bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Contribution of non-timber forest products to livelihood of rural communities in Kumbungu District of Northern Ghana
Authors: Abukari Ammal , MUMUNI MARIAM
Published: February 2021

Abstract. Ammal A, Mariam M. 2020. Contribution of non-timber forest products to livelihood of rural communities in Kumbungu District of Northern Ghana. Asian J For 4: 10-14. This survey concentrated on the contribution of Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) to the livelihood of rural communities in the Kumbungu District of Ghana. Data were collected by structured questionnaires and verbal interviews to obtain information from sampled members of the communities' in the Kumbungu District of Northern Ghana. Personal interviews and direct observation were carried out. 200 structured questionnaires were administered randomly to respondents in 5 selected communities in Kumbungu District. The selected communities were Cheyohi, Kpalchi, Kokpeng, Zuolanyili, and Garizew. 40 questionnaires were administered in each community and this was used to prompt information on the uses of NTFPs in the study area. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (tables, charts, and graphs). The findings indicate that NTFPs are abundant in the study area and are found in all the forest land areas within the communities. NTFPs collection for utilization is usually carried out throughout the year. All the respondents in the five communities collect and use the NTFPs for preparation of food for the family and other purposes. The number of respondents involved in the collection of NTFPs was highest in Kokpeng community (21.3%), while only (18.5%) respondents were involved in the Garizew community. The chi-square test revealed that there were highly significant differences (P>0.05) between the number of respondents involved in the collection and non-collection of NTFPs in the district. The lowest income ranged between 1-25 (GHC) Ghana cedis week-1 whilst the highest income was 65+ Ghana cedis was generated by respondents in the district. 12.5% respondents in Zuolanyili had income ranging between 1-25 Ghana cedis week-1 and 10% of respondents' income ranged above 65+. 47.5% and 30% of respondents’ income ranged between 25-45 and 45-65 Ghana cedis respectively in the Zuolanyili community. Respondents in the Kokpeng community had the highest income of 30% above 65+ whilst Garizew had the lowest income 5% above 65+.
Tree species diversity and structural composition of village common forest in Bandarban District, Bangladesh
Authors: Jannat Morgubatul , Kamruzzaman Md. , Hossain Mohammed Kamal
Published: February 2021

Abstract. Jannat M, Kamruzzaman MD, Hossain MK. 2020. Tree species diversity and structural composition of village common forest in Bandarban District, Bangladesh. Asian J For 4: 76-83. Village common forests (VCF) are community-based forest management that has been practiced for a long time in Bangladesh. Currently, this form of forest management is threatened with various anthropogenic factors, urging for study regarding the state of its biodiversity. The study was conducted to explore indigenous tree species diversity of Babu Para village common forest (VCF) in Bandarban District, Bangladesh. Tree species diversity was assessed through stratified random sampling method using sample plots of 20 m × 20 m in size. Babu Para VCF with an area of 40 acres had more than 406 individuals of 74 tree species belonging to 30 families, including eight unidentified species. Euphorbiaceae and Moraceae were the most dominant families containing 7 species followed by Anacardiaceae (5 species), Mimosaceae (6 species), and Meliaceae (5 species). Both the number of tree species and number of individuals decreased regularly with the increase of total height except ? 30 m height range. Number of species and number of individuals was highest in the height range of (5-<10) m. Similar trend was found for dbh (cm) class distribution. Both the number of species and number of individuals were highest in the dbh range of (5-<15) cm. Babu Para VCF had diverse floristic resources that were reflected from the Shannon-Wiener’s diversity index (3.94), Simpson’s diversity index (0.025), Margalef’s richness index (12.15) and Species evenness index (0.92). The results depict the presence of rich indigenous tree species diversity in the studied VCF.
Spatial alteration of fragmented landscape in evergreen and semi-evergreen rainforest: A case study in Chittagong Hill Tracts, Bangladesh
Authors: Mamnun Masrura , Hossen Saddam
Published: February 2021

Abstract. Mamnun M, Hossen S. 2021. Spatial alteration of fragmented landscape in evergreen and semi-evergreen rainforest: A case study in Chittagong Hill Tracts, Bangladesh. Asian J For 5: 17-27. The principal aim of the study was to explore the level of fragmentation and underlying drivers in forests of Bandarban Sadar Upazila, Chittagong Division, Bangladesh from 1988-2018. The ArcGIS v10.5 and ERDAS Imagine v15 software were used to process satellite imageries and assess quantitative data. The study revealed that the area under forest land decreased very rapidly; it was lost about 7165.13 ha and the annual destruction rate was 17.92%. The edge density of forest area and agricultural crops rapidly increased from 1988-2018, while barren land and water bodies were almost consistent. Forest land became fragmented as its total edge area increased by 275.87% from 16469.6 km in 1988 to 61905 km in 2018. There was gradual decline in Shannon Diversity Index from 1988 (1.004), 2003 (0.878), and 2018 (0.615). Among the different factors, agro-horticultural plantation was the main factor for reduction in landscape diversity. This analytic study would help policymakers take necessary steps for sustainable forest management.
High efficiency Brillouin random fiber laser with replica symmetry breaking enabled by random fiber grating
Authors: Zhou Zichao , Chen Liang , Bao Xiaoyi
Published: February 2021

