Fresh Material Research Articles

A taxonomic notes on Mouriri (Olisbeoideae, Melastomataceae): Clarifying two little-known species from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest, with three new synonyms

Based on new samples from the Atlantic Forest between northern São Paulo and southern Bahia, Brazil, we clarify taxonomic relationships in two little-known species of Mouriri. As a result, we synonymize M. megasperma and M. sellowiana under M. arborea, and M. bahiensis under M. regeliana. We designate a lectotype for M. sellowiana, as the holotype was destroyed during World War II. In addition, we present updated morphological descriptions, data on geographic distribution, conservation status assignments, illustrations, and comments on taxonomic and nomenclatural aspects of M. arborea and M. regeliana. Photographs based on fresh material of M. arborea are presented.

Identification of Active Ingredients in Ginseng Volatile Oil: A Strategy Combining Computer Virtual Screening With Experimental Validation.

Ginseng volatile oil (GVO) is a valuable active ingredient in ginseng (Panax ginseng C. A. Mey.) with high research potential. Drying procedures alter the real composition of the fresh material, for example, the evaporation of compounds with low boiling point. In this study, the composition of volatile oil in fresh ginseng (FG), sun-dried ginseng (SDG), and red ginseng (RD) was systematically analyzed to clarify the dominant components of FG and their potential pharmacological effects, which provides a basis for application and development of FG. GVO was obtained through water vapor distillation and analyzed using GC-MS. Pattern recognition analysis was employed to differentiate components in three processed types of ginseng. Based on this analysis, the active ingredients and key targets were screened. The binding mode and affinity were verified using molecular docking technology. Finally, the anticancer activity of GVO was verified by cell experiments. A total of 53 components were identified in three processed types of ginseng by GC-MS. Among them, 32 differential components were screened by pattern recognition analysis. Ultimately, 6 active ingredients (panaxydol, nerolidyl acetate, falcarinol, cis-β-farnesene, γ-elemene, and β-elemene) and 15 key targets were determined by network pharmacology analysis. Molecular docking results revealed that β-elemene exhibited a higher affinity with EGFR, ESR1, and ERK2. Cell experiments indicated that GVO promotes apoptosis in cancer cells. This research proposed a strategy that integrated "component detection-virtual multitarget screening-active component prediction-experimental verification" to expedite the identification of active ingredients, providing insights for application of FG and the development of functional products.

A Floristic Study of Aquatic and Wetland Plants of Lal Nalla Dam of Samadrapur Tehsil, District Wardha, Maharashtra

The floristic diversity studywas carried out at Lal Nalla Dam. It was constructed on the Lal Nalla River, the nearest city to the dam is Samudrapur in Wardha District of Maharashtra. Extensive and repeated field surveys were carried out from January 2020 to December 2021 in the study area, covering all the seasons of the year to document the species richness of the wetland. The three sites were selected from where a comprehensive list of aquatic and wetland plants occurring in the study areais prepared. During field surveys, emphasis was given to document the type of vegetation, growth form, and associated species. Morphological characters were recorded based on fresh material in the field. The open water zone of the lake has less growth of submerged and free-floating plants. The Marginal shallow zone with a depth of 30-40 cm is inhibited by the floating-leaved-like and emergent plants. In the study area total of 41 species were investigated from three major habitats as open-water zone, marginal shallow zone, and seasonal puddles were studied and according to the sites, the growth formlike one floating-leaved,five submerged plants, twenty-nine emergent, and six other plants was identified belonging to 22 different families in which Cyperaceae was a dominant family with 6 species. The study area shows species diversity but because of seasonal water level change and grazing by domestic livestock the disturbance is seen in vegetation.

Machine Learning Driven Fluidity and Rheological Properties Prediction of Fresh Cement-Based Materials

Controlling workability during the design stage of cement-based material mix ratios is a highly time-consuming and labor-intensive task. Applying artificial intelligence (AI) methods to predict and optimize the workability of cement-based materials can significantly enhance the efficiency of mix design. In this study, experimental testing was conducted to create a dataset of 233 samples, including fluidity, dynamic yield stress, and plastic viscosity of cement-based materials. The proportions of cement, fly ash (FA), silica fume (SF), water, superplasticizer (SP), hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), and sand were selected as inputs. Machine learning (ML) methods were employed to establish predictive models for these three early workability indicators. To improve prediction capability, optimized hybrid models, such as Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO)-based CatBoost and XGBoost, were adopted. Furthermore, the influence of individual input variables on each workability indicator of the cement-based material was examined using Shapley Additive Explanations (SHAP) and Partial Dependence Plot (PDP) analyses. This study provides a novel reference for achieving rapid and accurate control of cement-based material workability.

