Fresh Material Research Articles

Utilisation of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum and propionic acid to improve silage quality of amaranth before and after wilting: fermentation quality, microbial communities, and their metabolic pathway.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (L. plantarum) and propionic acid (PA) on fermentation characteristics and microbial community of amaranth (Amaranthus hypochondriaus) silage with different moisture contents. Amaranth was harvested at maturity stage and prepared for ensiling. There were two moisture content gradients (80%: AhG, 70%: AhS; fresh material: FM) and three treatments (control: CK, L. plantarum: LP, propionic acid: PA) set up, and silages were opened after 60 d of ensiling. The results showed that the addition of L. plantarum and PA increased lactic acid (LA) content and decreased pH of amaranth after fermentation. In particular, the addition of PA significantly increased crude protein content (p < 0.05). LA content was higher in wilted silage than in high-moisture silage, and it was higher with the addition of L. plantarum and PA (p < 0.05). The dominant species of AhGLP, AhSCK, AhSLP and AhSPA were mainly L. plantarum, Lentilactobacillus buchneri and Levilactobacillus brevis. The dominant species in AhGCK include Enterobacter cloacae, and Xanthomonas oryzae was dominated in AhGPA, which affected fermentation quality. L. plantarum and PA acted synergistically after ensiling to accelerate the succession of dominant species from gram-negative to gram-positive bacteria, forming a symbiotic microbial network centred on lactic acid bacteria. Both wilting and additive silage preparation methods increased the degree of dominance of global and overview maps and carbohydrate metabolism, and decreased the degree of dominance of amino acid metabolism categories. In conclusion, the addition of L. plantarum to silage can effectively improve the fermentation characteristics of amaranth, increase the diversity of bacterial communities, and regulate the microbial community and its functional metabolic pathways to achieve the desired fermentation effect.

Morphological and molecular data reveal the presence of exotic land snail species in Tierra del Fuego

In the present study, we report for the first time the presence of Vitrina pellucida and Arion silvaticus as invasive species in Isla Grande of Tierra del Fuego, Argentina. Additionally, our research confirmed the presence in the same region of Deroceras reticulatum a previously reported invasive species from continental Patagonia. Taxonomic identification was achieved through morphological and molecular analyses (ribosomal 5.8S-ITS2-28S region and 16S rRNAgene). The finding of V. pellucida constitutes the first record of Vitrinidae for South America. This species is already naturalized in southern Tierra del Fuego and invaded natural areas of the National Park but still with small populations. In the case of Arion silvaticus, we observed a comparable situation, as this species has not only been collected from urban areas but also from within the forests of the protected area. These exotic species of land snails are exclusively cold-adapted Pulmonates. Their feeding types and diets range from herbivores on fresh plant material to omnivorous, occasionally on dead animals. The native micro snail species, coexisting in the same habitats, due to their minimal dispersal capacity and probable dependence on particular microhabitats, are particularly vulnerable not only to anthropogenic disturbances but also to the impacts and activities of these exotic species. Given the tourist impact in the region, the introduction of V. pellucida and Arion silvaticus in Tierra del Fuego has most likely occurred through accidental transport in soil by tourists arriving on the island. Another possible pathway of introduction is plant transportation.

Effects of calcium carbide slag on properties and carbon sequestration efficiency of cement pastes mixed under direct CO2 injection conditions

CO2-mixing by directly injecting CO2 into fresh cement-based materials is a burgeoning technology to produce low-carbon cement products. The objective of this study is to investigate the influence of the calcium carbide slag (CCS) content on the properties and carbon sequestration efficiency of cement pastes mixed under direct CO2 injection conditions. The results indicate that the addition of CCS reduced the fluidity of the cement pastes, accelerated the setting process, increased volume shrinkage, and reduced compressive strength. Following the injection of CO2 into the cement pastes, calcium hydroxide (CH) was carbonated to form calcium carbonate (CC) particles which fill the voids in the cement pastes, thereby reducing volume shrinkage and increasing compressive strength. A lower CO2 inflow rate (2 L/min) was more beneficial to the workability of the cement pastes, while a high inflow rate (6 L/min) can lead to insufficient hydration and affect the development of strength. However, a higher CO2 inflow rate was favorable for improving carbon sequestration efficiency. The highest amountof carbon sequestration can be reached at 6.93 %, when the CCS content is 10 % and the CO2 inflow rate is 6 L/min.

