High Content Research Articles

Comparison of Vegetarian Sausages: Proximal Composition, Instrumental Texture, Rapid Descriptive Sensory Method and Overall Consumer Liking.

The aim of the present research was to determine if the developed ovo-vegetarian sausage (SO), which was made with 15% chickpea flour, 51% albumin and 34% soy protein concentrate, exhibited improved physicochemical and sensory characteristics compared to vegetarian sausages available on the local market (classic vegan sausage, SC; vegan fine herb sausage, SH; and quinoa sausage, SQ). According to the physicochemical results, the developed sample, SO, presented significant differences (p < 0.05) compared to the others, including higher protein content, lower pH and a higher a* value. Three types of sensory analyses were conducted-flash profile, overall liking and purchase intention (to determine consumers' willingness to purchase the product)-with the first involving 15 consumers and the second and third involving 60 participants each. Descriptors for each sample were determined using the vocabulary provided by consumers in the flash profile analysis. Descriptors for SO included 'elastic', 'smell of cooked corn', 'characteristic flavor', 'pasty', 'soft' and 'pastel color', contributing to its greater overall liking and purchase intention compared to the others. Through the hierarchical multiple factor analysis, a positive correlation was observed between the texture and sensory descriptors of the flash profile. Conversely, a correlation was found between the physicochemical characteristics (pH, aw, color) and overall liking and purchase intention.

Macroscopic and mesoscopic mechanism of hydration instability of the rock-grout coupled structure

In order to investigate the macroscopic and mesoscopic mechanism of hydration instability of rock-grout structure under the influence of moisture content, a direct shear test combined with particle flow code (PFC) simulation was conducted subject to various moisture content levels and normal stresses. The results show that a higher moisture content would compromise the load bearing capacity of soft rock anchorage structures by deteriorating the structural integrity of the surrounding rock and the bonding effect between the anchorage interfaces. The load bearing capacity of the surrounding rock is also rapidly reduced. The rock-grout structure has four main shear damage modes, which are influenced by both moisture content and normal stress. When the saturated moisture content is reached, the anchorage structure has lost its bearing capacity, and the rock is muddied and subsequently debonded from the bolt. The energy required to break the internal adhesion of the rock-grout structure under the effect of hydration is greatly reduced, resulting in easy decoupling and dispersion between the rock skeleton particles. In turn, the rock surface particles bonded by the anchor agent are separated from the deeper particles, resulting in the failure of the bonding surface and weakening the coupling effect between the anchor and the surrounding rock. According to the test results, the control measures for surrounding rock of muddy roadway are put forward.

Produção de alface crespa utilizando água residuária da mandioca como fonte de potássio

ABSTRACT Cassava wastewater (CWW) is a natural biofertilizer successfully tested as a source of K in long-cycle crops; however, it still needs to be better evaluated in short-cycle crops. This study aimed to evaluate the use of CWW as a source of K in the growth, yield, and physicochemical quality of curly lettuce. The study was conducted in a greenhouse, in a randomized block design arranged in a 5 × 2 + 1 factorial scheme, with four replicates. Five CWW doses were evaluated as an exclusive source of K: 0, 60, 120, 180, and 240 kg ha-1 of K2O; two forms of application: 1-total dose at planting: 2-application of 50% of the dose at planting + 50% of the dose in topdressing, and an additional treatment: 100% mineral fertilization at 120 kg ha-1 of K2O dose, using KCl as the source. The number of leaves (NL), plant height (PH), fresh mass (FM), dry mass (DM), moisture (MO), ashes (ASH), fibers (FB), lipids (LIP), proteins (PTN), and carbohydrates (CHO) contents were evaluated. All agronomic attributes of lettuce showed lower values when fertilized only with CWW than mineral fertilization. Lettuce fertilized only with CWW, depending on total or split application and dose, showed higher ASH, FB, LIP, PTN, and CHO contents reaching 4.05, 3.97, 1.75, 7.11, and 3.63%, respectively, compared to mineral fertilization. The CWW can potentially be used as a complementary K source in lettuce cultivation, as its exclusive use does not replace traditional mineral fertilization.