We report a high efficiency Brillouin random fiber laser (BRFL) enabled by a random fiber grating (RFG) with demonstration of replica symmetry breaking (RSB). The RFG was characterized by optical coherence tomography (OCT) method, which measured the spatially resolved reflectivity of RFG by a tunable delay line. Multiple narrow linewidth peaks appeared in reflection spectrum of RFG, created by frozen scattering centers acting as narrow linewidth filters to select random modes in random fiber lasers based on Brillouin gain. With the scattering from RFG as disordered feedback, a BRFL with slope efficiency of 29.3% and lasing threshold of 10.2 mW was demonstrated with 1 kHz linewidth. Intensity dynamics show that RFG can reduce the noise of BRFL with a symmetric phase portrait, indicating the increased mean path length and coherence time of the Stokes photons. The probability distribution of the Parisi overlap parameter of intensity fluctuation spectra from trace to trace reveal a photonic spin-glass phase with RSB in the RFG enabled BRFL, providing a photonic platform to study the photon glassy behavior of random fiber lasers.
Functional parcellation of mouse visual cortex using statistical techniques reveals response-dependent clustering of cortical processing areas
Authors: Kumar Mari Ganesh , Hu Ming , Ramanujan Aadhirai , Sur Mriganka , Murthy Hema A.
Published: February 2021

The visual cortex of the mouse brain can be divided into ten or more areas that each contain complete or partial retinotopic maps of the contralateral visual field. It is generally assumed that these areas represent discrete processing regions. In contrast to the conventional input-output characterizations of neuronal responses to standard visual stimuli, here we asked whether six of the core visual areas have responses that are functionally distinct from each other for a given visual stimulus set, by applying machine learning techniques to distinguish the areas based on their activity patterns. Visual areas defined by retinotopic mapping were examined using supervised classifiers applied to responses elicited by a range of stimuli. Using two distinct datasets obtained using wide-field and two-photon imaging, we show that the area labels predicted by the classifiers were highly consistent with the labels obtained using retinotopy. Furthermore, the classifiers were able to model the boundaries of visual areas using resting state cortical responses obtained without any overt stimulus, in both datasets. With the wide-field dataset, clustering neuronal responses using a constrained semi-supervised classifier showed graceful degradation of accuracy. The results suggest that responses from visual cortical areas can be classified effectively using data-driven models. These responses likely reflect unique circuits within each area that give rise to activity with stronger intra-areal than inter-areal correlations, and their responses to controlled visual stimuli across trials drive higher areal classification accuracy than resting state responses.
Glucocerebrosidase reduces the spread of protein aggregation in a Drosophila melanogaster model of neurodegeneration by regulating proteins trafficked by extracellular vesicles
Authors: Jewett Kathryn A. , Thomas Ruth E. , Phan Chi Q. , Lin Bernice , Milstein Gillian , Yu Selina , Bettcher Lisa F. , Neto Fausto Carnevale , Djukovic Danijel , Raftery Daniel , Pallanck Leo J. , Davis Marie Y.
Published: February 2021

Abnormal protein aggregation within neurons is a key pathologic feature of Parkinson’s disease (PD). The spread of brain protein aggregates is associated with clinical disease progression, but how this occurs remains unclear. Mutations in glucosidase, beta acid 1 (GBA), which encodes glucocerebrosidase (GCase), are the most penetrant common genetic risk factor for PD and dementia with Lewy bodies and associate with faster disease progression. To explore how GBA mutations influence pathogenesis, we previously created a Drosophila model of GBA deficiency (Gba1b) that manifests neurodegeneration and accelerated protein aggregation. Proteomic analysis of Gba1b mutants revealed dysregulation of proteins involved in extracellular vesicle (EV) biology, and we found altered protein composition of EVs from Gba1b mutants. Accordingly, we hypothesized that GBA may influence pathogenic protein aggregate spread via EVs. We found that accumulation of ubiquitinated proteins and Ref(2)P, Drosophila homologue of mammalian p62, were reduced in muscle and brain tissue of Gba1b flies by ectopic expression of wildtype GCase in muscle. Neuronal GCase expression also rescued protein aggregation both cell-autonomously in brain and non-cell-autonomously in muscle. Muscle-specific GBA expression reduced the elevated levels of EV-intrinsic proteins and Ref(2)P found in EVs from Gba1b flies. Perturbing EV biogenesis through neutral sphingomyelinase (nSMase), an enzyme important for EV release and ceramide metabolism, enhanced protein aggregation when knocked down in muscle, but did not modify Gba1b mutant protein aggregation when knocked down in neurons. Lipidomic analysis of nSMase knockdown on ceramide and glucosylceramide levels suggested that Gba1b mutant protein aggregation may depend on relative depletion of specific ceramide species often enriched in EVs. Finally, we identified ectopically expressed GCase within isolated EVs. Together, our findings suggest that GCase deficiency promotes accelerated protein aggregate spread between cells and tissues via dysregulated EVs, and EV-mediated trafficking of GCase may partially account for the reduction in aggregate spread.
The Species-Specific Acquisition and Diversification of a K1-like Family of Killer Toxins in Budding Yeasts of the Saccharomycotina
Authors: Fredericks Lance R. , Lee Mark D. , Crabtree Angela M. , Boyer Josephine M. , Kizer Emily A. , Taggart Nathan T. , Roslund Cooper R. , Hunter Samuel S. , Kennedy Courtney B. , Willmore Cody G. , Tebbe Nova M. , Harris Jade S. , Brocke Sarah N. , Rowley Paul A.
Published: February 2021

