Scientific Research Research Articles

Biological Importance of Phellodendrine in Traditional and Modern Medicines: An Update on Therapeutic Potential in Medicine.

Herbal medicines have been used for the preparation of numerous pharmaceutical products for the treatment of human disorders. Plant-derived products have been used in medicine, nutraceuticals, perfumery, beverages, and cosmetics industries for different purposes. Herbal medicines are mainly derived from different parts of plant materials. Phellodendron bark has been widely known as one of the fundamental herbs of traditional Chinese medicine. Phellodendron bark contains phellodendrine as a main active phytochemical. Phellodendrine ((7S,13aS)-3,10-dimethoxy-7-methyl-6,8,13,13atetrahydro-5H-isoquinolino[2,1-b]isoquinolin-7-ium-2,11-diol), is a quaternary ammonium alkaloid. This present study aimed to investigate the biological potential and therapeutic effectiveness of phellodendrine in medicine through scientific data analysis of different research works on phellodendrine. The therapeutic value of phellodendrine was analyzed in the present work through scientific data available in Google, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, and PubMed. All the scientific data on phellodendrine were collected from these databases using the terms herbal drugs and phellodendrine. Pharmacological and analytical data of phellodendrine were analyzed in the present work in order to know the medicinal importance of phellodendrine. Scientific data analysis of phellodendrine in the present work signified the biological importance of phellodendrine in medicine. Phellodendrine has numerous beneficial aspects in medicine due to its potential benefits in ulcerative colitis, inflammation, pancreatic cancer, nephritis, immune response, acetylcholinesterase activity, psoriasis, arthritis, atopic dermatitis, and oxidative stress. However, it also has significant effects on eicosanoid generation, neuraminidase-1, inflammasome generation, cytochrome p450, taste receptors, and hepatic gluconeogenesis. Furthermore, scientific data has indicated the presence of phellodendrine in different natural sources, including Phellodendri cortex. Analytical data on phellodendrines has signified their importance in the isolation and separation of pure phytochemicals in medicine. Pharmacokinetic parameters have highlighted the tissue distribution of phellodendrine in different tissue of human beings and higher animals. In the present work, scientific data analysis has indicated the biological importance, pharmacological activities, and analytical aspects of phellodendrine in medicine.

Artificial intelligence and Scientific Research

Artificial intelligence and Scientific Research

USE OF ANIMAL FIBER-REINFORCEMENT IN CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS: A REVIEW

Although natural fibers (NFs), among which animal fibers (AFs) are found, have been used for millennia as reinforcement scheme of some construction materials (CMs), it is not until recent decades when scientific studies have been carried out to quantitively evaluate the impact of adding NFs into CMs, but with a special focus on vegetal fibers (VFs) over AFs. Nevertheless, there have been several studies addressing the use of AFs in different CMs and, therefore, the need of a systematic review study is evident. To contribute to this research gap, this paper presents a comprehensive review study addressing available scientific information of different types of AFs (e.g., sheep wool fibers (SWFs), chicken feathers fibers (CFFs), human hair fibers (HHFs), pig hair fibers (PHFs), silk fibers (SFs), and dog hair fibers (DHFs)) and also their use in four specific different CMs matrices (i.e., cementitious, gypsum, soil and polymer matrices). This comprehensive search was conducted in Web of Science and Science Direct, two of the largest and more prestigious scientific databases, using specific keyword and Boolean operators and the selection of the papers was based on the provision of enough quantitative information of the mixtures (e.g., specific characteristic and dosages of AFs and matrix used) as well as experimental findings. As a result of this study, organized, summarized and sufficient information is provided to support the positive use AF as reinforcement scheme to improve some physical/thermal/mechanical/damage/durability properties of CMs by taking advantage of the abundance of these resources worldwide. Moreover, the use of AFs provides environmental benefits care and cost reductions, which are global objectives within the construction sector. Finally, this review study found that there are still several research gaps in the use of particular AFs (e.g., DHFs) as well as combinations between the AFs CMs addressed in this study (e.g., effects of pig hair fibers in polymer matrices) and these gaps are recommended as future studies.

