Life Sciences Commons^™

Bioactive Potential Of Microbial Isolates From Yoluja Cave And Jepirramüin Rock Shelter, Cabo De La Vela (Colombia), Juan Sebastián López Caro, Virginia Patricia Roa Angulo, Alex Alberto González Vargas

International Journal of Speleology

Subterranean environments harbor diverse microbial communities with significant potential for the production of bioactive compounds. This study evaluated the antimicrobial and antioxidant potential of microbial isolates obtained from Yoluja Cave and the Jepirramüin rock shelter, located in the coastal region of La Guajira, Colombia. Field sampling was conducted during three campaigns in July, September, and November 2025, including soil and surface samples collected along environmental gradients within each site. Microorganisms were isolated using selective culture media and identified through morphological and biochemical characterization. Selected strains were subjected to liquid fermentation and organic solvent extraction to obtain crude metabolites. Analysis of …

Risk Factors Associated With Hair Loss Severity Among Female University Students: A Cross-Sectional Questionnaire-Based Study, Roaa Mohammed Jabbar, Rusul Mahdi Abid

AUIQ Complementary Biological System

Hair loss is a frequent health problem of women and can have an adverse impact on physical appearance, body image and quality of life. Its development has been attributed to a number of demographics, lifestyle and clinical factors, but which factors have the greatest influence on its development is unknown. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between the demographical, lifestyle and clinical parameters with hair loss severity among female university students. A cross-sectional study was conducted among female university students', and data collected using a structured questionnaire, and statistical analysis was performed using chi-square, one-way ANOVA and Tukey post …

Updated Records And Confirmed Colonies Of The Asian Needle Ant (Hymenoptera: Formicidae: Brachyponera Chinensis) In Mississippi, Joseph A. Macgown, Kaitlin M. Baudier, Santos Portugal

Midsouth Entomologist

No abstract, this is a short communication.

Development Of Gluten-Free Cookies Produced From Blends Of Chickpea Flour And Soybean Flour With Rice Flour, Cao Thi Bich Thao, Diana Widiastuti, Chau Minh Thuan, Nguyen Ngoc Thanh Tien, Pham Van Hung

Chimica et Natura Acta

The incorporation of chickpea and soybean flours may improve the nutritional quality of gluten-free cookies, particularly their protein and resistant starch contents. This study investigated the effects of various levels of chickpea or soybean flour (10%, 30%, and 50% w/w) substituted to rice flour on the physicochemical and pasting properties of composite flours, and cookie quality, resistant starch, and sensory properties of gluten-free cookies were evaluated. Proximate analysis revealed that fortification increased the protein from 6.8% to 22.36% in the composite flours. The composite flours showed lower swelling index and higher water absorption capacity than rice flour and both peak …

Community-Based Water Management Through Cultural Ecosystem Services: Traditional Wisdom And Modern Adaptation In Senjoyo Spring, Indonesia, Puji Winarti, Sri Haryani, Sri Wardani, Langlang Handayani

Journal of Environmental Science and Sustainable Development

Small-scale freshwater ecosystems play vital ecological and cultural roles. However, community-based water management (CBWM) often lacks a clear analytical approach to integrating cultural ecosystem services (CES) and traditional ecological knowledge (TEK), limiting the practical understanding of culturally grounded governance. To address this gap, this qualitative study explores the interactions between CES and TEK, analyzes their roles within CBWM, and identifies their implications for sustainable water governance. The integration between cultural value and local ecological knowledge makes Senjoyo Spring an appropriate location for this study. Data were collected through interviews with 20 key informants, field observations, forum group discussions (FGDs), and …

Community-Based Well Testing And Outreach To Mitigate Human Health Risk From Unsafe Drinking Water, W. Adam Sigler, Katharine Sutphen, Margaret J Eggers, Kaleena Miller, Michelle Grocke-Dewey

Journal of Extension

Twenty-two percent of groundwater wells tested nationwide have one or more contaminants above a health threshold, yet many private well owners are unaware of these risks because they have not tested their water. Researchers piloted a community well testing clinic for education/outreach and surveyed participants about outcomes. Two months later, 75% of participants with high or intermediate health risk water quality results had taken action or intended to, indicating that community private well testing clinics can be effective in mitigating human health risks from contaminated drinking water.

