Journal of Natural Science Review

Bibliometric Analysis of Pyrimidine Compounds with Anti-cancer Activity: Research Trends from 2015 to 2023

Muhammad Aman Azad — 2024-09-30

Cancer remains one of the most pervasive diseases in the world, globally, leading to millions of fatalities annually. Currently, numerous anti-cancer treatments are available to address the various types of cancer. Pyrimidine, a class of heterocyclic nitrogenous compounds, holds substantial promise in anti-cancer drug development due to its structural similarity to the nucleotide base pairs found in DNA and RNA. This work aimed to conduct a bibliometric analysis of studies on pyrimidine compounds with anti-cancer characteristics. Using the Scopus database, we examined literature published between 2015 and 2023, explicitly concentrating on pyrimidine derivatives as potential anti-cancer agents. Data analysis such as network analysis, co-occurrence, and visualization were conducted utilizing VOSviewer 1.6.13. Nine hundred twenty-two papers altogether, including reviews and original research, discussing the anti-cancer activity of pyrimidine compounds were identified within the specified timeframe up to January 10, 2023. Among these, 922 journal articles were selected for further analysis. Results show that Egypt led in research productivity with 267 articles (28.96%), followed by India with 234 articles (25.38%), and China with 163 articles (17.68%). Cairo University in Egypt ranked first in institutional productivity with 9 articles (0.98%), while the journal Bioorganic Chemistry was the most prolific, publishing 62 articles (6.72%) on pyrimidine compounds with anti-cancer activity. The notable increase in publications on the anti-cancer activity of pyrimidine compounds in recent years underscores the significant interest they have garnered from both pharmaceutical and academic researchers. The data presented in this study will serve as a foundational reference for future comparative studies in this area.

Baseline Survey of Plant Species Along Salang Road in Afghanistan

Abdul Ghani Karimi — 2024-09-30

The Salang Road, a critical transportation corridor, serves as a vital link connecting the northern and southern parts of Afghanistan. In response to the government's decision to upgrade this road, assessing and documenting the plant species in the region is crucial. This study was conducted to catalog the plant species along the Salang Road, aiming to establish a comprehensive understanding of the area's botanical diversity. Plants were recorded using the quadrate sampling method at 35 sampling points. A transect line was set up at each sampling point, 5 quadrats were established along each line, and the occurrence of plants within the quadrat frame was recorded. Quadrat sizes, determined using the minimal area method, were 10×10 m for trees, 2×5 m for shrubs, and 1 m² for herbs. Plants were identified with the help of literature and by comparing with the deposited specimen of Kabul University Faculty of Sciences Herbarium (KUFS). Data were analyzed using Microsoft Excel. 135 diverse species, including trees, shrubs, and herbs, representing various ecological niches were documented. These species belong to 46 plant families, and the most abundant ones were Asteraceae, Apiaceae, Rosaceae, Lamiaceae, Fabaceae, and Polygonaceae. The survey additionally examined road construction's impact on plant species' distribution and diversity. The survey provides valuable insights into the Salang corridor area's botanical diversity and ecological significance, serving as a foundational dataset for future environmental conservation and land management efforts. The information obtained from this study can support qualified decision-making and sustainable development practices in the region.

Numerical and Symbolic Analysis for Mathematical Problem-Solving with Maple

Nasima Sawlat — 2024-09-30

This study explores the versatile capabilities of Maple, a widely used mathematical software, in addressing a wide range of numerical and symbolic computations essential for scientific and engineering applications. The researchers investigated Maple's diverse suite of tools, including numerical integration, nonlinear equation solving, polynomial interpolation, symbolic integration, and various numerical methods. Through an in-depth literature review, illustrated case studies, and detailed performance evaluations, the paper demonstrates the effectiveness and accuracy of Maple's computational approaches in dealing with complex problems in various areas of applied mathematics. This study's findings underscored Maple's tremendous value as a reliable and comprehensive software package for researchers, scientists, and professionals involved in advanced mathematical analysis and scientific computing. Furthermore, the paper highlighted Maple's versatility in creating high-quality three-dimensional plots, crucial for visualizing and analyzing complex mathematical and scientific data. Using either sets or lists, the ability to display multiple surfaces in a single three-dimensional plot showcases Maple's power in data visualization and communicating complex ideas. By positioning Maple as a powerful platform for solving versatile mathematical problems, this study highlights the software's indispensable role in advancing scientific discoveries and engineering innovations.

