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1 pages, 145 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Statement of Peer Review

by Michael Wink

Biol. Life Sci. Forum 2024, 39(1), 9; https://doi.org/10.3390/blsf2024039009 - 23 May 2025

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Abstract

In submitting conference proceedings to Biology and Life Sciences Forum, the volume editors of the proceedings certify to the publisher that all papers published in this volume have been subjected to peer review administered by the volume editors [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 3rd International Electronic Conference on Diversity: Biodiversity of Animals, Plants and Microorganisms)

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7 pages, 1227 KiB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Modeling the Current Suitable Habitat Range of the Yellow-Bellied Gecko (Hemidactylus flaviviridis Rüppell, 1835) in Iran

by Saman Ghasemian Sorboni, Mehrdad Hadipour and Narina Ghasemian Sorboni

Biol. Life Sci. Forum 2024, 39(1), 1; https://doi.org/10.3390/blsf2024039001 - 20 Nov 2024

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Abstract

Studying the current range of species presence is crucial for ecologists and related scientists to understand potential habitats and the influence of environmental factors on species distribution. In this study, we used species distribution modeling (SDM) to look into where the yellow-bellied gecko, [...] Read more.

Studying the current range of species presence is crucial for ecologists and related scientists to understand potential habitats and the influence of environmental factors on species distribution. In this study, we used species distribution modeling (SDM) to look into where the yellow-bellied gecko, also known as the northern house gecko (Hemidactylus flaviviridis Rüppell, 1835), lives in Iran. We achieved this by combining four machine learning algorithms: Random Forest (RF), the Support Vector Machine (SVM), Maximum Entropy (Maxent), and the Generalized Linear Model (GLM). We utilized 19 historical bioclimatic variables, the Digital Elevation Model (DEM), slope, aspect, and the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI). After calculating their correlations, we selected variables for modeling with a variance inflation factor (VIF) of less than 10. The findings indicate that the variables “Precipitation of the Coldest Quarter” (BIO19) and “Mean Temperature of Wettest Quarter” (BIO8) have the most significant influence on the species’ distribution. The gecko primarily inhabits low elevations and slopes, particularly those below 400 m above sea level with slopes less than 8 degrees, primarily in southern Iran. Additionally, we found that the NDVI had a minimal impact on the distribution of the species. Therefore, we identify the provinces of Khuzestan, Bushehr, Hormozgan, and Fars, along with parts of the coastal strip of Sistan and Baluchistan, as suitable areas for the current presence of this species. Full article

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 3rd International Electronic Conference on Diversity: Biodiversity of Animals, Plants and Microorganisms)

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10 pages, 1425 KiB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Bacterial Strain from Biofilm on Surface of Poly(Ethylene Terephthalate) from Soil in Chernihiv City (Ukraine) Used as Potential Agent of Biodegradation

by Nataliia Tkachuk and Liubov Zelena

Biol. Life Sci. Forum 2024, 39(1), 2; https://doi.org/10.3390/blsf2024039002 - 7 Jan 2025

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Abstract

Bacteria actively degrade polymeric materials due to high biochemical activity and the ability to form biofilms. In order to expand our knowledge about soil bacterial biodiversity on the surface of artificial materials from the soil of Chernihiv (Ukraine), in this study, the bacterial [...] Read more.

Bacteria actively degrade polymeric materials due to high biochemical activity and the ability to form biofilms. In order to expand our knowledge about soil bacterial biodiversity on the surface of artificial materials from the soil of Chernihiv (Ukraine), in this study, the bacterial strain PET1 was isolated from the biofilm formed on the poly(ethylene terephthalate) bottle material taken from soil. The strain was isolated and purified on Postgate’s “C” medium and modified by us (using poly(ethylene terephthalate) as the only source of carbon). The PET1 strain was identified as Achromobacter xylosoxidans based on a complex of microbiological and molecular genetic features. This study is the first report of the isolation of an A. xylosoxidans strain from a biofilm on the surface of poly(ethylene terephthalate) collected from the soil. Considering the growing interest of researchers in the problem of biodegradation of plastics, attention should be paid to the potential of A. xylosoxidans as biodegradation agents. The involvement of bacteria of the genus Achromobacter in the biodegradation of artificial polymers (polyvinyl chloride, high-density polyethylene, nylon) opens up prospects for the isolated strain PET1 to be studied and, possibly, applied as a biodegrader of poly(ethylene terephthalate). Full article

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 3rd International Electronic Conference on Diversity: Biodiversity of Animals, Plants and Microorganisms)

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79 pages, 603 KiB

Open AccessConference Report

Abstracts of the 3rd International Electronic Conference on Diversity: Biodiversity of Animals, Plants and Microorganisms

by Michael Wink

Biol. Life Sci. Forum 2024, 39(1), 3; https://doi.org/10.3390/blsf2024039003 - 8 Jan 2025

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Abstract

The 3rd International Electronic Conference on Diversity: Biodiversity of Animals, Plants and Microorganisms (IECD 2024) was held from 15 to 17 October 2024. The conference focused on the key theme of biodiversity from a wide range of domains, especially animals and plants. The [...] Read more.

