PLOS ONE

Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is one of the most important pulse crops in Ethiopia, contributing to income generation and food security. Information on the genetic variability and trait associations of common bean in the Sekota district of north Western Ethiopia is inadequate. This study was initiated with the objective to assess variability, heritability and trait association among 64 common bean genotypes for quantitative traits using 8x8 simple lattice design at Aybra main research site 2023 under rain fed conditions. Analysis of variance was performed using SAS software and the ANOVA revealed highly significant variations among genotypes for all the traits considered in the study. The yield ranged from 1633.1 to 3702.10 kg ha-1 with a mean of 2542.53 kg ha-1. There was a yield advantage of 24.56 to 55.89% over the checks. A moderate genotypic coefficient of variation coupled with high heritability and high genetic advance as a percentage of the mean was obtained for plant height, branches per plant, hundred seed weight, seed yield, and harvest index. Branches per plant, aboveground biomass and harvest index had significant positive correlations and direct effects on seed yield at the genotypic and phenotypic levels while days to maturity had a significant negative correlation and indirect effect with seed yield at the genotypic. The maximum inter cluster distance was found between clusters VII and 8 (D2 =351.39), followed by clusters V and VIII (D2 =331.23). The first five principal component axes accounted for 74.3% of the total variation, with eigenvalues greater than unity. The number of days to maturity, plant height, number of pods per plant, number seeds per pod, seed yield, and harvest index were the traits that contributed most of the variation in the first PCs. Generally, the presence of variability, and strong positive association of traits among the genotypes were observed in the traits under study. Therefore, selection based on agronomic performance and hybridization based on cluster distance could be possible for the improvement of common bean in the study area.

The Comoros archipelago is a biodiversity hotspot by virtue of its high level of endemism. However, it suffers one of the highest rates of forest loss worldwide, mainly due to strong anthropogenic pressures. As Comorian populations depend on forest resources for subsistence, establishing relevant conservation strategies for their sustainable management requires the consideration of multiple stakeholders perspectives toward biodiversity and habitat conservation. To better understand the relationships between humans and nature; how comorian people use natural resource and the relevance of a protected area for long-term biodiversity conservation, we used Q-methodology to assess local people s perceptions regarding biodiversity and conservation actions. Three discourses are identified during analysis: "Pro-environment discourse", "Keeping things as usual" and "Social and environmental concerns". According to the results, employed respondents, were favorable to long-term forest and biodiversity conservation. In contrast, unemployed respondents were in favor of more immediate benefits while unemployed but educated respondents were in favor to both long-term forest conservation and immediate benefits from forests. This suggests that the lack of livelihoods for rural people is the main factor leading them to overharvest natural resources. These results suggest that biodiversity conservation of the Comoros archipelagos may benefit for plan aiming at (1) developing tourism and maintaining sustainable production of crops and livestock that could allow enhancing the livelihoods and well-being of all social groups, (2) developing projects such as local markets that could allow villagers to sell their agricultural production, (3) setting up awareness campaign for tree-planting and reforestation. Reforestation could allow re-establishing natural plants and make large trees available for long-term purposes.

Misdiagnosis of inpatients is a major public health issue whose scope and causes are unknown in Sub-Saharan African countries. The purpose of this cross-sectional study, which was conducted in five hospitals in central Uganda, was to identify the factors associated with inpatient misdiagnosis in general hospitals in Central Uganda. Records of 2,431 patients admitted between July 1st, 2019 and June 30th, 2020 were specifically reviewed to obtain data on variables thought to be associated with misdiagnosis. The admission diagnosis assigned at the emergency or outpatient department was compared to the discharge diagnosis assigned immediately after the patients admission, with any difference considered a misdiagnosis. The disease, patient, health system, and environmental factors associated with misdiagnosis were identified using multivariable logistic regression analysis. Misdiagnosis was found in the records of 223/2431 (9.2%) of the admitted patients. A patient admitted to Nakaseke hospital [aOR=1.95, 95% CI=1.17-3.25, p=0.01], being admitted at night [aOR=3, 95% CI=1.81-5.02, p0.01], male patient [aOR=1.89, 95% CI=1.35-2.64, p0.01], patients age groups 10-19 [AOR=2.3, 95% CI=2.3-9.25, p0.01]; 20-29 [AOR=8.15, 95% CI=4.18-15.89], p<0.01; 30-39; and 40-49;; AOR=8.12, 95% CI=3.99-16.54, p<0.01; AOR=7.88, 95% CI=3.71-16.73, p<0.01; and AOR=12.14, 95% CI=6.41-23.01, p<0.0]. Misdiagnosis was also associated with multimorbidity (aOR=4.71, 95% CI=1.91-11.65, p0.01) and patients treated for uncommon diseases (aOR=2.57, 95% CI=1.28-5.18, p0.01). Patients without underlying diseases [aOR=0.63; 95% CI=0.43-0.91, p=0.015] and those who were not referred [aOR=0.51; 95% CI=0.31-0.86, p=0] .011] were less likely to be related to misdiagnosis. To improve diagnostic accuracy, hospitals should reorganize patient admission processes, conducted targeted training, develop policy or guidelines targeting factors predisposing to misdiagnosis, and the adopt a diagnostic error prevention culture.

