Exceptional Value Research Articles

Analytical and bioluminescence-based non-invasive quality assessment of differentially grown strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa Duch. ‘Asia’) during household refrigeration storage

Strawberry is a typical spring fruit, for which consumer demand is particularly high; however, information is scarce on the comparison of quality traits of strawberries of local and imported origin during household refrigeration storage. That is why we sought to answer the question of to what extent the quality of strawberries changes during 5 days of household refrigeration storage. The choice of methods was focused on fast and at the same time informative analytical methods: pH, total antioxidant capacity, and lipid oxidation. Furthermore, a non-invasive imaging technique: ultra-weak bioluminescence measurement was carried out along with the determination of fruit morphological (weight, height, width, and color) and analytical (antioxidant capacity and lipid oxidation) traits. The data indicate that the longer strawberries are cultivated in the same plantation, the smaller their fruit weight and the lower their fruit quality become.In addition, the results cast light on a controversial fact: despite the fact that the sample from the store had the finest appearance, as determined, its antioxidant capacity was the lowest for the duration of home refrigeration storage, indicating the lowest nutritional value.This was validated by the lipid oxidation levels, which were defined by the amount of malondialdehyde as well as by the rate of ultra-weak bioluminescence. The research underlines the exceptional value of local fruits over importand provides valuable information to customers, encouraging them to purchase strawberries from local farms in order to not only support the local economy but also to adopt a more health-conscious attitude. In addition, ultra-weak bioluminescence testing offers a non-invasive method for assessing fruit quality.

Influence of Quinoa Enrichment on the Formulation, Qualitative Parameters and Consumer Acceptability of Low-Gluten Foods

ABSTRACT: Quinoa, is renowned as a grain of the 21st century in lieu of its capacity to withstand any climatic condition, its potential health benefits and exceptional nutritional value. Breakfast is the important meal of the day, which is skipped most often by most of the people. This study is framed with the objective of developing breakfast foods from the highly nutritious food grain like quinoa. As, Chapati and bars are easier to prepare and consume, the study aims at developing high-quality, convenient foods products by incorporating quinoa flour and quinoa flakes. The processed quinoa flour and flakes was substituted into the wheat flour and rice flakes in the proportion of 25, 50 & 75% to prepare chapati and bars of different variations namely variation1 (25Q:75W), variation2 (50Q:50W) and variation3 (75Q:25W). All the variations were analysed for physical characteristics, and organoleptic attributes like colour, appearance, mouth feel, texture, flavour, taste and overall acceptability was assessed by 30 panelist using a 9-point hedonic rating scale. The statistical analysis by Duncan’s test and ANOVA showed significant difference (p<0.05) in all the developed variations, when compared with control foods. The most accepted variation was subjected to nutrient analysis. The study report concludes that on comparing with control the presence of macronutrients such as protein and dietary fibre, micronutrients such as calcium, iron, phytochemicals like flavonoids (particularly quercetin, kaempferol and epigallocatechin) were found to be higher in variation 3 of the developed products (chapati and bars). Since quinoa is a gluten free food it can be given to celiac people, their high nutritious and dietary quality meets the demands of the food industry and consumers.

A protonated cytidine stabilizes the ligand-binding pocket in the preQ1 riboswitch in thermophilic bacteria.

Riboswitches are bacterial mRNA structure elements regulating either transcription or translation of downstream genes in response to high-affinity binding of a low molecular weight ligand. Among this diverse group of RNA structures, the class-I preQ1sensing riboswitches (QSW) stand out since they are the smallest known natural riboswitches. QSW combine ligand sensing and functional control within a single structural domain that adopts a pseudoknot conformation encapsulating both the cognate ligand and the ribosome binding site. QSW also occur in thermophilic bacteria. In these cases, their tertiary structures have to be stable even at temperatures above 60 °C to be functional at the organism's optimal growth temperatures. Despite the available high-resolution structures of these riboswitches, it is not yet understood which tertiary interactions are primarily responsible for their exceptional temperature stability. Here, we show that an intricate three-dimensional network of non-canonical interactions involving various non-neighboring nucleobases is the origin of the riboswitch's thermostability. An essential part of this network is a so far undetected stably protonated cytidine. It is characterized by an exceptional high pKA value of >9.7 and could be unambiguously identified through the application of modern heteronuclear detected NMR experiments.

