13 research outputs found
THEORETICAL ASPECTS OF THE CONCEPTUAL BASIS OF FINANCIAL REPORTING AND PRESENTATION
No full textIn this article, the author theoretically considered the conceptual basis of the preparation and presentation of financial statements in business entities and expressed his opinion
Sustainable Production of Biodiesel from Novel Non-Edible Oil Seeds (Descurainia sophia L.) via Green Nano CeO2 Catalyst
No full textThe current study focuses on the synthesis of Cerium oxide (CeO2) nanocatalyst via Tragacanth Gum (TG) using the wet impregnation method and its application for sustainable biodiesel production from a novel, non-edible Descurainia sophia (L.) Webb ex Prantl seed oil. The D. sophia seed oil has higher oil content (36 wt%) and free fatty acid (FFA) value (0.6 mg KOH/g). Innovative analytical methods, such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, were used to characterize the newly synthesized, environmentally friendly, and recyclable CeO2-TG phytonanocatalyst (FT-IR). The results show that the CeO2-TG phytonanocatalyst was 22 nm in diameter with a spherical shape outer morphology, while the inner structure was hexagonal. Due to low FFA content, the D. sophia seed oil was pretreated and transesterified via a single step. Using varying parameters, the optimized process variables were determined via Response Surface Methodology (RSM). The optimum process values were 8:1 methanol to oil molar ratio, 0.3 wt% catalyst concentration, 90 °C temperature, and reaction time of 210 min with 98% biodiesel yield. The recently created phytonanocatalyst was reliable and effective, with three times reusability in the transesterification reaction. Thin layer chromatography (TLC), FT-IR, gas chromatography–mass spectroscopy (GCMS), and Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analyses were used to characterize the synthesized biodiesel. Physico-chemical properties of D. sophia biodiesel, i.e., Kinematic viscosity (4.23 mm2/s), density (0.800 kg/m3), pour point (−7 °C), cloud point (−12 °C), and flash point (73.5 °C) agree well with international biodiesel standards (ASTM-6751, 951), (EU-14214), and China (GB/T 20828) standards. The results show that the synthesized nanocatalyst demonstrated remarkable stability, indicating a bright future for industrial biodiesel production from low-cost feedstock
Assessing the Bioenergy Potential of Novel Non-Edible Biomass Resources via Ultrastructural Analysis of Seed Sculpturing Using Microscopic Imaging Visualization
No full textRecently, intensifying energy crises accompanying ecological crises due to the decline in fossil-fuel reserves and extensive greenhouse gas emissions have triggered the exploration of renewable substitutes for petro-diesel. In this scenario, biodiesel is the best alternative to non-renewable finite conventional fuels due to its cost-effectiveness, sustainability, renewability, biodegradability, and eco-friendly nature. Hence, the current research was designed to utilize scanning electron microscopy to investigate and identify the micro-morphological characteristics of selected seed-bearing crops. Light-microscopy (LM) indicated discrete variations in macro-morphological characters such as seed shape (ovoid, ovate, oblong, semi-spheroid, or discoid), seed size (3.5–14 mm in length and 2.25 to 6.5 mm in width), seed color (yellow to black), and number of seeds per kilogram (from 6000 to 260,000). Chemical extraction via Soxhlet apparatus resulted in the estimation of oil content within the range of 20.3–48.0% (wt./wt.), FFA content (0.63–6.91 mg KOH/g), and maximum product, i.e., 98% biodiesel yield was achieved. Multivariate analysis via principal component analysis (PCA) was done using PAST 3 software to investigate similarities and differences among factors/variables. SEM examination exhibited ultra-morphological characters and distinct variation in cell-wall ornamentation; hilum occurrence, position, and level; wall-sculpturing variations such as ruminate, verrucate, wrinkled, or striate; cell arrangement (anticlinal or periclinal); and cell shape and margins. To conclude, SEM could be an advanced technique to disclose the ultra-micromorphological characteristics of oil-bearing energy crops providing a convenient way for scientists to determine correct identification, authentication, and classification
Microplastics in the Syr Darya River Tributaries, Uzbekistan
