Herein, we demonstrate effect of substituents on optoelectronic properties of discotic liquid crystals (DLCs) by using density functional theory (DFT) calculations at B3LYP/Lanl2Z level of theory. Three parent DLCs, namely, (1) benzene-1,3,5-triyl tris(3,5-dialkoxybenzoate), (2) N1, N3, N5-tris(3-alkoxyphenyl)benzene-1,3,5-tricarboxamide, and (3) trialkyl 4, 4′, 4″-(benzenetricarbonyltris (azanediyl)) tribenzoate benzoate and their -N and -S group derivatives of 1, 2, and 3, were investigated to observe the change in optoelectronic response of these systems. The frontier molecular orbital studies and electron affinity values indicate that the studied compounds are stable against the oxygen and moisture present in air. The calculated charge transfer integrals, electron, and hole mobility values revealed that parent DLCs and their derivatives can be employed as an effective n-type material for OLEDs; however, derivatives have enhanced charge transfer values compared with their parents. For better understanding of the thermochemistry and effect of substituents, frequency calculations were carried out. P1-D4 derivative having R = -NH-CO-CH3 terminal group came out to be theoretically the most favored having the lowest ΔG value. Computed UV/visible spectroscopic analysis showed minimum absorbance and maximum transmittance for derivative P2-D1 having -S-NH2 substituent. Molecular electrostatic potential surfaces mapped at potential range, i.e., - 8.531e-3esu to + 8.531e-3esu, describe electrophilic and nucleophilic characteristics. Introduction of electron donor groups enhanced electrical conductivity, excitation energy, and charge transfer integral, thus increasing optoelectronic properties of DLCs. However, these claims require further experimental verification.The morphology and formation of stylostomes (feeding tubes) in hosts’ body during the parasitic phase of Allothrombium fuliginosum (Hermann) larvae were studied for the first time with light microscopy (LM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The stylostomes were observed in three aphids species-Acyrthosiphon pisum (Harris), Elatobium abietinum (Walker), and Macrosiphum rosae (L.)-parasitized by mites under laboratory conditions. They consisted of 2-6 main branches, preliminarily unbranched, then producing secondary and sometimes also tertiary branches as finally formed structures. Volitinib Their walls were uniformly electron-dense, without any longitudinal and transverse stratifications and showed rather irregular outlines. Distally, the stylostome branches revealed transparent pores and cavities in their walls, connecting the stylostome canal with surrounding haemocoelic space. The total length of stylostomes at the end of the parasitic phase was on average 16× greater than that recorded in the youngest stylostomes. No differences in the overall shape of feeding tubes between host species were stated. The stylostomes formed in different host species did not differ significantly, except their total length, which attained the highest value in tissues of Ac. pisum.Dermacentor marginatus is a widespread tick species and a vector of many pathogens in Eurasia. Due to the medical importance of D. marginatus, control measures are needed for this tick species. Currently tick control approaches rely mostly on acaricide application, whereas wrong and irrational acaricide use may result in drug resistance and residue problems. Vaccination as an alternative approach for tick control has been proven to be effective towards some tick species. However, immunization against D. marginatus has not yet reached satisfactory protection. The effort of in silico based analysis could predict antigenicity and identify candidates for anti-tick vaccine development. We carried out an in silico analysis of D. marginatus glutathione S-transferases (DmGSTs) in order to identify blood-feeding induced GSTs as antigens that can be used in anti-tick vaccine development. Phylogenetic analysis, linear B-cell epitope prediction, homology modeling, and conformational B-cell epitope mapping on the GST models were performed to identify highly antigenic DmGSTs. Relative gene expressions of the seven GSTs were profiled through real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) to outline GSTs up-regulated during blood feeding. The phylogenetic analysis indicated that the seven GSTs belonged to four classes of GST, including one in epsilon-class, one in zeta-class, one in omega-class, and four in mu-class. Linear B-cell epitope prediction revealed mu-class GSTs share similar conserved antigenic regions. The conformational B-cell epitope mapped on the homology model of the GSTs displayed that GSTs of mu-class showed stronger antigenicity than that of other classes. RT-qPCR revealed DmGSTM1 and DmGSTM2 were positively related to blood feeding. In sum, the data suggest that DmGSTM1 and DmGSTM2 could be tested for potential anti-tick vaccine trials.Watershed degradation in Ethiopia has become a major environmental threat and caused significant damages both in the natural environment and the development of human society. This paper assesses an overview of the extent, causes, and effects of watershed degradation and the management actions in north-western highland Ethiopia, taking the Rib watershed as a case study site. The data were collected from field observations, interviews, and questionnaire surveys administered to 210 farmers. The results show that watershed degradation is a serious and widespread problem in the study site. The major causes of watershed degradation include population growth, uncontrolled grazing, unsustainable land use and management practices, and weak land ownership system. Watershed degradation, mainly in the form of soil erosion, has adversely reduced agricultural production and worsened food insecurity and poverty in the study area. Various watershed management practices that combine structural and biological measures have been practiced to curb the problem. However, the farmers’ decisions to adopt and implement the measures have been highly influenced by a range of socioeconomic, biophysical, and institutional factors. Access to support services, size of the farmland, educational level, and plot ownership were found to influence farmers’ decisions positively at a statistically significant (P less then 0.01) level. It needs efforts to create farmer environmental awareness and develop strong watershed management standards and guidelines. The watershed could benefit from hand in hand efforts of local farmers, concerned governmental agencies, and researchers.