bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Giant duplication of the transverse colon in an adult: A case report and literature review
Authors: Peng Zhihao , Zhang Mingkai , Wang Ruixue , Huang Hai , Sun Zongke , Li Yanbin
Published: June 2023

Intestinal duplication is a rare congenital malformation that can occur in any segment of the digestive tract. It is most commonly found in the ileum of infants and is rarely reported in adults, especially in the colon. Diagnosing intestinal duplication can be extremely challenging due to its diverse clinical manifestations and complex anatomical structure. Surgical intervention is currently considered the mainstay of treatment. In this report, we presented a case of giant duplication of the transverse colon in an adult.
In vitro antiproliferative efficacy of Annona muricata seed and fruit extracts on several cancer cell lines
Authors: Almutairi Bader O. , Mater Ahmed Sholiah , Abutaha Nael , Almutairi Mikhlid H.
Published: June 2023

In Saudi Arabia, breast cancer is the second-most frequently identified common malignant cause of death for women. The present investigation was carried out to assess the impact of different Soxhlet solvent extracts of Annona muricata on apoptosis induction in breast cancer cells. Cell survival was estimated by post-incubation of cells with the extract for 24 h using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium (MTT) assay. Acridine orange (AO)/propidium iodide (PI) and 4′,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) staining were employed to study cell apoptosis. qRT-PCR was also employed to assess apoptotic genes’ expression, such as BAX and P53 genes. The results of the MTT assay showed that the chloroform extract inhibited the proliferation of MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cells dose-dependently. AO/PI and DAPI staining showed chromatin condensation and fragmentation. In treated cells, P53 expression significantly increased, correlated with the increase in BAX activity. The findings suggest that apoptosis may have been triggered post-chloroform extract treatment. Combining chloroform extract of A. muricata and doxorubicin at a 1:1 ratio increased the IC50 value (292.3 µg/mL). The chloroform extract of A. muricata contained a variety of substances, including diethyl carbonate (7.38%), 4-acetoxy-2,11-dodecadiene (58.13%), and hexadecanoic acid (34.48%), according to the results of the gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis. As a result, future research on the A. muricata chloroform extract as a potential anticancer drug could be suggested.
Development of a fuzzy logic model for the prediction of spark-ignition engine performance and emission for gasoline–ethanol blends
Authors: Kaliyaperumal Manikandan , Sundaresan Ramabalan , Pandian Balu , Rajendran Silambarasan
Published: June 2023

Due to the enormous of fossil fuels and the ensuing increase in automobiles, an unprecedented scenario has arisen with pollution levels that are out of human control. In this study, a fuzzy logic model is developed to predict how well a spark-ignition engine running on gasoline and ethanol mixes would operate. A test engine was operated on pure gasoline and gasoline–ethanol fuel mixtures in a range of ratios at varying engine speeds. In order to estimate outputs such as brake-specific fuel consumption (BSFC), brake thermal efficiency, nitrogen oxides (NOx), hydrocarbon emissions, and carbon monoxide, a fuzzy logic model, a sort of logic model application, has been developed using experimental data. The developed fuzzy logic model’s output was compared to the results of the trials to see how well it performed. The output parameters were indicated, including braking power, thermal, volumetric, and mechanical efficiency. The input parameters were engine speed and ethanol mixes. Regression coefficients were nearly equal for training and testing data. According to the study, a superior method for accurately forecasting engine performance is the fuzzy logic model. To eliminate proportionality signs from equations, regression analysis is used. It is accurate to develop mathematical relations based on dimensional analysis. Based on the root mean square errors, BSFC is a minimum of 6.12 and brake power is a maximum of 8.16; lower than 2% of errors occur on average.
Translation in pre-trial phases of the judicial process: developing a norm-based framework to train translators working into Arabic
Authors: Halimi Sonia Asmahène
Published: June 2023

The present study examines the implications of judicial translation in the context of international migration and its relationship with the law of the host country. In this context, judicial translation involves highly sensitive documents that can be as varied as family registers and statutory declarations. It also refers to specific legal instances of interaction with judicial authorities in which the observance of certain communication norms is of paramount importance. This is particularly true in the strict setting of a judicial interview. This paper describes how translation is performed in a pre-trial police interview in which the communication of certain basic legal obligations becomes challenging for a migrant person, due to differences in legal backgrounds. In such a situation, the main question is as follows: how can differences in basic legal notions be dealt with in the particularly strict setting of a judicial interview with the assistance of a translator? To answer this question, the study focuses on a threefold challenge for the translator, who must be equipped to handle language, translation and legal/ethical norms. It proposes a translation framework based on these norms and the way in which they are applied in a real interview. It seeks to guide the translation task and serve as a tool for judicial translation training. With regard to the translation norm, the study shows that discursive creation is to be the most relevant technique to represent concepts that do not have counterparts in the target language. Although the foreign element in the new terminology may Ahighlight the boundary between the foreign law and the target legal institution, this technique also leads to the creation of new concepts in the target institution.
Existence results for some generalized Sigmoid Beverton-Holt models in time scales
Authors: Abdelahi Mariem Mohamed , Sambe Mohamed Ahmed , Moulay Ely Elkhomeini
Published: June 2023

