Natural Properties Research Articles

3D PRINTING WITH NATURAL MATERIALS IN CIVIL CONSTRUCTION

The construction industry has experienced a number of transformations due to the use of digitalization and automation. Additive manufacturing, also known as 3D printing, is a current example. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the use of natural materials based on soil applied to 3D printing technology, with a focus on the thermal performance of buildings. A exploratory literature review was used to identify applied research that has explored these materials. The data obtained was systematized in a comparative table to identify the main strategies used. The analysis of applied research indicates that construction using 3D printing with materials based on soil is promising, taking advantage of the soil's natural thermal insulation properties and being able to incorporate parametric design and digital fabrication strategies to create complex, customized solutions for different contexts.

A novel Co/Zn-ferrite molecularly imprinted polymer-based electrochemical assay for sensing of gallic acid in plant extracts, wine, and herbal supplement.

In this study, a new molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP)-based sensor platform was developed for the electrochemical determination of gallic acid (GAL) in plant extracts, wine, and herbal supplements. Gallic acid is known for its natural antioxidant properties, which play an important role in preventing cell deterioration that can lead to various diseases. In addition, gallic acid has therapeutic potential due to its anticancer, antiinflammatory, antimicrobial, and neuroprotective properties. Accurate analysis of gallic acid in complex matrices, in mixed samples where different components coexist, is necessary to evaluate the efficacy and safety of this compound. Cobalt ferrite-zinc-dihydro caffeic acid (CFO_Zn_DHCA) nanoparticles, sphere-like in shape and 5 ± 1nm in size, were incorporated into the MIP-based electrochemical sensor design to enhance the active surface area and porosity of the glassy carbon electrode (GCE) surface. The functional monomer chosen for this study was aminophenyl boronic acid (3-APBA). In the GAL/CFO_Zn_DHCA/3-APBA@MIP-GCE sensor, which was developed using photopolymerization (PP), 3-APBA as a functional monomer was designed, and obtained in the presence of basic monomer (HEMA), cross-linker (EGDMA), and initiator (2-hydroxy-2-methyl propiophenone) by keeping it under a UV lamp at 365nm. It aims to detect GAL in real samples such as Punica granatum (pomegranate) peel, Camellia sinensis (green and black tea leaves), wine, and herbal supplements. Morphological and electrochemical characterizations of the designed GAL/CFO_Zn_DHCA/3-APBA@MIP-GCE sensor were carried out using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), cyclic voltammetry (CV), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The linear range for the determination of GAL using the indirect method (5.0mM [Fe(CN)6]-3/-4) was found to be 1.0 × 10-13M-1.0 × 10-12M, and the limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) for standard solutions werecalculated as 1.29 × 10-14 and 4.29 × 10-14M, respectively. As a result of the study, the developed MIP-based electrochemical sensor was suitable for detecting GAL with high specificity, selectivity, and sensitivity. Recovery studies were performed to determine the practical applicability of the sensor, and the results were satisfactory. This innovative sensor platform stands out as a reliable and sensitive analytical tool for determining GAL.

Natural convection and variable fluid properties of tangent hyperbolic nanofluid flow with Cattaneo-Christov theories and heat generation

The main aim behind this work is that we have to determine the enhancement that happens in thermal conductivity by using the Buongiorno model of nanofluid when the nanofluid particles are added to the tangent hyperbolic base fluid moving above the stretched surface. The viscosity of tangent hyperbolic nanofluid is assumed to be temperature-dependent. The modified form of the Fourier law of heat conduction motivated us; therefore, the Cattaneo-Christov heat and mass flux model is considered to observe its significance for heat and mass transport. The chemical reaction and heat generation are also considered to determine their influence on temperature and concentration gradients. This study is crucial because of its application in industrial manufacturing processes such as the coating of wire, the thinning of copper, the production of paper, photographic films, hot rolling, and the purification of crude oil. In electronic cooling systems, the efficient dissipation of heat in smartphones, computers, and data centers is critical to preventing overheating. Nanofluids, with their enhanced thermal properties, can significantly improve heat transfer rates, ensuring better performance, stability, and energy savings. The partial governing equations arising from fluid flow, mass, and heat transfer are transformed into ordinary differential equations via appropriate similarity variables. The obtained ordinary differential equations are solved numerically by using the Runge-Kutta Fehlberg method in the MATLAB software. The effects of the emerging parameters are represented through graphs. According to the results, the velocity profile upsurges due to the natural convection parameters and curvature parameter, while the power law index declines the velocity profile. As the Brownian motion coefficient rises, the concentration profile diminishes while the temperature profile increases. Both the concentration and temperature profiles increase for larger values of the thermophoresis parameter. The concentration profile declines for larger values of chemical reaction parameters, and enhancement happens in the temperature region.

