Comprehensive study on in vitro propagation of some imported peach rootstocks: in vitro explant surface sterilization and bud proliferation

The present study was conducted in the Laboratory of Tissue Culture, Horticulture Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Damietta University, Egypt. The objective of this study was to establish a micropropagation protocol suitable for three imported peach rootstocks: Okinawa (P. persica), Nemared (P. persica × P. davidiana) × P. persica), and Garnem (P. dulcis × P. persica) in vitro. The results showed that soaking the explants in sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) at 20% for 15 min produced the highest responsiveness (82.81%), survival (96.61%), with the lowest mortality (3.14%) and contamination (0.24%). Explants of the Garnem genotype had the best response (89.12%), survival (90.62%), lowest mortality (0.00%), and highest contamination (9.37%) when compared to the other genotypes. In comparison with axillary buds, the shoot tip displayed the highest responsiveness, survival, and death (100, 87.40, and 12.59%, respectively), as well as the least significant contamination (0.00%). Additionally, the percentages of responsive, survived, dead, and contaminated explants at the various collection dates varied significantly. The 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) concentrations used (3 to 5.0 mg/L) demonstrated similar behavior in terms of in vitro proliferation, with rates of 3.77 to 6.11, 4.33 to 8.88, and 3.33 to 7.44 shoot numbers per explant for the Okinawa, Nemared, and Garnem peach rootstocks, respectively, indicating that the number of shoot proliferations is genotype-dependent. Additionally, using 5.0 mg/L BAP in combination with 0.2 mg/L IBA significantly increased average shoot proliferation (96.29%), number of shoots per explant (7.48), and average leaf number/explant (16.33) compared to the other treatments. Based on these results, adventitious bud development was enhanced during in vitro multiplication of the Okinawa, Nemared, and Garnem peach rootstocks by the synergistic interaction of indole-butyric acid (IBA) and 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP).

Synthesis and biological evaluation of titanium dioxide/thiopolyurethane composite: anticancer and antibacterial effects

Nanocomposites incorporating titanium dioxide (TiO2) have a significant potential for various industrial and medical applications. These nanocomposites exhibit selectivity as antimicrobial and anticancer agents. Antimicrobial activity is crucial for medical uses, including applications in food processing, packaging, and surgical instruments. Additionally, these nanocomposites exhibit selectivity as anticancer agents. A stable nanocomposite as a new anticancer and antibacterial chemical was prepared by coupling titanium dioxide nanoparticles with a polyurethane foam matrix through the thiourea group. The titanium dioxide/thiopolyurethane nanocomposite (TPU/TiO2) was synthesized from low-cost Ilmenite ore and commercial polyurethane foam. EDX analysis was used to determine the elemental composition of the titanium dioxide (TiO2) matrix. TiO2NPs were synthesized and were characterized using TEM, XRD, IR, and UV-Vis spectra. TiO2NPs and TPU foam formed a novel composite. The MTT assay assessed Cisplatin and HepG-2 and MCF-7 cytotoxicity in vitro. Its IC50 values for HepG-2 and MCF-7 were 122.99 ± 4.07 and 201.86 ± 6.82 µg/mL, respectively. The TPU/TiO2 exhibits concentration-dependent cytotoxicity against MCF-7 and HepG-2 cells in vitro. The selective index was measured against both cell lines; it showed its safety against healthy cells. Agar well-diffusion exhibited good inhibition zones against Escherichia coli (12 mm), Bacillus cereus (10 mm), and Aspergillus niger (19 mm). TEM of TPU/TiO2-treated bacteria showed ultrastructure changes, including plasma membrane detachment from the cell wall, which caused lysis and bacterial death. TPU/TiO2 can treat cancer and inhibit microbes in dentures and other items. Also, TPU/TiO2 inhibits E. coli, B. cereus, and A. niger microbial strains.