Safety and efficacy of a feed additive consisting of Bacillus subtilisDSM 33862 and Lentilactobacillus buchneriDSM 12856 as a silage additive for all animal species (Lactosan GmbH & Co.KG).

Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on a formulation of Bacillus subtilis DSM 33862 and Lentilactobacillus buchneri DSM 12856 when used as a technological additive to improve ensiling of fresh plant material. The additive is intended for use with fresh plant material with a dry matter (DM) range of 32%-65% at a proposed minimum concentration of 1 × 108 colony forming units (CFU)/kg fresh plant material to be used for all animal species. The bacterial species B. subtilis and L. buchneri are considered by EFSA to be suitable for the qualified presumption of safety approach to safety assessment. The identity of the strains was established, no acquired antimicrobial resistance genes of concern were detected in any of the two active agents and no evidence of toxigenic potential was found in B. subtilis DSM 33862. Therefore, the FEEDAP Panel concluded that the use of the strains as a silage additive is considered safe for all the animal species, for consumers of products from animals fed with the treated silage and for the environment. Regarding user safety, the additive contains microorganisms and therefore should be considered as a potential skin and respiratory sensitiser. The additive is not irritant to skin or eyes. Inhalation and dermal exposure is considered a risk. These conclusions would apply, in principle, to any preparations containing the active agents. The FEEDAP Panel concluded that the additive containing B. subtilis DSM 33862 and L. buchneri DSM 12856 at a minimum concentration of 1 × 108 CFU/kg fresh material has the potential to extend the aerobic stability of silage prepared from fresh plant materials with a DM range of 32%-65%.

Efficacy of the feed additives consisting of Enterococcus faecium ATCC 53519 and E. faecium ATCC 55593 as silage additives for all animal species (FEFANA asbl).

Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the efficacy of two technological additives (functional group: silage additives) consisting of Enterococcus faecium strains ATCC 53519 and ATCC 55593, respectively. The additives are intended for use with all types of fresh materials and for all animal species at a proposed minimum concentration of 1 × 107 colony-forming units of E. faecium ATCC 53519/kg fresh material or 5 × 106 CFU of E. faecium ATCC 55593/kg fresh material. In a previous opinion, the FEEDAP Panel could not conclude on their efficacy since the dry matter content of the ensiled materials at the end of the experiments was not corrected for volatiles, which led to unreliable estimation of the dry matter loss, and the lack of positive effects on any of the other parameters. The supplementary information submitted by the applicant included updated data on the dry matter loss corrected for volatiles. The results showed that, at the end of the ensiling process, the dry matter loss during the ensiling was significantly lower in the ensiled materials treated with E. faecium ATCC 53519 or ATCC 55593 compared to controls. The FEEDAP Panel concludes that the addition of E. faecium ATCC 53519 or ATCC 55593 in all types of fresh plant materials shows potential to improve the nutrient preservation of silage at the proposed conditions of use.

Phytochemical Characterization Utilizing HS-SPME/GC-MS: Exploration of the Antioxidant and Enzyme Inhibition Properties of Essential Oil from Saudi Artemisia absinthium L.