Educating Livestock Producers And Monitoring The Ecological Health Of Grazing Spaces, Morgan Mathisonslee, Matt R. Raven, Crista Derry

Journal of Extension

Addressing the climate catastrophe requires a systems approach with a focus on regenerating agricultural landscapes. To address these complex problems, we offered a monitoring training focused on a systems approach to livestock stewardship using the Savory Institute's Ecological Outcomes Verification protocol to monitor ecosystem health. The training encouraged producers to use systems-based management practices to promote ecological regeneration. We found that despite producers not adopting the monitoring protocol, there were increases in the ecological health of their farms. We suggest Extension professionals consider teaching similar ecological monitoring protocols to benefit producers and support claims about regenerative agriculture.

Market Trends And Challenges For Alabama's Emerging Oyster Aquaculture Industry, Taryn M. Garlock, Quinn Lafontaine, Russell Grice, Andrea M. Tarnecki

Journal of Extension

Different marketing channels influence farm profitability by affecting the costs that producers incur and the prices they receive. This article quantifies oyster sales volume and price by market channel in Alabama's commercial oyster aquaculture sector and assesses challenges to expanding farm businesses. The results show that many oyster producers are selling exclusively through one channel, which raises questions about their resiliency and their capacity to adapt to a dynamic single market. The two most common market channels were processors and distributors. Most growers had a positive outlook on sales growth and showed the greatest interest in expanding sales to distributors, …

Marine Spatial Planning In The Asean Countries: Lesson Learned For Future Ocean Governance In Malaysia, Husni Alhan Md Salimun, Mohd Fadzil Akhir, Nazli Aziz, Che Din Mohd Safuan, Wan Izatul Asma Wan Talaat

Journal of Environmental Science and Sustainable Development

Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) has emerged as an important governance instrument for balancing ecological protection, economic development, and social inclusion amid the rapidly intensifying blue economy in Southeast Asia. Although several ASEAN Member States (AMS) have initiated MSP processes, the existing literature on MSP governance in this region  remains fragmented and largely descriptive, limiting systematic cross-country comparison and evidence-based lessons. This study addresses this gap by assessing MSP governance performance across ASEAN countries and againts internationally recognized MSP governance benchmarks. A structured narrative review was conducted using selected PRISMA-informed procedures for literature identification and screening. Academic publications from 2003 to …

Decentralized Renewable Energy And Sustainability By Integrating Solar Ovens Into Urban Living, Nuno Soares Domingues

Journal of Environmental Science and Sustainable Development

Urban households account for a substantial share of global energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, with domestic cooking representing an often-overlooked component of residential energy demand. Low-cost solar cooking technologies offer a promising pathway towards urban decarbonization by harnessing renewable solar energy while reducing dependence on grid electricity and promoting circular resource use. This study evaluates the contribution of two experimentally developed low-cost solar box ovens to urban sustainability under Mediterranean climatic conditions in Lisbon, Portugal. A recycled cardboard prototype and a timber-based prototype were assessed through controlled outdoor experiments involving thermal performance, cooking capability, energy savings, and environmental evaluation. …

Improving Market Acceptance Of Agrivoltaic Implementation In Japan, Divya Suresh, Yuxin Qin, Kenichiro Hiramoto, Takuma Otaki, Abhishek Choudhury, Xiao Chen, Rajib Shaw

Journal of Environmental Science and Sustainable Development

Agrivoltaics (AV) enables the simultaneous use of land for solar energy generation and agricultural production. While AV has been widely studied from technical and economic perspectives, limited attention has been paid to market acceptance among farmers, particularly in Japan, where adoption remains constrained despite policy interest in renewable energy and rural revitalization. Existing studies identify regulatory, financial, and technical barriers, but insufficiently explain how farmer-level acceptance is shaped across different agricultural contexts or how project co-benefits can support adoption. This study examines farmers’ market acceptance of AV in Japan through a multi-case analysis of six projects in rice-cultivation areas, mountainous …

Good Governance In The Concept Of Climate Justice: Decarbonisation Policies In Economic Considerations Of Losses And Sacrifices, Daryanti Daryanti, Albertus Sentot Sudarwanto, Erna Dyah Kusumawati, Rosita Candrakirana

Journal of Environmental Science and Sustainable Development

Projections of losses resulting from the impacts of climate change in Indonesia are estimated to reach USD 30.5 million, affecting four key sectors: agriculture, water supply, health, and the maritime sector. This study shows that good governance based on climate justice in the implementation of decarbonization policies is the most important factor in avoiding long-term economic losses caused by the adverse impacts of climate change or investing in climate resilience. This study employed a normative methodology using a statutory approach to examine efforts related to climate change mitigation and adaptation. The findings of this research indicate that regulations in Indonesia, …

