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The island of Borneo is a global biodiversity hotspot. However, its limestone caves are one of its least-studied ecosystems. We report for the first time the fungal species richness, diversity and abundance from Madai cave, situated in north-eastern Borneo. Environmental samples from inside the cave environment were collected (guano, speleothem, and cavern water) via opportunistic sampling. The dilution method was performed for isolation of fungi. Morphological characterisation and molecular analysis of the ITS region were utilised for the identification of isolates. Fifty-five pure cultures of fungi were attained, comprising 32 species from 15 genera, eight orders, and two divisions, Ascomycota and Basidiomycota. Ascomycetes dominated the fungal composition, accounting for 53 (96%) out of 55 total isolates. Penicillium spp. accounted for more than 47.1% of fungal abundance in all sample types. However, Aspergillus spp. had the highest occurrence rate, being isolated from all environmental samples except one. Purpureocillium lilacinum was isolated most frequently, appearing in five separate samples across all three substrates. Annulohypoxylon nitens, Ganoderma australe, Pyrrhoderma noxium, and Xylaria feejeensis were discovered and reported for the first time from the cave environment. This study provides additional data for further research on the mycoflora of Sabah’s various ecosystems, especially limestone caves.

The island of Borneo is a global biodiversity hotspot. However, its limestone caves are one of its least-studied ecosystems. We report for the first time the fungal species richness, diversity and abundance from Madai cave, situated in north-eastern Borneo. Environmental samples from inside the cave environment were collected (guano, speleothem, and cavern water) via opportunistic sampling. The dilution method was performed for isolation of fungi. Morphological characterisation and molecular analysis of the ITS region were utilised for the identification of isolates. Fifty-five pure cultures of fungi were attained, comprising 32 species from 15 genera, eight orders, and two divisions, Ascomycota and Basidiomycota. Ascomycetes dominated the fungal composition, accounting for 53 (96%) out of 55 total isolates. Penicillium spp. accounted for more than 47.1% of fungal abundance in all sample types. However, Aspergillus spp. had the highest occurrence rate, being isolated from all environmental samples except one. Purpureocillium lilacinum was isolated most frequently, appearing in five separate samples across all three substrates. Annulohypoxylon nitens, Ganoderma australe, Pyrrhoderma noxium, and Xylaria feejeensis were discovered and reported for the first time from the cave environment. This study provides additional data for further research on the mycoflora of Sabah’s various ecosystems, especially limestone caves.

The island of Borneo is a global biodiversity hotspot. However, its limestone caves are one of its least-studied ecosystems. We report for the first time the fungal species richness, diversity and abundance from Madai cave, situated in north-eastern Borneo. Environmental samples from inside the cave environment were collected (guano, speleothem, and cavern water) via opportunistic sampling. The dilution method was performed for isolation of fungi. Morphological characterisation and molecular analysis of the ITS region were utilised for the identification of isolates. Fifty-five pure cultures of fungi were attained, comprising 32 species from 15 genera, eight orders, and two divisions, Ascomycota and Basidiomycota. Ascomycetes dominated the fungal composition, accounting for 53 (96%) out of 55 total isolates. Penicillium spp. accounted for more than 47.1% of fungal abundance in all sample types. However, Aspergillus spp. had the highest occurrence rate, being isolated from all environmental samples except one. Purpureocillium lilacinum was isolated most frequently, appearing in five separate samples across all three substrates. Annulohypoxylon nitens, Ganoderma australe, Pyrrhoderma noxium, and Xylaria feejeensis were discovered and reported for the first time from the cave environment. This study provides additional data for further research on the mycoflora of Sabah’s various ecosystems, especially limestone caves.

The island of Borneo is a global biodiversity hotspot. However, its limestone caves are one of its least-studied ecosystems. We report for the first time the fungal species richness, diversity and abundance from Madai cave, situated in north-eastern Borneo. Environmental samples from inside the cave environment were collected (guano, speleothem, and cavern water) via opportunistic sampling. The dilution method was performed for isolation of fungi. Morphological characterisation and molecular analysis of the ITS region were utilised for the identification of isolates. Fifty-five pure cultures of fungi were attained, comprising 32 species from 15 genera, eight orders, and two divisions, Ascomycota and Basidiomycota. Ascomycetes dominated the fungal composition, accounting for 53 (96%) out of 55 total isolates. Penicillium spp. accounted for more than 47.1% of fungal abundance in all sample types. However, Aspergillus spp. had the highest occurrence rate, being isolated from all environmental samples except one. Purpureocillium lilacinum was isolated most frequently, appearing in five separate samples across all three substrates. Annulohypoxylon nitens, Ganoderma australe, Pyrrhoderma noxium, and Xylaria feejeensis were discovered and reported for the first time from the cave environment. This study provides additional data for further research on the mycoflora of Sabah’s various ecosystems, especially limestone caves.

The island of Borneo is a global biodiversity hotspot. However, its limestone caves are one of its least-studied ecosystems. We report for the first time the fungal species richness, diversity and abundance from Madai cave, situated in north-eastern Borneo. Environmental samples from inside the cave environment were collected (guano, speleothem, and cavern water) via opportunistic sampling. The dilution method was performed for isolation of fungi. Morphological characterisation and molecular analysis of the ITS region were utilised for the identification of isolates. Fifty-five pure cultures of fungi were attained, comprising 32 species from 15 genera, eight orders, and two divisions, Ascomycota and Basidiomycota. Ascomycetes dominated the fungal composition, accounting for 53 (96%) out of 55 total isolates. Penicillium spp. accounted for more than 47.1% of fungal abundance in all sample types. However, Aspergillus spp. had the highest occurrence rate, being isolated from all environmental samples except one. Purpureocillium lilacinum was isolated most frequently, appearing in five separate samples across all three substrates. Annulohypoxylon nitens, Ganoderma australe, Pyrrhoderma noxium, and Xylaria feejeensis were discovered and reported for the first time from the cave environment. This study provides additional data for further research on the mycoflora of Sabah’s various ecosystems, especially limestone caves.

The island of Borneo is a global biodiversity hotspot. However, its limestone caves are one of its least-studied ecosystems. We report for the first time the fungal species richness, diversity and abundance from Madai cave, situated in north-eastern Borneo. Environmental samples from inside the cave environment were collected (guano, speleothem, and cavern water) via opportunistic sampling. The dilution method was performed for isolation of fungi. Morphological characterisation and molecular analysis of the ITS region were utilised for the identification of isolates. Fifty-five pure cultures of fungi were attained, comprising 32 species from 15 genera, eight orders, and two divisions, Ascomycota and Basidiomycota. Ascomycetes dominated the fungal composition, accounting for 53 (96%) out of 55 total isolates. Penicillium spp. accounted for more than 47.1% of fungal abundance in all sample types. However, Aspergillus spp. had the highest occurrence rate, being isolated from all environmental samples except one. Purpureocillium lilacinum was isolated most frequently, appearing in five separate samples across all three substrates. Annulohypoxylon nitens, Ganoderma australe, Pyrrhoderma noxium, and Xylaria feejeensis were discovered and reported for the first time from the cave environment. This study provides additional data for further research on the mycoflora of Sabah’s various ecosystems, especially limestone caves.

The agricultural sector generates approximately 1300 million tonnes of waste annually, where up to 50% comprising of raw material are discarded without treatment. Economic development and rising living standards have increased the quantity and complexity of waste generated resulting in environmental, health and economic issues. This calls for a greener waste management system such as valorization or recovery of waste into products. For successful implementation, social acceptance is an essential component with involvement of all local stakeholders including community to learn and understand the process and objective of the implementation. The agricultural waste product manufacturing industry is expected to increase with the growing demand for organic food. Thus, proper livestock and crop waste management is vital for environmental protection. It will be essential to successfully convert waste into a sustainable product that is reusable and circulated in the system in line with the green concept of circular economy. This review identifies the commercially produced crops by-product that have been considered for valorization and implemented green extraction for recovery. We highlight the importance of social acceptance and the economic value to agricultural waste recycling. Successful implementation of these technologies will overcome current waste management problems, reduce environmental impacts of landfills, and sustainability issue for farm owners.

