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Valorisation Potential Of Microalgae As A Sustainable Source Of Lipids And Health Promoting Compounds, Bozena Mccarthy

Theses

The transition toward a circular bioeconomy requires sustainable strategies for managing and valorising food industry effluents while reducing reliance on environmentally damaging raw materials such as palm oil, which is associated with deforestation, biodiversity loss and greenhouse gas (GHGs) emissions. Microalgae represent a promising platform for converting nutrient rich industrial by-products into biomass and high-value compounds for food, nutraceutical and bio-based applications. Dairy processing generates large quantities of whey, creating environmental challenges due to its high organic load. Improved whey treatment and valorisation strategies are therefore essential for enhancing sustainability in food production systems. In this study, the biomass productivity …

Evaluating Variety- And Market-Class-Specific Effects Of Dietary Pulses On Human Health, Jiayu Tang

Department of Food Science and Technology: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

While pulses are globally recognized for their high levels of dietary fibers, protein, and polyphenols, research often focuses on characterizing the physiological effects of a single variety. This approach overlooks the substantial genetic and compositional diversity that exists across pulse varieties and individual market classes, which can differ extensively in nutrient content and structure. These compositional differences have the potential to produce distinct physiological and microbial responses in humans, yet variety- and market-class-specific effects remain poorly characterized.

This thesis uses two complementary research methodologies to investigate the health-relevant effects of different pulse varieties and market classes, providing foundational knowledge to …

Dasyurus Hallucatus Movement Response To Fire In A Complex, Resource Rich Tropical Savanna, Ian J. Radford, Annette Cook, Natasha Harrison, Ben Corey, Roberta Bencini, Harriet R. Mills

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

The northern quoll, Dasyurus hallucatus, is part of a suite of threatened native northern Australian mammals that have inappropriate fire regimes listed as a threatening process. However, fire responses reported for D. hallucatus are inconsistent among different studies. Based on the theory that the fire response of D. hallucatus will depend partially on habitat quality, we postulate that home range in high quality savannas of the north Kimberley will be small, post-breeding male mortality low and prey resources little affected by fire. Based on previous research we hypothesised that male D. hallucatus would respond to fire more than females. By …

Recent Advances In Phosphatidylinositol Phosphate Kinases (Pipks) And Their Inhibitors, Mengxia Sun, Jian Hu, Xuefei Huang

BAU Journal - Science and Technology

Phosphatidylinositol phosphate kinases (PIPKs) are an important class of enzymes in humans, which produce lipid signaling molecules playing central roles in pathogenesis of diseases such as cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, and viral infection. Consequently, they are attracting increasing attention as drug targets for disease treatment. This review summarizes the functions of the PIPK family enzymes and highlights recent efforts on designing novel inhibitors against PIPKs. These advances are extensively discussed to stimulate interest in this field and promote further development of highly potent and selective inhibitors for innovative therapeutic applications.

The Development Of An In Silico Vaccine Design-Based E-Module To Improve Students' Biological Literacy, Qairinasherin Qwine Ferendi, Rusdi Rusdi, Hanum Isfaeni

Jurnal Pendidikan Sains

Low levels of biological literacy among students, particularly in biotechnology, highlight the need for innovative digital learning media that facilitate meaningful and contextual learning experiences. This study aimed to develop and evaluate an interactive biotechnology e-module based on in silico vaccine design to improve students’ biological literacy. The study employed Educational Design Research (EDR) using the Hannafin and Peck model, which consists of three phases: needs assessment, development, and implementation. The participants included 73 tenth-grade science students and one biology teacher from SMAN 68 Jakarta, Indonesia. The e-module was developed using Canva and Heyzine to create an interactive flipbook integrating …

Principal Leadership As A Predictor Of Teacher Performance: Evidence From An Indonesian Elementary School, Irminapinem Pinem, Antonius Remigius Abi, Hamela Sari Sitompul

