss compared to the tray, and the lowest pH values were recorded in the treatment with UV-C light in the cumbuca, which may indicate that they are an option for reducing the stress of the product after processing. None of the color parameters a* and b* or the luminosity index differed from each other, so it is valid to say that the UV-C radiation and chlorine sanitization treatments applied in the experiment were able to preserve the color of the cabbage samples for a period of 8 days. Therefore, the application of UV-C light did not negatively affect the color, pH or loss of mass of the minimally processed cabbage and combined with the correct packaging can be an alternative to conventional sanitization, in addition to maintaining the original aroma of the product.

Developing a simple and efficient modeling solution for predicting key phenological stages of table grapes in a non-traditional viticulture zone in south Asia.

Phenological shifts are one of the most visible signs of climatic variability and change in the biosphere. However, modeling plant phenological responses has always been a key challenge due to climatic variability and plant adaptation. Grapevine is a phenologically sensitive crop and, thus, its developmental stages are affected by the increase in temperature. The goal of this study was to develop a temperature-based grapevine phenology model (GPM) for predicting key developmental stages for different table grape cultivars for a non-traditional viticulture zone in south Asia. Experiments were conducted in two vineyards at two locations (Chakwal and Islamabad) in the Pothawar region of Pakistan during the 2019 and 2020 growing seasons for four cultivars including Perlette, King's Ruby, Sugraone and NARC Black. Detailed phenological observations were obtained starting in January until harvest of the grapes. The Mitscherlich monomolecular equation was used to develop the phenology model for table grapes. There was a strong non-linear correlation between the Eichhorn and Lorenz phenological (ELP) scale and growing degree days (GDD) for all cultivars with coefficient of determinations (R2) ranging from 0.90 to 0.94. The results for model development indicated that GPM was able to predict phenological stages with high skill scores, i.e., a root mean square (RMSE) of 2.14 to 2.78 and mean absolute error (MAE) of 1.86 to 2.26 days. The prediction variability of the model for the onset timings of phenological stages was up to 3 days. The results also reveal that the phenology model based on GDD approach provides an efficient planning tool for viticulture industry in different grape growing regions. The proposed methodology, being a simpler one, can be easily applied to other regions and cultivars as a predictor for grapevine phenology.

Sexually discordant selection is associated with trait specific morphological changes and a complex genomic response.

Sexes often have differing fitness optima, potentially generating intra-locus sexual conflict, as each sex bears a genetic 'load' of alleles beneficial to the other sex. One strategy to evaluate conflict in the genome is to artificially select populations discordantly, against established sexual dimorphism, reintroducing attenuated conflict. We investigate a long-term artificial selection experiment reversing sexual size dimorphism in Drosophila melanogaster during ~350 generations of sexually discordant selection. We explore morphological and genomic changes to identify loci under selection between the sexes in discordantly and concordantly size selected treatments. Despite substantial changes to overall size, concordant selection maintained ancestral sexual dimorphism. However, discordant selection altered size dimorphism in a trait-specific manner. We observe multiple, possible soft selective sweeps in the genome, with size related genes showing signs of selection. Patterns of genomic differentiation between the sexes within lineages identified potential sites maintained by sexual conflict. One discordant selected lineage shows a pattern of elevated genomic differentiation between males and females, on chromosome 3L, consistent with the maintenance of sexual conflict. Our results suggest visible signs of conflict and differentially segregating alleles between the sexes due to discordant selection.