The agricultural sector generates approximately 1300 million tonnes of waste annually, where up to 50% comprising of raw material are discarded without treatment. Economic development and rising living standards have increased the quantity and complexity of waste generated resulting in environmental, health and economic issues. This calls for a greener waste management system such as valorization or recovery of waste into products. For successful implementation, social acceptance is an essential component with involvement of all local stakeholders including community to learn and understand the process and objective of the implementation. The agricultural waste product manufacturing industry is expected to increase with the growing demand for organic food. Thus, proper livestock and crop waste management is vital for environmental protection. It will be essential to successfully convert waste into a sustainable product that is reusable and circulated in the system in line with the green concept of circular economy. This review identifies the commercially produced crops by-product that have been considered for valorization and implemented green extraction for recovery. We highlight the importance of social acceptance and the economic value to agricultural waste recycling. Successful implementation of these technologies will overcome current waste management problems, reduce environmental impacts of landfills, and sustainability issue for farm owners.

The agricultural sector generates approximately 1300 million tonnes of waste annually, where up to 50% comprising of raw material are discarded without treatment. Economic development and rising living standards have increased the quantity and complexity of waste generated resulting in environmental, health and economic issues. This calls for a greener waste management system such as valorization or recovery of waste into products. For successful implementation, social acceptance is an essential component with involvement of all local stakeholders including community to learn and understand the process and objective of the implementation. The agricultural waste product manufacturing industry is expected to increase with the growing demand for organic food. Thus, proper livestock and crop waste management is vital for environmental protection. It will be essential to successfully convert waste into a sustainable product that is reusable and circulated in the system in line with the green concept of circular economy. This review identifies the commercially produced crops by-product that have been considered for valorization and implemented green extraction for recovery. We highlight the importance of social acceptance and the economic value to agricultural waste recycling. Successful implementation of these technologies will overcome current waste management problems, reduce environmental impacts of landfills, and sustainability issue for farm owners.

The island of Borneo is a global biodiversity hotspot. However, its limestone caves are one of its least-studied ecosystems. We report for the first time the fungal species richness, diversity and abundance from Madai cave, situated in north-eastern Borneo. Environmental samples from inside the cave environment were collected (guano, speleothem, and cavern water) via opportunistic sampling. The dilution method was performed for isolation of fungi. Morphological characterisation and molecular analysis of the ITS region were utilised for the identification of isolates. Fifty-five pure cultures of fungi were attained, comprising 32 species from 15 genera, eight orders, and two divisions, Ascomycota and Basidiomycota. Ascomycetes dominated the fungal composition, accounting for 53 (96%) out of 55 total isolates. Penicillium spp. accounted for more than 47.1% of fungal abundance in all sample types. However, Aspergillus spp. had the highest occurrence rate, being isolated from all environmental samples except one. Purpureocillium lilacinum was isolated most frequently, appearing in five separate samples across all three substrates. Annulohypoxylon nitens, Ganoderma australe, Pyrrhoderma noxium, and Xylaria feejeensis were discovered and reported for the first time from the cave environment. This study provides additional data for further research on the mycoflora of Sabah’s various ecosystems, especially limestone caves.

The agricultural sector generates approximately 1300 million tonnes of waste annually, where up to 50% comprising of raw material are discarded without treatment. Economic development and rising living standards have increased the quantity and complexity of waste generated resulting in environmental, health and economic issues. This calls for a greener waste management system such as valorization or recovery of waste into products. For successful implementation, social acceptance is an essential component with involvement of all local stakeholders including community to learn and understand the process and objective of the implementation. The agricultural waste product manufacturing industry is expected to increase with the growing demand for organic food. Thus, proper livestock and crop waste management is vital for environmental protection. It will be essential to successfully convert waste into a sustainable product that is reusable and circulated in the system in line with the green concept of circular economy. This review identifies the commercially produced crops by-product that have been considered for valorization and implemented green extraction for recovery. We highlight the importance of social acceptance and the economic value to agricultural waste recycling. Successful implementation of these technologies will overcome current waste management problems, reduce environmental impacts of landfills, and sustainability issue for farm owners.

Borneo is a biodiversity and ecotourism hotspot, yet one of its least-studied ecosystems is their limestone caves. Not many studies have been conducted on the role fungi play in tropical cave ecosystems, and no fungal surveys have been conducted in the caves of Sabah, Malaysia. Here, we assess the mycofloral diversity on bat and arthropod cadavers in one of the most popular ecotourism destinations of northern Borneo, Gomantong caves. Opportunistic sampling of cadavers within the Semud Hitam chamber of Gomantong cave yielded nine dead arthropods and four dead bats. Twenty-four culturable fungi were isolated, of which 14 morphological taxonomic units (MTU) were observed. Twelve of the 14 MTUs underwent molecular characterization of the ITS gene region to confirm identification. All fungi were Ascomycetes except for one Basidiomycete isolate. Aspergillus spp. had the highest occurrence (45.8%), followed by Penicillium spp. (25.0%), and Fusarium sp. (12.5%). Ceratobasidium sp., Diaporthe sp., Pestalotiopsis sp., and Xylaria feejeensis were isolated once each. No more than one fungal taxon was isolated from each arthropod cadaver, and not all arthropods yielded culturable fungi. Bat cadavers yielded 14 out of 24 isolates (58.3%), with the highest occurrence of the fungi sampled from their skin. Our results corroborate that bats and arthropods play a role in fungal dispersion and introduction in the cave because their exteriors are likely to harbor fungi they are exposed to in the environment. We also conclude that cadavers are important substrates for fungal growth and proliferation, perpetuating the role of fungi as important decomposers in caves. This study provides a baseline of information of the mycobiome of Bornean caves for future bioprospecting and potential biotechnological applications.

Borneo is a biodiversity and ecotourism hotspot, yet one of its least-studied ecosystems is their limestone caves. Not many studies have been conducted on the role fungi play in tropical cave ecosystems, and no fungal surveys have been conducted in the caves of Sabah, Malaysia. Here, we assess the mycofloral diversity on bat and arthropod cadavers in one of the most popular ecotourism destinations of northern Borneo, Gomantong caves. Opportunistic sampling of cadavers within the Semud Hitam chamber of Gomantong cave yielded nine dead arthropods and four dead bats. Twenty-four culturable fungi were isolated, of which 14 morphological taxonomic units (MTU) were observed. Twelve of the 14 MTUs underwent molecular characterization of the ITS gene region to confirm identification. All fungi were Ascomycetes except for one Basidiomycete isolate. Aspergillus spp. had the highest occurrence (45.8%), followed by Penicillium spp. (25.0%), and Fusarium sp. (12.5%). Ceratobasidium sp., Diaporthe sp., Pestalotiopsis sp., and Xylaria feejeensis were isolated once each. No more than one fungal taxon was isolated from each arthropod cadaver, and not all arthropods yielded culturable fungi. Bat cadavers yielded 14 out of 24 isolates (58.3%), with the highest occurrence of the fungi sampled from their skin. Our results corroborate that bats and arthropods play a role in fungal dispersion and introduction in the cave because their exteriors are likely to harbor fungi they are exposed to in the environment. We also conclude that cadavers are important substrates for fungal growth and proliferation, perpetuating the role of fungi as important decomposers in caves. This study provides a baseline of information of the mycobiome of Bornean caves for future bioprospecting and potential biotechnological applications.

Borneo is a biodiversity and ecotourism hotspot, yet one of its least-studied ecosystems is their limestone caves. Not many studies have been conducted on the role fungi play in tropical cave ecosystems, and no fungal surveys have been conducted in the caves of Sabah, Malaysia. Here, we assess the mycofloral diversity on bat and arthropod cadavers in one of the most popular ecotourism destinations of northern Borneo, Gomantong caves. Opportunistic sampling of cadavers within the Semud Hitam chamber of Gomantong cave yielded nine dead arthropods and four dead bats. Twenty-four culturable fungi were isolated, of which 14 morphological taxonomic units (MTU) were observed. Twelve of the 14 MTUs underwent molecular characterization of the ITS gene region to confirm identification. All fungi were Ascomycetes except for one Basidiomycete isolate. Aspergillus spp. had the highest occurrence (45.8%), followed by Penicillium spp. (25.0%), and Fusarium sp. (12.5%). Ceratobasidium sp., Diaporthe sp., Pestalotiopsis sp., and Xylaria feejeensis were isolated once each. No more than one fungal taxon was isolated from each arthropod cadaver, and not all arthropods yielded culturable fungi. Bat cadavers yielded 14 out of 24 isolates (58.3%), with the highest occurrence of the fungi sampled from their skin. Our results corroborate that bats and arthropods play a role in fungal dispersion and introduction in the cave because their exteriors are likely to harbor fungi they are exposed to in the environment. We also conclude that cadavers are important substrates for fungal growth and proliferation, perpetuating the role of fungi as important decomposers in caves. This study provides a baseline of information of the mycobiome of Bornean caves for future bioprospecting and potential biotechnological applications.