Jurnal Pendidikan Sains

Teacher performance is a critical determinant of educational quality and student achievement, making the identification of factors that influence teacher effectiveness an important area of educational research. Among these factors, principal leadership has been recognized as a key organizational variable that shapes teachers’ professional practices and instructional performance. This study aimed to examine the relationship between principal leadership and teacher performance at State Elementary School Raya Kahean, Simalungun Regency, Indonesia. The study employed a quantitative correlational research design involving 52 teachers selected through total sampling. Data were collected using two structured questionnaires measuring principal leadership and teacher performance. The principal …

Crispr/Cas9-Based Genome Editing: Understanding Differences In Dna Repair Pathways, Profiles, And Outcomes, Samuel Effah, Shirley Barrera, Nahia Urturi Ortiz, Will Dampier, Michael Nonnemacher, Brian Wigdahl

Kimmel Cancer Center Faculty Papers

Over a decade of advances in Clustered Regularly Interspersed Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR) and CRISPR-associated protein 9 (Cas9)-based technologies have culminated in the first-ever FDA-approved CRISPR/Cas-based therapy. Aside from this approved therapy for sickle cell anemia, several CRISPR/Cas-based therapies are currently under development or testing for a range of chronic diseases, including viral diseases like human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection, genetic diseases like familial hypercholesterolemia, and cancer. The success of these therapies hinges on the effective delivery of CRISPR/Cas9 components to target regions, efficient Cas endonuclease editing, repair profiles generated, and their resulting outcomes. Here, we discuss the …

Microalgae As Sustainable Biofactories For Bioplastic Production: Challenges And Future Perspectives: A Review, Zahraa Hussein Obaid, Noor S. Naji, Jasim M. Salman, Layla Mustafa A.A. Alkatrani

Journal of King Abdulaziz University: Marine Science

The widespread use of traditional plastics, combined with their slow breakdown, has exacerbated environmental and health problems. Therefore, it has become imperative to find alternatives. Due to their simplicity of cultivation, quick growth, tolerance to challenging growing conditions, and low cost, microalgae are being used more frequently as a bio-source for bioplastics lately. Additionally, a variety of biopolymers, including polyhydroxybutyrate, polylactic acid (PLA), starch, polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), protein, and cellulose, could be produced by microalgae. These polymers show promising qualities including biodegradability, biocompatibility, and non-toxicity under various cultivation conditions. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate the potential of microalgae …

Impacts Of Coastal Development And Tourism On Fisheries And Aquatic Biodiversity Of The Red Sea: A Review, Lafi S. Al Solami

Journal of King Abdulaziz University: Marine Science

The Red Sea boasts a diverse coastal environment, unique coral reef biodiversity, and fisheries that support rapidly growing marine tourism. Its excellent tourism facilities make it a popular destination. However, intensive tourist activities such as swimming, boating, diving, and fishing have a negative impact on the coastal and marine ecosystem. Additionally, in line with Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia has launched mega projects along the Red Sea coast, increasing tourist activity and leading to human intrusion into critical yet vulnerable marine ecosystems like coral reefs, fish, sea grass beds, and mangrove stands. With the rise in tourism activities and disruptions to …

The Influence Of Reef Shape On The Fish Community Structure Around Coral Reefs Off Jeddah Coast, Red Sea, Kingdom Of Saudi Arabia, Safaa Alowaidi, Lara Aljarafi, Lina Aloufi, Zekra Albeishi, Fay Al-Salem, Lama Alnebehi, Mohamed Abu El-Regal

Journal of King Abdulaziz University: Marine Science

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of the reef profile on the associated fish community. Two stations with different reef shape and depth, Bayada and Abotair islands located off Jeddah coast on the Saudi Arabian Red Sea were studied. The reef check was used to determine the proportion of hard coral, soft coral, algae, and other benthic components. A 20 m long by 5 m belt was used to determine the number and colonies and genera of hard and soft corals. Fish were counted using the underwater visual census (UVC) technique along a transect that is …

