High Market Price Research Articles

The Differentiation of Extra Virgin Olive Oil from Other Olive Oil Categories Based on FTIR Spectroscopy and Random Forest

The great interest in the rapid and reliable differentiation of extra virgin olive oil from other olive oil categories is directly related to its unique sensory characteristics and high market prices. The aim of the present study was to investigate the potential of FTIR as a rapid and non-invasive technique to discriminate extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) from other olive oil categories (virgin olive oil, ordinary, and lampante) based on the acquired spectral profile of olive oil. Spectral data were collected, pre-processed, and correlated by Random Forest (RF) analysis with the sensory category (EVOO vs. other) of olive oil samples, as defined by sensory analysis undertaken previously by trained panelists. The results showed that the application of Savitzky–Golay (S-G) smoothing with a second derivative (d = 2), second- and third-order polynomial (p = 2, p = 3), and window size (w) of 12 and 13 points achieved the highest accuracy (0.91) between the two classes of samples. Characteristic spectral bands of triacylglycerols related to the carbonyl groups present in triacylglycerols (C=O) located near 1744 cm−1 (specific features: 1739, 1748, and 1751 cm−1), the fingerprinting area 1250–1000 cm−1 (specific features: 1088, 1094, 1116, 1123, 1124, 1158, 1162, 1236, 1240, and 1247 cm−1), which correspond to CH bending, and 1680 cm−1, which is associated with unsaturated aldehydes were observed to constitute the main basis of the discrimination of EVOO from the “other” class. The ability of the model to achieve high classification accuracy demonstrates the robustness of the FTIR spectral data combined with advanced machine learning techniques. Due to the lower cost and more rapid analysis time afforded by FTIR, this method provides promising perspectives for industrial olive oil classification.

Research on Logistics Service Supply Chain Coordination in the Context of Green Innovation

With the global advancement of sustainable development concepts, the logistics industry is confronting significant environmental challenges, making green innovation a critical driver for industrial transformation and upgrading. However, during the green innovation process in logistics service supply chains, the differing roles of logistics service integrators and logistics service providers, combined with high costs and uncertain returns, hinder coordination efficiency. Therefore, it is imperative to enhance the coordination of supply chain contracts. Nevertheless, existing literature provides limited insights into the coordination capacities and impacts of different contracts on green innovation in logistics service supply chains. This study develops a Stackelberg game model where the logistics service integrator acts as the leader and logistics service providers serve as followers, examining the effects of cost-sharing contracts, revenue-sharing contracts, and hybrid cost-sharing and revenue-sharing contracts on supply chain coordination. Numerical simulations are employed to validate the findings. The results indicate that hybrid contracts provide the strongest incentives for green innovation among supply chain participants, whereas cost-sharing contracts offer relatively weaker incentives for integrators’ green design innovation. In addition, revenue-sharing contracts and hybrid contracts were effective in reducing the wholesale price of green logistics services, although all three contract types resulted in higher market prices. Finally, all three contract types achieve Pareto improvements in the supply chain, with hybrid contracts maximizing the total profit of the supply chain. This study not only elucidates the incentive mechanisms and relative advantages of different contracts in supply chain collaboration, but also offers critical theoretical and practical insights for designing contracts to foster green innovation in the logistics sector.

Effects of exceptional high electricity market price driven electricity consumption flexibility on customers’ peak powers and power-based tariffs

Effects of exceptional high electricity market price driven electricity consumption flexibility on customers’ peak powers and power-based tariffs

Стратегія протистояння викликам глобалізації світового нафтового ринку: диверсифікація енергетичних джерел та розвиток відновлюваних технологій в Україні

The article explores the challenges of globalization in the global oil market and proposes a strategy for addressing them. It was found that the globalization of the oil market and related issues significantly affect Ukraine’s economy and population due to the country's heavy dependence on oil and petroleum imports to meet domestic needs. Along with the impact of global oil market challenges, the war in Ukraine has significantly affected the country's energy security and exacerbated economic problems related to oil import dependence. Russian aggression destroyed a substantial portion of the infrastructure, disrupted traditional energy supply chains, and forced Ukraine to seek alternative energy sources. The refusal to use oil from the aggressor country has necessitated finding new suppliers, a process complicated by high global market prices and logistical challenges. Therefore, energy security and reducing oil dependency have gained strategic importance for Ukraine. The military conflict has exposed the country's critical vulnerability to energy supply disruptions, prompting the government to explore new models of energy system development. Developing a strategy to counter the challenges of the global oil market is crucial for Ukraine, as it will help reduce the country's dependence on oil imports, which is a key factor in national security, particularly during wartime and geopolitical instability. The strategy to address the challenges of global oil market globalization focuses on several key areas: diversification of energy sources, development of renewable energy, energy efficiency and conservation, strengthening energy security, innovations and new technologies, reforms and regulatory policies, international cooperation, and integration. The proposed strategy will ensure the resilience of the energy system to external shocks and improve the domestic economic situation by mitigating the risks of price volatility and energy shortages. These initiatives will enhance energy independence, reduce reliance on global oil fluctuations, and ensure stable post-war development, forming the foundation for sustainable economic growth and well-being of the population.

