scholarly journals Fire effects on soil system functioning: new insights and future challenges

2005 ◽  
Vol 14 (4) ◽  
pp. 339 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stefan H. Doerr ◽  
Artemi Cerdá
Keyword(s):  
Wide Spectrum ◽  
Biological Effects ◽  
Aggregate Stability ◽  
Biomass Productivity ◽  
Strong Relationship ◽  
Fire Effects ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Microbial Composition ◽  
Soil System ◽  
Diverse Field

Fire affects entire ecosystems – their flora, fauna, the atmosphere and soil. Research on the effects of fire to date has focussed primarily on the former three, whereas effects on the soil system have seen less attention. Burning and resulting post-fire environmental conditions can alter the functioning of soils physically (e.g. aggregate stability, pore size, distribution, water repellency and runoff response), chemically (e.g. nutrient availability, mineralogy, pH and C : N ratios) and biologically (e.g. biomass productivity, microbial composition and carbon sequestration). These fire-induced alterations have typically been examined in isolation by researchers in separate disciplines despite the sometimes strong relationship between some of these physical, chemical and biological effects. This special issue brings together studies from diverse disciplines, focussing on a wide spectrum of fire effects on the soil system. Here we aim to summarise, evaluate and set into context some of the new insights arising from these studies. A case is made for enhanced cross-disciplinary collaboration and the use of multi-scale research approaches in order to meet existing and future research challenges in this diverse field.

Assessment of Biotechnological Potential of Cyanobacteria and Microalgae Strains from IPPAS Culture Collection

2019 ◽  
pp. 12-29
Author(s):  
R.A. Sidorov ◽  
A.Yu. Starikov ◽  
A.S. Voronkov ◽  
A.S. Medvedeva ◽  
Z.V. Krivova ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Biochemical Composition ◽  
Wide Spectrum ◽  
Food Additives ◽  
Mature Spore ◽  
High Growth ◽  
Biomass Productivity ◽  
Culture Collection ◽  
Growth Characteristics ◽  
Russian Science ◽  
Biotechnological Potential

As a result of screening of spore-forming bacteria, a B-13186 strain with a wide spectrum of antagonistic activity identified as Brevibacillus laterosporus by the analysis of sequences of variable sites of 16S rRNA was selected. Morphological, cultural and biochemical characteristics of the strain were studied. A distinctive feature of the strain is the presence of a canoe-like inclusion formed in sporangia and attached to the mature spore, as well as the ability to synthesize round-shaped crystalline inclusions. The strain was shown to be active against various species of gram-positive bacteria including A search for strains capable of simultaneously producing high amounts of several biologically valuable compounds and/or having high biomass productivity has been carried out. The growth characteristics and biochemical composition of 12 microalgae and cyanobacteria strains from the IPPAS Collection in the exponential and stationary growth phases were studied. All the strains had high growth rates (doubling time 6-22 h). The strains of Cyanobacterium sp. IPPAS B-1200, Chlorella sp. IPPAS C-1210, Nannochloris sp. IPPAS C-1509, Cyanidium caldarium IPPAS P-510 and Vischeria sp. IPPAS H-242 demonstrated the highest biotechnological potential and can be used for the production of various types of biofuel, pigments, feed and food additives, including those with high content of eicosapentaenoic (20:5 Δ5,8,11,14,17) acid content. microalgae, cyanobacteria, biochemical composition, fatty acids, valuable metabolites, growth characteristics This work was supported by a grant from the Russian Science Foundation [no. 14-14-00904]

Gut Mycobiota and Fungal Metabolites in Human Homeostasis

2018 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
pp. 232-240 ◽  
Author(s):  
Izabella Mogilnicka ◽  
Marcin Ufnal
Keyword(s):  
Wide Spectrum ◽  
Biological Effects ◽  
Fungal Species ◽  
Fungal Metabolites ◽  
Human Gut ◽  
Fecal Transplantation ◽  
Bacterial Microbiota ◽  
Bowel Diseases ◽  
Inflammatory Bowel