Unraveling the mummy's shroud: A multi-analytical study of a rare painted textile from Roman Egypt

This article describes a multi-analytical technical study of a rare painted shroud still wrapped around a female Egyptian mummy (MCABo EG 1974) in the collection of the Museo Civico Archeologico of Bologna, Italy. Long stored in the museum's warehouses, these mummified human remains were recently rediscovered within the Bologna Mummy Project (BOmp), an interdisciplinary endeavor promoted by the Museo Civico Archeologico and the Institute for Mummy Studies of Eurac Research, Bolzano, Italy. Dating to the Roman period (1st-2nd century C.E.), as confirmed by radiocarbon dating, this mummy displays a unique series of technical features, including the exceptional finding of a colorful painted shroud still preserved in its original location around the wrapped body, to which it is secured with textile straps and resin. In this context, scientific analysis aimed to deepen our current knowledge of the artistic practices of Roman Egypt through an in-depth study of the painting technique, context of production, and possible provenance of the mummy, while promoting a science-informed, enhanced approach to the preservation of the mummified human remains. This research relied on an integrated analytical protocol based on the combined use of imaging and mapping techniques, non-invasive point analysis, and micro-invasive investigation of minute samples, each carried out at the different partnering institutions. Computed tomography (CT) highlighted varying radio-densities for some of the flesh tones and red decorations. Visible photography and multiband imaging provided information on the nature and distribution of various materials on the surface. Fiber optics reflectance spectroscopy (FORS), X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectroscopy, and Raman spectroscopy contributed to the characterization of the shroud's color palette along with optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDS), as well as high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with diode-array detection and mass spectrometry (HPLC/DAD and HPLC/MS). Materials detected include a limited number of mineral pigments and plant-derived dyes such as red lead, red ocher, madder, an unknown yellow dye, Egyptian blue and green, and a carbon-based black. Through access to MOLAB equipment and expertise, macro-XRF (MA-XRF), as well as combined X-ray diffraction (XRD) spot analysis and mapping, enhanced pigment identification. A combination of transmission Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy with gas chromatography / mass spectrometry (GC/MS) was used to identify the paint binders and any additional organic substances possibly involved in embalming practices and ritual traditions, including animal fat, plant lipid, Pinaceae resin, gum, and beeswax. Mineralogical data gathered by XRD on surface deposits and soil residues collected from within the shroud's inner folds was crucial to put forward hypotheses, in support of the stylistic study of the shroud, concerning a possible provenance from Upper Egypt, most likely West Thebes. Both the shroud and inner bandages were found to be made with linen using OM. After undergoing scientific analysis and conservation treatment, the mummy was displayed in the “Mummies. Unwrapping the past” exhibition and was featured at the 10th World Congress on Mummy Studies, both held in Bolzano in the fall of 2022.

A Review on Synthesis Methods of Materials Science and Nanotechnology

A Review on Synthesis Methods of Materials Science and Nanotechnology

Communicating educational innovation projects in Latin America mediated by the scaling of complex thinking: Contribution of the UNESCO-ICDE Chair in Mexico

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Chair in the open educational movement for Latin America aims to promote scientific, technological, entrepreneurial, and innovative development. In Mexico, face-to-face bootcamps occur every two years, where prototypes of high-value solutions for education are developed using design and active learning methodologies, with the aim of scaling complex thinking and sustainable development. In the 2023 edition, 94 academicians from 12 countries participated (Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Germany, Guatemala, Mexico, Peru, Spain, the Dominican Republic, and the United Kingdom). Experts from Tecnológico de Monterrey, the Open University, the University of Leeds, and Siemens Stiftung supervised the process. This article presents the prototyped proposals and the results of applying the Play2Train4C methodology, enabling participants to develop educational innovation projects under the paradigm of complex thinking. The results indicate that (1) the participants managed to prototype ten proposals validated by experts and (2) their perceptions of their systemic, critical, scientific, and innovative thinking (sub-competencies of complex thinking) improved by the end of the bootcamp. The conclusion was that the UNESCO Chair boosted solution-building skills for the complex problems arising in Latin America and enabled key agents in education to improve their complex thinking skills for quality education, as promulgated by sustainable development goal 4.

Research Progress on the Mechanism of Intestinal Barrier Damage and Drug Therapy in a High Altitude Environment.

The plateau is a typical extreme environment with low temperature, low oxygen and high ultraviolet rays. The integrity of the intestinal barrier is the basis for the functioning of the intestine, which plays an important role in absorbing nutrients, maintaining the balance of intestinal flora, and blocking the invasion of toxins. Currently, there is increasing evidence that high altitude environment can enhance intestinal permeability and disrupt intestinal barrier integrity. This article mainly focuses on the regulation of the expression of HIF and tight junction proteins in the high altitude environment, which promotes the release of pro-inflammatory factors, especially the imbalance of intestinal flora caused by the high altitude environment. The mechanism of intestinal barrier damage and the drugs to protect the intestinal barrier are reviewed. Studying the mechanism of intestinal barrier damage in high altitude environment is not only conducive to understanding the mechanism of high altitude environment affecting intestinal barrier function, but also provides a more scientific medicine treatment method for intestinal damage caused by the special high altitude environment.