Finding the Next Successor: Visual Message in Caricature Image

Caricature is a form of visual communication wherein messages are conveyed through exaggerated and often humorous distortions of characters, serving as a critique of societal issues. Caricature often serves to critique various aspects of society, including social, cultural, economic, legal, and political conditions. Similarly, the political landscape surrounding the 2024 general election has intensified, fostering active and diverse discussions through both direct and indirect media channels. Mass media visualizes the very busy pros and cons of the Indonesian future successors. The proponents and the supported people are arguing and the one that can represent them will be the leader of government in 2024-2029. Funny, amusing, and intriguing caricature images in National Mass Media are interesting to study to see how the interpretation on the form of a caricature object is using the meaningful visual signs. This research was limited to caricature images by a cartoonist, Kang Yuyun, that was published in TEMPO National mass media in January-June 2023. The object of illustrative image was limited using a purposive sample that is considered representing the objective of research. The data mining was carried out through observation, interview, document, and literature. Observation was conducted directly in Tempo’s Office, Jakarta; interview was conducted online with the cartoonist; document included the caricature images that have been published on Sunday; and literature came from scientific works such as journal, proceeding, and books. All data were collected to be validated using triangulation and then analyzed using Roland Barthes’ semiotic theory about denotation, connotation, and myth. The findings reveal that Kang Yuyun’s caricature images in TEMPO mass media during the 2024 General Election depict three groups supporting Ganjar Pranowo, Prabowo Subianto, and Anis Bawesdan as potential successors, emphasizing unity in nation-building and promotion. Keywords: caricature, mass media, the successor, semiotics

Plant diseases detection and classifications using SympDense- A fine-tuning deep learning model

A nation’s progress is directly linked to the effective functioning of its agricultural sector. The detection and classification of plant disease is an essential component of the agricultural industry. Plant diseases may result in substantial financial losses due to decreased crop production. As per the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, it is estimated that plant diseases result in a reduction of approximately 10-16% in global crop yields annually. Farmers are traditionally relying on visual inspection, using naked eye observation, as the primary method for detecting plant diseases. This involves a meticulous examination of crops to identify any visible signs of diseases. However, manual disease detection can lead to delayed identification, resulting in significant crop losses. Various methods, coupled with machine learning classifiers, were demonstrated effectiveness in scenarios involving manual feature extraction and limited datasets. However, to handle larger datasets, deep learning models such as Inception V4, ResNet-152, EfficientNet-B5, and DenseNet-201 were studied and implemented. Among these models, DenseNet-201 exhibited superior performance and accuracy compared to the previous methodology. Additionally, A Fine-tuning Deep Learning Model called SympDense was developed, which surpassed other deep learning models in terms of accuracy.

Exploring the Severity Strata of Disease Activity and Repigmentation in Vitiligo Based on Validated Physician Global Assessment (PGA) Scores.

Background/Objectives: There is currently no guidance on how to interpret the global degrees of activity (worsening) and repigmentation (improvement) in vitiligo. Stratification into global degrees can be completed for static evaluations (e.g., visible disease activity signs) and dynamic assessments (e.g., evolution over time). For the latter, the Vitiligo Disease Activity Score (VDAS15&60) and Vitiligo Disease Improvement Score (VDIS15&60) were recently validated. Methods: In the current study, a Physician Global Assessment (PGA) for disease activity (worsening) and repigmentation (improvement) was evaluated for validity (construct) and reliability (inter- and intrarater) based on a photo set of 66 patients. Subsequently, the PGA activity (worsening) and repigmentation (improvement) were used to stratify the Vitiligo Extent Score plus (VESplus), VDAS15&60 or VDIS15&60 into three global categories (slightly, moderately and much worse/improved), based on ROC analysis. Results: For the VESplus, cut-off values for the categories 'slightly, moderately and much worse' were >0.3%, >27.71% and >128.75% BSA (relative changes in the affected total BSA), respectively. For the categories 'slightly, moderately and much improved', they were >0%, >4.87% and >36.88% BSA (relative changes in the affected total BSA), respectively. The optimal cut-off values of the number of active (VDAS15) body areas were >0 areas for slightly worse, >2 areas for moderately worse and >7 for much worse. For VDIS15, the cut-off values for slightly improved and moderately improved were >0 and >1. For VDAS60 and VDIS60, the cut-off points were >0.5, >3, >9.5 and >0.5 and >1.5, respectively. The results should be interpreted with caution in patients with extensive vitiligo due to the rather limited disease extent of the included patient population (VESplus (median: 3.2%)). Conclusions: This research will aid in the development of more detailed international definitions.

