Natural Media Research Articles

Antimicrobial activity of blue mold (Penicillium italicum) Filtrates against some species of pathogenic bacteria

Background: Penicillium saprophytic species, which primarily consume organic biodegradable materials, is a common example of a fungal species. The preparation filtrates of Penicillium italicum, a saprophyte on citrus fruits frequently linked to post-harvest diseases in this crop, were included in the current investigation. Objective: This investigation aimed determine the most efficient culture medium for the production of antibacterial secondary metabolites. Patients and Methods: included identifying the growth medium for P. italicum and produce its metabolites through the use of gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC MS) for both solid-state fermentation filtrate (SSFF) and liquid fermentation filtrate (LFF). Additionally, the antimicrobial activity of the mold filtrate against certain pathogenic bacteria was assessed using the agar well diffusion method. Results: indicated that the biomass used for mold growth was heavier in SSFF than LFF, and according to the findings, the selective active isolate's crude filtrate from two duplicates of the P. italicum Yeast Extract Sucrose YES culture medium was 0.063 mg, while the crude extract from rotten orange (as a solid medium) containing P. italicum was 0.11 mg. Tetracosane and other substances with a track record of therapeutic activity were found in the two mold extracts, according to GC MS data. Overall, both SSFF and LFF demonstrated antibacterial activity against Klebsiella pneumonia, Escherichia coli, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus, with the inhibition zones± standard deviation (IZ± SD) being 24.7± 0.57, 18.2± 0.28, 26.3± 0.59, 21.6± 0.51, and 32.8± 0.21 (for SSFF) mm and 0.0, 12.3±0.57, 28.16±0.20, 19.3±1.15, and 28±0.2 (for LFF) mm, respectively. Conclusion: the filtrate of P. italicum from a natural medium (rotted orange) as a solid state fermentation was more weighted and gave many effective metabolites compared to what was produced by liquid fermentation on a synthetic medium, and both liquid and solid fermentation filtrates demonstrated efficacy against harmful bacteria.

Performance assessment on a modified precision refrigeration cycle using low GWP mixtures

Recently, with the increasing worldwide demand for low-temperature freezers, applying natural working medium hydro-carbon refrigerants for them has been widely concerned. Auto-cascade refrigeration cycle (ARC), as an efficient refrigeration technology, has been widely applications. However, the low separation efficiency of the refrigerant mixtures of the conventional ARC leads to its poor performance. Therefore, this paper presents a modified auto-cascade refrigeration cycle (MARC) using low GWP hydro-carbon refrigerants R170 and R290 for low-temperature freezer applications. In MARC, the two auxiliary separators are applied to make more low-boiling working fluid into evaporator to improve the volumetric cooling capacity (qev) and COP. The characteristics of conventional ARC and MARC are evaluated with theoretical method. The important parameters such as evaporating temperature and intermediate temperature for MARC are also detailed discussed. The theoretical research results suggest the MARC is more energy-saving and feasible. The improved cycle offers significant improvements in qev, COP and exergy efficiency. In detail, for MARC, the qev can be lifted by 40.3–91.3 % and the COP can be improved by 30.6–70.4 % compared with the ARC system. Therefore, the modified MARC shows its potential advantages for low-temperature freezer applications.

The yeast Dothiora sorbi IOJ-3 naturally produced various filamentous sectors with distinct abilities by undergoing DNA demethylation