Borneo is a biodiversity and ecotourism hotspot, yet one of its least-studied ecosystems is their limestone caves. Not many studies have been conducted on the role fungi play in tropical cave ecosystems, and no fungal surveys have been conducted in the caves of Sabah, Malaysia. Here, we assess the mycofloral diversity on bat and arthropod cadavers in one of the most popular ecotourism destinations of northern Borneo, Gomantong caves. Opportunistic sampling of cadavers within the Semud Hitam chamber of Gomantong cave yielded nine dead arthropods and four dead bats. Twenty-four culturable fungi were isolated, of which 14 morphological taxonomic units (MTU) were observed. Twelve of the 14 MTUs underwent molecular characterization of the ITS gene region to confirm identification. All fungi were Ascomycetes except for one Basidiomycete isolate. Aspergillus spp. had the highest occurrence (45.8%), followed by Penicillium spp. (25.0%), and Fusarium sp. (12.5%). Ceratobasidium sp., Diaporthe sp., Pestalotiopsis sp., and Xylaria feejeensis were isolated once each. No more than one fungal taxon was isolated from each arthropod cadaver, and not all arthropods yielded culturable fungi. Bat cadavers yielded 14 out of 24 isolates (58.3%), with the highest occurrence of the fungi sampled from their skin. Our results corroborate that bats and arthropods play a role in fungal dispersion and introduction in the cave because their exteriors are likely to harbor fungi they are exposed to in the environment. We also conclude that cadavers are important substrates for fungal growth and proliferation, perpetuating the role of fungi as important decomposers in caves. This study provides a baseline of information of the mycobiome of Bornean caves for future bioprospecting and potential biotechnological applications.

Borneo is a biodiversity and ecotourism hotspot, yet one of its least-studied ecosystems is their limestone caves. Not many studies have been conducted on the role fungi play in tropical cave ecosystems, and no fungal surveys have been conducted in the caves of Sabah, Malaysia. Here, we assess the mycofloral diversity on bat and arthropod cadavers in one of the most popular ecotourism destinations of northern Borneo, Gomantong caves. Opportunistic sampling of cadavers within the Semud Hitam chamber of Gomantong cave yielded nine dead arthropods and four dead bats. Twenty-four culturable fungi were isolated, of which 14 morphological taxonomic units (MTU) were observed. Twelve of the 14 MTUs underwent molecular characterization of the ITS gene region to confirm identification. All fungi were Ascomycetes except for one Basidiomycete isolate. Aspergillus spp. had the highest occurrence (45.8%), followed by Penicillium spp. (25.0%), and Fusarium sp. (12.5%). Ceratobasidium sp., Diaporthe sp., Pestalotiopsis sp., and Xylaria feejeensis were isolated once each. No more than one fungal taxon was isolated from each arthropod cadaver, and not all arthropods yielded culturable fungi. Bat cadavers yielded 14 out of 24 isolates (58.3%), with the highest occurrence of the fungi sampled from their skin. Our results corroborate that bats and arthropods play a role in fungal dispersion and introduction in the cave because their exteriors are likely to harbor fungi they are exposed to in the environment. We also conclude that cadavers are important substrates for fungal growth and proliferation, perpetuating the role of fungi as important decomposers in caves. This study provides a baseline of information of the mycobiome of Bornean caves for future bioprospecting and potential biotechnological applications.

type:Article, Peat-swamp forests harbour diverse animal communities, but they are also highly prone to forest fires. Between January 2017–February 2018, we carried out a camera trapping survey of animals in a mixed peatswamp forest partly affected by El Niño driven forest fires in 1998. This survey was conducted in the Klias Forest Reserve (KFR), of western Sabah, Malaysian Borneo. In addition to natural regeneration, the burnt areas in this peat forest have undergone active forest rehabilitation since 2006, including enrichment planting with indigenous tree species. We identified 22 animal species (16 mammals and six birds) in the surveyed areas including common and rarer species of high conservation value. The richness of animal species detected in the rehabilitated (formerly burnt forest) and the nearby intact (unburnt) forest areas was generally comparable. The similarity of detected animal species composition in each forest condition was also high (74% for all animal species combined; 86% for mammal species). Additionally, six of the seven most frequently photographed species did not show any significant difference in daytime and nighttime activity patterns in the rehabilitated as compared to intact forest. Interestingly, mousedeer species (Tragulus napu and T. kanchil) were found to be significantly more active during the daytime in intact (unburnt) forest compared to the rehabilitated. However, we suspect higher daytime mousedeer activity in intact areas is a behavioural adaptation to increased hunting pressure at night in this forest rather than a result of the local habitat conditions. Overall, our findings suggest that the rehabilitated mixed peat-swamp forest burnt 20 years ago, acts as an important functional extension to the intact forest of the KFR ecosystem and provides useful additional habitat for animal conservation.

Borneo is one of the biodiversity hotspots of the world, but its limestone caves are one of its least studied ecosystems. Studies of the cave mycobiota of Sabah is essentially nonexistent. In this study, speleothem (n = 4), cavern water (n =4), and bat guano (n = 4) samples were collected and studied for their fungal diversity and abundance. Opportunistic sampling was utilized and the dilution method was performed during isolation. Fifty-five culturable fungi were isolated of which 32 species from 15 genera, nine orders, and two phyla were observed. Morphological characterization and molecular analysis of the ITS gene region were utilized for identification of the isolates. The average fungal abundance count for speleothem samples were 229.3 CFU/cm2, cavern water was 335.0 CFU/ml, and bat guano was 6266.7 CFU/g. Simpson and Shannon diversity indices indicated that speleothem samples had the highest fungal diversity, followed by bat guano, and cavern water. Speleothem also resulted in the most pure isolates (n=23) and distinct fungal taxa (n=19). Ascomycetes dominated the fungal composition of all sample types, accounting for 53 out of 55 total isolates. The remaining two isolates were both Basidiomycetes. The most abundant genera recovered from cave samples was Penicillium, but Aspergillus spp. had the highest occurrence as they were isolated from all samples except for one. Purpureocillium lilacinum was the species with the highest occurrence, appearing in five separate samples from all three substrate types. This study serves to produce baseline data useful for further research on the mycoflora of Sabah’s various ecosystems. We urge that visitors should be more aware of the potential risks and disturbance they cause to microbial communities when entering cave environments.

Borneo is one of the biodiversity hotspots of the world, but its limestone caves are one of its least studied ecosystems. Studies of the cave mycobiota of Sabah is essentially nonexistent. In this study, speleothem (n = 4), cavern water (n =4), and bat guano (n = 4) samples were collected and studied for their fungal diversity and abundance. Opportunistic sampling was utilized and the dilution method was performed during isolation. Fifty-five culturable fungi were isolated of which 32 species from 15 genera, nine orders, and two phyla were observed. Morphological characterization and molecular analysis of the ITS gene region were utilized for identification of the isolates. The average fungal abundance count for speleothem samples were 229.3 CFU/cm2, cavern water was 335.0 CFU/ml, and bat guano was 6266.7 CFU/g. Simpson and Shannon diversity indices indicated that speleothem samples had the highest fungal diversity, followed by bat guano, and cavern water. Speleothem also resulted in the most pure isolates (n=23) and distinct fungal taxa (n=19). Ascomycetes dominated the fungal composition of all sample types, accounting for 53 out of 55 total isolates. The remaining two isolates were both Basidiomycetes. The most abundant genera recovered from cave samples was Penicillium, but Aspergillus spp. had the highest occurrence as they were isolated from all samples except for one. Purpureocillium lilacinum was the species with the highest occurrence, appearing in five separate samples from all three substrate types. This study serves to produce baseline data useful for further research on the mycoflora of Sabah’s various ecosystems. We urge that visitors should be more aware of the potential risks and disturbance they cause to microbial communities when entering cave environments.

