bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Identification and Characterization of Natural Habitats of Electrochemically Active Bacteria
Authors: Mersinkova Yana , Yemendzhiev Hyusein 
Published: February 2020

Aims: This study aims to define criteria for the main physical and chemical characteristics of the environmental niches populated with electrochemically active microorganisms, capable to perform anaerobic respiration and potentially used in Bio-electrochemical systems such as Microbial Fuel Cells.
Study Design: In this study, specific parameters of the environment in water bodies (such as lakes, streams etc.) and their bottom layers are analyzed. The main parameters of interest include the concentration of dissolved oxygen in the water column, the organic matter content in the sediments and the presence of alternative electron acceptors (such as iron and manganese ions) to support anaerobic respiration. Sediment microorganisms are characterized for their electrochemical and biodegradation activity.
Place and Duration of Study: The tested sediment and water samples were collected from "Poda" Protected Site located on the outfall of Lake “Uzungeren”, south of City of Burgas, Bulgaria.
Methodology: The samples were analyzed employing TGA, ICP and microbiological methods focusing on chemical, physical and biological conditions available for anaerobic respiration in this ecological niche.
Results: The results show very low concentrations of dissolved oxygen (from 1.4 to 2.2 mg/dm3 in the various locations). The conductivity and the pH values ​​measured were relatively high and the mean values obtained are 5230 μS/cm and 8.2 respectively. The sediment samples demonstrated very high organic matter content (22.5% of the dry mass) and relatively high levels of iron and manganese.
Microbial fuel cell powered by mixed bacterial culture isolated from the tested sediment samples demonstrated stable performance reaching power density of 3.5 W/m2 and the COD removal rate of 42 mgO2/dm3 per day.
Conclusion: The result confirms the initial hypothesis that electrochemically active microorganisms are available in environments with high concentration of organic matter, iron and manganese in combination with low availability of dissolved oxygen. Mixed culture of anaerobic bacteria isolated from the tested sediment sample was successfully implemented to power Microbial Fuel Cell.
Effect of Heavy Metals on β-galactosidase Activity in Marine Bacteria
Authors: Joy Osigwe Ogechi , Nchedo Ariole Caroline , Anthony Ibiene Abiye 
Published: February 2020

Background: Due to metal pollution and its toxicity in the coastal areas, the enzymatic activities of bacteria involved in the breakdown of organic compounds are repressed leading to decline in biodegradation rate.
Aim: The influence of heavy metals (copper, lead, zinc, manganese and iron) on β-galactosidase activity in three bacterial strains (Providencia stuartii, Pantoea dispersa and Aeromonas dhakensis) isolated from coastal marine sediment collected from coastal zone in Bonny Island, Nigeria was investigated.
Methodology: The strains were cultivated in Z- buffered medium having lactose as enzyme inducer. Beta galactosidase assay was done via 2-nitrophenol β-D-galactopyranoside as the substrate. The absorbances of p-nitrophenol solution formed were measured at 420 nm in a spectrophotometer. The β-galactosidase activities were calculated comparative to controls.
Results: Presence of the metals significantly affected β-galactosidase activities. Metal concentration of 0.001 mg/L triggered a decrease in enzyme activity. The sensitivity patterns of Pantoea dispersa and Aeromonas dhakensis were Cu>Pb>Zn>Mn>Fe while that of Providencia stuartii was Pb>Cu>Zn>Mn>Fe. The effect of metal stress to enzyme synthesis is reliant on the organism and the metal. This might be described with logistic dose-response model using elevated coefficient of inhibition (R > 0.81).
Conclusion: The results revealed that concentration of metal as low as 0.001 mg/L when deposited in the environment has detrimental effect on microbial activities and consequently on biogeochemical cycles. The isolated bacterial strains could serve as ideal organisms for heavy metal toxicity evaluation.
Epidemiological Trend, Risk Factors, Prevention and Treatment Strategies of Self-directed Violent Behavior: A Critical Appraisal of Relevant Literature
Authors: Akhtar Qureshi Naseem , Abdullah Alduraihem Rashid , Mohammad Aldosari Sarah , Abdullah Alhabeeb Abdulhameed 
Published: February 2020

