Fresh Material Research Articles

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.

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

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.

Cell-type specific localization and biological activity of the volatiles from the endemic species Chaerophyllum coloratum L.

Main conclusionNew findings are presented for Chaerophyllum coloratum L. on the volatile composition of the essential oil, based on data of hydrosol and fresh plant material, light and electron microscopy of leaves, and cytotoxic and antiviral activity.The widespread Apiaceae family includes many well-known and economically important plants that are cultivated as food or spices. Many produce essential oils and are generally a source of secondary metabolites and compounds that have numerous applications in daily life. In this study, the chemical composition of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), ultrastructure and biological activity of the Mediterranean endemic species Cheaerophyllum coloratum L. are investigated, as literature data for this plant species are generally very scarce. The essential oil and hydrosol were extracted from the air-dried leaves by hydrodistillation and the chemical composition of both extracts was analysed by GC–MS in conjunction with headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) of VOCs from the hydrosol and the fresh plant material. In the composition of the essential oil, the oxygenated sesquiterpenes spathulenol and caryophyllene oxide were the most abundant components. In the fresh plant material, non-oxygenated sesquiterpenes dominated, with β-caryophyllene and germacrene D being the main components. The hydrosol was dominated by monoterpenes, with the oxygenated monoterpene p-cymen-8-ol being the most abundant. Light and electron micrographs of the leaf of C. coloratum show secretory structures, and we hypothesize that glandular leaf trichomes, secretory epidermal cells and secretory canals are involved in the production of volatiles and their secretion on the leaf surface. Since the biological potential of C. coloratum is poorly investigated, we tested its cytotoxic activity on cancer and healthy cell lines and its antiviral activity on plants infected with tobacco mosiac virus (TMV). Our results dealing with the composition, ultrastructure and biological activity show that C. coloratum represent a hidden valuable plant species with a potential for future research.

Larvicidal potential of Trachyspermum ammi essential oil and Delphinium speciosum extract against malaria, dengue, and filariasis mosquito vectors

Mosquito-borne diseases, such as malaria, dengue, and Zika, pose major public health challenges globally, affecting millions of people. The growing resistance of mosquito populations to synthetic insecticides underscores the critical need for effective and environmentally friendly larvicides. Although chemical pesticides can initially be effective, they often lead to negative environmental consequences and health hazards for non-target species, including humans. This study aimed to evaluate the larvicidal effects of Trachyspermum ammi essential oil and Delphinium speciosum extract on the larvae of three major mosquito species: Aedes aegypti, Anopheles stephensi, and Culex quinquefasciatus. Mosquito larvae of Ae. aegypti, An. stephensi, and Cx. quinquefasciatus were reared under controlled laboratory conditions. The larvicidal activity of T. ammi essential oil and D. speciosum extract was evaluated through standard bioassays, using various concentrations of essential oils (10, 20, 40, 80, and 160 ppm) and extracts (160, 320, 640, 1280, and 2560 ppm) to determine the lethal concentration (LC50) values after 24 h of exposure. Fresh plant materials were collected, with the essential oil extracted via hydro-distillation, and the extract prepared using methanol solvent extraction. The chemical composition of T. ammi essential oil was examined using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Additionally, the preliminary analysis of the chemical compounds in D. speciosum extract was carried out using thin layer chromatography (TLC) and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR) techniques. The results indicated that the essential oil of T. ammi exhibited more effective larvicidal activity compared to the D. speciosum extract. Specifically, the essential oil demonstrated LC50 values of 18 ppm for Cx. quinquefasciatus and 19 ppm for Ae. aegypti. In contrast, the D. speciosum extract showed the strongest larvicidal effect against An. stephensi, with an LC50 of 517 ppm. Concentrations of 40 ppm of the essential oil and 1280 ppm of the extract resulted in 100% mortality across all three species. Both the essential oil of T. ammi and the D. speciosum extract exhibited concentration-dependent larvicidal activity, and these results were statistically significant (p < 0.001) compared to the no-treatment group. GC-MS analysis revealed thymol (88.95%), o-cymen-5-ol (4.11%), and γ-terpinene (2.10%) as the major constituents of the T. ammi essential oil. Additionally, TLC verified the presence of alkaloids in both chloroform and methanolic extracts. Proton NMR identified a diterpene structure for these alkaloids. These findings suggest that T. ammi essential oil is a promising candidate for natural mosquito control strategies. Given its efficacy, further research is warranted to explore its potential in integrated vector management programs.

A deep-sea isopod that consumes Sargassum sinking from the ocean's surface.

Most deep-ocean life relies on organic carbon from the surface ocean. While settling primary production rapidly attenuates in the water column, pulses of organic material can be quickly transported to depth in the form of food falls. One example of fresh material that can reach great depths across the tropical Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea is the pelagic macroalgae Sargassum. However, little is known about the deep-ocean organisms able to use this food source. Here, we encountered the isopod Bathyopsurus nybelini at depths 5002-6288 m in the Puerto Rico Trench and Mid-Cayman Spreading Center using the Deep Submergence Vehicle Alvin. In most of the 32 observations, the isopods carried fronds of Sargassum. Through an integrative suite of morphological, DNA sequencing, and microbiological approaches, we show that this species is adapted to feed on Sargassum by using a specialized swimming stroke, having serrated and grinding mouthparts, and containing a gut microbiome that provides a dietary contribution through the degradation of macroalgal polysaccharides and fixing nitrogen. The isopod's physiological, morphological, and ecological adaptations demonstrate that vertical deposition of Sargassum is a direct trophic link between the surface and deep ocean and that some deep-sea organisms are poised to use this material.