Khảo sát hàm lượng flavonoid tổng số và hoạt tính chống gốc tự do của cao chiết từ một số loại đậu trên thị trường Việt Nam

Total flavonoid content and DPPH free radical scavenging activity of extracts from four types of bean, such as Vigna radiata, Vigna angularis, Vigna unguiculata, and Phaseolus vulgaris, in the market have been evaluated. The extracts from Phaseolus vulgaris had significantly higher flavonoid contents than the three other ones and showed a considerable free radical scavenging effect.

Distinctive characteristics of extracellular vesicles from feline adipose and placenta stromal cells unveil potential for regenerative medicine in cats.

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are promising avenues in regenerative medicine, offering unique immunomodulatory and regenerative properties with lower immunogenicity. This study delves into the distinctive features of EVs extracted from feline adipose-derived MSCs (ASCs) and placenta-derived MSCs (PMSCs). The tissues were collected from 11 female cats aged between 4 and 7 years old. EVs extracted from MSCs from discarded fetal membranes from 7 female cats and SC adipose tissue from 11 cats. We comprehensively explored morphological characteristics, mitochondrial density, surface markers, and pro- and anti-inflammatory mediators, uncovering notable differences between ASCs and PMSCs. Morphologically, ASCs exhibit a spindle-shaped form in contrast to the spherical morphology of PMSCs. Proliferation and clonogenic potential assessments reveal the faster proliferation and robust clonogenic nature of ASCs, suggesting their potential vital role in regenerative processes. Surface marker expression analysis indicates a significantly higher expression of multipotency-associated markers in ASCs, suggesting their superior proregenerative potential. Phenotyping of EVs demonstrates distinctive features, with CD9 expression suggesting varied EV secretion patterns. Notably, PMSCs exhibit superior CD81 expression, indicating their potential as preferred donors of mitochondria. Pro- and anti-inflammatory mediators analyzed at mRNA and microRNA levels reveal higher RNA content in EVs compared to source cells, emphasizing the potential of EVs in directing regenerative processes. Differential microRNA expression in EVs derived from ASCs hints at their regulatory roles in anti-inflammatory and immunometabolic processes. This study lays a foundation for understanding the nuances between ASCs and PMSCs, which is crucial for harnessing the full therapeutic potential of MSCs and their EVs in tissue repair and regeneration.

Enrichment of corn and alfalfa silage with γ-aminobutyric acid through inoculation with a screened high producing Lentilactobacillus buchneri strain

This study aimed to enrich corn and alfalfa silages with γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) by utilizing high GABA-producing Lentilactobacillus buchneri. Eleven strains were screened and L. Buchneri YM9 was distinguished for its superiority in GABA production, and it was subsequently applied as an inoculant on whole-crop corn and alfalfa silage. The silage treatments were control (without inoculant), AH35 (non-GABA producing strain), YM9 (high-GABA producing strain), and 40788 (commercial GABA producing strain). The results revealed that in corn silage, pH significantly declined at the initial ensiling stage (3–7 days), with the control having the lowest pH after 90 days. The control also exhibited the highest lactic acid, while L. buchneri treatments had elevated acetic acid. Similar trends were observed in alfalfa silage, with 30 % dry matter (DM) showing lower pH and higher organic acids. YM9-inoculated corn silage had higher DM loss, reduced water-soluble carbohydrates (WSC), but increased crude protein (CP) content. YM9 and 40788 treatments in whole-crop corn silage had lower glutamate (Glu) content post-ensiling, signifying effective GABA production. YM9 treatment maintained stable and higher glutamate decarboxylase (GAD) activity, resulting in the highest GABA accumulation in corn silage (1.97 g/kg DM). Likewise, YM9 and 40788 demonstrated significantly higher GABA content in 30 % (7.6 and 6.51 g/kg DM) and 40 % (5.23 and 5.32 g/kg DM) DM alfalfa silage. Beyond enhancing fermentation and nutrient preservation, YM9 strain shows promise in enriching whole-crop corn and alfalfa with ample GABA concentration, potentially exerting anticipated biological functions when consumed by animals.

Development and Evaluation of Celecoxib Emulgel by Using Natural Oil.