From Historical Memory to Cultural Identity: The Construction of Archetypal Symbols for the Statues and Images of Mazu

The archetypal symbols of Mazu’s statues and pictorial art are the mapping of a religious concept, a way of belief, and some programmed behaviours and rituals. They are also emotional imagery used to arouse the cultural awareness of international Chinese, inspire them to help and trust each other, to encourage and to comfort each other, to share weal and woe, and to always forge ahead. From the perspectives of historical memory, visual signs, and cultural identity, this paper explores the construction of archetypal symbols for the statues and images of Mazu. In addition, this paper generalizes the foundation and methods of this construction by analyzing the artistic forms and characteristics of the surviving Mazu images and statues and comparing the rules and regulations for making statues of other religions. Moreover, we consider the function of artistic signs that refer to and symbolize broader religious concepts and beliefs. The purpose of this work is to make the image of Mazu more visually present and strengthen cultural identity.

Aging-Related Changes of the Historical Japanese Beauty, Ono no Komachi (, 825-900 AD).

The aim of this study was to determine how the aging-related changes of a beautiful woman were described in Japanese literature. A poem written by Ono no Komachi was reviewed. Images of her were also searched through Google search. Komachi's poem in Hyakunin Isshu reads: "How the color has faded from the flowers. As I gaze in reverie at the falling rain, I find my beauty, too, has fallen in this world's esteem." Tamatsukuri Komachiko's Death Book describes: "She became thin and looked tired. Her hair looks like a lotus with frost. Her skin resembles a frozen pear. Her bones stick out and her tendons are visible. Her face is dark, and her teeth are yellow". Color woodblock print shows an old woman: She retains her intelligence and beauty even in her advanced years. Her posture was stooped, with a pronounced forward curvature of the spine, resulting as "turtle neck." Her hair was long and gray. Visible signs of aging included forehead wrinkles, crow's feet, deepened nasolabial folds, and marionette lines. Her upper jaw appeared retracted, a "witch's chin." She exhibited neck wrinkles as well as on her hands and wrists, which grasped a bamboo walking stick. Her eyes were sunken, accompanied by a drooping of the upper eyelids. We think that the narrative of her transformation into an ugly and poor woman was intended to convey to men the fleeting nature of women's beauty, and to women that the power of beauty is not ultimately of major significance.

P025 Routine Giant-cell arteritis turned Heidenhain variant of sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease: a mysterious case report!

Abstract Background/Aims Giant-cell arteritis (GCA) is a large vessel vasculitis predominantly affecting those above 50 years of age. Creutzfeldt-Jacob disease (CJD) is not a well-recognised differential diagnosis of GCA presentation. Prion diseases are progressive, currently untreatable and ultimately fatal. Methods We report the case of a 76-year-old female who had an eventful hospital stay of 37 days. She has a history of asthma, hypertension, ulcerative colitis and right-sided GCA 5 years back (normal inflammatory markers & biopsy). Results The patient presents to Harlow ED with a right temporal headache with tenderness, jaw claudication symptoms, blurred vision, diplopia, dizziness and painful right eye movements. Her CRP was <1 and ESR was 5. The plan was to treat it as a recurrence of her GCA and to continue with the high dose Prednisolone started by the ED. CT Head was normal. Owing to poor response, IV Methyl Pred was given. On day six, patient was re-admitted with worsening headache and generalised decline. Ophthalmology review noted multiple visual field defects and treated as GCA. A neurology review noted the patient to be encephalopathic. Advice was for MRI head and CSF analysis - both NAD. On day 12 she had ongoing headache, diplopia, poor vision/memory, and reduced hearing in right ear, but alert and following instructions. On day 17, ENT suggestion was to treat as Meniere’s and start on Betahistine. On day 22, the patient had a TIA episode and discussed with Stroke team. Repeat CT Head was nil acute. By day 26, the patient was unresponsive intermittently and was treated as hypoactive delirium. On day 31 a seizure activity was noticed. Neurology review on day 33 noted rapid decline- the patient being mute, seizure/atypical encephalitis. MRI-Head with contrast showed the possibility of CJD. The very next day patient was reviewed by the team from National CJD Research and Surveillance team, Edinburgh. The formal diagnosis given was: probable Sporadic CJD (visual/Heidanhain variant), rapidly progressive cognitive decline with visual signs, myoclonus, and akinetic mutism, positive MRIs, bland CSF, no clear iatrogenic or variant risk factors, and no credible alternative diagnosis. The distressed family members were updated and the patient was put on EoL pathway. She died peacefully four days later (Day 37). Conclusion The importance of this case is the conflicting inputs from at least five specialities in a rapidly deteriorating patient. A background of previous right-sided GCA did prompt initial treatment in those lines. MRI Head DWI sequence did show the classic ‘cortical ribboning’ with right caudate and lentiform hyperintensity; which clinched the mysterious diagnosis of this rare disease which requires public health surveillance. CJD is to be suspected in any undiagnosed rapidly progressive mental deterioration or dementia, often with behavioural abnormalities and myoclonus. Disclosure S. Narikkoottungal: None. K. Gunasekera: None. K. Ahmed: None.