Examination of upper respiratory tracts of Siirt-coloured mohair goats by scanning electron microscopy before and after plastination.

Present study was conducted to determine the changes in the surface structure of the upper respiratory tract of Siirt-coloured mohair goats by the silicone plastination method. Accordingly, the heads of 10 Siirt-coloured mohair goats procured from slaughterhouses were divided into two halves. Half of each head was plastinated. After macro-comparisons were made, the deformations of silicone plastination on the surface were examined by comparing the scanning electron microscope (SEM) findings of both upper respiratory tract tissue samples collected from plastinates and fresh material. When the data from scanning electron microscopy were analysed, cilia, cobblestone patterns, goblet cells and gland ducts on the epithelial surface were identified in areas on the upper respiratory tract. The SEM images of the plastinated tissues showed that the surface structures were degenerated due to the deformation of the surface epithelium. The plastination technique damaged the structures on the surface epithelium. Since the plastination technique and scanning electron microscopy have been studied together for the first time, we believe this would contribute to the scientific literature.

The proximate composition of Nappi and its marketing methods in Bangladesh

Nappi, fermented shrimp, is a traditional diet that is widely consumed by the ethnic communities of Southeast Asian countries, especially in Bangladesh. The present study was carried out to determine the proximate composition of Nappi collected from two different places, i.e., the Moheshkhali and Chaufaldandi areas of Cox’s Bazar district, Bangladesh. Traditional methods were used to prepare Nappi, and the standard procedure was followed to determine the proximate composition. The proximate composition of Nappi varied from place to place depending on the raw materials, preparation techniques, and surrounding conditions of the formulation places. Associated statistical analysis was conducted by r-programming (version 4.2.3). Proximate composition includes moisture, protein, ash, fat, and carbohydrate contents, amounting to 37.66 ± 1.51%, 34.34 ± 0.68%, 17.49 ± 0.46%, 8.53 ± 0.45%, and 1.39 ± 0.10%, respectively, for the Moheshkhali sample and 35.44 ± 1.37%, 37.23 ± 1.78%, 18.46 ± 0.59%, 6.00 ± 0.40%, and 2.66 ± 0.21%, respectively, for the Chaufaldandi sample. The study showed that moisture and fat content were significantly higher (ANOVA, p < 0.05) in the Moheshkhali sample. In contrast, protein, carbohydrate, and ash content were substantially higher (ANOVA, p < 0.05) in the Chaufaldandi sample. Nappi’s marketing strategy, supply channel, and value chain were also analyzed. The study’s findings revealed that the quality of Nappi relied on fresh raw materials, the hygienic condition of the processing places, and suitable techniques. Moreover, good-quality Nappi has a significant market demand among the local ethnic communities in Bangladesh and the ethnic communities living abroad. So, it is recommended that interventions be provided on proper preparation techniques and marketing channels for Nappi.

Analyzing The Culinary Potential In The Bandung Region, West Java

This article presents a comprehensive analysis of the culinary potential in the areas surrounding West Java, with a specific focus on Dipatiukur Streetfood in the city of Bandung. The main objective of this research is to identify and evaluate the competitive advantages and development opportunities of local culinary offerings in the region in-depth. The research method used is a combination of literature studies, intensive field observations, and in-depth interviews with various stakeholders, including business owners and the local community. The research findings indicate that Dipatiukur Streetfood has great potential to be developed as a unique culinary attraction. The identified advantages include the uniqueness of the menu, the quality of the fresh and high-quality raw materials, as well as the strong local wisdom embedded in the food processing and presentation processes. In addition, the traditional atmosphere and ambiance created in Dipatiukur Streetfood also becomes a particular draw for visitors who want to experience the typical Sundanese culinary experience. However, the study also revealed several challenges that need to be addressed in the development of Dipatiukur Streetfood, such as limited infrastructure and sanitation, lack of effective promotion and branding, as well as traditional business management. In addition, the regeneration and involvement of the younger generation has also become an important issue to preserve the local culinary heritage in the future. Based on the analysis, this article presents comprehensive development strategies to address these challenges. These strategies include improving infrastructure and sanitation, implementing effective promotion and branding programs, enhancing business management capabilities, as well as engaging the younger generation and cultural transformation. By implementing these strategies, it is expected that Dipatiukur Streetfood can be further developed as a competitive local culinary destination, which in turn can have a positive impact on the economy and cultural preservation of the local community.