Bacteriological Evaluation of Drinking Water Quality from Kabul University Taps

Sayed Arif Ahmadi — 2024-09-30

Human health is significantly affected by poor-quality drinking water, and water-borne diseases are of the most significant concern. A wide variety of microorganisms contaminate drinking water. Water consumers face substantial challenges due to these pollutants and harmful bacteria. To evaluate the microbiological quality of drinking water samples from different places to identify and count Escherichia coli and Coliform bacteria, multiple tube fermentation technique tests (most likely 100 ml) were used. Bacteria were identified using their morphological, biochemical, and cultural characteristics. Sixty tap water samples were collected from different locations at Kabul University. Of these, 36 samples (60 %) were positive for E. coli and Coliform bacteria, and 24 (40 %) were negative. Girls’ and boys’ dormitories showed the highest bacterial contamination level among the multiple positive water samples collected from different locations. Thirty-one samples (86.1 %) of the water were contaminated with Coliform, and five (13.8 %) samples revealed contamination with E. coli. Therefore, it is suggested that all drinking water sources should plan and carry out regular bacteriological evaluations, water supply monitoring, regular treatment, and adequate sanitation.

The Role of Logar River in Sustaining Agricultural Production: A Case Study

Mujeebullah Mujeeb — 2024-09-30

This study explores the impact of diminished water flow from the Logar River on water system practices and agricultural productivity within the Logar Province, Afghanistan. As climate change worsens water scarcity, nearby agriculturalists face critical challenges in maintaining trim yields and supporting their livelihoods. The research aims to quantify the percentage of agricultural products in the Logar Province that are directly attributed to the irrigation provided by the river and investigate the critical challenges faced in water management within the province, particularly in the context of climate change. Using quantitative data analysis and Geographic Information Systems (GIS), the research identifies trends and correlations between water availability and agricultural productivity. Around 61% of the total agricultural products within the Logar Province are ascribed to the Logar River, implying its central role in driving agricultural yield and maintaining agricultural production in the region. Approximately 90,740 people, constituting around 21% of the province's population, benefit specifically from the agricultural products irrigated by the Logar River.

Identification and Ranking of Factors Affecting the Emission of CO Gas in Karkar Coal Mine

Saleh Mohammad Salehy — 2024-09-30

Karkar coal mine is one of the biggest mines in the country, where mining has been going on since 1938. During the mining period, the Karkar mine has witnessed unfortunate incidents caused by the release and explosion of gases, which have caused substantial financial and human losses. Carbon monoxide gas is one of the essential factors in the occurrence of accidents in the Karkar mine. This research includes literature reviews, field data collection using the CEM CO-181 model gas meter, and statistical calculations using Shannon entropy and Promethee methods. First, the concentration of CO gas was measured in ventilation tunnels, development, and excavation areas. Extraction workshops of the Karkar coal mine at different working times, and then 26 cases that may result in a reduction in accidents were used as effective criteria, and 9 cases were used as influential factors on CO emissions through the order and distribution of questionnaires and interviews with identified experts. The final weights of twenty-six effective criteria on the emission of CO gas were calculated based on the Shannon entropy method. As a result, the criterion of consumed oils with a final weight of 0.1790 was ranked first, and the criterion of lack of experience with a final weight of 0.1065 was ranked last. The influential factors have been ranked based on the amount of net flow and the parameter method. As a result, the factors of mining fire and coal dust explosion ranked first and last, respectively, with net flows of 0.55 and -0.84, and the rest of the factors are placed in different positions according to their net flow rate and have their effects on the emission of CO gas.

Impacts of Humic Acid on Growth and Yield of Wheat: A Review

Mohammad Sadiq Salihi — 2024-09-30

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is a crucial crop, providing 20% of caloric intake for many populations worldwide. Soil organic matter, an essential component of soil, directly influences soil fertility and texture. Humic substances, derived from biomolecules' physical, chemical, and microbiological transformation, are integral to soil humus. Humic acid has become a standard method for enhancing crop growth, yield, and soil fertility. While the effects of humic acid on wheat have been extensively studied, the optimal type and application method for wheat cultivation remain undetermined. This review investigates sustainable wheat production methods using humic acid to mitigate the negative impacts of chemical fertilizers and climate change factors. Research indicates that humic acid significantly increases wheat plant growth parameters: shoot length (18%), root length (29%), shoot dry weight (76%), root dry weight (100%), and chlorophyll content (96%). Moreover, humic acid substantially improves wheat yield and yield components, including spike length (14.66%), number of spikes per square meter (28.73%), number of spikelets per spike (23.52%), and 1000-grain weight (23.90%). As a sustainable organic substance, humic acid application offers a promising approach to improving wheat production. This method could help meet the food demands of the growing global population, particularly in countries like Afghanistan, where food security is a pressing concern.

