Cover crops (CC) improve soil quality, including soil microbial enzymatic activities and soil chemical parameters. Scientific studies conducted in research centers have shown positive effects of CC on soil enzymatic activities; however, studies conducted in farmer fields are lacking in the literature. The objective of this study was to quantify CC effects on soil microbial enzymatic activities (β-glucosidase, β-glucosaminidase, fluorescein diacetate hydrolase, and dehydrogenase) under a corn (Zea mays L.)–soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) rotation. The study was conducted in 2016 and 2018 in Chariton County, Missouri, where CC were first established in 2012. All tested soil enzyme levels were significantly different between 2016 and 2018, irrespective of CC and no cover crop (NCC) treatments. In CC treatment, β-glucosaminidase activity was significantly greater at 0–10 cm depth in 2016 and at 10–20 and 20–30 cm in 2018. In contrast, dehydrogenase activity was significantly greater in NCC in 2018. Soil pH and organic matter (OM) content were found to be significantly greater in CC. Overall, CC have mixed effects on soil enzyme activities and positive effects on soil OM compared to NCC. This study highlights the short-term influence of CC and illustrates the high spatial and temporal variability of soil enzymes under farmer-managed fields.
The members of the family of Eentrobacteriaceae harbour a gene cluster called polyketide synthase (pks) island. This cluster is responsible for the synthesis of the genotoxin colibactin that might have an important role in the induction of double-strand DNA breaks, leading to promote human colorectal cancer (CRC). Eleven out of the eighty eight isolates (12.5%) were pks+, distributed as 7 (8%) isolates of E. coli, 2 (2.25%) of K. pneumoniae and 2 (2.25%) of E. aerogenes. The cytotoxic effects of selected pks+ isolates (E. coli and E. aerogenes) on HeLa cells were represented by decreasing cell numbers and enlarged cell nuclei in comparison to the untreated cells. Cytological changes were observed when the infected HeLa cells culture
... Show MoreLanguage and politics go hand in hand and learning and comprehending political genre is to learn a language created for codifying, extending and transmitting political discourse in any text/talk. Drawing upon the theoretical framework of Fairclough’s CDA and Rhetoric, the current study aims at investigating Donald Trump’s First Speech, from the point of frequency and functions of some rhetorical strategies (Parallelism, Anaphora and the Power of Three, Antithesis and Expletive, etc.), Nominalization, Passivization, We-groups and Modality as well as Lexical and Textual Analysis, presented to the UN delivered on Sep. 19, 2017. Specifically, the study seeks to determine: (1) how President Trump succeeded in conveying his notions an
... Show MoreObjective: Using green chemistry, an effective, inexpensive, and environmentally safe method, sulfur nanoparticles with specific properties can be prepared and used in nanotechnology. This research aimed to prepare sulfur nanoparticles from chilli pepper extract and determine their effectiveness against colon cancer. Method: Chilli pepper extract obtained from local markets was treated with aqueous sodium thiosulfate (Na2S2O7.5H2O). After mixing, it was continuously stirred, heated, and filtered. NaBH4 was then added, resulting in a yellow precipitate. The precipitate was centrifuged, purified, and dried at 250°C. Results: Standardised tests such as UV-Vis, XRD, SEM, TEM, AFM, and EDX were used, resulting in sulfur nanoparticles with an av
... Show MoreZnO nanostructures were synthesized by hydrothermal method at different temperatures and growth times. The effect of increasing the temperature on structural and optical properties of ZnO were analyzed and discussed. The prepared ZnO nanostructures were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV–Vis. absorption spectroscopy (UV–Vis.), Photoluminescence (PL), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). In this work, hexagonal crystal structure prepared ZnO nanostructures was observed using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and the average crystallite size equal 14.7 and 23.8 nm for samples synthesized at growth time 7 and 8 hours respectively. A nanotubes-shaped surface morphology was found using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The optic
... Show MoreThe presence of heavy metals in the environment is major concern due to their toxicity. In the present study a strong acid cation exchange resin, Amberlite IR 120 was used for the removal of lead, zinc and copper from simulated wastewater. The optimum conditions were determined in a batch system of concentration 100 mg/L, pH range between 1 and 8, contact time between 5 and 120 minutes, and amount of adsorbent was from 0.05 to 0.45 g/100 ml. A constant stirring speed, 180 rpm, was chosen during all of the experiments. The optimum conditions were found to be pH of 4 for copper and lead and pH 6 for zinc, contact time of 60 min and 0.35 g of adsorbent. Three different temperatures (25, 40 and 60°C) were selected to investigate the effect
... Show MoreA series of new imides compounds[1-4] were synthesized from reaction of tetrachlorophthalic anhydride or nitro phthalic anhydride or malic anhydride or Succinic anhydride with 4-amino benzene thiol under fusion conditions. Chloroacetic acid has been added after compounds [1-4] reacted with distilled H2O and Na2CO3, producing compounds [5-8]. In benzene, compounds [5-8] also interacted with the thionyl chloride to produce [9-12]. Poly (vinyl alcohol) was chemically modified by reacting PVA with compounds [9-12] and dimethyl formamide to produce compounds [13-16]. Iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) are mixed with modified PVA [13-16] to create nanocomposites [17-20]. Spectral and analytical data from synthesized compounds, such as 1
... Show MoreObjective: Matrix tablet approach is one of the delivery systems intended for poorly water-soluble drugs, like candesartan cilexetil (CC). CC is a class II drug used for the treatment of hypertension. Methods: Matrix tablets from (F1x to F18z) were prepared in the presence of β‑cyclodextrin. Matrix tablet formulation ensures control release of the drug and higher dissolution by β‑cyclodextrin. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) were used to study compatibility. Results: The angle of repose determination showed good flow for most of the formulas, besides having good compressibility. Weight variation test for all formulas showed accepted value. Drug content measurement sho
... Show MoreCommon walnut (