Microplastics Contamination In Marine Environment: Sources And Management Strategies, Aishah Hamdi, Mohammad Oves, Naser Alkenani, Majed Alshaeri

Journal of King Abdulaziz University: Marine Science

Microplastics (MPs) have been identified as emerging global pollutants because of their persistence, mobility, and significant ecological impacts. These particles, which result from the degradation of plastic waste and from various industrial and consumer activities, are now widespread in marine environments. The capacity of MPs to adsorb contaminants and bioaccumulate within food webs increases their ecological and health risks, prompting substantial concern regarding their long-term consequences for marine ecosystems and human health. This review synthesizes current knowledge regarding the composition, sources, transport, mechanisms, and environmental behavior of microplastics (MPs), with particular emphasis on marine systems. In these environments, the persistence …

Endophytic Actinobacteria: Deciphering Therapeutic And Industrial Potential, And Prospects Of Genome Mining In Novel Products Discovery, Yusra Waheed, Rabia Shahdin, Imran Sajid

Journal of Bioresource Management

Endophytic actinobacteria are a diverse group of Gram-positive bacteria with high G+C content, which inhabit plants’ internal tissues, and represent a significant yet underexplored reservoir of bioactive secondary metabolites. In host plants, a remarkable repertoire of metabolites, including broad-spectrum antibiotics, anticancer, antiviral, antifungal, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory compounds, is synthesized by these microbial allies, carrying significant medicinal and agricultural potential. These endophytes, in contrast to their soil relatives, have developed unique biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) strongly influenced by plant-associated factors, leading to the production of structurally novel metabolites. In recent years, the advances in genome mining, metagenomics, and metabolomics have accelerated …

Protective Effects Of Yogurt Against Sodium Fluoride-Induced Liver Dysfunction In Rabbits, Rasool Bux, Rehana Buriro, Shamsuddin Bughio, Kashif Ali Malak, Muhammad Aqeel, Fayaz Ali, Ali Raza, Abdul Sallam

Journal of Bioresource Management

Fluoride (F-) is among the most important compounds that can damage hepatic tissue and increase level of ALT, ALP, Bilirubin, GGT, and decreases the albumin. Present study was conducted to explore protective role of yogurt on hepatic dysfunction induced by sodium F- at different doses. Animal were divided into seven experimental groups (6 rabbits/group). Group A (Control), Group B (F- 50 mg/kg), Group C (yogurt 15 g/kg), Group D (F- 50 mg + yogurt 15 g/kg), Group E (F- 100 mg/kg), Group F (yogurt 30 g/kg), Group G (F- 100 mg/kg B.W. + yogurt 30 g/kg). In F- treatment groups …

Sensitivity Of The Mangrove Forest In The Joal-Fadiouth Marine Protected Area (Senegal) To Climate Variability (Rainfall And Temperatures), Eugenie Marie Mossane Sene, Elhadji Faye, Sylvie Brizard Zongo, Hippolyte Ditona Tsumbu, Jean-Claude Micha

Journal of Bioresource Management

Mangroves provide coastal communities with a multitude of ecosystem services. This is the case in Joal-Fadiouth. A study on its mangrove dynamics revealed a decline in area between 1974 and 2004, followed by a gradual trend after it acquired Marine Protected Area (MPA) status in 2004. Given the importance of this mangrove, the research focused on analyzing its evolution associated with rainfall and temperature variability. To do this, Spearman’s Rho correlation coefficient was performed between mangrove areas in 10-year increments from 1974 to 2024 and values of climate parameters studied for each increment, with n (number of pairs) = 6. …

Scorpions Of Angola (Arachnida, Scorpiones). Part I. Family Buthidae, With Descriptions Of Two New Species., František Kovařík