The significance of the cartographic sign: influences of symbol shape on intuitive judgments

ABSTRACT Some of the maps we encounter in our daily lives have become simpler and smaller, to the extent that they may employ only a single symbol to depict a particular incident. As maps and their symbols are never neutral, research on visual semiotics emphasizes the importance of exploring the implicit, connotative effects of signs on human responses. This study, therefore, aimed to assess the influence of simple monothematic web maps on map users’ judgments. It examined how the severity of negative geospatial events was perceived when represented by cartographic point symbols that varied in shape. In total, 72 maps (12 negative topics, each depicted by six map symbols) were rated by 82 participants. The results showed that asymmetric star symbols led to the highest estimates of the events’ perceived severity, followed by symmetric star symbols. Triangle and rhomb led to the lowest ratings. Circle and square showed the most variable results: they led to high and low ratings depending on the map topic. The findings demonstrate that map symbols influence how people imagine geospatial events. These findings call for a more vigorous focus on the connotative meanings of visual signs in cartographic research and practice.

In vitro and in vivo evaluation of the anti-infective potential of the essential oil extracted from the leaves of Plectranthus amboinicus (lour.) spreng against Klebsiella pneumoniae and elucidation of its mechanism of action through proteomics approach

Ethnopharmacological relevanceMembers of Plectranthus genus such as Plectranthus amboinicus (Lour.) Spreng is a well-known folkloric medicine around the globe in treating several human ailments such as cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, urinary tract, skin and infective diseases. Its therapeutic value is primarily attributed to its essential oil. Although several properties of Plectranthus amboinicus essential oil have been documented, its mechanism of action and safety has not been completely elucidated. Aim of the studyTo investigate the anti-infective potential of Plectranthus amboinicus essential oil against Klebsiella pneumoniae using in vitro and in vivo bioassays and identify its mode of action. The study was conducted to scientifically validate the traditional usage of Plectranthus amboinicus oil and propose it as a complementary and alternative medication to combat Klebsiella pneumoniae infections due to emerging antibiotic resistance problem. Materials and methodsPlectranthus amboinicus essential oil was extracted through steam distillation and was chemically characterized using Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). The antibacterial activity was assessed using microbroth dilution assay, metabolic viability assay and growth curve analysis. The mode of action was elucidated by the proteomics approach using Nano-LC-MS/MS followed by in silico analysis. The results of proteomic analysis were further validated through several in vitro assays. The cytotoxic nature of the essential oil was also confirmed using adenocarcinomic human alveolar basal epithelial (A549) cells. Furthermore, the safety and in vivo anti-infective efficacy of Plectranthus amboinicus essential oil was evaluated through survival assay, CFU assay and histopathological analysis of vital organs using zebrafish as a model organism. ResultsThe chemical characterization of Plectranthus amboinicus essential oil revealed that it is predominantly composed of thymol. Thymol rich P. amboinicus essential oil demonstrated potent inhibitory effects on Klebsiella pneumoniae growth, achieving a significant reduction at a concentration of 400 μg/mL within 4 h of treatment The nano-LC-MS/MS approach unveiled that the essential oil exerted its impact by disrupting the antioxidant defense system and efflux pump system of the bacterium, resulting in elevated cellular oxidative stress and affect the biosynthesis of biofilm. The same was validated through several in vitro assays. Furthermore, the toxicity of Plectranthus amboinicus essential oil determined using A549 cells and zebrafish survival assay established a non-toxic concentration of 400 μg/mL and 12.5 μg/mL respectively. The results of anti-infective potential of the essential oil using Zebrafish as a model organism demonstrated significantly improved survival rates, reduced bacterial load, alleviated visible signs of inflammation and mitigated the adverse effects of infection on various organs, as evidenced by histopathological analysis ensuring its safety for potential therapeutic application. ConclusionThe executed in vitro and in vivo assays established the effectiveness of essential oil in inhibiting bacterial growth by targeting key proteins associated with the bacterial antioxidant defense system and disrupted the integrity of the cell membrane, highlighting its critical role in addressing the challenge posed by antibiotic-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae.