Background:Accumulating evidence suggests that microbiota play an important role in host’s homeostasis. Thus far, researchers have mostly focused on the role of bacterial microbiota. However, human gut is a habitat for several fungal species, which produce numerous metabolites. Furthermore, various types of food and beverages are rich in a wide spectrum of fungi and their metabolites.Methods:We searched PUBMED and Google Scholar databases to identify clinical and pre-clinical studies on fungal metabolites, composition of human mycobiota and fungal dysbiosis.Results:Fungal metabolites may serve as signaling molecules and exert significant biological effects including trophic, anti-inflammatory or antibacterial actions. Finally, research suggests an association between shifts in gut fungi composition and human health. Changes in mycobiota composition have been found in obesity, hepatitis and inflammatory bowel diseases.Conclusion:The influence of mycobiota and dietary fungi on homeostasis in mammals suggests a pharmacotherapeutic potential of modulating the mycobiota which may include treatment with probiotics and fecal transplantation. Furthermore, antibacterial action of fungi-derived molecules may be considered as a substitution for currently used antibacterial agents and preservatives in food industry.

Phytochemical, Pharmacological Activities and Ayurvedic Significances of Magical Plant Mimosa pudica Linn

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vijay Kumar
Keyword(s):  
Therapeutic Potential ◽  
Wide Spectrum ◽  
Chemical Constituents ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Mimosa Pudica ◽  
Pharmacological Activities ◽  
Medicinal Uses ◽  
Traditional Medicines ◽  
Crude Extracts ◽  
Anti Cancer

: Mimosa pudica Linn is an integrated part of Traditional Medicines Systems of India, China, Africa, Korea and America. It has been used from centuries in traditional medicines to cure different diseases like fever, diabetes, constipation, jaundice, ulcers, biliousness, and dyspepsia. It is an important ingredient of wide class of herbal formulations. To assess the scientific evidence for therapeutic potential of Mimosa pudica Linn and to identify the gaps for future research. The available information on the ethno-medicinal uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology and toxicology of Mimosa pudica Linn was collected via a library and electronic searches in Sci-Finder, Pub-Med, Science Direct, Google Scholar for the period, 1990 to 2020. In traditional medicinal systems, variety of ethno-medicinal applications of Mimosa pudica Linn has been noticed. Phytochemical investigation has resulted in identification of 40 well known chemical constituents, among which alkaloids, phenols and flavionoids are the predominant groups. The crude extracts and isolates have exhibited a wide spectrum of in vitro and in vivo pharmacological activities including anti-cancer, anti-inflammation, osteoporosis, neurological disorders, hypertension etc.. To quantify the Mimosa pudica Linn and its formulations, analytical techniques like HPLC and HPTLC has shown dominancy with good range of recovery and detection limit. Mimosa pudica Linn is the well-known herb since an ancient time. The pharmacological results supported some of the applications of Mimosa pudica Linn in traditional medicine systems. Perhaps, the predominance of alkaloids, phenols and flavionoids are responsible for the pharmacological activities the crude extracts and isolates of Mimosa pudica Linn. Further, there is need to isolate and evaluate the active chemical constituents of Mimosa pudica Linn having significant medicinal values. In future, it is important to study the exact mechanism associated with the phytochemicals of Mimosa pudica Linn especially on anti-cancer activities. Notably, toxicity studies on Mimosa pudica Linn are limited which are to be explored in future for the safe application of Mimosa pudica Linn and its formulations.

Cucurbitacins as Anticancer Agents: A Patent Review

2019 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 133-143 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hidayat Hussain ◽  
Ivan R. Green ◽  
Muhammad Saleem ◽  
Khanzadi F. Khattak ◽  
Muhammad Irshad ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Anticancer Agents ◽  
Wide Spectrum ◽  
Biological Effects ◽  
Therapeutic Effects ◽  
Cytotoxic Effects ◽  
Natural Sources ◽  
Oh Groups ◽  
Drug Candidates ◽  
The Past ◽  
Wide Range