Background: Suicide is an intentional fatal act of self-destruction and largely preventable phenomenon. Early Identification of suicide risk factors, proactive preventive steps and therapeutic interventions tend to reduce robustly its epidemiological trends including associated high mortality around the world.
Objective: This review study aimed to critically describe the identified potential risk factors underlying suicide together with a specific focus on its relevant preventive and management strategies.
Methods: A selective e-searches of Google Scholar, PubMed/MEDLINE and Science Direct of relevant English literature (2000-2019) was conducted by using keywords and Boolean operators, and following exclusion and inclusion criteria included 115 most influential articles for this critical review.
Results: Suicide is a global preventable phenomenon determined by multiple interconnected risk factors and mechanisms embedded in several levels; population (indigenous people and social media), individual (distal predisposing factors), developmental (mediating factors) and proximal (precipitating factors). Evidently suicide needs multimodal intervention approach in terms of universal, selective and indicated prevention.
Conclusion: Suicide is a global heterogeneous phenomenon and needs continuing concerted efforts of multidisciplinary health team and multi-sector stakeholders because its risk pathways and protective factors dynamically changes overtime across the world.
A Clinical and Preliminary Study for Anti-angiogenesis Therapy: Endostatin, VEGF and Microvessel Density in the OSCC in Different Stages and Differentiations
Authors: He Hong , Wang Jiaqin , Deng Xiaotong , Zhao Danping 
Published: February 2020

Aims: This study was to analyze the association among ES, VEGF, Microvessel Density (MVD), clinicopathologic characteristics, angiogenesis and prognosis of OSCC.
Methods: Eight normal samples of oral epithelia and 52 Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OSCC) samples were analyzed by immunohistochemical evaluation to study the expression and significance of Endostatin (ES) and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) during the development of OSCC.
Results: Statistically significant differences were found as p<0.05 between VEGF expressions and clinicopathologic stages of OSCC and as p<0.01 between VEGF expressions and lymph node metastases of OSCC. And Statistically significant discrepancy was also found as p<0.05 between MVD and differentiation degrees and lymphnode metastases of OSCC, as well as p<0.01 between VEGF expressions and MVD. Additionally MVD increased gradually in accordance with the progression of the Cancer. While there was no obvious correlation between ES and VEGF, ES and MVD, as well as between ES and the development of OSCC.
Conclusion: By MVD et al evaluation, VEGF is one of the major angiogenesis factors for angiogenesis and lymphonode metastasis of oral carcinomas, as an important indicator for the development and malignancy of OSCC, while ES is of significance for anti-angiogenesis in tumor therapy.
Socioeconomic Impact of Development Projects on the Livelihood of Farmers: A Case Study of the Bui Dam Hydroelectric Project
Authors: Emmanuel Amankwah , Edward Awafo , Thomas Atta-Darkwa 
Published: February 2020

The development of major social projects such as hydroelectric dams, roads and mining often result in the loss of properties and sometimes relocation of the affected people or communities. This paper examined the impact of the Bui Dam Hydroelectric project on the livelihood of the people affected, especially farmers in the Bono Region of Ghana. The paper also reviewed the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) report of the project in line with the Environmental Protection Agency requirement, examined the compensation and the living conditions of the farmers in the affected communities. Interviews and focus group discussions of farmers in four communities were conducted which was later followed by the administration of questionnaires to seventy-five (75) farmers. The data obtained from the questionnaires were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequencies, percentages and Excel software for the development of charts. The review of the ESIA report of the Bui dam showed that an extensive ESIA was conducted with only few lapses outlined in the text. The interviews and the questionnaires revealed that the farmers who were relocated have problems with land acquisition, soil fertility and irrigation facilities when they were moved to their new location. There were also concerns about inadequate payment of compensations and unfulfilled promises. However, about 97.3% of the respondents were comfortable at their new location because of the proximity to health services, access to good roads, nice buildings and provision of some basic social amenities such as light and water, as well as possible business and employment opportunities. The paper makes suggestions for improving compensations and resettlement schemes in Ghana.
Stomach Cancer and Parabens
Authors: Alloujami Lama , Barguil Sophi 
Published: February 2020