In this article, we investigate some generalized Sigmoid Beverton-Holt models in time scales, and we obtain the existence and uniqueness of a globally attractive almost periodic solution to the associated dynamic equations with or without survival rates under some suitable assumptions. An example is given to illustrate our abstract results.
Optimized Cu2O-{100} facet for generation of different reactive oxidative species via peroxymonosulfate activation at specific pH values to efficient acetaminophen removal
Authors: Chen Ke , Yang Xudong , Hao Rui , Shao Minghui , Yang Xiaoyong , Li Xiuze , Li Yuxuan , Liu Juzhe , Zhang Sai
Published: June 2023

Activation of peroxymonosulfate (PMS) to degrade persistent organic contaminants has received increasing attention in wastewater purification. In this study, Cu2O catalysts with different exposed crystal facets were prepared, characterized, and evaluated for acetaminophen (ACE) degradation through PMS activation. The experimental results showed that cubic Cu2O with {100} facets exhibited remarkable activity on ACE removal by PMS activation in wide pH range of 3–11. DFT calculations indicated that Cu2O-{100} displayed higher electron transfer efficiency and PMS adsorption ability, further improving PMS activation. The radicals quenching experiments and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) results illustrated that singlet oxygen (1O2) was dominant reactive oxidative species (ROSs) during oxidation reactions and the relevant generation pathways were distinctly elucidated. Finally, the possible PMS activation mechanisms were discussed for ACE degradation in a wide pH range. This study will provide new insights to disclose PMS-based advanced oxidation processes (AOPs), and offer a new approach for wastewater purification by non-radical reactions.
Two-part vowel modifications in Child Directed Speech in Warlpiri may enhance child attention to speech and scaffold noun acquisition
Authors: Bundgaard-Nielsen Rikke L. , O’Shannessy Carmel , Wang Yizhou , Nelson Alice , Bartlett Jessie , Davis Vanessa
Published: June 2023

Study 1 compared vowels in Child Directed Speech (CDS; child ages 25–46 months) to vowels in Adult Directed Speech (ADS) in natural conversation in the Australian Indigenous language Warlpiri, which has three vowels (/i/, /a/, /u). Study 2 compared the vowels of the child interlocutors from Study 1 to caregiver ADS and CDS. Study 1 indicates that Warlpiri CDS vowels are characterised by fronting, /a/-lowering,fo-raising, and increased duration, but not vowel space expansion. Vowels in CDS nouns, however, show increased between-contrast differentiation and reduced within-contrast variation, similar to what has been reported for other languages. We argue that this two-part CDS modification process serves a dual purpose: Vowel space shifting induces IDS/CDS that sounds more child-like, which may enhance child attention to speech, while increased between-contrast differentiation and reduced within-contrast variation in nouns may serve didactic purposes by providing high-quality information about lexical specifications. Study 2 indicates that Warlpiri CDS vowels are more like child vowels, providing indirect evidence that aspects of CDS may serve non-linguistic purposes simultaneously with other aspects serving linguistic-didactic purposes. The studies have novel implications for the way CDS vowel modifications are considered and highlight the necessity of naturalistic data collection, novel analyses, and typological diversity.
Synthesis of non-ionic surfactants nano-vesicles for clarithromycin oral delivery
Authors: Ali Imdad , Khan Sarzamin , Ahmed Samrein , Khan Serab , Ali Heyam Saad , Shafiullah Raiz Ullah , Shah Muhammad Raza , Shah Zafar Ali
Published: June 2023

In order to improve the solubility and bioavailability of poorly water-soluble drugs, the synthesis of cost-effective nonionic surfactants has been the subject of greater scientific interest. The present study focuses on the synthesis of sulfonyl chloride derivatives as nonionic surfactants (surfactant 1 and surfactant 2) and their evaluation for the preparation of a clarithromycin-loaded niosomal drug delivery system. Surfactants 1 and 2 were characterised by EI-MS and 1H NMR spectroscopy. The shape and size of the drug-loaded niosomal vesicles from the synthesised surfactants were examined by atomic force microscopy (AFM) and revealed a round morphology with an average size of (230.8 ± 2.35) nm and (248.1 ± 2.54) nm for the vesicles of surfactant 1 and surfactant 2, respectively. The zeta potential of surfactant 1-based niosomal vesicles was (– 7.70 ± 1.00) mV and that of surfactant 2 was (−14.6 ± 1.08) mV. The lower zeta potential values for surfactant 1 and surfactant 2-based niosomal vesicles showed that these vesicles were neutral and relatively stable. The vesicles of surfactant 1 and 2 have a capacity to entrap the drug of about (62 ± 2.26) % and (69.67 ± 3.23) %, respectively. The vesicles of surfactant 1 released the largest amount of drug, i.e. (70.00 ± 2.45) % at pH 1.2. Biocompatibility in human blood and toxic effects on various cell lines were also studied for surfactants 1 and 2, and they were found to be biocompatible and non-cytotoxic.
Control of Trading Gold in Investment Gold in the Republic of Poland: Conditions and Fundamental Dilemmas
Authors: Ofiarski Zbigniew
Published: June 2023