Nigeria relies on data from periodic resource-intensive surveys such as antenatal HIV seroprevalence sentinel surveys (ANC-HSS) and population-based National AIDS and Reproductive Health Surveys (NARHS) for its HIV control efforts. Nigeria has not explored the use of readily available routine programmatic data (RPD) to easily inform and monitor epidemic control efforts at local settings in near real time. This study aimed to determine the utility of RPDs (Prevention of Mother-To-Child Transmission [PMTCT] and HIV Testing and Counseling [HTC]) as a proxy for monitoring HIV epidemic in Nigeria. Using World Health Organization 12 step triangulation procedures, we compared state-level seropositivity data from PMTCT and HTC programs to HIV prevalence data from NARHS and ANC-HSS reports in relevant pairs from 2010 to 2014 in Nigeria. The study population was pregnant women and general population. We abstracted relevant data from PEPFAR Nigeria data source and published national survey reports. We compared visual (scatterplots and maps) patterns and trends, and performed Pearson correlation and univariate linear regression models of the estimates for best matched/contiguous years for which data were available. Correlation between PMTCT2014 and ANC-HSS2014 was positive and significant (R=0.7,p<0.001). ANC-HSS2014 and HTC2014 were slightly correlated (R=0.4,p<0.05). Significant correlation was observed between ANC-HSS2010 and PMTCT2013 (R=0.8,p<0.001) and between ANC-HSS2010 and HTC2013 (R=0.6, p<0.001). All RPD sources and ANC-HSS indicated a decreasing trend in national HIV prevalence in Nigeria. PMTCT2014 data showed strong capability of predicting HIV prevalence in ANC-HSS2014 in regression model (B=2.09,p<0.0001). Use of routine PMTCT data in monitoring HIV prevalence among women of reproductive age could be more valid and reliable in local settings than the use of HTC data. Use of RPD to monitor national and sub-national-level HIV epidemic in between national surveys in Nigeria could maximize program resources, and promote a more responsive and efficient actions toward epidemic control.

Teff productivity and Teff technology adoption in Ethiopia is low and it requiring immediate attention for policymakers and decision-makers. This study was conducted to identify the determinant factors that affect Teff technology adoption and Teff productivity in Basso Liben district, East Gojjam Zone, Northwest Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study design was conducted among 190 households. Multivariable linear and logistic regressions were employed to identify the factors associated with Teff production and Teff technology adoption respectively. Of a total of 190 households considered in the study, 77.9% were Teff technology adopter. Household head gender (male) (OR=7.644), family size (OR=1.149), age of household head (OR=0.873), row planting (use)(OR=257.2), credit access (yes)(OR=3.141), manure(use)(OR=0.042) were significance associated with Teff technology adoption in the study area. Age of household head ({beta} = 0.079), Education level (primary)({beta} = -0.612), total land holding ({beta} = 5.107), annual income({beta}=0.0051), extension service (no)({beta} = -0.635), row planting (yes) ({beta} = 1.409), organic fertilizer (no)({beta} = -0.946) were significance associated with teff production in the study area. In this study, a low prevalence of agricultural technology adoption and Teff production and various associated agricultural technology adoption and Teff production factors have been identified in the study area. Thus, the concerned stockholders should intervene in agricultural technology adoption and Teff production via different extension service and by considering household size, community-based household head education, and efficient use landholding in hectare.