Synthesis of novel azo pyrazole disperse dyes for dyeing and antibacterial finishing of PET fabric under supercritical carbon dioxide

Supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2) has been suggested as a good substitution to environmentally harmful water-based tincturing. The present study describes the successful synthesis of some biologically active dispersion tinctures for supercritical carbon dioxide tincturing of polyester fabric. The coupling of 1-cyanoacetylpiperidine (1) with the diazonium salt of aryl amine derivatives (2a-d) produced 1-((aryldiazenyl) cyanoacetyl piperidines (3a-d). To create the derivatives of 4-(phenyldiazenyl)-5-(piperidin-1-yl)-1H-pyrazol-3-amine (5a), the propane nitriles (3a-d) were condensed with hydrazine hydrate. However, the unexpected 3-aminopyrazol-5-ol yellow-red dispersion dyes (4a-d) were identified as the reaction results. The MS, IR, and NMR spectra were used to describe the novel dyes, and the results exactly matched the suggested structures. The antibacterial test, which was conducted using the AATCC method, revealed that some of the compounds (3a-d) and (4a-d) had impressive antibacterial capabilities against the researched +ve and gram -ve bacteria. For eight dyestuffs, the dyeability, color strength, and color fastness of the tincturing process were evaluated. The evaluation focused on determining color uptake using a gauge for color strength (K/S). All dyes displayed excellent rubbing, washing, and light fastness (color change and staining grade of 4-5).

CDMO: Chaotic Dwarf Mongoose Optimization Algorithm for feature selection

In this paper, a modified version of Dwarf Mongoose Optimization Algorithm (DMO) for feature selection is proposed. DMO is a novel technique of the swarm intelligence algorithms which mimic the foraging behavior of the Dwarf Mongoose. The developed method, named Chaotic DMO (CDMO), is considered a wrapper-based model which selects optimal features that give higher classification accuracy. To speed up the convergence and increase the effectiveness of DMO, ten chaotic maps were used to modify the key elements of Dwarf Mongoose movement during the optimization process. To evaluate the efficiency of the CDMO, ten different UCI datasets are used and compared against the original DMO and other well-known Meta-heuristic techniques, namely Ant Colony optimization (ACO), Whale optimization algorithm (WOA), Artificial rabbit optimization (ARO), Harris hawk optimization (HHO), Equilibrium optimizer (EO), Ring theory based harmony search (RTHS), Random switching serial gray-whale optimizer (RSGW), Salp swarm algorithm based on particle swarm optimization (SSAPSO), Binary genetic algorithm (BGA), Adaptive switching gray-whale optimizer (ASGW) and Particle Swarm optimization (PSO). The experimental results show that the CDMO gives higher performance than the other methods used in feature selection. High value of accuracy (91.9-100%), sensitivity (77.6-100%), precision (91.8-96.08%), specificity (91.6-100%) and F-Score (90-100%) for all ten UCI datasets are obtained. In addition, the proposed method is further assessed against CEC'2022 benchmarks functions.

Geographically distributed data management to support large-scale data analysis

Nowadays, several companies prefer storing their data on multiple data centers with replication for many reasons. The data that spans various data centers ensures the fastest possible response time for customers and workforces who are geographically separated. It also provides protecting the information from the loss in case a single data center experiences a disaster. However, the amount of data is increasing at a rapid pace, which leads to challenges in storage, analysis, and various processing tasks. In this paper, we propose and design a geographically distributed data management framework to manage the massive data stored and distributed among geo-distributed data centers. The goal of the proposed framework is to enable efficient use of the distributed data blocks for various data analysis tasks. The architecture of the proposed framework is composed of a grid of geo-distributed data centers connected to a data controller (DCtrl). The DCtrl is responsible for organizing and managing the block replicas across the geo-distributed data centers. We use the BDMS system as the installed system on the distributed data centers. BDMS stores the big data file as a set of random sample data blocks, each being a random sample of the whole data file. Then, DCtrl distributes these data blocks into multiple data centers with replication. In analyzing a big data file distributed based on the proposed framework, we randomly select a sample of data blocks replicated from other data centers on any data center. We use simulation results to demonstrate the performance of the proposed framework in big data analysis across geo-distributed data centers.

The Dual Therapeutic Potential of Ottelione A on Carbon Tetrachloride-induced Hepatic Toxicity in Mice

BACKGROUND

Some herbal natural products play an important role in protecting organisms from the toxic effect of some xenobiotics. The present study was designed to evaluate the potential therapeutic effects of Ottelione A (OTTE) against carbon tetrachloride(CCl4)-induced toxicity in mice.