Killer toxins are extracellular antifungal proteins that are produced by a wide variety of fungi, including Saccharomyces yeasts. Although many Saccharomyces killer toxins have been previously identified, their evolutionary origins remain uncertain given that many of these genes have been mobilized by double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) viruses. A survey of yeasts from the Saccharomyces genus has identified a novel killer toxin with a unique spectrum of activity produced by Saccharomyces paradoxus. The expression of this killer toxin is associated with the presence of a dsRNA totivirus and a satellite dsRNA. Genetic sequencing of the satellite dsRNA confirmed that it encodes a killer toxin with homology to the canonical ionophoric K1 toxin from Saccharomyces cerevisiae and has been named K1-like (K1L). Genomic homologs of K1L were identified in six non-Saccharomyces yeast species of the Saccharomycotina subphylum, predominantly in subtelomeric regions of the genome. When ectopically expressed in S. cerevisiae from cloned cDNAs, both K1L and its homologs can inhibit the growth of competing yeast species, confirming the discovery of a family of biologically active K1-like killer toxins. The sporadic distribution of these genes supports their acquisition by horizontal gene transfer followed by diversification. The phylogenetic relationship between K1L and its genomic homologs suggests a common ancestry and gene flow via dsRNAs and DNAs across taxonomic divisions. This appears to enable the acquisition of a diverse arsenal of killer toxins by different yeast species for potential use in niche competition.
Factors Affecting International and National Tourist Arrivals (1974-2020) in Leh District (U.T. Ladakh, India)
Authors: Pelliciardi Vladimiro
Published: February 2021

Since 1974, tourists are attracted in Leh district for its mountainous landscape, environment, high altitude lakes, Indus River, beautiful villages and Himalayan people living in scenography valleys filled of Buddhist heritage sites. All makes this region a great place for adventure sports, sightseen, cultural and religious tourism. Tourism industry has rapidly become one of the most important aspects of District development paths. Visitors bring hard currency and spend money contributing to monetary economic boom that can have both positive and negative impacts on the society and territory. Tourism in Leh District has a short season (from May to October) but a highly profitable business especially with national visitors increasing by the day. This study, based on data collected from the Tourism Department in Leh, analyses the international and national tourist arrivals in time series to find out pattern and trends in the historical data and investigate global and local factors affecting tourist inflows (rises or falls) in the District. Yearly arrivals depends on several factors and issues as geopolitical and global economic problems, new trends in tourist destinations, film induced tourism, climate changes, natural disasters, pandemic and more. These unpredictable factors affect tourist flows, decreasing or increasing the arrivals even drastically. The long-term sustainability of the local development must not depend mainly on mass tourism because economic dependence on only one, although promising but fluctuating sector, pose several problems (e.g. impacts and pressure on infrastructures, environment and significant socio-cultural changes.
THE PROBLEM OF TENSION AND CONFLICT INTER-ETHNIC INTERACTION IN TODAY'S WORLD
Authors: Murasheva Svetlana V.
Published: February 2021

The urgency of the problem of studying the tension and conflict of interethnic interaction in the modern world is caused by the prevalence of negative opinions and stereotypical attitudes in society about persons belonging to ethnic groups different from Russian, the rapidly growing alienation of nations, the injustice of the administrative and territorial hierarchy of peoples, facts of ethnophobia and xenophobia. The ethnic component is becoming key and decisive in the social and political life of our country and causes inter-ethnic tensions and conflicts. At the current stage of development of social relations, there is an urgent need to develop and further introduce a system of prevention and resolution of inter-ethnic conflicts, which would be based on the Concept of State National Policy. Consolidation of society in order to solve national problems should be identified as a priority in the Concept of State National Policy. Due to these circumstances, research into the tensions and conflicts of inter-ethnic interaction has conceptual and practical significance, attracts the close attention of researchers from various fields of scientific knowledge and encourages them to develop and implement effective ways of preventing and settling conflicts of this type.

The aim of the article was to present the results of the study of interethnic tensions and conflicts in the modern world. An important place is given to the impact of interethnic conflicts on the development of social relations. The scientific novelty of the provisions proposed in the article is the study of the peculiarities of interethnic interaction and conflicts. Practical importance lies in the possibility of using the findings of the article to develop programmes for preventing and settling inter-ethnic conflicts.
TURKOLOGY OF KAZAKHSTAN IN THE SYSTEM OF EURASIAN COORDINATES
Authors: Zhanbosinova Albina S. , Lysenko Yulia A.
Published: February 2021

The article presents an analysis of the development of scientific, educational, cultural and educational Turkic centers of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The authors have noted that the collapse of the USSR and post-Soviet events determined a new format of Turkic integration, like TURKSOY - the International Organization of Turkic Culture, which promotes the unity of Turkic peoples on the basis of common historical roots. In this regard, modern researchers-Turkologists of Kazakhstan are studying the historical and cultural heritage of the Turkic civilization in the context of interdisciplinary projects with an emphasis on the international integration of specialists in this field. An equally important trend of modern Kazakh Turkology is the implementation of educational programs of multilevel training in the specialty «Turkology» by the country's leading higher educational institutions.
HUBUNGAN ANTARA POLA ASUH ISLAMI DENGAN KECENDERUNGAN PERILAKU SEKS PRA-NIKAH PADA SISWA SMA X DI BANTUL
Authors: Wahyuningsih Dian Novika , Rohmadani Zahro Varisna
Published: February 2021

