Main Components Research Articles

Digital Channels of Employer Brand Formation

Relevance. In modern conditions of high competition in the labor market, new forms of work are becoming particularly relevant, in particular, the creation of an HR brand as a tool for maintaining the company's image and attracting employees. The development of digital technologies has allowed companies to use new channels of employer brand formation – digital. However, despite the existing need, the features of their use have not been fully studied. Social networks and career sites as the main platforms for the formation of an employer's brand are rapidly developing and transforming, which requires their comprehensive research. The purpose is to identify the features of the use of career sites and social networks as the main digital channels for the formation of an employer's brand. Objectives: to reveal the essence and identify the main elements of the employer's brand; to conduct a comparative study of the use of career sites and social networks of four Russian companies: Dodo Pizza, Gulfstream, Chulakov.ru, Exness. Methodology. The methodological basis of the study was the work of G. Martin, S. Hat Trick, T. Ambler, S. Burrow. As a technical tool for the study of social networks, the system of multifactorial analysis of social media "Cribrum" was used, the method of content analysis was used in the study of career websites of companies. Results. As a result of the study, the authors identified the main components of the HR brand broadcast by digital channels focused on basic and additional values. The analysis of digital channels by selected elements revealed the specifics of their use in the formation of the employer's brand. Career sites to a greater extent broadcast additional values of the company, forming a holistic positive image for the general public, without highlighting the target categories of recruiting. Social networks mainly demonstrate the basic values of the company, their content is more specific, focused on certain categories of recruiting. Conclusion. Creating a successful employer brand requires a competent combination of the digital channels considered, taking into account their specifics and the category of recruiting, which will allow HR branding to become a long-term HR strategy for attracting and retaining target groups of employees.

Characteristics of Dissolved Organic Matter in Uranium Hosting Aquifers and Potential Molecular Transformation During Neutral In Situ Leaching

AbstractDissolved organic matter (DOM) is widespread in uranium (U) hosting aquifer, a key substance affecting CO2 + O2 in situ leaching (ISL) of U by consuming injected O2. However, molecular composition and molecular transformation of DOM are poorly understood in this aquifer during the U mining. To address this issue, Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry was applied to investigate DOM molecules in groundwater samples and rock samples collected from a U mining aquifer. The high proportion of labile tyrosine‐like component and BIX value in monitoring wells (BM) indicated the biological origin of DOM. CHOS and aliphatic were the major components of water‐soluble organic matter (WSOM) in U‐bearing rocks, but CHO and highly unsaturated structures with high oxygen (HUSHO) were the main components of DOM in BM. The ISL led to the release of WSOM and the oxidation of DOM, which accounted for 24.5%–57.4% and 39.1%–65.7% of expected DOM, respectively. Potential molecular transformations (PMTs) results showed that the intragroup transformations dominated, and remarkable transformations from CHON and CHONS to CHO occurred during ISL. The positive net PMTs of condensed aromatic structure (CAS), aromatic structures (AS), and aliphatic suggested that they were transformed from HUSLO and HUSHO. A gradual decrease in (DBE−O)/Cwa and a gradual increase in NOSCwa indicated that the saturated degree and oxidation state of DOM increased during mining. This work successfully identified molecular characteristics of DOM in U hosting aquifer, and proposed a paradigm of DOM transformation pathways during ISL.

NFTs in Smart Cities: Vision, Applications, and Challenges

Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) have recently received widespread attention as their market has experienced massive growth since early 2021. NFTs are blockchain-based tokens used to represent ownership of digital and physical assets in a manner that is transparent, traceable, tamper-proof, secure, and trustworthy. Although NFTs have enabled new applications in the gaming and art industries, their full extent and potential are yet to be explored. In this paper, we outline the vision of using NFTs in smart cities. We describe the main components of NFTs and how smart city applications, such as smart governance, smart services, smart economy, smart industry, smart environment, and smart mobility and transportation, can benefit from them. In addition, we show how leveraging NFTs can add value to the metaverse. Finally, we discuss research challenges that hinderthe adoption of NFTs in smart cities

Biological Importance, Pharmacological Activities, and Nutraceutical Potential of Capsanthin: A Review of Capsicum Plant Capsaicinoids.