Indigenous and commercial chickens have developed unique adaptations to their environments, which may include nutrition, pathogens, and thermal stress. Besides, environmental pressures and artificial selection have generated significant genome-wide divergence in chickens, as those selection pressures contribute a considerable evolutionary force to phenotypic and genotypic differentiation. Herein, we determined genomic diversity of indigenous chickens from semi-deciduous rainforest (SDR), coastal savannah (CC) and Guinea savannah (GS) agro-ecological zones (AEZs) in Ghana and commercial crossbreds reared at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST). We generated SNP markers from 82 chickens (62 indigenous chicken ecotypes and 26 commercial crossbred ecotype) using DArT-Seq technology. A total of 85,396 SNP markers were generated and after filtering the data, 58,353 markers were used to study genetic diversity and population structure analyses. Polymorphism information content (PIC) values ranged from 0.0 to 0.5, with 21,285 SNP markers (35%) being in the lowest PIC value range (0 to 0.15) while 13,511 (21%) were in the highest PIC value range (0.45 to 0.50). Between the KNUST population and the indigenous ecotypes, pairwise FST values were estimated to be 0.105 between CS, 0.096 between SDF, and 0.133 between GS. Furthermore, PCA analysis showed that the CC, SDF and GS chickens clustered together and are genetically distant from the commercial crossbred. We herein show that chickens from the AEZs studied can be considered as one population. However, due the abundance of agro-byproducts in the SDR compared to the CS and GS, chickens from the SDR AEZ had better growth compared to their counterparts. It is suggested that the genetic diversity within the local ecotypes could form the basis for genetic improvement.

This study presents a comprehensive ethnobotanical investigation into the diversity and cultural significance of spices in the Hadiya and Kambata-Tembaro zones of Central Ethiopia. Through semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions, and participatory observations with local communities, including a strong representation of women were applied. Thirty five spice species, primarily herbaceous, with Lamiaceae emerging as the most dominant family documents. The findings underscore the centrality of homegardens as reservoirs of agrobiodiversity and hubs of traditional knowledge transmission. Spices were found to serve diverse roles culinary, medicinal, and ritual positioning them as biocultural keystone species intricately linked to local health systems, cultural identity, and daily life. Community preference rankings and culinary preparation methods revealed nuanced valuations based not only on taste but also cultural symbolism and perceived health benefits. Moreover, the study highlights gendered and socioeconomic dimensions of spice use and management, revealing persistent inequalities in resource access, decision-making, and benefit-sharing, despite womens key roles in preserving and utilizing these resources. The research emphasizes the need for inclusive, gender-sensitive policies that recognize and protect indigenous ecological knowledge systems. It calls for participatory, community-led conservation strategies and further interdisciplinary studies on sustainable harvesting and the ecological dynamics of spice species across land-use systems. Overall, this study contributes to the growing body of knowledge advocating for the integration of traditional knowledge into national biodiversity and food security agendas, highlighting the importance of empowering local communities especially women to ensure the resilience of cultural and biological heritage amid environmental and socioeconomic change.

In Bolivia, there is a low predominance of forage oat productivity. Therefore, it was proposed to select more productive and stable genotypes through statistical methods of GGE Biplot and BLUP. The research was conducted in three environments in Bolivia and six commercial varieties of forage oats were evaluated; three of them correspond to INIA Peru and the rest of Bolivia. Data were analyzed through GGE Biplot and BLUP (Best Linear Unbiased Prediction) and an average yield of 10.29 {+/-}3.51 t ha-1 of dry matter was obtained. BLUP accumulated greater variance than GGE Biplot in the first two components. In terms of productivity and stability values, both models have the same selection trend. Thus, Tayco and Texas were selected for their outstanding characteristic in dry matter yield and phenotypic stability.

This study aimed to evaluate the freshness and physicochemical characterization of pirarucu blankets at different ages bred in captivity in excavated tanks in northern Mato Grosso State, Brazil, in different seasons (rain and dry seasons). Four harvests were performed in two different tanks and five specimens obtained in each evaluated period, with animals aged 18 and 24 months, respectively, at the beginning of the experiment. The animals were slaughtered in a local establishment that had an inspection service following humane standards, and the blankets were later sent to analysis. The samples were analyzed for freshness via total volatile nitrogenous bases and physicochemical characteristics (pH in 24 h, water activity, water retention capacity, dripping loss, cooking loss, and shear force). There was a statistical difference for total nitrogenous volatile bases and shear force with higher values in the rainy season (24 month-of-old animals). Additionally, pH and water activity differed statistically at 24 h in the same period, albeit for 18-month-of-old animals. It was possible to conclude that climate variation affected the freshness and physicochemical characteristics of the pirarucu blankets while age did not.