Generasi muda sebagai tumpuan bangsa mempunyai peranan penting guna memajukan negara. Seiring berkembangnya zaman, remaja berisiko terhadap kecenderungan perilaku seks pra-nikah. Melalui pola asuh islami, remaja dapat menjadi insan yang shalih dan shalihah serta terhindar dari kecenderungan perilaku seks pra-nikah. Tujuan dilakukan penelitian ini guna mengetahui hubungan antara pola asuh islami dengan kecenderungan perilaku seks pra-nikah pada remaja siswa SMA X di Bantul yang diharapkan dapat menyumbang kekayaan dalam keilmuan Psikologi. Hipotesis pada penelitian ini adalah terdapat hubungan antara pola asuh islami dengan kecenderungan perilaku seks pra-nikah pada remaja siswa SMA X di Bantul. Apabila pola asuh yang diterapkan orang tua secara intens, maka kecenderungan perilaku seks pra-nikah pada remaja akan rendah. Dalam pengambilan data, dilakukan dengan memberikan 2 skala pada 40 siswa dari kelas X, XI hingga XII SMA X di Bantul. Hasil yang didapatkan yaitu terdapat hubungan negatif antara pola asuh islami dengan kecenderungan perilaku seks pra-nikah pada siswa SMA X di Bantul.
APLIKASI MODEL RASCH PADA SKALA WORK ENGAGEMENT (UTRECHT WORK ENGAGEMENT SCALE)
Authors: Aryanti Ratih Devi , Sari Erita Yuliasesti Diah , Widiana Herlina Siwi
Published: February 2021

Karyawan yang memiliki work engagement akan memberikan kinerja terbaiknya bagi organisasi dan hal tersebut merupakan dampak yang sangat positif bagi organisasi. Schaufeli dan Bakker (2003) mengembangkan instrumen untuk mengukur work engagement dengan nama Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (UWES). Di Indonesia, penelitian sebelumnya menganalisis skala work engagement (Utrecht Work Engagement Scale) dengan menggunakan analisis faktor, namun belum ada yang menggunakan pemodelan Rasch untuk menguji instrumen Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (UWES). Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menguji instrumen Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (UWES)  menggunakan model Rasch. Subjek penelitian adalah 126 pekerja yang tersebar di daerah Jawa dan Nusa Tenggara. Berdasarkan hasil analisis menggunakan program Winsteps, didapatkan 16 aitem (dari 18 aitem) yang memenuhi tingkat kesesuaian butir-model, dengan koefisien reliabilitas alpha 0,93. Secara keseluruhan, dapat disimpulkan bahwa instrumen instrumen Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (UWES) ini memiliki properti psikometris yang baik sehingga dapat digunakan untuk penelitian.
THE MAIN APPROACHES TO THE LEGAL REGULATION OF GENDER VERIFICATION IN SPORT: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS
Authors:   doctor of medical sciences, associate professor, head of the department of emergency conditions of the Academy of postgraduate education of the Federal State Budgetary Institution Federal scientific clinical center for specialized types of medical care and medical technologies FMBA of Russia, Borodina M.A. , Suvorov G.N. ,   , Vice-Rector for General Issues of the Academy of Postgraduate Education of the FSBI FNSC FMBA of Russia, Mashkova K.V. ,   Ph.D. of juridical sciences (candidate of sciences), associate professor of the department of sports lawKutafin Moscow State Law University
Published: February 2021

Genetically determined differences in height, musculature and a number of other physiological parameters lead to a significant advantage for men over female in kind of sports where the key indicators depend on strength, speed and endurance. All above suggest the need to maintain the practice of holding separate competitions for different genders. However, the practical solution to this issue seems not that obvious, taking into consideration persons with an indeterminate gender identity and transgender person. Analysis of the current legislation of a significant number of States has allowed to identify some approaches:1) ignoring not only the problem of participation in sports activities of persons with an indeterminate gender identity and transgender person, but also the issue of their special legal status in general (Greece, Israel, Ireland, Cyprus, Latvia, etc.); 2) recognizing gender diversity and solving the problems of persons with an indeterminate gender identity and transgender personfrom the position of general provisions of non-discrimination legislation without defining the specifics of sports activities (Belgium, France, Germany, Hungary); 3) recognition of gender diversity but with strive to limit the opportunities for transgender personfor participation in sports in order to ensure fair competition (Brazil); 4) recognition of gender diversity with consequent regulation of sports participation of persons with an indeterminate gender identity and transgender person(Australia, great Britain, Canada, USA). Demonstrating the last example two patterns can be revealed: a possibility of developing different, sometimes diametrically opposite approaches to solving this problem due to the Federal structure of States, and the active involvement of national sports federations in this process
FORMATION OF A SYSTEM OF SELF-REGULATION OF GENOMIC RESEARCH IN RUSSIA BASED ON INTERNATIONAL ETHICAL STANDARDS AND NATIONAL LEGISLATIO
Authors:   , Ph.D. of juridical sciences (candidate of sciences), associate professor of the department of sports lawKutafin Moscow State Law University, Mashkova K.V. , Varlen M.V. ,   doctor of law, associate professor, director of the Institute of postgraduate and doctoral studiesof FSBOU VO “Moscow State Law University named after O.E. Kutafin, Shirokov A.Yu. ,   Candidate of Medical Sciences, Associate Professor, Professor of the Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Infectious Diseases of the Academy of Postgraduate Education of the Federal State Budgetary Institution FSCC FMBA Russia
Published: February 2021