Investment gold and foreign-exchange gold are special forms of gold in legal terms. The adoption of such a status is related to the regulation of the legal and factual circulation of gold and the performance of financial control in this regard, which at various stages of trading takes the form of tax, customs and fiscal or foreign-exchange control. The rules and procedure for controlling gold trading are regulated by the provisions of tax, customs, banking and foreign-exchange law. The aim of this study is to analyze and evaluate the applicable provisions of EU and national law regulating the scope of the regulation of gold trading and its control by tax, customs and fiscal authorities and the National Bank of Poland. The essence and application of the most important control instruments are presented, which are individual foreign-exchange permits, notification of the intention to transport gold across the state border, and special records and public registers kept by entrepreneurs. The hypothesis about the basic objectives (ensuring the safety of trading and preventing money laundering offenses) and additional purposes (collecting statistical data necessary to construct the assumptions of the state monetary system, tightening the tax system) of gold-trading control was positively verified. The research primarily used the dogmatic-legal method, and a complementary historical-legal method was used to present the main directions of the evolution of legislation in the field of regulating gold trading.
Desempeño mecánico del concreto convencional reemplazando agregado grueso con polietileno de tereftalato
Authors: Sanabria Rojas Madelein Natalia , Gil Peláez Jhon Jairo , Duarte Barón Katherin
Published: June 2023

En muchos países los residuos plásticos son una parte contaminante del medio ambiente, por tal razón es necesario buscar alternativas en las que se pueda reutilizar de forma masiva, para disminuirlos significativamente. En este proyecto de investigación se realizó una búsqueda de trabajos asociados a la temática, se analizaron las técnicas utilizadas y los resultados obtenidos, de manera que se recolectó el material necesario y mediante ensayos de laboratorio se fabricaron cilindros de concreto con distintas sustituciones de los agregados gruesos por residuos plásticos (PET); con el fin  de comparar las resistencias y costos de los moldes de concreto celular y con residuos plásticos; y así determinar la viabilidad de los agregados de plásticos en el concreto celular. En cada una de las proporciones de residuos plásticos utilizados se observó una disminución del peso y menor costo, sin embargo, ninguno logró superar la resistencia mínima, comparada con un cilindro convencional, al ser sometido a las pruebas de compresión, siendo el tamaño de los residuos la mayor problemática para obtener buenos resultados. Para utilizar residuos de plástico en la mezcla de concreto tradicional, es recomendable, reducir el tamaño de la partícula para mejorar la cohesión de los materiales, es decir Polipropileno de Tereftalato triturado, que sirva para el diseño de sistemas estructurales y que obtengan una mayor resistencia, con esto la contaminación debida a residuos plásticos disminuiría significativamente.
Potential of fines as reinforcing fibres in alkaline peroxide pulp of oil palm empty fruit bunch
Authors: Kamaludin Nurul H. , Ghazali Arniza , Daud Wanrosli Wan
Published: June 2023

Pulp from the alkaline peroxide mechanical pulping (APMP) of oil palm empty fruit bunch, EFB, was fractionated with varying mesh-size screens to examine the effects imposed by size-specific fines on the produced pulp network. Occurring mainly as a result of refining, fines elements with dimensions almost resembling EFB fibres were the long tube-like tapered vessels from the arrays of adjoined cell walls detached along the perforation lines. These fibrillated vessel elements constituting the P250/R300 fines fraction improved pulp network strength by gluing onto multiple fibres. More profound strength enhancement was promoted by the segments of the fibrillated vessel elements constituted in the P300/R400 fines fraction. With reduced dimensions, these elements enhanced pulp network strength by filling the micro-voids in the pulp network. By eliminating gaps that would otherwise interrupt inter-fiber bonding, 12% P300/R400 fines fraction enhanced the EFB APMP pulp network tensile strength by 100%.
Ethanol organosolv pretreatment of bamboo for efficient enzymatic saccharification
Authors: Li Zhiqiang , Jiang Zehui , Fei Benhua , Pan Xuejun , Cai Zhiyong , Liu Xing’e , Yu Yan
Published: June 2023

Bamboo is a potential lignocellulosic biomass for the production of bioethanol because of its high cellulose and hemicelluloses content. In this research, ethanol organosolv pretreatment with dilute sulfuric acid as the catalyst was studied in order to enhance enzymatic saccharification of moso bamboo. The addition of 2% (w/w bamboo) dilute sulfuric acid in 75% ethanol had a particularly strong effect on fractionation of bamboo. It yielded a solids fraction containing 83.4% cellulose in the treated substrate. The cellulose conversion to glucose yield reached 77.1 to 83.4% after enzymatic hydrolysis of the solids fraction for 48 h at an enzyme loading of 15 FPU cellulase/g cellulose and 30 IU β-glucosidase/g cellulose. The enzymatic hydrolysis rate was significantly accelerated as the ethanol organosolv pretreatment time increased, reaching the highest enzymatic glucose yield of 83.4% after 48 h at 50 °C. The concentrations of fermentation inhibitors such as HMF (5-hydroxy-2-methyl furfural) and furfural were 0.96 g/L and 4.38 g/L in the spent liquor after the ethanol organosolv pretreatment, which were slightly lower than the concentrations quantified during H2SO4-water treatment. Spent liquor was diluted with water, and more than 87.2% of lignin in raw bamboo was recovered as ethanol organosolv lignin through the filtration process.
A larch biorefinery: Influence of washing and PS charge on pre-extraction PSAQ pulping
Authors: Hörhammer Hanna S. , van Heiningen Adriaan R.
Published: June 2023