Effects of Disinfectants on Bacterium Paenibacillus larvae in Laboratory Conditions.

American foulbrood is an infectious disease of the honeybee brood that causes multiple types of damage to beekeeping. The causative agent of the disease is the bacterium Paenibacillus larvae, which forms resistant infective spores and is viable for decades. After the eradication measures have been implemented, in cases of clinically visible disease, it is necessary to conduct effective final disinfections of equipment and tools. This study aimed to determine the effect of ten commercially available and commonly used disinfectants on certified strains of P. larvae under laboratory conditions, as well as to compare the obtained results among individual genotypes of P. larvae. Selected products were tested by determining the zone of inhibition using an agar diffusion test, a suspension test for viable bacteria, a surface disinfectant test, and a sporicidal effect in the suspension test. Incidin OxyFoam S and Sekusept Aktiv are both effective against all examined genotypes of P. larvae. Despadac and Despadac Secure have a bactericidal effect, but their sporocidal effect is not as satisfactory as that of Genox. Genoll does not exhibit a sporicidal effect, and Ecocide S at 1%, Bee protect H forte, and Bee protect F did not exhibit a satisfactory sporocidal effect. Additionally, EM® PROBIOTIC FOR BEES did not exhibit any bactericidal effect. The effective application of control measures and proper application of final disinfection can reduce the reoccurrence of visible clinical signs of disease, whereas methods of early diagnosis can significantly reduce the incidence of the disease.

Revolutionizing Plant Disease Detection: A Review of Deep Learning and Machine Learning Algorithms

The food industry has led the agricultural economy of the state all India to prosperity. India has historically been the largest  producing nation having identity of Agricultural Land.  Grains , fruits , Vegetables , such as potatoes, oranges, Tomato ,sugarcane and other specially grains and cottons are the chief crops of the India. Citrus and cotton industries have been a driving force behind Maharashtra's impressive economic growth.. The situation has created job opportunities for many people, boosting the state's economic potential. To maintain the prosperity of citrus and cotton industries, Government has been concerned about disease control, labour cost, and global market.
 During the recent past, citrus canker and citrus greening, Black spot-n cotton has become serious threats to citrus in Maharashtra. Infection by these diseases weakens trees, leading to decline, mortality, lower yields, and decreased commercial value. Likewise, the farmers are concerned about costs from tree loss, scouting, and chemicals used in an attempt to control the disease. An automated detection system may help in prevention and, thus reduce the serious loss to the industries, farmers and Economy of country.
 This research aims to the development of disease detection  with pattern recognition approaches for these diseases in crop. The detection approach consists of three major sub-systems, namely, image acquisition, image processing and pattern recognition. The imaging processing sub-system includes image preprocessing for background noise removal, leaf boundary detection and image feature extraction. Pattern recognition approaches will be use to classify samples among several different conditions on crops.
 In order to evaluate the classification approaches, results will be compared between classification methods for the different induvial fruits, vegetable, grains disease detection. Obtained results will help in  demonstration of  classification accuracy  which is targeted as better than existing for proposed model as high as 97.00%. This study aimed to assess the potential of identifying plant diseases by examining visible signs on fruits and leaves. These data collection and initial knowledge acquisition is plan in offline approaches. By implementing this simple model, we can achieve a more favourable cost-to-production ratio compared to complex solutions.

Walkin’ blues: exploring the semiotic musicscape of Rory Gallagher’s Cork City

ABSTRACT This paper traces a walking tour of Cork City that I recently undertook, using an autoethnographic perspective to tap into the linguistic and semiotic features of places and spaces associated with the blues musician Rory Gallagher and how they are tied to specific music memories. To do this, I draw on the theory of semiotic landscapes, yet put forward the term semiotic musicscapes to account for the imagined, embodied and emotional aspects of the visual linguistic environment that such music walks entail. I argue that these forms of secular pilgrimage turn the ‘ordinary’ into the ‘extraordinary’, relying on both specialised music knowledge and the imaginarium to make true meaning from visual and verbal signs. The paper, thus, offers a new way for ethnomusicologists to explore the cultural geography of music, as well as for (socio)linguists to approach the study of semiotic landscapes, particularly when tied up with musical heritage. It also extends current scholarship on Rory Gallagher whose life and work remain underresearched, despite his importance as a founding figure of Irish rock music.