Emulgel combines the qualities of an emulsion with those of a gel. In order to create an emulgel w/o or o/w, emulsions have to be formulated, which are then combined with a gelling agent, resulting in a dual-control drug release. Celecoxib exhibits analgesic, antipyretic and anti-inflammatory activities and is used to treat osteoarthritis, severe pain, rheumatoid arthritis, and other medical conditions. Celecoxib Emulgel was developed and evaluated by using natural oil and carbopol-940 as a gelling agent in different concentrations. The screening of various oils, co-surfactants and surfactants was performed to determine the solubility. The essential oils (eucalyptus oil and turpentine oil) were used as penetration modifiers. Studies on compatibility with polymers have been conducted, and the results indicate that there should be no physical or chemical interactions between the polymers and the drug substance. For the preparation of emulgel, various emulsions were prepared with Smix (cosurfactant and surfactant) ratios (1:1, 2:1 and 3:1). The selection of a gelling agent was done by incorporating the selected emulsion system ratio of 1:1 with the combinations of polymers carbapol 940, carbapol 934, and HPMC (0:1:0, 0:0.5:1, 0:0:3, 0.5:0:1, 1:0:0) gel base to make a homogenous emulgel. The emulgel was examined visually to see if it had any phase behaviour, feel, spread-ability, and grittiness by applying its thin layer to a slide. Then, all six formulations of emulgel were prepared with the selected gelling agent. All emulgels were evaluated for pH, physical properties (consistency, homogeneity, colour, texture), drug content, spreadability, extrudability, swelling index, viscosity, stability and centrifugation. A Franz diffusion cell and an egg membrane were used to perform in-vitro drug release. Among all prepared formulations, EG1 had a better release, higher viscosity, higher drug content, and a higher swelling index than the others. The formulation EG1 showed higher drug release (91.25%) within 8 hours.

A comparative study of brine solutions as completion fluids for oil and gas fields

Completion fluids play a vital role in well-related processes within the oil extraction industry. This article presents a comprehensive study of the properties and performance of various brine solutions as completion fluids for different well and reservoir conditions. Attributes examined include density, corrosion resistance, temperature stability, compatibility with formation fluids, clay swelling potential and influence on wettability. The research highlights the significance of selecting appropriate completion fluids to optimize well and reservoir operations. Zinc chloride emerges as an excellent option for high density applications, while sodium chloride and potassium formate solutions are ideal for extreme cold conditions. Potassium acetate outperforms calcium chloride and potassium chloride and has excellent pH stability. The compatibility of completion fluids with formation water has been observed to be excellent, with no sedimentation or emulsion formation. Potassium acetate also experiences minimal clay swelling, making it suitable for clay-rich formations. On the other hand, calcium chloride has a higher clay swelling than most of the brines tested, making it less suitable for sandstone formations with a higher clay content than these brines. The research evaluates the water-wetting abilities of completion fluids in carbonate and sandstone formations. Potassium chloride and zinc chloride have the most significant impact in carbonate formations, while potassium acetate and potassium formate excel in sandstone formations. This study provides a comprehensive understanding of completion fluids, facilitating informed decisions that maximize operational efficiency, protect reservoir integrity, and enhance hydrocarbon recovery. The appropriate selection of completion fluids should align with specific well and reservoir conditions, considering the priorities of the application.

Electro-spinnability study of polymer slurry system for proton exchange membrane fuel cell

The electro-spinnability of catalyst slurry determines fabrication availability and the catalyst layer's quality. It was affected by the ink composition, ambient condition, and electrospinning parameters. Abnormal electrospinning behaviors, including blocking, dripping, dripping with spinning, semi-floating fibers, and standing fibers, were observed under the unfavorable combination of the factors. The high blocking frequency can be avoided by using a slurry with higher ionomer content, lower solid content and smaller average particle size. Dripping and dripping with electrospinning phenomena can be solved by restricting the applied voltage above 10 kV. Semi-floating fibers can be avoided by limiting the ambient temperature between 20-30°C and relative humidity between 15-25%. Standing fibers can be prevented by restricting the total applied voltage (the difference between the positive voltage on the needle and the negative voltage on the drum) to a level lower than 15 kV.