The 3rd International Electronic Conference on Diversity: Biodiversity of Animals, Plants and Microorganisms (IECD 2024) was held from 15 to 17 October 2024. The conference focused on the key theme of biodiversity from a wide range of domains, especially animals and plants. The conference was in a virtual format, eliminating the need for travel and other related expenses, allowing attendees to fully immerse themselves in the conference without any logistical constraints. It aimed to foster collaboration and knowledge exchange among researchers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 3rd International Electronic Conference on Diversity: Biodiversity of Animals, Plants and Microorganisms)

8 pages, 3107 KiB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

The Value of By-Catch: Can We Use Commercial Species Stock Assessment Cruises for the Study of Non-Target Species? The Case of Sponges

by Laura Schejter, Esteban Gaitán and Mariela Pavón Novarin

Biol. Life Sci. Forum 2024, 39(1), 4; https://doi.org/10.3390/blsf2024039004 - 10 Jan 2025

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Abstract

The contribution of sponges to benthic communities in three areas of the Argentine continental shelf and slope (North, Central and South), between 34° and 55° S and between 47 and 551 m, is presented here. Sponges were recorded as components of the invertebrate [...] Read more.

The contribution of sponges to benthic communities in three areas of the Argentine continental shelf and slope (North, Central and South), between 34° and 55° S and between 47 and 551 m, is presented here. Sponges were recorded as components of the invertebrate by-catch in 51% of the studied sites (133 hauls). On average, sponges constituted 18.01% of the benthic community (47.91 kg/mn², in terms of density), reaching more than 90% of the by-catch and more than 500 kg/mn² at some particular sites. A total of 34 sponge taxa were recorded. Tedania spp., Clathria (C.) microxa and Callyspongidae (Siphonochalina fortis + Callyspongia sp.) were the only taxa shared among the three sampled areas. Sixty percent (60%) of the sponge species were recorded only at one or two sites. Full article

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 3rd International Electronic Conference on Diversity: Biodiversity of Animals, Plants and Microorganisms)

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8 pages, 2111 KiB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

The Innovative Potential of Key Mentha Species: An Assessment Based on Patent Analysis

by Reda El Boukhari and Ahmed Fatimi

Biol. Life Sci. Forum 2024, 39(1), 5; https://doi.org/10.3390/blsf2024039005 - 7 Feb 2025

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Abstract

Morocco’s rich biodiversity includes various aromatic and medicinal plants utilized for culinary and medicinal purposes. The genus Mentha, belonging to the Lamiaceae family, is notable for its widespread use in Moroccan culture. This genus encompasses several species with distinct phytochemical profiles, offering [...] Read more.

Morocco’s rich biodiversity includes various aromatic and medicinal plants utilized for culinary and medicinal purposes. The genus Mentha, belonging to the Lamiaceae family, is notable for its widespread use in Moroccan culture. This genus encompasses several species with distinct phytochemical profiles, offering potential applications in cosmetics, medicine, and other sectors. However, understanding the innovation landscape related to Mentha in Morocco requires a comprehensive patent analysis, which can indicate trends, the technological focus, and potential commercial applications. This study identifies the Mentha species commonly used in Morocco and examines patent documents to reveal technological innovations linked to Moroccan Mentha species. Five major Mentha species were identified, namely M. longifolia, M. pulegium, M. gattefossei, M. spicata, and M. suaveolens, in addition to two hybrids (Mentha × piperita and M. rotundifolia). The patent analysis, focusing on the number of documents, jurisdictional distribution, and International Patent Classification (IPC) codes, highlights that China and the United States are leading jurisdictions, with 1113 and 915 patent documents, respectively. The primary IPC code, A61K36/53, corresponds to medicinal preparations containing mint. Among the eight identified species, M. spicata (spearmint) accounted for the highest patent activity, reflecting its widespread cultivation and use both in Morocco and globally. In contrast, M. gattefossei (persian mint), an endemic species, had minimal patent representation, suggesting limited international exploitation and potential opportunities for increased research and commercialization focused on this species. Full article

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 3rd International Electronic Conference on Diversity: Biodiversity of Animals, Plants and Microorganisms)

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10 pages, 603 KiB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Can Elevation Affect the Distribution of Nymphalidae Butterflies Adjacent to the Protected Regions in the Eastern Himalayan Landscape of West Bengal, India?

by Panchali Sengupta

Biol. Life Sci. Forum 2024, 39(1), 6; https://doi.org/10.3390/blsf2024039006 - 26 Feb 2025

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Abstract

Studies on the influence of latitudinal and elevation gradient on species diversity, richness, and evenness are significant. The present study attempts to document the elevational distribution of nymphalidae butterflies in the surrounding regions outside the jurisdiction of the protected areas of the Eastern [...] Read more.