Euscorpius

All scorpion species of the family Buthidae known from Angola are listed, with color photographs and maps of their distribution. Diagnosis of Babycurus ansorgei Hirst, 1911 is revised; its male is described for the first time. Babycurus crassicaudatus Roewer, 1952, is revalidated (it was erroneously synonymized with B. ansorgei, since the females of both species are morphologically almost identical). Uroplectes angolensis sp. n. and U. xavieri sp. n. are described from Angola. Validity of Uroplectes ngangelarum Monard, 1930 is confirmed as different from U. planimanus (Karsch, 1879); its lectotype is designated. Lectotype is also designated for Uroplectes planimanus …

Light-Driven Zonation And Community Structure Of Aerophytic Microalgae In A Tropical Limestone Cave (Gua Tempurung, Malaysia), Wan Maznah Wan Omar, Mohammad Basri Eshak, Luthfiana Aprilianita Sari, Zulaihat Hamza Abdullahi, Yusuf Abdullahi

International Journal of Speleology

Cave ecosystems host specialized phototrophic biofilms structured primarily by light availability, yet quantitative assessments of aerophytic microalgal community organization in tropical limestone caves remain limited. This study investigated spatial variation in the structure of aerophytic microalgal communities across four ecologically distinct zones (entrance, transition, penetration, and low light) of Gua Tempurung, Malaysia. Stratified sampling was conducted during three seasonal periods. Dominant phototrophic morphospecies were identified using microscopy, and community composition was analyzed in relation to key environmental variables. Twenty-three dominant microalgal morphospecies were recorded across the cave gradient. Cyanobacteria constituted the major component of both richness and abundance, followed by …

Biotechnological Applications Of Microalgae: Advances, Potential And Future Challenges: A Review, Samiha M. Gharib, Mohamed Z. Nassar

Blue Economy

This review highlights the diverse biotechnological applications of microalgae, emphasizing their significance in human health, nutrition, and sustainable development. Microalgae are among the most widespread photosynthetic microorganisms in aquatic environments, characterized by remarkable metabolic diversity and the ability to produce a wide range of valuable bioactive compounds. These compounds include proteins, lipids, essential fatty acids, pigments, vitamins, and antioxidants, which support their applications in food, feed, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetic industries. In addition to their nutritional and therapeutic potential, microalgae play a crucial role in environmental management through carbon dioxide sequestration, wastewater treatment, and bioremediation processes. Their capacity to convert solar …

(R2124) Impact Of Delay And Awareness On Hiv/Aids Epidemic Model, Debashis Biswas

Applications and Applied Mathematics: An International Journal (AAM)

A delayed HIV/AIDS epidemic model with awareness has been taken here. Essentially, it is mentioned that the disease spreads among the population only through contact (horizontal transmission). The equilibrium points of both the proposed models are investigated, and their stability is discussed. Both models have two types of equilibria, namely the disease-free and the disease positive. The basic reproductive number of both models has been calculated by using the next generation matrix technique. In this paper, the main motivation is to find a way to decrease the disease transmission. Also discussed the impact of delay and awareness on the HIV/AIDS …

Exploring Staphylococcus Aureus Host-Pathogen Interaction Using Proteomic Technologies, Emilee Marlene Elizabeth Mustor

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Staphylococcus aureus deploys an arsenal of virulence effectors to remodel the host environment during infection, while simultaneously the host mounts an immune response to contain and eliminate this bacterium. This dynamic interplay defines the host-pathogen interface and shapes infection outcome. In this context, the secreted proteases represent a major arm of S. aureus pathogenesis, promoting bacterial persistence in the host by dismantling immune defenses, cleaving host signaling molecules and reshaping the host proteome. However, traditional substrate-by-substrate characterization cannot reveal the full scope of proteolytic activity occurring during infection. To address this, we developed Terminal Amine-Guanidination of Substrates-Charge Reversal (TAGS-CR), a …

Investigating The Role Of Cellular Senescence On Vestibular Dysfunction In Repetitive Mild Traumatic Brain Injury, Michael Volyanyuk

Dissertations

Vestibular dysfunction is a prevalent and persistent consequence of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). Clinical reports reveal that women experience vestibular deficits more frequently than men following mTBI. Despite the high prevalence and debilitating nature of vestibular symptoms, preclinical literature evaluating mTBI-associated vestibular impairments is limited. Emerging evidence demonstrates that cellular senescence is involved in the pathological molecular sequela of mTBI. It has been shown that senescence contributes to cognitive deficits following repetitive mTBI (rmTBI); however, its role in rmTBI-associated vestibular dysfunction remains unexplored. This body of work investigated the role of cellular senescence on rmTBI-induced vestibular dysfunction in both …

Instructions To Authors, Academy Editors

Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science

No abstract provided.