Phenolic fingerprint, proximate analysis and nutraceutical effects of Garcinia talbotii, an under-utilized functional food endemic to Western Ghats

Garcinia talbotii is an evergreen tree whose wild edible fruits are used in culinary preparations and folk medicine. Garcinia talbotii fruits were subjected to proximate analysis and the Garcinia talbotii fruit extract (GFE) was subjected to phenolic profiling, antioxidative effects on HEK-293 cells and antiproliferative effects on Pancreatic Cancer (PC) cells. The fruit showed higher amounts of Vitamin C (188.51 ± 20.38 mg/100 g) with macro and micronutrients. HR-LCMS analysis revealed Chlorogenic acid, Catechin and Protocatechuic acid in higher concentrations. GFE exhibited significant antioxidant effects on HEK-293 cells under H2O2 induced oxidative stress (IC50: 10.5 ± 0.08 μg/ml). Antiproliferative effects of GFE studied against PANC-1 and MIA PaCa-2 cells resulted in reduced cell proliferation and clonogenicity. GFE treatment on PC cells enhanced ROS, triggered mitochondrial depolarization, apoptosis via DNA damage; expression of proteins in DNA Damage Response (DDR) pathway was studied by immunoblotting. To conclude nutrients and bioactive compounds present in GFE contributed to nutraceutical potential of fruit. The study on Garcinia talbotii fruit extract highlights its exceptional nutraceutical value and potent anticancer properties against pancreatic cancer cells through ROS-induced DNA damage and apoptosis. Further exploration of its bioactive compounds holds promise for novel cancer treatments.

Design and synthesis of pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidine linked hybrids as α-amylase inhibitors: molecular docking, MD simulation, ADMET and antidiabetic screening.

Novel pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidine-based analogues were designed, synthesized, and evaluated for their ability to inhibit the α-amylase enzyme in order to treat diabetes. In vitro antidiabetic analysis demonstrated excellent antidiabetic action for compounds 5b, 6c, 7a, and 7b, with IC50 values in the 0.252-0.281mM range. At a 200μg/mL concentration, the exceptional percent inhibition values for compounds 5a, 5b, 5d, and 6a varied from 97.79 ± 2.86% to 85.56 ± 4.13% overperforming the standard (acarbose). Molecular docking of all compounds performed with Bacillus paralicheniformis α-amylase enzyme. The most active compounds via in vitro and non-toxic via in silico ADMET and molecular docking analysis, hybrids 6c, 7a, and 7b displayed binding affinity from - 8.2 and - 8.5kcal/mol. Molecular dynamic simulations of most active compound 5b and 7a investigated into the active sites of the Bacillus paralicheniformis α-amylase enzyme for a 100-ns indicating the stability of hybrid-protein complex. Consistent RGyr values for the two complexes under study further suggest that the system's proteins are closely packed in the dynamic state. Synthesized analogs' in vitro biological assessments, ADMET, molecular docking, and MD modelling reveal that 5b, 6c, 7a, and 7b hybrid analogs may be employed in the development of future antidiabetic drugs.

Environmental and legal priorities in the implementation of land rights in Ukraine

The paper raises the issues of ensuring environmental safety in the process of land use. Particular attention is paid to the necessity of implementing the constitutional principles of recognizing land as the main national wealth under special protection of the State, the binding nature of ownership and ensuring environmental safety. The binding nature of land ownership, which is primarily due to the natural origin of land, is revealed. The understanding of land as a territorial basis for the natural and anthropogenic environment determines a special procedure for its use, which is subordinated, first of all, to the protective content of such legal relations, due to its exceptional value as the main national wealth. Therefore, the environmental component becomes crucial for ensuring sustainable use of land resources. The author raises the issue of concluding protection agreements in the area of agricultural land use. It is proposed to preserve and expand protected areas as the basis for sustainable land use. Particular attention is paid to the negative impact of military operations on the state of land resources, the need to identify and record cases of negative environmental impact, and to take into account the experience of implementing a new environmental policy by the states which restored their economies in the post-war period. According to the results of the study, the peculiarities of exercising property rights in the use of land as a condition of life for the landowner and society as a whole, including preservation and increase of the area of land as natural objects that have undergone the least anthropogenic interference are outlined; introduction of protective contractual relations in the use of commercial agricultural land in order to ensure its quality condition, through certain mechanisms of compliance with crop rotation, land zoning, land protection is also covered; conducting an assessment of the adverse impacts on the land fund resulting from the armed aggression of the Russian Federation, and implementing measures to compensate for the damages and restore the condition of the affected lands.