Robust prediction of workability properties for 3D printing with steel slag aggregate using bayesian regularization and evolution algorithm

This study addresses the growing interest in utilizing steel slag as a sustainable alternative to river sand in additive manufacturing of concrete, driven by the increasing scarcity of natural resources. The rheological properties of fresh material significantly impact the quality of 3D-printed filament, necessitating suitable workability for printability. The research focuses on evaluating the influence of steel slag aggregate and key admixtures, such as silica fume and superplasticizer, on the workability properties of fresh concrete. Through an extensive series of 90 slump tests, optimal combinations ensuring the desired workability for 3D printing applications were identified. To enhance the manufacturing of fresh concrete and develop user-friendly tools, a novel soft computing approach is introduced—Adaptive Elitist Differential Evolution coupled with Bayesian Regularization Artificial Neural Network (aeDE-BRANN). This advanced model considers five critical input parameters: silica fume to Portland cement ratio, steel slag to cement ratio, water to cement ratio, cement content, and superplasticizer dosage. The model outputs crucial workability metrics, including slump flow and slump. In a comprehensive comparative study, the aeDE-BRANN framework demonstrates superior performance in terms of both simplicity and efficiency when compared to other forecasting models. Feature analysis techniques, including Shapley values from game theory and partial dependence plots, provide valuable insights into the intricate relationships between input variables and workability properties. The findings underscore the water to cement ratio as the most influential factor on workability, followed by silica fume to Portland cement ratio and steel slag to cement ratio. This study contributes a reliable tool for predicting workability properties, aiding in the selection of suitable steel slag aggregate and admixtures. Ultimately, it facilitates the sustainable and innovative evolution of 3D concrete printing practices.

A preliminary study of the morphological variation of rhizomes in Zingiber Mill. and its role in taxonomy

The rhizomes of Zingiber are highly diverse and have potential in taxonomy, but their fundamental structure has never been properly understood in connection with an understanding of the sympodial growth form of the whole plant. This study is based on a literature review and on observations of fresh materials of 32 Zingiber species mainly from China, representing all four sections of the genus. An analysis of the sympodial modular growth habit of these plants has recognised that both isomodular and heteromodular growth exist within the genus. The study shows that rhizomes of Zingiber are highly-organised, compound, sympodial structures. By introducing the term rhizome unit, Zingiber rhizomes can be meaningfully described by depicting the morphology of the rhizome units and the relative arrangement of these units to one another. Six morphological attributes of rhizome units (shape, size, direction of growth, colour and number of nodes per rhizome, and length of internodes) and two attributes of their relative arrangement to one another (dorsiventral vs lateral position of rhizome units and the ramification position along the length of rhizome unit) are discussed. A preliminary assessment of variation patterns and the taxonomic value of these characters are presented. Together, these attributes contribute to the overall morphology of rhizomes. The relationship between rhizome structure and the above-ground clumping habit is discussed. The term pseudo-neck is coined to refer to the narrowed basal part that occurs in the rhizome units of some Zingiber species while the thick apical part of rhizome units where the internodes are often shorter than those on the pseudo-neck is called head. Problems with existing terminology for rhizome and plant habit descriptions in Zingiber are highlighted. This study suggests that whether the plane of distichy of leaves is parallel or perpendicular to the rhizome unit, a key character that many previous studies used for subdivision of Zingiberaceae, needs re-assessment, because in Zingiber both states of the character exist. Characters of rhizome morphology of the four sections in Zingiber are discussed, but studies of a larger number of species are needed to better-assess the relevance of these characters to the infrageneric classification of the genus. Schematic illustrations and colour plates of rhizomes from representative species are provided to assist the descriptions and discussions. It is hoped that this preliminary study will facilitate and encourage more comprehensive studies of rhizomes of Zingiber and of other genera within Zingiberaceae. Such work will lead to a better understanding of these structures and help establish a more comprehensive and accurate terminology for them, which in turn will facilitate the taxonomy and identification of the family.

Ensiling conditions and changes of cannabinoid concentration in industrial hemp

ABSTRACT 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.