Background/Objectives: This study aimed to analyze the chemical composition and biological activities of Artemisia absinthium L. essential oil, focusing on its antioxidant and enzyme inhibition (α-amylase and urease) properties. Additionally, in vitro pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic evaluations were conducted through in silico molecular docking and BOILED-Egg models to assess its therapeutic potential and its potency in treating oxidative-stress-related diseases. Methods: The essential oil was isolated by the hydrodistillation (HD) of fresh plant material, and volatiles released from dried plant material were sampled via headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME), followed by a phytochemical profiling analysis through the GC-MS tool. Antioxidant capacity was assessed using DPPH, ABTS, FRAP, and nitric oxide scavenging assays, while enzyme inhibition activities were tested against α-amylase and urease. Molecular docking and BOILED-Egg models were used to evaluate compound interactions with NADPH oxidase and predict pharmacokinetic behavior, respectively. Results: HS-SPME and HD yielded 46 and 25 compounds, respectively, primarily terpenoids represented by camphor (26.4%) and cis-davanone (18.0%) in HS-SPME, while in the HD essential oil, cis-davanone (60.2%) and chamazulene (10.8%) were most prevalent. The antioxidant assays showed a strong activity, with a total antioxidant capacity of 821.8 mg ascorbic acid Eq/gm. The essential oil inhibited urease by 86.7% and α-amylase by 81.8%. Molecular docking showed strong binding affinities with NADPH oxidase, supporting the antioxidant results. Conclusions:A. absinthium EO demonstrated potent antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory activities, suggesting its therapeutic potential for treating enzyme-related disorders like diabetes mellitus and its possible use as a cure for many oxidative-stress-related diseases, thus validating the folkloric use of this plant.

Non-Destructive Analysis for Machine-Picked Tea Leaf Composition Using Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Combined Chemometric Methods

This paper aimed to predict the mechanical composition of machine-picked fresh tea leaves (MPFTLs) using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) rapidly and non-destructively. Samples of MPFTL with different mechanical composition ratios were collected and subjected to NIRS analysis. Subsequently, various preprocessing methods were employed to eliminate extraneous noise information. Next, characteristic spectral information was extracted using the backward interval partial least squares (biPLS) method, which was subsequently subjected to principal component analysis (PCA). Finally, a predictive model was constructed by applying the back propagation artificial neural network (BP-ANN) method, which was tested by external samples to assess its predictive efficacy, and the results were expressed as root mean square error and determination coefficient of prediction (Rp2). The optimal spectral pretreatment method was the following: (standard normal variate (SNV) + second derivative (SD)). Four characteristic spectral subintervals of ([2, 3, 7, 10]) were screened out, and the cumulative contribution rate of 95.20%, attributable to the first three principal components, was determined. When the tanh transfer function was applied to construct the BP-ANN-NIRS model, the results demonstrated optimal performance, exhibiting a root mean square error and a determination coefficient of prediction (Rp2) of 0.976 and 0.027, respectively. The absolute values of prediction deviation for all prediction set samples were found to be less than 0.04. The results of the best BP-ANN model for external samples were found to be in close agreement with those of the prediction set model. NIRS technology has successfully achieved the forecasting of the mechanical composition of machine-picked fresh tea leaves rapidly and accurately, providing a fair and convenient new method for purchasing fresh tea raw materials by machines, according to their quality, and promoting the sustainable high-quality and healthy development of the tea industry.

Growth performance and ruminal fermentation characteristics of Thai-native beef cattle fed cassava pulp fermented with Lactobacillus casei TH14 and additives.

Raw cassava pulp is a low-nutritional agro-industry residue with a high moist content that is susceptible to rot. Biodegradation of cassava pulp by adding Lactobacillus spp. plus stimulants could boost bio-acidity to preserve cassava pulp as ruminant feed. This investigation assessed the effect of ensiled cassava pulp without or with Lactobacillus casei TH14 (LTH14), urea, and molasses on the intake, digestibility, rumen fermentation, and growth performance of native Thai beef cattle. Eight Thai-native beef bulls (170.3 ± 20.2kg of initial body weight) were randomly assigned to two treatment groups in a completely randomized design: cassava pulp ensiled without additives (CPFNO; n = 4) and cassava pulp ensiled with the combination of LTH14 (2.5g per ton of fresh material), urea (4% DM), and molasses (4% DM) (CPFWA; n = 4). The intake of the concentrate diet and ensiled cassava pulp did not differ (p > 0.05) between the CPFNO and CPFWA groups, including final body weight, average daily gain (ADG), and feed conversion ratio (p > 0.05). However, CPFWA affected higher rice straw intake compared to the CPFNO group (p < 0.05). The intake and digestibility of crude protein (CP) were greater for the CPFWA group at 43.86% and 30.87%, respectively, compared to the CPFNO group (p < 0.05). Ruminal ammonia-nitrogen (NH3-N)and blood urea-nitrogen (BUN) were increased when animals were fed with CPFWA (p < 0.05). The average total volatile fatty acids (VFA) concentration of CPFWA was greater than that of CPFNO by 27.49% (p < 0.05). In conclusion, CPFWA supplementation can enhance rice straw intake, CP intake and digestion, total ruminal VFA concentration, and BUN levels, without adversely affecting growth performance.