This study deals with a biorefinery concept based on larch wood. Wood chips of Siberian larch (Larix sibirica Lebed.) were treated with water before pulping at the optimal pre-extraction (PE) condition of 150 °C and 90 minutes. Through PE, about 12.4% of the wood mass is dissolved, mainly from the arabinogalactan hemicellulose component. Fermentation of the hemicellulose-rich larch extract with Bacillus coagulans resulted in consumption of all C6 and C5 sugars and produced lactic acid in high yield. PE before pulping resulted in lower (4 to 5%) pulp yield than for control kraft pulps. However, the pulp yield loss may be reduced by addition of polysulfide (PS) and anthraquinone (AQ). The present study focuses on the effect of the degree of washing of the extracted chips and that of the PS charge in PSAQ pulping on the final properties of the pulp. Three different levels of washing and three different PS charges were tested. The characteristics of the extract, wash water, pulp, and black liquor samples were determined. The amount of sugars in the combined stream of collected extract and wash water obtained by mild washing was 10.2% on o.d. wood.
Birch xylan grafted with PLA branches of predictable length
Authors: Persson Johanna , Dahlman Olof , Albertsson Ann-Christine
Published: June 2023

Birch xylan (4-O-methylglucuronoxylan) isolated from a kraft cooking liquor was delignified and grafted with polylactide of predictable branch length. This graft copolymerization resulted in very high total yields, greater than 90%, and with less than 10% polylactide homopolymer byproducts. Mild reaction conditions (40°C, 5 to 120 minutes) were used, which was believed to limit transesterification reactions and thus make it possible to reach good predictability of the polylactide branch length. The thermal properties of the polylactide-grafted xylan depended on the branch length. Short branches resulted in fully amorphous materials with a glass transition temperature of about 48 to 55°C, whereas long polylactide branches resulted in semi-crystalline materials with melting points of about 130°C. Using mixtures of L-lactide and D/L-lactide in the monomer feed further altered the thermal properties. The degradation temperatures of the polylactide-grafted xylans were higher than that of the unmodified xylan, with degradation temperatures of about 300°C and 250°C, respectively. Tensile testing showed increased elongation at break with increasing branch length. The proposed method thus enables tailor-making of copolymers with specific thermal and mechanical properties.
Repulping high wet-strength waste banknote paper by a dual-pH pretreatment process
Authors: Chen Zicheng , Song Zhanqian , Qian Xueren , Shen Jing
Published: June 2023

A repulping approach of waste Chinese banknote paper, i.e., Renminbi (RMB) paper with high wet strength, was studied, and a dual-pH pretreatment process was used before refining. Pretreatment temperature, soaking time, and consistency of waste RMB paper were investigated to obtain the optimum repulping parameters. The results showed that when the pretreatment temperature was 80 °C, soaking time was 60 min, and consistency was 10%, the repulping yield was 88.1%. The arithmetic and weighted mean lengths of fine pulp fibers from the optimum experiment were 0.564 mm and 0.785 mm, respectively, and the mean width was 22.5 μm. Obvious kinks and broken ends, as well as a slight curl of fine pulp fibers were observed by analyses with a Morfi-compact fiber analyzer and a scanning electron microscope. The results from Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis possibly demonstrated that the ester bonds in waste banknote paper were destroyed after the dual-pH pretreatment.
Properties of parallel strand lumber from two hybrid poplar clones using melamine urea formaldehyde adhesive
Authors: Kurt Ramazan , Aslan Kagan , Cil Muhammet , Cavus Vedat
Published: June 2023

Experimental parallel strand lumbers (PSLs) were manufactured from fast growing rotary peeled I-214 (Populus x euramericana) and I-77/51(Populus deltoides) hybrid poplar clones veneer strands with melamine urea formaldehyde (MUF) adhesive. The results showed that hybrid poplar clones can be used in PSLs manufacturing. Physical and mechanical properties of PSLs were affected by clone types. The I-77/51 clone had better properties and was found to be more suitable for PSLs manufacturing compared to the I-214 clone. PSLs properties were higher than those of solid woods (SWs) and laminated veneer lumbers (LVLs) of the same poplar clones. This increase may be due to materials, densification as a result of high pressure use, and the manufacturing techniques. The degree of contribution of SWs properties to the PSLs properties was lower than that of LVLs. This indicated that factors other than SWs properties played more important roles in the strength increase of PSLs.
Effect of inhibitors on enzymatic hydrolysis and simultaneous saccharification fermentation for lactic acid production from steam explosion pretreated Lespedeza stalks
Authors: Feng Yue , Qi Xiang , Jian Hong-lei , Sun Run-cang , Jiang Jian-xin
Published: June 2023