The environmental sustainability of digital content consumption

Internet access has reached 60% of the global population, with the average user spending over 40% of their waking life on the Internet, yet the environmental implications remain poorly understood. Here, we assess the environmental impacts of digital content consumption in relation to the Earth’s carrying capacity, finding that currently the global average consumption of web surfing, social media, video and music streaming, and video conferencing could account for approximately 40% of the per capita carbon budget consistent with limiting global warming to 1.5 °C, as well as around 55% of the per capita carrying capacity for mineral and metal resources use and over 10% for five other impact categories. Decarbonising electricity would substantially mitigate the climate impacts linked to Internet consumption, while the use of mineral and metal resources would remain of concern. A synergistic combination of rapid decarbonisation and additional measures aimed at reducing the use of fresh raw materials in electronic devices (e.g., lifetime extension) is paramount to prevent the growing Internet demand from exacerbating the pressure on the finite Earth’s carrying capacity.

Product development of seablite salt (Suaeda Maritima) based on quality function deployment (QFD)

Seablite salt is one of the new healthy salt products with a NaCl content of 1.325 ± 0.135%. This research aims to determine the physical characteristics through the required attributes in terms of products and packaging that align with consumer expectations. The method used is Quality Function Deployment (QFD). The stages of making QFD are consumer importance level analysis; customer satisfaction level; analysis of product comparison with competitors; goal setting; determintation of improvement ratio, sales point, the weight value of each attribute, normalized raw weight, translating various consumer needs; the correlation matrix links each attribute of technical requirements; the trade-off matrix; the priority of technical requirements; and forming the house of quality. The research results show that consumer needs attributes in terms of the product include price, color, taste, texture, aroma, and ease of dissolution. In terms of packaging, these attributes encompass packaging convenience, nutritional information, composition information, halal product information, net weight information, storage instructions, serving instructions, and expiration date information. The technical requirements established by experts in terms of the product consist of six attributes: salty taste, clean and odorless salt, fine salt texture, ease of dissolution, and the use of fresh raw materials.

Microbiology Profile of Dairy Product Raw Materials to Prepare Superior Products for Politeknik Negeri Jember

The government continues to make efforts to reduce the incidence of stunting through education on the provision of animal protein food products especially Ultra High Temperature (UHT) milk product. Tefa (Teaching Factory) Polije (Politeknik Negeri Jember) in preparation for UHT Milk production required several product tests, one of them is the Microbiology Profile. This study aimed to determine microbiology profile of Tefa UHT Polije milk products. The method used were descriptive quantitative consisting using fresh milk samples from Tefa Dairy Cows and water quality with 2 replications each used Total Plate Count (TPC) test. The results showed the Total Bacteria content in fresh milk raw materials was normal, namely 1.45 x 104 ml/cfu. The quality of water as a raw material for made superior Tefa UHT milk products is <1 x 101 cfu/ml. The quality of pH value and water were normal (6.8 and 6.9), and the quality of milk density 1.028 and water 1 (normal). The conclusion was the quality of Tefa Polije UHT milk raw materials was of good quality to prepare UHT milk production as Polije’s superior product.

Morphological analysis of ballast particles: Characterization and simplified analysis of particle morphology using imaging data

This paper introduces a novel algorithm for the rigorous characterization of three-dimensional (3D) particles, particularly for railway ballast. Degraded railway ballast must be replaced with fresh material for efficient functioning. This study examined the shape and form of degraded (used) ballast to guide future maintenance efforts. Laboratory-generated used ballast, obtained via the Los Angeles abrasion test, was compared to fresh ballast. Thirteen fundamental morphological parameters of fresh and used ballasts were investigated by utilizing the shape information obtained through 3D scanning. The algorithm efficiently processed datasets comprising multiple irregular particles and monitored the morphological characteristics of ballasts based on the shape of the particles. The trimesh library was imported for 3D processing, facilitating the mathematical calculation of diverse parameters using the developed algorithm. The algorithm also incorporated mechanisms for simultaneously storing parameters provided in various 3D configuration models. With the support of the trimesh library, a morphology analyzer was used to analyze various 3D model file formats, such as .stl, .obj, and csg. This method demonstrated its efficacy with reduced runtime and computation cost. Thus, the proposed algorithm has emerged as a valuable resource for researchers investigating the influence of ballast particle shape on the mechanical behavior of granular assemblies.

