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Sugarcane leafhopper, Pyrilla perpusilla (Walker), is one of the comparatively economically important polyphagous pests of sugarcane worldwide. The green lacewing, Chrysoperla carnea (Stephens), is an important predator, widely utilized for controlling insect pests, including P. perpusilla. In this study, we investigated the survival rate, feeding potential, and fitness parameters of C. carnea on P. perpusilla eggs under laboratory conditions. Results revealed that the apparent mortality (100qx) was recorded maximum (13.04) for pupa while was a minimum of 6.32 during the third instar. Life expectancy (ex) for the egg stage was recorded maximum (of 5.60) while a minimum (of 1.86) for the pupal stage. The duration of eggs to the adult stage was recorded (25.71) days, followed by total larvae (11.94) days and third instar (4.32) days, while a minimum number of days was noted for the first instar (3.69). The maximum pre-oviposition, oviposition, and post-oviposition periods of C. carnea (Stephens) fed on P. perpusilla eggs were recorded as 3.36, 19.94, and 5.54, respectively. The fecundity of C. carnea per female was recorded as 33.90, while the number of eggs laid per female was recorded at 17.17. The longevity of male C. carnea was recorded at 20.78 days, while female' was recorded at 34.16. Killing power (K-value) for all stages was recorded (0.23), with a maximum (0.06) at the pupa and a minimum (0.03) for the first and third instar. Data regarding the feeding efficacy of first larval instar shows that feeding was found to be maximum (615.23) on eggs while minimum (25.56) on first instar of P. perpusilla, respectively. However, the maximum (51.52) and minimum (6.64) consumption was recorded on the eggs and first larval instars of P. perpusilla, respectively. Taken together, a short life cycle, low mortality, high survival, and reproductive rate suggest the suitability of P. perpusilla eggs as prey for the predator C. carnea. For the mass production of C. carnea, eggs of P. perpusilla are potentially the preferred host under ambient conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the testosterone level has a significant impact on the corporate finance managers' decisions, the higher level of testosterone in the CEO, the managers will benefit from the more aggressive policies. Therefore, the testosterone level in managers may play a key role in decisions related to corporate investments. According to this argument, the purpose of the study is to investigate the effect of the head-to-face ratio of the CEO as one of the testing criteria of testosterone levels on the financial decisions of the corporates' managers. For this purpose, a sample consisting of 63 corporates listed in the Tehran Stock Exchange was selected in 2013-2017 and was tested using a logistic regression model. The results of the first hypothesis showed that a high level of testosterone had led to an increase in the investment decisions less than the managers' capacity in line with appropriate and efficient investments in the corporate. Also, the results of the second hypothesis suggested that the high level of testosterone in the CEO had led to an increase in financial leverage over the investment opportunities.

The fruits of wild fig, native to Soon valley of Pakistan, were appraised for phenolic compounds and high-value nutrients. These fruits were shade-dried and extracted with different solvents of varying polarity to recover a wide range of antioxidant components, where hydroxyethanol exhibited highest extraction yield of antioxidant compounds. Among others, hydroxyethanol-derived crude concentration extracts (CCEs) and phenolic rich fractions (PRFs) showed greater amount of total phenolic, flavonoids and superior biological properties. The fruits of tested fruits were found to possess potassium (11.34 g/kg) and calcium (4.19 g/kg) as major elements, glucose (5.63g/100g DW) as dominant natural sugar and acetic acid (2.40 mg/100 g of dry matter) as principal organic acid. There was a considerable (p

The present study reports the phenolic antioxidants and phytonutrients profiling in the wild jujube fruits which are naturally grown in Soon valley of Pakistan. Phenolic antioxidant components were recovered from shade-dried wild jujube fruits using various extracting solvents. Among all extracting solvents tested, aqueous ethanol recovered the maximum amount of extractable antioxidant compounds from the fruits of wild jujube. Crude concentrated extracts (CCEs) and phenolic rich fractions (PRFs) recovered from wild jujube fruits using aqueous ethanol contained higher concentration of total phenolics and flavonoids along with superior biological potential. ICP-OES analysis disclosed the occurrence of twenty-five minerals, where potassium (14.80 g/kg) and calcium (1.81 g/kg) were the dominant macro elements. The tested wild fruits juice was found to contain individual natural sugars including galactose (1.27 g/100 g dry weight), glucose (1.07 g/100 g dry weight), sucrose (0.70 g/100 g dry weight) and xylose (0.04 g/100 g dry weight); and gluconic acid (2.10 mg/100 g of dry matter) as dominant organic acid when analyzed on HPLC. The concentration of phenolic antioxidants and biological activities vary significantly (p