Stature Estimation among Iraqis based on Anthropometrics of the Hands using Multivariable Regression

Background: Estimating stature is of exceptional value in personal identification and the forensic sciences. At the same time, the literature lacks standardized methods for height estimation. Objectives: To estimate the stature of Iraqi individuals based on the morphometric parameters of both hands. Methods: 101 students recruited from Al-Rafidain University College collected data concerning ethnicity, gender, weight, and height and measured fourteen morphometric parameters for each hand, including the hand length (RHL; LHL), palm length (RPL; LPL), hand breadth (RHB; LHB), maximum handbreadth (RHB; LHB), and the length of each finger (RD1,2,3,4,5; LD1,2,3,4,5). A multivariable linear regression is used to predict stature based on the former variables. Results: The sample included males (48.5%) and females (51.5%) aged 18–23 years of Arabic (95%) and Kurdish (5%) ethnicity. The average weight (65.68±1.32) and height (169.52±1.13) were calculated. Regression analysis (accuracy=74.8%, p<0.001) and the male cohort (65%, p<0.001) possessed higher statistical accuracy than females (47.2%, p<0.001). Stature estimation within the total sample and males assumed similarities concerning parameters allocated to both hands that principally included the length of the right hand, right middle finger, left palm, and left little finger. In contrast, females' stature estimation corresponded to morphometric parameters strictly related to the left hand, including the length of the hand, palm, ring finger, and little finger. The results also aligned with the neural network analyses and qualitative data from ChatGPT version 3.5. Conclusion: Multivariable predictive models that are crucial in personal identification for forensic purposes were predicted, such as catastrophic scenarios due to disfiguring accidents, organized crime, and mass graves that frequently occurred in Iraq during the past two decades. Our results could also interest reconstructive hand surgery experts.

Platinum(IV) Carbonato Complexes: Formation via the Addition of CO2 to the [Pt(OH)6]2- Anion and Generation of Platinum(IV) Oxide Nanoparticles for the Preparation of Catalysts.

A combination of multinuclear nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and theoretical calculation based on density functional theory was used for a speciation study of Pt in solutions prepared either by the interaction of [Pt(OH)6]2- with gaseous CO2 in an alkaline solution of platinum(IV) hydroxide ([Pt(OH)4(H2O)2]) or by the dissolution of [Pt(OH)4(H2O)2] in an aqueous KHCO3 solution. The formed solutions contained coexisting Pt(IV) carbonato complexes with κ1- and κ2-coordination modes. The gradual condensation of mononuclear Pt species in such bicarbonate solutions resulted in the formation of PtO2 nanoparticles aggregating into a solid precipitate on prolonged aging. The deposition of PtO2 particles from bicarbonate solutions was adapted for the preparation of Pt-containing heterogeneous catalysts: bimetallic Pt-Ni catalysts were prepared using various supporting materials (CeO2, SiO2, and g-C3N4) and tested for the activity in hydrazine-hydrate decomposition. All prepared materials showed high selectivity with respect to H2 production from the hydrazine-hydrate with PtNi/CeO2 showing the highest rate of H2 evolution. In the long-range evaluation, the PtNi/CeO2 catalyst operating at 50 °C showed an exceptional turnover number value of 4600 producing hydrogen at a 97% selectivity level and with a mean turnover frequency value of about 470 h-1. In the case of the PtNi/g-C3N4 catalyst, for the first time, the photodriven decomposition of hydrazine-hydrate was shown to enhance the productivity of the catalyst by 40%.

