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Many ant species are known to exhibit foraging tool use, during which ants place various debris items (e.g., pieces of soil, leaves, pine needles, etc.) into liquid food, and then they carry the food-soaked tools back to the nest. In the present study, we compared the tool-using behavior in captive colonies of two closely related myrmicine ants with different feeding preferences: Aphaenogaster subterranea, an omnivorous species, and Messor structor, a mainly granivorous seed-harvester species. We supplied foraging ants with honey-water baits and six types of objects they could use as tools: sand grains, small soil grains, large soil grains, pine needles, leaves, and sponges. We found that the workers of A. subterranea both dropped more tools into honey-water baits and retrieved more of these tools than the workers of M. structor. While A. subterranea preferred smaller tools over larger ones, tool preferences for M. structor did not differ significantly from random. In addition, tool dropping was significantly faster in A. subterranea, and both the dropping and retrieving of tools began significantly earlier than in M. structor. For Aphaenogaster species that regularly utilize and compete for liquid food sources, the ability to efficiently transport liquid food via tools may be more important than it is for seed-harvester ants. Dropping tools into liquids, however, may still be useful for seed-harvester species as a means to supplement diet with liquid food during periods of seed shortage and also to serve as a means of getting rid of unwanted liquids close to the nest.

Since 1975 the Club of cavers based at Novosibirsk State University has performed an extra-ordinary method of caver training. Serious rock-climbing preparation and technical mountaineering with a background of intensive physical coaching have resulted in the discovery of large cave systems on the Altai and Sayan ranges. Overcoming high walls up inside the caves using free climbing and the use of aid techniques from alpinism was mandatory. Mountaineering skills allowed us to investigate plateaus on high altitudes on Zeravshanskiy (Mount Patroush) and Gissarskiy (Mount Hodja-Ahcha-Baroun) ranges, as well as pseudo karst in the vicinity of Khan-Tengri, Kilimanjaro, Aconcagua peaks, combined with geological surveying and prospecting. For all times the philosophical aspects of fair play in sports was an inherent part in our activity. The digital presentation of underground mapping and structures monitoring on surface made possible to discover a tectonic-geomorphologic speleogenesis of conglomerate caves of the Narva’s suite (Siberia, Manskiy trough). The most outstanding caves of the massif are Big Oreshnaya and Badjeiskaya, and unique as their length is about 50 km and 10 km respectively, while in general, there is no significant development of caves in such rocks in the world. Our geomorphologic observations show the presence of large linear faults, which played an obvious role in karstogenesis, and the presence of signs of near-surface cave levels, which have not been discovered yet. Desde 1975, el Club de espeleólogos con sede en la Universidad Estatal de Novosibirsk ha llevado a cabo un método extraordinario de formación de espeleólogos. Una seria preparación de escalada en roca y montañismo técnico con un fondo de entrenamiento físico intensivo han dado como resultado el descubrimiento de grandes sistemas de cuevas en las cordilleras de Altai y Sayan. La superación de altas paredes en el interior de las cuevas mediante la escalada libre y el uso de técnicas de ayuda del alpinismo era obligatoria. Los conocimientos de alpinismo nos permitieron investigar las mesetas de gran altura en las cordilleras Zeravshanskiy (Monte Patroush) y Gissarskiy (Monte Hodja-Ahcha-Baroun), así como el pseudokarst en las cercanías de los picos Khan-Tengri, Kilimanjaro, Aconcagua, combinados con la topografía y la prospección geológica. En todo momento los aspectos filosóficos del juego limpio en el deporte fueron parte inherente a nuestra actividad. La presentación digital de la cartografía subterránea y el seguimiento de las estructuras en la superficie permitieron descubrir una espeleogénesis tectónica-geomorfológica de las cuevas de conglomerado del conjunto de Narva (Siberia, la depresión Manskiy). Las cuevas más destacadas del macizo son Big Oreshnaya y Badjeiskaya, y únicas ya que su longitud es de unos 50 km y 10 km respectivamente, mientras que, en general, no hay un desarrollo significativo de cuevas en tales rocas en el mundo. Nuestras observaciones geomorfológicas muestran la presencia de grandes fallas lineales, que desempeñaron un papel evidente en la karstogénesis, y la presencia de indicios de niveles de cuevas cercanos a la superficie, que aún no han sido descubiertos.

Powdery scab, caused by Spongospora subterranea, is an important potato disease. Greenhouse experiments in 2017/18 and 2018/19 on (very susceptible) ‘Agria’ seed tubers assessed if field-collected soils had different powdery scab-suppressive capabilities and identified factors involved in disease suppression. 2017/18: 12 geographically diverse soils with either S. subterranea added at planting or not added; 2018/19: six single-type soils used, to determine if powdery scab suppression was ‘general’, or ‘specific’ (transferable; possibly involving microorganisms), and if suppression was associated with soil physical, chemical, or biological factors (bacteria/fungi). For both seasons, S. subterranea soil ammendment increased scab severity on harvested tubers in all soils but one. Powdery scab severity (percent tubers with > 5% surface area covered by scabs) ranged from 0 to 39%. Soil texture, pH, soil organic matter and nutrient contents were associated with powdery scab incidence for some soils but not others. Effects of previous crop rotations on powdery scab were variable: one soil with three recent previous potato crops in rotation was disease-suppressive. All 2018/19 soils displayed some microbe-mediated disease suppression, three being more suppressive than others. Two had possible ‘specific’ Spongospora suppression (less disease when added to the conducive soil). Thus Spongospora-suppressive soils are present in New Zealand, and abiotic and biotic soil factors influenced incidence/severity of powdery scab of potato.

espanolLa gens Cornelia era una familia de la oligarquia ebusitana que realizo actos de evergetismo, entre los que se encontraba la financiacion de la construccion de un acueducto. Por otra parte, la arqueologia contemporanea ha recuperado ocho yacimientos donde han aparecido restos de una canalizacion hidraulica romana, lo que, unido a las noticias historicas recogidas en 1791, ha permitido reconstruir 5.075 m del trazado de un acueducto que se dirige a la ciudad ebusitana. El acueducto consistiria en una canalizacion subterranea en la mayoria de su trazado, aunque probablemente asumiria cierta monumentalidad a su llegada a la ciudad. EnglishThe Cornelia gens was a family of the Ebusitan oligarchy who performed acts of evergetism as the financing of the construction of an aqueduct. Contemporary archeology has recovered eight sites where remains of a Roman hydraulic canalization have appeared, which, together with the historical news collected in 1791, have allowed the reconstruction of 5,075 meters of an aqueduct that goes to the city. The aqueduct would consist of an underground canalization in most of its layout, although it would probably assume some monumentality next to the city.

Soil-borne potato viruses are an increasing economic threat to crop yield in the future. Potato mop-top virus (PMTV) and Tobacco rattle virus (TRV) and their vector association in field infection in North-western region of Pakistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir were surveyed in this study. Incidence and distribution of these soil-borne viruses were estimated by field sample collection from Malakand and Hazara divisions of KPK and selected areas of Azad Kashmir. PMTV incidence was 22% in Malakand (highest of 40% in Swat II and Swat V), 24% in Hazara (highest 50% in Galliyat), and 23% from selected areas of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) (Highest with 40% in Rawalakot and Trarkhal). TRV incidence was 49% in AJK (100% highest field incidence in Khaigala Rawalakot), 53% in Malakand division (80% highest field incidence in Swat II), and 24% in Hazara division (70% highest field incidence in Abbottabad and Mansehra districts). PMTV, TRV vectors are Spongospora subterranea and Trichodorus , Paratrichodorus spp . were found distributed in all surveyed areas. Eighty percent (80%) fields were found infested with S. subterranean, while Trichodorus and Paratrichodorus were found in 64% in Malakand. In Hazara, 84% of surveyed fields were found infested with S. subterranea while 65% were found to be infested with Trichodorus, Paratrichodorus . In AJK S. subterranea was found distributed in 79% of fields. A significant relationship (P value=0.000) between viruses (PMTV and TRV) and their respective vectors were detected in proportionate. The corresponding R 2 (0.70 and 0.82) indicates positive relation between viruses and their vectors. Positive Pearson correlation was found among incidence and severity of virus infection (PMTV and TRV) and vectors ( S. subterranea ; Trichodorus minor , Paratrichodorus ), indicating increased disease severity with vector presence and activity. The study will be a tool in vector virus management to economical potato harvest