Climate Change Mitigation And Forest Conservation: A Sdg-Aligned Framework For Malaysia, Hui Nee Au Yong, Chuan Chew Foo, Maryam Kalhoro, Irfan Rashdi

Journal of Environmental Science and Sustainable Development

Climate change and biodiversity loss are interlinked global crises that require integrated governance approaches, particularly in biodiversity-rich countries such as Malaysia. This study develops and empirically tests a climate biodiversity sustainable development goal (SDGs) nexus model that integrates forest governance, carbon sequestration, Indigenous Ecological Knowledge (IEK), and sustainable practices to explain climate mitigation and biodiversity conservation outcomes. Survey data were collected from 412 respondents across Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah, and Sarawak using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) to test the hypothesised relationships. The analysis examines direct, mediating, and moderating relationships among governance, social, technological, and policy factors. Forest governance …

Does Farm Size Matter In Agricultural Extension Programs? Insights From Us Agriculture Census Data, Pilja Vitale, Joshua Campbell, Jeffrey Vitale, Michael Patrick, John Garlisch

Journal of Extension

This commentary examines how farm size influences agricultural Extension programs in the United States, highlighting disparities between large and small farms. While large farms dominate production through advanced technologies and economies of scale, small farms are vital for food security, community well-being, and cultural preservation. Key differences include water use, labor, machinery, marketing, financial management, and food safety practices. Extension programs address these disparities through tailored initiatives such as financial literacy training for small farms and technology adoption workshops for large ones. This analysis emphasizes the need for targeted and inclusive Extension programming to enhance sustainability and equity across farm …

Virtual Natural Lighting Solutions (Vnls) Inside Hospitals And Its Psychological Impact, Asmaa Alaa Hasanein Hasanein, Alaa Shams Al-Din Al-Aishi, Marwa Atef Abd Elhady

Mansoura Engineering Journal

This study examines the correlation between daylighting environments in hospitals, users evaluations, and ways of bringing virtual natural light into inner spaces, highlighting the importance of good daylighting design for physical and psychological well-being. Virtual Natural Lighting Solutions (VNLS) mimic the balanced spectrum of natural light, bridging the gap between natural and artificial light, and are crucial for tasks, circadian rhythm, and mood in healthcare settings. The research addresses the variability and limitations of natural light, proposing VNLS for healthcare lighting design, especially in hospitals lacking daylight. The study aims to develop a methodology for using VNLS in healthcare environments …

Realities Of Engendering Federalization: Political Commitment To Gender Equality, Resources, And Policy, Christine S. Diaz

Journal of Public Affairs and Development

Amid several initiatives to federalize the Philippines, discourse on engendering federalization remains scarce. This gap forms the basis of this study, which examined the realities of engendering federalization. Data were gathered through in-depth interviews and key informant interviews with research participants from various sectors in Davao City. Guided by Caren Levy’s Web of Institutionalization Framework, the study focused on three core dimensions: political commitment to gender equality, resources, and policy. The findings revealed that engendering federalization, particularly political commitment to gender equality, requires advocacy, institutionalization, gender awareness, and gender-sensitivity formation. Institutional mechanisms, policies, and resources are important for advancing gender-responsive …

Horticultural Diplomacy: A Framework For Growing Culturally Aware Gardeners, Stephen Stresow-Cortez, Stephen Reiners, Ashley Miller Helmholdt

Journal of Extension

Derived from person-to-person diplomacy models, a ``horticultural diplomacy'' framework was implemented in a statewide vegetable variety trial program for two seasons to introduce Master Gardeners to diverse crops and cultures. Scaffolding learning with relevant recipes, bed groupings, community tasting events, and collecting community (citizen) science data helped participants build garden skills, gain a greater appreciation for other cultures, and inform new educational materials. Horticultural diplomacy is part of a deliberate effort aimed at growing food and building understanding among (primarily White) volunteers. The techniques that helped make this program successful, adaptable to other garden programs, and aspects that require improvements …

Equine Body Condition Scoring Flow Chart: A Field Guide, Robyn Stewart, Carissa Wickens, Brooklyne Wassel

Journal of Extension

The Equine Body Condition Scoring Flow Chart is a visual decision-making tool designed to guide users through the process of evaluating a horse's body condition score (BCS) using the Henneke scale. Accurately assessing BCS is critical for making informed management decisions relating to equine nutrition, health, and training. This tool simplifies the scoring process by breaking it down into step-by-step questions based on clear scoring criteria, anatomical landmarks, and both visual and tactile assessment. This tool can be used regardless of geographic location and benefits a diverse audience of Extension educators, horse owners, 4-H'ers, and equine business owners.

