• Journal of Forest and Environmental Science
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• v.38 no.2
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• pp.90-101
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• 2022

The study aims to assess composition, diversity and population indices of natural regeneration of woody species in Jebel El Gerrie forest reserve, Blue Nile State, Sudan. We conducted field work between December 2018 and January 2019. We used random sampling to collect vegetation data in the forest where we made a total of 90 circular sample plots (radius 17.84 m) and distributed them proportionally to the area of each of the four density-based vegetation classes of the forest i.e. high density (C1), medium density (C2), low density (C3) and crop land (C4). In each sample plot we identified all regenerating tree species and counted their regeneration frequencies. We calculated ecological metrics of regeneration frequency, density, abundance, richness, evenness, diversity and importance value index (IVI) and drew abundance rank curve. Results revealed that out of fifteen mature tree species present, natural regeneration of 8 species, which belong to 6 families, was observed. The relatively most frequently naturally regenerating and abundant species were Anogeissus leiocarpa and Combretum hartmannianum. Richness, evenness and diversity of regenerating species were 1.33, 0.82 and 1.7, respectively. One-way ANOVA (α=0.05) of mean regeneration densities disclosed that there were significant differences (F_3,86=16.77, p=0.000) between C2 & C3 (p=0.000) and C2 & C4 (p=0.000). While regeneration of seven tree species were absent, two, two and four species were of good, poor and fair regeneration status, respectively. A comparison of mean density of natural regeneration with that of parent trees reflects a poor regeneration status of the forest. The study provides empirical results on the regeneration status of species and signifies the need for management interventions for species conservation and restoration, maintenance of biodiversity and sustainable production.

• International Journal of Computer Science & Network Security
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• v.22 no.8
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• pp.7-14
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• 2022

This study aimed to test the factor structure of the measure of student participation in distance education. The study population consisted of all teachers in public education and faculty members in higher education in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia by applying it to a sample of bachelor's and graduate students at the college of Education at umm al-Qura University. The (ESE) was applied to a random sample representing the study population consisting of (216) respondents. The results of the study showed that the scale consists of three main factors, with showed a high degree of construct validity through fit indices of the confirmatory factor analysis. The results have shown a gradual consistency of the measure's invariance that reaches the high level of the Measurement Invariance across the gender and study groups variables.

• BMB Reports
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• v.55 no.8
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• pp.389-394
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• 2022

In particular, the phenomenon of c-Jun degradation within the inflammatory response has not yet been fully analyzed. In order to verify this, we investigated LPS-stimulated murine macrophages pre-treated with sodium orthovanadate (SO) in order to uncover the regulatory mechanisms of the MAPKs which regulate c-Jun degradation within the inflammatory response. Through our study, we found that SO suppressed the production of prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂) and the expression of COX-2 in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. Additionally, SO decreased total c-Jun levels, without altering the amount of mRNA, although the phospho-levels of p38, ERK, and JNK were strongly enhanced. Through the usage of selective MAPK inhibitors, and knockdown and overexpression strategies, p38 was revealed to be a major MAPK which regulates c-Jun degradation. Further analysis indicates that the phosphorylation of p38 is a determinant for c-Jun degradation, and is sufficient to induce ubiquitination-dependent c-Jun degradation, recovered through MG132 treatment. Therefore, our results suggest that the hyperphosphorylation of p38 by SO contributes to c-Jun degradation, which is linked to the suppression of PGE₂ secretion in inflammatory responses; and thus, finding drugs to increase p38 activity could be a novel strategy for the development of anti-inflammatory drugs.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.145-153
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• 2022

Background: While online orthopedic resources are becoming an increasingly popular avenue for patient education, videos on YouTube are not subject to peer review. The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to evaluate the quality of YouTube videos for patient education in ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) injuries of the elbow. Methods: A search of keywords for UCL injury was conducted through the YouTube search engine. Each video was categorized by source and content. Video quality, reliability, and accuracy were assessed by two independent raters using five metrics: (1) Journal of American Medical Association (JAMA) benchmark criteria (range 0-4) for video reliability; (2) modified DISCERN score (range 1-5) for video reliability; (3) Global Quality Score (GQS; range 1-5) for video quality; (4) ulnar collateral ligament-specific score (UCL-SS; range 0-16), a novel score for comprehensiveness of health information presented; and (5) accuracy score (AS; range 1-3) for accuracy. Results: Video content was comprised predominantly of disease-specific information (52%) and surgical technique (33%). The most common video sources were physician (42%) and commercial (23%). The mean JAMA score, modified DISCERN score, GQS, UCL-SS, and AS were 1.8, 2.4, 1.9, 5.3, and 2.7 respectively. Conclusions: Overall, YouTube is not a reliable or high-quality source for patients seeking information regarding UCL injuries, especially with videos uploaded by non-physician sources. The multiplicity of low quality, low reliability, and irrelevant videos can create a cumbersome and even inaccurate learning experience for patients.