Byrsonima Rich. is one of the largest genera of the Malpighiaceae family with 97 species occurrence in Brazil and multiple potentialities, including pharmaceutical and food industries. In this study, 17 microsatellite markers characterized in Byrsonima cydoniifolia were tested for seven related taxa, all species are native to Brazil and four are endemic. Genomic DNA was extracted from leaves tissues and 17 microsatellite markers were used to cross-amplification of microsatellite regions. Polymorphism and genetic diversity were evaluated for B. intermedia, B. verbascifolia, B. laxiflora, B. subterranea, B. umbellata, B. linearifolia. from 16 individuals and for B. viminifolia from 14 individuals. Transferred microsatellite markers panels ranged from 11 (64.8%) in B. viminifolia to 6 (35.2%) in B. umbellata. The total number of alleles per locus ranged from 5 (B. linearifolia) to 8 (B. subterranea) alleles. B. umbellata showed lower values of observed and expected heterozygosity (HO = 0.312; HE = 0.436) and B. subterranea presented the highest values (HO = 0.687; HE = 0.778). A greater number of microsatellite markers should be developed for B. umbellata. The microsatellite marker panels transferred to the species B. intermedia, B. verbascifolia, B. laxiflora, B. subterranea, B. viminifolia and B. linearifolia are very informative, with a high combined probability of exclusion of paternity (Q ≥ 0.976) and the low combined probability of identity (I ≤ 9.91 × 10–6), potentially suitable for future genetic-population studies, supporting strategies for maintaining the genetic diversity and for exploration of Byrsonima species as genetic resources.

The effects of different dietary levels of toasted bambara groundnut (Voandzeia subterranea L) waste on the performance of growing rabbits was studied. Twenty-four, 6-7 weeks old cross bred (Chinchilla x New Zealand whitel rabbits with average initial weight of 9629 were used for the feeding trial which lasted for 8 weeks. The rabbits were randomly divided into four treatment groups of 6 rabbits each and fed diets containing 0% (control), 10, 20 and 30% toasted bambara groundnut waste (TBGW) using a completely randomized design (CRD). Dry matter, crude protein, crude fibre, ether extract and nitrogen-free extract intake and digestibility, weight gain and economics of TBGW inclusion were determined. Proximate composition of the diets, faeces, raw and toasted samples were also determined. The raw and toasted bambara groundnut waste had 91 and 93% dry matter, 17.0 and 16.27% crude protein, 26 und 24% crude fibre, 5 and 3. 5% ether extract, 2.5 and 4.0% ash, 40.5 and 45.23% nitrogen-free extract, and 4.13 and 3.88 kcal/g energy respectively. Significant differences (P

Voandzou is a seed legume cultivated in Burkina Faso with significant nutritional potential. The objective of this study was to assess the genetic diversity of Bambara nut cultivated in Burkina Faso using microsatellite markers. For the study, fifteen SSRs markers were used for molecular characterization of 90 Bambara nut landraces from three agro-climatic zones of Burkina Faso. All markers were 100% polymorphic with an average value of 4.81 for effective alleles. The polymorphism information content (PIC) ranged from 0.654 to 0.867 with a mean of 0.775. Dendrogram classified the accessions in four mixed groups independently of the three agro-climatic zones. This distribution is consistent with the results on the agro-morphological characterization of the same landraces. This information was served as a basic model for breeding and conservation programs of V. subterranea in Burkina Faso.

The effect of graded levels of raw bambara nut (Voandzeia subterranea L) waste on nutrient intake, digestibility and utilization by weaner rabbits was investigated. Four diets were formulated to contain 0, 10, 20 and 30% raw bambara nut waste (RBW). Twenty-four hybrid (Chinchilla x New Zealand white) weaner rabbits weighing 790-880g at six weeks were randomly divided into four groups of6 rabbits each. The groups were randomly assigned to the four diets in a completely randomized design (CRD) for 56 days. Each treatment was replicated 3 times with two rabbits per replicate. Results showed that significant differences (P0.05) among treatments in relative organ weights and in carcass dressing percentage, the kidney of rabbits fed 30% RBW diets had mild degeneration necrosis and dilatation of the tubules. Bile duct dilatation, hyperplasia of the bile duct epithelia cells. fibrosis and thickening of the interlobular septa were observed in the liver of rabbits fed 30% RBW diets. The depression in nutrient intake, and weight gain, and the observed histopathological changes at 20 and 30% RBW levels could be due to ant nutritional factors present in the raw bambara nut waste or done to high fibre levels of RBW The results indicate that up to 10% RBH can be included in the diets of weaner rabbits without serious deleterious effects on rabbits

Spongospora subterranea is a soilborne plasmodiophorid that causes powdery scab in potato. It also transmits potato mop-top virus (PMTV), which causes necrotic arcs (spraing) in potato tubers. Three field experiments were conducted in naturally S. subterranea-infested soil to investigate the effects of two chemicals, Omega 500F (fluazinam) and FOLI-R-PLUS RIDEZ (biological extract), on powdery scab, PMTV, and changes in S. subterranea inoculum with six different potato cultivars. The efficacy of soil treatment with these two chemicals on tuber lesions, root galling, and pathogen population was also assessed in greenhouse trials. The chemical treatments did not reduce powdery scab, root gall formation, or S. subterranea inoculum in the field or greenhouse trials. Postharvest S. subterranea soil inoculum in fields varied across farms and among potato cultivars but the pathogen population consistently increased by the end of the growing season. The evaluated russet cultivars were more tolerant to powdery scab than the yellow- or red-skinned cultivars but all were susceptible to PMTV. In the field, powdery scab indices and soil inoculum changes were positively correlated, while postharvest S. subterranea inoculum was positively correlated with root galling in both greenhouse trials. Powdery scab and PMTV occurred in noninoculated potting mix, indicating that peat-based potting mix is a source for both pathogens. These results demonstrate that chemical management methods currently used by farmers are ineffective, that S. subterranea and PMTV in potting mix can cause severe epidemics in greenhouses, and that potato cultivar choices impact inoculum increases in soil.

Potato powdery scab caused by Spongospora subterranea subsp . subterranea (Sss) causes extensive damage to the quality and marketability of tubers. Disease outbreaks in potatoes grown in virgin soils in south Israel, lead us to the hypothesis that wind-driven inoculum may also be a source of new infections. Wind and ground traps (13 of each type) were positioned near contaminated commercial potato fields with a history of powdery scab in two plots during 2013–14 (‘Nave 5’ and ‘Nave 89’). Quantification of pathogen density in soil/dust was carried out by DNA extraction and qPCR analysis. In ‘Nave 5’ plot, 58 and 45% (December and January, respectively) and 75 and 50% of the ground and wind traps, respectively, were Sss-positive, with no significant differences in Sss concentrations. In ‘Nave 89’ plot, the percentage of Sss-positive traps increased from 31% and 18% in the ground and wind traps, respectively, in February, to 100% in both trap types, in April, with no significant differences. Evaluation of the dispersal distance of Sss inoculum from contaminated fields was examined in soil samples taken from the top layer of the ground in the uncultivated area adjacent to the contaminated commercial potato fields with a history of powdery scab, in two sites (‘Nave 5’ and ‘Shalom 7’) during 2016. All soil samples, taken from uncultivated areas near the infested fields in various distances of up to 750 m, were Sss positive. This study demonstrated that Sss can be dispersed by wind, particularly in an intensive potato production region where contaminated fields exist.