The development of genomic research as an applied field requires the determination of their legal status in the Russian Federation. One of the directions could be the use of self-regulation in this area. The article discusses the features of Russian legislation and the recognition of the status of medical intervention for genomic research. International ethical standards are considered as the basis for this approach.
Effect of sodium chloride on the expression of genes involved in the salt tolerance of Bacillus sp. strain “SX4” isolated from salinized greenhouse soil
Authors: Zhang Jian , Xiao Qingqing , Guo Tingting , Wang Pengcheng
Published: February 2021

Salt stress is one of the important adverse conditions affecting bacterium growth. How bacteria isolated from greenhouse soil cope with salt stress and regulate the genes responsible for salt tolerance are still unclear. We conducted RNA transcriptome profiling of genes contributing to the salt tolerance of a Bacillus sp. strain (“SX4”) obtained from salinized soil. Results showed that NaCl effectively regulated the growth of “SX4” in terms of cell length and colony-forming unit number decrease. A total of 121 upregulated and 346 downregulated genes were detected under salt stress with reference to the control. The largest numbers of differential expression genes were 17 in carbon metabolism, 13 in the biosynthesis of amino acids, 10 in a two-component system, and 10 in ABC transporter pathways for adapting to salt stress. Our data revealed that cation, electron and transmembrane transport, and catalytic activity play important roles in the resistance of bacterial cells to salt ions. Single-nucleotide polymorphism and the mutation of base pair T:A to C:G play potential roles in the adaptation of “SX4” to high NaCl concentrations. The findings from this study provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms of strain “SX4” and will be helpful in promoting the application of salt-tolerant bacteria.
Removal of paracetamol from aqueous solution by containment composites
Authors: Ait Hamoudi Souhila , Brahimi Meriem , Boucha Mouad , Hamdi Boualem , Arrar Jazia
Published: February 2021

Storage of wastes leads to severe problems of water pollution and neighboring matrices due to the infiltration of landfill leachate. Uncontrolled landfill and waste storage can lead to groundwater pollution, which can lead to serious health problems for the living. Engineered barriers can be a solution to these pollution problems. The purpose of this study was to develop novel composite materials – clay-based, activated carbon, cement, and PVA polymer. These composites were intended for the containment of waste in landfill. The clay (70–80%) and activated carbon (5–15%) contents were varied to obtain three different geomaterials – GM1, GM2, and GM3. In the preparation of GM3, the content of activated carbon used was higher than for GM1 and GM2, paracetamol removal capacity tested by adsorption, experiments were influenced by parameters such as the adsorbent mass, the initial solute concentration, contact time, temperature, and pH effect. The parameter of initial paracetamol concentrations was studied using a range of 50, 100, and 150 mg L−1. For a GM3 mass of 80 mg, the adsorbed amount is 14.67 mg g−1, and the contact time is 180 minutes. This study revealed that composites are efficient for the treatment of landfill leachates.
GC-MS analysis of mango stem bark extracts (Mangifera indica L.), Haden variety. Possible contribution of volatile compounds to its health effects
Authors: Núñez Sellés Alberto J. , Agüero Juan Agüero , Paz Lauro Nuevas
Published: February 2021

Mango stem bark extracts (MSBE) have been used as bioactive ingredients for nutraceutical, cosmeceutical, and pharmaceutical formulations due to their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic effects. We performed the MSBE preparative column liquid chromatography, which led to the resolution and identification by GC-MS of 64 volatile compounds: 7 hydrocarbons, 3 alcohols, 1 ether, 3 aldehydes/ketones, 7 phenols, 20 terpenoids (hydrocarbons and oxygenated derivatives), 9 steroids, 4 nitrogen compounds, and 1 sulphur compound. Major components were β-elemene, α-guaiene, aromadendrene, hinesol, 1-octadecene, β-eudesmol, methyl linoleate, juniper camphor, hinesol, 9-methyl (3β,5α)-androstan-3-ol, γ-sitosterol, β-chamigrene, 2,5-dihydroxymethyl-phenetylalcohol, N-phenyl-2-naphtaleneamine, and several phenolic compounds. The analysis of MSBE, Haden variety, by GC-MS is reported for the first time, which gives an approach to understand the possible synergistic effect of volatile compounds on its antioxidant, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory effects. The identification of relevant bioactive volatile components from MSBE extracts, mainly terpenes from the eudesmane family, will contribute to correlate its chemical composition to previous determined pharmacological effects.
Investigating a human pesticide intoxication incident: The importance of robust analytical approaches
Authors: Kasiotis Konstantinos M. , Baira Eirini , Manea-Karga Electra , Nikolopoulou Dimitra , Ganas Konstantinos , Machera Kyriaki
Published: February 2021