Adolescents’ Risk Of Long Covid-19 Syndrome Based On Income Level And Food Insecurity, Christopher J. Waskewich

Journal of Social, Behavioral, and Health Sciences

Limited information is available about the effects of food insecurity on adolescents’ long-term health risks from COVID-19. This quantitative, cross-sectional study aimed to examine the effects of food insecurity and family income level on the risk of long COVID-19 syndrome for adolescents (11 to 17 years old). An online survey (n = 298) was conducted with parents of adolescents from New York City, who were recruited from social media online advertisements. The research asked whether there is an association between food insecurity and family income level and the risks of long COVID-19 syndrome. Multivariate logistic regression found a statistically …

Applications Of Nanotechnology In Building Envelopes: An Analytical Study Of Environmental Performance And Architectural Form, Essam Salah Said Abdelmagid

Mansoura Engineering Journal

Contemporary architecture has witnessed a rapid evolution in the integration of nanotechnology within the design of building envelopes, due to its significant capability to enhance the physical and environmental properties of materials and to redefine the relationship between functional performance and architectural form. The building envelope is considered one of the most influential components affecting energy efficiency, indoor environmental quality,  and visual identity, which has made it a primary field for the application of nanomaterials and nanotechnologies.

This research aims to investigate and analyze the impact of nanotechnology applications in building envelopes on both environmental performance and architectural form through …

The Impact Of Biophilic Design Patterns On Improving Thermal Comfort In Public Libraries Within Hot Arid Climates (A Case Study Of Misr Public Library - Aswan), Zainab Hassan Aljamily, Hatem Mahmoud Fathy, Breksam Hafez Elkess Boules

Mansoura Engineering Journal

Reading contributes to cognitive and cultural development, highlighting public libraries as educational and cultural spaces and emphasizing the need to improve their environmental performance. This study analyzes biophilic design patterns and thermal comfort in public libraries in hot arid climates, using Misr Public Library in Aswan as a case study. Despite growing interest in biophilic design, quantitative studies addressing its thermal impact remain limited. The research adopted an applied analytical methodology, including field measurements of temperature and relative humidity in the reading hall using a UT330TH/UT330THC data logger to verify simulation accuracy. Thermal performance was evaluated using DesignBuilder software before …

Artificial Sentience: From Computational Functionalism To Behaviourism?, Wanja Wiese

Animal Sentience

I critically examine Jonathan Birch’s account of how brain emulations might create artificial sentience candidates, arguing that his account risks collapsing into a behaviourist account, unless the specific computational processes realised by such emulations are carefully considered. Drawing on examples from computational neuroscience, I show that similar behaviours can arise from vastly different computational processes, thereby undermining the suggestion to focus on behaviourial profiles to determine whether a brain emulation of a sentience candidate is itself a sentience candidate.

Strategies To Transform Natural Resource Extension With Inaturalist And Engage The Public In Biodiversity Conservation, Corey T Callaghan, Brittany M Mason

Journal of Extension

Participatory citizen science is an increasingly popular tool that provides nonformal education and learning activities. iNaturalist, a free, open-access, participatory citizen science platform, provides a place to engage the public in natural resource programming. Here, we explore practical applications for integrating iNaturalist into Extension programming. We highlight two approaches: (a) self-guided programming, where participants independently engage in biodiversity documentation and professionals contribute identifications, and (b) facilitated programming, which involves structured events and projects led by Extension professionals. We discuss the unique advantages of using iNaturalist in these contexts and offer recommendations for quantitatively measuring and reporting its impact in Extension …

The Other Visual Acuity, Paul B. Freeman Od

Optometric Clinical Practice

Editorial

A Comprehensive Review Of Current Trends And Future Prospects In Drug Resistance Of Leishmania Species, Sarah Kamal Naser

Maaen Journal for Medical Sciences

Leishmaniasis, which is an infectious tropical disease that is caused by Leishmania protozoa, continues to be a leading global public health problem. This disease is prevalent in about 89 countries, with over one billion individuals being at risk of infection. Current treatments have many limitations, and the efficacy of currently available leishmanial drugs has been undermined by the development of resistant strains of Leishmania. This review highlights the prevailing patterns regarding drug resistance in Leishmania and looks forward to future ways to deal with this problem. The genomic plasticity seen in Leishmania, which includes aneuploidy, gene amplification, chromosome rearrangement, and …

Radiological And Chemical Safety Assessment Of Drinking Water From Treatment Plants And Rivers In Kut City, Iraq, Ahmed A. Alswaty, Hadi D. Alattabi

