The role of BioBlitzes in citizen science: insights from participants and experts

Beyond its primary role in generating scientific knowledge, citizen science also carries a potent educational dimension. An example of citizen science activities is BioBlitzes, which are collaborative events that bring together both experts and citizens, all united by a common mission: to register species observations within a defined geographical area during a predetermined time frame. In addition to comprehensively characterizing BioBlitz participants across sociodemographic, emotional, and cognitive domains, this study seeks to gain insights into the overall perceptions held by BioBlitz experts regarding these events and their participants. By considering both perspectives, we strive to achieve a more holistic understanding of BioBlitzes, elucidating their significance and impact on both the individuals participating and the broader scientific community involved. The analyzed sample corresponded to 96 participants and 11 experts. The evaluation made by the 96 participants was carried out by applying a pre-questionnaire and post-questionnaire, which allowed us to conclude that the participants, in the short term, acquired some knowledge during the event, but few emotional changes were detected. The evaluation made by the 11 experts was carried out in two online focus group sessions. It was concluded that there is a general opinion that citizens and experts learn during a BioBlitz and appreciate the social dimension of these experiences and that citizens leave the BioBlitz with more awareness of nature conservation issues

Prevalence and risk factors for stillbirths in Holstein cows in a hot environment

Risk factors for stillbirth were studied in a dairy operation in northern Mexico (25°N). Data set consisted of 29406 full term calving records. Factors affecting stillbirths were analyzed using a step-wise multivariable logistic regression models. The predictive indicators of stillbirth risk were: temperature-humidity index (THI) during pregnancy and at calving, season of calving, calf birth weight, gestation length, semen characteristics (conventional or sexed), gender of calves, hour of calving and type of parturition (normal or dystocic). Throughout the study period, 7.3 (95%, confidence interval= 7.0–7.6) of every 100 calving events had a stillborn calf. Stillborns were higher with severe dystocia compared with non-assisted births (29.0% vs. 6.2%, p<0.0001) and calves with birth weights <35 kg compared with heavier calves at calving (19.3% vs. 2.3%, p<0.0001), and was lower in calves whose gestation length was >278 d compared with calves with shorter gestation periods (2.8% vs. 30.0%, p<0.0001). Cows in a severe state of heat stress prenatally and at birth (THI >83 units) had 1.3 higher risk of stillbirths than cows suffering reduced heat stress (p<0.0001). Evidence for a greater (p<0.001) stillbirth rates in cows with parturitions between 18:00 and 19:00 h compared with cows calving during other hours of the day was found (9.1% vs. 7.1%). Together, these results demonstrate that ameliorating heat stress during the peripartum period is an important management practice to reduce stillbirths in Holstein cows in this warm climate. Additionally, a greater attention of parturition around sunset can lower the current stillbirth rates

Optimization of Laccase Production, and Characterization of Lignin Degradation Products by Fusarium oxysporum JUMAD-053

The objective of this work was to optimize the culture conditions for laccase production in the presence of Kraft lignin by Fusarium oxysporum JUMAD-053, and to evaluate the biodegradation products of lignin. The fungal isolate that presented highest laccase activity had its production optimized by a statistical factorial design 33 in 15 experimental runs. F. oxysporum presented the highest constitutive laccase titer (5.37 U/mL). Statistical factorial design demonstrated a maximum laccase titer of 9.8 U/mL when assayed against ABTS under the conditions optimized: 1.125% (w/v) yeast extract, 0.5% (w/v) Kraft lignin and 10 days of cultivation. The maximum laccase titer when assayed on DMP was 8.4 U/mL, following the conditions optimized: 1.125% yeast extract, 0.25% Kraft lignin and 7 days of cultivation. The analysis of cultures led to identification of metabolites; two being aromatic: 2,6-dimethoxy benzoic acid and sesamin; also, fumonisin and long-chain fatty acids. As a result of the study, the maximum laccase activities of 9.8 and 8.4 U/mL measured from ABTS and DMP substrates, respectively. The search shows new sources of fungal laccase for obtaining new metabolites of biodegradation from Kraft lignin in culture medium. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.17807/orbital.v13i5.162

Comparative gene expression of gonadotropins (FSH and LH) and peptide levels of gonadotropin-releasing hormones (GnRHs) in the pituitary of wild and cultured Senegalese sole (Solea senegalensis) broodstocks