A human intoxication incident attributed to pesticide abuse was investigated using cutting-edge analytical methodologies. An LC-ESI-MS/MS method, based on a hybrid solid-phase extraction protocol (hybrid-SPE), was applied for the detection and quantification of several pesticides and metabolites in human biological fluids. Concomitantly, an UHPLC-HRMS method was applied to investigate potential metabolites, assisted by a complementary GC-MS method to elucidate the presence of plausible pesticides co-formulants. The LC-ESI-MS/MS method exhibited acceptable mean recoveries at the lower limit of quantification (LLOQ) and three additional levels, varying from 85 to 106% for all analytes and matrices. In serum, urine, and gastric fluid samples, the suspect compounds, namely chlorpyrifos and myclobutanil, predominated. Gastric fluid samples contained the highest concentrations of chlorpyrifos (39,800 ng/mL) and myclobutanil (18,800 ng/mL), while the neonicotinoid imidacloprid was also quantified, below 30 ng/mL. Notwithstanding, the UHPLC-HRMS analysis unveiled several metabolites of chlorpyrifos and myclobutanil. In parallel, GC-MS analysis, corroborated the presence of several co-formulants in gastric fluid samples, exemplified by m- and o-xylene, and cyclohexanone. Overall, three analytical methods were implemented to elucidate the chemical causality of a human intoxication incident. The presence of suspected active substances, one additional, and several metabolites and co-formulants were documented.
Induction of apoptosis and cell cycle arrest by chloroform fraction of Juniperus phoenicea and chemical constituents analysis
Authors: Barnawi Ibrahim O. , Nasr Fahd A. , Noman Omar M. , Alqahtani Ali S. , Al-zharani Mohammed , Alotaibi Amal A. , Daradka Haytham M. , Al-Mishari Abdullah A. , Alobaid Waleed A , Alqahtani Abdulaziz , Herqash Rasheed N.
Published: February 2021

Different phytochemicals from various plant species exhibit promising medicinal properties against cancer. Juniperus phoenicea is a plant species that has been found to present medicinal properties. Herein, crude extract and fractions of J. phoenicea were examined to determine its anticancer properties against several cancer cells. The active fraction was chosen to assess its activity on cell cycle progression and apoptosis induction by annexin and propidium iodide (PI) biomarkers. Further, phytochemical screening for possible contents of active fraction using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis was conducted. It was demonstrated that cell proliferation was suppressed, and the MCF-7 cell line was the most sensitive to J. phoenicea chloroform fraction (JPCF), with the IC50 values of 24.5 μg/mL. The anti-proliferation activity of JPCF in MCF-7 cells was linked to the aggregation of cells in the G1 phase, increases in early and late apoptosis as well as necrotic cell death. Contents analysis of JPCF using GC-MS analysis identified 3-methyl-5-(2′,6′,6′-trimethylcyclohex-1′-enyl)-1-penten-3-ol (16.5%), methyl 8-oxooctanoate (15.61%), cubenol (13.48%), and 7-oxabicyclo [2.2.1] heptane (12.14%) as major constituents. Our present study provides clear evidence that J. phoenicea can inhibit cell proliferation, trigger cell cycle arrest, and induce apoptosis in tested cancer cells.
Technical analysis of the renovation works of the wooden palace floors
Authors: Kafel Katarzyna , Juszczyk Michał , Buda Piotr
Published: February 2021

The paper presents technical analysis of two aspects of palace wooden floors – the first example describes renovation works in a historical building, while the second presents assembly of a new floor in the contemporary building. In case of both examples technology of construction works is discussed in details with a special focus on issues specific for wooden palace floors. The authors paid special attention to introduce problems that occurred during the performance of the works. Both cases are compared. The restoration of the antique mosaic is significantly different from the implementation of the palace mosaic (tile) from bottom-up. Restoration works required more effort, mostly due to the fact that the antique mosaic floor experienced many years of use and needed specific repairs. On the other hand making the palace mosaic from scratch is burdened with a much smaller number of unforeseen situations. Due to the high aesthetic requirements, decorative functions and unique character of both discussed examples of flooring works, each of the tasks was labour-consuming and needed highly specialized works.
Development of Solar-Powered Water Pump with 3D Printed Impeller
Authors: Andres Nelson S.
Published: February 2021

This study discusses a solar-powered water pump system with 3D printed impeller which was developed to serve as water irrigation to small and medium farms in Bataan, Philippines. One kW solar PV system was used to power an electric motor that drives the centrifugal pump with impeller. In order to minimize the power consumption of the pump, the material of its impeller was changed from brass to plastic using 3D printing technology. The water system was also made automatic so that the water pump will run and stop at the desired schedule of the farmer. Furthermore, in order to provide power at night, storage batteries which are enough to supply the load, were incorporated in the system. Through a series of testing, it is concluded that it is more economical to use a 3D printed plastic impeller than metal impeller in watering small and medium farms considering that there were appreciative changes observed in relation to their water output and power consumption.
Kinetics of Carbothermal Reduction Process of Different Size Phosphate Rocks
Authors: Li Pengfei , Zhang Jian , Luo Biwei , Li Yan , Ji Jun , He Dongsheng , Tian Qifeng , Chen Yichang
Published: February 2021