No full textThe objective of the study was a pre-screening of the microplastic (MP) content in surface water and benthic sediments of Kara Darya and Chirchiq rivers, the first-order tributaries of the Syr Darya River (Uzbekistan). For the first time, surface water and benthic sediment samples were taken from this region, and quantitative screening of MPs 0.15–5.00 mm in size was performed. A combined visual and μRaman-based methodology was used to quantify and characterize artificial polymer microparticles from the surface water and bottom sediments of two rivers. The average abundance of MPs in the Kara Darya River and Chirchiq River waters was found to be 4.28 ± 0.09 and 0.95 ± 0.36 items per m3, and that in benthic sediments attained 244 ± 28.9 and 333 ± 11.5 items per kg of dry soil, respectively. MP concentration in surface water and benthic sediments of the Kara Darya River significantly exceeded (p-value < 0.01) that in the Chirchiq River. Microfibers were most abundant; the proportion of MP fibers in the water of the Kara Darya and Chirchiq rivers amounted to 89 and 95%, respectively, and that in benthic sediments of the rivers was 86 and 84%, respectively. The dominance of microfibers may indicate the route of entry to the rivers through domestic wastewater treatment plant discharges. The polymer microparticles in the surface water and benthic sediments of the Kara Darya and Chirchiq rivers were mainly represented by polyethylenterephtalate (PET), which accounted for half of all MPs detected in the Kara Darya River. Microparticles of textile origin were particularly abundant in the Kara Darya River, where viscose and nylon fibers were also found, which suggests the leading role of synthetic textiles in the pollution. The reported data are the first experimental evidence of MP pollution of the Syr Darya tributaries, but the distribution and circulation of MPs in surface water in Central Asia requires further comprehensive studies
Exploring biodiversity and ethnobotanical significance of Solanum species in Uzbekistan: unveiling the cultural wealth and ethnopharmacological uses
No full textInternational audienceDespite its millennial existence and empirical documentation, the ethnological knowledge of herbs is a more recent phenomenon. The knowledge of their historical uses as food, medicine, source of income and small-scale businesses, and the sociological impacts are threatened due to the slow ethnobotanical research drive. Species of the genus Solanum have long been extensively used in folk medicine to treat various illnesses of humans since the dawn of civilization. All data were systematically obtained from papers, monographs, and books written in Uzbek, Russian, and English through various scientific online databases, including Google, Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, Semantic Scholar, Science Direct, and Web of Science using specific keywords focused on eight Solanum species. Eight native and non-native Solanum species as S. dulcamara L., S. lycopersicum L., S. melongena L., S. nigrum L., S. rostratum Dunal., S. sisymbriifolium Lam., S. tuberosum L., and S. villosum Mill. have been recorded in Uzbekistan of Central Asia. s. Based on the collected data, it was shown that Solanum species have not been studied ethnobotanically and ethnomedicinally in Uzbekistan and it is necessary to conduct phytochemical and biotechnological research on them in the future. Traditional uses and scientificevaluation of Solanum indicate that S. nigrum, S. sisymbriifolium and S. tuberosum are one of the most widely used species in some parts of the world. Although considerable progress has been made to comprehend the chemical and biological properties of S. nigrum and S. tuberosum species, more research on the pharmacology and toxicology of these species is needed to ensure the safety, efficacy, and quality of their biologically active extracts and isolated bioactive compounds. Additionally, conducting additional research on the structureactivity relationship of certain isolated phytochemicals has the potential to enhance their biological efficacy and advance the scientific utilization of traditional applications of Solanum taxa
Novel Copper Oxide Phyto-Nanocatalyst Utilized for the Synthesis of Sustainable Biodiesel from Citrullus colocynthis Seed Oil
