Metabolomics-Guided Analysis of the Biocatalytic Conversion of Sclareol to Ambradiol by Hyphozyma roseoniger

The biocatalytic conversion of sclareol to ambradiol, a valuable component in the fragrance industry, using whole-cell biotransformation by the dimorphic yeast Hyphozyma roseoniger, was investigated using metabolomics tools. An integrated approach was used to identify and quantify the participating intermediates in this bioconversion using both nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (LC–MS). This study entailed growth stage-dependent analysis of H. roseoniger suspensions grown in batch culture over a 14-day period, beginning with a three-day induction period using 20 mg/200 mL sclareol, followed by a further 1 g/200 mL sclareol dose to enable ambradiol production. The progress of the bioconversion and the resulting dynamic changes to the metabolome were monitored using NMR analysis and semi-targeted LC–MS metabolomics. This outlined the molecular conversions occurring within the matrix and no novel intermediates participating in the sclareol to ambradiol conversion could be identified. This study presents new findings about the transformative capabilities of H. roseoniger as a whole cell biocatalyst, highlighting its potential utility in similar applications.

Ways of solving the problems of rational nature management in the areas of alluvial deposits development

A characteristic feature of the developed placer deposits is that most of them (up to 90–95%) are hard to develop, and the sands included in them are hard to enrich, due to their location in the geographic and climatic zones with a harsh climate, where perennial and deep seasonal permafrost is widespread almost everywhere. About 40% of alluvial deposits are clayey, highly clayey or cemented. As a consequence, there are significant losses of the valuable component and a large negative impact on the environment, including due to repeated re–mining. The studies presented in this paper help to significantly reduce losses and increase the productivity of the dredge, thereby increasing metal recovery.

Biocomposites Using Whole or Valuable Component-Extracted Microalgae Blended with Polymers: A Review

Global demand for plastics has increased steadily alongside industrial development. Despite their versatility and convenience, environmental pollution caused by plastics are a major issue. With a reduction in the market size of plastics being seemingly impossible, bioplastics may become key to tackle this issue. Among a wide range of sources of bioplastics, microalgae have come into the limelight. While abundant and valuable components in microalgae have the potential to replace preexisting plastics, complex processes and low cost performances have prevented them from entering the market. In this study, we examined techniques for biocomposites in which polymers are blended with microalgae. We focused on microalgae-based biocomposite blending processed from the perspective of functionality and cost performance.

Mineral Contents in Aboveground Biomass of Sedges (Carex L., Cyperaceae)

The importance of mineral elements, both in animal and plant nutrition, has been well recognized, but, in the case of sedges, the mineral composition is relatively poorly known. Studies usually relate to the content of the elements in sedge communities, or sward or hay communities with sedge participation, and rarely of Carex representatives. The objective of our study was to determine the concentrations of C, N, Ca, P, Mg, Na, K, Si, Cu, Zn, Mn, Fe, Cr and Ni in the biomass of 11 Carex species commonly occurring on natural sites of Central European lowland. Interspecific differentiations have been observed in concentrations of the major and trace elements among studied sedge species. The elemental composition of examined Carex species is diversified but generally similar to the composition of grasses. The study shows that sedges can increase fodder value and, therefore, they should be considered in meadow management as a valuable component of economically important meadow communities. Moreover, the data reported herein can be used for modelling the phytoaccumulation of various elements in the biomass of sedges. This will help in creating different patches suitable for obtaining adequate fodder. Our results can supplement current knowledge concerning the fodder value of meadows with sedge participation.

“I felt as if I was becoming myself anew”: Transformative Learning Through Action Research Projects Carried out by Beginner Teachers

This article explores action research as a tool for promoting transformative learning of prospective teachers. Drawing on two B.A. or M.A. projects carried out at a university in Poland in which teacher-students used action research and the educational ethnography design to examine themselves as teachers and their practice, the article demonstrates the potential of such an approach for the transformation of students’ meaning perspectives and, eventually, of their personal and professional identities. The transformation the teacher-students experienced entailed their emancipation from the teaching models imposed on them in their institutions and the development of their personal teaching theories. This was followed by their transition to deliberate action, increased sense of agency, and readiness to assume responsibility for wider social change, consequently bridging the theory-practice divide. The author argues that despite the challenges of action research in the university context, its transformative potential makes it a valuable component of teacher education.