Background and Objectives: Parabens are one of the chemicals used widely in preserving foods and pharmaceutical preparations. Although it was safe for many years, recently it has been proven that its action mimics estrogen in the body when it is linked to its receptors, known as estrogen receptors which are present in many systems of the body and that it may have a link with breast cancer, especially after it was found in samples of breast cancer. As known that estrogen receptors are placed in different areas in the body, including the stomach, therefore it may have a role in cancer formation and development in the stomach.
The purpose of this manuscript is to investigate the presence of Methyl, Ethyl and Propylparaben in stomach cancer in men and women.
Methods: Samples of stomach cancer have been collected immediately after surgery in Al Assad University Hospital and after extracting parabens from samples, they have been analyzed by HPLC / MS in the science faculty at Damascus University.
Results: All samples have the three types of parabens with total mean concentration (22.5 ± 0.4 ng/g).
The concentration of Methylparaben was the highest (8.2 ± 0.3 ng/g) then Propylparaben (7.4 ± 0.4 ng/g) and finally Ethylparaben (6.9 ± 0.2 ng/g).
Conclusion: Because of the presence of parabens in all stomach cancer samples, so more studies must be done to research if parabens may have any effect in the formation of abnormal cells and the formation of cancer in the body systems which have estrogen receptors.
Characterization and Application of Molten Slag as Catalyst in Pyrolysis of Waste Cooking Oil
Authors: Kamil Faten Hameed , Ali Salmiaton , Hafriz Raja Shahruzzaman Raja Mohamad , Hussien Intesar Razaq , Omer Rozita 
Published: February 2020

Chemical and physical analysis was performed to identify the molten slag composition and its ability to be used as alternative catalyst in pyrolysis of waste cooking oil. The implementation such type of catalytic material could be useful in reducing the process cost. To increase the efficiency (increase the active site) of molten slag, it was modified by acid washing that resulted in an increase in the acidity from 159 to 1224 µmol/g. The results showed that the yield of bio-fuel was increased and the product selective to n-C15 upon the modification of molten slag by acid treatment. Copyright © 2020 by Authors, Published by BCREC Group. This is an open access article under the CC BY-SA License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0).
A Review Paper on Heterogeneous Fenton Catalyst: Types of Preparation, Modification Techniques, Factors Affecting the Synthesis, Characterization, and Application in the Wastewater Treatment
Authors: Kumar Vijyendra , Mohapatra Titikshya , Dharmadhikari Sandeep , Ghosh Prabir 
Published: February 2020

This comprehensive review focuses on the different factors, modification in the synthesis method, characterization and application of heterogeneous catalyst in the wastewater treatment based on the Fenton process. The present review highlights the different catalyst preparation methods like wet impregnation method, hydrothermal method, sol-gel method, precipitation method and their application to treat different recalcitrant organic chemicals. Major heterogeneous catalyst synthesis methods were discussed with their excellent workability. The importance of modification through physical and chemical method was also reported. Different catalyst, pollutants and optimum parametric conditions available in the literature along with some relevant studies are summarized. The effect of factors like pH, calcination and some other modifiers on the synthesis and their efficiency in the wastewater treatment has been described. The important characterization of synthesized catalysts explaining their working efficiency has also been discussed. In the final section, the application of heterogeneous catalyst synthesized by different methods in the wastewater/effluent treatment has been investigated. The main aim of this review is to find out the influence of process parameters and catalytic method on degradation/decolorization of organic compounds present in industrial or synthetic wastewater. Copyright © 2020 by Authors, Published by BCREC Group. This is an open access article under the CC BY-SA License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0).
Degradation of Phenol in Pharmaceutical Wastewater using TiO2/Pumice and O3/Active Carbon
Authors: Ratnawati R. , Enjarlis E. , Husnil Yuli Amalia , Christwardana Marcelinus , Slamet S. 
Published: February 2020