A single-base deletion in exon 2 of Hd1 delineates monogenic recessive photoperiod insensitivity in aromatic Joha rice: a novel allele for seasonal adaptability

BackgroundAssam's aromatic Joha rice is a unique rice class famous for its aroma, taste, and nutritional benefits, which fetch high market prices in domestic and international markets. Joha landraces are inherently poor yielders due to their strong aroma and predominantly photoperiod sensitivity. Hybridization involving non-aromatic HYVs improves yield with concomitant loss of quality. In this context, mutation breeding, a sustainable approach where genetic mutations are induced to create desirable traits, often provides useful allelic variation in specific morpho-agronomic traits. The present study delves into the genetic characterization of a photoperiod-insensitive mutant. As part of our mutation breeding programme, this mutant was isolated from a gamma ray-induced M2 population of a Joha rice landrace, Kon Joha.ResultsThe mutant was unique, and a single recessive gene conditions the induced photoperiod insensitivity. Mutant gene tagging involved 402 SSR and InDel markers, and later polymorphic markers were used for bulk segregant analysis (BSA) in the F2 population of ‘mutant × Kalijeera (distant parent)’. BSA revealed an association between the SSR marker RM527 and this mutant trait. This marker is present on chromosome 6 of the rice genome. Using chromosome 6-specific SSR markers in polymorphic screening and BSA revealed another associated marker, RM19725, for the mutant trait. The genomic interval between RM527 and RM19725 harbors a photoperiod-insensitive gene, Hd1, on chromosome 6. Cloning and sequencing of Hd1 genomic fragments from the parents and mutants revealed a single-base deletion in exon 2, leading to a frameshift mutation in the Hd1 protein. This mutation in exon 2 leads to severe structural abnormalities in the CCT domain of the Hd1 protein that is critical for the interaction of the repressing complex with conserved response elements in the florigen gene under long-day conditions, thereby causing photoperiod insensitivity.ConclusionsThe mutant's pleasant aroma and other quality characteristics, comparable to those of the parent cultivar, hold significant promise. They expand its potential use in a structured breeding programme aimed at developing high-value aromatic Joha rice. This rice, resilient to winter- and summer-growing environments and with broad seasonal adaptability, could revolutionize the rice market. The practical value of our research is underscored by this exciting possibility.

CuSx Catalysts for CO2 Electrolyzer Cathode

Because of the climate crisis caused by increasing atmospheric CO2 concentration, developing technologies for reducing them has become imperative. Among various tries, electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction (ECRR) is one of the promising solutions for carbon dioxide recycling as it can be used for the production of more valuable industrial chemicals(e.g. syngas, CO, formic acid...) in a clean way.Ethylene, one of the products, has a high market price of 1.30 dollars/kg. It has various uses for polyethylene production and ethylbenzene synthesis. Ethanol is 1.00 dollars/kg and can be used as fuel. In addition, formic acid has a high value of 0.74 dollars/kg and is used in preservatives and anti-bacterial agents. Carbon monoxide can be easily converted into other hydrocarbon forms through Fischer-Tropsch synthesisFor electrolysis, gas diffusion layer(GDL) based electrolyzers have been used. This is because carbon dioxide has a solubility limit of 33 mM, so humidified carbon dioxide in the form of a gas is used to overcome this up to 41 mM. The hybrid flow cell is an electrolytic bath in which a gas diffusion layer and a cathode liquid layer are separated from the anode by a polymer membrane. It is easy to collect liquid products generated from the cathode side, but it has resistance by the liquid layer. The MEA electrolyzer is an AEMWE-based electrolytic bath in which the cathode liquid layer has been removed. Since the electrode and the membrane are in direct contact and contain a small amount of liquid, a three-phase interface is formed, resulting in an electrolytic reaction.Focusing on the catalyst, Cu is the only mono-metal that shows decent selectivity for multi-carbon products(e.g. ethylene, ethanol, acetate, propanol...). For decades, various researches have been conducted on the development of Cu catalysts through bi-metal composition, oxidation state control and about grain boundaries, crystal facet, single-atom. However, it still has challenges about low partial current density and insufficient stability to commercialize.Herein, copper sulfide catalysts were fabricated on gas diffusible carbon paper with microporous layer(MPL/CP). First, Cu nanoparticles were electrochemically deposited on the MPL/CP. Subsequent immersing it into Na2S solution enables ionic exchange of surface oxygens with S ions. Because the copper sulfide state has low solubility product constant, so is thermodynamically more stable. As reported, sulfur can change the distance between metal molecules, their oxidation state and their morphologies. By adjusting the exchange condition, the catalyst morphology and surface composition can be easily controlled. The fabricated electrodes were employed as cathodes for CO2RR electrolyzer and its faradaic efficiency(FE) was computed. It was revealed that the CO2RR performance was highly affected by S coverage on Cu surface. At some point the existence of Sulfur changed selectivity by enhancing the FE of ethylene and oppressing FE of methane.