espanolEl radon (222Rn) es un gas radiactivo inerte emanado constantemente de los suelos, rocas y aguas subterraneas, lo cual se debe a la desintegracion alfa del radio (226Ra). La radiactividad, la inercia y la naturaleza gaseosa del radon lo convierten en un indicador ambiental significativo para el analisis de algunos problemas hidrogeologicos que implican interacciones entre las aguas superficiales y subterraneas. El objetivo principal del presente estudio es investigar la posible infiltracion de las aguas superficiales del rio Barada, ubicado en la cuenca de Damasco, a un acuifero adyacente, que incluye algunos pozos que son explotados para contribuir a la red de agua potable de la ciudad de Damasco. La tecnica aplicada se basa en el principio de que, a medida que el agua del rio de radon bajo fluye a traves de la matriz del acuifero, absorbe continuamente el radon emanado de los sedimentos arcillosos del acuifero, alcanzandose el equilibrio entre la captacion de radon y la desintegracion radiactiva. La distribucion de la variacion espacial del radon en el agua subterranea se ha monitoreado en cuatro pozos preexistentes perforados en un sistema acuifero fluvial a lo largo del margen de la orilla del rio Barada. Los resultados revelaron un claro crecimiento de la concentracion de radon en tres o cuatro ordenes de magnitud, con lo cual se alcanzo un estado de equilibrio estable despues de aproximadamente cuatro vidas medias. Con base en la ley estandar de radiactividad, se estimo el tiempo de residencia del agua del rio infiltrado. Los datos hidroquimicos ademas de las investigaciones geologicas y las actividades de radon revelaron principalmente evidencias de infiltracion del agua del rio Barada al sistema de acuiferos cercano, el cual puede volverse vulnerable ante el riesgo de contaminacion ambiental. Finalmente, los resultados tambien mostraron que el aumento de radon en el agua subterranea se correlaciona positivamente con la concentracion de EC (R2 = 0.89) y, en menor medida, con los valores de TDS (R2 = 0.67). Esta asociacion evidente probablemente se deba a la presencia de algo de materia organica y minerales arcillosos en los sedimentos de la matriz del acuifero. EnglishRadon (222Rn) is an inert radioactive gas that is constantly emanated from soils, rocks and groundwater due to alpha decay of radium ( 226Ra). The radioactivity, inertness and gaseous nature of radon make it a significant environmental tracer for examining some hydrogeological issues that involve interactions between surface and ground waters. The main objective of the present study is to investigate possible infiltration from the surface water of the Barada River, located in the Damascus basin, to an adjacent aquifer, which includes some wells frequently exploited to support the drinking water network of Damascus city. The technique applied here is based on the principle that as low-radon river water flows through the aquifer matrix, it continuously absorbs radon emanated from clayey sediments present in the aquifer, with equilibrium between radon uptake and radioactive decay being reached. The distribution of spatial groundwater radon variation has been monitored in four pre-existing wells drilled in a fluvial aquifer system along the margin of the Barada riverbank. The results revealed clear ingrowth of radon concentration by three to four orders of magnitude, reaching a steady equilibrium state after about four halflives. Based on the standard law of radioactivity, the residence time of infiltrated river water was estimated. Hydrochemical data in addition to geological investigations and radon activities revealed primarily evidences of infiltration from the Barada river water to the nearby aquifers system, which may become vulnerable to a risk of environmental contamination. Finally, the results also showed that ingrowth of radon activity in groundwater is positively correlated with the concentration of EC (R2 = 0.89) and to a less extent with TDS values (R2 = 0.67). This evident association is most likely due to the presence of some organic matter and clayey minerals in the sediments of the aquifer matrix.

Most of the world’s major cities are now undergirded by complicated subterranean infrastructures; buried communication networks, water and waste management systems, storage vaults, transportation c...

This study confirms the presence of Spongospora subterranea subsp. subterranea in the Northern Philippines, provides information on the morphology of the Philippine strain (PHLSs0003) of S. subterr...

Introduccion: El agua subterranea del acuifero del Valle de Tecamachalco (AVT) es la principal fuente de abastecimiento para las actividades productivas en la zona, condicion que ha generado su sobreexplotacion. Objetivo: Analizar la variacion temporal de los niveles estaticos del AVT de 1997 a 2016 para determinar el nivel de abatimiento del agua subterranea del acuifero. Metodologia: Se utilizaron datos historicos de la red de monitoreo del Comite Tecnico de Aguas Subterraneas de Tecamachalco, y se registraron niveles estaticos de 89 pozos. Se aplico la prueba 30 Mann-Kendall a los datos piezometricos y se incorporo el analisis espacial con el metodo de 31 interpolacion de Kriging. Resultados: El nivel del agua en el periodo evaluado presento una tendencia decreciente. Los 33 niveles estaticos del acuifero presentaron un abatimiento promedio de 14 m; por ello, el proceso de agotamiento es insostenible de continuar con la misma tendencia. Limitaciones del estudio: No hay estadisticas de la extraccion de agua subterranea; los datos existentes son inconsistentes, por lo que se opto por una prueba estadistica no parametrica que refleja el comportamiento (abatimiento y recuperacion) de los pozos monitoreados. Originalidad: Existen pocos estudios sobre la dinamica de abatimiento de agua subterranea del AVT. La combinacion de un metodo estadistico y uno geografico es una herramienta util para mostrar el comportamiento de los niveles de agua. Conclusiones: El AVT presenta una situacion critica que condiciona la disponibilidad y el aprovechamiento del agua subterranea, lo que afecta directamente a la actividad agricola de la zona. Introduction: The groundwater of the Tecamachalco Valley aquifer (TVA) is the main source of supply for productive activities in the area, a condition that has generated its overexploitation. Objective: To analyze the temporal variation in the static levels of the TVA from 1997 to 2016 in order to determine the level of groundwater depletion in the aquifer. Methodology: Historical data from the monitoring network of the Tecamachalco Groundwater Technical Committee was used, and static levels of 89 wells were recorded. The Mann-Kendall test was applied to the piezometric data and spatial analysis was incorporated with the Kriging interpolation method. Results: The water level in the evaluated period showed a downward trend. The static levels of the aquifer showed an average drop of 14 m; therefore, the depletion process is unsustainable if the same trend continues. Study limitations: There are no statistics on groundwater extraction; the existing data are inconsistent, so a non-parametric statistical test was chosen to reflect the behavior (depletion and recovery) of the monitored wells. Originality: There are few studies on the dynamics of TVA groundwater depletion. The combination of a statistical and a geographical method is a useful tool to show the behavior of water levels. Conclusions: The TVA presents a critical situation that conditions the availability and use of groundwater, which directly affects agricultural activity in the area.

The objective of this research was to determine the level of knowledge and perception of the Costa Rican population about water for human consumption, general concepts, the impact of human activities, the occurrence of extreme events and water management and governance. In 2016, a quantitative-descriptive study of population perception was carried out through a semi-structured survey in which 800 people were consulted, through calls to landlines. It was found that the Costa Ricans: a) perceived that water is a public good and that there is greater availability of water than there is in reality, b) 22 % indicated having supply problems, infrastructure and/or water quality, c) are aware of the contamination of water bodies and willing to pay more for the treatment of wastewater, d) perceived a negative impact due to floods and landslides and, e) 55 % agreed that water for consumption comes from wells and springs, but only 12 % and 36 % had a general notion of what an aquifer and groundwater is, respectively. It is concluded that education programs should include general concepts on groundwater, water management and governance and that the willingness to pay more for wastewater treatment should be taken into consideration by the institutions for the improvement of environmental sanitation. El objetivo de la presente investigación fue determinar el nivel del conocimiento y percepción de la población costarricense acerca del agua para consumo humano, conceptos generales, el impacto de las actividades humanas, la ocurrencia de los eventos extremos y gestión y gobernanza del agua. En el 2016, se realizó un estudio cuantitativo- descriptivo de percepción de población por medio de una encuesta semi estructurada dirigida a 800 personas, a través de llamadas a teléfonos fijos. Se encontró que los costarricenses: a) percibieron que el agua es un bien público y que existe mayor disponibilidad de la que en realidad hay, b) 22 % indicó tener problemas de abastecimiento, infraestructura y/o calidad del agua, c) son conscientes de la contaminación de los cuerpos de agua y, d) percibieron afectación por inundaciones y deslizamientos y, e) 55 % coincidió en que el agua para consumo proviene de pozos y nacientes, pero sólo el 12 % y el 36 % tuvo una noción general de lo que es un acuífero y el agua subterránea, respectivamente. Se concluye que los programas de educación deben incluir conceptos generales sobre agua subterránea, gestión y gobernanza del agua y que la anuencia a pagar más por el tratamiento de las aguas residuales debe tomarse en consideración por las instituciones para la mejora del saneamiento ambiental. O objetivo desta pesquisa foi determinar o nível de conhecimento e percepção da população da Costa Rica sobre a água, como: o consumo humano, os conceitos gerais, o impacto das atividades humanas, a ocorrência de eventos extremos, a gestão e o manejo. Em 2016, foi realizado um estudo quantitativo-descritivo da percepção da população por meio de uma pesquisa semiestruturada voltada para 800 pessoas, mediante chamadas para telefones fixos. Verificou-se que os costarriquenhos: a) perceberam que a água é um bem público e que há uma maior disponibilidade do que realmente existe; b) 22% indicaram ter problemas com abastecimento, infraestrutura e / ou qualidade da água; c) estão cientes da contaminação dos corpos de água e, d) perceberam o prejuízo devido a inundações e deslizamentos de terra e, e) 55% concordaram que a água para consumo provém de poços e nascentes, mas apenas 12% e 36% tinham uma noção geral do que são um aquífero e águas subterrâneas, respectivamente. Conclui-se que os programas de educação devem incluir conceitos gerais sobre águas subterrâneas, gestão e manejo da água, e que a disposição de pagar mais pelo tratamento de águas residuais deve ser levada em consideração pelas instituições para a melhoria do saneamento ambiental. Universidad Nacional, Costa Rica Escuela de Ciencias Biológicas