Granite Weathering, Denudation Processes, and Associated Landforms in the Itu-Cabreúva Region, São Paulo, Brazil

The Itu-Cabreúva region is located about 90 km northwest of the São Paulo city center. The geological setting is characterized by the expressive occurrence of Neoproterozoic granitic rocks. These intrusive rocks form large plutons that have given rise to flattened hills, valleys with concave-convex slopes, and superficial drainage systems. As part of this larger framework, several smaller landforms with unique appearances occur, which can be categorized into six groups: nubbin, boulder, balanced rock, castle koppie, cave, and minor form. Although these reliefs were formed under similar weathering conditions, the research results show that the physical properties of the lithology and the nature and density of the joints strongly influenced the shape and size of the blocks. These geoforms have exceptional scenic value and are situated in a geographically advantageous location for a range of educational and recreational activities that can be adapted to different levels of knowledge. The implementation of such proposals in the context of understanding the physical environment would result in a number of benefits, including (i) greater community involvement in the environment, (ii) valorization of the local landscape as a historical record of the planet's evolution, and (iii) improvement of urban geological risk prevention programs. Finally, these landforms are fascinating and offer conclusive evidence that can be observed on a wide range of scales, illustrating how the brittle deformation and magmatic fabric of the granite massifs influenced the development of the local landscape.

The effect of low-concentration graphene aerogel on the multifunctional properties of epoxy resin

In this study, graphene aerogel (GA) was used to improve the multifunctionality of epoxy resin, which is essential for its application in integrated circuits and semiconductors. To this end, a scalable method with a high capacity for producing large-size GA with desirable quality was proposed for GA synthesis. The synthesized GA was utilized to produce epoxy nanocomposites by infiltrating epoxy resin into its macro-pores. The flexural modulus of the GA/epoxy nanocomposite was investigated experimentally, and the results indicated a 30% increase with respect to the pure epoxy. The electrical conductivity of the nanocomposite reached an exceptional value of 0.7 S/m, which is 13 orders of magnitude greater than the electrical conductivity of pure epoxy. Moreover, the measured thermal conductivity for pure epoxy and GA/epoxy nanocomposites were 0.23 and 0.40 W/mK, respectively. The percentage of thermal conductivity improvement per filler content was over 101, among the highest values attained by different filler types in polymer nanocomposites. This study demonstrates that the proposed method can simultaneously increase epoxy polymers’ mechanical, electrical, and thermal properties with a low nanomaterial concentration, which could greatly benefit applications requiring highly multifunctional epoxy polymers.

Calcium oxalate crystal macropattern and its usefulness in the taxonomy of Baccharis (Asteraceae).

This study provides a comprehensive account of the various types of calcium oxalate crystals found in the genus Baccharis and assesses the exceptional value of crystal macropatterns for the taxonomy of the genus. The morphotype, occurrence, and chemical composition of the crystals found in the stems and leaves are studied. The 44 species included in this study were selected based on a broad phylogeny-based sampling covering seven subgenera and 31 sections. These species were chosen to represent all the main phylogenetic lineages of Baccharis; thus, the sampling also represents a comprehensive coverage concerning evolutionary significance for such a large and environmentally and economically important plant group. The samples were analyzed by light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS). Several morphotypes of crystals, including druses, crystal sand, styloids and prisms, were present. Based on their chemical composition, the crystals were classified as pure calcium oxalate, mixtures of oxalates and sulfates, and mixtures of oxalates, sulfates, and silica. The crystal macropatterns observed in this study aid in species identification and provide novel data for the taxonomy of Baccharis. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: Most species of Baccharis have a specific crystalline pattern. Each species produces a crystal morphotype or a set of morphotypes specific to it. The crystals observed are formed by calcium oxalate.