Phloridzin prevents diabetic cardiomyopathy by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress

Oxidative stress and inflammation significantly contribute to the pathogenesis of diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM). Persistent inflammatory stimuli drive the progression of myocardial fibrosis and impaired cardiac function. Phloridzin (Phl), a natural compound, demonstrates both anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Nevertheless, its therapeutic potential and underlying mechanisms in DCM remain unclear. This study aimed to elucidate the mechanisms through which Phl inhibited myocardial fibrosis and exerted its antioxidative effects. The impact of Phl on DCM was evaluated using a high-fat/high-sugar diet combined with streptozotocin to induce an animal model and an in vitro H9C2 cell model stimulated by high glucose (HG). Untargeted metabolomics identified potential mechanisms underlying myocardial fibrosis. Phl treatment significantly enhanced left ventricular ejection fraction (EF%) and shortening fraction (FS%), while reducing myocardial injury markers, such as lactate dehydrogenase and creatine phosphokinase-MB, and suppressing myocardial collagen fiber accumulation. Simultaneously, Phl attenuated myocardial inflammation via inhibition of MyD88/NF-κB signaling, modulated the Nrf2/GPX4 axis to counter oxidative stress, and mitigated ferroptosis. In vitro, Phl inhibited high glucose-induced myocardial hypertrophy and fibrosis in H9C2 cells, while also repressing NF-κB activation in cardiomyocytes. Metabolomic profiling revealed that Phl ameliorated DCM through modulation of glycerophospholipid metabolic pathways, linking these metabolic shifts to enhanced antioxidant capacity, thereby reflecting its ability to reduce oxidative stress in the myocardium. Collectively, Phl provides cardioprotective effects by alleviating inflammation and oxidative damage.

Cation-π Interactions Based Conductive Hydrogels with Slide-Ring Structure Toward Super Long-Time in-air/Underwater Linear Sensing and Communication.

Conductive hydrogels (CHs) are attracted more attention in the flexible wearable sensors field, however, how to stably apply CHs underwater is still a big challenge. In order to achieve the usage of CHs in aquatic environments, the integrated properties such as water retention ability, resistance to swelling, toughness, adhesiveness, linear GF sensing, and long-term usage are necessary to consider, but rarely reported in the previous reports. This paper proposes CHs prepared using cationic and aromatic monomers along with polyrotaxanes-based crosslinkers. Due to the intermolecular cation-π interactions and topological slide-ring-based polyrotaxanes, the CHs exhibit good mechanical performance, adhesive nature, and anti-swelling properties. The presence of slide-ring-based topological architecture effectively mitigates stress concentration. Additionally, the encapsulation of PA allows CHs to maintain functionality even after 240 days of direct placement at room temperature. Notably, the designed CHs exhibit linear sensitivity in detecting land/underwater human motions, and serve as Morse code signal transmitters for information transmission. Thus, the designed CHs may have broad applications in the underwater wearable sensors field.

Emerging ZnO Semiconductors for Photocatalytic CO2 Reduction to Methanol.