Effective Upcycling of Degraded NCM Cathode Materials Assisted by Surface Engineering for High‐Performance Lithium‐Ion Batteries

AbstractLithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) with ternary oxide cathode materials are the prevalent energy storage devices for electric vehicles, and the huge amounts of spent LIBs pose severe challenges in terms of environmental impact and resource management. Particularly, the proper handling of degraded cathode materials is of central importance for the sustainable and closed‐loop development of LIBs industry. In this context, direct regeneration of degraded ternary oxides toward reusable high‐performance cathode materials is environmentally and economically favorable in contrast to present metallurgical recycling methods. In this work, a simple and effective two‐step method is demonstrated to regenerate the degraded NCM 622 (LiNi0.6Co0.2Mn0.2O2) materials by elemental compensation and structural restoration. Moreover, a multi‐functional LTO (Li4Ti5O12) surface coating is simultaneously designed to guarantee rapid Li+ diffusion and stable surface of the regenerated product. Therefore, the regenerated LTO‐coated NCM materials show excellent electrochemical performance; specifically, the initial discharge capacity (183.0 mAh g−1 at 0.1 C), rate capability (90.0 mAh g−1 at 10 C), and cycling stability (79.3% capacity retention after 200 cycles) are even comparable with those of fresh materials. The as‐established upcycling strategy may shed light on the value‐added recycling of degraded cathode materials and thereby a virtuous cycle of LIBs.

Влияние некоторых видов обработки на продолжительность сушки и органолептические показатели нарезанных баклажанов

Abstract. Eggplant is a common vegetable crop from the Solanaceae family, whose share of global vegetable harvests in 2022 was about 5 %. However, eggplant is thermophylic and its fruits cannot withstand low temperatures due to physiological disorders and quality reduction. This fact and thin covering tissues make the shelf life of eggplant fruits short. For this reason, improving existing methods for preserving the quality and extending the period of use of eggplants is relevant. One of the most popular methods of preserving fresh plant raw materials is drying, but it requires the selection of a method (including pre-treatment of raw materials) and process parameters to preserve the quality of dried products. In the course of the study, the influence of certain types of physical and chemical pre-treatment (microwave frequencies, citric acid, sodium chloride, their combinations) on the drying time and organoleptic characteristics of sliced eggplant fruits of the Chernomor variety was studied. It was found that various types of treatments used influenced the duration of drying of eggplants: treatments with microwave frequencies and citric acid led to a reduction in process time by 31-43 minutes compared to the control; treatments with sodium chloride solution and complex treatments, on the contrary, increased the duration by more than 3 hours. Organoleptic evaluation of dried eggplants showed that the best characteristics were provided by treatment with 1% and 5% citric acid solutions. While pre-treatment with microwave frequencies and NaCl with various parameters gave an unpleasant taste and was accompanied by darkening of the product. The data obtained can be used to improve existing methods of drying eggplants. Key words: eggplants, drying, organoleptic characteristics, super high frequency, citric acid, sodium chloride

Composted biochar versus compost with biochar: effects on soil properties and plant growth