• Journal of Dental Anesthesia and Pain Medicine
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• v.21 no.4
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• pp.329-336
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• 2021

Background: In the field of dentistry, topical anesthetics play an important role in reducing pain during needle pricks. The anesthetic property of betel leaves remain unexplored, even though they have been widely used for the treatment of various ailments. The purpose of this study was to compare and evaluate pain perception following topical application of lignocaine gel, clove gel, ice, and newly developed betel leaf extract gel during intraoral injection in children. Methods: Sixty children aged 6-10 years who met the inclusion criteria were divided into four groups. Topical anesthetic agents, 2% lignocaine (Lox-2% Jelly, Neon, Mumbai, India), 4.7% clove gel (Pain Out Dental Gel, Colgate Palmolive India Ltd, Solan, India), 10% betel leaf extract gel, and ice were applied to each group for one min, followed by administration of infiltration anesthesia. Pain perception was analyzed during needle insertion. The Wong Bakers FACES pain rating scale (WBFPRS) was used for subjective assessment and the Sound, Eye, Motor (SEM) scale for objective assessment. Recorded values were tabulated and subjected to appropriate statistical analysis using SPSS software with a P value set at 0.05. Results: The clove oil and betel leaf groups demonstrated the highest WBFPRS scores, followed by the ice and lignocaine groups. The clove, betel leaf extract, and ice groups showed equal and highest SEM scores, followed by the lignocaine group. The mean WBFPRS and mean SEM scores were statistically significant. Conclusion: Betel leaf extract gel is effective in reducing pain and can act as an alternative topical anesthetic agent.

• Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
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• v.25 no.4
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• pp.189-201
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• 2022

Jellyfish is an emerging aquaculture species, farmed for Oriental cuisines and nutraceutical ingredients. This study aimed to examine antioxidative and antimicrobial potentials of various fractions of the jellyfish, Acromitus hardenbergi. The bell and oral arms of the jellyfish were sequentially extracted with petroleum ether (PE), dichloromethane (DCM), chloroform (CHCl₃), methanol (MeOH), and water (H₂O) to extract its bioactive in an increasing polarity gradient. Test fractions were assayed for antiradical activities using electron spin resonance spectrometry, β-carotene-linoleate model and Folin-Ciocalteu assay; and antimicrobial activity against 2 Gram-negative bacteria, 4 Gram-positive bacteria and 2 fungal species using the disc diffusion assay. All fractions were also subjected to Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) analysis to identify types of functional groups present. It was found that the hydrophilic extracts (H₂O fractions) possessed the most effective radical scavenging activity (p < 0.05) while the lipophilic extracts (PE fractions) the most active antimicrobial activity, especially against Gram-positive bacteria (p < 0.05). Total oxidation substrates content was found to be highest in the PE fractions of jellyfish bell and oral arms (p < 0.05). FTIR data showed that the H₂O and MeOH fractions contains similar functional groups including -OH, -C=O, -N-H and -S=O groups, while the PE, DCM, and CHCl₃ fractions, the -CH₃, -COOH groups. This study showed that A. hardenbergi contains antioxidants and antimicrobials, thereby supporting the traditional claim of the jellyfish as an anti-aging and health-promoting functional food. Bioassay-guided fractionation approach serves as a critical milestone for the strategic screening, purification, and elucidation of therapeutically significant actives from jellyfish.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.32 no.2
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• pp.41-47
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• 2017

Objective : The aim of this study is to investigate anti-arthritis activity using a korea's natural monument No. 265 designate 'Yeonsan-Ogye'. In this study, research by using extracts from different concentration of the Yeonsan-Ogye through an MIA-induced arthritis animal model was being conducted in vivo and scientifically verifying the efficacy of medicinal food. Methods : Yeonsan-Ogye was administered 500 mg/kg/day, 1000 mg/kg/day, 2000 mg/kg/day to SD-Rat, where arthritis was induced by monosodium iodoacetate (MIA) at $60mg/m{\ell}$. MMP-9, COMP, CTXII, calcitonin and glycosaminoglycan level in serum were measured by ELISA. The changes of relative hind paw weight bearing ratio by Incapacitance Test Meter and The cartilage of meniscus volume was examined and 3-D high-resolution reconstructions of the cartilage of meniscus were obtained using a Micro-CT system. Also, the histopathological analysis of knee was observed by H&E and safranin-O staining. Results : Production of MMP-9, COMP (all groups) and CTXII (500, 1000 mg/kg/day) level in serum was decreased, respectively, in comparison with control. The other way, production of calcitonin (500, 1000 mg/kg/day) and glycosaminoglycan (all groups) level in serum, Hind paw weight bearing ratio (all groups) was increased, espectively, in comparison with control. The cartilage of patella volume in micro-CT increased significantly. In addition, all groups showed a increase in the cartilage volume and proteoglycan. Conclusion : The results for Yeonsan-Ogye showed significant antiarthritis activity in serum and the cartilage. Therefore, it is thought to be that Yeonsan Ogye can be utilized as a variety of new korea medicie and health foods against arthritis diseases.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.32 no.6
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• pp.63-69
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• 2017