In this study, wild olive fruits were evaluated for the occurrence of phenolic antioxidant components and valuable nutrients which are distributed wildly in Soon valley of Pakistan. The shade-dried fruits of wild olive were extracted using different solvents to recover phenolic antioxidants. The highest concentration of extractable antioxidant components was recovered from tested fruits using aqueous ethanol compared to other solvents used. Crude concentrated extracts (CCEs) and phenolic rich fractions (PRFs) of tested fruits using hydroxyethanol were found to contain higher amount of total phenolic compounds and total flavonoid compounds along with superior biological attributes. According to ICP-OES analysis, potassium (17.96 g/kg) was the dominant macro element among other identified twenty-five minerals. The tested wild olive fruits juice was found to contain individual natural sugars including galactose (4.92 g/100 g dry weight), sucrose (2.75 g/100 g dry weight), glucose (0.73 g/100 g dry weight); and succinic acid (8.80 mg/100 g of dry matter) as major organic acid when analyzed on HPLC. Oleic acid (47.41 %) was the major monounsaturated fatty acid in the oil extracted from tested fruits. The concentration of phenolic antioxidants and biological activities vary significantly (p

The level of testosterone and the managers' behavioral characteristics such as the manager's lack of sincerity, the interest in deception and misuse of the others, and the lack of presentation of facts in financial reporting, are some of the major issues in financial studies. As these behaviors can lead to an increase in the difference between the utility function of managers and the other stockholders in a firm. Therefore, based on this argument, the purpose of this study is to examine the effect of a CEO's facial head-to-face ratio as one of the testosterone test criteria on the fraudulent financial reporting of the firm. The sample consists of 86 firms listed in Tehran Stock Exchange over the years 2013-2017. Data are tested using the logistic regression model. The results of this study show that the CEO's high level of testosterone increases the fraudulent financial reporting of the company.

Abstract One of the various concerns of conservation biology is determining why certain species are more threatened than others. In this study, we aim to relate the national conservation status of Brazilian mammals with the taxonomic group to which they belong and with three of their intrinsic traits: body mass, diet, and litter size. We compiled a database containing the species, their status, and their attributes, and a multiple correspondence analysis was applied to identify relationships between traits and status. The two groups that presented the highest relative frequencies of threatened species were “ungulates” and Carnivora. Additionally, mammals with body mass of 10 kg or more and with carnivorous diet had a higher relative frequency of threatened taxa. We found not only a strong relationship between intrinsic traits and conservation status, but also among the traits themselves, which highlights the role of the “group” variable as one of the best predictors of the risk that a given species be threatened. We believe our study has a broad potential for the conservation of species at the regional level, especially regarding the species currently classified as Data Deficient, and for identifying which species are prone to becoming threatened.

The fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel) (Diptera: Tephritidae) is an economically important polyphagous pest and has been adjudged as one of the five most devastating fruit flies throughout the world. These flies are highly polyphagous, multivoltine, fertile, and mobile which makes it very difficult to manage these insect-pests. Finding a simple, cheap, and appropriate rearing approach of B. dorsalis is an urgent need to support research activities for management of this pest. This investigation is meant to evaluate various artificial diets and to find out the most suitable artificial diet for mass rearing of this pest. In the present studies, five different artificial diets were used for the rearing of B. dorsalis at Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana during 2018–19. A semi-solid artificial diet consisting of 1000 ml water, 40 g dry yeast, 120 g sucrose, 1 g sorbic acid, 6.6 g ascorbic acid, 10 g agar, 10 g soya peptone, 0.1 g ampicillin, and 0.03 g tetracycline was considered most suitable for successful rearing of B. dorsalis. The biological parameters of B. dorsalis were used to validate the diet quality and rearing procedure. This diet supported the development of B. dorsalis efficiently and was used further for evaluation of RNA interference (RNAi) studies. This artificial diet and suggested rearing procedure will help to maintain culture of B. dorsalis and further help to study biology and management of other insect-pests species as well.