Background: Cucurbitacins belong to a group of tetracyclic triterpenoids that display a wide range of biological effects. In the past, numerous cucurbitacins have been isolated from natural sources and many active compounds have been synthesized using the privileged scaffold in order to enhance its cytotoxic effects. Objective: his review covers patents on the therapeutic effects of natural cucurbitacins and their synthetic analogs published during the past decade. By far, the majority of patents published are related to cancer and Structure-Activity Relationships (SAR) of these compounds are included to lend gravitas to this important class of natural products. Methods: The date about the published patents was downloaded via online open access patent databases. Results: Cucurbitacins display significant cytotoxic properties, in particular cucurbitacins B and D which possess very potent effects towards a number of cancer cells. Numerous cucurbitacins isolated from natural sources have been derivatized through chemical modification at the C(2)-OH and C(25)- OH groups. Most importantly, an acyl ester of the C(25)-OH and, iso-propyl, n-propyl and ethyl ether groups of the C(2)-OH demonstrated the most increased cytotoxic activity. Conclusion: The significant cytotoxic effects of natural and semi-synthetic cucurbitacins make them attractive as new drug candidates. Moreover, cucurbitacins have the capability to form conjugates with other anticancer drugs which will synergistically enhance their anticancer effects. The authors believe that in order to get lead compounds, there should be a greater focus on the synthesis of homodimers, heterodimers, and halo derivatives of cucurbitacins. In the opinion of the authors the analysis of the published patents on the cucurbitacins indicates that these compounds can be developed into a regimen to treat a wide spectrum of cancers.

scholarly journals A comprehensive review of the influences of nanoparticles as a fuel additive in an internal combustion engine (ICE)

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 1326-1349
Author(s):  
Siti Nurul Akmal Yusof ◽  
Nor Azwadi Che Sidik ◽  
Yutaka Asako ◽  
Wan Mohd. Arif Aziz Japar ◽  
Saiful Bahri Mohamed ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Combustion Engine ◽  
Wide Spectrum ◽  
High Energy ◽  
Combustion Efficiency ◽  
Fuel Properties ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Biodiesel Fuel ◽  
Fuel Additive ◽  
Engine Combustion ◽  
Research Findings

Abstract Nanofluid is a colloidal mixture consisting of nano-sized particles dispersed in a liquid medium. It improves heat transfer properties and promotes high energy efficiency in a wide spectrum of engineering applications. In recent years, particularly in the automotive industry, the addition of nanofluid in diesel/biodiesel as an additive for ICE has become an attractive approach to promote enhanced combustion efficiency and emission reduction due to their superior thermophysical properties. Many researchers have previously demonstrated that the addition of nanoparticles in diesel/biodiesel fuel improved the overall engine combustion characteristics. As a whole, this study aims to summarize the recent research findings related to the effect of nanoparticles on the fuel properties and engine combustion efficiency. Furthermore, different types of additive blended with varying fuel properties are also compared and discussed. Lastly, the advantages and prospects of using nanofluid as an additive fuel are summarized for future research opportunities.

The tumor suppressor LZTS2 functions through the cellular samurai Katanin

2009 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yoshiro Maru
Keyword(s):  
Cell Cycle ◽  
Tumor Suppressor ◽  
Leucine Zipper ◽  
Biological Effects ◽  
Regulatory Subunit ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Central Spindle ◽  
Microtubule Severing ◽  
Putative Tumor Suppressor ◽  
Potential Area

AbstractThe leucine zipper putative tumor suppressor (LZTS) 2 is frequently and specifically found in LOH (loss of heterozygosity) analysis in cancer. Different from other LZTS family members, it regulates the microtubule-severing protein Katanin by binding the p80 regulatory subunit of Katanin and inhibiting its interaction with microtubules. At specific phases of the cell cycle, LZTS2 suppresses cell migration and establishes proper central spindle assembly for cytokinesis. Importantly, those biological effects are mediated by the inhibitory activity of LZTS2 on Katanin. LZTS2 binding to Katanin also plays a role in Katanin transport to the midbody to control proper abscission. Therapeutic applications of the interaction between LZTS2 and Katanin in tumor cells are a potential area for future research.

scholarly journals Impact of Training on Employees' Performance

2020 ◽  
Vol V (III) ◽  
pp. 120-128
Author(s):  
Muhammad Zia-ur-Rehman ◽  
Riaz Hussain Ansari ◽  
Himayat Ali
Keyword(s):  
Strong Correlation ◽  
Employee Performance ◽  
Strong Relationship ◽  
Levels Of Analysis ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Hr Practices ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Positive Effect