Biochar is widely recognized as an amendment that enhances soil properties and sequesters carbon, particularly in degraded soils. However, biochar applied solely to soil may also hinder plant development due to toxic by-products generated during pyrolysis or nutrient retention. To mitigate these adverse effects, it has been suggested to either mix biochar with compost or to process it by composting with fresh organic materials. To date, there is a lack of comparative studies evaluating the performance of these two approaches. In this study, three types of biochar, differing in their initial feedstocks (beech wood, hornbeam/beech/oak mixture, and digestate/cereal straw mixture), were investigated. These biochars were applied solely, mixed with green waste compost, or processed as composted biochar in two soils of different fertility (a Luvisol and a gleyic Fluvisol). A pot experiment was conducted under controlled conditions where lettuce was grown for three months. After harvesting, plant biomass, and soil microbial and physicochemical properties were measured. Composted biochar and compost additives maintained a neutral soil pH, contrary to biochar applied solely or mixed with compost. The dissolved organic carbon and total nitrogen were higher in composted biochar treatments, leading to a higher proportion of humified material with a high degree of condensed aromatic groups compared to other treatments. Microbial activities were higher in the composted biochar treatments compared to those in the compost with biochar, and more specifically in the less fertile Luvisol. Finally, composted biochar increased plant growth by almost six times compared to the control without amendments, whereas the mix of biochar and compost increased it by only three times. Solely applied biochars did not affect lettuce growth. This study demonstrates that biochar composting is more beneficial than mixing biochar with compost in terms of improving soil fertility and mitigating the negative effects associated with pure biochar application.Graphical

Monsoon Winds and Ming Porcelains: Chinese Ceramics and Their Reception in Early Modern South Asia

Abstract This essay will explore the arrival, acquisition, and reception of Chinese ceramics within early modern South Asia, with a focus on the Mughal dynasty (r. 1526–1857) courtly context. The first step in placing South Asian ceramic collecting practices within the broader historical and geographic circulation of porcelains in the Gulf and Indian Ocean worlds is understanding the breadth and nature of South Asian collections. While the Safavid porcelain collections donated by Shah Abbas to Ardabil, and the massive Chinese porcelain collection of the Ottoman courts held today in Istanbul’s Topkapı Palace are well known and relatively well published, the Chinese ceramic collections of South Asia have received less scholarly attention. Fresh material presented here includes new evidence of the extent of multi-generational Mughal interactions with, and interest in, Chinese ceramics. The broader question to be addressed is how these porcelains were perceived, utilized, and displayed in the South Asian context. Considering textual evidence, contemporary paintings, extant architecture, archaeological finds, and surviving inscribed objects, this essay will argue that Mughal porcelain collections should be understood within the context of their broader collecting activities, and in relation to the porcelain collections and displays of their Timurid ancestors.

A A new species of Graffenrieda (Melastomataceae) from the northern Andes, Caquetá, Colombia, and a key for the Graffenrieda group with calyptrate flowers

Background and Aims: Graffenrieda is a Neotropical genus with more than 70 species, mainly distributed in the Guiana Shield and the Andes. This work describes a new species of Graffenrieda and provides a key to identify all species with calyptrate flowers in the genus.Methods: The description of this new species was made from collections deposited in the Colombian herbaria JBB and COAH. Measurements of vegetative parts and inflorescence were made from dried material, while floral structures and fruits were measured from fresh material preserved in alcohol. Their conservation status was assessed according to IUCN guidelines. A key for the recognition of all species of the genus with calyptrate flowers, including the new species and Centronia species to be transferred to Graffenrieda is also provided here, for which lists of species in Neotropical countries, collection databases, and literature on both genera were consulted.Key results: Graffenrieda cardenasii sp. nov. is endemic to the southern Cordillera Oriental of Colombia and is characterized by its indumentum of irregular lepidote trichomes on the vegetative parts, leaves with incomplete lateral anisophylly, leafy bracteoles as large as the flower buds, 5-merous flowers, calyptrate calyx and 2-locular ovary. It is categorized as Endangered in view of its endemicity and habitat specificity. A key is provided for 30 species of the genus Graffenrieda that share the character of calyptrate flowers.Conclusions: This species is named in honor of the Colombian botanist Dairon Cárdenas López, a great collector and connoisseur of the Colombian Amazonian flora. It is so far known only from the type localities. The key to the species with calyptrate flowers included in this article allows 43% of the species in the genus Graffenrieda to be recognized, including four Centronia species.

Safety and efficacy of a feed additive consisting of Lentilactobacillus buchneriDSM 32651 for all animal species (BioCC OÜ).

Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of Lentilactobacillus buchneri DSM 32651 when used as a technological additive to improve ensiling of fresh plant material. The additive is intended for use in all fresh material for all animal species at a proposed minimum concentration of 1 × 108 colony forming units (CFU)/kg fresh plant material. The bacterial species L. buchneri is considered by EFSA to be suitable for the qualified presumption of safety approach to safety assessment. The identity of the strain was established and no acquired antimicrobial resistance genes of concern were detected. Therefore, the EFSA Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) concluded that the use of the strain as a silage additive is considered safe for all the animal species, for consumers of products from animals fed the treated silage and for the environment. Regarding user safety, the additive should be considered as a potential skin and respiratory sensitiser, and any exposure through skin and respiratory tract is considered a risk. The additive is not an eye irritant. The FEEDAP Panel concluded that the additive consisting of L. buchneri DSM 32651 at a minimum concentration of 1 × 108 CFU/kg fresh material may extend the aerobic stability of silage prepared from fresh plant material with a DM range of 28%-45%.

Impact of Additives and Packing Density on Fermentation Weight Loss, Microbial Diversity, and Fermentation Quality of Rape Straw Silage

To investigate the effects of the combined addition of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum and sucrose on the fermentation weight loss (FWL), fermentation quality, and microbial community structure of ensiled rape straw under varying packing density conditions. After harvesting, the rapeseed straw was collected, cut into 1–2 cm pieces, and sprayed with sterile water to adjust the moisture content to 60%. The straw was then divided into two groups: one treated with additives (1 × 105 CFU/g fresh material of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum and 10 kg/t fresh material of sucrose), and the other sprayed with an equivalent amount of sterile water as the control (CK). The treated materials were thoroughly mixed and packed into silos at densities of 450, 500, and 550 kg/m3. FWL was recorded on days 1, 3, 6, 15, 20, and 45 of fermentation. On day 45, the samples were analyzed for fermentation quality, microbial counts, and microbial diversity. FWL increased significantly (p &lt; 0.05) in both the treated (LS) and control groups during fermentation. The LS group showed higher lactic acid (LA) levels (p &lt; 0.05) and lower ammonia nitrogen levels (p &lt; 0.05) compared to CK. The CK group had significantly higher (p &lt; 0.05) counts of Coliforms and lower bacterial counts (p &lt; 0.05) than LS. The dominant genera in the silage were Xanthomonas, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, and Lentilactobacillus. In the LS group, the relative abundances of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum and Lentilactobacillus ranged from 16.93% to 20.43% and 15.63% to 27.46%, respectively, with their combined abundance being higher than in CK. At a packing density of 500 kg/m3, the relative abundances of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum and Lentilactobacillus in the LS group were significantly higher (p &lt; 0.05) than in CK. Increasing packing density and applying additives to rape straw silage effectively reduced FWL, improved fermentation quality, boosted the relative abundance of beneficial lactic acid bacteria, and decreased the presence of undesirable bacteria such as Enterobacter and Bacillus.

Carbon dot unravels accumulation of triterpenoid in Evolvulus alsinoides hairy roots culture by stimulating growth, redox reactions and ANN machine learning model prediction of metabolic stress response

Evolvulus alsinoides, a therapeutically valuable shrub can provide consistent supply of secondary metabolites (SM) with pharmaceutical significance. Nonetheless, because of its short life cycle, fresh plant material for research and medicinal diagnostics is severely scarce throughout the year. The effects of exogenous carbon quantum dot (CD) application on metabolic profiles, machine learning (ML) prediction of metabolic stress response, and SM yields in hairy root cultures of E. alsinoides were investigated and quantified. The range of the particle size distribution of the CDs was between 3 and 7 nm. The CDs EPR signal and spin trapping experiments demonstrated the formation of O2-•spin-adducts at (g = 2.0023). Carbon dot treatment increased the levels of hydrogen peroxide and malondialdehyde concentrations as well as increased antioxidant enzyme activity. CD treatments (6 μg mL-1) significantly enhanced the accumulation of squalene and stigmasterol (7 and 5-fold respectively). The multilayer perceptron (MLP) algorithm demonstrated remarkable prediction accuracy (MSE value = 1.99E-03 and R2 = 0.99939) in both the training and testing sets for modelling. Based on the prediction, the maximum oxidative stress index and enzymatic activities were highest in the medium supplemented with 10 μg mL-1 CDs. The outcome of this study indicated that, for the first time, using CD could serve as a novel elicitor for the production of valuable SM. MLP may also be used as a forward-thinking tool to optimize and predict SM with high pharmaceutical significance. This study would be a touchstone for understanding the use of ML and luminescent nanomaterials in the production and commercialization of important SM.