Abstract B014: Phenotypic CRISPR genome-wide screening for the discovery of genetic regulators of allele-specific mutant KRAS

Abstract Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (KRAS) is the most frequently mutated oncogene detected in 30% of all human cancers. Drugs that can impede the function of oncogenic KRAS offer exceptional therapeutic value. However, direct targeting KRAS is challenging due to its protein structure that lacks deep binding pockets for small-molecule inhibitors. Despite the recent success in targeting the G12C allele, targeted therapy for another hotspot mutant – G12V mutant KRAS has not been described. Here, we utilize CRISPR-Cas9 based genome-wide knockout screens and leverage a high-throughput microfluidic cell sorting platform to identify genes that regulate mutant KRAS harboring G12V mutation. The screens were conducted in two colorectal cancer cell lines HT29 and SW480, expressing wild-type KRAS and homozygous G12V KRAS, respectively. We have identified a list of genes whose loss-of-function reduces wild-type or mutant G12V KRAS protein expression. Our top gene identified from the mutant KRAS screen - denoted as selective-mutant KRAS modulator (SMKM) has shown promising results in selectively decreasing G12V KRAS protein expression. Through multiple assays including live cell imaging, western blot, flow cytometry, and proteomic analysis in SMKM knockout cells and SMKM inhibitor-treated cells. We found highly selective reduction in G12V KRAS protein expression. More importantly, genetically or pharmacologically inhibiting SMKM has demonstrated anti-tumor activity. We conducted cell viability assays including CellTiter-glo, MTT, and clonogenic assay. We treated a panel of G12V KRAS mutant and wild-type KRAS cell lines with SMKM inhibitor and found significantly reduced cell viability in G12V KRAS mutant cell lines across colorectal and lung cancer. To further demonstrate the downstream impact on mutant KRAS signaling, secondary assays including western blot and Lumit immunoassay were conducted. We observe a reduction in the aberrant phospho-ERK and phospho-AKT signaling in SMKM inhibitor treated cells. Our in vivo efficacy trial using heterozygous G12V KRAS lung cancer NCI-H441 xenograft model has shown SMKM inhibition significantly reduces tumor growth and increases the survival rate. Together, these data indicate the feasibility of selectively targeting G12V KRAS with SMKM inhibition. Lastly, our results provide a first-in-class small molecule oral inhibitor based selective protein clearance as an effective anti-G12V mutant KRAS therapeutic strategy. Citation Format: Xiyue Hu, Randy Singh, Shana Kelley. Phenotypic CRISPR genome-wide screening for the discovery of genetic regulators of allele-specific mutant KRAS [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference: Targeting RAS; 2023 Mar 5-8; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Res 2023;21(5_Suppl):Abstract nr B014.

Simultaneous prediction the strain and energy absorption capacity of ultra-high performance fiber reinforced concretes by using multi-output regression model

Although a few machine learning (ML) models have successfully been developed for Ultra-high performance fiber reinforced concrete (UHPFRC), they only limited to one output per model and do not explain the effects of its ingredients. This paper proposes an novel approach to tackle the multiple outputs problems by using multi-output regression model (MORM) and providing some insights into the relations between dosages and their outputs via partial dependence plots. A UHPFRC database with 980 mixtures designs with 34 features and two outputs, namely the strain at peak tensile stress and energy absorption capacity is used to verify the propose approach. The MORM with three estimators, namely XGBoost Regressor, Decision Tree Regressor and Gradient Boosting Regressor is trained and tested. Three quantitative measures (R2, MAE and RMSE) are employed to evaluate the accuracy and the obtained results are superior to previous study. Among the results found, the greater feasibility of deformed high-strength steel macrofibers to achieve their exceptional values can be highlighted. On the one hand, the energy absorption capacity directly depends on the cementitious matrix’s quality. On the other hand, the strain at peak tensile stress decreases with the improvement of the matrix’s compressive strength to around 200 MPa. From this resistance, the trend is reversed due to an exponential improvement caused by the improvement in the bond strength between fiber and matrix. The proposed method could be properly used for the optimization of new UHPFRC dosages.