No full textThe green chemistry method for nanocatalyst synthesis along with environmentally feasible non-edible sources are promising alternatives to fossil fuels. The current study focuses on the synthesis of copper oxide phyto-nanocatalyst and the identification of a new renewable feedstock, Citrullus colocynthis, to reduce environmental pollution. The highest biodiesel yield (95%) was obtained under optimum conditions of a 1:8 oil-to-methanol ratio and reaction temperature of 85 °C for 120 min with a 0.365 wt% catalyst concentration. The phyto-nanocatalyst was synthesized using seed oil cake after extracting oil with the salt of copper (copper oxide). The catalyst was then subjected to various analyses, namely, EDX, FT-IR, SEM, and XRD. The catalyst was proved to be efficient and effective after being reused five times and still there was a very small difference in biodiesel yield. All the analyses also show sustainable and stable results. Thus, copper oxide phyto-nanocatalyst with non-edible Citrullus colocynthis proved to be highly effective, sustainable, and a better alternative source to the future biodiesel industry
Bioactive plant waste components targeting oral bacterial pathogens as a promising strategy for biofilm eradication
No full textThe significance of this study lies in its exploration of bioactive plant extracts as a promising avenue for combating oral bacterial pathogens, offering a novel strategy for biofilm eradication that could potentially revolutionize oral health treatments. Oral bacterial infections are common in diabetic patients; however, due to the development of resistance, treatment options are limited. Considering the excellent antimicrobial properties of phenolic compounds, we investigated them against isolated oral pathogens using in silico and in vitro models. We performed antibiogram studies and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), antibiofilm, and antiquorum sensing activities covering phenolic compounds. Bacterial strains were isolated from female diabetic patients and identified by using 16S rRNA sequencing as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus chungangensis, Bacillus paramycoides, and Paenibacillus dendritiformis. Antibiogram studies confirmed that all strains were resistant to most tested antibiotics except imipenem and ciprofloxacin. Molecular docking analysis revealed the significant interaction of rutin, quercetin, gallic acid, and catechin with transcription regulator genes 1RO5, 4B2O, and 5OE3. All tested molecules followed drug-likeness rules except rutin. The MIC values of the tested compounds varied from 0.0625 to 0.5 mg/mL against clinical isolates. Significant antibiofilm activity was recorded in the case of catechin (73.5% ± 1.6% inhibition against B. paramycoides), cinnamic acid (80.9% ± 1.1% inhibition against P. aeruginosa), and vanillic acid and quercetin (65.5% ± 1.7% and 87.4% ± 1.4% inhibition, respectively, against B. chungangensis) at 0.25–0.125 mg/mL. None of the phenolic compounds presented antiquorum sensing activity. It was, therefore, concluded that polyphenolic compounds may have the potential to be used against oral bacterial biofilms, and further detailed mechanistic investigations should be performed
Foliar epidermal micromorphology: a contribution to the taxonomy of family Oleaceae
No full textOleaceae (olive family), includes 28 genera and about 700 species. Nevertheless, there remains a lot to uncover about the group’s historical development, the evolution of various reproductive and dispersal mechanisms, and polyploidization episodes appear to be linked to its diversification. In the current study, foliar epidermal anatomy of 13 plant species and 2 varieties from 7 genera of Oleaceae was examined under a light microscope. The qualitative and quantitative features like stomatal density, size,shape of guard cell, number of epidermal cell, subsidiary cells, and structure and density of trichomes were analysed using a light microscope. This was the first study on the foliar micromorphology of various Oleaceae taxa. Almost all species exhibited hypostomatic type except one in which Amphistomatic type was observed. Most of the stomata were anomocytic while some Paracytic and one diacytic stomata were also seen. Maximum stomatal length of (30.80 + 1.44 μm) and lowest of (18.30 + 0.21 μm) was noted. All trichomes observed were unicellular. Both glandular and non-glandular trichomes were observed with highest trichome length (237.75–248.00 = 242.25 + 1.73 μm) and the lowest (100.00–101.75 = 100.75 + 0.32 μm). Plant taxonomists might commence their future research with the micro-morphological aspects of foliar epidermal morphology, which exhibit a number of innovative qualities for accurate taxonomic identification
Exploring the micromorphological diversity of palynomorphic flora from lesser Himalaya biodiversity hotspot
