THE EFFECT OF MECHANICAL BARK DAMAGE ON THE VOLUME INCREMENT OF TREES

UDK: 630*232:582.475(497.6) It is well known that mechanical damage to trees, caused by felling and removal of timber from the forest, has multiple negative effects on the quality of the stock and the health of the forests as well as the volume increment. In Bosnia and Herzegovina there were no significant analises of volume increment loss due to bark damage of the trees. In this paper, a direct relationship between the significant damage to the bark of the stem and the size of the volume increment of individual trees was determined. Original data recorded during the Second National Forest Inventory in Bosnia and Herzegovina (2006-2009), within the accesible high economical forests was used. These forests cover a total area of 1.329.500 ha. Data on measured trees was taken from every fourth sample plot (one from cluster). 18.546 trees were selected, on which the 10-year increment of brest diameter (DBH) was measured and significant mechanical damage was recorded (LOJO et al., 2008). Of the total number of selected trees, 2.635 or 14.21% were mechanically damaged. The results of the study showed that the volume increment of trees, with significant bark damage of all tree species and thickness, was lower from 4,9% to 19,4% in average, compared to undamaged trees. Based on registered damage the bark of the stem, during second NFI BiH and determined the average losses increment on individual trees, it was estimated how much these losses are on an annual basis in, productive high forests in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The volume increment of mechanically damaged trees is statistically significantly lower compare to the increment of undamaged trees, resulting in a total loss of about 200.000 m3 / year / 1.329.500 ha.

The Scent of Antifungal Propolis

Propolis contains many effective antifungal compounds that have not yet been identified and evaluated. In addition, distinguishing samples of propolis with high antifungal activity from less active ones would be beneficial for effective therapy. Propolis samples were collected from four different geographical regions in Hungary and used to prepare ethanol extracts for analysis. First, an antifungal susceptibility test was performed on Candida albicans. Then, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and an opto-electronic nose were applied for the classification of propolis samples. In three propolis samples, the IC50 was measured between 72 and 134 µg/mL, but it was not calculable in the fourth sample. GC-MS analysis of the four propolis samples identified several compounds belonging to the various chemical classes. In the antifungal samples, the relative concentration of 11,14-eicosadienoic acid was the highest. Based on the opto-electronic electronic nose measurements, 98.4% of the original grouped antifungal/non-antifungal cases were classified correctly. We identified several molecules from propolis with potential antifungal properties. In addition, this is the first report to demonstrate the usefulness of a portable opto-electronic nose to identify propolis samples with high antifungal activity. These results may contribute to the rapid and efficient selection of new fungicide-candidate molecules and effective propolis samples for treatment.

Automated Video Interview Personality Assessments: Reliability, Validity, and Generalizability Investigations

Organizations are increasingly adopting automated video interviews (AVIs) to screen job applicants despite a paucity of research on their reliability, validity, and generalizability. In this study, we address this gap by developing AVIs that use verbal, paraverbal, and nonverbal behaviors extracted from video interviews to assess Big Five personality traits. We developed and validated machine learning models within (using nested cross-validation) and across three separate samples of mock video interviews (total N = 1,073). Also, we examined their test–retest reliability in a fourth sample (N = 99). In general, we found that the AVI personality assessments exhibited stronger evidence of validity when they were trained on interviewer-reports rather than self-reports. When cross-validated in the other samples, AVI personality assessments trained on interviewer-reports had mixed evidence of reliability, exhibited consistent convergent and discriminant relations, used predictors that appear to be conceptually relevant to the focal traits, and predicted academic outcomes. On the other hand, there was little evidence of reliability or validity for the AVIs trained on self-reports. We discuss the implications for future work on AVIs and personality theory, and provide practical recommendations for the vendors marketing such approaches and organizations considering adopting them.