Some fungi have demonstrated the ability to adapt rapidly to changing environments by exhibiting morphological plasticity, a trait influenced by species and environmental factors. Here, an anamorphic yeast strain IOJ-3 exhibited unique sectorization characteristics, naturally producing diverse filamentous sectors when cultivated on potato dextrose agar (PDA) medium or natural culture medium for durations exceeding 13 days. The strain IOJ-3 and its filamentous sectors were identified as Dothiora sorbi. The morphology of the sectors was consistent and heritable. The life cycle of strain IOJ-3 was investigated through microscopic observation, emphasizing the development of conidiogenous cells as a crucial stage, from which filamentous sectors originate. Some physiological characteristics of IOJ-3 and filamentous sectors are compared, and strain IOJ-3 has a higher antibiotic tolerance than two filamentous sectors, IOJ-3a expands faster on the culture medium, and IOJ-3b can penetrate cellophane. A transcriptomic analysis was conducted to investigate the differentially expressed genes between the yeast form IOJ-3 and its two filamentous sectors, revealing a total of 594 genes that exhibited consistent differential expression relative to IOJ-3, including 44 silencing genes in IOJ-3 that were activated. Gene Ontology analysis indicated that these differentially expressed genes were primarily associated with the cellular component category. Furthermore, adding 5-Azacytidine accelerated filamentous sectorization and increased the proportion of filamentous cells of strain IOJ-3 in PD liquid media, suggesting that the filamentous sectorization observed in strain IOJ-3 is linked to processes of DNA demethylation. In conclusion, this study sheds light on the biological characteristics of D. sorbi regarding morphological transitions and provides substantial direction for exploring genes related to fungal filamentous development.

Synthesis of chitosan polyethylene glycol antibody complex for delivery of Imatinib in lung cancer cell lines.

Lung cancer is known as the most common cancer. Although the Ramucirumab antibody is a second-line treatment for lung cancer, the high interstitial fluid pressure limits the antibody's performance. In this way, Imatinib is a chemotherapeutic drug to reduce the interstitial fluid pressure. Up to now, unfortunately, both Ramucirumab and imatinib have not been reported in one nanosystem for cancer therapy. To fulfill this shortcoming, this paper aims to design a chitosan nanocarrier that loads imatinib and attaches to Ramucirumab for selective bonding to A549. Therefore, this paper aims to develop a polymeric nanosystem for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treatment. In first, the chitosan polyethylene glycol nanoparticle is synthesized, loaded with imatinib, and then targeted using Ramucirumab. Afterwards, the CS-PEG-Ab-Im by FTIR, TEM, DLS, zeta potential, and TGA techniques are characterized. The size of CS-PEG-Ab-Im was 25-30 nm, its surface charge was 13.1 mV, and the shape of CS-PEG-Ab-Im was nearly spherical and cylindrical. The therapeutic potential of CS-PEG-Ab-Im was assessed using the A549 cell line. According to the obtained results, the cell viability was 48% after 48 h of treatment of A549 cells using the IC50 concentration of CS-PEG-Ab-Im (100 nanomolar). Moreover, the apoptosis and cell cycle arrest percentages were increased by 3 and 6 times, respectively, as compared to free imatinib. Furthermore, the release rate of imatinib from CS-PEG-Ab-Im in an acidic medium was 17% during 1 h, indicating five times the imatinib release in the natural medium. Eventually, the result of flow cytometry indicates the more apoptotic effect of nanosystem to free imatinib and CS-PEG-Ab. Besides, cell arresting result exhibits the CS-PEG-Ab-Im and causes cell arrested at G1 by %8.17. Thus, it can be concluded that CS-PEG-Ab-Im can be an ideal nanosystem in NSCLC treatment.

Crack initiation and propagation from a closing flaw with frictional contact in a natural quasi-brittle orthotropic solid

This work considers the frictional closing of a pre-existing flaw in a natural quasi-brittle orthotropic medium (wood) under compression. The effect of the flaw face friction at multiple orientations of the flaw, on the peak load-bearing capacity are investigated. The failure due to crack growth initiation from the periphery of the pre-existing flaw and its propagation was investigated experimentally and modelled numerically. The experimental investigation was carried out using New Zealand Pine wood with a pre-existing flaw under a quasi-static compression test. In the numerical investigation, an eXtended Finite Element Method (XFEM)-based cohesive zone model (CZM) is employed in the modelling of the local crack initiation and propagation. The onset of the crack initiation is modelled using a stress-based criterion and the progressive degradation due to crack propagation is traction-separation based damage evolution. The XFEM-based CZM captures the crack initiation and propagation consistent with the experimental results. The numerical results also show the influence of flaw face friction on the peak load bearing capacity as well as the local stress response.

Study on the evolution of dissolved organic matter in the underground storage of mine water.