The present research reports the anti-cancer potential of recombinant L-Glutaminase from Streptomyces roseolus. L-Glutaminase gene was synthesized by codon-optimization, cloned and successfully expressed in E. coli BL21 (DE3). Affinity purified recombinant L-Glutaminase revealed a molecular mass of 32 kDa. Purified recombinant L-Glutaminase revealed stability at pH 7.0–8.0 with optimum activity at 70 °C further indicating its thermostable nature based on thermodynamic characterization. Recombinant L-Glutaminase exhibited profound stability in the presence of several biochemical parameters and demonstrated its metalloenzyme nature and was also found to be highly specific towards favorable substrate (l -Glutamine) based on kinetics. It demonstrated antioxidant property and pronounced cytotoxic effect against breast cancer (MCF-7 cell lines) in a dose dependent behavior with IC 50 of 40.68 μg/mL. Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight-mass spectroscopy (MALDI-TOF-MS) analysis of desired mass peaks ascertained the recombinant L-Glutaminase identity. N-terminal amino acid sequence characterization through Edman degradation revealed highest resemblance for L-glutaminase within the Streptomyces sp. family. The purified protein was characterized structurally and functionally by employing spectroscopic methods like Raman, circular dichroism and nuclear magnetic resonance. The thermostability was assessed by thermogravimetric analysis. The outcomes of the study, suggests the promising application of recombinant L-Glutaminase as targeted therapeutic candidate for breast cancer. [Display omitted] • Glutaminase gene was codon-optimized for successful expression • Purified thermostable recombinant glutaminase revealed stability with superior properties • Recombinant glutaminase demonstrated antioxidant and anticancer potential • MALDI-TOF-MS and N-terminal sequencing revealed identity • Structural analysis was carried out by Raman, CD and 1H-NMR spectroscopy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Plant Protection & Pathology is the property of Egyptian National Agricultural Library (ENAL) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background Ecological communities of interacting species analyzed as complex networks have shown that species dependence on their counterparts is more complex than expected at random. As for other potentially mutualistic interactions, ant-plant networks mediated by extrafloral nectar show a nested (asymmetric) structure with a core of generalist species dominating the interaction pattern. Proposed factors structuring ecological networks include encounter probability (e.g., species abundances and habitat heterogeneity), behavior, phylogeny, and body size. While the importance of underlying factors that influence the structure of ant-plant networks have been separately explored, the simultaneous contribution of several biological and ecological attributes inherent to the species, guild or habitat level has not been addressed. Methods For a tropical seasonal site we recorded (in 48 censuses) the frequency of pairwise ant-plant interactions mediated by extrafloral nectaries (EFN) on different habitats and studied the resultant network structure. We addressed for the first time the role of mechanistic versus neutral determinants at the ‘fine-grain’ structure (pairwise interactions) of ant-plant networks. We explore the simultaneous contribution of several attributes of plant and ant species (i.e., EFN abundance and distribution, ant head length, behavioral dominance and invasive status), and habitat attributes (i.e., vegetation structure) in prevailing interactions as well as in overall network topology (community). Results Our studied network was highly-nested and non-modular, with core species having high species strengths (higher strength values for ants than plants) and low specialization. Plants had higher dependences on ants than vice versa. We found that habitat heterogeneity in vegetation structure (open vs. shaded habitats) was the main factor explaining network and fine-grain structure, with no evidence of neutral (abundance) effects. Discussion Core ant species are relevant to most plants species at the network showing adaptations to nectar consumption and deterrent behavior. Thus larger ants interact with more plant species which, together with higher dependence of plants on ants, suggests potential biotic defense at a community scale. In our study site, heterogeneity in the ant-plant interactions among habitats is so prevalent that it emerges at community-level structural properties. High frequency of morphologically diverse and temporarily-active EFNs in all habitats suggests the relevance and seasonality of plant biotic defense provided by ants. The robust survey of ecological interactions and their biological/ecological correlates that we addressed provides insight of the interplay between adaptive-value traits and neutral effects in ecological networks.