Carotenoids are natural hydrocarbons that play an important role in photomorphogenesis, photosynthesis, photoprotection, development, and defense mechanism of plants. Carotenoids have good anti-oxidants and provitamin A contents with their additional colorant nature, which are indispensable to plants and human diets. Capsicum species are well known for their culinary uses worldwide; they are not only cultivated as vegetables but used in numerous medicinal preparations as well due to their medicinal aspects. This article aims to collect data on the beneficial aspects of capsaicinoids with a major emphasis on capsanthin. In order to instigate the biological potential and therapeutic benefit of capsanthin in medicine, in the present work, scientific research data on capsanthin were collected from different literature sources and analyzed. The biological potential of Capsicum annuum in medicine was also investigated through literature data analysis of different scientific research work. Scientific data on capsanthin were collected from Google, Google Scholar, PubMed, Science Direct, and Scopus using the term capsanthin and capsicum in the present work. Detailed pharmacological activities of capsanthin were presented and discussed in the present work through scientific data analysis of research work. Analytical techniques for the separation, isolation, and identification of capsanthin were taken into consideration in this work. Scientific data analysis revealed the biological importance and therapeutic benefit of capsanthin and capsicum in medicine. Capsicum annuum is a member of the Solanaceae family, which is one of the most cultivated spices worldwide. Capsaicinoids are one of the main classes of phytochemicals found in chili peppers, i.e., Capsicum annuum, and are mainly responsible for the pungent and spicy flavor of chili peppers. Capsanthin is a crystalline red color pigment found as the main component of Capsicum annuum fruits during ripening. Capsanthin is also found in Lilium, Aesculus, Berberis, and Asparagus officinalis. Chemically, capsanthin contains a cyclopentane ring, 11 conjugated double bonds, and a conjugated keto group. Capsanthin is a powerful antioxidant, exhibits anti-tumor activities, attenuates obesity-induced inflammation, and raises plasma HDL cholesterol levels. Scientific studies have proven the pharmacological benefits of capsanthin in medicine as it is helpful in pain relief, cardioprotection, weight loss, and body temperature regulation. Moreover, it also has anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activities. In the literature database, numerous extraction and isolation techniques have been documented for capsanthin. In addition, the analytical techniques and other bioanalytical tools for the isolation and identification of capsanthin were also discussed in the present article. Medicinal importance and pharmacological activities of capsanthin were reviewed and discussed in this paper. This review aimed to highlight the literature on capsanthin in drug discoveries with their analytical development.

Nutritional composition, phytochemicals, and antioxidant activities of Abies marocana Trab. needles

IntroductionFinding natural sources of bioactive compounds is turning into a cutting- edge task for the scientific community and industry alike. Abies marocana, Moroccan fir, holds great importance due to its ecological, economic, social, and cultural significance.Material and MethodsThe current study aimed to evaluate the needles of Abies marocana in terms of its nutritional and anti-nutrient content, bioactive components, and antioxidant capacity. The AOAC technique was used to determine the composition of the needles. Mineral content was analyzed by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. Phytochemical screening of methanol extract was performed using standard procedures, and multiple assays evaluated antioxidant activity. The extract’s volatile profile was elucidated using GC-MS method.Results and DiscussionThe presence of various components in the needles was discovered through proximate analysis, including carbohydrates, crude protein, crude fiber, crude fat, ash, and moisture. Anti-nutrients such as chlorophyll, carotenoids, and vitamin A were confirmed. Needles are a rich source of mineral elements and contain significant levels of phenols, flavonoids, tannins, and phytosterols. Palmitic acid, 17-octadecynoic acid, and (Z)-18- octadec-9-enolide were the main components identified by GC-MS analysis. The methanolic extract exhibited substantial antioxidant capacity. The DPPH scavenging activity displayed a remarkable percentage inhibition. The integration of Abies marocana needles into sustainable diets can contribute to the well- being of humans and the planet, since the nutrient and bioactive compounds present have potential applications in the pharmaceutical and food industries.