The water-rock interactions significantly affect the dissolution and release of dissolved organic matter (DOM) during the reinjection of mine water into the underground reservoir. In this study, the surface characteristics and chemical composition of the natural medium from the open-pit coal mine were characterized. The waste consists mainly of quartz-dominated sandstone (43.64%) and mudstone dominated by sanidine (76.36%). During the 35-day experiment, two protein-like, one humus-like, and one fulvic acid-like substances were identified by PARAFAC. It was observed that the type of aqueous medium significantly affected the variational trend of DOM. Compared to the artificial medium, the fluorescence intensity of waste materials in the waste dump increased significantly during the reinjection process. Therefore, a positive correlation was observed between the fraction of mudstone in the aqueous medium and the DOM composition, mainly due to the dissolution of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon substances from the mudstone. The results revealed that the natural water storage medium had a certain water storage feasibility when compared with the expensive artificial medium. However, the fraction of mudstone in the water storage medium should be controlled to minimize the release of organic matter into the environment.

Nature-based solutions for living systems: Connectivity, complexity, community

Ecofeminist artist and landscape designer Betsy Damon advocates for Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) as more effective, resilient, and economical alternatives to conventional infrastructure projects that try to impose human control over natural systems. NBS embraces nature's self-sustaining tendencies by harnessing natural processes to address environmental challenges. Damon examines case studies of NBS from her own career, including her 1998 Living Water Garden, a water-cleaning park in Chengdu, China. Damon also draws lessons from the reforestation of the Loess Plateau, the Indigenous-led restoration of Washington's Elwha River, and the revival of amaranth cultivation in Central Mexico. These cases reveal key principles behind effective NBS engagements: flexibility, complexity, interconnectedness, and memory. Meanwhile, projects that impose single-purpose design often degrade surrounding ecosystems. Damon critiques the common scientific approach of understanding systems only through isolating variables, arguing that isolated thinking leads to isolated design. She advocates for a shift towards radical interconnectedness. She concludes that because NBS don't place human systems and natural systems into separate, conflicting categories, they strengthen resilience on multiple levels. Damon envisions NBS as inextricable from quality of life, climate justice, and Indigenous sovereignty. Throughout, Damon examines water as the medium of nature's flexibility and resilience, from the ecosystem to the molecular level.

Assessing heavy metal contamination in a Brazilian metropolis: a case study with a focus on (bio)indicators.

The continuous expansion of the global vehicle fleet poses a growing threat to environmental quality through heavy metal contamination. In this scenario, monitoring to safeguard public health in urban areas is necessary. Our study involved the collection of 36 street dust and 29 moss samples from roads of a Brazilian metropolis (Recife) with varying traffic intensities as follows: natural reserve (0 vehicles per day), low (< 15,000 vehicles per day), medium (15,000-30,000 vehicles per day), and high (> 30,000 vehicles per day). ICP-AES analysis was performed to determine the concentrations of nine potentially toxic metals (Ba, Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, V, and Zn) to assess the influence of vehicular flow on urban contamination. In the street dust samples, the mean metal concentrations (mg kg-1) exhibited the following order: Ba (503.7) > Mn (303.0) > Zn (144.4) > Cu (95.3) > Cr (56.1) > Pb (34.2) > V (28.7) > Ni (11.3) > Cd (1.5). Conversely, in the moss samples, the metal concentration order was as follows (mg kg-1): Mn (63.8) > Zn (62.5) > Ba (61.0) > Cu (17.7) > Cr (8.0) > V (7.3) > Pb (7.0) > Ni (2.9) > Cd (0.3). Roads with higher traffic volumes exhibited the highest metal enrichments in moss samples for all metals and in dust samples for Cd, Cr, Mn, Ni, and V. However, dust from low-flow roads had higher enrichments for Ba, Cu, and Zn, indicating the influential role of other traffic-related factors in metal deposition. Our findings highlight traffic flow as the predominant source of pollution in urban centers, with both street dust and moss serving as sensitive indicators of metal input attributable to vehicular traffic. These indicators offer valuable insights for urban quality monitoring and pollution control efforts.