Utilizing pomelo (Citrus maxima) peelings and cotton (Gossypium sp.) pulp as an alternative paper packaging

Paper bags were traditionally made from trees, leading to habitat degradation and deforestation due to the need for fresh raw materials. To address this issue, the researchers conducted a study with the goal of creating paper bags using cotton pulp and pomelo fruit peels as a sustainable alternative to tree-based paper bags. The objective of the study was to find environmentally friendly alternatives to conventional paper and plastic bags. To evaluate the potential of the alternative paper bag, they gathered 30 respondents from Laguna University, including students, personnel, and teachers who commonly use traditional paper bags. The researchers conducted a "Do It Yourself" (DIY) test to assess the durability of the alternative paper bags and the commonly used paper bags in terms of weight capacity. Additionally, they conducted laboratory tests to compare the tensile strength, thickness, and grammage of the alternative paper with the commonly used paper bag. As a result, the researchers concluded that using an alternative paper bag made from pomelo peels and cotton pulp had significant advantages over commonly used paper bags in terms of durability, appearance, and fragrance. The study provided evidence that the proposed alternative is a viable option for paper packaging. Based on the results of the study, the researchers proposed finding other methods of creating the alternative paper bag due to a lack of heavy equipment. The researchers also suggested further improvement of the smell, color, and moisture content of the paper bag.

Taxonomic resurrection of Saxifraga lancangensis (Saxifragaceae)

BackgroundAccurate species delimitation is fundamental for testing evolutionary theory and provides essential implications for conservation management. The arctic-alpine genus Saxifraga L. (Saxifragaceae) is taxonomically complex and many species have not been critically assessed. The taxonomic and phylogenetic status of Saxifraga lancangensis Y.Y.Qian, considered as a synonym of Saxifraga mengtzeana Engl. & Irmsch. in previous studies, is re-evaluated in light of new evidence presented here.ResultsEvidence from morphological comparison and sequencing of plastid genome indicate that S. lancangensis belongs to Saxifraga sect. Irregulares Haw., and is closely related to Saxifraga geifolia Balf.f., and S. mengtzeana. However, S. lancangensis can be diagnosed by its petals with red and clawless base, leaf blade orbicular and leaf margin shallowly dentate.ConclusionsThe morphological and molecular evidence support the resurrection of S. lancangensis as a distinct species. An updated morphological description based on protologue and fresh material, diagnostic characters, and original photographs of the resurrected species are presented.

Application of Antimicrobial peptides in Plant-Disease Control

Plant pathogens are a significant and urgent issue mainly in agricultural countries. Disease control using chemicals and antibiotics can cause widespread negative impacts, particularly on fresh vegetables and agricultural raw materials. These could affect national food insecurity. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are one of the effective solutions because of theirs remarkable antimicrobial action mostly on bacteria and fungi, the primary causes of plant-infected diseases. AMPs are present in common living things, both in prokaryotes and eukaryotes, these are the natural defenses in organisms. Each type of AMPs exhibits distinct microbial targets through various mechanisms. Some AMPs kill microbes in a few seconds after contact with target cells, some AMPs stimulate the antibiotic effects, while some AMPs exhibit superior results than antibiotics. AMPs work by two different mechanisms: the direct bactericidal mechanism that involves interaction with the bacterial membrane and results in cell lysis, and the indirect bactericidal mechanism that involves penetration without causing cell lysis but inhibiting the synthesis of DNA, RNA, and proteins. Current AMPs research reveals promising outcomes at the laboratory level. Further studies will focus on the actual environment and the outbreak area respectively.

Storable Cheese Curd—Effect of Milk Homogenization as a Pre-treatment and Freezing and Extrusion of Cheese Curd on Production of Pasta Filata Style Cheese

This study investigates the production of pasta filata style cheese from a storable, frozen intermediate material. Homogenization (2–16 MPa, single-staged) of milk (fat/protein = 0.9) was used as a tool to decrease fat globule size and consequently fat losses. Plasticization was achieved by using a single-screw extruder set up with double-jacketed hot water cycle. Non-frozen and frozen cheese curd as well as the extruded pasta filata style cheese pre-treated with different homogenization pressure was analyzed regarding the thermo-rheological properties. Fat and protein gain/loss during extrusion was evaluated by analyzing fat in dry matter (FDM) and protein in dry matter (PDM) before and after extrusion. Homogenization of cheese milk leads to a reduction of tan δ for thereof produced raw cheese curd material as well as the extruded products. Freezing and extrusion counteract the reduction of tan δ. A homogenization pressure of 8 MPa is sufficient to prevent fat losses during extrusion while still maintaining plasticization of the product for fresh and frozen material, respectively. The FDM after extrusion is 0.8% higher for fresh material and 4.9% higher for frozen material, which means that the fat concentrates during extrusion due to water loss. Moreover, there is no loss of PDM for all samples, regardless of the homogenization pressure. A combination of homogenization pressure, freezing, and extrusion leads to a plasticizable product without losses of fat and protein. Hence, frozen cheese curd can be used as a storable intermediate.

