scholarly journals Cultivation of Artificial Algal Crust and its Effect on Soil Improvement in Sandy Area

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jinchao Feng ◽  
Wei Li ◽  
Linna Ma
Keyword(s):  
Soil Improvement ◽  
Biological Properties ◽  
Desert Ecosystem ◽  
Pioneer Species ◽  
Artificial Culture ◽  
Sand Surface ◽  
Soil Crusts ◽  
Cultivation Process ◽  
Virtuous Cycle ◽  
Short Time

Algae are the pioneer species of biological soil crusts. Cyanobacteria, microschwannophyta and pseudocladophyta can form fixed quicksand algae crusts on the surface of sand surface. Through artificial culture, soil crusts can be formed in a short time. The development and succession of algeal-sand crust promoted the enrichment of nutrients in the sand surface layer, and created conditions for the reproduction of micro-soil organisms and the colonization of herbaceous plants, thus promoting the desert ecosystem to enter a virtuous cycle. This chapter will focus on the cultivation process of artificial soil crust and its effect on soil improvement (soil organic matter and nitrogen) in sandy areas. In conclusion, the application of algal solution can rapidly form algal crusts, and according to the research results, the formation of algal crusts can significantly improve the chemical and biological properties of soil.

The Molecular Diversity Scope of Urazole in the Synthesis of Organic Compounds

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (7) ◽  
pp. 953-967 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ghodsi M. Ziarani ◽  
Fatemeh Mohajer ◽  
Razieh Moradi ◽  
Parisa Mofatehnia
Keyword(s):  
Biological Activities ◽  
Biological Properties ◽  
Biologically Active ◽  
Microtubule Assembly ◽  
Heterocyclic Molecules ◽  
Biological Perspective ◽  
Highly Active ◽  
Anti Inflammatory ◽  
High Yields ◽  
Short Time

Background: As a matter of fact, nitrogen as a hetero atom among other atoms has had an important role in active biological compounds. Since heterocyclic molecules with nitrogen are highly demanded due to biological properties, 4-phenylurazole as a compound containing nitrogen might be important in the multicomponent reaction used in agrochemicals, and pharmaceuticals. Considering the case of fused derivatives “pyrazolourazoles” which are highly applicable because of their application for analgesic, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antidiabetic activities as HSP-72 induction inhibitors (I and III) and novel microtubule assembly inhibitors. It should be mentioned that spiro-pyrazole also has biological activities like cytotoxic, antimicrobial, anticonvulsant, antifungal, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and cardiotonic activities. Objective: Urazole has been used in many heterocyclic compounds which are valuable in organic syntheses. This review disclosed the advances in the use of urazole as the starting material in the synthesis of various biologically active molecules from 2006 to 2019. Conclusion: Compounds of urazole (1,2,4-triazolidine-3,5-dione) are the most important molecules which are highly active from the biological perspective in the pharmaceuticals as well as polymers. In summary, many protocols for preparations of the urazole derivatives from various substrates in multi-component reactions have been reported from different aromatic and aliphatic groups which have had carbonyl groups in their structures. It is noted that several catalysts have been synthesized to afford applicable molecules with urazole scaffolds. In some papers, being environmentally friendly, short time reactions and high yields are highlighted in the protocols. There is a room to synthesize new catalysts and perform new reactions by manipulating urazole to produce biologically active compounds, even producing chiral urazole component as many groups of chiral urazole compounds are important from biological perspective.

scholarly journals Rapidly restoring biological soil crusts and ecosystem functions in a severely disturbed desert ecosystem

2016 ◽  
Vol 26 (4) ◽  
pp. 1260-1272 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lindsay P. Chiquoine ◽  
Scott R. Abella ◽  
Matthew A. Bowker
Keyword(s):  
Biological Soil Crusts ◽  
Desert Ecosystem ◽  
Ecosystem Functions ◽  
Soil Crusts

scholarly journals Monitoring the spread of SARS-CoV-2 variants in Moscow and the Moscow region using targeted high-throughput sequencing

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nadezhda I Borisova ◽  
Ivan A Kotov ◽  
Anton A Kolesnikov ◽  
Valeriia V Kaptelova ◽  
Anna S Speranskaya ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
South African ◽  
High Throughput ◽  
High Throughput Sequencing ◽  
Biological Properties ◽  
Moscow Region ◽  
Gene Encoding ◽  
Genetic Changes ◽  
Random Samples ◽  
Coronavirus Infection ◽  
Short Time

Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, the international community has been concerned about the emergence of mutations that alter the biological properties of the pathogen, for example, increasing its infectivity or virulence. In particular, since the end of 2020, several variants of concern have been identified around the world, including variants alpha (B.1.1.7, British), beta (B.1.351, South African), gamma (P.1, Brazilian) and delta (B.1.617.2, Indian). However, the existing mechanism for searching for important mutations and identifying strains may not be effective enough, since only a relatively small fraction of all identified pathogen samples can be examined for genetic changes by whole genome sequencing due to its high cost. In this study, we used the method of targeted high-throughput sequencing of the most significant regions of the gene encoding the S-glycoprotein of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, for which a primer panel was developed. Using this technique, we examined 579 random samples obtained from patients in Moscow and the Moscow region with coronavirus infection from February to June 2021. The study demonstrated the dynamics of the representation in the Moscow region of a number of SARS-CoV-2 strains and its most significant individual mutations in the period from February to June 2021. It was found that the strain B.1.617.2 began to spread rapidly in Moscow and the Moscow region in May, and in June it became dominant, partially displacing other varieties of the virus. The results obtained make it possible to accurately determine the belonging of the samples to the abovementioned and some other strains. The approach can be used to standardize the procedure for searching for new and existing epidemiologically significant mutations in certain regions of the SARS-CoV-2 genome, which allows studying a large number of samples in a short time and to get a more detailed picture of the epidemiological situation in the region.

scholarly journals Doing and feeling together in older age: self-worth and belonging through social creative activities

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-21
Author(s):  
Emma H. Wood ◽  
Allan Jepson ◽  
Raphaela Stadler
Keyword(s):  
Social Integration ◽  
Older Women ◽  
Older Age ◽  
Cycle Model ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Multi Stage ◽  
Self Worth ◽  
Art Activities ◽  
Virtuous Cycle ◽  
Short Time

Abstract The potential for art activities to help in alleviating loneliness is explored through a focus on older women's regular attendance at creative social activities. We apply the concept of perceived emotional synchrony to understand how weekly craft group sessions enable feelings of belonging and self-worth to develop in older women. Using a multi-site six-month study of 62 women aged 70+ attending social creative activities, our multi-stage research design captures the experiences of these women through observation and narrative group discussions held weekly. Our findings show that feelings of belonging and self-worth developed over a relatively short time. In particular, social integration and identity fusion were found to occur as a result of the emotional synchrony engendered via a regular shared activity, out of the home, and requiring some challenge and creativity. We propose a virtuous cycle model to explain the value in such activities and discuss the wider implications for wellbeing in older age. Perceived emotional synchrony has not been used before to explore the mechanisms through which social creative activities form lasting benefits for older women. Our research highlights the importance of feeling at one with others in improving feelings of belonging and self-worth and indicates how a variety of social creative experiences could be designed to enable this.

scholarly journals Green Synthesis of New Pyrrolo [1,2-a] quinoxalines as Antiproliferative Agents in GPER-expressing Breast Cancer Cells

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Gabriele Carullo ◽  
Sarah Mazzotta ◽  
Francesca Giordano ◽  
Francesca Aiello
Keyword(s):  
Anticancer Agents ◽  
Biological Properties ◽  
Antiproliferative Agents ◽  
Antiproliferative Effects ◽  
Anticancer Properties ◽  
Small Set ◽  
Acetyl Group ◽  
High Yields ◽  
Short Time

4,5-Dihydropyrrolo [1,2-a]quinoxalines are interesting druggable scaffolds, with multifaceted biological properties, including anticancer properties targeting the G protein-coupled estrogen receptor 1 (GPER). In this work, the synthesis and preliminary antiproliferative activity of a small set of new 4,5-dihydropyrrolo[1,2-a]quinoxalines (18-20) and pyrrolo[1,2-a]quinoxalines (21, 22) has been reported, inspired by known antiproliferative agents (G-1, G-15, and G-36). The synthesis of the pyrroloquinoxalinic core was employed following the Pictet–Spengler reaction, using the surfactant p-dodecylbenzene sulphonic acid (p-DBSA), as catalyst. It demonstrated efficiency in the catalysis of the 4-phenylpyrrole [1,2-a] quinoxaline type compound formation in mild solvents such as water, ethanol, and hydroalcoholic solutions. In addition, the reactions proceeded in a short time (between 15 and 120 minutes) at room temperature and with high yields. The in vitro MTT assays showed that the presence of isopropyl groups furnished promising antiproliferative compounds. Although, the acetyl group provided also antiproliferative effects, breaking down its responsibility in the GPER transactivation. Nevertheless, it is possible to conclude that the 4,5-dihydropyrrolo[1,2-a]quinoxalines remain a feasible scaffold to develop anticancer agents against GPER-expressing cells.

scholarly journals Efficiency of hop (Humulus L.) growing without cutting of main roots depending upon the underground plant part.