METHODS

Adult male Swiss albino mice were divided into six groups: group I was used as a normal control received olive oil; group II received DMSO; group III received OTTE; group IV received CCl4 in olive oil, (injected i.p) 3 times/week for 6 weeks; group V received the same CCl4 regimen as group IV followed by OTTE injected for 15 days, and group VI first received OTTE injected for 15 days followed by the same CCl4 regimen as group IV. Some biochemical and histological parameters were investigated.

RESULTS

Our results showed that the administration of CCl4 caused hepatotoxicity, as monitored by the significant increase in biochemical parameters concerning the olive oil group. Treatment with OTTE appeare d to be effective against hepatotoxic and liver changes induced by CCl4, as evidenced by the improvement of the same parameters.

CONCLUSION

Ottelione A (OTTE) has good antioxidant and therapeutic properties, which can help in preventing CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity in both pre-treatment and post-treatment modes.

Bone metastasis detection method based on improving golden jackal optimization using whale optimization algorithm

This paper presents a machine learning-based technique for interpreting bone scintigraphy images, focusing on feature extraction and introducing a new feature selection method called GJOW. GJOW enhances the effectiveness of the golden jackal optimization (GJO) algorithm by integrating operators from the whale optimization algorithm (WOA). The technique's performance is evaluated through extensive experiments using 18 benchmark datasets and 581 bone scan images obtained from a gamma camera, including 362 abnormal and 219 normal cases. The results highlight the superior predictive effectiveness of the GJOW algorithm in bone metastasis detection, achieving an accuracy of 71.79% and specificity of 91.14%. The contributions of this study include the introduction of a new machine learning-based approach for detecting bone metastasis using gamma camera scans, leading to improved accuracy in identifying bone metastases. The findings have practical implications for early detection and intervention, potentially improving patient outcomes.

Optical phase retrieving of a projected object by employing a differentiation of a single pattern of two-beam interference

In this work, we present a new approach to retrieve the optical phase map of an object which is projected by a single differentiated two-beam interference pattern. This approach is based on the differentiation of the intensity equation of the two-beam interference with respect to the carrier's phase angle. Therefore, two interference patterns which are shifted by a very small phase angle can be obtained. Then, these two patterns are projected on the object. By exploiting the definition of the mathematical differentiation, the optical phase object's variations are retrieved from the recorded intensity distributions of both projected patterns. According to this method, the extracted optical phase angles are raised as an inverse "sin" function. This means that the unwrapping process of this function limits the recovered phase angles between - π/2 and π/2. So, the unwrapping process of these unusual wrapped phase angles is explained. The proposed method is applied on (a) two objects which are simulated by combinations of multiple Gaussian functions and (b) a 3D real object. It is found that the inclination of the projected interference pattern on the object redistributes the intensity distribution due to the Lamber's "cos" aw of illumination. This effect is considered in the retrieving process of the object's phase map. The limitations of the presented method are discussed and the obtained results are found promising.

A novel approach for enhancing the color and antimicrobial properties of pine and beech wood using Se-NPs

Pine wood (PW) and beech wood (BW) are the most used wood in furniture and other applications owing to their unique characteristics and low machining cost. However, their biodegradability and varied moisture content limit their wider use and durability. Therefore, in this study, nanotechnology was used as a novel eco-friendly approach to enhance the durability, antimicrobial properties, and color of wood. Selenium nanoparticles (Se-NPs) were prepared in spherical shape at varied concentrations (25 and 50 mM) using an eco-friendly method in the range of 35-80 and 40-155 nm, respectively. Se-NPs formation at the nanoscale was confirmed using UV/Vis analysis, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The prepared Se-NPs were then impregnated into PW and BW for different periods ranging from 2 h to 1 week. The treated wood were then leached in distilled water for 14 days to eliminate excess Se-NPs from the wood surface. The treated wood surfaces were examined using energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). In addition, the depth of Se-NPs penetration into the treated wood at both tangential and radial sides was determined. Se-NPs impacts on the color properties, density, moisture content and antimicrobial activities of the treated wood were evaluated. PW treated with Se-NPs showed better antimicrobial and color characteristics than treated BW. PW samples immersed in 50 mM Se-NPs for 2 h showed the highest K/S values, whereas the highest antimicrobial values were obtained for those immersed at the same concentration for 2 days, and 1 week.