Modeling the Transmission Dynamics of the Ebola Virus: Effects of Quarantine and Vaccination

Wahidullah Zgham — 2024-09-30

Quarantine and vaccination of individuals suspected of exposure to infectious agents are fundamental public health strategies that have historically been employed to mitigate the transmission of contagious diseases within human populations. This study introduced a modified SEIVQRD deterministic model to evaluate the population-level effects of quarantine and vaccination on individuals potentially exposed to the Ebola virus. The study showed that the Model exhibits backward bifurcation when . This implies that even when the reproductive number An unstable endemic and a stable disease-free equilibrium can coexist in less than one. This phenomenon arises from imperfect quarantine and indicates that while is necessary for adequate infection control; it is no longer sufficient and creates additional challenges for effectively controlling Ebola. Furthermore, the sensitivity analysis revealed that the quarantine effectiveness parameter and the parameter related to the isolation of vulnerable individuals had less influence on the incidence of new Ebola cases. However, vaccinating non-quarantined susceptible individuals significantly affects the infection burden and can lower the reproductive value to less than one. Overall, the Model emphasizes the critical role of vaccination in reducing Ebola virus transmission. Although quarantine measures alone may not be sufficient, their combination with vaccination can significantly reduce infection rates.

Assessing Precipitation Impact on Vegetation Using Satellite Data and Remote Sensing Techniques: A Case Study of Yakawalang-Afghanistan

Sayed Jawad Hedayat — 2024-09-30

Water is essential for all living creatures, including humans. Precipitation directly impacts plant growth; adequate water supply promotes sufficient growth, while drought conditions lead to inadequate growth and plant desiccation. This research investigates the effects of precipitation on vegetation in the Yakawalang District. The study utilizes NDVI vegetation data from the MODIS Terra satellite and precipitation data from the Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) system. This study employed the non-parametric Mann-Kendall test to identify changes in the obtained data. The research covers the period from 2010 to 2020. Our findings indicate an increasing trend in precipitation and vegetation in the Yakawalang District during the study period. Interestingly, 2010 recorded the lowest precipitation (277 mm) but the highest vegetation index (0.100). Conversely, 2015 saw high precipitation (510 mm) but the lowest vegetation index (0.079). Further analysis of temperature data for 2015 suggests that low temperatures may have inhibited vegetation growth despite increased precipitation. This research concludes that precipitation alone does not guarantee increased vegetation. Other factors, such as appropriate temperature, are crucial in vegetation growth. These findings underscore the complex interplay of environmental factors in plant development and highlight the need for comprehensive approaches to understanding and managing vegetation dynamics.

Urban Water Crisis in Kabul City: Key Challenges and Solutions

Sediqullah Reshteen — 2024-09-30

Water is an essential human need for survival. However, billions globally wake up daily with accessible and affordable clean water. Rapid population growth, urbanization, climate change, precipitation regime changes, industrial development, and environmental degradation increase pressure on urban water resources. As a result, water demand is continuously rising, leading to prominent shortages in many cities in developing and developed countries, regardless of their developmental condition. One such city facing significant water scarcity is Kabul, the capital of Afghanistan, where rapid urbanization has outpaced local water supply infrastructure, resulting in unsustainable exploitation of groundwater resources. This directly threatens the well-being of millions of residents in this city. In anticipation of the exhaustion of local water sources, Kabul will soon need to explore alternative water supply methods, such as inter-basin water transfers, to meet the growing demand. This paper aims to offer a broad overview of urban water crises, evaluating the key drivers of water shortages, exploring the specific water crisis facing Kabul, and analyzing previous research, reports, papers, flow data, groundwater data, maps/charts, field observations, surveys, GIS data, and statistical analysis as the methods for this work. So, to combat declining groundwater levels, a sustainable groundwater management approach is crucial. The approach includes water conservation methods, the implementation of efficient irrigation techniques, and the adoption of water pricing mechanisms.