Background. Ecological communities of interacting species analyzed as complex networks have shown that species dependence on their counterparts is more complex than expected at random. As for other potentially mutualistic interactions, ant-plant networks mediated by extrafloral nectar show a nested (asymmetric) structure with a core of generalist species dominating the interaction pattern. Proposed factors structuring ecological networks include encounter probability (e.g., species abundances and habitat heterogeneity), behavior, phylogeny, and body size. While the importance of underlying factors that influence the structure of ant-plant networks have been separately explored, the simultaneous contribution of several biological and ecological attributes inherent to the species, guild or habitat level has not been addressed. Methods. For a tropical seasonal site we recorded (in 48 censuses) the frequency of pairwise ant-plant interactions mediated by extrafloral nectaries (EFN) on different habitats and studied the resultant network structure. We addressed for the first time the role of mechanistic versus neutral determinants at the 'fine-grain' structure (pairwise interactions) of ant-plant networks. We explore the simultaneous contribution of several attributes of plant and ant species (i.e., EFN abundance and distribution, ant head length, behavioral dominance and invasive status), and habitat attributes (i.e., vegetation structure) in prevailing interactions as well as in overall network topology (community). Results. Our studied network was highly-nested and non-modular, with core species having high species strengths (higher strength values for ants than plants) and low specialization. Plants had higher dependences on ants than vice versa. We found that habitat heterogeneity in vegetation structure (open vs. shaded habitats) was the main factor explaining network and fine-grain structure, with no evidence of neutral (abundance) effects. Discussion. Core ant species are relevant to most plants species at the network showing adaptations to nectar consumption and deterrent behavior. Thus larger ants interact with more plant species which, together with higher dependence of plants on ants, suggests potential biotic defense at a community scale. In our study site, heterogeneity in the ant-plant interactions among habitats is so prevalent that it emerges at community-level structural properties. High frequency of morphologically diverse and temporarily-active EFNs in all habitats suggests the relevance and seasonality of plant biotic defense provided by ants. The robust survey of ecological interactions and their biological/ecological correlates that we addressed provides insight of the interplay between adaptive-value traits and neutral effects in ecological networks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Plant Protection & Pathology is the property of Egyptian National Agricultural Library (ENAL) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Avian diversity in the Neotropics has been traditionally attributed to the effect of vicariant forces promoting speciation in allopatry. Recent studies have shown that phylogeographical patterns shared among codistributed species cannot be explained by a single vicariant event, as species responses to a common barrier depend on the biological attributes of each taxon. The open vegetation corridor (OVC) isolates Amazonia and the Andean forests from the Atlantic Forest, creating a notorious pattern of avian taxa that are disjunctly codistributed in these forests. Here, we studied and compared the evolutionary histories of Ramphotrigon megacephalum and Pipraeidea melanonota, two passerines with allopatric populations east and west of the OVC that represent different subspecies. These species differ in their biological attributes: R. megacephalum is a sedentary, forest specialist mostly confined to bamboo understorey, whereas P. melanonota is a seasonal migrant and generalist species that ranges in a variety of closed and semi‐open environments. We performed genetic and genomic analyses, complemented with the study of coloration and behavioural differentiation, to assess population divergence across the OVC. We found that the evolutionary histories of both R. megacephalum and P. melanonota have been shaped by this environmental barrier. However, these species responded in different and asynchronous manners to the establishment of the OVC and to past connections between the currently isolated South American forests, which can be mostly explained by their distinct ecologies and dispersal abilities. Our results support the fact that the biological attributes of species can make their evolutionary histories idiosyncratic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increase and dissemination of multi-drug resistant bacteria have presented a major healthcare challenge, making bacterial infections a significant concern. The present research contributes towards the production of bioactive subtilisin from a marine soil isolate Bacillus subtilis strain ZK3. Custard apple seed powder (raw carbon) and mustard oil cake (raw nitrogen) sources showed a pronounced effect on subtilisin production. A 7.67-fold enhancement in the production was evidenced after optimization with central composite design-response surface methodology. Subtilisin capped silver (AgNP) and zinc oxide (ZnONP) nanoparticles were synthesized and characterized by UV–Visible spectroscopy. Subtilisin and its respective nanoparticles revealed significant biological properties such as, antibacterial activity against all tested pathogenic strains with potential against Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Prospective antioxidant behavior of subtilisin, AgNP and ZnONP was evidenced through radical scavenging assays with ABTS and DPPH. Subtilisin, AgNP and ZnONP revealed cytotoxic effect against cancerous breast cell lines MCF-7 with IC 50 of 83.48, 3.62 and 7.57 µg/mL respectively. Characterizations of nanoparticles were carried out by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray, X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis and atomic force microscopy analysis to elucidate the structure, surface and thermostability properties. The study proposes the potential therapeutic applications of subtilisin and its nanoparticles, a way forward for further exploration in the field of healthcare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Bird cherry-oat aphid, Rhopalosiphum padi (L.) is a serious threat to several cereal crops. Host-plant resistance to this aphid could be especially valuable in cereal crops pest management. Therefore, we evaluated the development, survivorship, reproduction and population growth parameters of R. padi as resistance indices among six wheat cultivars, including Gaskojen, Tajan, Falat, Saysonz, Kras and Sardari at 25 °C under laboratory conditions. The development time and fecundity of aphid differed significantly among the tested wheat cultivars. The rm values were highest for aphids reared on Sardari and lowest on Gaskojen and intermediate on Tajan, Saysonz and Kras cultivars. Aphid showed the longest development time and the lowest fecundity, reflecting in the lowest rm value on Gaskojen cultivar. Consequently, Gaskojen showed more positive characteristics and was relatively not susceptible cultivar that could be considered for planning a comprehensive IPM program of R. padi.

AIM: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the diet and biological attributes of the population of Apareiodon affinis residing near net-cage fish farming activities in the Chavantes reservoir. METHODS: Samples were collected from two populations: one near the net cages (NC) and one from an area not influenced by these cages denominated the "reference site" (RS). Monthly sampling was carried out from Mar/2008 to Feb/2009. Fish were caught with a standardized effort using gill nets deployed for 14 hours. After all individuals were measured (standard length) and weighed (total weight, carcass weight , body weight without gonads). To determine the composition of the diet, the alimentary index was calculated (AI). We also calculated the length-weight relationship, condition factor, gonad-somatic index (GSI ) and reproductive potential. RESULTS: A total of 3050 individuals were caught. The results of the (AI) revealed that the item detritus was the main food used for populations of A. affinis studied in two areas (NC = 73.1% and RS = 95.7%). The use of feed on diet A. affinis was recorded for the populations of NC adding (20.5%) of the total items consumed by the population. The resident populations residing near net-cage showed higher condition factor and more reproductive period. CONCLUSIONS: The results show the ability of the species to benefit from the input of organic matter from fish farming activities, inserting a new item in their diet (ration). This work indicates that the species A. affinis managed to establish near net-cage, allocating enough energy to increase their reproductive period and maintain viable populations close to net-cage, evidenced by the high abundance. This study suggests that systems of fish farming in net-cage influence diet and biological attributes of the species A. affinis residents Chavantes reservoir, Brazil.OBJETIVO: O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a influência de uma piscicultura em tanques-rede na dieta e nos atributos biológicos da espécie Apareiodon affinis na represa de Chavantes. MÉTODOS: Foram coletadas amostras da população ao redor dos tanques-rede (TR) e comparada com uma área sem esta influência, denominada controle (CT). As amostragens foram realizadas mensalmente de mar/2008 até fev/2009. Os peixes foram capturados utilizando-se de rede de espera com esforço padronizado, expostas por 14 horas. Todos os peixes foram medidos (comprimento padrão) e pesados (peso total, peso da carcaça, peso corporal sem as gônadas). Para determinar a composição da dieta, foi calculado o índice alimentar (IAi). Também foram calculados a relação peso comprimento, fator de condição, índice gonodossomático (IGS) e o potencial reprodutivo. RESULTADOS: Um total de 3050 indivíduos foi capturado. Os resultados do (IAi) revelou que o item detrito, foi o principal alimento utilizado pelas populações de A. affinis nas duas áreas estudas (TR = 73,1% e CT = 95,7%). A utilização da ração na dieta de A. affinis foi registrada para as populações do TR somando (20,5%) do total de itens consumidos pelas populações. As populações residentes ao redor dos tanques-rede apresentaram maiores valores de fator de condição e período reprodutivo. CONCLUSÃO: Os resultados mostram a habilidade da espécie em se beneficiar da entrada de matéria orgânica proveniente das atividades da piscicultura, inserindo um novo item em sua dieta (ração). Este trabalho indica que a espécie A. affinis conseguiu se estabelecer ao redor dos tanques-rede, alocando energia suficiente para aumentar o seu período reprodutivo e manter suas populações viáveis ao redor dos tanques-rede, comprovado pela elevada abundancia. Este estudo sugere que os sistemas de pisciculturas em tanques-rede influenciam a dieta e os atributos biológicos da espécie A. affinis residentes na represa de Chavantes, Brasil.