Simple Summary Infections of potato tubers and roots by Spongospora subterranea result in powdery scab and root diseases. Losses due to infections with S. subterranea are substantial in most potato-growing regions of the world with no fully effective treatments available. Understanding the gene regulation of pathogens in their host is dependent on multidimensional datasets. In this study, we profiled the transcriptome and proteome of S. subterranea within the susceptible and resistant host. Enzyme activity and nucleic acid metabolism appear to be important to the virulence of S. subterranea. Our results provide a good resource for future functional studies of powdery scab and might be useful in S. subterranea inoculum management. Abstract Spongospora subterranea is an obligate biotrophic pathogen, causing substantial economic loss to potato industries globally. Currently, there are no fully effective management strategies for the control of potato diseases caused by S. subterranea. To further our understanding of S. subterranea biology during infection, we characterized the transcriptome and proteome of the pathogen during the invasion of roots of a susceptible and a resistant potato cultivar. A total of 7650 transcripts from S. subterranea were identified in the transcriptome analysis in which 1377 transcripts were differentially expressed between two cultivars. In proteome analysis, we identified 117 proteins with 42 proteins significantly changed in comparisons between resistant and susceptible cultivars. The functional annotation of transcriptome data indicated that the gene ontology terms related to the transportation and actin processes were induced in the resistant cultivar. The downregulation of enzyme activity and nucleic acid metabolism in the resistant cultivar suggests a probable influence of these processes in the virulence of S. subterranea. The protein analysis results indicated that the majority of differentially expressed proteins were related to the metabolic processes and transporter activity. The present study provides a comprehensive molecular insight into the multiple layers of gene regulation that contribute to S. subterranea infection and development in planta and illuminates the role of host immunity in affecting pathogen responses.

This review focuses on the occurrence and distribution of 17 targeted human pharmaceutical compounds from the most common therapeutic classes. These include one analgesic (acetaminophen), three non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (acetylsalicylic acid, diclofenac, ibuprofen), two antidiabetic drugs (gliclazide, metformin), three antihistamines (cetirizine, chlorphenamine, ranitidine), four antihypertensives (amlodipine, atenolol, metoprolol, prazosin), one lipid regulator (simvastatin), one anti-convulsant (carbamazepine), one bronchodilator agent (salbutamol) and one stimulant (caffeine) which have been detected globally in various aquatic environmental matrices such as surface water, drinking water, ground water, seawater, influent and effluent of municipal wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), hospital and industrial treatment plants, among others. The most common analytical method used involved solid phase extraction (SPE) and liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. The concentrations of all drugs investigated in all aqueous matrices varied from 0.5 to 85,000 ng/L for the highest concentration in the aqueous matrices in Southeast Asia. This review provides the first compilation on human pharmaceuticals in Southeast Asia in surface water, domestic wastewater (influent and effluent) and drinking water. Resumen. Esta revisión se centró en la aparición y distribución de 17 fármacos de uso humano pertenecientes a las clases terapéuticas más comunes y consiste en un analgésico (acetaminofeno), tres medicamentos antiinflamatorios no esteroideos (AINE) (ácido acetilsalicílico, diclofenaco, ibuprofeno), dos antidiabéticos (gliclazida, metformina), tres antihistamínicos (cetirizina, clorfenamina, ranitidina), cuatro antihipertensivos ( atenolol, metoprolol, prazosina), un regulador de lípidos (simvastatina), un anticonvulsivo (carbamazepina), un agente broncodilatador (salbutamol) y un estimulante (cafeína), y que se han detectado globalmente en varios tipos de matrices ambientales acuáticas como el agua superficial, agua potable, agua subterránea, agua de mar, afluente y efluente de plantas de tratamiento de aguas residuales municipales (EDAR), plantas de tratamiento hospitalarias e industriales entre otras. El método analítico más utilizado involucró extracción en fase sólida (SPE) y cromatografía líquida acoplada a espectrometría de masas. Las concentraciones de todos los fármacos investigados en todas las matrices acuosas variaron de 0,5 a 85.000 ng / L, y presentaron la concentración más alta en las matrices acuosas en el país del sudeste asiático. Esta revisión proporciona el primer informe recopilatorio sobre un estudio de productos farmacéuticos humanos que se ha realizado en el sudeste asiático y se centra en aguas superficiales, aguas residuales domésticas (afluentes y efluentes) y agua potable.

espanol“Hidrogeologia sutil” se refiere al conjunto de manifestaciones y procesos del agua subterranea de acuiferos minusculos en un area particular que, en muchos casos, involucra dimensiones humanas y sociales. Son caracteristicas aparentemente insignificantes, pero encierran antiguos secretos de la relacion agua subterranea y paisaje. El agua subterranea, en formaciones multicapa de baja permeabilidad con poco espesor saturado, apenas tiene valor comercial. Sin embargo, es un recurso valioso para las sociedades rurales tradicionales, y ha dado lugar a una amplia gama de manifestaciones ecologicas, culturales, patrimoniales y toponimicas. Estas manifestaciones se estudian en la cuenca alta del Alfambra (Teruel, Espana), desde una perspectiva tanto geologica como hidrogeologica, y desde la cultura y el patrimonio (manantiales, surgencias y toponimia especifica…). Para esta nueva vision, que contempla y estudia la relacion entre el agua subterranea y el paisaje, expresada a traves de una toponimia peculiar (hidronimia), se utilizara el termino “hidrogeologia sutil”. English“Subtle Hydrogeology” refers to the set of groundwater manifestations and processes in minuscule aquifers in a particular land area that, in many cases, involve human and social dimensions. These are apparently insignificant features, but they conceal the ancient secrets of groundwater and the landscape. Groundwater associated with multilayer low-permeability formations with little saturated thickness hardly has any commercial value. It is, however, a valuable resource for traditionally rural societies, and has given rise to a wide range of ecological, cultural, heritage-related, and toponymic manifestations. These manifestations are studied here in the upper Alfambra basin (Teruel, Spain), from both a geological and a hydrogeological perspective, and from the viewpoint of culture and heritage (with springs, seepages and specific toponymy). For this novel view which contemplates and studies the relationship of groundwater and the landscape, expressed through a specific toponymy (hydronymy), the term “subtle hydrogeology” will be used.

Powdery scab on potato tubers is caused by the obligate soilborne biotroph Spongospora subterranea and is known to cause substantial losses in potato production. The pathogen also infects roots of susceptible hosts, forming galls which can negatively affect root function. S. subterranea is also the vector of Potato mop-top virus, which causes a tuber necrosis disease that can, depending on temperature and cultivar, render potato tubers unmarketable. In this study, we adapted a published protocol to develop a sensitive and robust quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) assay using specific primers and probes for detecting and quantifying S. subterranea sporosori in soil types that differ in physical properties, including organic matter content and soil pH. For the first time, an external control was utilized and applied directly to the soil prior to DNA extraction, which facilitated normalization of S. subterranea sporosori soil levels from sample to sample. The duplex qPCR protocol was demonstrated to be highly sensitive, capable of detecting and quantifying as few as 1 sporosorus/g of soil, with consistently high qPCR efficiency and the coefficient of determination (R2) values ranging from 94 to 99% and 0.98 to 0.99, respectively. The protocol was successfully implemented in enumerating S. subterranea sporosori in naturally infested field soil collected from several states and in artificial potting mixes with high organic matter content ranging from 64 to 71%. The qPCR method developed can be useful for potato growers to avoid agricultural soils highly infested with S. subterranea and in the development of risk assessment models in the future that incorporate cultivar susceptibility to powdery scab and soil infestation levels.