Biological Test for Triazine Efficacy Eradication of Pathogenic Bacteria, Ranyah, KSA

The objectives were to use triazine chemico-pharmaco complexes to test their efficacy eradication of pathogenic bacteria were Staphylococcous aureus (Staph. aureus) and Escherichia coli (E. coli). Average eradication of Staph. aureus was obvious in samples 4 and 5, followed by 2 and then 1 and 3. The ratio were duple from the preceding one. While for E. coli included the fifth sample, then fourth, then first, second and third. It was quick, but not duplication, to reach complete eradication. Average turbidity degree of Staph. aureus presented in the fourth and fifth samples at 10 hr, then the second sample at 12 hr and the rest at 14 hr. From the average turbidity degree, it turned out that the turbidity gradually disappeared and moved from one degree to another after two hours, while at 12 hr and 14 hr it was in the same class and reached the absence of turbidity degree at 14 hr. So long, for E. coli was disappeared in the fifth sample at 10 hr, followed by the fourth sample at 12 hr and the rest at 4 hr. From the average turbidity degree, it was gradually disappeared. The present study concluded that from test results showed newly prepared of triazine chemico-pharmaco complexes displayed a good antibacterial activity by efficacy eradication of pathogenic bacteria. While also showed triazine chemico-pharmaco complexes may be a talented pattern for antibacterial activities. This research also recommended triazine chemico-pharmaco complexes may use as substitution of antibiotics against antibiotic resistant pathogenic bacteria.

An Experimental Test and Optimization of Friction Stir Welding Process for AA6082 By using GRA

Friction stir welding (FSW) is a type of joining process, it uses solid state welding method, also it is widely used in same type and different types of welding like Al, Mg, Cu, Ti, and their alloys. In this study, friction stir welding of two aluminum alloys AA6082 is done with many sets of tool rotation speed, feed and axial force. In this experimental work FSW process was carried out for AA 6082 and optimization of that FSW process parameters were find out for maximum tensile strength values. Taguchi’s L4 orthogonal array was utilized for three parameters – tool rotational speed (TRS), traverse speed (TS), and axial force (AXF) with two levels. Several optimization was carried out with Taguchi method of grey relational tests. During the investigation obtained highest tensile strength value fourth sample 60.887 N/mm2 and lowest hardness strength value second sample 31HRB and bead appearance found very best surface occurred fourth test plates at the same time angle distortion observed very fine in the fourth test plate. The result was calculated for both ultimate tensile strength and hardness value. The expected grey relational grade was shifted from 0.704 to 0.792, it was the highest value received throughout this experimental results. It was mentioned that the multi-responses of FSW process was improved with this method.

Physico-Chemical Characteristics of Ethanol–Diesel Blend Fuel

In this research we are discussing the physicochemical characteristics of sweet diesel after desulphurization alone and also these characteristics are tested with the adding of high purity HPLC ethanol (99.9%). Those fuel properties of ethanol blended with diesel were experimentally determined to find their stability and to increase their properties and efficiency in the diesel engines. First we made 4 blends of diesel with ethanol and the fifth sample was pure diesel. The samples were 0% ethanol and 100 % diesel, the second sample was 5% ethanol and 95 % diesel, the third sample was 10 % ethanol and 90% diesel, the fourth sample was 15 % ethanol and 85 % diesel and the fifth and last sample was 20 % ethanol and 80 % diesel. The physicochemical characteristics of the diesel ethanol blends were determined by the following experiments (cetane number, ASTM distillation, flash point, pour point, kinematic viscosity, ASTM density and calorific value).the aim of this research is to obtain an optimum blend of diesel ethanol fuel to help in improving the diesel engines and to lower the emission in the engine and the exhaust gases produced in the engines. This blend we obtained in this research was done to meet the EURO 5 standards and regulations, also to help to make an economic improvement in the industry of diesel in Egypt and in the world. The diesel ethanol blend was to be an effective fuel as we will see in the different tests and ASTM methods. Many tests and experiments done during this research project and the obtained results were similar to the EURO 5 standard emissions regulation.

Robust estimation of sulcal morphology

While it is well established that cortical morphology differs in relation to a variety of inter-individual factors, it is often characterized using estimates of volume, thickness, surface area, or gyrification. Here we developed a computational approach for estimating sulcal width and depth that relies on cortical surface reconstructions output by FreeSurfer. While other approaches for estimating sulcal morphology exist, studies often require the use of multiple brain morphology programs that have been shown to differ in their approaches to localize sulcal landmarks, yielding morphological estimates based on inconsistent boundaries. To demonstrate the approach, sulcal morphology was estimated in three large sample of adults across the lifespan, in relation to aging. A fourth sample is additionally used to estimate test-retest reliability of the approach. This toolbox is now made freely available as supplemental to this paper: https://cmadan.github.io/calcSulc/.