Study of gold-bearing ores material and mineralogical composition in Lower Angara region

In connection with the involvement in new deposits exploitation, represented by refractory oxidized ores with a fine-dispersed phase and valuable component low content, there have been trends in the processing of this type of raw material. The alluvial gold-bearing sands of Lower Angara region are of practical interest. The results of the material and mineralogical composition of gold-bearing ores made it possible to establish that most rock fragments are quartz-mica schists, which are dilapidated by weathering up to 15% of the sample mass and clay inclusions. Ore by 61.5% is presented with grain size of more than 20 mm. Gold is distributed almost evenly by size class. Basically, gold is found in intergrowths with quartz, mica, pyrite, and clay components. The size of the gold grains ranges from 0.03 to 0.05 mm to several microns. The content of the valuable component was about 3-5%. The result of gravity concentration of the original ores showed the possibility of obtaining gravity concentrates with a metal content of 220-250 g/t, with extraction up to 93-95% and obtaining tailings from 0.3-0.5 g/t, followed by leaching of cyanide and sulfur-alkaline solutions. The extraction of the valuable component into the solution was 80% and 98%, respectively. The results obtained indicate the possibility of processing these types of ores in Lower Angara region.

Yerba Mate—A Long but Current History

Bearing in mind the growing interest in Yerba Mate, a comprehensive study has been prepared containing the most important aspects and possibilities of its use. The introduction of the work contains the species characteristics of Yerba Mate, as well as information about the origin and places of cultivation. The next part focuses on the analysis of the composition, pointing to purine alkaloids, polyphenols, saponins, and minerals as groups of active compounds responsible for the clinical activity of Yerba Mate. The review of the results of preclinical and clinical studies indicates activity in relation to the stimulating effect, reducing weight by stimulating lipolysis, cardioprotective, anti-diabetic, and anti-inflammatory effects. The information about the action of Yerba Mate is supplemented by the characteristics of its potential toxicity in terms of PAHs content (in particular benzo[α]pyrene) and preparation as a determinant of increased irritation. The current data on the effects of Yerba Mate and the wide safety margin of its use position this raw material as a valuable component of functional food. The growing frequency of consuming Yerba Mate, conditioned by the availability resulting from the globalization of the market and the information provided about it’s the pro-health effects, will position Yerba Mate's popularity among wider population groups.

Library Liaison Services in US Community Colleges

Library liaison services have been shown to be a valuable component of higher education in the US. Despite this established value, however, liaison services specific to community colleges are rarely discussed in the scholarly literature, while such services from universities and research institutions are well researched. Though it is understandable that liaison services at universities and community colleges would have similarities such as collaboration and outreach with students and faculty, it is only logical that they would also have differences due to the differences in user groups they serve. However, performing any reasonable comparison is difficult due to the absence of scholarly discourse regarding liaison services at community colleges. This article fills this gap by presenting survey data on the state of liaison services in community college libraries in the US. The data shows that a range of liaison work is being performed by community college librarians; A number of opportunities for further inquiry are also identified.

Intercultural Communication Concepts in Clinical Pastoral Education: The Intercultural Experience of Muslim Students

This essay argues that inclusivity and multicultural-theological representation in CPE is its most valuable component. We will explore Muslim students’ interaction, communication, and other processes, including conceptual analysis during their CPE training. Furthermore, gaps in the CPE curriculum will be addressed.

METHOD OF DISCRETENESS SUBSTANTIATION OF QUALITATIVE CHARACTERISTICS TESTING DURING IRON ORE RAW MATERIALS EXTRACTION

The article aims to substantiate the periodicity of the definition of the maintenance of a valuable component in faces. Information about the content of the valuable component is necessary to comply with the requirements of the enrichment complex while ensuring the process of the total cargo flow formation. Traditionally, in iron ore quarries, technical control services measure the content of the valuable component every shift, but the testing period requires determination. We aimed to justify the period of testing the quality characteristics of iron ore. To achieve the aim, we explored the quarry № 3 of the PJSC "ArcelorMittal Kryvyi Rih" Mining Department based on the provisions of the mining theory and using mathematical modelling and mathematical statistics methods. We developed a method of substantiating the period of testing the qualitative characteristics of the faces, which we checked based on data from the existing enterprise. Using our method, we proved the possibility of increasing the test period without losing the necessary information about the iron content and without reducing the quality characteristics of the formed final ore flow. Increasing the test period will help companies decrease costs by reducing the number of visits of technical control specialists to test the quarry face. The proposed technique can be helpful to any mining company that supports the data collection and maintain the statistical database of measurements of the valuable component content