Carbon recycling is poised to emerge as a prominent trend for mitigating severe climate change and meeting the rising demand for energy. Converting carbon dioxide (CO2) into green energy and valuable feedstocks through photocatalytic CO2 reduction (PCCR) offers a promising solution to global warming and energy needs. Among all semiconductors, zinc oxide (ZnO) has garnered considerable interest due to its ecofriendly nature, biocompatibility, abundance, exceptional semiconducting and optical properties, cost-effectiveness, easy synthesis, and durability. This review thoroughly discusses recent advances in mechanistic insights, fundamental principles, experimental parameters, and modulation of ZnO catalysts for direct PCCR to C1 products (methanol). Various ZnO modification techniques are explored, including atomic size regulation, synthesis strategies, morphology manipulation, doping with cocatalysts, defect engineering, incorporation of plasmonic metals, and single atom modulation to boost its photocatalytic performance. Additionally, the review highlights the importance of photoreactor design, reactor types, geometries, operating modes, and phases. Future research endeavors should prioritize the development of cost-effective catalyst immobilization methods for solid-liquid separation and catalyst recycling, while emphasizing the use of abundant and non-toxic materials to ensure environmental sustainability and economic viability. Finally, the review outlines key challenges and proposes novel directions for further enhancing ZnO-based photocatalytic CO2 conversion processes.

Cytoplasmic strings in human blastocysts: hypotheses of their role and implications for embryo selection.

What are the implications of the presence cytoplasmic strings (Cyt-S) and their quantity and dynamics for the pre-implantation development of human blastocysts? Cyt-S are common in human embryos and are associated with faster blastocyst development, larger expansion, and better morphological quality. Cyt-S are dynamic cellular projections connecting inner cell mass and trophectoderm (TE) cells, that can be observed during blastocyst expansion. Their prevalence in human embryos has been estimated to be between 44% and 93%. Data relevant to their clinical implications and role in development are lacking, limited, or controversial. Retrospective study conducted at a single IVF center between May 2013 and November 2014 and involving 124 pre-implantation genetic testing for aneuploidy cycles in a time-lapse incubator with ≥1 blastocyst biopsied and vitrified (N = 370 embryos assessed). These cycles resulted in 87 vitrified-warmed single-euploid blastocyst transfers. ICSI, continuous blastocyst culture (Days 5-7), TE biopsy of fully expanded blastocysts without Day 3 zona pellucida drilling, qPCR to assess uniform full-chromosome aneuploidies, and vitrification were all performed. Only vitrified-warmed euploid single-embryo-transfers were conducted. Blastocyst morphological quality was defined according to Gardner's criteria. The AI-based software CHLOE™ (Fairtility) automatically registered timings from time of starting blastulation (tSB) to biopsy (t-biopsy, i.e. blastocyst full-expansion) as hours-post-insemination (hpi), embryo area (including zona pellucida in µm2), and spontaneous blastocyst collapses. One senior embryologist manually annotated Cyt-S presence, quantity, timings, and type (thick cell-to-cell connections and/or threads). All significant associations were confirmed through regression analyses. All couples', cycles', and embryos' main features were also tested for associations with Cyt-S presence, quantity, and dynamics. About 94.3% of the patients (N = 117/124) had ≥1 embryo with Cyt-S. Out of a total of 370 blastocysts, 55 degenerated between blastulation and full-expansion (N = 55/370, 14.9%). The degeneration rate among embryos with ≥1 Cyt-S was 10.8% (N = 33/304), significantly lower than that of embryos without Cyt-S (33.3%, N = 22/66, P < 0.01). Of the remaining 315 viable blastocysts analyzed, 86% (N = 271/315; P < 0.01) had ≥1 Cyt-S, on average 3.5 ± 2.1 per embryo ranging 1-13. The first Cyt-S per viable embryo appeared at 115.3 ± 12.5 hpi (85.7-157.7), corresponding to 10.5 ± 5.8 h (0.5-31) after tSB. Overall, we analyzed 937 Cyt-S showing a mean duration of 3.8 ± 2.7 h (0.3-20.9). Cyt-S were mostly threads (N = 508/937, 54.2%) or thick cell-to-cell connections becoming threads (N = 382/937, 40.8%) than thick bridges (N = 47/937, 5.0%). The presence and quantity of Cyt-S were significantly associated with developmentally faster (on average 6-12 h faster) and more expanded (on average 2700µm2-larger blastocyst's area at t-biopsy) embryos. Also, the presence and duration of Cyt-S were associated with better morphology. Lastly, while euploidy rates were comparable between blastocysts with and without Cyt-S, all euploid blastocysts transferred from the latter group failed to implant (N = 10). Cyt-S presence and dynamics were assessed manually on seven focal planes from video frames recorded every 15 min. The patients included were mostly of advanced maternal age. Only associations could be reported, but no causations/consequences. Lastly, larger datasets are required to better assess Cyt-S associations with clinical outcomes. Cyt-S are common during human blastocyst expansion, suggesting their physiological implication in this process. Their presence, quantity and dynamics mirror embryo viability, and morphological quality, yet their role is still unknown. Future basic science studies are encouraged to finally describe Cyt-S molecular nature and biophysical properties, and Artificial Intelligence tools should aid these studies by incorporating Cyt-S assessment. None. N/A.