Essential oils from Anethum graveolens L. and their phytotoxic and antibiofilm potential

Essential oils (EOs) from inflorescences (EO-i), stems (EO-s) and leaves (EO-l) of Anethum graveolens are analyzed by GC and GC-MS. The main components are α-phellandrene (51.44%) and p-cymene (22.65%) in the EO-i, p-cymene (50.75%) and α-phellandrene (35.73%) in EO-s and p-cymene (40.01%) and α-phellandrene (36.38%) in EO-l. The phytotoxic activity was tested against germination and growth of aerial parts and roots of dicotyledones (Sinapis arvensis and Trifolium campestre) and monocotyledone (Lolium multiflorum) weeds. The EOs proved to be particularly active against S. arvensis and T. campestre, causing total inhibition of germination and growth at the highest doses (2.0 and 1.5 μL/mL) with IC50 values included between 0.3 and 1.6 mg/mL. The antibacterial and antibiofilm activity was tested against Gram positive (Staphylococcus aureus subsp. aureus and Listeria monocytogenes) and Gram negative (Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli) pathogenic bacterial strains. EOs presented MICs lower than those of Tetracycline (20-24 mg/mL) against most bacterial strains (from 4 to 6 mg/mL). EOs were found to be active in inhibiting bacterial biofilm formation with IC50 values between 1.47 and 3.85 mg/mL. The activity against bacterial metabolism occurred for EO-i and EO-s against A. baumannii and E. coli with IC50 between 0.99 and 5.39 mg/mL. This investigation provides data about the chemical variation among different parts of A. graveolens and encourages the use of its EOs as natural phytotoxic and antibacterial agents in agriculture, food and pharmaceutical sectors.

A Study on Choosing Bricks on Site During Construction

Large numbers of bricks are required to meet the needs of increasing population for both residential and commercial sectors. The overall development and industrial development lead to the use of the traditional bricks at a very hefty rate. The traditional bricks are commonly made up of clay as its main component as a result it is on the verge of exhaustion. To standardize its broad, utilize and discovering its auxiliary one is the need of the hour. In this study, bricks were made by using different proportions of alternative materials like fly ash(FA), sand, lime and plaster of Paris . The size of sample 220×130×900 mm was manufactured and quality constraints like compressive strength and water absorption were tested at different curing ages. The cost-effective mix design of the bricks for optimum compressive strength and rate analysis was also the part of this study. It was detected from the observation of results that the compressive strength decreases with increasing percentage in fly ash and increases with increasing percentage of sand and lime in fly ash-based bricks. Increment in water absorption was observed as fly ash content is increased and decrement of water absorption is seen with increasing percentage of sand and lime in fly ash-based bricks.

Environment‐Tolerant Conductive Eutectogels for Multifunctional Sensing

AbstractConductive hydrogels have shown significant potential in the realm of flexible electronics; however, using water as a solvent introduces problems such as low‐temperature freezing and water loss. One possible solution to address these limitations is replacing water with deep eutectic solvents (DES). In this study, the PHEAA–gelatin–MXene (PGM) eutectogels are constructed with poly(N‐hydroxyethyl acrylamide) (PHEAA) and gelatin as the main components, and MXene nanosheets are added as nanofillers. The PGM eutectogels exhibit exceptional tensile and compressive mechanical properties, including remarkable stretchability (940%), high strength (0.5 MPa), high toughness (1.39 MJ m−3), and impressive compressive strength (0.3 MPa at 80% strain). Additionally, the PGM eutectogels demonstrate excellent adhesion, anti‐freezing, and long‐term anti‐drying abilities. Moreover, the PGM eutectogels multifunctional sensors allow high sensitivity, which enables accurate real‐time and stable monitoring of human activities over a wide temperature range. Consequently, the PGM eutectogels hold great potential as candidates in fields such as flexible wearable devices, personal healthcare, and human–machine interfaces.