Studies on the influence of latitudinal and elevation gradient on species diversity, richness, and evenness are significant. The present study attempts to document the elevational distribution of nymphalidae butterflies in the surrounding regions outside the jurisdiction of the protected areas of the Eastern Himalayas. Determination of diversity, evenness, richness, dominance, and Gini’s coefficient was undertaken across six elevational belts (≤1500 masl, 1501–2000 masl, 2001–2500 masl, 2501–3000 masl, 3001–3500 masl, ≥3501 masl). The highest values of diversity (H’ = 6.34) and species richness (R₁ = 2.497; R₂ = 12.01) were represented by a mid-elevation peak at 2501–3000 masl. However, evenness values (E = 1.424; E_BG = 0.951; Eq = 0.987) were greatest at ≥3501 masl. Topographical uniqueness coupled with the formation of cloud cover at higher elevation may provide a habitat sustaining montane forest specialist species. Such differences in elevation could probably influence the diversity and distribution of nymphalidae, with immense ecological significance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 3rd International Electronic Conference on Diversity: Biodiversity of Animals, Plants and Microorganisms)

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8 pages, 1851 KiB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Yeast Microbiome of Avicennia officinalis: Differences in Its Taxonomic and Functional Composition Within Plant Compartments

by Kizhakkeyveetil Abdul Saleem Nimsi, Kozhikotte Manjusha and Jasna Vijayan

Biol. Life Sci. Forum 2024, 39(1), 7; https://doi.org/10.3390/blsf2024039007 - 8 May 2025

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Abstract

Mangrove ecosystems are renowned for their rich fungal diversity, housing a plethora of multicellular fungi and yeasts. In this investigation, we examined the yeast diversity associated with various compartments (rhizospheric soil, stems, roots, leaves, barks, and flowers) of the widely distributed mangrove tree, [...] Read more.

Mangrove ecosystems are renowned for their rich fungal diversity, housing a plethora of multicellular fungi and yeasts. In this investigation, we examined the yeast diversity associated with various compartments (rhizospheric soil, stems, roots, leaves, barks, and flowers) of the widely distributed mangrove tree, Avicennia officinalis, from the Kumbalam and Puthuvype mangroves in central Kerala, India. Our study revealed that the yeast strains were not uniformly distributed in various compartments. The highest abundance of yeasts was found in leaves (42%), followed by sediment (21%), and the lowest in flowers (5%). Among the 45 isolates, 27% comprised red yeasts. Dominant genera included Rhodotorula (27.5%), Debaryomyces (17.6%), Kluyveromyces (5.9%), Cryptococcus (9.8%), and Candida (7.8%), while genera such as Geotrichum, Lodderomyces, Ogataea, Galactomyces, and Saitozyma were represented by single isolates. Certain yeast species, such as C. tropicalis and Rhodotorula paludegina, exhibited a cosmopolitan distribution in various plant compartments of A. officinalis. An analysis of the proximate composition of different plant compartments of A. officinalis revealed variations in C, N, S, H, Ca, K, and the C/N ratio. Interestingly, these variations were positively correlated with the yeast community composition, suggesting a potential role of the elemental composition of plants in shaping the yeast biome of A. officinalis. However, our understanding of the inter-relationships among yeast communities in different plant compartments remains limited, highlighting the need for further comprehensive investigations in this field. Full article

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 3rd International Electronic Conference on Diversity: Biodiversity of Animals, Plants and Microorganisms)

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5 pages, 712 KiB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Bacterial and Fungal Diversity from the Rhizosphere of Plants Wildly Growing in Agricultural Soil Under Unfavourable Environmental Conditions

by Marta Adalia-Mínguez, Esther Morate-Gutiérrez, Lilyana Tihomirova-Hristova, Sandra Bielsa-Lozoya, Alicia Rodríguez-Cárdenas, Miguel Martínez-Illana and Belén Álvarez

Biol. Life Sci. Forum 2024, 39(1), 8; https://doi.org/10.3390/blsf2024039008 - 20 May 2025

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Abstract

Rhizospheres harbor many beneficial microorganisms interacting with the plant ecosystem. However, in agriculture, there is a tendency to remove any plant that is different from that being cultivated. This work aimed to display the root microbial communities of native vegetation growing wild in [...] Read more.

Rhizospheres harbor many beneficial microorganisms interacting with the plant ecosystem. However, in agriculture, there is a tendency to remove any plant that is different from that being cultivated. This work aimed to display the root microbial communities of native vegetation growing wild in agricultural soil. Thus, high-throughput sequencing of culture-independent marker genes was performed for bacteria and fungi from these habitats after a period of high environmental temperatures. With respect to bacteria, results revealed a number of Operational Taxonomic Units (OTUs) ranging from 3210 to 3266. With respect to fungi, the results revealed a number of OTUs ranging from 963 to 973. Information on the composition of the rhizosphere microbial communities favours the understanding of their potential functions and their beneficial effects on the sustainability of the agrosystems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 3rd International Electronic Conference on Diversity: Biodiversity of Animals, Plants and Microorganisms)

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