The aim of this paper is to examine the impact of training on employee performance. The study investigates the association and offers proposals for additional investigations. There is a need to check the HR Practices and also quantify the effect across employees' performance. Based on the studies conducted by previous researchers, the study shows similar results that training practices and employee performance have a strong correlation. Taking other aspects into account, it can be said in general that the research discoveries are shifted; however, context remains similar. A few studies have discovered a positive affiliation, some negative, and some no affiliation at all. It was found from the result of the study that training has a positive effect on employee performance. This study shows that there is a solid relationship between training and employee performance. Therefore our result matched with the above researcher. The research shows a strong relationship between training and employee performance. The paper concludes with direction for future research by putting in the various levels of analysis on investigating the effect of training on employee performance.

scholarly journals VERSLO ORGANIZACIJŲ KLIMATO ĮVERTINIMO GALIMYBĖS

Psichologija ◽  
2005 ◽  
Vol 31 ◽  
pp. 86-100
Author(s):  
Rita Rekašiūtė-Balsienė
Keyword(s):  
Organizational Climate ◽  
Organizational Performance ◽  
Organizational Development ◽  
Wide Spectrum ◽  
Work Organization ◽  
Working Environment ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Climate Assessment ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Business Departments

Daugelio tyrimų rezultatai rodo, kad organizacijos klimatas ir jos veiklos rezultatai yra susiję. Organizacijos klimato matavimas gali būti atspirties taškas planuojant veiklos tobulinimo, siekiant didesnio efektyvumo, pokyčius. Straipsnyje pristatytos trys organizacijos klimato teorijų grupės ir atliktas tyrimas, siekiant aprašyti Lietuvos verslo organizacijų klimatą. Tyrimo tikslas – įvertinti Lietuvos verslo organizacijų klimatą taikant tam sukurtą metodiką. Tyrimui keliami uždaviniai: 1) parengti organizacijos klimato vertinimo metodiką; 2) išanalizuoti organizacijos klimato ypatybes, būdingas Lietuvos verslo organizacijoms. Gauti rezultatai rodo, kad Lietuvos verslo organizacijų klimatas turi bendrų ypatumų: geriausiai yra vertinama organizacijos svarba darbuotojams (didžiavimasis organizacija), darbuotojų pastangos ir tarpusavio santykiai bei pagarba, o blogiausiai – darbuotojų veiklos ir pastangų įvertinimas bei darbo organizavimas. Sukurta metodika patikrinta tiriant Lietuvos verslo organizacijas. Ji leidžia įvertinti bei aprašyti organizacijos klimatą ir gali būti pagrindas aiškinantis, kokia yra organizacijos būklė. ORGANIZATIONAL CLIMATE ASSESSMENT POSSIBILITIES IN BUSINESS ORGANIZATIONSRita Rekašiūtė-Balsienė SummaryOrganizational climate has been widely discussed in the literature since the concept of social climate was proposed. They perceived organizational climate as a set of properties of the working environment which can be measured. In the article we present three set of theories of organizational climate concepts, which were found in the literature.The wide spectrum of organizational climate and performance surveys suggests that there are relationship between the climate dimensions and all kind of organizational performance indicators. It is suggested, that for a plan of activities for improving effectiveness of all organization may be used climate surveys.The purpose of this survey is to evaluate organizational climate is Lithuanian business organizations using the questionnaire which was created by the author of the article.Sample: 6 Lithuanian organizations from the service business sector, total of 591 employees. All organizations are among the firs seventh leaders of their practice field.Method: Organizational climate questionnaire (constructed by author of the article) was used in this survey. Factorial analysis distinguishes eight factors (scales): evaluations of employee attempts and performance; interrelations and respect; flexibility and quality of organization performance; employee struggle; goals knowledge; organization magnitude; cooperation; work organization. The research has been carried out in 2003–2004.Results of this survey shows, that all organizations have common peculiarities of organizational climate. Perceived as the best organizational climate aspects are organization magnitude, employee struggle, interrelations and respect; perceived as the worst organizational climate aspects are evaluation of employee attempts and performance and work organization. There was found significant differences in perceived organization conditions between managers and employees and between business departments and business support departments, what request more in depth survey. Organizational climate of two organizations are described in detail. It is suggested, that created questionnaire can be used to asses organizational climate and be useful tool for the organizational development practitioner and researcher. Practical implications and suggestions for future research are proposed.