Borneo is one of the biodiversity hotspots of the world, but its limestone caves are one of its least studied ecosystems. Studies of the cave mycobiota of Sabah is essentially nonexistent. In this study, speleothem (n = 4), cavern water (n =4), and bat guano (n = 4) samples were collected and studied for their fungal diversity and abundance. Opportunistic sampling was utilized and the dilution method was performed during isolation. Fifty-five culturable fungi were isolated of which 32 species from 15 genera, nine orders, and two phyla were observed. Morphological characterization and molecular analysis of the ITS gene region were utilized for identification of the isolates. The average fungal abundance count for speleothem samples were 229.3 CFU/cm2, cavern water was 335.0 CFU/ml, and bat guano was 6266.7 CFU/g. Simpson and Shannon diversity indices indicated that speleothem samples had the highest fungal diversity, followed by bat guano, and cavern water. Speleothem also resulted in the most pure isolates (n=23) and distinct fungal taxa (n=19). Ascomycetes dominated the fungal composition of all sample types, accounting for 53 out of 55 total isolates. The remaining two isolates were both Basidiomycetes. The most abundant genera recovered from cave samples was Penicillium, but Aspergillus spp. had the highest occurrence as they were isolated from all samples except for one. Purpureocillium lilacinum was the species with the highest occurrence, appearing in five separate samples from all three substrate types. This study serves to produce baseline data useful for further research on the mycoflora of Sabah’s various ecosystems. We urge that visitors should be more aware of the potential risks and disturbance they cause to microbial communities when entering cave environments.

Peat-swamp forests harbour diverse animal communities, but they are also highly prone to forest fires. Between January 2017–February 2018, we carried out a camera trapping survey of animals in a mixed peatswamp forest partly affected by El Niño driven forest fires in 1998. This survey was conducted in the Klias Forest Reserve (KFR), of western Sabah, Malaysian Borneo. In addition to natural regeneration, the burnt areas in this peat forest have undergone active forest rehabilitation since 2006, including enrichment planting with indigenous tree species. We identified 22 animal species (16 mammals and six birds) in the surveyed areas including common and rarer species of high conservation value. The richness of animal species detected in the rehabilitated (formerly burnt forest) and the nearby intact (unburnt) forest areas was generally comparable. The similarity of detected animal species composition in each forest condition was also high (74% for all animal species combined; 86% for mammal species). Additionally, six of the seven most frequently photographed species did not show any significant difference in daytime and nighttime activity patterns in the rehabilitated as compared to intact forest. Interestingly, mousedeer species (Tragulus napu and T. kanchil) were found to be significantly more active during the daytime in intact (unburnt) forest compared to the rehabilitated. However, we suspect higher daytime mousedeer activity in intact areas is a behavioural adaptation to increased hunting pressure at night in this forest rather than a result of the local habitat conditions. Overall, our findings suggest that the rehabilitated mixed peat-swamp forest burnt 20 years ago, acts as an important functional extension to the intact forest of the KFR ecosystem and provides useful additional habitat for animal conservation

Peat-swamp forests harbour diverse animal communities, but they are also highly prone to forest fires. Between January 2017–February 2018, we carried out a camera trapping survey of animals in a mixed peatswamp forest partly affected by El Niño driven forest fires in 1998. This survey was conducted in the Klias Forest Reserve (KFR), of western Sabah, Malaysian Borneo. In addition to natural regeneration, the burnt areas in this peat forest have undergone active forest rehabilitation since 2006, including enrichment planting with indigenous tree species. We identified 22 animal species (16 mammals and six birds) in the surveyed areas including common and rarer species of high conservation value. The richness of animal species detected in the rehabilitated (formerly burnt forest) and the nearby intact (unburnt) forest areas was generally comparable. The similarity of detected animal species composition in each forest condition was also high (74% for all animal species combined; 86% for mammal species). Additionally, six of the seven most frequently photographed species did not show any significant difference in daytime and nighttime activity patterns in the rehabilitated as compared to intact forest. Interestingly, mousedeer species (Tragulus napu and T. kanchil) were found to be significantly more active during the daytime in intact (unburnt) forest compared to the rehabilitated. However, we suspect higher daytime mousedeer activity in intact areas is a behavioural adaptation to increased hunting pressure at night in this forest rather than a result of the local habitat conditions. Overall, our findings suggest that the rehabilitated mixed peat-swamp forest burnt 20 years ago, acts as an important functional extension to the intact forest of the KFR ecosystem and provides useful additional habitat for animal conservation

Peat-swamp forests harbour diverse animal communities, but they are also highly prone to forest fires. Between January 2017–February 2018, we carried out a camera trapping survey of animals in a mixed peatswamp forest partly affected by El Niño driven forest fires in 1998. This survey was conducted in the Klias Forest Reserve (KFR), of western Sabah, Malaysian Borneo. In addition to natural regeneration, the burnt areas in this peat forest have undergone active forest rehabilitation since 2006, including enrichment planting with indigenous tree species. We identified 22 animal species (16 mammals and six birds) in the surveyed areas including common and rarer species of high conservation value. The richness of animal species detected in the rehabilitated (formerly burnt forest) and the nearby intact (unburnt) forest areas was generally comparable. The similarity of detected animal species composition in each forest condition was also high (74% for all animal species combined; 86% for mammal species). Additionally, six of the seven most frequently photographed species did not show any significant difference in daytime and nighttime activity patterns in the rehabilitated as compared to intact forest. Interestingly, mousedeer species (Tragulus napu and T. kanchil) were found to be significantly more active during the daytime in intact (unburnt) forest compared to the rehabilitated. However, we suspect higher daytime mousedeer activity in intact areas is a behavioural adaptation to increased hunting pressure at night in this forest rather than a result of the local habitat conditions. Overall, our findings suggest that the rehabilitated mixed peat-swamp forest burnt 20 years ago, acts as an important functional extension to the intact forest of the KFR ecosystem and provides useful additional habitat for animal conservation

Borneo is one of the biodiversity hotspots of the world, but its limestone caves are one of its least studied ecosystems. Studies of the cave mycobiota of Sabah is essentially nonexistent. In this study, speleothem (n = 4), cavern water (n =4), and bat guano (n = 4) samples were collected and studied for their fungal diversity and abundance. Opportunistic sampling was utilized and the dilution method was performed during isolation. Fifty-five culturable fungi were isolated of which 32 species from 15 genera, nine orders, and two phyla were observed. Morphological characterization and molecular analysis of the ITS gene region were utilized for identification of the isolates. The average fungal abundance count for speleothem samples were 229.3 CFU/cm2, cavern water was 335.0 CFU/ml, and bat guano was 6266.7 CFU/g. Simpson and Shannon diversity indices indicated that speleothem samples had the highest fungal diversity, followed by bat guano, and cavern water. Speleothem also resulted in the most pure isolates (n=23) and distinct fungal taxa (n=19). Ascomycetes dominated the fungal composition of all sample types, accounting for 53 out of 55 total isolates. The remaining two isolates were both Basidiomycetes. The most abundant genera recovered from cave samples was Penicillium, but Aspergillus spp. had the highest occurrence as they were isolated from all samples except for one. Purpureocillium lilacinum was the species with the highest occurrence, appearing in five separate samples from all three substrate types. This study serves to produce baseline data useful for further research on the mycoflora of Sabah’s various ecosystems. We urge that visitors should be more aware of the potential risks and disturbance they cause to microbial communities when entering cave environments.

Peat-swamp forests harbour diverse animal communities, but they are also highly prone to forest fires. Between January 2017–February 2018, we carried out a camera trapping survey of animals in a mixed peatswamp forest partly affected by El Niño driven forest fires in 1998. This survey was conducted in the Klias Forest Reserve (KFR), of western Sabah, Malaysian Borneo. In addition to natural regeneration, the burnt areas in this peat forest have undergone active forest rehabilitation since 2006, including enrichment planting with indigenous tree species. We identified 22 animal species (16 mammals and six birds) in the surveyed areas including common and rarer species of high conservation value. The richness of animal species detected in the rehabilitated (formerly burnt forest) and the nearby intact (unburnt) forest areas was generally comparable. The similarity of detected animal species composition in each forest condition was also high (74% for all animal species combined; 86% for mammal species). Additionally, six of the seven most frequently photographed species did not show any significant difference in daytime and nighttime activity patterns in the rehabilitated as compared to intact forest. Interestingly, mousedeer species (Tragulus napu and T. kanchil) were found to be significantly more active during the daytime in intact (unburnt) forest compared to the rehabilitated. However, we suspect higher daytime mousedeer activity in intact areas is a behavioural adaptation to increased hunting pressure at night in this forest rather than a result of the local habitat conditions. Overall, our findings suggest that the rehabilitated mixed peat-swamp forest burnt 20 years ago, acts as an important functional extension to the intact forest of the KFR ecosystem and provides useful additional habitat for animal conservation