The effects of particle size on the apparent kinetics of carbothermal reduction process of phosphate rock were studied by non-isothermal thermogravimetric analyses. Phosphate rock of various particle size was reacted with coke and silica under high purity argon atmosphere. The apparent kinetic model and parameters of carbothermal reduction reaction of phosphate rock with different particle sizes were derived by combination of model-free (Flynn–Wall–Ozawa, Kissinger–Akahira–Sunose, Tang, Starink) and model-fitting (Coats-Redfern, Master-plots) methods. The results showed that the obtained apparent activation energy of reaction reduces from 371.74 kJ/mol to 321.11 kJ/mol as the particle size of phosphate rock decreasing from 100–150 μm to 38–48 μm. The reaction apparent kinetics was found to follow shrinking-core model and the conversion degree function equation is

G

(
α
)

=
1
−

(

1
−
α

)

1
2

G\left( \alpha \right) = 1 - {\left( {1 - \alpha } \right)^{{1 \over 2}}}

(α is conversion degree and G(α) is integral form of conversion degree function).
Permissible distance – safety system of vehicles in use
Authors: Olejnik Krzysztof
Published: February 2021

The article presents and assesses the shortcomings of the applicable provisions regarding the maintenance of the necessary distance behind the preceding vehicle in road traffic. We are exposed to accidents when using vehicles. The human factor contributes greatly to their occurrence. A problem analysis was carried out with proposed changes. The conclusions indicate the need for conducting training and clarification of the provisions in the applicable road traffic law. The introduction of new technical devices for determining the distance, in extreme situations, does not eliminate the danger of colliding with the preceding vehicle. In this respect, the regulations are imprecise, and the lack of knowledge of drivers is huge. The proposed actions relate to the area of active safety system of vehicles in road traffic.
Entrepreneurial Attitude and Intention in Higher Education Students: What Factors Matter?
Authors: Rodrigues Margarida , Silva Rui , Franco Mário
Published: February 2021

This study seeks to understand the main factors predicting the future entrepreneurial attitude and intention of higher education students. To do so, a questionnaire was sent to a sample of 508 students at a higher education institution (HEI) in the central region of Portugal. From a structural equation model, the results show that students’ entrepreneurial attitude is influenced positively, and with statistical significance, by Entrepreneurial Benefits, Entrepreneurial Passion, Psychological Cognition Factors and Religion Beliefs. On the other hand, the factors/dimensions of Self-Confidence and Creativity are found not to have a statistically significant influence on the Entrepreneurial Attitude of the students studied. In turn, entrepreneurial attitude was a direct and mediated predictor of students’ entrepreneurial intention. The results of the study can explain the influence of important factors on students’ entrepreneurial attitude and intention, presenting relevant challenges for HEIs to develop and provide more courses and programmes aimed at entrepreneurship. Such initiatives are a way to motivate students to be future entrepreneurs, raising business development and growth in the economy in general, and the country in particular. This study also makes an important contribution to the literature on higher education students’ attitude towards entrepreneurship and its influence on their future entrepreneurial intention. People with a strong entrepreneurial attitude and intention are needed to allow development, growth and innovation in the business sector. These actions can motivate students to be future entrepreneurs raising the business development and growth of the economy in general.
Entrepreneurial Motivation in University Business Students: A Latent Profile Analysis based on Self-determination Theory
Authors: Lu Irene R. R. , Kwan Ernest , Heslop Louise A. , Brouard Francois , Isabelle Diane A.
Published: February 2021

The development of entrepreneurship education (EE) has become a top priority for many universities around the world. Accordingly, the objectives of this paper are to identify motivation profiles of university business students, to determine how profile membership predicts students’ entrepreneurial intention and interest to study entrepreneurship, and to identify predictors of membership in these motivation profiles. To achieve these objectives, our method entails the application of self-determination theory (SDT) in a person-centered analysis. Our study is, in fact, the first application of the full range of motivations from SDT to define students’ entrepreneurial motivations; furthermore, we use latent profile analysis to identify groups of students that can be distinguished according to these motivations. We discover four groups of students: 1) uniformly lowly motivated, 2) indifferent, 3) conflicted, and 4) uniformly highly and intrinsically motivated. We find that students in these groups differ with regard to their interest to study entrepreneurship and their intention to be entrepreneurs. We also identify psychological traits and background factors that could explain the group membership. We discuss the implications of these findings on the promotion and delivery of EE, and on how students may be motivated to become entrepreneurs.
Genetic variants and risk of thyroid cancer among Iranian patients
Authors: Jamshidi Mohammad , Farnoosh Gholamreza , Mohammadi Pour Somayeh , Rafiee Fatemeh , Saeedi Boroujeni Ali , Mahmoudian-Sani Mohammad-Reza
Published: February 2021