The effects on both cellulose conversion rate and lactic acid yield were studied by adding inhibitors, including formic acid, acetic acid, furfural, and vanillin into the hydrolysate of steam-pretreated Lespedeza stalks. The results suggest that formic acid has a significant influence on the enzyme activity and poisoned bacterial cells, resulting in the reduction of cellulose conversion rate and lactic acid yield by 21% and 16.4%, respectively. Acetic acid showed a strong inhibition on simultaneous saccharification fermentation (SSF) process, but little effect on enzymatic hydrolysis. Hydrolysis and SSF were less affected by furfural and vanillin compared with weak acids. The lactic acid yield of Lespedeza stalks rinsed with water increased from 64.0% to 89.4%, and the time to reach the maximum concentration was shortened from 96 hours to 48 hours when compared with the unwashed materials.
Application of cationic modified carboxymethyl starch as a retention and drainage aid in wet-end system
Authors: Wang Shumei , Sun Xuan , You Feng , Dai Hongqi , Mao Shengtao , Wang Jingjing
Published: June 2023

Waxy maize contains nearly 100% of the branched amylopectin type of starch, which has a similar structure to that of a commercial anionic organic micro-particle (OMP). It was found that the maize starch would have the same function as the OMP if carboxymethyl groups were introduced; moreover, the performance of carboxymethyl starch as a retention and drainage aid could be enhanced by grafting some cationic groups on the backbone of the starch so that it could absorb on fibers through electrostatic attraction. In this study, the introduced groups of cationic-modified carboxymethyl starch (CCMS) prepared from waxy maize were determined by FT-IR and 1H NMR spectroscopy. Factors affecting retention and drainage, comparison between CCMS and OMP systems, and also the strengthening effect of CCMS were studied. The results showed that CCMS had excellent performance when it was used with cationic polyacrylamide (CPAM) as a retention system. Compared with the OMP, CCMS had better retention performance when the dosage was in the range from 0.01% to 0.08%, and it yielded much more uniform formation of the handsheets. Additionally, CCMS had a strengthening effect on the paper, which distinguished it from other retention aids.
Evaluation of chemical composition and lignin structural features of Simarouba versicolor wood on its pulping performance
Authors: Silva Teresa Cristina F. , Gomide José Lívio , Santos Ricardo Balleirini
Published: June 2023

Simarouba versicolor wood was evaluated relative to its kraft pulping ability and compared with Eucalyptus urograndis wood. Comprehensive chemical analysis of wood and milled wood lignin (MWL) was performed, aiming to correlate wood and lignin structural features with kraft pulping response. Wood characterization of S. versicolor revealed higher lignin content (37.3%) and lower cellulose content (45.1%) than E. urograndis. 13C NMR spectroscopy was performed to characterize MWL, and the results showed a lower syringyl to guaiacyl ratio (S/G), higher degree of condensation, and lower β-O-4 linkages for S. versicolor. The gross heating value of S. versicolor was slightly higher than that for E. urograndis. Significant variations were observed in chemical charge demand and in pulping yield for the two species. This behavior was attributed mainly to the S/G ratio and degree of condensation of the lignin, although total and insoluble lignin, as well as cellulose contents may have affected pulping efficiency too.
Using cationic polymers to improve alkenyl succinic anhydride (ASA) sizing efficiency in high-yield pulp containing furnish
Authors: Chen Qijie , Ni Yonghao , He Zhibin
Published: June 2023

High-yield pulp (HYP) such as bleached chemi-thermo-mechanical pulp (BCTMP) from aspen wood, is now being used in the production of high-quality fine papers, and this is particularly true in China. In this study, the effect of using cationic polymers such as poly-aluminum chloride (PAC), polyethylenimine (PEI), cationic polyacrylamide (CPAM), and poly-(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) (PDADMAC) on Alkenyl Succinic Anhydride (ASA) sizing efficiency in HYP-containing pulp furnish was investigated. The results showed that the addition of only ASA emulsion to the HYP-containing furnish, without any cationic additives, did not yield an appreciable degree of sizing in the paper sheet. PAC (or alum) could improve the ASA sizing efficiency. PEI, PDADMAC, CPAM, and NaHCO3 all improved ASA sizing efficiency in the presence of PAC. The charge density of PEI was important for improving the ASA sizing performance. Also, the sequence of adding the cationic polymer affected the ASA sizing performance.
Characterization of physicochemical properties of Miscanthus floridulus stems and study of their oil absorption ability using gold nanoparticles
Authors: Liao Wayne , Lai Yung-Chang , Huang Che-Lun , Lien Ching-Yi
Published: June 2023