Powerful Qualities and the Metaphysics of Properties

AbstractIn debates about the metaphysics of properties, many have claimed that properties are powers. According to the powers view, a property's nature disposes objects to behave in certain ways in response to certain stimuli. For example, the property of fragility disposes objects to smash when a force is applied to them. But how should we understand powers? There has recently been a surge of interest in the powerful qualities view of properties. Other views in the field either claim that properties are pure powers, or that they are qualities. The powerful qualities view rejects this dichotomy, saying that properties are both powers and qualities. In this paper, I distinguish some versions of the powerful qualities view, and some of the reasons to hold it. I also outline one of the most exciting elements of the view, which is its relation to the philosophy of mind.

Comparative analysis of antifungal properties in medicinal plant extracts for sustainable agriculture

The escalating environmental repercussions of pesticide use in pest and disease management underscore the urgency for alternative strategies. One promising avenue involves harnessing natural antifungal properties present in plant extracts. This study aimed to assess the antifungal efficacy of aqueous and ethanolic extracts from five medicinal plants, viz., C. sativa L., S. moorcraftiana L., S. nigrum L., F. vesca L., and R. pseudoacacia, which were screened for their antifungal activity against various soil-borne fungi, viz., A. niger, A. flavus, A. terreus, R. stolonifer, M. mucedo, F. oxysporum, A. alternata, P. notatum, C. cladosporioides, and C. lunata. Phytochemical analysis exhibited the presence of phenols, alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids, quinines, and terpenoids. Results revealed potent antifungal activity across all tested fungi, significantly inhibiting mycelial growth compared to control. S. nigrum and C. sativa extracts exhibited the highest efficacy against multiple fungal pathogens. The inhibition in mycelial growth in ethanolic and aqueous plant extracts of C. sativa against A. niger varies between 3.00 mm to 6.00 mm and 4.00 mm–6.33 mm, against A. flavus 3.33 mm–11.66 mm and 4 mm–12.66 mm, A. terreus (3.00 mm–6.00 mm and 3.66 mm–7.00 mm), R. stolonifer (3.00 mm–5.33 and 3.66 mm–6.33 mm), M. mucedo (8.33 mm–17.66 mm and 9.66 mm–18.66 mm), F. oxysporum (6.66 mm–12.33 mm and 7.33 mm–13.33 mm), A. alternata (4.66 mm–11.33 mm and 5.33 mm–14.00 mm), P. notatum (9.33 mm–23.00 mm and 9.66 mm–24.33 mm), C. cladosporioides (4.33 mm–8.66 mm and 5.33 mm–9.66 mm), and C. lunata (14.00 mm–20.33 mm and 17.00 mm–21.33 mm) in different concentrations of plant extracts respectively. Likewise, the inhibition in mycelial growth in ethanolic and aqueous plant extracts of S. nigrum against A. niger at different concentrations varies between 8.00 mm to 17.66 mm and 9.00 mm–18.66 mm, A. flavus (8.33 mm–12.66 mm and 9 mm–14 mm), A. terreus (2.33 mm–5.66mm and 3 mm–7 mm), R. stolonifer (13.33 mm–20.33 mm and 17.66 mm–24.66 mm), M. mucedo (10.66 mm–12.00 mm and 11.66 mm–13.00 mm), F. oxysporum (15.66 mm–22.33 and 18.00 mm–24.00 mm), A. alternata (10.66 mm–13.00 mm and 11.66 mm–14.00 mm), P. notatum (5.33 mm–13.33 mm and 6.33 mm–18.66 mm, C. cladosporioides (3.33 mm–7.66 mm and 4.00 mm–8.00 mm), and C. lunata (3.66 mm–6.33 mm and 4.66 mm–6.66 mm), respectively. These findings suggest that these plant extracts have the potential to be natural fungicides, providing promising alternatives for disease management in agriculture.