Karbala International Journal of Modern Science

Climate change and increasing anthropogenic activities, particularly wastewater discharge into rivers, have raised pollution levels in the water sources of Kut City, necessitating an assessment of the radiological and chemical safety of drinking water at the city's treatment plants. Thirteen water samples were collected, comprising ten treated and three raw water samples from the source rivers. An HPGe detector was used to measure the radionuclides ²¹⁴Bi, ²¹⁴Pb, ²¹²Bi, ²¹²Pb, ⁴⁰K, and ¹³⁷Cs. All measured radionuclides were below the minimum detectable activity (MDA). ICP-OES analysis supported these findings, as U concentrations in most samples were …

Implementation Of The Problem-Based Learning Model On The Topic Of The Immune System To Enhance The Critical Thinking Skills Of Grade Xi B Students At Sman 1 Tojo, Nani Sofyanti, Sutrisnawati Sutrisnawati, Vita Indri Febriani, Mohammad Jamhari, Bustamin Bustamin, Raya Agni

Jurnal Pendidikan Sains

Critical-thinking skills are essential competencies for students in 21st-century learning. Preliminary classroom observations in Class XI B at SMAN 1 Tojo indicated that instruction remained predominantly teacher-centered and provided limited opportunities for students to engage in activities involving interpretation, analysis, evaluation, and inference. This study aimed to improve students’ critical-thinking skills through the implementation of Problem-Based Learning (PBL) on the immune system topic. The study employed a Classroom Action Research (CAR) design conducted over two cycles, involving 28 students in Class XI B. Data were collected using a teacher activity observation sheet and critical-thinking skills tests assessing four indicators: interpretation, …

Junior High School Students’ Understanding Of Pathogenic Microbes In The School Environment: A Cross-Grade Descriptive Study At Smp Alkhairaat 1 Palu, Feren Febrianti, I Nengah Kundera, Yulia Windarsih, Mohammad Jamhari, Mursito S. Bialangi, Abdul Ashari

Jurnal Pendidikan Sains

This study aimed to describe students’ understanding of pathogenic microbes and compare descriptive comprehension profiles across Grades VII, VIII, and IX at SMP Alkhairaat 1 Palu. A quantitative descriptive approach was employed involving 49 students selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected using an essay test as the primary instrument, supported by semi-structured interviews and observations of the school environment. The essay test assessed three indicators: conceptual knowledge of pathogenic microbes, understanding of disease transmission mechanisms, and understanding of clean and healthy practices for preventing the transmission of pathogenic microbes. Test data were analyzed descriptively using mean percentage scores, while …

The Ability Of Biology Teachers Of State Madrasah Aliyah In Palu City In Developing Teaching Modules In Merdeka Curriculum, Ulya Afifa, Gamar B. N Shamdas, Syech Zainal, Bustamin Bustamin, Raya Agni, Rafiqa Rafiqa

Jurnal Pendidikan Sains

Teachers’ ability to develop teaching modules is essential for implementing the Merdeka Curriculum because it enables curriculum expectations to be translated into flexible and context-responsive learning. This study aimed to describe Biology teachers’ ability to develop teaching modules at State Islamic Senior High Schools (Madrasah Aliyah Negeri [MAN]) in Palu City and to identify the factors supporting or constraining this ability. A descriptive qualitative study was conducted with seven Biology teachers from MAN 1 Palu, MAN 2 Palu, and MAN Insan Cendekia Palu during February–March 2026. Data were collected through questionnaires, interviews, documentation, and analysis of teaching modules using …

Sex-Related Differences In Fingerprint Minutiae Counts Among Secondary School Students In Sagamu, Ogun State, Nigeria, Olukayode Olushola Odubela, Osonuga Ifabunmi Oduyemi, Dr Kazeem Adeyinka Adeboyejo, Opeyemi Abel Bamgbose

AUIQ Complementary Biological System

Background: Dermatoglyphic minutiae are permanent epidermal ridge characteristics widely utilized in forensic identification and biometric science. Previous studies have demonstrated sex-related differences in fingerprint ridge morphology and ridge count, with females generally exhibiting higher ridge count than males. However, quantitative minutiae-based studies among Nigerian adolescents remain limited. This study evaluated sex-related and bilateral variations in fingerprint minutiae among secondary school students in Sagamu, Ogun State, Nigeria. Methods: This cross-sectional analytical study involved 300 apparently healthy students aged 14–18 years, recruited from an initial pool of 318 students assessed for eligibility across Batoro Community Grammar School, Remo Secondary School, and Remo …