Microplastic Analysis In Fish Larvae (Family: Gonostomatidae And Myctophidae) From The Banggai Sea, Indonesia, Noer Kholis, Luqman Ilyas Ardito, Luqmanul Hakim, Augy Syahailatua, Agus Saleh Atmadipoera, Rina Zuraida, Tuan Nurul Sabiqah Tuan Anuar, Mufti Petala Patria

Makara Journal of Science

Microplastic pollution is recognized as a threat to marine ecosystems, yet its impacts on early life stages of mesopelagic fishes remain poorly understood. This study investigated the occurrence and characteristics of microplastic ingestion in fish larvae of the families Myctophidae and Gonostomatidae from the Banggai Sea, Indonesia. Morphometric measurements and microplastic content were analyzed in 40 larvae (20 per family). Gonostomatidae larvae, despite being smaller in total length, exhibited significantly larger mouth widths and ingested more microplastic particles (mean = 3.90 ± 0.72 particles) than Myctophidae (mean = 3.40 ± 0.38 particles). Correlation analysis showed no significant relationships between morphometric …

In Silico And Toxicological Evaluation Of Crescentia Cujete Aqueous Extract: Potential Anticancer Activity Against Breast Cancer, Rahma Diyan Martha, Fatimah Fatimah, Syahputra Wibowo, Bantari Wisynu Kusuma Wardhani, Josephine Elizabeth Siregar, Elisabeth Farah Novita Coutrier, Alfia Fitrianita, Andri Pramesyanti Pramono, Ita Margaretha Nainggolan, Yudhi Nugraha, Danar Danar, Naufal Abiyyu, Lalu Unsunnidhal, Aswin Rafif Khairullah, Arif Nur Muhammad Ansori, Hesty Parbuntari, Wimbuh Tri Widodo

Makara Journal of Science

Majapahit plant (Crescentia cujete), commonly found in Indonesia, has not been extensively explored for its medicinal properties. Given that many cancer treatments are derived from plants, this study aimed to examine the effects of plants on cancer chemical composition of the C. cujete fruit pulp extract, identify its primary compounds, and assess its potential as an antioxidant, anticancer agent, particularly for breast cancer. An insilico approach was used to evaluate the toxicity and interactions, of the compounds with cancer biomarker proteins, in addition to an in vivo Brine Shrimp Lethality Test (BSLT) for BSLT, toxicity screening using six …

House Sparrow Invasion Success Across Ecological, Immunological, And Molecular Scales, Kailey Marie Mccain

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Biological invasions offer natural experiments for studying how organisms cope with ecological novelty. Although invasion success is often attributed to enemy release, introduced organisms do not enter enemy-free environments. Instead, they enter heterogeneous landscapes in which some familiar enemies are absent, others remain, and entirely novel enemies may be encountered. The question, then, is how invaders (hereafter non-natives) are poised to respond to these threats? This dissertation examines whether successful invasions in house sparrows (Passer domesticus) is associated with shifts in pathogen exposure, immune dynamics in blood, gut physiology, and gene co-expression network structure.