Natural Polyphenol-Rich Inhibitors of Pancreatic Lipase for Obesity Management – A Systematic Review

Background: Obesity, a critical public health challenge, is associated with an increased risk of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer. Body mass index (BMI) categorizes obesity levels, with trends indicating a growing prevalence worldwide. Dietary choices and sedentary lifestyles contribute significantly to this condition, yet treatments remain limited by side effects. Pancreatic lipase, the primary enzyme in dietary fat digestion, presents a promising target for obesity management. Inhibitors of pancreatic lipase reduce fat absorption, lowering caloric intake and aiding in weight management. Synthetic inhibitors like orlistat are effective but lead to adverse gastrointestinal and systemic effects, creating a demand for safer alternatives. Methods: A thorough literature review was conducted using PubMed, Elsevier, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar databases, employing search terms such as "herbal drugs," "polyphenols," "pancreatic lipase inhibitors," "antilipase," "natural products," and "antiobesity herbal drugs." Discussion and Conclusion: Polyphenol-rich plants such as Camellia sinensis (tea), Coffea (coffee), Punica granatum (pomegranate), Vitis vinifera (grape), and Curcuma longa (turmeric) exhibit natural pancreatic lipase inhibitory properties, offering therapeutic potential for obesity management. This review explores the bioactive compounds in these plants, emphasizing their efficacy and minimal side effects compared to synthetic drugs, and underscores the importance of further research in developing natural, polyphenol-based treatments for obesity.

Improving organoleptic and antioxidant properties by inhibition of novel miRstv_7 to target key genes of steviol glycosides biosynthetic pathway in Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni.

Stevioside (5-10%) and rebaudioside-A (2-4%) are well-characterized diterpene glycosides found in leaves of Stevia rebaudiana known to have natural sweetening properties with zero glycaemic index. Stevioside has after-taste bitterness, whereas rebaudioside-A is sweet in taste. The ratio of rebaudioside-A to stevioside needs to be changed in order to increase the effectiveness and palatability of this natural sweetener. Plant-specific miRNAs play a significant role in the regulation of metabolic pathways for the biosynthesis of economically important secondary metabolites. In this study inhibition of miRNA through antisense technology was employed to antagonize the repressive action of miRstv_7 on its target mRNAs involved in the steviol glycosides (SGs) biosynthesis pathway. In transgenic plants expressing anti-miRstv_7, reduced expression level of endogenous miRstv_7 was observed than the non-transformed plants. As a result, enhanced expression of target genes, viz. KO (Kaurene oxidase), KAH (Kaurenoic acid-13-hydroxylase), and UGT76G1 (UDP-glycosyltransferase 76G1) led to a significant increase in the rebaudioside-A to stevioside ratio. Furthermore, metabolome analysis revealed a significant increase in total steviol glycosides content as well as total flavonoids content. Thus, our study can be utilized to generate more palatable varieties of Stevia with improved nutraceutical values including better organoleptic and antioxidant properties.

Efficient Li+/Mg2+ separation by two-dimensional montmorillonite membrane with stable channel structure through ion exchange and metal–organic coordination strategy

Two-dimensional (2D) nanochannel membranes stacked by nanosheets are promising membrane separation materials. However, intrinsic swelling properties of 2D membrane have emerged as a significant challenge to establish stable nanochannels and achieve high separation performance. Inspired by the natural ion exchange property of montmorillonite (MMT), we constructed a two-dimensional MMT membrane with robust nanochannels by exchanging Fe3+ into interlayer of the membrane, and further achieved efficient separation of Li+/Mg2+ through coordination manipulation of tannic acid (TA) and Fe3+. Swelling was dramatically prevented by strong interlayer interaction between exchanged Fe3+ and nanosheets resulting in a 32-fold increase in anti-swelling properties. Furthermore, experiments and simulations revealed that TA could rapidly chelate with Fe3+ to form a dense hydrophilic functional layer on the membrane interface, which endowed MMT membranes with enhanced mechanical strength, cation transport and recognition, as well as anti-fouling properties. Consequently, the resulting MMT membranes showed the Li+/Mg2+ selectivity as high as 9.98 with a fast Li+ permeation rate (0.108 mol m-2h−1), which exceeded most of the previously reported membranes. This study proposed a novel strategy to diminish the trade-off effect among stability, ion flux, and selectivity of membranes, and inspired the development of next-generation ion selective separation membranes.