Phenol is a toxic organic compound that detectable in the pharmaceutical wastewater, and therefore it should be eliminated. This study aims to degrade phenol in the pharmaceutical wastewater treatment using Advanced Oxidation Processes (AOPs) include the photocatalytic process applying Titanium Oxide (TiO2) that immobilized on pumice stone (PS), as well as ozone process with O3 and O3/granulated activated carbon (GAC). Degradation system used two configuration reactors that worked alternately at pH 3 and 9. Photocatalysis was conducted for 4 hours in the photoreactor that equipped with mercury lamp as a photon source, while ozonation was performed for 1 hour in the cylinder glass reactor contained an ozone generator. Phenol degradations were done by photocatalysis, ozonation, photocatalysis followed by ozonation and vice versa. The FESEM-EDS and XRD results depicted that TiO2 has impregnated on pumice stone and FESEM characterization also indicated that the photocatalyst spread across the surface of the pumice stone. BET analysis results in an increased surface area of the PS-TiO2 by 3.7 times, whereas bandgap energy down to 3 eV. It can be concluded that ozone process (with O3/GAC) that followed by photocatalysis at pH 9 could treat the liquid waste with phenol concentration 11.2 down to 1.2 ppm that nearly according to the discharge standards quality (1 ppm). Copyright © 2020 by Authors, Published by BCREC Group. This is an open access article under the CC BY-SA License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0).
Zn-M-CO3 Layered Double Hydroxides (M=Fe, Cr, or Al): Synthesis, Characterization, and Removal of Aqueous Indigo Carmine
Authors: Bouteraa Salima , Saiah Fatiha Boukraa Djelllal , Hamouda Sarah , Bettahar Nourredine 
Published: February 2020

In this approach, Zn-M+3 layered double hydroxides (LDHs) with M+3 = Fe, Cr, or Al were synthesized by the co-precipitation method from the aqueous solution at a constant solution pH. The as-synthesized samples were characterized by XRD analysis, FTIR spectra, BET techniques and simultaneous thermogravimetric-differential scanning calorimetry (TGA/DSC). XRD analysis showed that Zn-Fe-CO3 had the greatest lattices parameters. BET surface area of Zn-Fe-CO3 was calculated as 52.24 m2.g-1 and was higher than Zn-Cr-CO3 and Zn-Al-CO3 with 46.70 and 49.99 m2.g-1, respectively. The FTIR spectra clearly confirmed the presence of carbonate anions in the structure of the LDHs. Adsorption experiments for Indigo Carmine (IC), as the main model organic pollutant in this study from aqueous solution onto synthetized samples were carried out in terms of solution pH, contact time and initial dye concentration. Experimental results indicate that the capacity of dye uptake augmented rapidly within the first 15, 40, and 55 minuts for Zn-Fe-CO3, Zn-Cr-CO3 and Zn-Al-CO3 respectively and then stayed practically the same regardless of the concentration. Adsorption kinetics studies revealed that the adsorption process followed pseudo-second order kinetics model instead of a pseudo-first-order model. The adsorption isotherm data follow the Langmuir equation in which parameters are calculated. The maximum Langmuir monolayer adsorption capacities were 94.87, 21.79, and 66.71 mg.g-1, respectively, for Zn-Fe-CO3, Zn-Cr-CO3, and Zn-Al-CO3. The adsorption capacities were slightly influenced by the pH variations from 5 to 10, showing the advantage of using these materials in water treatments in a wide pH range. Finally, the IC removal is proven by the presence of IC functional groups in IR spectra and thermograms. TGA/DSC of Zn-Fe-CO3 obtained after removal of IC indicate that the LDHs stabilizes IC and delays the combustion of adsorbed molecules. Copyright © 2020 by Authors, Published by BCREC Group. This is an open access article under the CC BY-SA License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0).
Facile Investigation of Ti3+ State in Ti-based Ziegler-Natta Catalyst with A Combination of Cocatalysts Using Electron Spin Resonance (ESR)
Authors: Pongchan Thanyaporn , Praserthdam Piyasan , Jongsomjit Bunjerd 
Published: February 2020