Smartphone-Enabled Interaction on Large Displays—A Web-Technology-Based Approach

This paper proposes the design and implementation of a system for simultaneous communication of several users over a single display, such as large public displays or video walls. Motivated by the lack of software frameworks that are both free and suited for the desired level of complexity, we present a novel, out-of-the-box solution for collaborative and remotely controlled application use. The solution is based exclusively on web technologies, thus significantly facilitating usability and reach, and eliminating the need for additional software installations or the use of additional devices. The architecture of the developed solution is modular and comprises three main components: (1) the environment, (2) the remote controllable application (RCA), and (3) the controller. The environment serves as a central hub that manages the data flow and ensures synchronization between the user devices. The RCA, which runs on the large display, serves as the interface for interacting with the content, while the controller, which is loaded on the users’ smartphones, enables control and interaction with the RCA in real time. By using web sockets and a server–client architecture, the system supports device- and platform-independent remote control and centralized collaboration through an off-the-shelf communication framework entirely flexible regarding client application. In order to demonstrate the possibilities of the proposed system, several different scenarios were covered, and solutions were implemented and tested on a large display in the faculty lobby.

Qingxiangxing Baijiu sensory quality grade classification by 1H NMR and GC combined with multivariate statistical analysis

The traditional uniform artificial sensory evaluation makes it difficult to standardize the classification of different sensory quality grades of Baijiu. In this study, a total of 92 authentic Qingxiangxing Baijiu samples with 3 sensory quality grades were carefully collected. Gas chromatography (GC) was used to determine 46 main flavor components and proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) spectroscopy was employed to obtain hydrogen atom characteristic information of organic compounds. The principal component analysis (PCA), k-nearest neighbor (KNN) and linear discriminant analysis (LDA) models were conducted and fully validated by internal leave-one-out cross validation (LOOCV) and external repeated double random cross validation (RDRCV). The sensory quality grades of Qingxiangxing Baijiu were effectively classified by using GC and 1H NMR techniques coupled with PCA/KNN analysis with the averaged accuracy higher than 80%. In addition, synthetic minority oversampling technique (SMOTE) algorithm was successfully used to address the model overfitting problem caused by an unbalanced sample composition. This study demonstrated that 1H NMR and GC combined with multivariate statistical analysis were effective for sensory quality classification of Qingxiangxing Baijiu.

Impact of Petrophysical and Mechanical Properties on Engineering Classification of the Facha Reservoir Rocks, Western Sirte Basin, Libya

Rock identification and classification have contributed to the enhancement of drilling oil wells and production reservoir performance. Therefore, understanding the properties of reservoir rocks is a major concern in the petroleum industry. In this context, Young’s modulus and uniaxial compressive strength are major mechanical rock properties essential for defining the engineering classification and modulus ratio of rocks. However, these parameters are used in order to examine the impact of the petrophysical properties on mechanical strength in the Facha member (reservoir) of the Gir Formation in the western central of Sirte Basin, oilfields of central Libya. Dolomite, limestone, dolomitic limestone, and anhydrite are the main lithofacies rock components of this reservoir, as well as of a third member of the Gir Formation (Lower Eocene). Young’s modulus and uniaxial compressive strength were computed from sonic and bulk density well logs data from six wells in four different oil fields. This oil-rich reservoir has an average thickness of 104 m, an average total porosity of 16%, and argillaceous material content (clay) of 4%. According to the engineering classification chart of Deere and Miller, the Facha reservoir rocks have a very low class (E < 27.5 Mpa) to high strength class (B ≈ 110-220 Mpa) and have a medium-to-high modulus ratio (M ≈ 200–500 and H ≈ 500). Generally, the diagenesis process, for instance dolomitization, affected both the strength and the modulus ratio.

Layered structure of sialoliths compared with tonsilloliths and antroliths.