Peat-swamp forests harbour diverse animal communities, but they are also highly prone to forest fires. Between January 2017–February 2018, we carried out a camera trapping survey of animals in a mixed peatswamp forest partly affected by El Niño driven forest fires in 1998. This survey was conducted in the Klias Forest Reserve (KFR), of western Sabah, Malaysian Borneo. In addition to natural regeneration, the burnt areas in this peat forest have undergone active forest rehabilitation since 2006, including enrichment planting with indigenous tree species. We identified 22 animal species (16 mammals and six birds) in the surveyed areas including common and rarer species of high conservation value. The richness of animal species detected in the rehabilitated (formerly burnt forest) and the nearby intact (unburnt) forest areas was generally comparable. The similarity of detected animal species composition in each forest condition was also high (74% for all animal species combined; 86% for mammal species). Additionally, six of the seven most frequently photographed species did not show any significant difference in daytime and nighttime activity patterns in the rehabilitated as compared to intact forest. Interestingly, mousedeer species (Tragulus napu and T. kanchil) were found to be significantly more active during the daytime in intact (unburnt) forest compared to the rehabilitated. However, we suspect higher daytime mousedeer activity in intact areas is a behavioural adaptation to increased hunting pressure at night in this forest rather than a result of the local habitat conditions. Overall, our findings suggest that the rehabilitated mixed peat-swamp forest burnt 20 years ago, acts as an important functional extension to the intact forest of the KFR ecosystem and provides useful additional habitat for animal conservation

Borneo is one of the biodiversity hotspots of the world, but its limestone caves are one of its least studied ecosystems. Studies of the cave mycobiota of Sabah is essentially nonexistent. In this study, speleothem (n = 4), cavern water (n =4), and bat guano (n = 4) samples were collected and studied for their fungal diversity and abundance. Opportunistic sampling was utilized and the dilution method was performed during isolation. Fifty-five culturable fungi were isolated of which 32 species from 15 genera, nine orders, and two phyla were observed. Morphological characterization and molecular analysis of the ITS gene region were utilized for identification of the isolates. The average fungal abundance count for speleothem samples were 229.3 CFU/cm2, cavern water was 335.0 CFU/ml, and bat guano was 6266.7 CFU/g. Simpson and Shannon diversity indices indicated that speleothem samples had the highest fungal diversity, followed by bat guano, and cavern water. Speleothem also resulted in the most pure isolates (n=23) and distinct fungal taxa (n=19). Ascomycetes dominated the fungal composition of all sample types, accounting for 53 out of 55 total isolates. The remaining two isolates were both Basidiomycetes. The most abundant genera recovered from cave samples was Penicillium, but Aspergillus spp. had the highest occurrence as they were isolated from all samples except for one. Purpureocillium lilacinum was the species with the highest occurrence, appearing in five separate samples from all three substrate types. This study serves to produce baseline data useful for further research on the mycoflora of Sabah’s various ecosystems. We urge that visitors should be more aware of the potential risks and disturbance they cause to microbial communities when entering cave environments.

Borneo is one of the biodiversity hotspots of the world, but its limestone caves are one of its least studied ecosystems. Studies of the cave mycobiota of Sabah is essentially nonexistent. In this study, speleothem (n = 4), cavern water (n =4), and bat guano (n = 4) samples were collected and studied for their fungal diversity and abundance. Opportunistic sampling was utilized and the dilution method was performed during isolation. Fifty-five culturable fungi were isolated of which 32 species from 15 genera, nine orders, and two phyla were observed. Morphological characterization and molecular analysis of the ITS gene region were utilized for identification of the isolates. The average fungal abundance count for speleothem samples were 229.3 CFU/cm2, cavern water was 335.0 CFU/ml, and bat guano was 6266.7 CFU/g. Simpson and Shannon diversity indices indicated that speleothem samples had the highest fungal diversity, followed by bat guano, and cavern water. Speleothem also resulted in the most pure isolates (n=23) and distinct fungal taxa (n=19). Ascomycetes dominated the fungal composition of all sample types, accounting for 53 out of 55 total isolates. The remaining two isolates were both Basidiomycetes. The most abundant genera recovered from cave samples was Penicillium, but Aspergillus spp. had the highest occurrence as they were isolated from all samples except for one. Purpureocillium lilacinum was the species with the highest occurrence, appearing in five separate samples from all three substrate types. This study serves to produce baseline data useful for further research on the mycoflora of Sabah’s various ecosystems. We urge that visitors should be more aware of the potential risks and disturbance they cause to microbial communities when entering cave environments.

Peat-swamp forests harbour diverse animal communities, but they are also highly prone to forest fires. Between January 2017–February 2018, we carried out a camera trapping survey of animals in a mixed peatswamp forest partly affected by El Niño driven forest fires in 1998. This survey was conducted in the Klias Forest Reserve (KFR), of western Sabah, Malaysian Borneo. In addition to natural regeneration, the burnt areas in this peat forest have undergone active forest rehabilitation since 2006, including enrichment planting with indigenous tree species. We identified 22 animal species (16 mammals and six birds) in the surveyed areas including common and rarer species of high conservation value. The richness of animal species detected in the rehabilitated (formerly burnt forest) and the nearby intact (unburnt) forest areas was generally comparable. The similarity of detected animal species composition in each forest condition was also high (74% for all animal species combined; 86% for mammal species). Additionally, six of the seven most frequently photographed species did not show any significant difference in daytime and nighttime activity patterns in the rehabilitated as compared to intact forest. Interestingly, mousedeer species (Tragulus napu and T. kanchil) were found to be significantly more active during the daytime in intact (unburnt) forest compared to the rehabilitated. However, we suspect higher daytime mousedeer activity in intact areas is a behavioural adaptation to increased hunting pressure at night in this forest rather than a result of the local habitat conditions. Overall, our findings suggest that the rehabilitated mixed peat-swamp forest burnt 20 years ago, acts as an important functional extension to the intact forest of the KFR ecosystem and provides useful additional habitat for animal conservation

Borneo is one of the biodiversity hotspots of the world, but its limestone caves are one of its least studied ecosystems. Studies of the cave mycobiota of Sabah is essentially nonexistent. In this study, speleothem (n = 4), cavern water (n =4), and bat guano (n = 4) samples were collected and studied for their fungal diversity and abundance. Opportunistic sampling was utilized and the dilution method was performed during isolation. Fifty-five culturable fungi were isolated of which 32 species from 15 genera, nine orders, and two phyla were observed. Morphological characterization and molecular analysis of the ITS gene region were utilized for identification of the isolates. The average fungal abundance count for speleothem samples were 229.3 CFU/cm2, cavern water was 335.0 CFU/ml, and bat guano was 6266.7 CFU/g. Simpson and Shannon diversity indices indicated that speleothem samples had the highest fungal diversity, followed by bat guano, and cavern water. Speleothem also resulted in the most pure isolates (n=23) and distinct fungal taxa (n=19). Ascomycetes dominated the fungal composition of all sample types, accounting for 53 out of 55 total isolates. The remaining two isolates were both Basidiomycetes. The most abundant genera recovered from cave samples was Penicillium, but Aspergillus spp. had the highest occurrence as they were isolated from all samples except for one. Purpureocillium lilacinum was the species with the highest occurrence, appearing in five separate samples from all three substrate types. This study serves to produce baseline data useful for further research on the mycoflora of Sabah’s various ecosystems. We urge that visitors should be more aware of the potential risks and disturbance they cause to microbial communities when entering cave environments.

Ethnomycological knowledge is a combination of biological resources, cultural and human patterns, in particular collective traditional uses and the importance of fungi in daily life. Despite the large number of ethnic groups in Sabah, the native ethnomycological knowledge of wild edible mushrooms and poisonous mushrooms are poorly documented. This study attempted to document wild edible mushrooms and their ethnomycological uses and practices in the tropical rainforest of Sabah, Borneo. Opportunistic samplings and ethnomycological surveys were made within the indigenous communities of Sabah. Collectively, 50 respondents from four different ethnic communities i.e. Dusun, Kadazan, Orang Sungai, and Bisaya were interviewed. A total of 25 wild mushroom species were documented as edible mushroom for food, and five species for medicinal uses. The highest number of wild edible mushroom collected and reported were of the Pleurotaceae family (five species), followed by Polyporaceae family (three species) and Auriculariaceae family (three species). The results also showed that Schizophyllum commune (Kulat Kodop), Volvariella volvacea (Kulat Sawit), Pleurotus spp., (Cendawan Tiram) Auricularia spp., (Kulat Korong) and Marasmiellus species were mostly consumed by the indigenous people of Sabah as part of their daily diet. Local names, culinary, and the edibility types were distinct among the different local communities. Elderly indigenous people possess vast knowledge on uses of wild mushrooms compared to the younger generation. Women play an important role in wild mushroom collection and its edibility, uses and practices. The findings from this study showed that ethnomycological knowledge of wild mushroom in Sabah is still lacking and more attention is needed. A study on the ethnomycological aspect in Borneo is a necessity in creating awareness among the public on edible and poisonous mushrooms, and its culinary and medicinal properties.