Spongospora subterranea f. sp. subterranea, causal agent of powdery scab and root galls of potatoes, occurs worldwide and is responsible for quality and yield losses in potato production in South Africa. Despite being one of the most important potato pathogens in South Africa, little information is available on the genetic structure and diversity of S. subterranea f. sp. subterranea, which could provide insight into the factors shaping its evolution and the role of inoculum sources in disease development. A total of 172 samples were collected from four potato growing regions in South Africa. An additional 27 samples obtained from Colombia were included for comparative purposes. The samples were screened against six informative microsatellite (simple-sequence repeat) markers. Of the 172 samples obtained from potato growing regions in South Africa, there were 75 multilocus genotypes (MLGs), only 16 of which were shared between potato growing regions, indicating substantial gene flow and countrywide dispersal of the pathogen. The presence of common MLGs among the root- and tuber-derived samples indicated a lack of specialization of S. subterranea f. sp. subterranea to either tuber or root infection. Nei’s unbiased estimates of gene diversity for the clone-corrected data were low and ranged from 0.24 to 0.38. Analysis of molecular variance and discriminant analysis of principal components showed no population differentiation between different potato growing regions in South Africa and between root- and tuber-derived genotypes. The presence of MLGs, high considerable genotypic diversity, and failure to reject the null hypothesis of random mating in most populations are indicative of some kind of recombination, either sexual or asexual, in these S. subterranea f. sp. subterranea populations. Information from this study provides new insights into the genetic structure and diversity of S. subterranea f. sp. subterranea in South Africa. Continuous monitoring of the pathogen population dynamics will be helpful in implementing effective region-specific management strategies for the pathogen, especially in the development of resistant potato cultivars.

Monodopsis subterranea, a unicellular yellow-green freshwater microalga, is widely known for its ability to produce high amount of therapeutically beneficial ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid eicosapentanoic acid (EPA; C20:5Δ5,8,11,14,17). Currently, no genomic information is available on M. subterranea despite its nutraceutical and commercial applications. Analysis on fatty acid methyl esters from M. subterranea strain CCALA 830 demonstrated accumulation of 28% EPA. In order to obtain better understanding of EPA biosynthesis and to identify genes involved in the process of lipid metabolism and accumulation in this alga, de novo transcriptome sequencing and assembly was performed using Illumina Hiseq 2000 sequencing. A total of 35,954 transcripts were obtained through final transcriptome assembly with an average transcript length of 769.36 bp. BLAST similarity searches for assembled transcripts were performed followed by annotation using Gene ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes orthology identifiers. Transcripts involved in lipid biosynthesis including various fatty acid desaturases and elongases involved in PUFAs biosynthesis were identified during the study. In addition, sequences for several transcription factors and a number of simple sequence repeats were also ascertained which can be used as powerful genetic markers for further genetic analysis. This study would provide a useful resource for future research on M. subterranea genome.

Demand for eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) is growing rapidly due to proven therapeutic potential. Microalgae such as Monodopsis subterranea are considered important and sustainable source of eicosapentaenoic acid and require further enhancement in productivity. The present study investigated the role of auxins and cytokinin for enhanced EPA productivity in M. subterranea. The study evaluated the effect of these phytohormones on biomass, fatty acid composition, EPA productivity, and total fatty acid (TFA) productivity through dose-dependent responses at various growth phases. Treatment hierarchy in terms of stimulatory effect on EPA productivity is indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) > indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) > 6-benzyl amino purine (6BAP) > naphthalene acetic acid (NAA). Supplementation of 100 μM (IAA) leads to a maximum increase in EPA productivity (2.5-fold) at late-exponential phase. Results show that 100 μM IBA yields maximum enhancement in EPA (58%) and TFA content (88%) and resulted in increased productivity by 1.8-fold and 2.1-fold, respectively, at mid-exponential phase. IBA at 100 μM also leads to the highest biomass productivity of 2.2-fold at late stationary phase. Although the addition of the cytokinin 6-BAP at 1 μM showed a marginal increase in biomass accumulation, biomass exhibited an inverse relation with increase in 6BAP concentration. Statistical analysis using principal components analysis demonstrated stimulatory action of IAA and IBA on biomass and EPA productivity at late-exponential phase.

espanolEn las ultimas dos decadas, el Pacifico Central de Costa Rica experimento un fuerte aumento en el desarrollo urbanistico y turistico, lo que representa una mayor amenaza a la calidad del agua subterranea. El objetivo de este estudio fue el generar una propuesta del Mapa de Vulnerabilidad Hidrogeologica de los acuiferos de Jaco, utilizando la metodologia GOD. Para esto, se elaboraron perfiles geologicos y se realizo comprobacion de campo. Se evidencia que el area de estudio esta conformada por a) un acuifero costero detritico, poroso y libre, albergado en la planicie aluvial de Jaco y, b) un acuifero fracturado en las rocas basalticas del Complejo de Nicoya, libre en la zona montanosa y subyaciendo la formacion detritica en la zona central, donde el agua subterranea se integra a la del acuifero detritico, conformandose en un mismo acuifero. La zona del acuifero aluvial obtuvo una vulnerabilidad moderada, en tanto que el fracturado una vulnerabilidad baja. Se propusieron recomendaciones de manejo. EnglishIn the last two decades, the Central Pacific coast of Costa Rica experienced a strong growth in urban and touristic development. If not regulated, this development can result in a pressure to groundwater resources and, therefore, a threat in terms of quality and quantity. In this study, a hydrogeological vulnerability map of Jaco aquifers was performed, by the GOD method. Geological profiles were elaborated, and field verification was performed. It is confirmed that, in the study area, two aquifers are found: a) a detritic, porous, unconfined coastal aquifer, settled in the Jaco alluvial plain and, b) an aquifer in the basaltic fractured rocks of the Nicoya Complex, unconfined in the mountainous zone and underlying the detritic formation in the central area, where the groundwater is integrated to that of the detrital aquifer. The zone of the alluvial aquifer resulted in a medium vulnerability index, whereas the mountainous areas in a low vulnerability. Management recommendations were proposed.

Figure S1. Relative expression levels of selected potato defence genes in tolerant and susceptible potato cultivars. Expression levels of StTOSB, StSN2, StUDP, StSN1, StPRF, StLOX, StWRKY6, StMRNA, StDEF and StNBS were measured in Innovator (tolerant) and Vanderplank (susceptible) cultivars inoculated and uninoculated with Spongospora subterranea f. sp. subterranea. Amplification of StEFα‐1 and β‐tubulin gene expression was used to normalize the expression value in each sample. The relative expression values were determined against the average values of the uninoculated control samples. Data represent fold change of gene expression at 7 weeks after emergence and at 15 weeks after emergence. The average of three replicates is shown and different letters show significant differences (Student's t‐test: P < 0.05) between the two cultivars.

Kissra, is traditionally prepared by fermenting sorghum seed flour and then baking it into bread sheets. In this study, bambara groundnut seed flour (BGF) was incorporated at 10%, 20% and 30% into kissra bread. Chemical composition, in vitro protein digestibility, protein quality, fatty acids and DPPH radical scavenging activity of fortified kissra were studied and compared with sorghum-based kissra (control). Protein, fat and energy of the control steadily increased (P

For soilborne pathogens, germination of the resting or dormant propagule that enables persistence within the soil environment is a key point in pathogenesis. Spongospora subterranea is an obligate soilborne protozoan that infects the roots and tubers of potato causing root and powdery scab disease for which there are currently no effective controls. A better understanding of the molecular basis of resting spore germination of S. subterranea could be important for development of novel disease interventions. However, as an obligate biotroph and soil dwelling organism, the application of new omics techniques for the study of the pre-infection process in S. subterranea has been problematic. Here, RNA sequencing was used to analyse the reprogramming of S. subterranea resting spores during the transition to zoospores in an in-vitro model. More than 63 million mean high-quality reads per sample were generated from the resting and germinating spores. By using a combination of reference-based and de novo transcriptome assembly, 6,664 unigenes were identified. The identified unigenes were subsequently annotated based on known proteins using BLAST search. Of 5,448 annotated genes, 570 genes were identified to be differentially expressed during the germination of S. subterranea resting spores, with most of the significant genes belonging to transcription and translation, amino acids biosynthesis, transport, energy metabolic processes, fatty acid metabolism, stress response and DNA repair. The datasets generated in this study provide a basic knowledge of the physiological processes associated with spore germination and will facilitate functional predictions of novel genes in S. subterranea and other plasmodiophorids. We introduce several candidate genes related to the germination of an obligate biotrophic soilborne pathogen which could be applied to the development of antimicrobial agents for soil inoculum management.