No full textPalynology, a prominent field in plant systematics and biodiversity studies, plays a vital role in identifying and determining the plant species present in a specific region. The current study was performed to evaluate the micromorphological traits of pollen from flora of Lesser Himalaya. Pollen microstructural variations aid in the identification of species belonging to specific botanical families and various geographic habitats. Flowers of 24 selected species categorized into 16 families were collected, preserved and then acetolysis protocol followed. Pollen was examined under a light and scanning microscopy (LM and SEM) for palynomorph description. The palynomorphs characteristics such as size, shape, exine surface, and aperture orientation, were examined. Status of these plants show that herbs are being dominant (11 species), while shrubs (7 species), climbers (3 species), bulbous plants (2 species), small tree, sedge, weed (1 species each). Pollen shape determined in equatorial view were; spheroidal, sub-prolate, oblate-spheroidal, prolate, spherical and sub-oblate. The variations were seen among pollen types; tricolpate, tricolporate and polyporate in most of the species. Exine stratification was observed mostly scabrate while echinate, cristate-reticulate, granulate, punctate, rugulate-perforate, striate-rugulate, verrucate, cristate-foveolate was visualized in each different species. Palynomorph apertural patterns were observed sunken, furrowed, slightly bulged, scabrate, granulate, slit like, and perforate. The largest polar diameter was measured in Hymenocallis littoralis (138.6 µm) whereas smallest in Parthenium hysterophorus (14.70 µm). Equatorial distance was calculated maximum for Cascabela thevetia (110.1 µm) and minimum for Hibiscus rosa-sinensis (1.7 µm). P/E ratio was calculated largest in Hymenocallis littoralis (1.8) and lowest in Duranta erecta (0.89). The palynomorphs taxonomic characters investigated can be helpful in species level identification and provide a baseline to conduct more systematic research with respect to specific plant families and genera
Phyto-ecological studies and distribution patterns of subfamily Polygonoideae in relation to edaphic factors across diverse ecological zones
No full textThe species of the subfamily Polygonoideae is an essential component of temperate forests as well as the flora of the western Himalayan region. The aim of this research was to explore the taxonomic diversity, distribution patterns, and associated flora of Polygonoideae in relation to edaphic factors in various ecological zones in the Muzaffarabad division of the Kashmir Western Himalayan Region. We applied a random sampling approach for data collection from 10 different sites with a cumulative 780 quadrats to record the diversity of wild Polygonoideae species across the Muzaffarabad division between 2021 and 2022. This study revealed 279 plant species from 192 genera and 75 families associated with Polygonoideae, with the dominant families being Asteraceae, Poaceae, Lamiaceae, and Rosaceae. Herbs were predominant in the investigated area, with a proportion of 72.40 %, followed by shrubs (9.68 %) and pteridophytes (8.24 %). The flora was dominated by therophytes (37.35 %), whereas nanophylls (37.28 %) were the most dominant leaf form. Persicaria, Rumex, and Polygonum genera were observed and collected from various ecological zones, while Bistorta, Fagopyrum, Oxyria, and Rheum were only collected from a single zone, representing a restricted niche. A total of 28 taxa from 8 genera were studied in the investigative subfamily Polygonoideae, with the majority being therophytes (57.14 %), followed by hemicryptophytes (28.57 %), and leaf form dominated by microphylls (50 %) and nanophylls (17.85 %). The average values for Shannon and Simpson's diversity for the reported plant communities were 0.96 and 3.53, respectively, whereas species richness averaged 2.43 and species evenness 0.92. The vegetation exhibited a relatively lower (<50) maturity, averaging 32.08. Deforestation, overexploitation for medicinal purposes, soil erosion, overgrazing, forest fires, and the expansion of agricultural fields were identified as major threats to floral diversity. A significant correlation was observed between elevation and soil nutrient parameters, where moisture content, SOC, SOM, TK, and TN ratios showed a positive correlation, while pH and TP showed a negative correlation. Polygonum paronychioides and Rumex alpinus were the least observed of Polygonoideae taxa, whereas 39 species were found to be threatened, having low (<0.2) IVI values and seeking immediate conservation efforts. Climate change and anthropogenic pressure may lead to a change in the composition patterns and threaten the Polygonoidae species. We suggest community-based initiatives and sustainable conservation measures to safeguard the floral wealth of the Western Himalaya