An Economically Sustainable Glass Recycling Business Model in Puerto Rico: A Conceptual Solution for Regions Without Government Recycling Programs

In Puerto Rico, less than 5% of glass waste is recycled annually compared to a US national average of 25%. In regions like Puerto Rico, where government glass recycling programs are absent, glass presents a challenging waste stream to profitably recycle due to high transportation costs and low market prices, with few scalable models identified in the literature. This study emerged from a multi-year shared action learning partnership between Worcester Polytechnic Institute’s Puerto Rico Project Center and the Corporación del Proyecto ENLACE, a community development NGO serving the Caño Martín Peña communities in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Based on online research and interviews with 16 key stakeholders, we describe an economically sustainable glass recycling business model designed for the Caño Martín Peña communities that offers broader applicability for similar contexts. The business model achieves three goals: (1) it offers a free and convenient glass-collection service for the Caño Martín Peña communities; (2) it generates local employment opportunities in a low-income region; and (3) it operates in an economically sustainable manner. The viability of the glass-recycling business model is premised on strategic partnerships with government agencies, recycling companies, glass-sand markets, and local businesses.

Efficient Model for Estimation of Dew Point Pressure in Gas Condensate Systems

Gas condensate reservoirs are a special class of gas reservoirs with temperatures which plot between the critical point temperature Tc and the cricondentherm Tcric on a Pressure–Temperature (P-T) phase diagram. The reservoirs’ produced streams are characterized by relatively, low C1 : C2 +ratio, implying compositions with significant fractions of high molecular weight (C2 +) hydrocarbons, called Natural Gas Liquids (NGLs). NGLs exist as gas at reservoir conditions of high pressures and temperatures but as liquids, called condensates (or distillates) at separator conditions, havinge higher market price than separator gas fractions. Condensation of NGLs can occur within reservoirs if reservoir pressures fall to the reservoir’s Dew Point Pressure (DPP) during production. Condensates formed within reservoirs are never produced owing to their less than critical saturation. Therefore, accurate estimation of DPP and ensuring production occurs above such estimates, is necessary for ensuring optimum productivity and profit. Correlations have proven valuable in providing quick DPP estimates, however, the several correlating parameters of common types, make them computationally intense, yet their associated errors remain immense. This study aims at presenting a simple correlation, with fewer correlating parameters that would guarantee better accuracy when compared to other popular models. A new correlation for DPP as a function of gas compositional analysis data and reservoir temperature was developed using method of multiple regression analysis. A total of 1,568 gas condensate datasets from 984 reservoirs obtained from literature with unrestricted geographic locations were used to develop the model. These data were divided in the ratio of 3:1:1 for training, cross validation and testing. The results obtained showed that the new correlation significantly outperforms other existing popular industry models and provides predictions with higher accuracy. This was verified in terms of highest correlation coefficient, lowest average absolute percentage error and lowest root mean square error

Pan-Chloroplast Genomes Reveal the Accession-Specific Marker for Gastrodia elata f. glauca.