La investigación denominada Diagnostico para el diseño de planta de tratamiento de agua potable para la Vereda Yungullia-Muicipio de la Florida Departamento de Nariño, pretende brindar a la población la posibilidad de poseer una planta de tratamiento de agua potable, ya que la localidad no cuenta con este recurso vital del agua potabilizada. Para el desarrollo de la investigación se consultaran diferentes estudios parecidos que se han puesto en marcha a nivel regional y nacional para valorar los diferentes sistemas de tratamiento de agua existentes y poder ejecutar los objetivos planteados en la vereda en estudio. La población objeto de estudio, en la actualidad adolece de una buena planta de tratamiento de agua, arriesgando su salud ya que el agua que consume no presenta ningún tratamiento exponiéndose a contagios y propagación de enfermedades, con la ayuda del gobierno regional se presenta la propuesta para que la Alcaldía de la Florida, en su plan de desarrollo le dé la viabilidad al proyecto y así mejorar la calidad de vida de los habitantes de la vereda. Con la puesta en marcha de una planta de tratamiento de agua, el diagnóstico es la herramienta que permitirá identificar la problemática de agua potable que presenta la vereda Yunguilla, para la obtención de la calidad del resultado y el mejoramiento continuo del sistema, en este caso la identificación del problema que actualmente se presenta en la región desde su punto de captación pasando por el proceso de potabilización hasta llegar a la red de distribución de la Vereda objeto de estudio. The investigation called Diagnosis for the design of a drinking water treatment plant for the Vereda Yungullia-Municipality of Florida, Department of Nariño, aims to give the population the possibility of owning a drinking water treatment plant, since the locality does not have with this vital resource of purified water. For the development of the research, different similar studies that have been launched at the regional and national level will be consulted to assess the different existing water treatment systems and to be able to execute the objectives set in the path under study. The population under study currently suffers from a good water treatment plant, risking their health since the water they consume does not present any treatment, exposing themselves to contagion and the spread of diseases, with the help of the regional government the proposal is presented so that the Mayor of Florida, in its development plan, give the project viability and thus improve the quality of life of the residents of the village. With the start-up of a water treatment plant, the diagnosis is the tool that will allow to identify the drinking water problem that the Yungullia village presents, to obtain the quality of the result and the continuous improvement of the system, in this case the identification of the problem that currently arises in the region from its catchment point through the purification process until it reaches the distribution network of the village under study. http://www.ustadistancia.edu.co/?page_id=3956 Pregrado

The soil-borne and obligate plant-associated nature of S. subterranea has hindered a detailed study of this pathogen and in particular, the regulatory pathways driving the germination of S. subterranea remain unknown. To better understand the mechanisms that control the transition from dormancy to germination, protein profiles between dormant and germination stimulant-treated resting spores were compared using label-free quantitative proteomics. Among the ~680 proteins identified 20 proteins were found to be differentially expressed during the germination of S. subterranea resting spores. Elongation factor Tu, histones (H2A and H15), proteasome and DJ-1_PfpI, involved in transcription and translation, were upregulated during the germination of resting spores. Downregulation of both actin and beta-tubulin proteins occurred in the germinating spores, indicating that the changes in the cell wall cytoskeleton may be necessary for the morphological changes during the germination of the resting spore in S. subterranea. Our findings provide new approaches for the study of these and similar recalcitrant micro-organisms provide the first insights into the basic protein components of S. subterranea spores. A better understanding of S. subterranea biology may lead to the development of novel approaches for the management of persistent soil inoculum.

The nutritional properties of subterranean termite exuviae (shed exoskeletons) are not well-known because obtaining the large quantities necessary for investigation is difficult. A method for collecting large numbers of exuviae is reported here for the Asian subterranean termite, Coptotermes gestroi (Wasmann) (Blattodea: Rhinotermitidae), an invasive and economically important tropical termite species. In this study, groups of 1,000 C. gestroi workers from 4-yr-old laboratory colonies (n = 3) were allowed to feed on a media pad dyed with Nile Blue A for 2 d. Approximately 16% of the original 1,000 workers did not uptake dye. These individuals were then placed into a Petri dish with dyed filter paper and checked hourly (10:00 A.M. to 10:00 P.M.) for 7 d. Newly molted workers and those individuals that started turning blue were removed to prevent feeding on exuviae. An average of 14 workers molted per d that yielded an average of 12 exuviae with an overall mean of 86 exuviae collected over the 7 d study period. We also found the number of individuals that acquired dye during the study significantly decreased by d. However, variables such as the number of exuviae, newly molted individuals, and cadavers were not correlated with d of collection because termites molt asynchronously. Resumen Las propiedades nutricionales de las exuviae de termitas subterraneas (exoesqueletos desprendidos) no son bien conocidas porque es dificil de obtener las grandes cantidades necesarias para su investigacion. Aqui se informa un metodo para recolectar grandes cantidades de exuvias para la termita subterranea asiatica, Coptotermes gestroi (Wasmann) (Blattodea: Rhinotermitidae), una especie de termita tropical invasora y economicamente importante. En este estudio, se permitio que grupos de 1,000 trabajadores de C. gestroi de colonias de laboratorio de 4 anos de edad (n = 3) se alimentaran de una almohadilla de medio tenida con Azul Nilo A durante 2 dias. Aproximadamente el 16% de los 1,000 trabajadores originales no tomaron tinte. A continuacion, estos individuos se colocaron en un plato Petri con papel de filtro tenido y se controlaron cada hora (10:00 A. M. a 10:00 P. M.) durante 7 dias. Los trabajadores recien mudados y los individuos que comenzaron a ponerse azules fueron retirados para evitar alimentarse de las exuvias. Un promedio de 14 trabajadores mudaron por dia, lo que produjo un promedio de 12 exuvias con una media general de 86 exuvias recolectadas durante el periodo de estudio de 7 dias. Tambien encontramos que el numero de individuos que adquirieron tinte durante el estudio disminuyo significativamente por dia. Sin embargo, las variables como el numero de exuvias, los individuos recien mudados y los cadaveres no se correlacionaron con los dias de recoleccion porque las termitas mudan asincronicamente. Key Words: Coptotermes gestroi; ecdysis; exoskeleton; molting; dye; histological stains View this article in BioOne

The presence of pharmaceuticals classified as emerging contaminants (EC) in surface water, groundwater, and drinking water generates uncertainty concerning the interactions that could be occurred with aquatic organisms and living beings. Thus, the monitoring of hospital wastewater is of great importance to identify the main classes of pharmaceuticals that could be discharged to the municipal sewage system and wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). This work described the implementation and validation of a highly selective and sensitive analytical method using solid-phase extraction (SPE) and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) for the detection and quantification of these emerging compounds. The solid-phase extraction (SPE) method was employed using Oasis HLB cartridges. For LC-MS/MS analysis, the chromatographic separation was conducted in a C-18 Kinetex column (Phenomenex), and detection was achieved in an AB SCIEX QTrap 3200 tandem mass spectrometer (MS/MS) in the multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode. The quantitative analysis was performed by using the internal standard (IS) method with isotopically labeled analogs. The implemented method presented good linearity within the concentration range of 0.1–400 µg L-1 showing correlation coefficients (R2) ranged from 0.991 to 0.999. The limits of detection (LODs) were from 0.02 to 0.59 µg L-1, while the limits of quantification (LOQs) ranged from 0.07 to 1.80 µg L-1. The analytical method was successfully applied to the analysis of wastewater samples discharged by a public hospital in San Nicolas de los Garza, Nuevo Leon, Mexico, in two sampling periods: May 2017 and March 2018. Resumen. La presencia de fármacos, clasificados como contaminantes emergentes, en agua superficial, subterránea y potable, genera incertidumbre sobre las interacciones que podrían ocurrir con organismos acuáticos y los seres vivos. Por lo tanto, el monitoreo del agua residual hospitalaria es de gran importancia para identificar los principales productos farmacéuticos que podrían descargarse al sistema de alcantarillado municipal y por lo tanto, estar presentes en el agua a tratar en las plantas de tratamiento de agua residual (PTAR). Este trabajo describe la implementación y validación de un método analítico altamente selectivo y sensible utilizando extracción en fase sólida (SPE) y cromatografía líquida acoplada a espectrometría de masas tándem (LC-MS/MS) para la detección y cuantificación de estos compuestos emergentes. Se empleó el método de extracción en fase sólida utilizando cartuchos Oasis HLB. Para el análisis LC-MS/MS, la separación cromatográfica se realizó en una columna Kinetex C-18 (Phenomenex), y la detección se realizó en un espectrómetro de masas en tándem AB SCIEX QTrap 3200 (MS/MS) en el modo de monitoreo de reacciones múltiples (MRM). El análisis cuantitativo se llevó a cabo utilizando el método de estándar interno (IS) con análogos marcados isotópicamente. El método presentó una buena linealidad dentro del rango de concentración de 0.1 a 400 µg L-1, con coeficientes de correlación (R2) que oscilaron entre 0.991 y 0.999. Los límites de detección (LOD) fueron de 0.02 a 0.59 µg L-1, mientras que los límites de cuantificación (LOQ) variaron de 0.07 a 1.80 µg L-1. El método analítico se aplicó con éxito al análisis de muestras de agua residual vertidas por un hospital público de San Nicolás de los Garza, Nuevo León, México, en dos períodos de muestreo: mayo de 2017 y marzo de 2018.