Miscanthus floridulus, which originated from a high elevation mountain area in Taiwan, is a newly cultivated species of Miscanthus. Instead of Miscanthus × giganteus, M. floridulus can be used as an alternative fuel for energy production as well. Except for leaves, stems of M. floridulus count for a major portion of the biomass. In this study, the lignin and cellulose contents of M. floridulus stems were determined to be 22.33 ± 2.21% and 43.13 ± 2.79%, respectively. In addition, a new application of M. floridulus stems was proposed. Oil absorption ability represented by the amount of soybean and motor oils absorbed by one gram of pulverized M. floridulus stems was estimated to be 2.25 ± 0.25 and 2.33 ± 0.18 g, respectively. Gold nanoparticles were used to investigate the absorption ability of M. floridulus stems. The absorption of gold nanoparticles by M. floridulus stems was visualized using SEM and TEM. In addition, the IR spectrum of M. floridulus stems was recorded for comparison with other studies.
Use of a short span field test to evaluate termite resistance of Eucalyptus grandis and Bobgunnia madagascariensis in a tropical environment
Authors: Ncube Elisha , Chungu Donald , Kamdem Donatien P. , Musawa Kalobwe
Published: June 2023

Despite being treated with preservatives, the service life of transmission poles and fence posts in the Zambian Copperbelt province is close to fifteen years. However, the service life is only two years for untreated timber, mainly due to termite damage. This short service life is exerting more pressure on an already over-burdened timber resource base. This study used an accelerated field test investigation to facilitate initial assessment of several lesser known indigenous timbers for their termite resistance properties. To determine the service life and natural durability of Eucalyptus grandis and Bobgunnia madagascariensis to termite attack, samples of each wood species were field exposed to an aggressive species of subterranean termites for 32 days. Morphological and genetic analyses confirmed that the aggressive species of termites in this study was Coptotermes formosanus, commonly referred to as Formosan subterranean termites. Results indicated that E. grandis can be labeled as susceptible (S) following the standard natural durability rating procedure on the basis of service life projected from short term field exposure weight loss determination. Using short duration exposure weight loss and visual designation, similar to the Gulfport scale, B. madagascariensis was designated as very durable (D). These results showed that natural durability of timber against termites can be estimated after a short duration field exposure to Formosan subterranean termites. This method offers a fast field test for screening of promising lesser known tropical timbers.
Characterization of flax fibres modified by alkaline, enzyme, and steam-heat treatments
Authors: Cao Yongjian , Chan Felisa , Chui Ying-Hei , Xiao Huining
Published: June 2023

Flax fibres are being considered as an environmentally friendly alternative to synthetic fibres in fibre-reinforced polymer composites due to their low density, biodegradability, and high mechanical strength. Previous work has found that the surface properties of natural fibres can be modified by chemical treatment and other treatment methods. This study focused on the effect of different treatments using alkaline, enzyme, and steam-heat, respectively, on some surface characteristics of flax fibre, e.g. physical, chemical, and thermal stability. Using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), treated fibres were observed to have smoother surfaces than untreated fibres. Chemical composition of fibres was found to be modified after treatment as characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The crystallinity index and thermal stability of flax fibres were increased after certain treatments as determined by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), respectively. The wettability of treated fibre by water was improved compared to the untreated sample.
Antioxidative lignans from phytochemical extract of Calocedrus formosana Florin
Authors: Yen Pei-Ling , Wu Chi-Lin , Chang Shang-Tzen , Huang Shou-Ling , Chang Hui-Ting
Published: June 2023

Antiradical and antioxidant activities of ethanolic extract and its fractions from Calocedrus formosana Florin heartwood were investigated, and active compounds were identified by spectral analyses. Among extract and three fractions, the ethyl acetate soluble fraction had a high total phenolic content and exhibited the desirable reducing power, antiradical activity, and antioxidant activity. The compounds haplomyrfolin, O-ethyl-α-conidendral, matairesinol, 7,8-dehydro-4-O-methyl-thujaplicatin, and 5-methoxy-isosalicifoline were isolated from antioxidative activity guided fractionation of the ethyl acetate soluble fraction. Haplomyrfolin and O-ethyl-α-conidendral were for the first time isolated and identified from C. formosana. Matairesinol and 5-methoxy-isosalicifoline exhibited superior DPPH radical scavenging ability and antioxidant activity, as evaluated by TEAC assay. Results obtained in the present study revealed that ethyl acetate soluble fraction from C. formosana heartwood extract and its active compounds, matairesinol and 5-methoxy-isosalicifoline, exhibit antioxidant potential as natural nutraceuticals.
Synthesis and antibacterial activity of oxime esters from dihydrocumic acid
Authors: Gao Yanqing , Song Jie , Shang Shibin , Wang Dan , Li Jian
Published: June 2023

Dihydrocumic acid was prepared from β-pinene through oxidation and dehydration. Then, ten oxime esters from dihydrocumic acid were synthesized. Reaction conditions of the oxime esters were adjusted and their structures were characterized by IR, 1H-NMR, MS, and elemental analysis. The antibacterial activity of these newly synthesized oxime esters against Gram-negative bacteria and Gram-positive bacteria was also investigated using the inhibition zone method. The preliminary results indicated that seven compounds displayed better antibacterial activity against Gram-negative bacteria compared with bromogeramine, a commercially available antibacterial agent.
Performance research on coir fiber and wood debris hybrid boards
Authors: Yao Jia , Hu Yingcheng , Lu Wei
Published: June 2023