Biogas Heat Pump Power Supply Based on Smart Grid Functioning Solar Electric System Network

A comprehensive integrated solar power plant system has been developed to support the operation of a biogas plant based on a heat pump, for which fermented wort is a low-potential energy source. The change in the power factor of the solar power system connected to the grid and the temperature of the coolant entering the heat exchanger built into the methane tank are predicted. Promising solutions include changing the power of the heat pump compressor to maintain biogas production, unloading fermented wort and loading fresh material while maintaining the power factor of the grid solar system and changing the level of electricity transmission to the grid. The voltage at the input of the hybrid inverter, the voltage at the output of the frequency converter to assess their ratio and the voltage frequency are constantly measured. When changing the voltage at the input of the hybrid inverter from 240 V to 600 V, promising solutions were adopted to reduce the power of the heat pump from 3.14 kW to 1.58 kW in the production of biogas 352.5 m3/day to maintain the temperature of the heating coolant entering the heat exchanger built into the methane tank at 55° C - 45 °C in order to obtain biogas, unload fermented wort and load fresh raw materials. There is an increase in the power of electricity transmission to the grid from 0.27 to 1 and an increase in the power factor by 40% from 0.58 to 0.98. The use of the developed Smart Grid technology allows preventing peak loads of the power system, reducing electricity consumption from the grid by up to 30%.

Identifying sources and distribution of organic pollutants in a Moroccan river: Characterization of dissolved organic matter by absorption, excitation–emission fluorescence and chemometric analyses

This study investigates surface water contamination of Ben-Kazza River in Morocco, fed by effluents from an adjacent lagoon-based wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) and seasonally by industrial effluents, and which occasionally serves to irrigate agricultural fields. This study has two purpose: i) to track the main sources of contamination through the evolution of dissolved organic matter (DOM) characteristics along the watercourse, and ii) to characterize the WWTP influents and effluents with a focus on the efficiency of the lagoon treatment. We characterized a total of 495 water samples across the watercourse and from the inlet and outlet of the WWTP, using UV–visible absorption and excitation–emission fluorescence coupled with chemometric analyses. Absorption indicators and fluorescence indices were calculated and compared across sampling points. Results highlight spatial shifts together with temporal changes in DOM. PARAFAC identified components that varied between protein-like, humic-like and anthropogenic-like fluorophores along the river, permitted to trace the anthropogenic components and their sources. The lagoon treatment appeared to better remove fresh organic material than humic material: fluorescence intensity decreased by 68 % for peak T1 and by 22 % for peak C. Maximum fluorescence intensities (Fmax) decreased across all PARAFAC components, leading to more than 55 % reduction of ΣFmax.

Cistus libanotis from Algeria: Phytochemical analysis by GC/MS, HS-SPME-GC/MS, LC–MS/MS and its anticancer activity

In this paper, Cistus libanotis (Cistus clusii Dunal) from Algeria was investigated. This plant is utilized in numerous industries, mostly in perfumery and, more recently, as a raw material for dietary supplements. For the first time, the present study evaluated the anticancer potential of Algerian C. libanotis by performing a comprehensive phytochemical investigation. The volatile fraction of the fresh plant material of C. libanotis was investigated using headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) coupled to GC-MS, and the chemical composition of the essential oil (EO) of C. libanotis was examined using GC-MS technique; additionally, the phenolic compounds were identified and quantified using liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS/MS). A healthy cell line (L929) and two cancer cell lines (CAPAN-1 and dld-1) were used to test the ethanolic extract's cytotoxicity. HS-SPME-GC/MS analysis identified sabinene (25.3 %) and α-thujene (23.8 %) as principal components. In EO the major ingredients were γ-terpinene (17.4 %), camphene (16.13 %), α-phellandrene (15.36 %), and 4-carene (13.54 %). Nevertheless, 24 components were identified by LC-ESI-MS/MS analysis and shikimic acid, luteolin and hesperidin were most abundant. Further, the ethanolic extract of C. libanotis showed a significant cytotoxic effect against dld-1 and CAPAN-1 cell lines, while it was less active against the healthy cell line L929.