Fabrication of CZS NRs/NiSx NPs hybrids with abundant S-vacancies for signally promoting photocatalytic hydrogen production

The cocatalysts play a key role in photocatalytic technology in remarkably improving the efficiency of H2 evolution. Herein, S vacancies-rich Cd0.6Zn0.4S nanorods (CZS NRs) were prepared via solvothermal method. Then, as-obtained CZS NRs were modified with Ni–Co PBA-derived NiSx nanoparticles (NPs) cocatalyst using grinding method. The optimized CZS/NiSx-N-1.5 hybrids (CZS/NiSx-N, where N represents nickel nitrate which was used as nickel source) exhibited outstanding stability and activity, the average rate of H2 was up to 192.82 mmolg−1h−1 in deionized water medium, which was 201.4% higher than that of CZS. Besides, NiSx-A and NiSx-C cocatalysts with different particle sizes were obtained using nickel acetate (A) and nickel chloride (C) as nickel source, respectively. The CZS/NiSx-C-1.5 and CZS/NiSx-A-1.5 exhibited the H2 evolution rate of 180.70 and 201.93 mmolg−1h−1 in deionized water medium, respectively. The as-prepared materials also exhibited the excellent H2 evolution performance in natural seawater medium. Besides, the photocatalytic mechanism of H2 evolution over CZS NRs/NiSs NPs was also discussed. This work develops a novel H2 evolution cocatalyst and unveils the relationship between the loading amount/particle size of cocatalyst on the H2 evolution rate.

Kinetic modeling and optimization of ethanol fermentation by the marine yeast Wickerhamomyces subpelliculosus ZE75

The study aims to enhance ethanol production by Wickerhamomyces subpelliculosus ZE75 isolated from marine sediment. In addition, analyzing the kinetic parameters of ethanol production and optimization of the fermentation conditions was performed. The marine yeast isolate ZE75 was selected as the front runner ethanol-producer, with an ethanol yield of 89.77 gL−1. ZE75 was identified relying on the phenotypic and genotypic characteristics of W. subpelliculosus. The genotypic characterization based on the Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) sequence was deposited in the GenBank database with the accession number OP715873. The maximum specific ethanol production rate (vmax) was 0.482 gg−1 h−1 at 175 gL−1 glucose concentration, with a high accuracy of R2 0.95. The maximum growth specific rates (μmax) were 0.141 h−1 obtained at 150 gL−1 glucose concentration with R2 0.91. Optimization of the fermentation parameters such as pH and salinity has been achieved. The highest ethanol yield 0.5637 gg−1 was achieved in a 100% natural seawater-based medium. The maximum ethanol production of 104.04 gL−1 was achieved at pH 4.5 with a specific ethanol rate of 0.1669 gg−1 h−1. The findings of the present study recommend the possibility of ethanol production from a seawater-based medium on a large scale using W. subpelliculosus ZE75.Graphical abstract

Crude Oil Biodegradation Performance in Natural Seawater of a Trichoderma species from Decaying Mangrove Wood in East Kalimantan

Large-scale petroleum production poses environmental and human health risks, particularly due to petroleum contamination in marine environments. The aim of this study was to isolate and screen fungi inhabiting decaying mangrove wood in East Kalimantan with their ability to degrade crude oil in seawater. In the initial step, fungi were isolated using standard methods and screened for crude oil degradation and biomass production. Selected fungi were based on their significant biomass production. Subsequently, the selected fungus was cultured in three types of media based on natural seawater and crude oil at initial concentrations ranging from 1% to 5% (v/v). The biodegradation of crude oil was assessed spectrophotometrically at 420 nm. Out of the 17 decaying wood fungi, MG-07 exhibited significantly higher biomass production compared to the control medium (without crude oil). Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis indicated that MG-07 degraded 20%–80% of the normal aliphatic compounds in the tested crude oils within 2 weeks. Furthermore, the growth and degradation efficiency of MG-07 was significantly enhanced when cultured in a natural seawater medium containing crude oil, supplemented with glucose (20 g/L) and Tween 80 (1% v/v). The highest observed biomass gains were 867%, with a biodegradation efficiency of 31.6% at a crude oil concentration of 1%. MG-07 was identified as Trichoderma sp. based on the internal transcribed spacer region. The results obtained from this study demonstrate that MG-07 has significant potential for degrading crude oil in saline environments. These findings provide valuable insights for the application of fungi in marine oil spill remediation.