Gastrodia elata rhizomes have been applied as traditional medicinal materials for thousands of years. In China, G. elata f. elata (red flower and stem, Ge), G. elata f. viridis (green, Gv), and G. elata f. glauca (black, Gg) represent the primary cultivars in artificial cultivation. Although the annual output of G. elata amounts to 150,000 tons, only 20% is Gg. The long production period, low yield, and high quality of Gg led to its extremely high market prices. However, an effective method to identify this crude drug based solely on its morphological or chemical characteristics is lacking. In this study, the complete chloroplast genomes of three G. elata variants were sequenced using the Illumina HiSeq 2500 platform. Another 21 chloroplast genomes from Gastrodia species, which have published in previous reports, were combined and analyzed together. Our results showed that larger genomic sizes, fewer long tandem repeats, and more simple sequence repeats were the major features of the Gg chloroplast genomes. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the Gg samples were separately clustered in a subclade. Moreover, an accession-specific marker was successfully developed and validated for distinguishing additional rhizome samples. Our study provides investigations of the taxonomic relationships of Gastrodia species. The molecular marker will be useful for differentiating Gastrodia products on the market.

Exploring knowledge and uses of Moringa oleifera and understanding its cultivation constraints and proposed solutions: a case from Bangladesh

Multipurpose trees, like the moringa (Moringa oleifera Lam.), have become extremely popular in an attempt to reduce food, nutritional, and economic instability. The significant benefits of moringa’s leaves, pods, seeds, roots, and flowers are used in a wide range of commercial fields, including medicine, cosmetics, food, animal feed, water purification, and more. We applied a questionnaire-based survey to reveal the uses, problems and solutions related to the knowledge, uses and constraints of moringa in the region of Chapainawabganj and Kushtia districts in Bangladesh. Including the easiest propagation process and the lowest cultivation costs, year-round flowering, and production provide moringa with a wide window of opportunity. Besides using regular pruning of moringa branches, respondents make trees bushy to increase fruit and leaf production. Respondents from both regions opined that moringa has a good market value, increases family income, increases opportunity for fallow land utilization, enhances employment opportunities, and is known as a nutritive and multipurpose tree. We were pleased to find that moringa output regularly exceeded previous production records in Bangladesh from 2014–16 to 2020–21. Furthermore, our survey shows that a 5-year-old moringa tree provides a satisfactory yield per season with its high market price and demand. Despite the extensive use of moringa fruits and leaves by respondents, its commercial potential remains largely undeveloped and unknown to them. Constraints like limited scientific knowledge and technological infrastructure are the reasons why the elusive potential of moringa in Bangladesh persists. There is ample opportunity to enhance moringa production via effective management techniques, which will satisfy community demand and create market opportunities both locally and internationally. As a result, smallholder farmers’ livelihoods and food and nutritional security can be improved.

Exploring possibilities of broccoli (Brassica oleracea L. var. italica) production under organic management

Broccoli (Brassica oleracea L. var. italica) was introduced as part of the Indian government's efforts to diversify and modernize agriculture in the region. Its introduction has helped J&K farmers to increase their income through higher market prices and to gain access to new markets and trade opportunities. It being a nutrient-demanding crop, farmers use high doses of chemical fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides and if consumed as salad or half-boiled in many culinary dishes, these chemicals are likely to impact the health of consumers and affect the environment. Therefore, alternative usage to these chemicals using combinations of organic inputs was aimed at producing a healthy crop of broccoli. It was concluded that the application of FYM@ 25 t/ha as a basal dose in the presence of seedling dip treatment of biofertilizers (Azotobacter @ 0.5 kg/ha + Phosphate-Solubilizing Bacteria @l kg/ha + Potassium-Mobilizing Bacteria @ 750 ml/ha) along with the scheduled application of Neem oil +Baeuveria bassiana at 1, 3, 7 and 15 days of interval after disease symptoms was found superior in obtaining higher curd yield (109.57 q/ha) and seed yield (604.96 kg/ha).

Production of High-Value Green Chemicals via Catalytic Fast Pyrolysis of Eucalyptus urograndis Forest Residues

Lately, pyrolysis has attracted significant attention due to its substantial potential for bio-oil production, with the ability to serve as a renewable energy source and/or facilitate the production of valuable chemical compounds. The chemical compounds generated and their amounts are completely influenced by the traits and chemical makeup of the initial biomass. In this work, the catalytic fast pyrolysis of Eucalyptus urograndis canopy was carried out using a pyrolyzer coupled to gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS) at different temperatures and in the presence and absence of catalysts. Elemental composition analysis was employed to characterize the chemical composition of the biomass. The results showed a biomass with a carbon percentage of 50.20%, oxygen of 43.21%, and hydrogen of 6.34%, as well as a lower calorific power of 17.51 MJ/kg. The Py-GC/MS analyses revealed the presence of several noteworthy compounds, including acetic acid (C2H4O2) and, in smaller quantities, hydrogen (H2), furfural (C5H4O2), and levoglucosan (C6H10O5). The technical-economic evaluation revealed that the production of acetic acid, furfural, hydrogen, and levoglucosan commands a high market price. Additionally, a single production cycle is anticipated to yield a favorable technical-economic balance, generating approximately USD 466.10 /ton of processed biomass. This outcome is achieved through the process of catalytic fast pyrolysis, where CuO has been identified as the most suitable catalyst.