Microstructure optimization and coercivity enhancement of Nd-Fe-B magnets prepared via grain boundary diffusion of DyCeAl alloy

The compositional design of diffusion source plays a crucial role in improving magnetic properties of Nd-Fe-B magnet. In this work, Dy80–xCexAl20 (x=0–50, in at%) alloy was employed as the diffusion source for grain boundary diffusion. The results show that Dy-Ce co-diffusion can effectively enhance the infiltration ability of diffusion source. The maximum coercivity increment of up to 795 kA/m can be achieved when x=10 due to the deeper diffusion depth and higher Dy content in the shell, while a significant degradation of remanence is also exhibited due to the formation of a larger number of Dy-rich grains. Thus, Ce content is regulated to inhibit the deterioration of remanence. Increasing Ce content to above x=30, it is found that the formed CeFe2 phase near the surface can regulate the infiltration ability of diffusion source, reducing the area fraction of Dy-rich grain region that is detrimental to the remanence, and eventually, when x=50, the remanence is recovered to be comparable to that of as-prepared magnet, with a coercivity increment of 430 kA/m concurrently. This suggests that rationally designing the diffusion source composition enables the preparation of cost-effective magnets.

An unsupervised H&amp;E-based machine-learning approach for precise prediction of tumor microenvironment subtypes.

e13593 Background: Precision oncology increasingly relies on accurate classification of the tumor microenvironment (TME), which influences therapeutic responses and prognostication in cancer. While histological observation via H&amp;E staining remains the gold standard due to the detailed spatial context and morphological information provided, its lack of reproducibility limits its use in clinics. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) reliably provides valuable insights into the molecular landscape of tumors. Here we debut an unsupervised machine-learning approach that leverages both the rich detail in H&amp;E slides and the reproducibility of NGS to enhance TME classification. Methods: An ML-based image analysis algorithm was developed using a convolutional neural network (CNN) deep learning model. Using over 600 images from the TCGA COAD and READ datasets and from 139 colorectal cancer (CRC) samples in an internal cohort, we trained the CNN model to curate features from small patches of whole slide images (WSIs). Then, clusters were created from these H&amp;E WSIs without prior labeling. The clusters were validated by experienced pathologists to confirm cluster homogeneity and filter artifacts. We trained a classifier to categorize molecular features from the WSIs into TME subtypes. Performance was measured using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC-ROC), based on the model's ability to correctly classify the Fibrotic (F) and Immune Desert (D) TME subtypes (1), as well as MSI status identified by whole exome sequencing. The F subtype corresponds with high stromal content, low immune infiltration, and the worst prognosis. The D subtype corresponds with a cold immune TME and an intermediate prognosis. Progression-free survival (PFS) data from TCGA were used to examine prognostic significance. Results: We obtained 0.86, 0.79, 0.72, and 0.71 AUC scores for predicting the ID and F TMEs, MSI status, and KRAS mutation status, respectively. PFS data analysis showed our H&amp;E-based approach to yield similar or better prognostic significance compared to NGS-based TME classification (ID vs others, p=0.05 (H&amp;E) and 0.2 (NGS); F vs others, p=0.07 (H&amp;E) and 0.09 (NGS)). Our findings showed a notable correlation with RNA- and DNA-based predictions of ID and F TMEs and MSI, with enhanced precision and more robust subtype identification while achieving high embedding consistency. Conclusions: By harnessing the inherently rich detail in histological images, our H&amp;E-based approach complements NGS-based TME analysis. Our findings advocate for the integration of advanced image analysis into the standard TME characterization workflow to refine prognostic and therapeutic strategies for CRC. We will expand this algorithm for use with other cancer types to realize its potential as a promising adjunct to NGS for precise TME classification. 1. Bagaev et al., 2021.

Structure information analysis and relative content determination of protein and chitin from yellow mealworm larvae using Raman spectroscopy

Insect protein extract is one of the high-quality protein sources and is frequently viewed as a potential nutrition alternative. However, a more precise method for protein measurement is still needed due to protein overestimation by the Kjeldahl method due to the presence of a large amount of chitin in insects. Therefore, we demonstrated the monitoring of chitin and protein extracted from yellow mealworm larvae through the information on molecular vibration obtained using Raman spectroscopy and infrared (IR) spectroscopy. The NH vibration at 3475 cm−1 is the characteristic peak of chitin in defatted product observed in the Raman spectra. The nitrogen-to-protein conversion factor in protein extracted from larvae by the Raman method was determined based on the NH vibration and found to be 5.66 ± 0.01. We also compared these experimental data to theoretical Raman and IR spectra and determined the possible reasons for why nitrogen elements in chitin affect the determination of protein content. The method of sequentially removing fat and protein could provide more accurate quantification of protein and chitin. Raman spectroscopy is feasible for various types of insects with high chitin content. Compared with the Kjeldahl method, the Raman method is a faster and more accurate measurement method. Moreover, it provides the content of impurities, purity, and structural information.