Plasmonic nano-bowls for monitoring intra-membrane changes in liposomes, and DNA-based nanocarriers in suspension.

Programmable nanoscale carriers, such as liposomes and DNA, are readily being explored for personalized medicine or disease prediction and diagnostics. The characterization of these nanocarriers is limited and challenging due to their complex chemical composition. Here, we demonstrate the utilization of surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS), which provides a unique molecular fingerprint of the analytes while reducing the detection limit. In this paper, we utilize a silver coated nano-bowl shaped polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) SERS substrate. The utilization of nano-bowl surface topology enabled the passive trapping of particles by reducing mobility, which results in reproducible SERS signal enhancement. The biological nanoparticles' dwell time in the nano-trap was in the order of minutes, thus allowing SERS spectra to remain in their natural aqueous medium without the need for drying. First, the geometry of the nano-traps was designed considering nanosized bioparticles of 50-150 nm diameter. Further, the systematic investigation of maximum SERS activity was performed using rhodamine 6 G as a probe molecule. The potential of the optimized SERS nano-bowl is shown through distinct spectral features following surface- (polyethylene glycol) and bilayer- (cholesterol) modification of empty liposomes of around 140 nm diameter. Apart from liposomes, the characterization of the highly crosslinked DNA specimens of only 60 nm in diameter was performed. The modification of DNA gel by liposome coating exhibited unique signatures for nitrogenous bases, sugar, and phosphate groups. Further, the unique sensitivity of the proposed SERS substrate displayed distinct spectral signatures for DNA micelles and drug-loaded DNA micelles, carrying valuable information to monitor drug release. In conclusion, the findings of the spectral signatures of a wide range of molecular complexes and chemical morphology of intra-membranes in their natural state highlight the possibilities of using SERS as a sensitive and instantaneous characterization alternative.

Effect of initial pore water content and salinity on the resistivity of methane hydrate-bearing fine sediments

Methane hydrates are widely distributed in the soft silty-clayey soils of continental margin sediments. The resistivity method is generally used to detect their distribution state and monitor their kinetic reaction process. However, there are some major details to be elaborated on as to the occurrence state and the evolution of key characteristic parameters. Based on the kinetic reaction experiment under different lithological conditions (initial water content and pore water salinity), this research records the changing resistance of natural sand porous medium system during the cooling formation of hydrates by in-situ measurement. The Archie formula is further used to study the influencing factors of the resistance of hydrate-bearing sediments and how the resistance changes during hydrate formation. The results demonstrate that these two lithological parameters can significantly affect the resistivity of the hydrate-bearing natural sand porous media system. It is found that within a certain range, NaCl in pore water will inhibit the formation reaction of hydrates, while an increase of initial water content will enhance the hydrate production amount in the system. With the hydrate formation in the pores, the porosity and skeleton composition of the natural sand porous medium change as well, coupled with the salt-removing effect, which further changes the system resistivity. During hydrate formation, the system resistivity changes regularly in the cooling stage, hydrate nucleation stage, and hydrate formation stage. Our study systematically considers the influence of these geological parameters on resistivity characterization at different reaction stages during the formation of natural hydrates. Thus, it can serve as a technical reference for hydrate reservoir logging and other related issues.

Evaluation of Marine Atmospheric Environmental Adaptability of 3238A/CCF300 Composite Material

Composite material has been widely used in various industries because of its superior properties. But when used in harsh environment the composite material is susceptible to aging under the influence of UV radiation, water, temperature, humidity and other natural environmental medium. To evaluate the environmental adaptability of composite material, exposed 3238A/CCF300 in marine atmospheric environment for 3 year. The results show that the morphology exhibit brightness enhancement and surface resin decomposition. And the mechanical properties including 90° tensile strength, 0° compressive strength, bending strength, shear strength have all decline, amongst which the 90° tensile strength declines 55.4%, is most sensitive to marine atmospheric environment. Finally analyses the failure mechanism of 3238A/CCF300 due to the combination of heat-humidity aging and photo-degradation process.