This study aims to investigate the influences of a combination of cocatalysts including triethylaluminum (TEA) and tri-n-octylaluminum (TnOA) for activation of a commercial Ti-based Ziegler-Natta catalyst during ethylene polymerization and ethylene/1-hexene copolymerization on the change in Ti3+ during polymerization. Thus, electron spin resonance (ESR) technique was performed to monitor the change in Ti3+ depending on the catalyst activation by a single and combination of cocatalyst. It revealed that the amount of Ti3+ played a crucial role on both ethylene polymerization and ethylene/1-hexene copolymerization. For ethylene polymerization, the activation with TEA apparently resulted in the highest catalytic activity. The activation with TEA+TnOA combination exhibited a moderate activity, whereas TnOA activation gave the lowest activity. In case of ethylene/1-hexene copolymerization, it revealed that the presence of 1-hexene decreased activity. The effect of different cocatalysts tended to be similar to the one in the absence of 1-hexene. The decrease of temperature from 80 to 70 °C in ethylene/1-hexene copolymerization tended to lower catalytic activity for TnOA and TEA+TnOA, whereas only slight effect was observed for TEA system. The effect of different cocatalyst activation on the change of Ti3+ state of catalyst was elucidated by ESR measurement. It appeared that the activation of catalyst with TEA+TnOA combination essentially inhibited the reduction of Ti3+ to Ti2+ leading to lower activity. Furthermore, the polymer properties such as morphology and crystallinity can be altered by different cocatalysts. Copyright © 2020 by Authors, Published by BCREC Group. This is an open access article under the CC BY-SA License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0).
Enhancing Enzymatic Digestibility of Coconut Husk using Nitrogen-assisted Subcritical Water for Sugar Production
Authors: Muharja Maktum , Fadhilah Nur , Nurtono Tantular , Widjaja Arief 
Published: February 2020

Coconut husk (CCH) as an abundant agricultural waste in Indonesia has the potential to be utilized for sugar production, which is the intermediate product of biofuel. In this study, subcritical water (SCW) assisted by nitrogen (N2) was developed to enhance the enzymatic hydrolysis of CCH. SCW process was optimized by varying the operation condition: the pressure of 60-100 bar, the temperature of 150-190 °C, and the time of 20-60 min. The SCW-treated solid was subsequently hydrolyzed by utilizing a mixture of commercial cellulase and xylanase enzymes. The result shows that the optimum total sugar yield was obtained under the mild condition of SCW treatment, resulting in the sugar of 15.67 % and 10.31 % gained after SCW and enzymatic hydrolysis process, respectively. SEM and FTIR analysis of SCW-treated solid exhibited the deformation of lignin and solubilization of cellulose and hemicellulose, while XRD and TGA revealed an increase of the amount of crystalline part in the solid residue. The use of N2 in SCW treatment combined with enzymatic hydrolysis in this study suggested that the method can be considered economically for biofuel production from CCH waste in commercial scale. Copyright © 2020 by Authors, Published by BCREC Group. This is an open access article under the CC BY-SA License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0).
Soluble Colloidal Manganese Dioxide: Formation, Characterization and Application in Oxidative Kinetic Study of Ciprofloxacin
Authors: Tazwar Gajala , Devra Vijay 
Published: February 2020

Soluble colloidal manganese dioxide was formed by reduction of potassium permanganate with sodium thiosulphate in neutral aqueous medium at 25 ºC. The obtained nano-sized colloidal manganese dioxide was found to be dark reddish-brown in color and stable for several months. The formation of manganese dioxide was confirmed by UV-visible spectrophotometer and determination of oxidation state of Mn species in manganese dioxide. The effect of different concentration of sodium thiosulphate on the formation of manganese dioxide was also studied. The nano-sized colloid manganese dioxide was characterized by transmission electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometer. The formed soluble colloidal manganese dioxide was used as an oxidant in oxidation of ciprofloxacin in perchloric acid medium at 35 ºC. The reaction was first-order concerning to concentration of manganese dioxide and hydrogen ion but fractional order with ciprofloxacin. The results suggest formation of complex between ciprofloxacin and manganese dioxide. The oxidation products were also identified based on stoichiometric and characterization results. Copyright © 2020 by Authors, Published by BCREC Group. This is an open access article under the CC BY-SA License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0).