Effect of Se Enrichment on Improving the Quality of Camellia Oil from Different Source Varieties

2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (5) ◽  
pp. 657-663
Author(s):  
Jie Liu ◽  
Lichao Wu ◽  
Yimin Tan
Keyword(s):  
Comprehensive Evaluation ◽  
Wide Spectrum ◽  
Biological Effects ◽  
Principal Component ◽  
Acid Value ◽  
Fertilizer Application ◽  
Tocopherol Content ◽  
Camellia Oil ◽  
Functional Components

Se-enriched camellia oil has received increasing attention because it can improve the Se intake of diet for Se deficiency areas and has a wide spectrum of biological effects. Six main cultivars of camellia oil in Guangxi, including Camellia oleifera cenxiruanzhi 2 (CR2), CR3, C. oleifera xianglin 4 (XL4), XL40, C. oleifera changlin 1 (CL1), and CL210, were selected for fertilization experiment to produce Se-enriched camellia oil and investigated the effect of Se enrichment on quality. The Se content in camellia oil of six varieties was significantly increased by Se fertilizer application. CR2 had the maximum Se content and raise ratio compared to CK, which was 0.87 mg kg−1 and fourfold, respectively. The Se contents in XL1, XL210, CR3, CL4, and CL40 improved by 2.14-, 2.77-, 3.58-, 2.56-, and 3.79-fold, respectively. Se fertilizer reduced the acid and peroxide values and increased the squalene and tocopherol contents. The acid value decreased by 38.29%–61.30%, the peroxide value decreased by 20.66%–61.79%, the tocopherol content increased by 7.76%–32.78%, and the squalene content increased by 13.53%–77.39%. The quality indices were significantly different among camellia oil varieties. Principal component analysis showed that CR2 obtained the highest score by comprehensive evaluation. Se fertilization, particularly for CR2 species, can significantly increase the contents of Se as well as functional components, such as squalene and tocopherol, and thus improve the quality of camellia oil

scholarly journals Limonin: A Review of Its Pharmacology, Toxicity, and Pharmacokinetics

Molecules ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 24 (20) ◽  
pp. 3679 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fan ◽  
Zhang ◽  
Luo ◽  
Wang ◽  
Tang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Antioxidant Activity ◽  
Pharmacological Activity ◽  
Therapeutic Potential ◽  
Wide Spectrum ◽  
Metabolic Enzyme ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Pharmacokinetic Studies ◽  
Pharmacological Effects ◽  
Anti Cancer ◽  
Future Research Directions

Limonin is a natural tetracyclic triterpenoid compound, which widely exists in Euodia rutaecarpa (Juss.) Benth., Phellodendron chinense Schneid., and Coptis chinensis Franch. Its extensive pharmacological effects have attracted considerable attention in recent years. However, there is no systematic review focusing on the pharmacology, toxicity, and pharmacokinetics of limonin. Therefore, this review aimed to provide the latest information on the pharmacology, toxicity, and pharmacokinetics of limonin, exploring the therapeutic potential of this compound and looking for ways to improve efficacy and bioavailability. Limonin has a wide spectrum of pharmacological effects, including anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory and analgesic, anti-bacterial and anti-virus, anti-oxidation, liver protection properties. However, limonin has also been shown to lead to hepatotoxicity, renal toxicity, and genetic damage. Moreover, limonin also has complex impacts on hepatic metabolic enzyme. Pharmacokinetic studies have demonstrated that limonin has poor bioavailability, and the reduction, hydrolysis, and methylation are the main metabolic pathways of limonin. We also found that the position and group of the substituents of limonin are key in affecting pharmacological activity and bioavailability. However, some issues still exist, such as the mechanism of antioxidant activity of limonin not being clear. In addition, there are few studies on the toxicity mechanism of limonin, and the effects of limonin concentration on pharmacological effects and toxicity are not clear, and no researchers have reported any ways in which to reduce the toxicity of limonin. Therefore, future research directions include the mechanism of antioxidant activity of limonin, how the concentration of limonin affects pharmacological effects and toxicity, finding ways to reduce the toxicity of limonin, and structural modification of limonin—one of the key methods necessary to enhance pharmacological activity and bioavailability.

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