12 páginas, 8 figuras, 2 tablas.The Senegalese sole (Solea senegalensis) is a valuable flatfish for aquaculture, but it presents important reproductive problems in captivity. Spawning is achieved by wild-caught breeders but cultured broodstocks fail to spawn spontaneously and, when they do, eggs are unfertilized. To gain knowledge on the physiological basis underlying this reproductive dysfunction, this study aimed at analyzing comparative hormone levels between wild and cultured broodstocks at the spawning season. The Senegalese sole gonadotropin (GTH) subunits, FSHβ, LHβ and GPα, were cloned and qualitative (in situ hybridization) and quantitative (real-time PCR) assays developed to analyze pituitary GTH gene expression. In females, FSHβ and GPα mRNA levels were higher in wild than in cultured broodstocks, whereas in males all three subunits were highest in cultured. By ELISA, three GnRH forms were detected in the pituitary, displaying a relative abundance of GnRH2 > GnRH1 > GnRH3. All GnRHs were slightly more abundant in wild than cultured females, whereas no differences were observed in males. Plasma levels of vitellogenin and sex steroids were also analyzed. Results showed endocrine differences between wild and cultured broodstocks at the spawning period, which could be related to the endocrine failure of the reproductive axis in cultured breeders.This research was funded by the Spanish Ministry of Education and Science (MEC) (AGL2006-13777-C01), the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAPA) (JACUMAR, II National Plan for the Cultivation of Sole) and the Regional Government of Galicia (PGIDIT06RMA004E). J.M. Guzmán received a FPI fellowship from the MEC. J.B. Ortiz-Delgado was supported by the “Ramón y Cajal” program (MEC, Spain).Peer reviewe

CSCI 2017

Producción CientíficaElastic Optical Networks (EON) are seen as an essential technology to implement the backhaul of Future Internet allowing the deployment of emerging paradigms like the Internet of Things (IoT), Tactile Internet, or Industry 4.0. When designing those Elastic Optical Networks (EONs), the Routing and Spectrum Assignment (RSA) problem has to be solved. In this paper, we analyse the effect of using two types of flexibility in a well‑known RSA method. A simulation study will be presented with the main results of this comparison.Ministerio de Economía, Industria y Competitividad (Projects TEC2014-53071-C3-2-P, TEC2015-71932-REDT)Ministerio de Educación, Cultura y Deporte (Proyect BES-2015-074514

Optimization of Laccase Production, and Characterization of Lignin Degradation Products by Fusarium oxysporum JUMAD-053

The objective of this work was to optimize the culture conditions for laccase production in the presence of Kraft lignin by Fusarium oxysporum JUMAD-053, and to evaluate the biodegradation products of lignin. The fungal isolate that presented highest laccase activity had its production optimized by a statistical factorial design 33 in 15 experimental runs. F. oxysporum presented the highest constitutive laccase titer (5.37 U/mL). Statistical factorial design demonstrated a maximum laccase titer of 9.8 U/mL when assayed against ABTS under the conditions optimized: 1.125% (w/v) yeast extract, 0.5% (w/v) Kraft lignin and 10 days of cultivation. The maximum laccase titer when assayed on DMP was 8.4 U/mL, following the conditions optimized: 1.125% yeast extract, 0.25% Kraft lignin and 7 days of cultivation. The analysis of cultures led to identification of metabolites; two being aromatic: 2,6-dimethoxy benzoic acid and sesamin; also, fumonisin and long-chain fatty acids. As a result of the study, the maximum laccase activities of 9.8 and 8.4 U/mL measured from ABTS and DMP substrates, respectively. The search shows new sources of fungal laccase for obtaining new metabolites of biodegradation from Kraft lignin in culture medium. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.17807/orbital.v13i5.162

Update of the list of QPS-recommended biological agents intentionally added to food or feed as notified to EFSA 15: suitability of taxonomic units notified to EFSA until September 2021

The qualified presumption of safety (QPS) approach was developed to provide a generic pre-evaluation of the safety of biological agents. The QPS approach is based on an assessment of published data for each agent, with respect to its taxonomic identity, the body of relevant knowledge and safety concerns. Safety concerns are, where possible, confirmed at the species/strain or product level and reflected by ‘qualifications’. The QPS list was updated in relation to the revised taxonomy of the genus Bacillus, to synonyms of yeast species and for the qualifications ‘absence of resistance to antimycotics’ and ‘only for production purposes’. Lactobacillus cellobiosus has been reclassified as Limosilactobacillus fermentum. In the period covered by this statement, no new information was found that would change the status of previously recommended QPS taxonomic units (TU)s. Of the 70 microorganisms notified to EFSA, 64 were not evaluated: 11 filamentous fungi, one oomycete, one Clostridium butyricum, one Enterococcus faecium, five Escherichia coli, one Streptomyces sp., one Bacillus nakamurai and 43 TUs that already had a QPS status. Six notifications, corresponding to six TUs were evaluated: Paenibacillus lentus was reassessed because an update was requested for the current mandate. Enterococcus lactis synonym Enterococcus xinjiangensis, Aurantiochytrium mangrovei synonym Schizochytrium mangrovei, Schizochytrium aggregatum, Chlamydomonas reinhardtii synonym Chlamydomonas smithii and Haematococcus lacustris synonym Haematococcus pluvialis were assessed for the first time. The following TUs were not recommended for QPS status: P. lentus due to a limited body of knowledge, E. lactis synonym E. xinjiangensis due to potential safety concerns, A. mangrovei synonym S. mangrovei, S. aggregatum and C. reinhardtii synonym C. smithii, due to lack of a body of knowledge on its occurrence in the food and feed chain. H. lacustris synonym H. pluvialis is recommended for QPS status with the qualification ‘for production purposes only’