The aim of this study was to perform a comparative analysis of the ultrastructural and chemical composition of sialoliths, tonsilloliths, and antroliths and to describe their growth pattern. We obtained 19 specimens from 18 patients and classified the specimens into three groups: sialolith (A), tonsillolith (B), and antrolith (C). The peripheral, middle, and core regions of the specimens were examined in detail by histology, micro-computed tomography (micro- CT), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). In the micro-CT, group A showed alternating radiodense and radiolucent layers, while group B had a homogeneous structure. Group C specimens revealed a compact homogeneous structure. Histopathologically, group A showed a laminated, teardrop-shaped, globular structure. Group B demonstrated degrees of immature calcification of organic and inorganic materials. In group C, the lesion was not encapsulated and showed a homogeneous lamellar bone structure. SEM revealed that group A showed distinct three layers: a peripheral multilayer zone, intermediate compact zone, and the central nidus area; groups B and C did not show these layers. The main elemental components of sialoliths were O, C, Ca, N, Cu, P, Zn, Si, Zr, F, Na, and Mg. In group B, a small amount of Fe was found in the peripheral region. Group C had a shorter component list: Ca, C, O, P, F, N, Si, Na, and Mg. TEM analysis of group A showed globular structures undergoing intra-vesicular calcification. In group B, bacteria were present in the middle layer. In the outer layer of the group C antrolith, an osteoblastic rimming was observed. Sialoliths had distinct three layers: a peripheral multilayer zone, an intermediate compact zone and the central nidus area, while the tonsillolith and antrolith specimens lacked distinct layers and a core.

Just Soaping Them: The Simplest Method for Converting Metal Organic Frameworks into Superhydrophobic Materials.

The incorporation of superhydrophobic properties into metal organic framework (MOF) materials is highly desirable to enhance their hydrolytic stability, gas capture selectivity in the presence of humidity and efficiency in oil-water separations, among others. The existing strategies for inducing superhydrophobicity into MOFs have several weaknesses, such as increased cost, utilization of toxic reagents and solvents, applicability for limited MOFs, etc. Here, we report the simplest, most eco-friendly, and cost-effective process to impart superhydrophobicity to MOFs, involving a rapid (90 min) treatment of MOF materials with solutions of sodium oleate, a main component of soap. The method can be applied to both hydrolytically stable and unstable MOFs, with the porosity of modified MOFs approaching, in most cases, that of the pristine materials. Interestingly, this approach was used to isolate superhydrophobic magnetic MOF composites, and one of these materials formed stable liquid marbles, whose motion could be easily guided using an external magnetic field. We also successfully fabricated superhydrophobic MOF-coated cotton fabric and fiber composites. These composites exhibited exceptional oil sorption properties achieving rapid removal of floating crude oil from water, as well as efficient purification of oil-in-water emulsions. They are also regenerable and reusable for multiple sorption processes. Overall, the results described here pave the way for an unprecedented expansion of the family of MOF-based superhydrophobic materials, as virtually any MOF could be converted into a superhydrophobic compound by applying the new synthetic approach.

Periprosthetic Joint Infection as a Socio-Economic Problem of Modern Orthopedics

Periprosthetic joint infection is the main social and economic problem of modern orthopedics with a recurrence rate of chronic forms of up to 23.2–31.5%. The aim of this review is to inform various specialties doctors about the features of pathogenesis, etiology and treatment of periprosthetic joint infection, which significantly differ it from of other surgical site infections. The severity of infectious complications is due to the suppression of the patient’s immune system and microbial biofilms. Surgical treatment of periprosthetic joint infection involves debridement with preservation or removal of the implants, resection arthroplasty and arthrodesis. Today, in the treatment of more than 80% of cases of chronic infection, a two-stage approach is used, which allows to restore joint function after an average of 1.0–1.5 years. An integral part of the treatment of patients is high-dose, long-term and combined antibiotic therapy, which allows you to effectively deal with the leading pathogens of periprosthetic infection Staphylococcus aureus and S. epidermidis, the share of which is 46.5–57.5%. In the conditions of growing resistance of bacteria to antibiotics, the interest of researchers in the possibilities of using bacteriophages in the complex therapy of infections of bones and joints has increased. The cost of treatment exceeds the cost of “aseptic” joint replacement by 2–24 times and is characterized by a high level of disability and mortality of patients. Taking into account the numerous factors affecting the course and effectiveness of complex treatment of patients with periprosthetic infection, a multidisciplinary approach is currently considered the main component of success. The medical and social significance and high financial costs of treating patients with periprosthetic infection indicate the need for further research and the active implementation of effective scientific developments in the practical healthcare system.