Biological attributes of Madagascar Meager (Argyrosomus hololepidotus) was studied from October 2008 to September 2009 in coastal waters of K.huzestan province. Average maximum length was 128.4±7.50 in October and average minimum length was 104.86±12.47 in May. The maximum weight was 27500g, the minimum weight was 5700g and mean weight for males and females were 15.222±4.40 and 16.942±5.09, respectively. Reproductive studies showed that peak maturity season occurred in July. The length­ weight relationship were calculated as W=0.042L 2 70 for males and W=0.06L2 61for females. The male-female sex ratio was calculated as 1:1.07 and chi-square analysis showed no significant difference (P>0.05) between the two sexes. The average absolute and relative fecundity were estimated to be 4054045±37265 and 179.19±50.41, respectively Madagascar Meager is carnivore and we found the diet ofthe species consisted offish (75%), crustaceans (20%) and mollusks (5%). Analysis of monthly variation in the condition factor (Kn) indicated a fluctuation throughout the year, with a high level during May. Vacuity index indicated a higher feeding rate in males compared to females. We also found that the species continues feeding in the spawning season.

A mineração é uma das atividades antrópicas que causa grande impacto nos ecossistemas e o grau de degradação depende da intensidade de interferência no solo, do volume explorado e do rejeito produzido. Os microrganismos do solo e sua atividade, por participarem de funções-chave, podem fornecer indicações sobre o real estado de reabilitação de áreas mineradas. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o impacto da atividade de mineração em duas cronosseqüências com diferentes estratégias (revegetação) de reabilitação em solos de área de mineração de bauxita sobre diversos atributos: C de compostos orgânicos (CO), N total do solo (Nt), biomassa microbiana, atividade enzimática e respiração do solo. O estudo foi desenvolvido em áreas pertencentes a Alcoa S/A, em dois ambientes distintos: (a) em áreas com vegetação típica de campo, predominantemente herbácea, em altitude inferior a 1.000 m, e (b) em áreas de montanhas, no topo do planalto, incluindo remanescentes de cobertura vegetal nativa representada por floresta subtropical subcaducifólia, a uma altitude de 1.600 m, denominadas serra, com características diferenciadas quanto à estratégia e ao tempo de reabilitação, variando de áreas recém-mineradas à áreas com 19 anos de reabilitação. Coletaram-se amostras compostas com três repetições em oito áreas no campo e nove na serra, em duas profundidades (0-10 e 10-20 cm), no inverno e verão. A mineração de bauxita provocou grande impacto nos atributos estudados, causando reduções nos seus valores de até 99 %. Tanto no campo como na serra, os teores de CO, de Nt, a biomassa microbiana e a atividade enzimática aumentaram com as diferentes estratégias de reabilitação. Entretanto a resposta dos atributos estudados foi diferenciada em função do tempo de reabilitação. A biomassa microbiana e a atividade enzimática apresentaram recuperação muito rápida, atingindo valores semelhantes aos das áreas de referência a partir do primeiro ano, enquanto para o CO e o Nt estes só foram alcançados de modo consistente em períodos mais longos de reabilitação (18 anos). O coeficiente metabólico (qCO2) foi indicativo do estresse provocado pela mineração, mas não diferenciou os diferentes tempos de reabilitação. Os resultados deste estudo mostram que os atributos essenciais ao funcionamento adequado do solo são recuperáveis pela revegetação.Mining is a human activity with a harsh impact on ecosystems. The degradation degree depends on the intensity of soil impact, exploited soil volume and amount of mine spoil. Soil microbial activities are responsible for key functions in ecosystems and can indicate the degree of rehabilitation of mined areas. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of bauxite mining in two chronosequences with different rehabilitation strategies (revegetation) on the following soil attributes: organic carbon (C org), total nitrogen (Nt), microbial biomass and respiration, and enzymatic activities. The study was developed in mining areas owned by Alcoa S/A in two different environments: (a) areas originally covered by a tropical prairie vegetation called "campo", at elevations up to 1,000 masl, and (b) in hilly areas, on the plateau top, including remnants of the native vegetation cover, represented by a subtropical decidous forest, at elevations about 1.600 masl, called "serra". Rehabilitation differed depending on strategies and time, varying from recent mining to 19 years of rehabilitation. Composite samples were collected in eight "campo" and nine "serra" areas, in two layers (0-10 and 10-20 cm) in the winter as well as in the summer, in three replicates. Bauxite mining caused a negative impact on org C, Nt and microbial biomass (C, N and P). The values of these attributes were reduced by up to 99 % in comparison with those in reference areas (native vegetation). In both "campo" and "serra", the C org, Nt, microbial biomass and enzymatic activity increased with the different rehabilitation strategies, although the recovery of the different attributes varied according to the time of rehabilitation. Microbial biomass and enzymatic activity recovered very quickly. It reached values similar to the reference areas after the first year of rehabilitation, whereas org C and Nt only reached the reference values after longer periods (18 years). The metabolic coefficient (qCO2) was very sensitive to indicate the impact of bauxite mining, but did not discriminate the effect of rehabilitation stages. The results of this study show that after mining the essential soil attributes for soil functioning can be recovered by revegetation.

The fruits of wild fig, native to Soon valley of Pakistan, were appraised for phenolic compounds and high-value nutrients. These fruits were shade-dried and extracted with different solvents of varying polarity to recover a wide range of antioxidant components, where hydroxyethanol exhibited highest extraction yield of antioxidant compounds. Among others, hydroxyethanol-derived crude concentration extracts (CCEs) and phenolic rich fractions (PRFs) showed greater amount of total phenolic, flavonoids and superior biological properties. The fruits of tested fruits were found to possess potassium (11.34 g/kg) and calcium (4.19 g/kg) as major elements, glucose (5.63g/100g DW) as dominant natural sugar and acetic acid (2.40 mg/100 g of dry matter) as principal organic acid. There was a considerable (p < 0.05) variation in phenolic content and biological properties of various extracts recovered with different solvents. Furthermore, the biological properties of tested fruits were found to be significantly correlated with their intrinsic total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC). Based upon the findings of present study, the fruits of wild fig could be treated as promising source of beneficial nutrients and potent phenolic components for their applications in the development of nutrapharmaceuticals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Floodplains and crops are particularly susceptible to alien plant invasion, often leading to negative ecologic and economic impacts. As irrigated crops and riparian habitats are interconnected at the landscape scale, plant species of each habitat may be susceptible to colonizing the other. In order to avoid alien plant invasions of natural habitats and surrounding crops and to develop management practices to face this problem, it is not only essential to understand which traits favour the success of alien plants in irrigated crops and floodplains, but also whether a flow of species between these two habitats actually exists. With this aim, floristic surveys were carried out on riparian habitats (riparian forest, reedbed and muddy line) and on irrigated orchards at a gradient of distance from the river. Differences in weed management techniques applied in orchards were taken into account during the surveys. Plant diversity, composition and invasion levels were evaluated for each habitat and differences in floristic composition were interpreted in terms of functional traits. Natural habitats were well differentiated from crops in terms of native plants, but when considering alien plants, muddy line and flood irrigated orchards showed similar floristic composition. Alien plant community in the muddy line was a subset of that of flooded orchards and it was composed by C4 species, with clonal growth, perennial graminoids and water seed dispersal. This work proves that, unlike native species, alien species are shared between irrigated orchards and adjacent floodplains, which is favoured by a set of traits that allows them to colonize and establish new populations there. These results can help to develop strategies for preventing the establishment of alien plants in these habitats and to manage already present populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]