Chapter 1 is at the population/ecological …

Closing The Gaps: Reforming Maryland Controls On Veterinary Antimicrobial Distribution, Samantha Capaldo, Kerry Mcclaughry

Journal of Food Law & Policy

Antimicrobials have been used in livestock and other food animals in the United States (“U.S.”) since the late 1940s. An antimicrobial is “[a]ny natural, synthetic, or semisynthetic substance that can eradicate or prevent the growth of microbes,” including “[a]ntibacterial, antifungal, antiparasitic, and antiviral medications.” Antimicrobial use in food animals is subject to a complex statutory and regulatory framework at both the state and federal levels. Antimicrobial use in food animals has been widely criticized for contributing to antimicrobial-resistant bacterial infections in humans. In response to this criticism, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) and several states, including Maryland, have …

Promiscuous Mutualisms: John Dupré And The Centrality Of Symbiosis In The Living World, Thomas Pradeu

Presidential Fellows Articles and Research

My goal in this chapter is to show that symbiosis, especially symbiotic interactions between ‘macrobes’ (non-microbial organisms) and microbes, is a central topic in John Dupré’s work. This topic is undeniably one of the topics by which Dupré has gained wide recognition among practicing scientists, in addition to his recognition within the philosophical community. I spell out why symbiosis has turned out to be a sort of ideal trope for Dupré, as it encapsulates many of his main personal themes—from promiscuous realism to process ontology. I then show that immunology offers one interesting and complementary entry point into microbial symbiosis …

Lost In The Weeds No More! Revision Of The Robust Herb Gall Wasps (Hymenoptera, Cynipidae, Aulacideini) In North America, Louis F. Nastasi, Charles K. Davis, José Luis Nieves-Aldrey, Cecil N. Smith, Simon Van Noort, Ebony G. Murrell, Timothy S. Frey, Chris Friesen, M. J. Hatfield, Heather M. Hines, John F. Tooker, Andrew R. Deans

Department of Entomology: Faculty Publications

We revise the North American fauna of Aulacideini (Hymenoptera: Cynipidae) using morphological, ecological, and genetic (DNA barcode) data, incorporating observations from over 5,000 adult specimens and galls. Prior to revision, the fauna included 24 species in four genera. Six new genera and 25 new species are described, all authored by Nastasi: Argyrix gen. nov., Barathria gen. nov., Cosmita gen. nov., and Ketsia gen. nov., for species previously placed in Antistrophus Walsh; Prixima gen. nov., for a new species inducing galls on Pyrrhopappus DC.; and Tookeria gen. nov., for a new species inducing galls on Silphium L.; Antistrophus frieseni sp. nov., …

Ion Channels As Targets For Parasiticides: A Brief Review Of Past, Present, And Future Directions, Josette V. Ricker, Mallory Mendenhall

Georgia Journal of Science

Scientists and healthcare providers have tried for decades to find parasite treatments that balance patient safety with efficacy in eliminating the pathogen. One approach is to target specifically the parasite’s important bodily functions while sparing the host. This brief review examines the historically significant antiparasitics - pyrethrins, picrotoxin, piperazine, and avermectins – all which specifically target parasite ion channels. We discuss the history of their discovery and use, which subsequently led to the development of new generations of parasiticides, and continues to inspire the search for safe and effective treatments.

Editorial: Plant Responses To Abiotic Stress: Unraveling Complex Mechanisms Through Genomics And Physiology, Mizanur Rahman, Takashi Asaeda, Md Harun Rashid

School of Earth, Environmental, & Marine Sciences Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Quantitative Genetic Analysis Of Baboon Facial Variation Challenges A Classic Papionin Trait, A. Thiebaut, C. C. Roseman, Michael Mahaney, Leslea J. Hlusko

Human Genetics Publications

The Linnaean family of monkeys that includes baboons, macaques, and mandrills (among others) is notably characterized by large, extended muzzles that vary in lateral nasal dorsum profile. In paleontological studies, this variation is referred to as the anteorbital drop (AOD). Here, we first devise a method to quantify this phylogenetic character. We then employ quantitative genetic analyses using a MCMCglmm model of facial variation in a captive, pedigreed baboon colony (n = 934), including admixed individuals derived from at least two Papio species, from the Southwest National Primate Research Center to assess the quantitative variation of the AOD, its …