Fixed points on band structures of non-Hermitian models: Extended states in the bandgap and ideal superluminal tunneling

Space-time reflection symmetry (PT symmetry) in non-Hermitian electronic models has drawn much attention over the past decade mainly because it guarantees that the band structures calculated under open boundary conditions be the same as those calculated under periodic boundary conditions. PT symmetry in electromagnetic (EM) models, which are usually borrowed from electronic models, has also been of immense interest, mainly because it leads to ``exceptional'' parameter values below which non-Hermitian operators have real eigenvalues, although PT symmetry is not the sole symmetry that allows such exceptional parameter values. In this work, we examine one-dimensional PT-symmetric non-Hermitian EM models to introduce novel concepts and phenomena. We introduce the band-structure concept of ``fixed points,'' which leads to ``bidirectional'' reflection zeros in the corresponding finite structures, contrary to a common belief about the EM structures with PT symmetry (and without parity inversion and time-reversal symmetries). Some of the fixed points manifest themselves as, what we name, ``extended states in the bandgap'' on the band structure while some other fixed points are the ``turning points'' of the band structure. The extended states in the bandgap are in fact the dual of the well-known ``bound states in the continuum,'' while the turning points allow us to observe ``ideal'' superluminal tunneling in the corresponding finite structures. By ``ideal'' superluminal tunneling, we mean the case where not only the transmission coefficient has an almost uniform phase over a broad bandwidth, but also the magnitudes of the transmission and reflection coefficients are almost equal to unity and zero, respectively, over the bandwidth.

The ‘Deluge’ of 25 October 1822 in Genoa, Italy

The ‘Deluge’ of 25 October 1822 in Genoa, Italy

Uniaxial tensile ductility behavior of ultrahigh-performance concrete based on the mixture design – Partial dependence approach

This study examined how UHPC mixture proportions influence its ductility parameters using random forest models. These parameters were energy absorption capacity (g) and strain at peak stress (εpc) under uniaxial tension. This purpose was achieved using importance analyses of input variables and partial dependence plots (PDPs). The numerical models were developed using the R statistical language and 34 input variables, 600 observation databases, including 50 experimental results. Direct tensile tests were conducted on 46 dogbone specimens to verify the prediction capacity of both the model and the results obtained from the PDP analysis. The tests were carried out in accordance with the JSCE recommendations for eighteen UHPC series resulting from the combination of two cementitious matrices with compressive strengths of 124 and 156 MPa and three-fiber monofiber reinforced systems at three volumetric dosage levels (i.e., 1%,2%, and 3%). The findings indicated that it is more likely to reach exceptional values of the considered responses (εpc ≥0.3% and g ≥50 kJ/m3) when using deformed high-strength steel macro fibers than with another type. Additionally, g rose with the compressive strength value. Nevertheless, the εpc value decreased with the increase of the cementitious matrix compressive strength up to the value of 190 MPa, after which the trend is reversed, and εpc presents exponential growth due to the improvement in the adherence between the matrix and the fiber caused by the enhancement of the matrix microstructure.

Eight-channel C-Band demultiplexer based on one-dimensional photonic crystals defected with lithium niobate

We propose an eight-channel Dense Wavelength Division Demultiplexer (DWDM) device based on one-dimensional photonic crystal (1-D PC) structures defected with lithium niobate (LiNbO3) thin films. The demultiplexer operates in the C-band window (1460–1560 nm), which belongs to the ITU grid for DWDM applications. The desired output wavelength is achieved by applying the proper external electric field to the LiNbO3 layer at various temperatures. The transfer matrix method (TMM) is used to simulate the transmittance spectrum. Efficient output channels with transmittances of about 90% are attained. An excellent quality factor of 30919 and a very small line width of 0.05 nm are exceptional values acquired by the output channels. A very small channel spacing of 0.182 nm is attained without compromising the crosstalk, which reaches a minimum value of −34 dB. The astounding characteristics of the eight channels reveal that the proposed demultiplexer could be a potentially efficient device for DWDM networks.

New Eco-friendly UV-spectroscopic Methods for Simultaneous Assessment of Dapagliflozin, Saxagliptin and Metformin in Ternary Mixture