Impact of COVID-19 on distance learning practical design courses

This paper explores the impact of COVID-19 on higher education practical design courses in Egypt. Because of inadequate resources and preparedness, Egyptian colleges have struggled to adopt digital teaching methods during the COVID-19 pandemic. This paper examines strategies that are the most feasible for teaching practical courses during or after a pandemic through distance learning (on online platforms). An action research project was set up to deliver two studio-based design courses, one on architectural drawing and the other on furniture design via distance learning (online mode). This approach used a suite of technologies and synchronous and asynchronous delivery mechanisms, such as Zoom and Google Classroom. Student perceptions about the impact of these changes were evaluated using questionnaires. A psychological effect of the conditions caused by the pandemic on students has been the loss of interest in academics. The research results partially support the use of online platforms to teach practical courses. However, more needs to be done to improve the delivery of online courses in Egypt. Further, holding competitions was found to boost students' motivation levels. A future strategy for teaching practical courses in applied arts and engineering is proposed in this paper.

Antifungal activity of silver/silicon dioxide nanocomposite on the response of faba bean plants (Vicia faba L.) infected by Botrytis cinerea

Silicon (Si) and its nanomaterials could help plants cope with different negative effects of abiotic and/or biotic stresses. In this study, the antifungal role of silver/silicon dioxide nanocomposite (Ag/SiO2NC) biosynthesized using a free-cell supernatant of Escherichia coli D8 was investigated for controlling the growth parameters and yield of faba bean (Vicia faba L.) infected by Botrytis cinerea. This nanocomposite was characterized using UV-Vis spectroscopy, Fourier transform-infrared (FTIR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), zeta analysis, and X-ray diffraction pattern (XRD). Positively charged Ag/SiO2NC (+ 31.0 mV) with spherical-shaped silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) showed strong in vitro antifungal activity with minimal inhibition concentration (MIC) value equal to 40 ppm. In vivo experiments revealed the good resistance of Ag/SiO2NC-treated plants against the B. cinerea infection due to the increase of total phenolic content, peroxidase, and polyphenol oxidase activity. The ultrastructure of Ag/SiO2NC-treated plants showed normal morphology of cells including cell membranes and ellipsoidal-shaped chloroplasts with big starch grains. The concentration of silver content in Ag/SiO2NC-treated plants was similar to the untreated control plant indicating the low realizability of AgNPs. All of these results are promising outcomes for the application of the biosynthesized Ag/SiO2NC as a safe and effective antifungal agent against B. cinerea.

Impact of the microalga Dunaliella salina (Dunal) Teodoresco culture and its β-carotene extract on the development of salt-stressed squash (Cucurbita pepo L. cv. Mabrouka)

Salinity is a major threat to crop production and global food security. Algae and their extracts containing bioactive compounds can enhance the salt tolerance of plants, including the salt-sensitive plants. The current study evaluated the efficacy of Dunaliella salina (Dunal) Teodoresco culture and/or its β-carotene extract in improving the salt tolerance of squash (Cucurbita pepo L. cv. Mabrouka). Amendment of C. pepo with D. salina culture and/or its β-carotene extract was more effective in alleviating the impact of moderate salinity imposed by seawater dilution of 2.5 dS m^-1 than either low (0.55 dS m^-1) or high (3.5 dS m^-1) salinity, with a comparable effect to that of salicylic acid (SA). Plants that received a combination of D. salina culture and its β-carotene extract showed significantly higher growth (total biomass, fruit productivity) and physiological attributes (photosynthetic pigments, nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K⁺) contents) than those receiving either amendment alone, reaching up to 80-90% of the SA-treated plants at moderate salinity (2.5 dS m^-1). The combination could enhance the antioxidant activity of moderately salt-stressed C. pepo via increasing carotenoids and phenolics contents, suggesting that this combination could enhance the adaptation of C. pepo to the moderate salinity. The present study recommends using the blooms of D. salina and its β-carotene that is naturally secreted in situ in natural or synthetic open systems in improving the salt tolerance of C. pepo instead of using the expensive synthetic hormones.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12298-022-01176-6.