Este articulo presenta el sistema de navegación para un grupo de robots móviles dedicados a la producción de mapas para catastro de infraestructura hidráulica subterránea, que operan internamente en redes de ductos desconocidos y sin soporte GPS, integrando los principios de Tarry de búsqueda profunda, discriminación de Pledge modificada y trasferencia de orientación topográfica, en la construcción temporal de una red de referencia independiente de la navegación inercial periférica. La adquisición de los objetivos topográficos para mapeo se hace por colimación laser y sincronización por radiofrecuencia con una precisión angular y longitudinal de rango sigma II, los mapas producidos contienen las poligonales de los ejes de los ductos de la red.

Plants defend themselves from pathogens by producing bioactive defense chemicals. The biochemical mechanisms relating to quantitative resistance of potato to root infection by Spongospora subterranea f. sp. subterranea (Sss) are, however, not understood, and are not efficiently utilized in potato breeding programs. Untargeted metabolomics using ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF/MS) was used to elucidate the biochemical mechanisms of susceptibility to Sss root infection. Potato roots and root exudate metabolic profiles of five tolerant cultivars were compared with those of five susceptible cultivars, following Sss inoculation, to identify tolerance-related metabolites. Comparison of the relative metabolite abundance of tolerant versus susceptible cultivars revealed contrasting responses to Sss infection. Metabolites belonging to amino acids, organic acids, fatty acids, phenolics, and sugars, as well as well-known cell wall thickening compounds were putatively identified and were especially abundant in the tolerant cultivars relative to the susceptible cultivars. Metabolites known to activate plant secondary defense metabolism were significantly increased in the tolerant cultivars compared to susceptible cultivars following Sss inoculation. Root-exuded compounds belonging to the chemical class of phenolics were also found in abundance in the tolerant cultivars compared to susceptible cultivars. This study illustrated that Sss infection of potato roots leads to differential expression of metabolites in tolerant and susceptible potato cultivars.

The present study is aimed at producing Sorghum bicolor and Voandzeia subterranea complementary instant flour. The precooked sorghum and Bambara groundnut flours were mixed at different proportions (0 : 100, 25 : 75, 50 : 50, 75 : 25, and 100 : 0), hydrated with sterile distilled water (1 : 3, w:v), and fermented for 72 h/37°C using Lactobacillus plantarum A6 at 105 CFU/g. During the fermentation, samples were withdrawn for pH, titrable acidity, and microbial analyses. After fermentation, color, particle size, water absorption capacity (WAC), solubility index, least gelling concentration (LGC), and physicochemical and pasting properties were determined. The results showed that the fermentation significantly ( p ≤ 0.05 ) decreased WAC, LGC, peak viscosity, final viscosity, breakdown, and pH, but increased the solubility index and titrable acidity of flours. The protein and carbohydrates contents as well as the color, particle size, and the setback after the cooking of the flour were not significantly affected by the fermentation. The flours ratio and fermentation also significantly decreased the total polyphenols, tannins, and phytate content of the samples. The fermented blended flour containing 25% precooked sorghum flour and 75% roasted Bambara flour (SVFP25) is a promising alternative as instant flour used for young children’s nutrition.

A 90 days study was conducted to compare the effects of feeding Tswana hens reared under intensive system and fed diets formulated from Imbrasia belina (Westwood), Vigna subterranea (L) Verde and Tylosema esculentum (Burchell) Schreiber as sources of protein on egg quality. Four isonitrogenous and isocaloric diets were formulated by totally replacing soybean meal (SBM) with I. belina, V. subterranea and T. esculentum as protein sources while commercial layer diet was used as control diet. Twelve eggs from each pen were collected at 28, 33 and 38 weeks of age for egg quality analysis in a completely randomized design. Egg weight (EW), shell weight (SW), shell thickness (ST), shell index (SI), shell percentage (SP), egg surface area (ESA), egg volume (EV), egg contents (EC) and Haugh units (HU) were measured. Repeated measure analysis showed significant (P 0.05) of dietary treatments was observed on overall ST, SP and HU. The inclusion of I. belina and V. subterranea on layer diet had no adverse effects on egg quality while the totally replacement of SBM with T. esculentum as protein source impaired egg quality. These results, suggest that I. belina and V. subterranea could completely replace SBM as protein source in the layer diets without any detrimental effects on egg quality.

espanolEste articulo aborda el fenomeno de la economia informal en Paraguay. En tal sentido, pretende ampliar las fronteras teoricas del debate mas alla de su analisis enfocado desde una optica juridico-normativa. Para ello, a partir de la revision y analisis de la vasta literatura al respecto, el presente trabajo busca explorar la dimension socio-politica de la informalidad economica y sobre todo, la llamada 'cultura de la informalidad'. La cultura de la informalidad es especialmente problematica dado que esta implica la normalizacion, a gran escala, de una conducta infractora percibida como natural. De hecho, a la falta de observancia de las normas juridicas en grandes proporciones le subyace, implicitamente, un contundente mensaje de ilegitimidad de las instituciones politicas. Este articulo sugiere que, al momento de analizar el fenomeno de la economia subterranea, resulta menester adoptar un enfoque holistico capaz de abordar de manera sistemica las manifestaciones mas complejas de la problematica sin detenerse en sus matices mas superficiales. Esto, contribuiria a orientar las politicas publicas tendientes a promover la formalizacion de la economia paraguaya. EnglishThis article engages with economic informality in Paraguay. In doing so, it is especially concerned with pushing forward the boundaries of the debate beyond the mainstream view of this phenomenon, namely, its legal and regulatory perspective. In this attempt, through a review and analysis of the existing literature the article aims to explore the socio-political dimension of economic informality and, specifically, the so-called 'infringement culture'. The infringement culture is problematic since it implies the normalization of an infringing conduct on a large-scale. Indeed, the non-observance of the law at a massive scale carries with it a strong message of political illegitimacy. Thus, this article suggests that when studying the 'underground economy' what is needed is a holistic approach capable of addressing this issue in greater depth without exhausting the analysis on the more superficial manifestations of it. This, in turn, would help guide policies designed to promote the formalization of the economy in Paraguay.

En el Ecuador el crecimiento poblacional, tanto en la zona urbana como rural ha proporcionado el incremento de la demanda de agua de las diversas fuentes de abasto. Este crecimiento es responsable a la vez de incitar la investigación y creación de nuevas fuentes de abastos lo que a su vez conlleva también a nuevas fuentes de contaminación, tales como las provenientes de las actividades agrícolas y del manejo inadecuados de las aguas residuales. Esta investigación se la efectuó en la comunidad de Sancan y específicamente en la quinta San Sebastián donde se cuenta con dos fuentes de abasto de aguas subterráneas y el lugar donde se realizó una caracterización Fisicoquímica detallada de los pozos existentes en este lugar. Para lo anterior se consideraron aspectos de calidad de agua, usos y ubicación lo que derivo a efectuar un análisis del estado del agua subterránea; donde se analizaron parámetros como pH, Conductividad Eléctrica, Alcalinidad Total, Carbonatos, Bicarbonatos, Cloruros y R.A.S. los resultados muestran concentraciones altas de salinidad y altos rangos de conductividad eléctrica como de igual manera un pH alto y altos niveles de sodio en el agua; donde se concluye que estos resultados de los análisis efectuados indican que esta agua no es apta para utilización agrícola y mucho menos para consumo humano, sin antes ser efectuado un proceso de osmosis inversa, electrodiálisis, técnicas de destilación o intercambio iónico para separar del agua pura cualquier contaminante, lograr desalinizara y bajar los niveles de sodio que existen en ella. PALABRAS CLAVE: agua, fuentes de abasto, Sancan, osmosis inversa.THE STUDENT DROPOUT IN THE PROCESSES OF HIGHER EDUCATION LEVELABSTRACTIn Ecuador, population growth, both in the urban and rural areas, has provided an increase in the demand for water from the various sources of supply. This growth is responsible, at the same time, for encouraging research and the creation of new sources of supply, which in turn also leads to new sources of contamination, such as those coming from agricultural activities and inadequate management of wastewater. This investigation was carried out in the community of Sancan and specifically in the fifth San Sebastián where there are two sources of groundwater supply and the place where a detailed physical and chemical characterization of the existing wells in this place was made. For the above, aspects of water quality, uses and location were considered, which led to an analysis of the groundwater status; where parameters such as pH, Electric Conductivity, Total Alkalinity, Carbonates, Bicarbonates, Chlorides and R.A.S. the results show high concentrations of salinity and high ranges of electrical conductivity as well as a high pH and high levels of sodium in the water; where it is concluded that these results of the analyzes carried out indicate that this water is not suitable for agricultural use and much less for human consumption, without first being carried out a process of reverse osmosis, electrodialysis, distillation techniques or ion exchange to separate from pure water any pollutant, achieve desalination and lower sodium levels that exist in it.KEYWORDS: student, development, desertion, leveling, and processes.