ObjectiveTo assess the methodological quality of animal studies published in China and abroad using the SYRCLEs risk of bias tool, and to provide references to improve the methodological quality of animal studies to encourage high quality preclinical studies.\n\nMethodsAn electronic search was performed in the Chinese Scientific Citation Database (CSCD) and Web of Science from 2014 to October 2018. Document screening and data extraction were performed independently by four researchers. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using the SYRCLEs risk of bias tool. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS23.\n\nResultsA total of 2764 animal studies were included. Of the studies, 984 were published in English and 1780 were in Chinese. The citation frequency of more than 90% of the included studies was less than 5. The results of methodological quality assessment showed that 36.36% (8/22) of the sub-items were rated as \"low risk\" in more than 50% of the included studies, of which 75% (6/8) were rated as \"low risk\" in more than 80% of the included studies. A total of 59.09% (13/22) of the sub-items were rated as \"low risk\" in less than 30% of the included studies, of which 92.31% (12/13) were rated as \"low risk\" in less than 10% of the included studies. The incidence of \"low risk\" Chinese studies regarding performance bias, detection bias and reporting bias were lower than English studies. For foreign studies, more attention should be paid to selection bias, attrition bias, and reporting bias.\n\nConclusionWe identified limitations in the methodological quality of animal experiment studies published in China and abroad. We therefore suggest that it is necessary to take targeted measures to popularize the SYRCLEs risk of bias tool to effectively improve the design and implementation of animal experiments, and guide study development.

Household food security exists when households have physical, social and economic access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food at all times that meets their dietary needs and food preferences for an active and healthy life. Food security remains a serious challenge for many households in Ghana and the situation is even more prevalent among smallholder farmers. Using data collected from 2,603 farm households across Ghana and employing an ordered probit model the determinants of food security among farm households were assessed. The food security indicator-Food Consumption Score (FCS) which combines diet diversity, frequency of consumption and relative nutritional importance of different food groups was used for the analysis. Results indicated that farm households (76%) across Ghana were within the acceptable household food consumption groups. Nonetheless, 19% and 6% of farm households respectively were within the borderline and poor food consumption groups respectively. Further analysis revealed the determinants of food security to include experience, gender, improved variety adoption, access to credit and location. The suggestion is that government and private institutions should create an enabling environment to enhancing production capacities, economic and social resilience to improve on food security and nutrition.

Population monitoring can help us determine population status and trajectory, but it is important to assess what factors may influence the number of individuals counted. In this study we conducted a complete count of the Critically Endangered Colobus vellerosus in the forests attached to the Boabeng and Fiema communities in central Ghana. We used 157 repeated counts of the same groups, including both good and unreliable counts to assess what factors predict the number of counted individuals in each group. The number of counted individuals increased with proxies for observation condition, observer experience, and habituation. We therefore recommend observer training and careful planning to increase the chances of having good observation. Then, we used the good counts to calculate the population size and group compositions. The obtained maximum number was 393 individuals in 25 groups. There were no significant differences in group sizes or immature to adult female ratios between groups occupying the older growth forest and groups in other forest types. Although there was still a relatively high immature to adult female ratio indicating that the population size may still increase, it does not appear to grow as rapidly as it used to, based on comparisons with previous population counts. Based on these findings, we recommend priority areas to promote conservation success.

This paper describes a field study that examined the effectiveness of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) in anti-poaching enforcement in parks and game reserves. In the field study, a UAV attempted to spot mock poachers while the mock poachers tried to spot the UAV. The field study was conducted at N/aan ku se, an operational game reserve in the central region of Namibia. In total, 118 trials were completed, providing 236 UAV-poacher interdiction scenarios. Of these, 198 were during the day, 152 with a quadcopter and 46 with a fixed-wing. Live spotting success during the day varied due to the hiding behavior of the mock poachers, with the highest and lowest success rates of spotting being 86% for poachers in the open and 25% for poachers hiding under canopy cover. The UAVs were demonstrated to be a potentially effective tool for anti-poaching patrol and interdiction, in part, because of their ability to spot poachers. The pursuit of integrating the UAV into current anti-poaching patrol and interdiction efforts in arid savanna landscapes is strongly recommended.