Rancang Bangun Thermoelectric Generator (TEG) Sebagai Suplai Daya Alternatif Germinasi Kacang Hijau

The central government has established the National Energy Policy (KEN) to increase the utilization of renewable energy sources (EBT) by around 23% by 2025 and 31% by 2050. In an effort to support the government's program, researchers have developed a Thermoelectric Generator (TEG) as an alternative power supply to replace the energy source from PT PLN for electrical equipment used in the green bean germination process such as lights, fans, and water pumps. This prototype consists of two chambers: a combustion chamber that generates electrical energy and a control room for the germination process. These two areas are separated to ensure that the control device and germination process are not affected by the heat from combustion. The main components of this prototype include ten TEG units with a maximum power of 5.2 W, a 33 Ah battery, an 8A Buck-boost converter, a 3A Buck converter, a 6W Full Spectrum LED, four DC fans, and a DC pump. The TEG functions effectively as the germination process proceeds smoothly.

Cardiovascular risk in patients with inflammatory arthritis

Rheumatoid and other inflammatory arthritis (ankylosing spondylitis and psoriatic arthritis) have a high risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). It is caused by the accelerated development of atherosclerosis associated with a chronic systemic inflammatory process. Nevertheless, traditional CVD risk factors (hypertension, smoking, dyslipidemia) are also important for patients with inflammatory arthritis. The greatest amount of data has been accumulated regarding the relationship between CVD and rheumatoid arthritis. Due to the difficulties in diagnosing coronary heart disease and other CVD, it is of great importance to identify patients at high and very high risk. The use of scales for assessing the total cardiovascular risk SCORE/SCORE 2 with a coefficient of 1.5 allows to identify patients who need measures to reduce their high risk of CVD. Control of the of the disease activity, lifestyle modification, therapy with statins and antihypertensive drugs in accordance with current guidelines, caution when prescribing non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and minimizing the dose of glucocorticoids are the main components of the strategy for reducing the risk of CVD in patients with inflammatory arthritis.

Wave impact pressure and pressure impulse on a square column with an overhanging deck in regular waves

As the main component of semi-submersible platforms, the deck-column structure is inevitably subjected to severe wave impacts in extreme ocean environments. The wave impact pressure and its time integral, impact pressure impulse, play an important role in the structural design, especially for the analysis of dynamic response. To investigate the characteristics of impact pressure and pressure impulse, wave impact tests on a square column with overhanging deck were carried out under a series of regular waves. Wavelet denoising technique and empirical mode decomposition (EMD) method were employed to remove the noise interference and the dynamic amplification effect from raw data. Considering the stochastic feature, statistical analysis of pressure impulse was performed based on generalized extreme value (GEV) and two-parameter Weibull distribution models. The results show the strong variability of the wave pressure impulse and the necessity of statistical analysis even in regular waves. The peak impact pressure is more sensitive to the variation of initial air gap and column incline angle than the pressure impulse. The probability distribution of extreme pressure impulse agrees well with the GEV distribution and is mainly distinguished by the shape parameter. Furthermore, the probability distribution of extreme pressure impulse is significantly affected by the initial air gap, and the effect is also related to wave parameters. The present research reveals the probability distribution of wave pressure impulse in regular waves and lays a foundation for the statistical analysis of pressure impulse in irregular waves.

Non-native fish species as an important part of Zambia's food system: a case study of the Lake Kariba fishery

Fish have an important role in food systems of Zambia and are a cheaper source of animal protein, vitamins and minerals. Presently, fish catches are dwindling and many children and women in rural Zambia are malnourished because their diet consists mainly of maize, vegetables and legumes. The main component of the diet is nsima, a form of thick porridge prepared from maize flour, which provides energy as carbohydrates. This study was done to assess the impact of a non-native fish species (Oreochromis niloticus, Nile tilapia) which has both positive and negative impacts on Zambia’s food system, with particular reference to the Lake Kariba fishery. The study was based on a networked systems framework, achieved through the administration of questionnaires, interviewing 377 randomly selected respondents from the three areas of the lake (I, II and IV) and 156 respondents from 7 selected open fish markets. Focus group discussions (FGD) were done with women, men and youth, who were key informants. Analysis of results using chi-square analysis, which cross-tabulated variables were used to obtain the results. Non-native fish were introduced in the early 1980s for cage culture production in Lake Kariba but some fish accidentally escaped. This has changed the composition and abundance of fish species in the lake. Despite the negative ecological impact on native biodiversity, results showed that more fish are available to households, improving nutrition and disposable income from fish sales. The disposable income is used to purchase other foods, thereby reducing malnutrition among rural households. Thus, the introduction of appropriate non-native species might benefit households and the nation as a whole. Key words: Malnutrition, non-native fish species, Lake Kariba, Zambia, tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus

Determination of the chemical composition and evaluation of the antimicrobial and antioxidant potential of the essential oil from Cryptocarya ovalifolia van der Werff leaves (Lauraceae)

The present work aims to evaluate the chemical composition, the antimicrobial and antioxidant properties of the essential oil from Cryptocarya ovalifolia van der Werff (COEO) leaves collected in Mandraka forest. COEO was extracted by steam distillation from fresh leaves, with a yield of 0.7%. COEO appeared as a clear liquid, yellow, with a pleasant odour and relative density of 0.8943 at 20 °C, a refractive index of 1.4746, an optical rotation of – 31°13, an acid index of 0.638 and an ester index of 6.375. A total of 31 constituents accounting for 99.98% of the total essential oil content were identified by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. The main component was sabinene (30.65%) and the major components (>5%) were limonene (17.33%), methyleugenol (14%) and α-pinene (8.33%). The antibacterial activity was tested on nine pathogenic microorganisms including four Gram positive bacteria, four Gram negative bacteria and one yeast using the disk diffusion and the microdilution assays. COEO was active on 4 strains with inhibition zone diameter (IZD) ranging from 8.7 mm (Bacillus cereus) to 12.7 mm (Clostridium perfringens). Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) varied from 1.12 to 2.23 mg/ml and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) was 8.93 mg/ml for all strains. COEO had bacteriostatic action on Streptococcus pneumoniae, Clostridium perfringens, Bacillus cereus and Candida albicans (MBC/MIC>4) and bactericidal action on Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi and Vibrio fischeri (MBC/MIC≤4). COEO exhibited radical scavenging activity against DPPH with an IC50 of 123.29 mg/ml. By oral route, its LD50 was 1.9/Kg body weight.

Seseli tortuosum L. subsp. tortuosum Essential Oils and Their Principal Constituents as Anticancer Agents.

Seseli tortuosum L. subsp. tortuosum, belonging to the Apiaceae family, is a species that grows in Europe, mainly in the Mediterranean regions. The history of its application in traditional medicine highlights its various biological properties. Trying to explore the phytochemistry and pharmacological aspects of this species, the essential oils (EOs) extracted from flowers, stems, and roots of a locally wild accession, never previously investigated, growing in Sicily, Italy, were investigated. The chemical composition of all EOs, obtained by the hydrodistillation method, was evaluated by GC-MS. The most abundant class of all investigated samples was that of monoterpene hydrocarbons (79.98-91.21%) with p-cymene, α-pinene, β-pinene, and β-ocimene as major compounds. These EOs, and their main components, were tested for their possible anticancer activity. Obtained data provided evidence that among the different EOs tested, at the dose of 100 μg/mL, those extracted from stems and roots were particularly effective, already at 24 h of treatment, in reducing the cell viability of 42% and 95%, respectively, in HCT116 colon cancer cell line. These EOs also exerted a remarkable cytotoxic effect that was accompanied by morphological changes represented by cell shrinkage as well as a reduction in residual cell population. Differently, modest effects were found when EOs extracted from flowers were tested in the same experimental conditions. The evaluation of the phytocompounds mainly represented in the EOs extracted from different parts of the plant and tested in a range of concentrations between 20 and 200 μg/mL, revealed that α-pinene, β-pinene, and p-cymene exerted only modest effects on cell viability. Differently, a remarkable effect was found when β-ocimene, the most abundant phytocomponent in EOs from roots, was tested on colon cancer cells. This phytocompound, among those identified in EOs from Seseli tortuosum L. subsp. tortuosum, was found to be the most effective in reducing colon cancer cell viability with IC50 = 64.52 μg/mL at 24 h of treatment. All together, these data suggest that β-ocimene could be responsible for the effects observed in colon cancer cells.