Unveiling the Various Analytical Techniques of Polyphenols for Pharmacological Activity and Nanotechnological Delivery in Wound Healing

Polyphenols are a diverse group of molecules known for their broad range of biological activities, making them valuable in therapeutic applications, including wound healing. Chronic wounds, which are often complicated by persistent infections and the rise of antibiotic resistance, present a significant challenge in the treatment. Traditional antibiotics are becoming less effective, necessitating the exploration of new antimicrobial agents. Polyphenols like hesperidin, chlorogenic acid, quercetin, and curcumin are promising candidates due to their natural antibacterial properties, offering an effective alternative to conventional antibiotics for treating chronic wounds. However, polyphenols face challenges such as limited stability, which can reduce their effectiveness at the wound site. Furthermore, to overcome these limitations, polymer-based systems have been developed as carriers to stabilize polyphenols and control their release over time, thereby enhancing their therapeutic efficacy. This article explores the potential of polyphenols as natural antibacterial agents and highlights various nanoparticulate systems as effective carriers for treating chronic wounds.

Natural biocide-assisted ultrasonic disinfection of wastewater effluent following a response surface methodology approach

The increasing prevalence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria in wastewater poses a significant threat to public health and the environment, necessitating more effective and sustainable disinfection methods. Ozonation and chlorination frequently fall short of eliminating these bacteria and can create toxic byproducts. This study introduces a novel disinfection strategy that combines ultrasonication with tea tree oil to target MDR bacteria in residential wastewater treatment systems, aiming to provide an eco-friendly, efficient, and scalable solution. The method harnesses tea tree oil's natural biocidal properties alongside the physical effects of ultrasonication, particularly acoustic cavitation, to enhance bacterial inactivation. Temperature, biocide dosage, and ultrasonication power were the three main factors that were optimized using response surface methodology. The system achieved a 2.2–2.4 log CFU/mL reduction of total bacteria in secondary effluent within 30 min and complete disinfection of modified effluent inoculated with high-strength MDR bacteria (6-log CFU/mL) in 50 min. Optimal conditions were 698.4 Watt power, 1.234 µl/mL tea tree oil, and 20.64 °C. Nucleic acid release and respiratory chain dehydrogenase inhibition indicated bacterial cell membrane rupture. Regrowth tests showed long-term effectiveness, with no bacterial colonies after three days. Using a natural biocide, the hybrid technique reduces operational costs and time, thus having commercial and environmental benefits. The capacity to remove MDR bacteria makes it an attractive contender for large-scale wastewater treatment.

The role of artificial intelligence data in estimating the extent of gully erosion the basin is Wadi Khashm Al-Mujadar

Wadi Khashm Al-Mujadar basin is one of the dry valleys in the southern western plateau of Iraq, it is located astronomically between two latitudes (5314.191◦29) (2437.944◦29) north, and (102.327◦46) (02.79◦46) east. It is characterized by geomorphological, hydrological and natural resource characteristics, contributes to the development of the lands of the southern Western Plateau. The importance of the topic comes from the natural and human characteristics of this basin that contribute to development, with artificial intelligence data, it has become an important tool in the process of analyzing, linking, interpreting and modeling some natural risks, to which the soil and lands are exposed under varying climatic conditions that contribute to the variation in the quality and extent of erosion. The use of artificial intelligence data is an effective tool in achieving valuable and accurate results. The research aims to use artificial intelligence data to estimate the extent of erosion, determine its type, cases, and degree of severity, and model it, depending on the results of the calibrations used, especially the Bergsma criterion for determining groove erosion. Gully erosion in the basin varies from light gully erosion to high gully erosion, due to the variation in the amount of rain, its falling regime, and the characteristics of the soil in the region, in addition to the rock formations, the steepness of the slope, the density of natural vegetation and the role of humans in it. The study showed that there are (4) erosion zones: it is a very light erosion zone(13.03 km2 and a rate of 4.28%), the area of light erosion (218.35 km2, at a rate of 71.81%, the moderate erosion zone (68.71 km2, at a rate of 22.6%, and the high erosion zone (3.99 km2, at a rate of 1.31%. The majority of the area was located within the range of light and moderate erosion, requires finding ways to reduce soil erosion and the deterioration of its structure, composition and natural properties.