The Key Role of Amino Acids in Pollen Quality and Honey Bee Physiology-A Review.

When studying honey bee nutrition, it is important to pay attention not only to the quantity but also to the quality of pollen for floral visitors. The recommended way to determine the value of pollen is to determine both the protein concentration and the amino acid composition in the insect's hemolymph. In addition, the composition of pollen also includes lipids, sterols and biogenic elements such as carbon, nitrogen, etc. Very high protein concentration is observed in aloe pollen, averaging 51%. Plants with a high protein content, at the level of 27% in Europe, are rapeseed and phacelia. In turn, a plant that is poor in protein (at the level of 11%) is buckwheat. The aforementioned plants are sown over very large areas. Vast acreages in Central and Eastern Europe are occupied by pollen- and nectar-providing invasive plants, such as goldenrod. Therefore, bees are forced to use one food source-a mono diet-which results in their malnutrition. In the absence of natural pollen, beekeepers use other foods for bees; including soy protein, powdered milk, egg yolks, fish meal, etc. However, the colony is the strongest when bees are fed with pollen, as opposed to artificial protein diets. More research is needed on the relationship between bee pollen composition and nutrition, as measured by protein concentration and amino acid composition in apian hemolymph, colony strength, honey yield and good overwintering.

The Performance of Agronomic and Quality Traits of Quinoa under Different Altitudes in Northwest of China

Quinoa is a resilient crop known for its adaptability to diverse environmental conditions. This study examined the agronomic performance and ecological adaptability of quinoa across four distinct altitudes in the northwestern regions of China. Six quinoa genotypes were assessed for agronomic traits, phenology and yield performances, and nutritional quality characteristics in Yining city, Nilka County, Tekes County and Zhaosu County under varied environmental conditions. Our findings demonstrate significant variations in all measured traits, including agronomic and nutritional quality traits, across the various altitudes and genotypes. In Yining city, a warmer and lower altitude area, genotypes exhibit superior traits for fodder production, including increased branches, longer panicles, robust stems, and high seed protein content. Genotypes Jinli 1 and Beijing 2 achieve yields exceeding 3 tons per hectare (t/ha), highlighting the region’s productivity. The Nilka and Tekes counties boasted the shortest quinoa crop cycles, with Jinli 1 yielding 4.05 t/ha seeds in Tekes County, exhibiting high protein and fat content alongside low saponins, making it a prime location for yield production. Zhaosu County, with its cooler climate and fertile chernozem soil, elicited high 1000 seed weight and more robust protein response than Nilka and Tekes counties, illustrating the impact of soil fertility on nutritional composition. Correlation analyses further elucidated that the plants characterized by shorter flowering times, crop cycles, compact inflorescence, and taller heights exhibited superior seed yields. Our study contributes significant insights into the ecological adaptability and nutritional dynamics of quinoa, with implications for sustainable crop production and food security in diverse agroecosystems.

Effect of A Moringa Oil–Beeswax Edible Coating on the Shelf-Life and Quality of Fresh Cucumber