In response to increasing awareness of the environment and energy, the fields of application for new types of plant fiber functional materials are expanding. In this study, different weight proportions of coir fiber were added to wood particle debris to produce hybrid boards. The two forms of coir fiber used were random distribution and non-woven needle mat. A mixed orthogonal experiment was designed to use the weight mixing ratio of wood debris and coir, the density of the hybrid boards, and the mixing form of the raw material as the experimental factors. The mechanical and sound absorption performances were evaluated. The experimental results provided evidence that the addition of the coir fibers enhanced the mechanical performance and sound absorption performance of the hybrid boards. The non-woven needle mat form in particular was effective at evenly distributing the fibers. The optimal plan for this kind of hybrid composite was obtained through experimental analysis. The excellent sound absorption performance and sufficient strength of the hybrid boards made them suitable for use on inner walls as sound-absorbing material or on interior trim parts in automotive applications. The research results demonstrated the advantages of using coir fiber and wood debris resources.
Evaluation of the structural and molecular weight changes of lignin during the treatment of hardwood alkaline peroxide mechanical pulp with laccase and a laccase-mediator-system
Authors: Liu Yu , Wang Zhen , Wang Juan , Yang Guihua , Huang Feng , Lucia Lucian
Published: June 2023

Alkaline Peroxide Mechanical Pulp (APMP) of triploid of Populus tomentosa was modified by laccase and a Laccase-Mediator-System (LMS). The influence of the following main variables on the pulp physical properties were studied: enzyme dosage, reaction time, treatment temperature, and pH. Under the optimum conditions of laccase treatment – pH 5, temperature 50°C, pulp consistency 4%, and a reaction time of 60 min – the optimum charge of laccase was 2u/g. It was also found that the tensile strength and tear indices of the pulps treated with laccase increased significantly. The two-stage method of enzyme-mild acidic hydrolysis was adopted to isolate lignin from the APMP pulps both before and after enzymatic treatments. The functional groups in all lignin samples were qualitatively and quantitatively analyzed with 31P-NMR spectra. The molecular weight distributions of all the lignin samples were obtained through Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC) after the lignin samples were benzoylated.
Effect of calcium hydroxide filler loading on the properties of banana stem handsheets
Authors: Abd Rahman Nur Syazwani , Azahari Baharin
Published: June 2023

Calcium hydroxide filler dispersions, of various particle sizes, were prepared by mixing sodium hydroxide with calcium chloride, in various concentrations, at room temperature. The resulting filler dispersions were added, in various amounts, to the banana stem mechanical pulp, which was then converted to handsheets. Increasing the filler loading increased the tensile index but reduced the tear index and water absorption of the handsheets. The SEM micrographs of the handsheets surfaces and the tensile fractured surfaces of the handsheets tensile test specimens showed that increasing the filler loading resulted in the formation of more and bigger filler aggregates in the spaces between the fibre. The filler particle size did not have any significant effect on the handsheets properties.
Analysis of phases and medalists to women’s singles matches in badminton at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games
Authors: Xu Xiang-Qian , Korobeynikov Georgiy , Han Wei , Dutchak Miroslav , Nikonorov Dymytrii , Zhao Meng , Mischenko Victoria
Published: June 2023

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to determine the technical and tactical styles of the world's best badminton players at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

Materials and methods: The research material consisted of the post-event analysis of 58 matches from the Tokyo Olympics. Through AHP analysis (analytic hierarchy process) to 6 temporal variables with a high influence on match/game effectiveness were selected. Match/game statistical analysis, with the one-way measure of the variance (ANOVA), and independent-sample T-test, were conducted by using IBM SPSS for Windows version 22.0 (IBM. Corp. Armonk, NY) in order to compare the statistical differences.

Results: This conducted study showed that frequency of strokes in badminton was 1-1.12 strokes/sec, which is one of the longest rally strokes. The mean and standard deviation of the women's singles players, particularly in the knockout stage, is greater than the mean and standard deviation of the group stage. Results show the differences between Group Phase (35.05±9.77, 47.07±13.12, s, P=0.020) and Eliminatory Phase (11.93±1.58, 13.93±2.30, s, P=0.030) respectively.