Effect of Natural Additives Modification Medium on in vitro Culture of Rhynchostylis gigantea (Lindl.) Ridl. by Tissue Culture Technique

Effect of Natural Additives Modification Medium on in vitro Culture of Rhynchostylis gigantea (Lindl.) Ridl. by Tissue Culture Technique

Sandpack flooding of microwave absorbent nanofluids under electromagnetic radiation: an experimental study

AbstractElectromagnetic (EM) radiation has long been recognized as an effective method for enhancing the quality and recovery of heavy and extra-heavy crude oil. The incorporation of EM absorbers, particularly nanoparticles, has demonstrated significant potential to boost efficiency and expand the stimulated reservoir volume. However, the application of simultaneous EM radiation and nanofluid injection in a natural porous medium, which is critical for the successful implementation of this approach in field-scale operations, remains an underexplored frontier. In this context, this research represents a pioneering endeavor, aiming to bridge this knowledge gap through a comprehensive statistical and optimization study. The primary objective was to unravel the intricate interplay between five distinct types of magnetic nanoparticles and their concentrations within the base fluid to improve oil production. Notably, it focused on iron oxide (Fe3O4) magnetic nanoparticles and their innovative hybridization with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) and nickel oxide (NiO) nanomaterial. A newly designed glass sandpack was employed as the porous medium, thus mirroring real reservoir conditions more accurately. Then, a rigorous full factorial design scrutinized the multifaceted effects of nanoparticle type and concentration when introduced into deionized water during this process. The results showed that microwave radiation, applied at 400 W, dramatically improved oil recovery, catapulting it from a baseline of 19% to an impressive 39.5% during water injection. The addition of magnetic nanoparticles to the base fluid enhances efficiency. However, the specific type of nanoparticle exerts varying effects on oil recovery rates. Notably, the synthesis of Fe3O4–MWCNT nanoparticles had a substantial impact on the ultimate oil recovery factor, achieving approximately 69%. Furthermore, the hybridization of Fe3O4 nanoparticles with MWCNT and NiO nanoparticles leads to reduced consumption (using low weight percentages) while achieving the highest oil recovery rates during the injection process. Finally, the optimization analysis demonstrated that employing 0.34 wt.% of Fe3O4–MWCNT nanoparticles under 400 W of microwave radiation represents the optimal condition for achieving the highest oil production in a sandpack porous medium. Under these conditions, the oil recovery factor can increase to 78%.

Optimization of physicochemical parameters for lipopeptides surfactin production by Bacillus halotolerans under oat straw medium using Box-Behnken design and artificial neural networks

The primary objective of this study was to produce lipopeptide surfactin using Bacillus halotolerans (GenBank accession: ON204239), which was isolated from the rhizosphere of pine trees in the El Baaraouia forest in Eastern Algeria. B. halotolerans demonstrated the capacity to biosynthesize surfactants when cultured on a blood agar medium, resulting in the formation of clear zones around the colonies. Antagonism tests were conducted using the culture supernatant on two liquid media: LB (Luria-Bertani) and a natural medium (OSM) with oats as the sole carbon source. The results showed significant inhibition zones (15 mm) on LB medium compared to larger zones (25 mm) on OSM after 24 h. In vivo, antagonistic activity under field conditions after 12 weeks revealed that B. halotolerans inoculated in OSM effectively enhanced and protected tomato plants against F. napiforme compared to the LB medium and the control group. The results exhibited notable differences in plant size, number of leaves, number of discolored leaves, and root mass, all favoring the OSM-inoculated plants. The study utilized a combination of Box-Behnken design within the response surface methodology (BBD-RSM), artificial neural networks (ANNs), and the genetic algorithm (GA) to optimize culture conditions and achieve maximum surfactin production. The optimal conditions for surfactin production included a substrate concentration of 7 g, incubation time of 30 h, pH of 2.31, and a temperature of 37.4 °C. Under these conditions, the antagonism test against phytopathogenic F. napiforme (GenBank accession: ON204349) using the culture supernatant revealed a significant inhibition zone of 18.5 mm after 24 h. UPLC-MS analysis of the lipopeptides produced by B. halotolerans cultured on an oat straw medium confirmed the production of various surfactin analogs. Seven analogs (C12, C13, C14, C15, C16, C17, and C18) were identified. Notably, the production of surfactin analogs by B. halotolerans in the Luria-Bertani medium yielded fewer analogs (C12, C13, C14, C15, and C16) in comparison. In summary, this study successfully optimized surfactin production conditions using BBD-RSM, ANNs, and GA, leading to enhanced antagonistic activity against F. napiforme and the identification of multiple surfactin analogs.