Ethnomycological knowledge is a combination of biological resources, cultural and human patterns, in particular collective traditional uses and the importance of fungi in daily life. Despite the large number of ethnic groups in Sabah, the native ethnomycological knowledge of wild edible mushrooms and poisonous mushrooms are poorly documented. This study attempted to document wild edible mushrooms and their ethnomycological uses and practices in the tropical rainforest of Sabah, Borneo. Opportunistic samplings and ethnomycological surveys were made within the indigenous communities of Sabah. Collectively, 50 respondents from four different ethnic communities i.e. Dusun, Kadazan, Orang Sungai, and Bisaya were interviewed. A total of 25 wild mushroom species were documented as edible mushroom for food, and five species for medicinal uses. The highest number of wild edible mushroom collected and reported were of the Pleurotaceae family (five species), followed by Polyporaceae family (three species) and Auriculariaceae family (three species). The results also showed that Schizophyllum commune (Kulat Kodop), Volvariella volvacea (Kulat Sawit), Pleurotus spp., (Cendawan Tiram) Auricularia spp., (Kulat Korong) and Marasmiellus species were mostly consumed by the indigenous people of Sabah as part of their daily diet. Local names, culinary, and the edibility types were distinct among the different local communities. Elderly indigenous people possess vast knowledge on uses of wild mushrooms compared to the younger generation. Women play an important role in wild mushroom collection and its edibility, uses and practices. The findings from this study showed that ethnomycological knowledge of wild mushroom in Sabah is still lacking and more attention is needed. A study on the ethnomycological aspect in Borneo is a necessity in creating awareness among the public on edible and poisonous mushrooms, and its culinary and medicinal properties.

Pleurotus giganteus (Berk.) Karunarathna & Hyde is one of the largest edible mushrooms which can be found either in groups or solitary and in soil and buried woods, but seldom in grassland. It has been recorded in Southeast Asia, Australasia, and China by either its common names or local names. Previously known as Lentinus/Panus giganteus, its unique physical characteristics and the utilization of molecular tools have since anchored its taxonomical position in the Pleurotus genus. A sawdust-based substrate coupled with soil casing method is described as a standard cultivation procedure for P. giganteus. The basidiocarp of P. giganteus is found to be rich in carbohydrates, proteins, polyunsaturated fatty acids, and polysaccharides. Both ethanol and aqueous extracts of P. giganteus have been studied in vitro for its antioxidative, antifungal, anticancer, hepatoprotective, and neurite outgrowth capabilities. The review covers the optimum cultivation methods of P. giganteus, as well as its various biological activities and medicinal properties that have been studied by different approaches. Available data in regards to the chemical compounds present in P. giganteus are also compiled for future references. Overall, both in vitro and in vivo studies have shown significant bioactivity comparable to other recognized Pleurotoid mushrooms.

Ethnomycological knowledge is a combination of biological resources, cultural and human patterns, in particular collective traditional uses and the importance of fungi in daily life. Despite the large number of ethnic groups in Sabah, the native ethnomycological knowledge of wild edible mushrooms and poisonous mushrooms are poorly documented. This study attempted to document wild edible mushrooms and their ethnomycological uses and practices in the tropical rainforest of Sabah, Borneo. Opportunistic samplings and ethnomycological surveys were made within the indigenous communities of Sabah. Collectively, 50 respondents from four different ethnic communities i.e. Dusun, Kadazan, Orang Sungai, and Bisaya were interviewed. A total of 25 wild mushroom species were documented as edible mushroom for food, and five species for medicinal uses. The highest number of wild edible mushroom collected and reported were of the Pleurotaceae family (five species), followed by Polyporaceae family (three species) and Auriculariaceae family (three species). The results also showed that Schizophyllum commune (Kulat Kodop), Volvariella volvacea (Kulat Sawit), Pleurotus spp., (Cendawan Tiram) Auricularia spp., (Kulat Korong) and Marasmiellus species were mostly consumed by the indigenous people of Sabah as part of their daily diet. Local names, culinary, and the edibility types were distinct among the different local communities. Elderly indigenous people possess vast knowledge on uses of wild mushrooms compared to the younger generation. Women play an important role in wild mushroom collection and its edibility, uses and practices. The findings from this study showed that ethnomycological knowledge of wild mushroom in Sabah is still lacking and more attention is needed. A study on the ethnomycological aspect in Borneo is a necessity in creating awareness among the public on edible and poisonous mushrooms, and its culinary and medicinal properties.

Pleurotus giganteus (Berk.) Karunarathna & Hyde is one of the largest edible mushrooms which can be found either in groups or solitary and in soil and buried woods, but seldom in grassland. It has been recorded in Southeast Asia, Australasia, and China by either its common names or local names. Previously known as Lentinus/Panus giganteus, its unique physical characteristics and the utilization of molecular tools have since anchored its taxonomical position in the Pleurotus genus. A sawdust-based substrate coupled with soil casing method is described as a standard cultivation procedure for P. giganteus. The basidiocarp of P. giganteus is found to be rich in carbohydrates, proteins, polyunsaturated fatty acids, and polysaccharides. Both ethanol and aqueous extracts of P. giganteus have been studied in vitro for its antioxidative, antifungal, anticancer, hepatoprotective, and neurite outgrowth capabilities. The review covers the optimum cultivation methods of P. giganteus, as well as its various biological activities and medicinal properties that have been studied by different approaches. Available data in regards to the chemical compounds present in P. giganteus are also compiled for future references. Overall, both in vitro and in vivo studies have shown significant bioactivity comparable to other recognized Pleurotoid mushrooms.

Ethnomycological knowledge is a combination of biological resources, cultural and human patterns, in particular collective traditional uses and the importance of fungi in daily life. Despite the large number of ethnic groups in Sabah, the native ethnomycological knowledge of wild edible mushrooms and poisonous mushrooms are poorly documented. This study attempted to document wild edible mushrooms and their ethnomycological uses and practices in the tropical rainforest of Sabah, Borneo. Opportunistic samplings and ethnomycological surveys were made within the indigenous communities of Sabah. Collectively, 50 respondents from four different ethnic communities i.e. Dusun, Kadazan, Orang Sungai, and Bisaya were interviewed. A total of 25 wild mushroom species were documented as edible mushroom for food, and five species for medicinal uses. The highest number of wild edible mushroom collected and reported were of the Pleurotaceae family (five species), followed by Polyporaceae family (three species) and Auriculariaceae family (three species). The results also showed that Schizophyllum commune (Kulat Kodop), Volvariella volvacea (Kulat Sawit), Pleurotus spp., (Cendawan Tiram) Auricularia spp., (Kulat Korong) and Marasmiellus species were mostly consumed by the indigenous people of Sabah as part of their daily diet. Local names, culinary, and the edibility types were distinct among the different local communities. Elderly indigenous people possess vast knowledge on uses of wild mushrooms compared to the younger generation. Women play an important role in wild mushroom collection and its edibility, uses and practices. The findings from this study showed that ethnomycological knowledge of wild mushroom in Sabah is still lacking and more attention is needed. A study on the ethnomycological aspect in Borneo is a necessity in creating awareness among the public on edible and poisonous mushrooms, and its culinary and medicinal properties.

Pleurotus giganteus (Berk.) Karunarathna & Hyde is one of the largest edible mushrooms which can be found either in groups or solitary and in soil and buried woods, but seldom in grassland. It has been recorded in Southeast Asia, Australasia, and China by either its common names or local names. Previously known as Lentinus/Panus giganteus, its unique physical characteristics and the utilization of molecular tools have since anchored its taxonomical position in the Pleurotus genus. A sawdust-based substrate coupled with soil casing method is described as a standard cultivation procedure for P. giganteus. The basidiocarp of P. giganteus is found to be rich in carbohydrates, proteins, polyunsaturated fatty acids, and polysaccharides. Both ethanol and aqueous extracts of P. giganteus have been studied in vitro for its antioxidative, antifungal, anticancer, hepatoprotective, and neurite outgrowth capabilities. The review covers the optimum cultivation methods of P. giganteus, as well as its various biological activities and medicinal properties that have been studied by different approaches. Available data in regards to the chemical compounds present in P. giganteus are also compiled for future references. Overall, both in vitro and in vivo studies have shown significant bioactivity comparable to other recognized Pleurotoid mushrooms.