Corporate culture: institutional regulation and practical implementation experience

The article presents a theoretical analysis of the sociological discourse on corporate culture. The role of corporate culture in the practical activities of the enterprise and its institutional features are discussed. The subject of the study is corporate culture, in particular, the specifics of the use of the term and the components of corporate culture are clarified. It is shown that culture is based on a value component, the development of which in the context of the company should form the value of work and the value of belonging to one's company, which, in turn, should be congruent with the company's strategy and development goals. The article reveals the differences between a developed corporate culture, such as educating and motivating employees to perceive work in the company as a way of life, ensuring staff commitment to the ideas and values of the organization.   The article used a theoretical review of scientific literature in the field of sociology of culture and personnel management. The novelty of the research is the translation of the experience of a medical organization (Mayo clinic), which has a highly developed corporate culture based on the ideas of customer orientation, as well as the identification of the principles of its work and the features of building a culture. The importance of compatibility of corporate culture and strategy is also emphasized. It is noted that at the material level, corporate culture can be observed through visible signs (branded clothing, corporate symbols, organizational ceremonies and attributes, work environment, etc.), and at the level of spiritual culture – values and norms that define and regulate the behavior of employees in the company. At the same time, values closely related to visual samples reflect the internal philosophy of the company. It is emphasized that norms, patterns of corporate behavior, through corporate culture are tools for personnel management, and corporate culture acts as an institutional management tool. The article concludes that it is necessary to purposefully form and develop a corporate culture in the process of which the primary should be the creation of a value component related to the company's development strategy.

Psychological Distress and Quality of Life among Head and Neck Cancer Patients after 3- and 6-Months Post-Treatment—A Hospital-Based Study

ABSTRACT Introduction: Cancers affecting the parts of the head and neck significantly impact patients. Among head and neck cancer (HNC) patients, the visible signs and symptoms of the disease or the side effects of treatment modalities can cause various degrees of functional impairment such as mastication, swallowing, communication, and disfigurement. Objective: To assess psychological distress and quality of life in head and neck cancer patients after 3 and 6 months’ post-treatment. Materials and Methods: A hospital-based follow-up study was conducted among head and neck cancer patients who came for routine follow-up after treatment in five cancer hospitals in Hyderabad City. Patients were categorized based on the treatment into surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and combination of all and the same subjects were followed; after 3 months, psychological distress and quality of life were assessed by distress thermometer and functional assessment of cancer therapy head and neck (FACT H and N). Results: A total of 235 participants were included in the study. Mean age was 58.2 ± 8.7 years. The mean scores of psychological distress at baseline were 4.6 ± 1.2, and after follow-up, it was 3.4 ± 1.2 and the mean scores of quality of life at baseline were 76.4 ± 15.6, and after follow-up, it was 75.5 ± 12.5. Conclusion: The mean scores of psychological distress had reduced from baseline to follow-up with negligible improvement in the quality of life.

Strategic administration of antioxidant multiminerals and vitamins to transitional buffaloes augments antioxidant and udder defense mechanisms in early lactation

The aim of the study was to examine the effects of repeated administrations of antioxidant multiminerals and vitamins in transition buffaloes on udder defense mechanism, antioxidant activity and occurrence of intramammary infection (IMI) in early lactation period. Forty clinically healthy pregnant buffaloes were enrolled 45 days before expected date of calving and randomly allocated into five different supplementation groups (n = 8): only basal ration (control), vitamin E and selenium (VES), multiminerals (MM), ascorbic acid (AA) and chromium (Cr) picolinate in basal diet. The udder defense mechanism was monitored by measuring phagocytic activity (PA), myeloperoxidase (MPO) and nitric oxide (NO) productions in milk leukocytes, antioxidant activity was evaluated by measuring total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in plasma and occurrence of IMI was assessed by milk cytology, bacterial count in milk and visible clinical signs of udder until day 28 post-calving. The results showed that the VES and MM supplementations exhibited significantly higher PA, MPO and NO productions of milk leukocytes till first week of lactation whereas, elevated mean TAC in plasma was maintained from day −7 to 1 of calving in MM supplementation group as compared to control group. Statistically, no significant difference in occurrences of subclinical or clinical IMI was noted across the groups until four weeks of lactation. Taken together, it is concluded that repeated administrations of VES and MM to transition buffaloes could be an effective strategy to maintain good udder health by augmenting milk leukocyte functions and antioxidant status and preventing incidence of IMI in early lactation.