BackgroundEffective management of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) in children necessitates not only medical care but also substantial involvement from caregivers, who often encounter psychological, financial, and emotional challenges. This study aimed to develop and evaluate a structured educational program for caregivers of children with T1DM, facilitated by an interprofessional team. MethodsThis mixed-method study, conducted from May 15 to August 15, 2023, comprised two parts. First, a structured educational module was developed based on a needs assessment from semi-structured interviews with 20 caregivers. The module was created in English, Hindi, and Khortha (the local language of Deoghar, Jharkhand, India) and validated by a panel of 10 experts (CVI = 0.83). It was delivered using audio-visual aids, live demonstrations, posters, and booklets. The programs effectiveness was evaluated through a pre-post-test questionnaire. ResultsThe interviews revealed themes such as misunderstandings of treatment plans, distress from frequent insulin administration, fear of glucose monitoring, financial burdens, and psychological stress. Data from 68 of the 75 caregivers who participated in the educational program were analyzed. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test indicated a significant improvement in caregiver knowledge and management practices (P < 0.001), with a large effect size (Cohens d = 3.2). ConclusionThis study demonstrates that structured educational interventions can significantly enhance caregivers knowledge and practices in managing T1DM. Multidisciplinary education and support are crucial for addressing the emotional and financial burdens caregivers face, ultimately improving the well-being of both caregivers and children.

Guinea pigs used in our laboratory for cardiac research sometimes exhibit physical abnormalities. These issues may abate or intensify during the time they are housed in our facility. After using a guinea pig for research, experimentalists note the apparent health of an animal based on visible features and/or abnormal electrophysiology of the heart. There was an existing anecdotal observation that the health of the Guinea Pigs, and subsequently the experimental success rate, had a seasonal variation; therefore we sought to determine if there is a time of year in which our guinea pigs are more likely to be perceived as unhealthy, and whether any determined monthly pattern correlates with an experimentalists ability to complete an experimental protocol. An electronic log was created to record the perceived health of the animal and the ability to complete the experiment successfully. Irregular symptoms included, but were not limited to, severe weight or hair loss and irregularities with the heart found post thoracotomy or during baseline electrophysiological recordings of whole-heart preparations. Animals that did not exhibit significant weight or hair loss, or other ailments were considered "healthy". Overall, our results indicate that there are no monthly variations in perceived Hartley Albino guinea pig health or correlations with experimental completion rates, suggesting mild hair or weight loss that is common when shipping animals may not significantly affect the ability to conduct ex vivo whole-heart electrophysiological studies.

IntroductionOcean literacy is crucial in shaping marine conservation behaviors among Chinese university students. This study explores the intricate relationship between ocean literacy and pro-environmental behaviors, emphasizing the roles of emotional connections, cultural significance, and educational experiences. By examining the multidimensional aspects of ocean literacy, the research seeks to identify key factors that influence conservation actions and the practical application of marine knowledge. MethodsUtilizing qualitative methodologies, this study conducted semi-structured interviews with 16 Chinese university students to delve into their perceptions and interactions with the marine environment. The interviews explored various dimensions such as oceanic knowledge, environmental beliefs, value orientations, and actions related to marine conservation. NVivo software was used for data analysis, allowing for the identification of key themes through a rigorous coding process. The studys analysis also included a moderated mediation model to examine how educational experiences influence the relationship between ocean literacy and conservation behaviors. ResultsThe findings reveal that ocean literacy among university students comprises key components such as scientific knowledge, environmental ethics, conservation action, policy understanding, and critical thinking. Significant gaps in marine knowledge were observed, alongside strong emotional and cultural connections to the ocean, which significantly mediate the relationship between ocean literacy and conservation behaviors. Educational experiences further moderated these effects, highlighting the need for enhanced marine education. ConclusionThis study underscores the necessity of integrating comprehensive educational strategies with emotional and cultural engagement to effectively promote marine conservation behaviors. The results advocate for educational reforms that incorporate practical and interactive learning approaches, aimed at deepening students understanding and involvement in marine conservation. Strengthening these educational frameworks can significantly enhance ocean literacy and foster proactive environmental stewardship among university students.

Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis L.) is a well-known perennial herb indigenous to forested areas in eastern North America. Owing to conservation concerns including wild harvesting for medicinal markets, habitat loss and degradation, and an overall patchy and often inexplicable absence in many regions, there is a need to better understand habitat factors that help determine the presence and distribution of goldenseal populations. In this study, flora and edaphic factors associated with goldenseal populations throughout Pennsylvania--a state near the northern edge of its range--were documented and analyzed to identify habitat indicators and provide possible in situ stewardship and farming (especially forest-based farming) guidance. Additionally, maximum entropy (Maxent) modeling was applied to better predict where suitable habitat might be encountered more broadly and explain species absence from regions of the state (and the northeastern states). Habitat study results identified rich, mesic, woodland sites as being suitable for goldenseal. The most prevalent overstory tree associates on such sites were tulip-poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera L.) and sugar maple (Acer saccharum Marshall), and the most common understory associates were spicebush (Lindera benzoin L.), Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia (L.) Planch.), Jack-in-the-pulpit (Arisaema triphyllum (L.) Schott), mayapple (Podophyllum peltatum L.), wood fern (Drypoteris marginalis (L.) A. Gray), and rattlesnake fern (Botrypus virginianus (L.) Michx.). Loam soils were the most common textural class (average sand, silt, and clay ratio of 50:30:20) with an average pH of 6.2 and high variation in macronutrients. While such sites are widespread in the state, Maxent modeling suggested the present distribution in Pennsylvania is largely restricted by winter temperatures and bedrock type. The latter of these, in turn, is correlated in part with land use legacy (e.g., clearing for farming or livestock grazing), especially in southeast portions of the state.

Cognizant of the special needs of indigenous people in the Philippines, the Republic Act No. 8371 of 1997 was established to promote and protect their rights. Over the years, a number of community organizing efforts for the improvement of these communities were conducted by stakeholders from the private and public sectors. However, resistance has been reported due to poor understanding and integration of these indigenous populations varied cultures and traditions. This study aims to describe the predominant principles and frameworks used for community organizing among indigenous people. Specifically, it seeks to propose a community organizing approach that is culturally sensitive and appropriate for indigenous communities in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas in the Philippines. A systematic review was conducted on four databases (PubMed, ScienceDirect, ResearchGate, Google Scholar) by four independent researchers. Inclusion criteria involved studies about community organizing protocols in the Philippines, published in peer-reviewed journals from 2010-2020, and written in the English language. Assessment of the quality of included studies was done using the Critical Appraisal Skills Program (CASP) checklist, and narrative synthesis was employed to summarize and report the findings. Thirteen studies met our inclusion criteria out of a total of fifty-five articles searched. Based on the evidence, our proposed approach builds on Groundwork, Indigenous Capacity Building, Community Participation and Ownership, Mobilization, and Sustainability. We highlight the emphasis of harnessing indigenous knowledge and Participatory Monitoring and Evaluation to involve them in all steps of the planning and decision-making processes. Furthermore, we distill tools and methodologies that could strengthen and precipitate successful community organizing endeavors.

Understanding the adaptive strategies of species in extreme environments is crucial for biodiversity conservation. This study is the first to explore the nesting behavior of the Dusky Crag Martin Ptyonoprogne concolor in the Thar Desert, Rajasthan. It examined the birds site selection, nesting frequency, and construction methods. Soil samples from nest sites and source locations were analyzed to identify structural and elemental properties. The bird adopts several strategies, such as aligning its nesting period with the monsoon, reusing nests, and utilizing both macro and micro-level additive construction techniques. Detailed analysis revealed a preference for cohesionless sand with low moisture and higher Soil Organic Carbon (SOC) content. The bird strategically alternates light and dark soil layers in its nest. Structural and elemental analyses using optical microscopy and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and X-ray Fluorescence (XRF), shows the light layers is rich in calcium oxide and fibrous material, and dark layers containing higher iron oxide and partially decomposed litter from Prosopis cineraria. The study concludes that alternating calcium-rich and iron-rich layers enhances energy efficiency, structural integrity, and pathogen resistance in nest construction. his behavior underscores the evolutionary adaptations of P. concolor to the extreme desert environment. These findings highlight the importance of conserving desert habitats and provide bio-inspired insights for sustainable building and agricultural practices in arid regions.

BackgroundThe use of Acupuncture, part of Chinese Medicine, has grown as well as the need to understand its effects. The Quality of Life (QOL) assessment is an important way to have a global view of the patient. ObjectiveTo assess the QoL of people who seek acupuncture at the outpatient clinic of an acupuncture school. MethodsQOL assessment using WHOQOL-BREF applied only once to people who voluntarily sought for acupuncture at the general outpatient clinic of Faculdade EBRAMEC in 2016. ResultsPeople who sought for acupuncture treatment presented lower mean QoL value in all domains compared to normative values for Brazil, with physical domain presenting lower values than the other domains. It was also observed that male patients had higher values in the physical, psychological domains and general QOL compared to women. ConclusionOur data demonstrated that people seeking for acupuncture treatment presented lower values of QOL in comparison to a referential study with a Brazilian population, providing for the first time reference values measured by WHOQOL-bref, for patients seeking for acupuncture in the city of Sao Paulo.