Groundwater Resilience Study for Sustainable Tourism Development Through Electrical Sounding Method in Mansinam Island, Manokwari Regency, West Papua, Indonesia

The sustainable exploitation of groundwater must be understood based on an understanding of geology and hydrogeological conditions. Water availability on small islands has limited reserves and is vulnerable to contamination. In addition, groundwater resources are vulnerable to decreasing groundwater levels in high abstraction without good management practices. Mansinam Island is one of the islands administratively located in Doreri Bay – Manokwari Regency for sustainable tourism development, which has an area of 410.97 Ha. The purpose of this research is to determine the condition and potential of groundwater in the Mansinam Island area. The geoelectric method is a technique that is widely used to characterize groundwater resources, which aims to identify the physical parameters of the subsoil and acquire information about its natural properties. The resistivity values obtained from the field measurement are thus interpreted and determined to be further correlated with geological characteristics as well as aquifer characteristics. On 11 geoelectric paths, good results are presented with a measurement depth of 20 – 23m. The northern area of the measurement on Mansinam Island has a resistivity value of 58.6 - 100Ωm for an aquifer layer containing groundwater potential with a groundwater level (MAT) of 12-20m and aquifer thickness of 3-8m. Meanwhile, the southern area of the geoelectric measurement has a resistivity value of 25.5-100Ωm for an aquifer layer containing groundwater potential, with a groundwater level of 6-12m and aquifer thickness of 8-16m. The southern segment of Mansinam Island has better potential for groundwater, with a relatively shallower depth and thicker aquifer than the northern segment.

Catechin reduces liver inflammation by regulating Kupffer cell activation in rats

The liver is a defense against infections due to its strategic location between the gastrointestinal and systemic circulations. In dogs and cats, infectious hepatitis encompasses a range of contagious diseases affecting the liver either directly or as part of a broader systemic infection, including bacterial, mycobacterial, viral, fungal, protozoal, parasitic, and rickettsial diseases. Catechins possess well-recognized natural antioxidant properties. This study investigated their therapeutic potential for applications in hepatology, evaluating whether catechins reduce hepatic inflammation in rats repeatedly exposed to carbon tetrachloride (CCl4). Sprague-Dawley rats were given catechin 50 (C50) or 100 (C100) mg/kg body weight orally daily for 3 days. This treatment was given with or without concurrent intraperitoneal injections of CCl4. Phosphate-buffered saline served as the vehicle control, while silymarin administered at 100 mg/kg was used as the positive control.Gross examination revealed significant enlargement, edema, and darker tissue in CCl4-induced livers treated with vehicle. Additionally, spotty discoloration was observed on the surface. Kupffer cell activation suppressed the expression of inflammatory mediators, including inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), in groups co-treated with catechin and CCl4; this effect was reversed when catalase replaced catechin in CCl4-injured rats. Catechin alleviates hepatic inflammation in rats repeatedly exposed to CCl4; it also modulates the activation of Kupffer cells and monocytes. These results should lead to new treatments for liver inflammation in veterinary practice.