Objectives : The purpose of this study is to investigate the preventive and therapeutic efficacy of osteoarthritis using a Yeonsan-Ogye egg. so, we researched at effects of Yeonsan-Ogye egg extract on MIA-induced Osteoarthritis animal models. Methods : Yeonsan-Ogye egg extract was administered 500 mg/kg/day, 1000 mg/kg/day and 2000 mg/kg/day to SD-Rat for 2 weeks. After that, osteoarthritis was induced with $60mg/m{\ell}$ of monosodium iodoacetate (MIA) and futher administration was continued for 4 weeks. 3D imaging of cartilage patella were obtained using a Micro-CT system and the pathology change of knee was observed by H&E and safranin-O staining. The weight bearing ratio was measured by incapacitance test meter. MMP-2, MMP-9, COMP, CTX II, calcitonin and glycosaminoglycan level in serum were measured using a ELISA. Results : Micro-CT and Histopathological analysis showed the volume of the patella cartilage and the proteoglycan contents were increased in all groups. also weight bearing ratio was decreased in all groups compared with control group. Calcitonin production was increased in and 2000 mg/kg/day group and glycosaminoglycan production was increased in all groups. In addition, MMP-2, MMP-9, COMP and CTX II production were decreased in 1000 and 2000 mg/kg/day groups respectively in comparison with control. Conclusions : The results for Yeonsan-Ogye egg showed prevention and treatment efficacy against arthritis at serum and the cartilage. These results may be used a remedy for new korea medicine to ease the symptoms mentioned above. also, suggest that Yeonsan-Ogye egg can be used preventive and therapeutic material for osteoarthritis.

• Nuclear Engineering and Technology
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• v.54 no.7
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• pp.2395-2407
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• 2022

The sodium-cooled fast reactor is among the innovative nuclear technologies selected in the framework of the development of Generation IV concepts, allowing the irradiation of uranium-plutonium mixed oxide fuels (MOX). A fundamental step for the safety assessment of MOX-fuelled pins for fast reactor applications is the evaluation, by means of fuel performance codes, of the integral thermal-mechanical behaviour under irradiation, involving the fission gas behaviour and release in the fuel-cladding gap. This work is dedicated to the performance analysis of an inner-core fuel pin representative of the ASTRID sodium-cooled concept design, selected as case study for the benchmark between the GERMINAL and TRANSURANUS fuel performance codes. The focus is on fission gas-related mechanisms and integral outcomes as predicted by means of the SCIANTIX module (allowing the physics-based treatment of inert gas behaviour and release) coupled to both fuel performance codes. The benchmark activity involves the application of both GERMINAL and TRANSURANUS in their "pre-INSPYRE" versions, i.e., adopting the state-of-the-art recommended correlations available in the codes, compared with the "post-INSPYRE" code results, obtained by implementing novel models for MOX fuel properties and phenomena (SCIANTIX included) developed in the framework of the INSPYRE H2020 Project. The SCIANTIX modelling includes the consideration of burst releases of the fission gas stored at the grain boundaries occurring during power transients of shutdown and start-up, whose effect on a fast reactor fuel concept is analysed. A clear need to further extend and validate the SCIANTIX module for application to fast reactor MOX emerges from this work; nevertheless, the GERMINAL-TRANSURANUS benchmark on the ASTRID case study highlights the achieved code capabilities for fast reactor conditions and paves the way towards the proper application of fuel performance codes to safety evaluations on Generation IV reactor concepts.

• Korean Journal of Materials Research
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• v.32 no.4
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• pp.216-222
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• 2022

The capacity of high nickel Li(Ni_xCo_yMn_1-x-y)O₂ (NCM, x ≥ 0.8) cathodes is known to rapidly decline, a serious problem that needs to be solved in a timely manner. It was reported that cathode materials with the {010} plane exposed toward the outside, i.e., a radial structure, can provide facile Li⁺ diffusion paths and stress buffer during repeated cycles. In addition, cathodes with a core-shell composition gradient are of great interest. For example, a stable surface structure can be achieved using relatively low nickel content on the surface. In this study, precursors of the high-nickel NCM were synthesized by coprecipitation in ambient atmosphere. Then, a transition metal solution for coprecipitation was replaced with a low nickel content and the coprecipitation reaction proceeded for the desired time. The electrochemical analysis of the core-shell cathode showed a capacity retention of 94 % after 100 cycles, compared to the initial discharge capacity of 184.74 mA h/g. The rate capability test also confirmed that the core-shell cathode had enhanced kinetics during charging and discharging at 1 A/g.