Technical note: Temperature estimation accuracy based on colourimetry of embalmed human and fresh non-human burned bone

Estimation of the exposure temperature of skeletal remains can be done by means of colourimetry and a previously published decision model for the colourimetric data, resulting in clusters that represent a range of exposure temperature. The method was based on thermally altered freshly burned human skeletal remains. However, in practice the origin or pre-burning condition of (possibly fragmentary) burned remains can be unknown. Further, in order to use the colourimetric analysis, and accompanying decision model, it is important to have a reference or test set. Fresh human material is not available for this purpose in all countries. Hence, the classification accuracy of the decision model was tested for, in some countries more readily available substitutes for fresh bone; embalmed human bone and non-human bone. The model yielded high accuracies for these sample materials, making it possible to create a reference or test set from fresh non-human and embalmed human bone as substitute for human, and also to use the decision model for these deviating samples in practice.

Antioxidant Capacity Variation Across Different Parts of &lt;em&gt;Allamanda cathartica&lt;/em&gt; (Golden Trumpet) Plant

Allamanda cathartica is a herbal plant in the Apocynaceae family, often known as "Wel Rukaththana" in Sinhala, "Thimble Lady," or "Golden Trumpet" in English. Traditional medicine has utilized this plant's leaves, roots, stems, blossoms, and entire plant to cure a variety of illnesses since ancient times. Even though A. cathartica is a commonly used herb, the literature review indicated that there is a scarcity of published scientific evidence about its therapeutic usefulness. Hence, the present study aimed to evaluate the comparison of antioxidant activity of fresh leaves, roots, stems and flowers of this pant by using 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay. Fresh plant materials were collected from the Colombo district and authenticated. Hot aqueous extracts of fresh leaves (AEFL), roots (AEFR), stems (AEFS) and flowers (AEFF) were prepared with 3 g/mL concentrations. In-vitro antioxidant activity of the concentration gradients of each extract was evaluated by using a DPPH assay. Ascorbic acid (6.25 μg/mL- 25 μg/mL) was used as a positive control. The radical scavenging activity of test samples was expressed as an EC50. The hot aqueous extract showed antioxidant activity with an EC50 value of 10.92 μg/mL, 22.10μg/mL, 23.76 μg/mL and 27.38 μg/mL for leaves, flowers, roots and stems respectively while the ascorbic acid showed an EC50 value of 13.40 μg/mL. In conclusion, the results showed that AFEL has a significant (p &lt; 0.05) antioxidant potential than AEFR, AEFS and AEFF. Hence, fresh leaves of A. cathartica have been identified as the most potential part for antioxidant activity among tested plant parts.

"One-Click Restart" Recycling of Metal-Free Perovskite X-Ray Detectors.

Halide perovskites have shown great potential in X-ray detection due to outstanding optoelectronic properties. However, finding a cost-effective and environmentally sustainable method for handling end-of-life devices has remained challenging. Here, a "One-Click Restart" eco-friendly recycling strategy is introduced for end-of-life perovskite X-ray detectors. This method, utilizing water, allows for the recapture and reuse of both perovskite and conductor materials. The process is straightforward and environmentally friendly, eliminating the need for further chemical treatment, purification, additional additives or catalysts, and complex equipment. A sustainable device cycle is developed by reconstructing flexible perovskite membranes for wearable electronics from recycled materials. Large-scale, flexible membranes made from metal-free perovskite DABCO-N2H5-I3 (DABCO = N-N'-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octonium) achieve remarkably impressive average sensitivity of 6204 ± 268 µC Gyair -1cm-2 and a low detection limit of 102.3 nGyair s-1, which makes highly effective for X-ray imaging. The sensitivity of recycled flexible devices not only matches that of single-crystal devices made with fresh materials but also ranks as the highest among all metal-free perovskite X-ray detectors. "One-Click Restart" applies to scalable flexible devices derived from aged single-crystal counterparts, offering significant cost, time, and energy savings compared to their single-crystal equivalents. Such advantages significantly boost future market competitiveness.