Impact of Crude Oil Pollution on some Geotechnical Characteristics of North Rumaila Soils in the Southern Iraqi Province of Basrah Governorate

Background: Pollution affects the soil and results in a change in its natural, chemical, or organic characteristics and properties, which directly or indirectly affect the geotechnical properties of the soil and make it unsuitable for engineering use. The aim of the study is to determine how adding various amounts of crude oil to the study area's soil affects the soil's geotechnical characteristics, including soil shear resistance, compaction coefficients, and California bearing capacity. Materials and Methods: The North Rumaila site was chosen for the study. At a depth of one meter, natural, pollution-free soil was extracted, and weight percentages of 2%, 4%, 6%, 8%, and 10% of crude oil were added. Grain size analysis, moisture content, direct shear, compaction, and Californian bearing tests were conducted. Results: The findings indicate that the soil at the North Rumaila site has a moisture content of 6.45% and is mostly silty sand with small amounts of clay and gravel. Crude oil was added to the soil, which caused the Californian to lose some of its bearing capacity, the optimal moisture content to raise, the angle of internal friction to decrease, and the bearing capacity of the soil to decrease. Conclusion: Pollution by crude oil effects negatively impacted the soil's geotechnical qualities.

The Potential Role of Artemisinins Against Neurodegenerative Diseases.

Artemisinin (ART) and its derivatives, collectively referred to as artemisinins (ARTs), have been approved for the treatment of malaria for decades. ARTs are converted into dihydroartemisinin (DHA), the only active form, which is reductive in vivo. In this review, we provide a brief overview of the neuroprotective potential of ARTs and the underlying mechanisms on several of the most common neurodegenerative diseases, particularly considering their potential application in those associated with cognitive and motor impairments including Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), Huntington's disease (HD), and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). ARTs act as autophagy balancers to alleviate AD and PD. They inhibit neuroinflammatory responses by regulating phosphorylation of signal transduction proteins, such as AKT, PI3K, ERK, NF-[Formula: see text]B, p38 MAPK, I[Formula: see text]B[Formula: see text]. In addition, ARTs regulate GABAergic signaling in a dose-dependent manner. Although they competitively inhibit the binding of gephyrin to GABAergic receptors, low doses of ARTs enhance GABAergic signaling. ARTs can also inhibit ferroptosis, activate the Akt/Bcl-2, AMPK, or ERK/CREB pathways to reduce oxidative stress, and maintain mitochondrial homeostasis, protecting neurons from oxidative stress injury. More importantly, ARTs structurally combine with and suppress [Formula: see text]-Amyloid (A[Formula: see text]-induced neurotoxicity, reduce P-tau, and maintain O-GlcNAcylation/Phosphorylation balance, leading to relieved pathological changes in neurodegenerative diseases. Collectively, these natural properties endow ARTs with unique potential for application in neurodegenerative diseases.

Biomimetic Studies on the Antimicrobial Activity of Some Biocides Based on Garlic and Lavender in Surface Waters.

For a given aquatic ecosystem that will be used as a water source, it is necessary to establish the quality of the water from a microbiological point of view by identifying the pathogens present in the water. The aim of this study was to determine and analyze the antimicrobial activity of some biocides derived from garlic (garlic-methanol extract) and lavender (lavender-water extract). Their efficiency was evaluated at different concentrations and contact times. Initially, through specific laboratory analyses, the microbiological characteristics of the river were determined. Biomimetic studies on the antimicrobial activity of biocides based on garlic and lavender in surface waters involved detailed exploration of how the natural antimicrobial properties of these plants can be effectively utilized to treat water contaminated with harmful microorganisms. Both the contact time and the amount of biocide used have a significant effect on the microorganisms of interest. Thus, to describe the degradation rate of coliform bacteria, a pseudo-first-order and zero-order kinetic model was used, r=-(dN/dt)=kobs·t şi r0=kobs·N0=k0, where r is the rate of degradation of microorganisms (CFU/min), N0 is the initial number of microorganisms in the aqueous solution (colony-forming unit, CFU), N is the final number of microorganisms after a contact time t (CFU), kobs is the pseudo-first-order rate constant (min-1), t is the contact time (min), r0 is the initial rate of degradation of microorganisms (CFU/min), and k0 is the pseudo-rate constant zero order (min-1). Following 60 min of treatment with 1 mL of lavender-water biocide, the inhibition rate of pathogenic microorganisms in the water reached 59.09%, whereas, under the same conditions, the garlic-methanol biocide achieved an inhibition rate of 40.86%. This study confirms the antimicrobial activity of both lavender and garlic biocides, highlighting their potential in mitigating water pollution caused by pathogens.