Cucumbers are a popular vegetable consumed worldwide and are known for their nutritional value, containing carbohydrates, antioxidants, vitamin C, etc. The abundance of a high moisture content is correlated to cucumber perishability, which encourages investigation into ways to maintain its quality and increase shelf-life. This study was carried out to determine the effect of a moringa oil–beeswax coating on the quality of fresh cucumber at different storage temperatures for 27 days of storage. Freshly harvested cucumbers were divided into two groups: the first group was coated with the moringa oil–beeswax edible coating, while the other one was not coated (control). Each group was divided into three other subgroups, for storage at 4, 10, and 22 °C. Different quality parameters, including weight loss, color change, firmness, total soluble solid (TSS), vitamin C, and pH, were evaluated. The findings showed that the weight loss of cucumber was highly increased in non-coated samples stored at high temperature. After 27 days of storage, the highest and lowest weight reduction % were recorded for non-coated cucumbers stored at 22 °C (38.09%) and moringa oil–beeswax-coated cucumbers stored at 10 °C (12.35%), respectively. Color analysis revealed that coating had a significant impact on color values, with distinct patterns in lightness, redness-greenness, and yellowness values for both treatments at various temperatures and days. The lightness values showed minimal fluctuations and stabilized at 13.65 at both 4 °C and 10 °C. Temperature and coating had a significant impact on pH levels, with the coating potentially exhibiting a protective effect on pH stability, particularly at lower temperatures (4 °C). Additionally, both groups’ total acidity levels held steady over time and at various temperatures, with the coating having a highly significant effect on total acidity levels. The amount of vitamin C varied significantly with temperature and storage period, but the coating did not affect vitamin C content. At 22 °C, there were notable variations in the vitamin C content over the storage period, with a final value of 37.7 mg/L on coated samples. Temperature and the duration of storage (p &lt; 0.05) had a significant impact on the levels of total soluble solids (TSS), whereas firmness values changed significantly over the storage period only. Moringa oil–beeswax edible coating has the potential to preserve the nutritional value and quality attributes of cucumber.

Estrogenic Isoflavones in Clover Plants, Flower Nectar, Unripe Honeys and Mature Honeys: A Natural Biochemical Transformation of Isoflavones by Honeybees.

This study is the first to report on the presence of oestrogenic compounds in different clover flower nectar samples, in bee-deposited nectars collected from hive combs (unripe honey) and in mature honeys harvested from the same hives. The clover species investigated were two red clover (Trifolium pratense) cultivars, bred specifically for high isoflavone content, alongside a sainfoin (Onobrychis viciifolia) and a purple clover (T. purpureum) cultivar. A total of eight isoflavones, four of them non-glycosidic (biochanin A, formononetin, genistein and daidzein) the others glycosidic (sissotrin, ononin, genistin and daidzin), were targeted for identification and quantification in this study using high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC). Leaves and flower bracts of the clover samples were also investigated. Different isoflavone profiles were found across the four clover species and also in the different samples collected from each species indicating that, most likely due to the activity of honeybee (Apis mellifera) salivary enzymes, biochemical conversions take place when these bioactive compounds transition from flower nectar into ripe honey. Among the four investigated clover species, the two red clover cultivars, including their honeys, were found to contain higher levels of estrogenic compounds compared to other two cultivars.

Investigation of a novel laser powder bed fusion nickel-based superalloy with hf, Y addition: Melt characteristic, microstructure and mechanical properties

In order to resolve the inherent strength-ductility trade-off dilemma observed in precipitation-strengthened nickel-based superalloys with high Al and Ti content, a composition modification strategy was devised. This study explored a novel laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) René104 alloy by incorporating Hf and Y (HfY-René104), examining its melt characteristics, microstructures, and mechanical properties. The experimental results demonstrate that the addition of Hf and Y effectively improves the molten pool structure of the as-built, alters grain orientation, diminishes grain aspect ratio, promotes the formation of cellular structures, AlY phases, stacking faults (SFs), and Lomer-Cottrell (L-C) locks at macro, meso, and micro scales, respectively. The primary contributors to yield strength are grain boundary strengthening and dislocation strengthening. Moreover, a dynamic Hall-Petch effect associated with cellular structures, SFs, and L-C locks ultimately results in remarkable strength (yield strength of 823 MPa, ultimate tensile strength of 1158 MPa) and enhanced ductility (elongation of 24.6 %) of HfY-René104 alloy.

Vegetation at the former open-pit Ningyo-toge mine, 36 years after closure treatment: Impact of soil cover on woody plant establishment and dominance of the perennial herb Miscanthus sinensis