The definition of an exclusive panel of genetic markers is of high importance to initially detect among this review population. Therefore, we gave a summary of each main genetic marker among Iranian patients with thyroid cancer for the first time which were classified based on their cellular function. Due to the results, a significant relationship was found between SNP in codons 194, 280, and 399 (XRCC1), Allele 3434Thr (XRCC7), GC or CC genotype 31, G/C (Survivin), 399G>A (XRCC1), Tru9I (vitamin D receptor), G‐D haplotype (MDM2), TT genotype, −656 G/T (IL-18), TAGTT haplotype (IL-18), G allele in +49 A>G (CTLA-4), +7146 G/A (PD-1.3), +7785 C/T (PD-1.5), rs1143770 (let7a‐2), rs4938723 (pri‐mir‐34b/c) genes, and thyroid cancers. Moreover, SNP in 677C-->T (MTHFR), GG genotype Asp1312Gly (thyroglobulin), 2259C>T (Rad52), R188H, (XRCC2), T241M (XRCC3) had higher risks of thyroid cancer and lower risks were observed in −16 Ins-Pro (p53), rs3742330 (DICER1). At last, the protective effects were explored in 127 CC genotype (IL-18), rs6877842 (DROSHA). Conduct further studies on the types of DNA repair gene polymorphisms with a larger number in the thyroid cancer using modern methods such as SNP array so that these genes could be used as a biomarker in prediction, diagnosis, and treatment of thyroid cancer. This review presents for the first time a summary of important genetic markers in Iranian patients with thyroid cancer.
Instabilities of a freely moving spherical particle in a Newtonian fluid: Direct Numerical Simulation
Authors: Li Yuxiu , Tiwari Shashank S. , Evans Geoffrey M. , Nandakumar Krishnaswamy , Joshi Jyeshtharaj B.
Published: February 2021

Direct Numerical Simulations (DNS) were carried out for a freely falling/rising rigid particle in an otherwise quiescent fluid, using a non-Lagrangian multiplier based fictitious domain (FD) method. Validation studies showed that the proposed FD based DNS are in good agreement with the existing experimental results in the transition regime of falling/rising spheres. Simulations done in the transitional regime (50 < Reynolds number (Re) < 1800 and solid-to-fluid density ratios

Γ
=

ρ
p

/

ρ
f

${\Gamma}={\rho }_{p}/{\rho }_{f}$

from 0.08 to 4), confirmed that (i) a falling spherical particle (Γ = 4) exhibits a helical trajectory in the range 270 < Re < 320, and (ii) a rising particle (Γ = 0.5) shows a zig-zagging trajectory in the same range of Re. This finding closes the uncertainty to the question as to whether or not rising/falling particles exhibit a helical and a zig-zagging trajectory. In addition to this, a total of seven distinctive flow regimes were identified, which are as follows: (I) vertical straight path (II) steady oblique path (III) Wavy oblique path (IV) zig-zagging path (for 0.08 < Γ < 1) (V) helical path (for 1 < Γ < 4) (VI) early transition to chaos and (VII) chaotic regime. Regime IV occurs only for light particles (Γ < 1), whereas Regime V occurs only for heavy particles (Γ > 1). Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) analysis characterized the presence of a bimodal frequency similar to that exhibited by flow past an isolated stationary bluff body.
Mesoporous KIT-6 supported Cr and Co-based catalysts for microwave-assisted non-oxidative ethane dehydrogenation
Authors: Eslek Koyuncu Dilsad Dolunay
Published: February 2021

In the present study, mono and bi-metallic catalysts containing Cr and Co were prepared by impregnating the hydrothermally prepared mesoporous KIT-6 support with 5–10 wt% total metal content. The well-ordered three-dimensional mesoporous structure of the KIT-6 support was confirmed by small angle X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns. N2 adsorption-desorption analysis results showed that the mesoporous structure of KIT-6 was preserved after metal loading. Structural bonds of KIT-6 support and prepared catalysts were determined by Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. The pyridine adsorbed diffuse reflectance FT-IR (DRIFT) spectroscopy results revealed the presence of Lewis acid sites on the surface of the catalysts. Activity experiments were carried out in a microwave-heated continuous-flow fixed bed reactor system at temperature range of 350–650 °C and feed ratios of Ethane/Argon: 1/2, 1/1, 2/1 with a gas hourly space velocity (GHSV) of 18,000 ml/h.gcat. The 5Cr@KIT-6 catalyst exhibited high ethane conversion (63.5%) while the highest ethylene/hydrogen ratio (0.98) was obtained with the 2.5Cr2.5Co@KIT-6 catalyst at 450 °C. It was concluded that high temperatures (above 450 °C) facilitate the formation of side reactions and the production of aromatic compounds. The high catalytic activities of mesoporous catalysts were thought to be due to hot spots in the microwave reactor system.
CFD-DEM simulation of powders clogging in a packed bed with lateral inlet
Authors: Liu Yingchao , Wang Jingbin , Liu Yanjun , Li Lihong , Zhou Heng , She Xuefeng
Published: February 2021

Clogging behavior of powder particles in packed bed is a longstanding engineering challenge in many industrial processes, of particular interests to ironmaking reactors. In this work, a CFD-DEM model was developed to investigate the powders clogging in a packed bed with lateral inlet. The flow and clogging of powders of varying gas velocities flowing through the packed bed were studied. The results showed that two kinds of clogging powders inside the porous can be observed. One is mainly due to mechanical interactions between powder particles, which can create arches on packed bed and stop the flow. When the powders form a bridge across the pore throat of the orifice, the bottleneck of void space becomes the starting point for blockage formation. The other represents a part of clogging powders which is due to drag force and friction between one small particle rolling very slowly on the surface of large particles whose spacing is close to the diameter of powders. The powders distribution, mechanical behavior and pressure drop were also discussed. The findings of this work provides a fundamental understanding on clogging behavior of powders in a packed bed with lateral inlet, and is useful for industry processes’ understanding and optimization.