McGrath MAC Versus Three-Dimensional Printed Video Laryngoscopes: A Randomized, Manikin-Simulated Noninferiority Controlled Study with Medical Students.

Proficiency in endotracheal intubation (ETI) is essential for medical professionals and its training should start at medical schools; however, large caseload may be required before achieving an acceptable success rate with direct laryngoscopy. Video laryngoscopy has proven to be an easier alternative for intubation with a faster learning curve, but its availability in medical training may be an issue due to its high market prices. We devised a low-cost 3-dimensionally printed video laryngoscope (3DVL) and performed a randomized trial to evaluate if the intubation success rate on the first attempt with this device is noninferior to a standard commercially available video laryngoscope (STVL). Two hundred and nine medical students from 5 medical schools were enrolled and randomized to start with the STVL (McGrath MAC) or the 3DVL. Four stations (standard airway using the STVL/3DVL and difficult airway using the STVL/3DVL) were set to simulate ETI with standard Airway Management Trainer manikins (Laerdal Medical Ltd.). The noninferiority margin of 7.5% was defined for the success rate on the first attempt, considering the difference in proportions between the STVL (expected to be higher) and 3DVL groups. Regarding the standard airway station, 60.7% (n = 65) of the students successfully performed TI on the first attempt with the STVL within the established timeframe, compared to 36.3% (n = 37) of the students using the 3DVL. This represented a difference of 24.4% (95% confidence interval, 17.5%-31.3%). Considering the difficult airway station, the success rates on the first intubation attempt with the 2 VLs did not differ. The 3DVL was inferior in achieving first-attempt intubation when compared with the STVL with a difference in success rate >7.5% margin in simulated scenarios with medical students. Tracheal intubation might require a set of psychomotor skills for which the McGrath MAC device is superior to the low-cost alternative.

Study of authenticity, quality characteristics and bioactivity in honey samples from different botanical origins and countries

Honey is a widely consumed commodity featuring beneficial nutritional properties resulting in a high market price. Therefore, honey is a target of fraudulent practices and analytical strategies to assess honey quality and origin are highly needed. Within this context, we performed a comprehensive analytical testing for 39 honey samples originating from Greece and other countries. Analytical parameters related to honey quality control (Directive 2001/110/EC) were monitored. In detail, hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) and diastase activity were measured using spectrophotometric assays. Importantly, 6 samples imported by the American market exceeded the regulatory limit (40 mg/kg). The content of the main honey sugars was monitored using an accredited ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to evaporative light scattering detector (UHPLC-ELSD) and all samples were in line with the regulatory standards. In addition, chromatographic analysis was performed to determine 23 phenolic compounds as these are bioactive compounds contributing towards the health promoting effects of honey. Besides chemical characterisation, in vitro testing was also performed by monitoring the inhibitory effect of the honey samples towards acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and pancreatic lipase (PNLIP). Indeed, inhibition was noticed and in the case of PNLIP the monitored differences between Greek and samples from other countries were statistically significant. To assess honey sample authenticity, chemometric tools were employed, namely, principal component analysis (PCA), hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) and linear discriminant analysis (LDA). The multivariate analysis revealed that the taxifolin content may be used as a marker for thyme honey from Cyprus while the total content of gallic and protocatechuic acids could be used as a marker for oak honeys. All in all, implementing several different methods based on different principles (both physicochemical and bioanalytical) in a complex analytical matrix such as honey is a great analytical challenge that we successfully faced and comprehensively demonstrated in this study.