Pleurotus giganteus (Berk.) Karunarathna & Hyde is one of the largest edible mushrooms which can be found either in groups or solitary and in soil and buried woods, but seldom in grassland. It has been recorded in Southeast Asia, Australasia, and China by either its common names or local names. Previously known as Lentinus/Panus giganteus, its unique physical characteristics and the utilization of molecular tools have since anchored its taxonomical position in the Pleurotus genus. A sawdust-based substrate coupled with soil casing method is described as a standard cultivation procedure for P. giganteus. The basidiocarp of P. giganteus is found to be rich in carbohydrates, proteins, polyunsaturated fatty acids, and polysaccharides. Both ethanol and aqueous extracts of P. giganteus have been studied in vitro for its antioxidative, antifungal, anticancer, hepatoprotective, and neurite outgrowth capabilities. The review covers the optimum cultivation methods of P. giganteus, as well as its various biological activities and medicinal properties that have been studied by different approaches. Available data in regards to the chemical compounds present in P. giganteus are also compiled for future references. Overall, both in vitro and in vivo studies have shown significant bioactivity comparable to other recognized Pleurotoid mushrooms.

Pleurotus giganteus (Berk.) Karunarathna & Hyde is one of the largest edible mushrooms which can be found either in groups or solitary and in soil and buried woods, but seldom in grassland. It has been recorded in Southeast Asia, Australasia, and China by either its common names or local names. Previously known as Lentinus/Panus giganteus, its unique physical characteristics and the utilization of molecular tools have since anchored its taxonomical position in the Pleurotus genus. A sawdust-based substrate coupled with soil casing method is described as a standard cultivation procedure for P. giganteus. The basidiocarp of P. giganteus is found to be rich in carbohydrates, proteins, polyunsaturated fatty acids, and polysaccharides. Both ethanol and aqueous extracts of P. giganteus have been studied in vitro for its antioxidative, antifungal, anticancer, hepatoprotective, and neurite outgrowth capabilities. The review covers the optimum cultivation methods of P. giganteus, as well as its various biological activities and medicinal properties that have been studied by different approaches. Available data in regards to the chemical compounds present in P. giganteus are also compiled for future references. Overall, both in vitro and in vivo studies have shown significant bioactivity comparable to other recognized Pleurotoid mushrooms.

The genus Termitomyces (Lyophyllaceae, Basidiomycota) is often associated with fungus-feeding termites (Macrotermitinae) due to their strong symbiotic relationships. The genus is widely found exclusively in certain regions of Africa and Asia. They are recognized as edible mushroom within Southeast Asia as well. But it is often misidentified based on morphology by the local communities especially in Malaysia for Chlorophyllum molybdites which is a highly poisonous mushroom. Thus, it is necessary to study the genus for Malaysia with the synergy of using both morphological and molecular identification. In this study, we aim to describe another new species as an addition to the genus Termitomyces found within Sabah, Malaysia. We generated two new sequences (nrLSU and mtSSU) for the new species and a total of 28 nrLSU and mtSSU sequences were retrieved from GenBank for the phylogenetic analysis using maximum likelihood and Bayesian inferences. We identified that the new collection from Sabah province is a new species and named as Termitomyces gilvus based on the termites found in the mound. A phylogeny tree made from the concatenated genes of LSU and mtSSU suggests that T. gilvus is closely related to T. bulborhizus from China. According to our results, the combination of molecular and morphology proved to be a robust approach to re-evaluate the taxonomic status of Termitomyces species in Malaysia. Additional surveys are needed to verify the species diversity and clarify their geographic distribution

The genus Termitomyces (Lyophyllaceae, Basidiomycota) is often associated with fungus-feeding termites (Macrotermitinae) due to their strong symbiotic relationships. The genus is widely found exclusively in certain regions of Africa and Asia. They are recognized as edible mushroom within Southeast Asia as well. But it is often misidentified based on morphology by the local communities especially in Malaysia for Chlorophyllum molybdites which is a highly poisonous mushroom. Thus, it is necessary to study the genus for Malaysia with the synergy of using both morphological and molecular identification. In this study, we aim to describe another new species as an addition to the genus Termitomyces found within Sabah, Malaysia. We generated two new sequences (nrLSU and mtSSU) for the new species and a total of 28 nrLSU and mtSSU sequences were retrieved from GenBank for the phylogenetic analysis using maximum likelihood and Bayesian inferences. We identified that the new collection from Sabah province is a new species and named as Termitomyces gilvus based on the termites found in the mound. A phylogeny tree made from the concatenated genes of LSU and mtSSU suggests that T. gilvus is closely related to T. bulborhizus from China. According to our results, the combination of molecular and morphology proved to be a robust approach to re-evaluate the taxonomic status of Termitomyces species in Malaysia. Additional surveys are needed to verify the species diversity and clarify their geographic distribution

The genus Termitomyces (Lyophyllaceae, Basidiomycota) is often associated with fungus-feeding termites (Macrotermitinae) due to their strong symbiotic relationships. The genus is widely found exclusively in certain regions of Africa and Asia. They are recognized as edible mushroom within Southeast Asia as well. But it is often misidentified based on morphology by the local communities especially in Malaysia for Chlorophyllum molybdites which is a highly poisonous mushroom. Thus, it is necessary to study the genus for Malaysia with the synergy of using both morphological and molecular identification. In this study, we aim to describe another new species as an addition to the genus Termitomyces found within Sabah, Malaysia. We generated two new sequences (nrLSU and mtSSU) for the new species and a total of 28 nrLSU and mtSSU sequences were retrieved from GenBank for the phylogenetic analysis using maximum likelihood and Bayesian inferences. We identified that the new collection from Sabah province is a new species and named as Termitomyces gilvus based on the termites found in the mound. A phylogeny tree made from the concatenated genes of LSU and mtSSU suggests that T. gilvus is closely related to T. bulborhizus from China. According to our results, the combination of molecular and morphology proved to be a robust approach to re-evaluate the taxonomic status of Termitomyces species in Malaysia. Additional surveys are needed to verify the species diversity and clarify their geographic distribution

The genus Termitomyces (Lyophyllaceae, Basidiomycota) is often associated with fungus-feeding termites (Macrotermitinae) due to their strong symbiotic relationships. The genus is widely found exclusively in certain regions of Africa and Asia. They are recognized as edible mushroom within Southeast Asia as well. But it is often misidentified based on morphology by the local communities especially in Malaysia for Chlorophyllum molybdites which is a highly poisonous mushroom. Thus, it is necessary to study the genus for Malaysia with the synergy of using both morphological and molecular identification. In this study, we aim to describe another new species as an addition to the genus Termitomyces found within Sabah, Malaysia. We generated two new sequences (nrLSU and mtSSU) for the new species and a total of 28 nrLSU and mtSSU sequences were retrieved from GenBank for the phylogenetic analysis using maximum likelihood and Bayesian inferences. We identified that the new collection from Sabah province is a new species and named as Termitomyces gilvus based on the termites found in the mound. A phylogeny tree made from the concatenated genes of LSU and mtSSU suggests that T. gilvus is closely related to T. bulborhizus from China. According to our results, the combination of molecular and morphology proved to be a robust approach to re-evaluate the taxonomic status of Termitomyces species in Malaysia. Additional surveys are needed to verify the species diversity and clarify their geographic distribution

The genus Termitomyces (Lyophyllaceae, Basidiomycota) is often associated with fungus-feeding termites (Macrotermitinae) due to their strong symbiotic relationships. The genus is widely found exclusively in certain regions of Africa and Asia. They are recognized as edible mushroom within Southeast Asia as well. But it is often misidentified based on morphology by the local communities especially in Malaysia for Chlorophyllum molybdites which is a highly poisonous mushroom. Thus, it is necessary to study the genus for Malaysia with the synergy of using both morphological and molecular identification. In this study, we aim to describe another new species as an addition to the genus Termitomyces found within Sabah, Malaysia. We generated two new sequences (nrLSU and mtSSU) for the new species and a total of 28 nrLSU and mtSSU sequences were retrieved from GenBank for the phylogenetic analysis using maximum likelihood and Bayesian inferences. We identified that the new collection from Sabah province is a new species and named as Termitomyces gilvus based on the termites found in the mound. A phylogeny tree made from the concatenated genes of LSU and mtSSU suggests that T. gilvus is closely related to T. bulborhizus from China. According to our results, the combination of molecular and morphology proved to be a robust approach to re-evaluate the taxonomic status of Termitomyces species in Malaysia. Additional surveys are needed to verify the species diversity and clarify their geographic distribution