2021 ◽  
pp. 150-156
Author(s):  
O. Ostromenskyi ◽  
O. Stetsiuk ◽  
M. Mykhailov ◽  
L. Kyrychenko ◽  
I. Panchenko
Keyword(s):  
Field Tests ◽  
Soil Surface ◽  
Plant Part ◽  
Production Costs ◽  
Yield Reduction ◽  
Northern Forest ◽  
Spring Period ◽  
Human Labor ◽  
Cultivation Process ◽  
Short Time

Cutting of main roots in the hop cultivation process is one of the most energy-intensive agrotechnical operations. And it is necessary to execute it in a short time during spring work. The purpose of this research was to determine the efficiency and influence of hop growing without cutting of the main roots in different development terms of shoots in the underground plant part during the spring period on the forming of the yield, cones quality and sparing of human labor and production costs. Research methods used were: field tests, laboratory tests, statistic analysis methods. Resultsof the scientific research proved the possibility of hop growing without cutting of the main roots in conditions of the Ukrainian Northern forest-andsteppe and Polissia zone. It was stated, that the highest broken of shoots percentage (86.9– 88.5%), which enhances yield +0.9 metric Centner from hectare, or +4.3% in comparison with the traditional technology, was recorded in the variants with uncut roots during the spring period until their appearance on the soil surface with the length of 3–5 cm. In the variants with uncut roots with the presence of eyes in the underground plant part and shoots which spread on the soil surface, the percentage of broken off shoots reached 20.0–26.5, and in this case caused the yield reduction of 1.0–1.8 metric Centner from hectare, or by 4.8–8.6% lower than in the control field. Alpha acids content in the hop cones in all given variants was practically identical and made 5.1–6.0%. Calculation of economic efficiency demonstrated, that hop growing technology without cutting of main roots offers the possibility to cut down the time limits (terms) used for this operation, spare human labor by 170 worker/hours and receive pure profit of 6.4 thousands Ukrainian Hryvnia for 1 Ha of hop garden, without losses in quantity and quality of hop cones. It is economically profitable to grow hops without cutting the main roots in comparison with the traditional hop growing technology.

scholarly journals Water and Heat-Triggered Changes of Bacterial Community Structure and Function in Biological Soil Crusts

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiaoting Wei ◽  
Fuwen Qin ◽  
Bing Han ◽  
Huakun Zhou ◽  
Miao Liu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Community Structure ◽  
Bacterial Community ◽  
Bacterial Communities ◽  
Bacterial Community Structure ◽  
Aridity Index ◽  
Soil Improvement ◽  
Biological Soil Crusts ◽  
Structure And Function ◽  
Soil Crusts ◽  
And Function

Abstract Background and Aims：The outstanding ability of biological soil crusts (BSCs) in soil microenvironments regulation is mainly attribute to microorganisms that colonizing in biocrusts. We aimed to investigate the changes of bacterial community structure and function with biocrust succession, as well as their responses to climatic changes across large geographical scales.Methods: Algal BSCs and lichen BSCs were sampled along an aridity gradient on alpine grasslands. Bacterial communities in biocrusts were measured using high-throughput sequencing, and soil underlying biocrusts (0-5 cm) was collected for nutrients determination. Results: Our results indicated that compared with algal BSCs, bacterial community in lichen BSCs was characterized by lower diversity, more complex co-occurrence network and mutually beneficial relationships. The bacterial community assembly was governed mainly by stochastic processes for lichen BSCs, which was different from the almost equally important roles of stochastic and deterministic processes for algal BSCs. Geographical location had a significant effect on bacterial communities in both algal and lichen BSCs, while had a greater effect on lichen BSCs. It is noteworthy that the bacterial diversity of algal BSCs was positively correlated with aridity index, while that of lichens was negatively correlated with aridity index. Moreover, we determined lower soil pH and higher soil phosphorus content underlying lichen BSCs, implying their advantages in soil improvement. Conclusions: Aridity index was one of important driving factors of bacterial community in biocrusts, and its effects were biocrust type dependent. Lichen BSCs had greater effects on soil improvement than that of algal BSCs.

scholarly journals Method of removing secondary compression on clay using preloading

2018 ◽  
Vol 195 ◽  
pp. 03006
Author(s):  
Ega Dhianty ◽  
Indrasurya B. Mochtar
Keyword(s):  
Void Ratio ◽  
Soft Soil ◽  
Soil Improvement ◽  
Compression Index ◽  
Secondary Compression ◽  
Initial Void Ratio ◽  
Prefabricated Vertical Drain ◽  
Primary Consolidation ◽  
Short Time ◽  
External Loads

Due to external loads, the soft soil will undergo a large compression of both primary and secondary compression. With soil improvement using prefabricated vertical drain (PVD), the time of primary compression becomes shorter so that secondary compression occurs in short time. There has been little research on how to remove secondary compression. Therefore, further investigation of behaviour and method of removing secondary compression is necessary. This research was conducted based on an experimental study of clay consolidation test with a variation of loading time in the laboratory. The results show that there is an empirical correlation among the secondary compression index (Cα’), the initial void ratio (e0), the void ratio at the end of primary consolidation (ep), and the effective consolidation stress (P’). The correlations obtained from this study are Cα’ = (0.0072e0 - 0.0067)P’ and Cα’ = (0.0077ep - 0.006)P’. The greater the effective consolidation stress is, the greater the secondary compression index will become. Therefore, in soil improvement secondary compression can be removed by giving an extra load (Δq) that causes additional compression to the primary consolidation where the magnitude equals to the expected secondary compression. Then, this Δq could be removed at the end of the primary consolidation.

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