espanolLa zona Morelia-Capula depende totalmente del agua subterranea para el abasto de sus mas de 120000 habitantes. La extraccion del agua subterranea ha ocasionado que en los pozos el nivel piezometrico se haya abatido mas de 45 metros en un periodo de 21 anos. Dada la importancia del sistema acuifero de la zona Morelia-Capula es necesario profundizar en su entendimiento, por lo cual se aborda su estudio desde la perspectiva de los sistemas de flujo Tothianos. Se recurre a tres parametros para identificar la dinamica del agua subterranea, la temperatura, los iones mayores y la profundidad (nivel estatico). Se analizaron muestras de agua subterranea en un total de 35 sitios (29 pozos y 6 manantiales), se encontraron 26 flujos intermedios, 8 locales y 1 regional. El sistema de flujo local se ubica en los estratos superiores del sistema acuifero y se evidencia en pozos poco profundos y manantiales. El sistema de flujo intermedio se encuentra en toda la zona de estudio por debajo de los locales; la mayor parte de los pozos estan extrayendo agua de este sistema. Los sistemas de flujo local e intermedio se localizan tanto en la unidad terrigena como en la volcanica. El sistema de flujo regional se encuentra unicamente en la unidad volcanica que subyace a la terrigena, y pocos pozos han entrado en contacto con este sistema de flujo; la tendencia del abatimiento muestra que en los proximos anos este sistema sera el que provea de agua a la zona. Se encontro que la extraccion intensiva y la presencia de fallas geologicas favorecen la mezcla de flujos. La mayor parte del abasto hidrico de la zona depende del sistema de flujo intermedio. La zona presenta un abatimiento anual promedio de 2.13 m/ano. La direccion de flujo de los flujos locales e intermedios sigue en general la topografia de la zona, aunque se presentan alteraciones puntuales debido a la formacion de conos de abatimiento. Los resultados indican que es necesario implementar estrategias para evitar contaminar los flujos locales y por otra parte disminuir la presion hidrica derivada de la extraccion en los sistemas intermedio y regional. EnglishThe Morelia-Capula zone depends entirely on groundwater for the supply of its more than 120000 inhabitants. The groundwater extraction has caused a decrease in the piezometric level estimated at more than 45 meters in a period of 21 years. Because of the importance of the aquifer system of the MoreliaCapula zone it is necessary to have a complete understating of the system, therefore, this study is carried out from the perspective of the Tothian flow systems. Three parameters are used to identify the groundwater dynamics, temperature, major ions, and depth (static level). Groundwater samples were analyzed in a total of 35 sites (29 wells and 6 springs), consisting of 26 intermediate, 8 local, and 1 regional flows. The local flow system is located in the upper strata of the aquifer system and can be seen within the shallow wells and springs. The intermediate flow system is located throughout the study area below the local flow system where most wells are extracting water from this system. The local and intermediate flow systems are localized in the terrigenous and volcanic units. The regional flow system is only in the volcanic unit that underlies the terrigenous unit. A few wells have come in contact with this system. A depletion trend shows that in the next few years this flow system will provide water to this zone. It was found that intensive extraction and the presence of geological faults favor the mixture of flows. Most of the water supply in the zone depends on the intermediate flow system. The static level in the zone descends 2.13 m/year. The flow direction of local and intermediate systems generally follows the topography of the zone, although there are local alterations due to the formation of depletion cones. Results indicate the need to implement strategies to avoid contaminating local flows and to reduce the water pressure derived from extraction toward the intermediate and regional systems.

A shuttle vector pHSG396Sp was constructed to perform gene expression using Sphingomonas subterranea as a host. A new lasso peptide biosynthetic gene cluster, derived from Brevundimonas diminuta, was amplified by PCR and integrated to afford a expression vector pHSG396Sp-12697L. The new lasso peptide brevunsin was successfully produced by S. subterranea, harboring the expression vector, with a high production yield (10.2 mg from 1 L culture). The chemical structure of brevunsin was established by NMR and MS/MS experiments. Based on the information obtained from the NOE experiment, the three-dimensional structure of brevunsin was determined, which indicated that brevunsin possessed a typical lasso structure. This expression vector system provides a new heterologous production method for unexplored lasso peptides that are encoded by bacterial genomes.

espanolEl agua subterranea es vulnerable a la contaminacion debido a actividades humanas. Un aspecto fundamental de su manejo es la localizacion de la vulnerabilidad. El acuifero de Hamadan-Bahar se encuentra en la parte central de la provincia de Hamadan al oeste de Iran, y es una reserva economica prioritaria ya que se utiliza tanto en irrigacion como para consumo domestico. A partir de 2005 se han desarrollado en Iran modelos numericos para evaluar la vulnerabilidad y varios indicadores hidrologicos de contaminacion potencial del agua. La aplicacion de metodos como DRASTIC, SINTACS, SI y GOD ha mostrado que las zonas de mayor vulnerabilidad se encuentran al sur y al oeste del acuifero de Hamadan-Bahar. Los resultados indican que con los modelos DRASTIC, SI, GOD y SINTACS, el 7.1, 44.21, 29.56 y 20.16 por ciento de las areas tienen un alto potencial de vulnerabilidad. Considerando el modelo DRASTIC el 33.6 % del area de estudio presenta una vulnerabilidad baja a la contaminacion, mientras que el 29.4% presenta vulnerabilidad moderada. La precision de los modelos se evaluo aplicando una regresion lineal entre los valores observados de nitratos y la vulnerabilidad estimada por contaminacion en los pozos medidos. Una correlacion significativa se observo entre los nitratos medidos y el potencial de contaminacion evaluada con el modelo DRASTIC p EnglishGroundwater is vulnerable to contamination by anthropological activities. Vulnerability mapping is considered as a fundamental aspect of groundwater management. Hamadan - Bahar aquifer located in the center of Hamadan province in western Iran, is considered as an economic priority resource due to its use in irrigation and domestic consumption. Numerical modeling of assessment of vulnerability and various hydrological indicators of potential pollution of water resources in Iran have been the subject of several studies since 2005. The application of various methods, DRASTIC, SINTACS, SI and GOD, showed that the most vulnerable zones were the southern and western part of the Hamadan - Bahar aquifer. The results showed that with DRASTIC, SI, GOD and SINTACS models, 7.1, 44.21, 29.56 and 20.16 percent respectively of the areas have high potential vulnerability. According to the DRASTIC model 33.6 % of the study area has a low class of groundwater vulnerability to contamination, whereas a total of 29.4% of the study area has moderate vulnerability. Accuracy of the models was evaluated using a linear regression between nitrate observation values and estimated vulnerability to pollution in measured wells. A significant correlation was observed between measured nitrate and pollution potential evaluated by DRASCTIC model p

Nine accessions of Bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranea (L.) Verdc.,syn. Voandzeia subterranea (L.) Thouars ex DC.) obtained from National Centre for Genetic Resources and Biotechnology (NACGRAB), Ibadan, Oyo state, were assessed for their genetic and phylogenetic relatedness through electrophoretic analysis of the seed proteins. 0.2g of the seeds were weighed and macerated with mortar and pestle in 0.2M phosphate buffer containing 0.133M of acid (NaH2PO4) and 0.067 of base (Na2HPO4) at pH 6.5. Protein characterization with standard marker revealed that the seeds of the nine accessions contained proteins (B.S.A, Oval Albumin, Pepsinogen, Trypsinogen and Lysozyme) with molecular weights ranging from 66kda and above, 45 – 65 kDa, 44 – 33 kda, 32-24 kDa and 23-14 kDa, respectively. The student T-test revealed that accessions B, C, E, F, H and I have molecular weights not significantly different from one another (P0.05). All the accessions had at least two proteins and two major bands in common. The study revealed intra-specific similarities and genetic diversity in protein contents among the nine accessions of Bambara groundnut (Vigna subterraranea (L.) Verdc.syn