Abstract: Background and Aim: Qternmet XR® consisting of dapagliflozin (10 mg), saxagliptin (5 mg), and metformin hydrochloride (1000 mg), is a fixed-dose combination (tablets) that improves glycemic control in individuals with diabetes mellitus (type 2). The projected work presents four spectrophotometric methods that are eco-friendly, quick, effortless, accurate and reproducible for the concurrent assessment of the ternary mixture. Materials and Methods: The 1st approach works on the notion of unravelling pre-existing equations (simultaneous) by measuring absorbance at 223, 212 and 232.6 nm for dapagliflozin, saxagliptin and metformin hydrochloride, sequentially. The second method namely ratio difference spectroscopy works by evaluating the variation in amplitude at two dissimilar wavelengths in the ratio spectra. Whereas the derivative ratio spectrum zero-crossing approach (third approach) relied on the utilization of the derivative ratio signals at zero-crossing locations. The fourth approach is the double divisor-ratio spectra derivative approach in which the first derivative of ratio spectrum was acquired and the concentrations of all 3 drugs in their combination were quantified. Results and Discussion: All the three drugs exhibited excellent linear correlation in the concentration series of 2-10 μg/mL for simultaneous equation method and 0.5-10 μg/mL for all the other methods with an exceptional correlation coefficient value. Furthermore, the projected approaches were authenticated in line with ICH strategies and which displayed suitable precision, accuracy and sensitivity. Conclusion: The developed spectrophotometric approaches when compared to other analytical procedures are regarded to be more cost-effective because they do not require expensive solvents or sophisticated instruments. Therefore, the projected methods could be effectively employed for the concurrent assessment of dapagliflozin, saxagliptin and metformin hydrochloride in ternary mixture. Keywords: Dapagliflozin, Saxagliptin, Metformin, Simultaneous Equation Method, Ratio Difference Spectroscopic approach, Derivative Ratio Spectrum-Zero crossing approach, Double Divisor Ratio Spectra Derivative approach, Ternary mixture.

Enhancing Pigment Phenotyping and Classification in Lettuce through the Integration of Reflectance Spectroscopy and AI Algorithms.

In this study, we investigated the use of artificial intelligence algorithms (AIAs) in combination with VIS-NIR-SWIR hyperspectroscopy for the classification of eleven lettuce plant varieties. For this purpose, a spectroradiometer was utilized to collect hyperspectral data in the VIS-NIR-SWIR range, and 17 AIAs were applied to classify lettuce plants. The results showed that the highest accuracy and precision were achieved using the full hyperspectral curves or the specific spectral ranges of 400-700 nm, 700-1300 nm, and 1300-2400 nm. Four models, AdB, CN2, G-Boo, and NN, demonstrated exceptional R2 and ROC values, exceeding 0.99, when compared between all models and confirming the hypothesis and highlighting the potential of AIAs and hyperspectral fingerprints for efficient, precise classification and pigment phenotyping in agriculture. The findings of this study have important implications for the development of efficient methods for phenotyping and classification in agriculture and the potential of AIAs in combination with hyperspectral technology. To advance our understanding of the capabilities of hyperspectroscopy and AIs in precision agriculture and contribute to the development of more effective and sustainable agriculture practices, further research is needed to explore the full potential of these technologies in different crop species and environments.

Germination and Seedling Development Responses of Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) Seeds to Temperature and Different Levels of Water Availability

Abiotic variables are crucial for seed germination and seedling development. In the present work, we attempted to determine the optimal conditions (temperature, water, seed density, and fungal growth) for sunflower seed development (Helianthus annus L. Larissza). The germination of sunflower seeds was investigated under controlled conditions at eight consistent temperatures: 5 °C, 10 °C, 15 °C, 20 °C, 25 °C, 30 °C, 35 °C, and 40 °C. For the water test, there were 12 water levels based on one-milliliter intervals and 18 water levels based on thousand kernel weight (TKW). In addition, four seed densities (6, 8, 10, and 12) and two antifungal application techniques (sterilization and growing medium) were examined. The results showed that temperature has a significant effect on seed germination, germination timing, and seedling development. Temperatures between 15 and 35 degrees Celsius were optimal for germination, with 25 degrees Celsius being the optimal temperature for significant germination and seedling development. Beginning at 0.6 mL, or 125% of the TKW, sunflower seeds can germinate under a wide range of water availability. The optimal range for seedling development (8.2–11.4) is wider than the optimal range for dry matter accumulation, which is 5.8–8.2 mL or 1000–1625% of the TKW. The finding that a density of 10 to 12 seeds per 9 cm Petri dish demonstrates the most exceptional values is advantageous for future research and breeding projects, particularly when seeds are scarce. Seed priming is a more effective antifungal application technique than other techniques.