Innovative Technology for the Production of Gluten-free Food Products of a New Generation

Background:: The global market for gluten-free food products is constantly growing. Consumers are increasingly choosing a gluten-free diet voluntarily or due to gluten intolerance (celiac disease). Objective:: The purpose of the research is scientific substantiation of the technology and recipe of gluten-free bakery products and determination of the optimal ratio of corn and rice flour in the production technology. Methods:: The work used general scientific research methods, analysis of literary sources, analysis of patent and technical literature, and comparative analytical and laboratory analyses. Results:: Research results have shown that replacing wheat flour with a high gluten content in the recipe for gluten-free, namely corn and rice flour, allows obtaining high quality indicators. On the basis of the conducted organoleptic tests, it was established that according to the results of the total indicators of the organoleptic evaluation, experimental sample 3, with a ratio of corn and rice flour of 80:20, has the same average score as the control sample. The analysis of physico-chemical quality indicators confirmed the organoleptic results of the research. It was established that the ratio of corn and rice flour is the most rational (experiment 3). An increase in the amount of rice flour leads to an increase in the porosity of gluten-free bakery products. Thus, in test sample 3 compared to test sample 1, the value of this indicator increased by 7%, which can be explained by a favorable nutrient environment for yeast cells due to additional water-soluble proteins and sugars present in rice flour, which is confirmed by previous studies. The acidity of gluten-free bakery products of experiment 3 also increased compared to the control sample by 0.5 degrees, which is explained by the positive effect of increasing the dosage of rice flour on the development of yeast cells in the dough. After characterizing the moisture content of the pulp after 48 hours of storage, it should be noted that increasing the amount of rice flour allows you to preserve more moisture in the finished product by an average of 1-2%. In our opinion, this is due to the fact that when rice flour is added, an additional amount of insoluble fibers is added, which by their structure have the ability to bind free moisture, which is retained by them more firmly, and when baking, a larger amount of moisture remains in the product of moisture, which is confirmed by previous studies of gluten-free raw materials. Therefore, test sample 3 with a ratio of corn and rice flour of 80:20 is recommended for the production of new-generation food products for certain groups of the population who choose a gluten-free diet by their own choice or due to gluten intolerance, namely celiac disease. Conclusion:: The rational ratio of corn and rice flour was determined, taking into account the physicochemical properties and organoleptic indicators of the quality of finished gluten-free bakery products. It was established that the rational ratio of corn and rice is 80:20 - experiment 3. This proportion ensures proper physico-chemical indicators and high organoleptic indicators of finished gluten-free bakery products. It was established that the manufactured gluten-free bakery products exceed the control sample in terms of physico-chemical parameters, namely, porosity, acidity, dimensional stability, and moisture content of the crumb.

Biological Potential of Kakkalide in medicine for the Treatment of Human disorders: An Overview of Pharmacological aspects.

Pueraria lobata is an important herbal medicine of Fabaceae family that has been clinically used in Traditional Chinese Medicine to counteract human disorders and associated secondary complications. Kakkalide also called irisolidone 7-xylosylglucoside is an isoflavonoid of Puerariae flos, Pueraria lobata and Flos Puerariae. Moreover, Kakkalide has a wide range of bioactivities in medicine. Biological potential of kakkalide was investigated in the present work through scientific data analysis of different scientific research work on kakkalide in order to know its therapeutic potential in medicine. Scientific data on Pueraria lobata were collected and analyzed in the present work. All the scientific data were collected from Google, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Science Direct in the present work. Scientific data analysis of kakkalide revealed its biological importance and therapeutic potential in medicine. The present investigation signified kakkalide's effectiveness in inflammatory diseases, prostaglandin E2 production, liver complication, gastric injury, alcoholism, insulin-resistant endothelial dysfunction, aldose reductase enzyme, hyperlipidemia, estrogenic activity, and stroke. In addition, the bioavailability of kakkalide was also discussed in the present paper. Present work also revealed the significance of analytical techniques for the separation, isolation and identification of kakkalide in different biological and non-biological samples. Present paper signified the health-beneficial aspects of kakkalide in medicine.