Soil cover is a prevailing method used at mine sites to ensure the safety of hazardous materials and restore ecological functions when the base materials are unfavorable for plant growth. The former open-pit Ningyo-toge Mine was backfilled with overburden and neutralized smelting residues and covered with soil in 1987. After 36 years, the vegetation remained dominated by the perennial herb Miscanthus sinensis, and woody plant establishment did not progress successfully. This study investigated the factors that inhibited woody plant establishment at the site. The soil profile survey revealed that the soil cover formed Bg horizons (pseudogley soil) with cloudy mottling, representative of poorly drained soil. In the Bg horizon, woody plant roots of Pinus densiflora and Weigela hortensis exhibited growth inhibition. Elemental analysis revealed that in the Bg horizon the roots of P. densiflora and W. hortensis accumulated high Fe concentrations exceeding 10,000 mg/kg DW at critical levels. Our results suggested that woody plant roots in the Bg horizon may have suffered from chronic oxygen deficiency accompanied by excessive Fe stress in the soil cover. Topsoil water content (<50 mm) and microtopographic features were not critical factors disrupting woody plant establishment because some individuals were growing in areas with high soil water content, exceeding 60%. Considering that woody plant roots were developed primarily in the shallow A horizon, A horizon formation by M. sinensis is a key step in initiating woody plant establishment by improving the soil structure and physiochemical characteristics of the soil cover, such as carbon content, exchangeable nutrients, and air-filled porosity. For successful mine pollution control and vegetation recovery, implementing an appropriate topsoil system, such as native forest soil, loosely graded and minor infiltration layer above the overburden would be necessary.

Toward an Environmentally Friendly Future: An Overview of Biofuels from Corn and Potential Alternatives in Hemp and Cucurbits

Increased energy consumption and climate change, driven by greenhouse gas emissions, pose significant risks to global sustainability. Concerns about using agricultural land for fuel production and its competition with food production have made feedstocks like corn (Zea mays) highly controversial. This study explores the potential of alternative feedstocks, such as hemp (Cannabis sativa) and cucurbits (family Cucurbitaceae), for biofuel production amidst environmental concerns linked to fossil fuel usage. Hemp is widely acknowledged as a promising feedstock for sustainable biorefinery due to its agricultural adaptability and its ability to produce oil and carbohydrates. Cucurbits seeds are characterized by a high oil content, which can be utilized in the food industry or for energy production as biofuel. As a byproduct of cucurbits processing, a significant number of seeds often remains, which constitutes waste. By examining hemp and cucurbit byproducts and waste, which are suitable for bioenergy production, this research highlights the promise these alternative feedstocks hold for the biofuel industry. Utilizing these resources presents a viable route to diminish dependence on fossil fuels and transition toward a more environmentally sustainable energy future.

Effectiveness of Ti-in-amphibole thermometry and performance of different thermometers across lower continental crust up to UHT metamorphism

Metabasites are important constituents of deep crustal sections and are the favored rock type for studying lower crustal amphibolite to granulite transitions. However, metapelites may develop a larger number of temperature-sensitive mineral assemblages and are particular useful when extreme ultrahigh temperature (UHT) conditions are envisaged. A recent calibration of the Ti-in-amphibole thermometer by Liao et al. (2021) was supposed to make thermometry on metabasites quick and easy to apply. However, their calibration is based on experiments which were not originally designed to investigate in detail the temperature dependence of Ti in amphibole. In addition, a possible effect of aTiO2 and/or pressure on the Ti content of amphibole was not fully taken into account. This resulted in a calibration uncertainty of ± 70 °C (2σ), much higher than that of other single-mineral thermometers. In this study we firstly test the newly calibrated Ti-in-amphibole thermometer across the mid to lower crustal section of the Ivrea–Verbano Zone (IVZ; NW Italy) and compare the performance of different thermometric techniques across the sequence. Ti-in-amphibole thermometry records increasing peak temperatures from amphibolite (600–700 °C), transition (750–800 °C) and granulite (850–950 °C) zones. Titanium content of amphibole may be modified by retrograde fluid influx returning temperatures c. 200–300 °C lower than in non-altered domains. The comparison reveals that Zr-in-rutile thermometer in pelitic granulites seems to be more prone to post-peak resetting than the Ti-in-amphibole thermometry in nearby mafic rocks. This behavior is also confirmed by amphibole analyses from other UHT localities, where the performance of Ti-in-amphibole thermometry is comparable with that of Al-in-orthopyroxene in pelitic granulites. However, Ti-in-amphibole temperatures are underestimated in rutile-bearing samples and this limitation is not solely restricted to rocks containing high H2O contents as previously thought. Derived constraints on the diffusivity of Ti through amphibole demonstrate the robustness of the Ti-in-amphibole thermometer to later thermal disturbances. However, ad-hoc experiments are still necessary to improve the accuracy and precision of calibration and to extend its applicability. This advance will make mafic granulites routine targets for studies devoted to understanding the regional extent of UHT metamorphism.