ANALISIS ZONASI KAWASAN RESAPAN AIR DI KECAMATAN KWANDANG KABUPATEN GORONTALO UTARA

The research aims to determine the zoning of water catchment areas in Kwandang District and find out how appropriate the use of regional spatial planning is in water catchment areas in Kwandang District. This research emphasizes a spatial approach. Analyze the variables to be studied using the overlay method with Geographic Information System (GIS) software and data scoring to identify water catchment areas. The zoning of water catchment areas in Kwandang District can be divided based on the classification of natural infiltration potential, namely large, medium and small natural infiltration potential. Medium natural infiltration potential has the largest area of around 17375.17 Ha or 88.61% of the total water catchment area, large natural infiltration potential has an area of 2201.21 Ha or around 11.23%, while small infiltration potential has the smallest area, namely 31.64 Ha or around 0.16% of the water catchment area in Kwandang District. Water catchment areas that have small and moderate natural infiltration in terms of space use can be used for the construction and development of cultivation areas, while water catchment areas that have large natural infiltration are recommended for use of space as protected areas.&#x0D; Keyword: Zoning; Water infiltration; Kwandang district.

Out-of-time Experiences in Four Iconic Twentieth Century European Modernist Novels Including Zeno's Conscience: A Psychosynthetic Analysis

On the centenary of the release of Italo Svevo's Zeno's Conscience in 1923, it is opportune to explore the renowned psychoanalytical novel from a fresh perspective—one that not only refrains from contradicting the traditional interpretation but also enhances and complements it. The psychosynthetic approach that I intend to employ in analyzing the transpersonal experiences depicted in "Zeno's Conscience" will demonstrate its efficacy as a valuable tool for attaining a more profound comprehension of the protagonist's—potentially reflecting Svevo's—complex personality. As Assagioli, the founder of psychosynthesis, articulates, it delves into the concept of multiple minds. In this first article of the two, transpersonal experiences of Zeno are identified, followed by descripting similar experiences in three iconic 20th-century European modernist novels, Ulysses, Time Regained and The Man Without Qualities, by using appropriate quotes. The common main feature of these four novels is the steadily flowing time, the natural medium of the "horizontal" processes of personal psychosynthesis (Chronos). My focus here is, however, on the detectable – although rather sporadic – "vertical" episodes of transpersonal psychosynthesis, which are, in a sense, "out of time" (Kairos). Moreover, Zeno's transpersonal experiences are compared with that of the characters’ of the selected three iconic modernist novels.

Novel targeted delivery of quercetin for human hepatocellular carcinoma using starch/polyvinyl alcohol nanocarriers based hydrogel containing Fe2O3 nanoparticles

The common adverse effects of chemotherapy are the reason for the use of effective, natural drugs and targeted administration to specific areas. On the one hand, Quercetin (QC) has positive effects as a natural anticancer agent. On the other hand, Fe2O3, as nanoparticles (NP) with clinical properties and high porosity, can be a suitable carrier for drug loading and controlled release. In this study, QC was encapsulated in a synthesized Fe2O3/Starch/Polyvinyl alcohol nanocarrier (Fe2O3/S/PVA NC). Characterization of the NC was done by Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM), zeta potential and Dynamic light scattering (DLS). The percentage of drug loading (DLE) and encapsulation efficiency (EE) of QC in the NC containing Fe2O3 nanoparticles was 47 % and 86.50 %, respectively, while it was 36 % and 73 % in the NC without Fe2O3. QC profile release in acidic and natural mediums showed controlled release and pH dependency of the NC. Viability of L929 and HepG2 treated cells with the Fe2O3/S/PVA/QC was demonstrated by MTT staining which was in agreement with flow cytometry. The results show that Fe2O3/S/PVA is a suitable NC for the targeted delivery of QC as a drug against HepG2 cancer cells.