Ultrasonic controllable synthesis of sulfur-functionalized metal–organic frameworks (S-MOFs) and their application in piezo-photocatalytic rapid reduction of hexavalent chromium (Cr)

The United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are significant in guiding modern scientific research. In recent years, scholars have paid much attention to MOFs materials as green materials. However, piezo catalysis of MOFs materials has not been widely studied. Piezoelectric materials can convert mechanical energy into electrical energy, while MOFs are effective photocatalysts for removing pollutants. Therefore, it is crucial to design MOFs with piezoelectric properties and photosensitivity. In this study, sulfur-functionalized metal–organic frameworks (S-MOFs) were prepared using organic sulfur-functionalized ligand (H2TDC) ultrasonic synthesis to enhance their piezoelectric properties and visible light absorption. The study demonstrated that the S-MOFs significantly enhanced the reduction of a 10 mg/L solution of hexavalent chromium to 99.4 % within 10 min, using only 15 mg of catalyst. The orbital energy level differences of the elements were analyzed using piezo response force microscopy (PFM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The results showed that MOFs functionalized with sulfur atom ligands have a built-in electric field that facilitates charge separation and migration. This study presents a new approach to enhance the piezoelectric properties of MOFs, which broadens their potential applications in piezo catalysis and piezo-photocatalysis. Additionally, it provides a sustainable method for reducing hexavalent chromium, contributing to the achievement of sustainable development goals, specifically SDG-6, SDG-7, SDG-9, and SDG-12.

Motion dynamics of two-dimensional fundamental and vortex solitons in the fractional medium with the cubic-quintic nonlinearity

Motion dynamics of two-dimensional fundamental and vortex solitons in the fractional medium with the cubic-quintic nonlinearity

Hybrid fault tolerant cost aware mechanism for scientific workflow in cloud computing

Cloud computing provides solutions for diverse commercial and academic applications which is the primary goal. Scientific workflows are used in the cloud-computing environment to analyses large-scale scientific applications. For scientific workflows, many data is required, and a single scientific workflow that includes hundreds of stages, depending on the application's time restrictions, task failures, money limits, incorrect task organization, and task management issues can all hinder the implementation of scientific methods. In light of this, a cloud-based scientific workflow management and scheduling system that is fault-tolerant and data-oriented method are proposed. This research designs a novel hybrid cost-aware fault tolerant (HCFT) mechanism for minimizing the cost. Moreover, HCFT integrates optimal clustering and efficient resource utilization through parallel and distributed execution. Novelty of HCFT lies in novel clustering of the similar task for improvisation, CyberShake, laser interferometer gravitational wave observatory (LIGO), Montage, and sRNA identification protocol using high throughput technology (SIPHT) processes are used in the simulations to evaluate the performance of the proposed approach.

The Role of Long Non-Coding RNAs in the Pathogenesis of Essential Hypertension

Abstract: Hypertension, a condition characterized by elevated blood pressure, poses a significant medical risk, particularly in relation to the development of cardiovascular disease. The pathogenesis of hypertension can be influenced by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Recent scientific studies have shed light on the involvement of long-non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in various diseases, including pulmonary arterial and essential hypertension. These lncRNAs have been found to play crucial roles at the transcriptional, post-transcriptional, and post-translational levels. By targeting endothelial cell proliferation, migration, apoptosis, and angiogenesis, lncRNAs can induce dysfunction in arterial endothelial cells, contributing to the progression of hypertension-related pathological events. Therefore, the abnormal expression of lncRNAs has emerged as a significant factor in the understanding of essential hypertension and its associated mechanisms. To further our understanding, we conducted a comprehensive review focusing on unraveling the functional roles of lncRNAs in essential hypertension.

How does participating scientific research projects affect postgraduates’ academic aspiration and interest? Grounding theory research based on six universities in H province

Participation in scientific research projects is the main way of postgraduate training, and academic aspiration and interest is an important variable affecting the quality of postgraduate training. So, how does participating in scientific research projects affect the academic aspiration and interest of master students? By interviewing 28 master students from 6 universities in H Province and using the grounded theory research method, a path model of the impact of participating in scientific research projects on the academic aspiration and interest of master students is formed: taking personal characteristics as the initial condition, important others such as tutors and research group examples and scientific research environment as the support category, and the change of graduate students' psychological state as the intermediary, Graduate students will take active or passive action strategies in scientific research activities, which will enhance or reduce their academic aspiration and interest. The change of academic aspiration and interest will react on their psychological state, forming a virtuous circle or bad circle. The model has important enlightening significance for graduate education and management.