Research Progress on Bioactive Factors against Skin Aging.

The relentless pursuit of effective strategies against skin aging has led to significant interest in the role of bioactive factors, particularly secondary metabolites from natural sources. The purpose of this study is to meticulously explore and summarize the recent advancements in understanding and utilization of bioactive factors against skin aging, with a focus on their sources, mechanisms of action, and therapeutic potential. Skin, the largest organ of the body, directly interacts with the external environment, making it susceptible to aging influenced by factors such as UV radiation, pollution, and oxidative stress. Among various interventions, bioactive factors, including peptides, amino acids, and secondary metabolites, have shown promising anti-aging effects by modulating the biological pathways associated with skin integrity and youthfulness. This article provides a comprehensive overview of these bioactive compounds, emphasizing collagen peptides, antioxidants, and herbal extracts, and discusses their effectiveness in promoting collagen synthesis, enhancing skin barrier function, and mitigating the visible signs of aging. By presenting a synthesis of the current research, this study aims to highlight the therapeutic potential of these bioactive factors in developing innovative anti-aging skin care solutions, thereby contributing to the broader field of dermatological research and offering new perspectives for future studies. Our findings underscore the importance of the continued exploration of bioactive compounds for their potential to revolutionize anti-aging skin care and improve skin health and aesthetics.

Field Isolation and Laboratory Vector-Host Studies of Brazoran Virus (Peribunyaviridae: Orthobunyavirus) from Florida.

Brazoran virus was first isolated from Culex mosquitoes in Texas in 2012, yet little is known about this virus. We report the isolation of this virus from Culex erraticus from southern Florida during 2016. The Florida strain had a nucleotide identity of 96.3% (S segment), 99.1% (M segment), and 95.8% (L segment) to the Texas isolate. Culex quinquefasciatus and Aedes aegypti colonies were subsequently fed virus blood meals to determine their vector competence for Brazoran virus. Culex quinquefasciatus was susceptible to midgut infection, but few mosquitoes developed disseminated infections. Aedes aegypti supported disseminated infection, but virus transmission could not be demonstrated. Suckling mice became infected by intradermal inoculation without visible disease signs. The virus was detected in multiple mouse tissues but rarely infected the brain. This study documents the first isolation of Brazoran virus outside of Texas. Although this virus infected Ae. aegypti and Cx. quinquefasciatus in laboratory trials, their vector competence could not be demonstrated, suggesting they are unlikely vectors of Brazoran virus.

UNFOLDING THE VISUAL ABBREVIATIONS: A SEMIOTIC READING OF ACADEMY AWARD- WINNING FILM PARASITE DIRECTED BY BONG JOON-HO

The film has a strong relationship with language as both are means of communication. Film’s affinity to language is also because both carry ideas in the form of signs. When language uses graphic and phonemic signs for signification, films use visual signs. From a poststructuralist perspective, the signs in a visual narrative make multiple readings possible as in written and spoken language, and make film a visual art that gives its viewers an aesthetic experience. The transition of film from the silent era to the digital age as a result of the revolutionary developments in cinematographic techniques has increased the possibilities for multiple interpretations. This paper attempts a semiotic analysis of the Academy Award-winning film Parasite by applying the concepts of theorists like Christian Metz and Roland Barthes. The paper begins with the major arguments put forth by Christian Metz regarding the sign and its application in film and proceeds to explain the five codes in semiotics proposed by Roland Barthes. The paper concludes with the application of these concepts in analyzing the visual signifiers in the film Parasite to justify that semiotics have educated the audience in analyzing film to explore its connotative meanings.