Conclusions: The women's singles competition currently mainly revolves around the technical and tactical styles of "fast-oriented", "offensive-oriented" and “self-oriented”. This is in line with the current trend of development of the world's women's singles athletes' more "masculine" style of play.
Prospects of discovery of gas deposits at shally depths in the east of the Dnipro-Donets basin of Ukraine
Authors: Lazaruk Yaroslav
Published: June 2023

The object of research was the Ustynivka area, which is located in the north-eastern part of the Dnipro-Donets basin on the border between the northern board and axial part of the region. The geological structure of the area is illuminated from positions of gravitational tectogenesis. Two echelons of brachianticlinal uplifts, genetically related to the Krasnoritsk and Muratove-Tuba discharges, have been identified in the Carboniferous deposits. They were formed in nonconsolidated strata under conditions of stretching and rapid lowering of the Dnipro-Donets graben. Seismic surveys have revealed seven anticlines. Their feature is the orientation of structures along arcuate tectonic faults, asymmetry and displacement of anticlines with a depth to the southwest. According to the geomorphological features of the river valley of the Siverskyi Donets, a new uplift is predicted in the lowered block of the Tuba fault. In the Voronove anticline, three gas deposits have been established in the Bashkirian stratum. Nearby are Borivske, Muratove, Yevgeniivka, Krasnopopivka and other gas-condensate fields. Therefore, the gravigenic structures of the Ustynivka area are promising for the discovery of new deposits. Promising horizons of the Bashkirian stratum are at shallow depths: from 2 to 2.5 km. Our estimated gas reserves and resources of the Ustynivka area are 262 and 2100 million m3, respectively. Recommendations are given to clarify the form of gravigenic tectonic faults and related anticlines. The tasks for detailed seismic surveys and drilling are defined. The location of exploration and prospecting boreholes is proposed. Considering the displacement of the vaults of gravigenic structures with depth, to open the productive stratum in the apical parts of the uplifts, we recommend drilling inclined boreholes in the southwestern direction. Tasks for industrial development of deposits of Voronove structure are defined.
Chemical composition of the precursor compounds and mechanisms of humic substances formation at the post-sedimentation stage of the organic compounds evolution
Authors: Khokha Yurii , Yakovenko Myroslava , Seniv Oksana
Published: June 2023

The publication is a review that presents in a concise form information about the chemical composition of living matter components and the mechanisms of their transformations, the result of which is the geopolymers formation. Among geopolymers, humic substances, including humic and fulvic acids, attract our attention. The relevance of this review lies in the importance of understanding multidirectional reactions, the result of which is the secondary polymerization of organic matter chemically active components that have passed the biodegradation barrier at the stage of sedimentation and diagenetic transformations. Humic substances, in their turn, are precursors of kerogen, therefore, an understanding of reaction mechanisms and their products provides complete information about the conditions of various types of kerogen formation, which are characterized by different ability to produce oil and gas. We paid special attention to polyphenols, which have high chemical activity and the ability to react with increasing molecular weight. In addition to the traditional Maillard reaction, among the condensation mechanisms we considered oxidative crosslinking of phenols, oxidative condensation of polyunsaturated fatty acids, and esterification of fatty acids with phenols. For each mechanism, the conditions for its implementation and probable contribution to the formation of humic substances are briefly considered. Analysis of probable mechanisms of formation of humic substances showed that condensation reactions can occur under geochemical conditions of sedimentation and early diagenesis. At the same time, their speeds are low, and the precursors necessary for the reactions, formed as a result of biological degradation, are contained in very small concentrations. We conclude that kerogen contains two components – primary, which enters its structure without any significant changes, and secondary, which is the result of a series of complex multidirectional reactions.
Thermometrical studies of fluid inclusions in the Badenian halite of the Carpathian region in the context of determining the depth of the salt basin
Authors: Galamay Anatoliy , Zinchuk Ihor , Sydor Daria
Published: June 2023

It was established that in order to avoid errors in the interpretation of paleotectonic conditions of salt formation based on fluid inclusions in halite, the primary stage of the research should be the genetic identification of the sedimentation textures of halite and fluid inclusions in this mineral. For the thermometric study of inclusions and to determine the depth of the sedimentation basin based on the obtained data, only thermal test chambers are suitable which provide the possibility of observing groups of inclusions in different zones of sedimentary halite, as, for example, in the micro thermal test chamber designed by Prof. V. A. Kalyuzhny. In the course of the research, the equipment of the thermometric method, which is based on the use of a microthermal test chamber designed by V. A. Kalyuzhny, was modernized. In particular, the material of the thermal chamber (stainless steel) was replaced with copper, which made it possible to avoid excessive thermal gradients into chamber and to increase the permissible heating rate by 20 times due to the higher thermal conductivity of copper. For the same purpose, the glass optical windows of the camera were replaced with leukosapphire windows, which have a much higher thermal conductivity. The measuring system of the installation is made on a miniature platinum resistance thermometer with an electronic measuring unit. These improvements made it possible to achieve high system stability and good reproducibility of measurement results. Using the thermometric method, it was established that the temperature of sedimentation at the bottom of the Badenian salt basin of the Carpathian region was 19.5–20.5; 20.0–22.0; 24.0–26.0 °C, and on the surface of the brine was 34.0–36.0 °C. On this basis, a model of the basin with a pronounced thermocline and a total thickness of the water column of up to 30 meters was built, which is the most likely to establish the features of sedimentation. Crystallization of halite at different depths in basins with a thermocline can explain the presence of so-called “low-temperature” (24.0–25.0 °C) and “high-temperature” (37.8–42.6 °C) bottom halite in a number of ancient salt-bearing basins.