Ensiling conditions and changes of cannabinoid concentration in industrial hemp.

Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) is an important source of fibre and seed oil and protein. By-products of industrial hemp fibre production, like hemp seeds and cakes, can be used as feed for all animal species as fat and protein source and the whole hemp plant (including stalk and leaves) might be a suitable fibre source for ruminants. However, a previous feeding experiment with leaf-flower-seed hemp silage, made from an industrial hemp variety, demonstrated detrimental effects on cow health parameters and a significant transfer of several cannabinoids, including the psychoactive tetrahydrocannabinol (∆9-THC), into cow's milk, posing a potential risk to the safety of consumers. Based on those observations, the present study tested the hypothesis that anaerobic fermentation, as during ensiling, increases the content of ∆9-THC in hemp. Therefore, silages of whole plants from the industrial hemp Cannabis sativa L. var. Ivory were prepared in a multifactorial design, with the four treatments 1) untreated control (CON), 2) addition of 10 mL per kg fresh weight homofermentative lactobacilli at 105 cfu/mL (LBAC), 3) addition of 10 mL per kg fresh weight homofermentative lactobacilli at 105 cfu/mL plus 30 g molasses (LBACmol) and 4) addition of propionic acid (10 mL/kg fresh weight) (PRO). Ultra high performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry with electrospray ionisation (UHPLC-MS/MS) was performed for analysis of cannabinoids in fresh hemp material and after 10 and 90 days of ensiling. The study revealed that ensiling decreased all acid forms of analysed cannabinoids in hemp at about 40-65% of the initial values after 90 days of storage, with the exception of cannabinolic acid (CBNA), and CBGA, the acidic form of cannabigerol (CBG). This decrease in most acidic forms was accompanied by an increase of the corresponding non-acidic forms of all cannabinoids, including the psychoactive ∆9-THC. Thus, although ensiling decreases the total cannabinoid content, psychoactive compounds like ∆9-THC can increase, enhancing the risk for animal health and a transfer of these substances into animal derived products.

A New Species of Creptotrematina (Trematoda: Allocreadiidae) from the Red Minor Tetra, Hyphessobrycon eques (Steindachner, 1882) (Characidae) from Brazil, with Comments on the Genetic Divergence of C. Aguirrepequenoi Jiménez-Guzmán, 1973 across a Wide Geographical Range in Middle America.

Allocreadiids are relatively small digeneans that appear to be restricted to freshwater systems distributed across the world. Allocreadiids are highly diverse in the Americas, particularly in the Neotropical biogeographical region. Their taxonomic history has been rather controversial, with several taxonomic reassessments and the description of new genera and species. We sampled Creptotrematina specimens from a characid collected in the Pardo River, Paranapanema River basin in Brazil, and specimens of C. aguirrepequenoi, from Astyanax spp. in several localities between northern Mexico and Costa Rica. The specimens were studied through integrative approaches using morphological and molecular analyses of the 28S rDNA gene and two different regions of the COI mtDNA gene. We describe a new species of Creptotrematina which is differentiated from other congeners by the overall body size, but in particular by the size and position of the cirrus-sac, distribution of the vitelline follicles, and extension of uterine loops in the posterior end of body. Phylogenetic analyses of the 28S rDNA and COI mtDNA genes placed the new species in a monophyletic clade together with all other sequenced species of Creptotrematina, and as a sister species of C. batalhensis. Genetic divergences between the new species and other Creptotrematina spp. varied from 1.1 to 1.2% for the 28S rDNA and 12.4-14.3% for the COI mtDNA. Phylogenetic analysis based on COI mtDNA showed the isolates of C. aguirrepequenoi grouped in four monophyletic clades representing populations geographically separated along a wide geographical range spanning between northern Mexico and Costa Rica, with an estimated genetic divergence between 3.9% and 8.9%. Our findings based on integrative analyses recognize Creptotrematina saltograndensis n. sp. from a characid collected in the Pardo River, Paranapanema River basin in Brazil and provide validation of the wide geographical distribution of C. aguirrepequenoi across Middle-America parasitizing Astyanax spp.; the genetic divergence of the species through the analysis of two regions of COI mtDNA points towards considering it represent a species complex, although we refrain at the moment on describing a new species, awaiting for further verification using other molecular markers, and obtaining fresh material for a more detailed taxonomic analyses. This study increases the known diversity of allocreadiids and contributes to the understanding of evolutionary relationships, host-parasite relationships, and biogeographic history of the group.

Towards Sustainable Direct Recycling: Unraveling Structural Degradation Induced by Thermal Pretreatment of Lithium-Ion Battery Electrodes.

As the demand for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) continues to increase, there is a growing focus on recycling these battery wastes. Among the existing recycling methods, direct recycling is considered a promising approach, because it allows waste to be returned directly to production. One crucial step is the pretreatment, which involves separating the active materials from the current collector. Thermal treatment provides a feasible and effective approach for achieving this separation. However, there are still concerns regarding the potential impact of this process on the structure and composition of electrodes. This study aims to examine the effects of thermal treatment on the separation efficiency and crystal structure of fresh and cycled NMC (LiNi0.6Co0.2Mn0.2O2) cathodes and graphitic anodes, under different atmospheres and temperatures. According to the research findings, 350°C is the lowest temperature required for complete separation of cathode materials in an oxygen atmosphere, with only minor structural degradation. In the case of graphite, thermal treatment under argon, nitrogen and hydrogen demonstrates good structural stability. However, for cycled anodes, the desired separation is not achieved due to the possible interface adhesion that occurs during cycling and heating. Additionally, compared to fresh materials, cycled materials experience more pronounced structural degradation during thermal treatment.