Isolation of limonoid compound (Hamisonine) from endophytic fungi Penicillium oxalicum LA-1 (KX622790) of Limonia acidissima L. for its larvicidal efficacy against LF vector,Culex quinquefasciatus (Diptera: Culicidae)

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - Upon screening for novel and potential biocompounds with larvicidal activities, we successfully isolated hamisonine (HMSN) a limonoid compound from...     

The impact of urban growth on regional air quality surrounding the Langat River Basin, Malaysia

Studies of air quality were carried out in the towns of Kajang, Nilai and Banting in the Langat River Basin, southern region of Kuala Lumpur to determine the status and trend of air quality. The determination of air quality was based on several parameters such as suspended solids with diameters less than 10???m (PM₁₀) and gaseous pollutants of sulphur dioxide (SO₂), nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), ozone (O₃), and carbon monoxide (CO). Primary concentration data of air pollutants were compiled through fieldwork studies and combined with secondary data obtained from the regular monitoring data as collected by Alam Sekitar Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. (ASMA) on behalf of Malaysian Department of Environment (DOE) at their stations in Kajang and Nilai. Results showed that the average concentrations of PM₁₀, SO₂, NO₂, O_3, and CO at all sampling stations were still below the permissible values recommended by the Malaysian DOE. The level of gaseous pollutants of NO₂, O_3, and CO was recorded at statistically higher levels (p?<?0.05) than values recorded at the control station at Pangsun Recreational Area. These pollutants were suspected to have originated mainly from exhaust systems of motor vehicles. Data for the years 1996 to 2006 as obtained from ASMA showed long-term air quality trends of increasing O₃ and NO₂ concentrations in Kajang whilst concentrations of PM₁₀ recorded at both Kajang and Nilai stations were mostly expected coming from transboundary sources especially biomass burning and the development activities around the study areas.     

A review on the formation of titania nanotube photocatalysts by hydrothermal treatment

Titania nanotubes are gaining prominence in photocatalysis, owing to their excellent physical and chemical properties such as high surface area, excellent photocatalytic activity, and widespread availability. They are easily produced by a simple and effective hydrothermal method under mild temperature and pressure conditions. This paper reviews and analyzes the mechanism of titania nanotube formation by hydrothermal treatment. It further examines the parameters that affect the formation of titania nanotubes, such as starting material, sonication pretreatment, hydrothermal temperature, washing process, and calcination process. Finally, the effects of the presence of dopants on the formation of titania nanotubes are analyzed.     

Mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress and apoptotic induction in microglial BV-2 cells treated with sodium arsenate

The treatment of microglial BV-2 cells with sodium arsenate(As(V):0.1-400 μmol/L — 48 hr)induces a dose-dependent response.The neurotoxic effects of high concentrations of As(V)(100,200 and 400 μmol/L) are characterized by increased levels of mitochondrial complexesⅠ,Ⅱ,and Ⅳ followed by increased superoxide anion generation.Moreover,As(V) triggers an apoptotic mode of cell death,demonstrated by an apoptotic SubG1 peak,associated with an alteration of plasma membrane integrity.There is also a decrease in transmembrane mitochondrial potential and mitochondrial adenosine triphosphate ATP.It is therefore tempting to speculate that As(V) triggers mitochondrial dysfunction,which may lead to defective oxidative phosphorylation subsequently causing mitochondrial oxidative damage,which in turn induces an apoptotic mode of cell death.     

Mechanical,Morphological and Dynamic Mechanical Analysis of Pineapple Leaf/Washingtonia Trunk Fibres Based Biophenolic Hybrid Composites

In this article, flexural, impact and dynamic mechanical properties of the Pineapple leaf fibres (PALF) and Washingtonia trunk fibres (GW) based bio-phenolic hybrid composites were examined. The pure and hybrid composites were fabricated using the hand lay-up technique with an overall fibre weight ratio of 50% in which GW and PALF were maintained in the fibre weight ratios of 50:50, 30:70, and 70:30 denoted as 1G1P, 3G7P, and 7G3P, respectively. Hybrid composites displayed better flexural strength, flexural modulus and impact strength than the GW composites and better viscoelastic properties than the PALF composites. Results revealed that 1G1P hybrid composites exhibited 25% and 12% improvements in flexural strength and modulus compared to the GW composites. 3P7K composites showed a twofold increase in impact strength than GW composites. The storage modulus of the pure and hybrid composites declined rapidly beyond the glass transition temperature. Furthermore, it was observed that the values of storage modulus for all the composites at 150 °C were similar regardless of the composite configuration. The Peak of loss modulus was found to increase in the following order: GW?>?7G3P?>?3G7P?>?1G1P?>?PALF. Furthermore, the temperature at the peak tan delta was improved, and a reduction in the tan delta peak was observed for hybrid composites compared to the pure composites. Finally, the PALF and GW hybrid combinations can be suitable for use in various applications such as textiles, machinery part production industries, medicine, automobiles, etc.

     

Characterization of Active Polybutylene Succinate Films Filled Essential Oils for Food Packaging Application

Journal of Polymers and the Environment - The development of active packaging for food applications have been increasingly favorable in publicity, industry, and research field, by attributing to...     

Water quality monitoring of Lake Burullus (Egypt) using Landsat satellite imageries

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - Lake Burullus is one of the most important coastal lakes in Egypt, as it participates with a considerable amount of fish yield in Egypt. Despite its...     

In silico screening of potent bioactive compounds from honeybee products against COVID-19 target enzymes

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - After the early advent of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, myriads of FDA-approved drugs&nbsp;have been massively repurposed for...     

Approaches to prevent and control Campylobacter spp. colonization in broiler chickens: a review

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - Campylobacter, Gram-negative bacteria, is the most common cause of acute bacterial enteritis in human beings, both in developing and developed...     

Environmental protection and energy efficiency improvement by using natural gas fuel in maritime transportation

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - Emissions from vessels are a major environmental concern because of their impacts on the deterioration of the environment, especially global warming...