Terrestrial Projection of The Photon-Belt

This short “synthesis of syntheses” attempts to reflect my original new conception about the really credible world-view and view of life, as result of my six decades scientific research, taking into consideration the known sources and new interpretations/conclusions referring to the cosmic structure, functioning and manifestations in terrestrial context, especially of the Photon-Belt. Some ideas, drawings or tables taken over from my earlier short syntheses appear every time in new context, maybe with modifications/completions, with new meaning. Started from the idea of the similitude between the “extended complete periodic systems” on every cosmic evolutionary level – with exemplification of the PHYSICAL and ASTRAL levels – result very surprising new ideas, e.g.: 1) - the synergetic pattern of the conic-toroidal structure, vorticial functioning and matricial aspect makes possible the most comprehensive modelling of the cosmic evolution, explaining the similitude of the bionic extended whole periodic systems of the chemical elements within the progressive fractal cosmic levels; 2) – this reciprocal similitude is based on the etheron-creation from the light and etheronic evolution of the elements each from another through a “pulling and pushing” mechanism; .3) – the etheron-creation and etheronic evolution exemplified on the Physical and Astral cosmic levels are based on the Iovitzu-Ionescu-Joo 3-elliptic model of the PHOTON-BELT; 4) – this model itself is based on the discovery and characteristics of the ETHERON, with its (bio)photonic, gravific, bimetric, bifocal connections and their cosmic implications; 5) – the projection of the Photon-Belt in the North-African territory permits the explanation of the terrestrial global and particular phenomena, like the divine and human social evolution, energetic and structural evolution of the Earth, localization of the former gravific focus of the Photon-Belt – the former constellation PHOENIX – and of the sank tectonic shield ADRIA, with determinant role in the former Atlantic and European Civilizations, respectively within a possible future evolution of the New Europe and New Africa, including the whole Sahara and Sahel-Belt, in correlation with the outlining of the Big Eurasian Continental Unity.

Proposal of a conceptual matrix to present the state of the art of a research to based on the systematic literature review methodology

This article presents a proposal for organizing literature in a visual sieve based on a conceptual matrix based on the application of the Systematic Review of Literature methodology and integration of information within the three phases of the scientific method of research to manage a state of the art or state of knowledge.

Improvised Variations of Sami Al-Shawa

This study aims to detect the most improvised performing method in Sami Al-Shawwa’s works through taking some samples from his musical recordings and highlighting the hardihood creative aspects in those samples, in a scientific thoughtful manner, while working on referencing those methods to special symbols. In fact, those familiar with Sami Al-Shawwa’s recordings may notices that they are full of diverse aesthetics and additions that show his to the moment creative abilities, and emphasize the need to pay more attention to this state of the art musical heritage and use it in a new musical inherent creative models. The results of this study included knowledge of the modalities of some improvised varieties at Sami Al-Shawwa’s performance that form a strong motivation for more deep and studious search discusses the characteristic of the Arabic Music performance and its integration with the contemporary music through high-level scientific methods. Keywords: Musical variations, improvisation, Sami Shawa, violin

ASSESSMENT OF THE OPPORTUNITIES OF MINERAL WATER RESOURSES FOR REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT – A CASE STUDY OF SOUTH-WESTERN PLANNING REGION, BULGARIA

The mineral water resources are the basis for the development for regions of balneology and SPA activities. The main goal of the present study is to analyze and evaluate the potential of mineral water resources and the state of balneo an d SPA tourism in the South-Western Planning Region of the country. Methods of scientific analysis and synthesis of the collected information database, and geographic information systems (GIS) were applied. The obtained results demonstrate that territory of the studied area has a serious potential of mineral water resources, which in case of sustainable and effective use, would contribute significantly to the development of tourism in the region.

Active Learning for Data Quality Control: A Survey

Data quality plays a vital role in scientific research and decision-making across industries. Thus, it is crucial to incorporate the data quality control (DQC) process, which comprises various actions and operations to detect and correct data errors. The increasing adoption of machine learning (ML) techniques in different domains has raised concerns about data quality in the ML field. Conversely, ML’s capability to uncover complex patterns makes it suitable for addressing challenges involved in the DQC process. However, supervised learning methods demand abundant labeled data, while unsupervised learning methods heavily rely on the underlying distribution of the data. Active learning (AL) provides a promising solution by proactively selecting data points for inspection, thus reducing the burden of data labeling for domain experts. Therefore, this survey focuses on applying AL to DQC. Starting with a review of common data quality issues and solutions in the ML field, we aim to enhance the understanding of current quality assessment methods. We then present two scenarios to illustrate the adoption of AL into the DQC systems on the anomaly detection task, including pool-based and stream-based approaches. Finally, we provide the remaining challenges and research opportunities in this field.

Asking a question.

While scientific research should be carried out objectively, the choices of questions asked and approaches taken are deeply personal and subjective. I urge individuals to pursue questions they love and to periodically scrutinize the reasons (the philosophies) that drive that love. As a case study, I scrutinize the "whys" behind some of the scientific questions I pursued during my career.