The genus Termitomyces (Lyophyllaceae, Basidiomycota) is often associated with fungus-feeding termites (Macrotermitinae) due to their strong symbiotic relationships. The genus is widely found exclusively in certain regions of Africa and Asia. They are recognized as edible mushroom within Southeast Asia as well. But it is often misidentified based on morphology by the local communities especially in Malaysia for Chlorophyllum molybdites which is a highly poisonous mushroom. Thus, it is necessary to study the genus for Malaysia with the synergy of using both morphological and molecular identification. In this study, we aim to describe another new species as an addition to the genus Termitomyces found within Sabah, Malaysia. We generated two new sequences (nrLSU and mtSSU) for the new species and a total of 28 nrLSU and mtSSU sequences were retrieved from GenBank for the phylogenetic analysis using maximum likelihood and Bayesian inferences. We identified that the new collection from Sabah province is a new species and named as Termitomyces gilvus based on the termites found in the mound. A phylogeny tree made from the concatenated genes of LSU and mtSSU suggests that T. gilvus is closely related to T. bulborhizus from China. According to our results, the combination of molecular and morphology proved to be a robust approach to re-evaluate the taxonomic status of Termitomyces species in Malaysia. Additional surveys are needed to verify the species diversity and clarify their geographic distribution

This paper describes our submission for the SemEval-2019 Suggestion Mining task. A simple Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) classifier with contextual word representations from a pre-trained language model was used for sentence classification. The model is trained using tri-training, a semi-supervised bootstrapping mechanism for labelling unseen data. Tri-training proved to be an effective technique to accommodate domain shift for cross-domain suggestion mining (Subtask B) where there is no hand labelled training data. For in-domain evaluation (Subtask A), we use the same technique to augment the training set. Our system ranks thirteenth in Subtask A with an $F_1$-score of 68.07 and third in Subtask B with an $F_1$-score of 81.94., Comment: NAACL 2019

Aims: Examining pre-diabetes and diabetes rates using glycated haemoglobin (HbA 1c ) in emergency department (ED) and in general practice (GP) in western Sydney. Methods: Epidemiological study of HbA1c measurements in individuals ≥18 years receiving a blood test (1) in the hospital setting of the ED at Blacktown/Mt Druitt hospital (1/06/2016 to 31/05/2018) and (2) in primary care involving Bridgeview Medical Practice (BVMP) (1/03/2017 to 01/02/2018) as well as other general practices (June 2018 only). Results: Totals of 55,568 individuals from ED and 5911 individuals from GP. The prevalence of diabetes in tested individuals was 17.3% (n = 9704) in ED and 17.4% (n = 1027) in GP. The prevalence of pre-diabetes in ED was 30.2% (n = 16,854) and 26.6% (n = 1576) in GP. Regression controlling for age, season, and gender revealed a weekly increase of 1.1% in odds for diabetes and 1.5% for pre-diabetes (p < 0.001), in line with the yearly absolute increase of 1% in rate for both tested and coded hospital patients. In BVMP the rate of diabetes rose by 22% during the testing period from 8.9% to 11%. Conclusions: There exists a high burden of diabetes both in hospitals and general practice. Testing in ED and general practice revealed similarly high burdens of diabetes across different areas of the healthcare system. In the appropriate hospital and primary care setting, HbA1c can be used to identify individuals with diabetes that may benefit from targeted intervention.

The genus Lentinus (Polyporaceae, Basidiomycota) is widely documented from tropical and temperate forests and is taxonomically controversial. Here we studied the relationships between Lentinus subg. Lentinus sensu Pegler (i.e. sections Lentinus, Tigrini, Dicholamellatae, Rigidi, Lentodiellum and Pleuroti and polypores that share similar morphological characters). We generated sequences of internal transcribed spacers (ITS) and partial 28S regions of nuc rDNA and genes encoding the largest subunit of RNA polymerase II (RPB1), focusing on Lentinus subg. Lentinus sensu Pegler and the Neofavolus group, combined these data with sequences from GenBank (including RPB2 gene sequences) and performed phylogenetic analyses with maximum likelihood and Bayesian methods. We also evaluated the transition in hymenophore morphology between Lentinus, Neofavolus and related polypores with ancestral state reconstruction. Single-gene phylogenies and phylogenies combining ITS and 28S with RPB1 and RPB2 genes all support existence of a Lentinus/Polyporellus clade and a separate Neofavolus clade. Polyporellus (represented by P. arcularius, P. ciliatus, P. brumalis) forms a clade with species representing Lentinus subg. Lentinus sensu Pegler (1983), excluding L. suavissimus. Lentinus tigrinus appears as the sister group of Polyporellus in the fourgene phylogeny, but this placement was weakly supported. All three multigene analyses and the single-gene analysis using ITS strongly supported Polyporus tricholoma as the sister group of the Lentinus/Polyporellus clade; only the 28S rRNA phylogeny failed to support this placement. Under parsimony the ancestral hymenophoral configuration for the Lentinus/Polyporellus clade is estimated to be circular pores, with independent transitions to angular pores and lamellae. The ancestral state for the Neofavolus clade is estimated to be angular pores, with a single transition to lamellae in L. suavissimus. We propose that Lentinus suavissimus (section Pleu

Mechanical deformation of a metal is accompanied by the dissipation of energy in the form of heat as a result of thermodynamically irreversible processes occurring at the microscale. This is applicable to deformation in both elastic and plastic regime so long as the thermodynamically irreversible processes are activated. It follows that there is a possibility of identifying the condition of the material microstructure by evaluating the heat dissipated during deformation. In the thesis, the continuous temperature rise due to the heat dissipation in a material under cyclic loading is obtained using an infrared (IR) detector. Most metals dissipate a very small amount of heat in their elastic range (few mK.s-1). As a consequence, the temperature change is usually below the thermal resolution of the infrared detector used. To enable an accurate measurement to be made, the experiments were conducted in a specially designed setup which eliminated parasitic heat sources. Spatial averaging was used to improve the signal to noise ratio and the dissipative heat source was extracted from the thermal data using the thermomechanical heat diffusion equation. The spatial averaging technique successfully provided a consistent detection threshold of just under 1 mK.s-1. To demonstrate the effectiveness of the enhanced thermal resolution, the effect of material microstructure on the dissipative heat source was studied in 316L stainless steel. Different microstructures were produced by heat treating strip specimens to give a homogeneous field of observation over a large area of the IR detector. Monotonic tensile test and microhardness test were performed on each of the specimen to establish the change in properties resulting from the different microstructures. Micrographs were produced, which showed that the grain size only increased at the highest temperature, for the other heat treatment any difference in the dissipation would be mostly as a result of change in dislocation

Mechanical deformation of a metal is accompanied by the dissipation of energy in the form of heat as a result of thermodynamically irreversible processes occurring at the microscale. This is applicable to deformation in both elastic and plastic regime so long as the thermodynamically irreversible processes are activated. It follows that there is a possibility of identifying the condition of the material microstructure by evaluating the heat dissipated during deformation. In the thesis, the continuous temperature rise due to the heat dissipation in a material under cyclic loading is obtained using an infrared (IR) detector. Most metals dissipate a very small amount of heat in their elastic range (few mK.s-1). As a consequence, the temperature change is usually below the thermal resolution of the infrared detector used. To enable an accurate measurement to be made, the experiments were conducted in a specially designed setup which eliminated parasitic heat sources. Spatial averaging was used to improve the signal to noise ratio and the dissipative heat source was extracted from the thermal data using the thermomechanical heat diffusion equation. The spatial averaging technique successfully provided a consistent detection threshold of just under 1 mK.s-1. To demonstrate the effectiveness of the enhanced thermal resolution, the effect of material microstructure on the dissipative heat source was studied in 316L stainless steel. Different microstructures were produced by heat treating strip specimens to give a homogeneous field of observation over a large area of the IR detector. Monotonic tensile test and microhardness test were performed on each of the specimen to establish the change in properties resulting from the different microstructures. Micrographs were produced, which showed that the grain size only increased at the highest temperature, for the other heat treatment any difference in the dissipation would be mostly as a result of change in dislocation