Composition and Variability of Leaf Oil from Monodora Crispata -13C NMR Identification of Heat-sensitive Compounds

The composition of four samples of essential oil isolated from the leaves of individual Monodora crispata trees growing wild in an Ivorian forest (Adiopodoumé) were investigated by a combination of chromatographic (GC(RI)) and spectrometric (GC-MS, 13C NMR) techniques. In total, fifty-seven compounds accounting for 92.3–98.7% of the whole composition were identified. These oils were characterized by the preeminence of sesquiterpene hydrocarbons and the content of the main components varied substantially from sample to sample. Two samples were largely dominated by germacrene D (67.3% and 76.3%, respectively), a third sample was represented by germacrene D (28.3%), germacrene C (14.3%), δ-elemene (12.1%) and β-elemene (9.3%) and the fourth sample was characterized by 3-dimethylallylindole (15.1%), germacrene D (12.0%) and cyperene (7.8%). 13C NMR spectroscopy was particularly efficient for the identification of heat-sensitive compounds.

Experimental Paper. The effect of colour grading of milk thistle (Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn.) seeds on their quality for sowing

Summary Introduction: Milk thistle (Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn.) is a medicinal plant belonging to Asteraceae family. Extract from milk thistle achenes (termed in practice as seeds) contains sylimarin, which protects liver cells against inorganic and organic toxic compounds. Objective: The aim of the research was to evaluate the effect of colour grading on the quality of milk thistle seeds. Methods: Seeds were graded manually by colour according to the Royal Horticultural Society Colour Chart, issued in Great Britain. In three samples two fractions of seeds were separated: beige and brown, whereas seeds of the fourth sample were graded into three fractions: yellow, beige and brown. The 1000-seed weight and germination of graded and non-graded seeds were evaluated. Infestation of graded seeds with fungi was assessed. Results: Brown seeds had a higher 1000-seed weight than beige or yellow ones. Germination at the final count of beige seeds did not differ as compared to that of brown seeds or was even better. Milk thistle seeds were infested with numerous fungi, however Alternaria alternata and Ulocladium consortiale predominated. Conclusions: Less mature beige seeds can be used as sowing material because their germination at the final count did not differ as compared to that of fully mature brown seeds or was even better. Infestation of these seeds with some of the fungi was lower than brown seeds.

Protein and glycomic plasma markers for early detection of adenoma and colon cancer

ObjectiveTo discover and confirm blood-based colon cancer early-detection markers.DesignWe created a high-density antibody microarray to detect differences in protein levels in plasma from individuals diagnosed with colon cancer <3 years after blood was drawn (ie, prediagnostic) and cancer-free, matched controls. Potential markers were tested on plasma samples from people diagnosed with adenoma or cancer, compared with controls. Components of an optimal 5-marker panel were tested via immunoblotting using a third sample set, Luminex assay in a large fourth sample set and immunohistochemistry (IHC) on tissue microarrays.ResultsIn the prediagnostic samples, we found 78 significantly (t-test) increased proteins, 32 of which were confirmed in the diagnostic samples. From these 32, optimal 4-marker panels of BAG family molecular chaperone regulator 4 (BAG4), interleukin-6 receptor subunit beta (IL6ST), von Willebrand factor (VWF) and CD44 or epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) were established. Each panel member and the panels also showed increases in the diagnostic adenoma and cancer samples in independent third and fourth sample sets via immunoblot and Luminex, respectively. IHC results showed increased levels of BAG4, IL6ST and CD44 in adenoma and cancer tissues. Inclusion of EGFR and CD44 sialyl Lewis-A and Lewis-X content increased the panel performance. The protein/glycoprotein panel was statistically significantly higher in colon cancer samples, characterised by a range of area under the curves from 0.90 (95% CI 0.82 to 0.98) to 0.86 (95% CI 0.83 to 0.88), for the larger second and fourth sets, respectively.ConclusionsA panel including BAG4, IL6ST, VWF, EGFR and CD44 protein/glycomics performed well for detection of early stages of colon cancer and should be further examined in larger studies.