Determining the Geographical Authenticity of Sri Lankan Regional Teas with Their Chemical Profile Using Artificial Neural Networks

Characterization of authenticity is a timely requirement in food control and safety. The geographically authenticated food products always realize high market prices and sustainable market share. The present study was conducted to investigate the potential of chemical profile in authenticating geographical differences of Sri Lankan regional black teas using artificial neural networks. Thirteen different geographical origins under eight different basses were evaluated and tea samples were chemically analyzed in monthly intervals for a period of one year. Training of feed-forward back propagation multilayer perceptrons resulted in accuracy rates ranging from 46% - 82%. Out of eleven chemical parameters considered for the study, Thea Rubigin and Total Colour are the most important discriminators of geographical origins. Other than that, Gereniol, Thea Flavin, Trans – 2 – Hexanol, Total Polyphenol and Amino Acids are also potential discriminators. The study concluded that the differentiation and classification of Geographical Origins (GOs) of Sri Lankan regional black teas is possible using the profile of chemical attributes and applying artificial neural networks. Finally, the data obtained demonstrates that it is possible to assign unknown samples according to their region of origin. Further development of this work could lead to a simple interface that could be used by brokers or exporters to identify the geographical origin of an unknown tea sample.

Trends in Greenhouse Production Technology with Special Reference to Protected Cultivation of Horticultural Crops

Greenhouse is an important application scenario of modern agriculture. With the improvement of people's life quality, the demand for vegetables, fruits, flowers and has also increased, and the amount of greenhouses has developed rapidly. Greenhouse adopts artificial technical means to change natural light and temperature conditions, and to create environmental factors to optimize the growth of animals and plants, so that greenhouse crops can grow throughout the year and the weather. Compared with traditional planting methods, the greenhouse is more automated, intelligent, and mechanized. Greenhouse farming (Protected cultivation) refers to the practice of growing crops in an enclosed or partially enclosed environment, such as greenhouses, shade houses, or high tunnels. The primary purpose of protected cultivation is to create a controlled microclimate that shields the crops from adverse weather conditions, pests, and diseases, while optimizing environmental factors. It involves the use of structures, materials, and technologies that provide a protective barrier and allow for manipulation of temperature, humidity, light, and other environmental variables. The benefits of greenhouses are high production per unit area because the genetic potential of the crop can be completely exploited, vegetables and nurseries can be grown off-season that obtain high market prices, good quality products and it is easy to protect the crops from pests, diseases and extreme climatic conditions. Greenhouse farming is a highly intensive industry that needs considerable labour and capital inputs. Because of this, all factors important for a successful enterprisers should be carefully considered by potential growers.

A novel glycopeptide from mountain-cultivated ginseng residue protects type 2 diabetic symptoms-induced heart failure

Ethnopharmacological relevanceMountain-cultivated Panax ginseng C.A.Mey. (MCG) with high market price and various properties was valuable special local product in Northeast of Asia. MCG has been historically used to mitigate heart failure (HF) for thousand years, HF is a clinical manifestation of deficiency of “heart-qi” in traditional Chinese medicine. However, there was little report focus on the activities of extracted residue of MCG. Aim of the studyA novel glycopeptide (APMCG-1) was isolated from step ethanol precipitations of alkaline protease-assisted extract from MCG residue. Materials and methodsThe molecular weight and subunit structure of APMCG-1 were determined by FT-IR, HPLC and GPC technologies, as well as the H9c2 cells, Tg (kdrl:EGFP) zebrafish were performed to evaluated the protective effect of APMCG-1. ResultsAPMCG-1 was identified as a glycopeptide containing seven monosaccharides and seven amino acids via O-lined bonds. Further, in vitro, APMCG-1 significantly decreased reactive oxygen species production and lactate dehydrogenase contents in palmitic acid (PA)-induced H9c2 cells. APMCG-1 also attenuated endoplasmic reticulum stress and mitochondria-mediated apoptosis in H9c2 cells via the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. More importantly, APMCG-1 reduced the blood glucose, lipid contents, the levels of heart injury, oxidative stress and inflammation of 5 days post fertilization Tg (kdrl:EGFP) zebrafish with type 2 diabetic symptoms in vivo. ConclusionsAPMCG-1 protects PA-induced H9c2 cells while reducing cardiac dysfunction in zebrafish with type 2 diabetic symptoms. The present study provides a new insight into the development of natural glycopeptides as heart-related drug therapies.

Structure–Activity–Stability Relationship of Ru-Ir-Ti Electrocatalysts for the Oxygen Evolution Reaction

Environmentally friendly strategies for energy conversion and storage are urgently needed to account for natural intensity variations of power generation by renewables and to ensure a stable electrical grid. Green hydrogen, produced by water electrolysis, can be considered as one of the most promising energy carriers since it can balance the energy demand in multiple energy sectors. Proton exchange membrane water electrolyzers (PEMWE) are state of the art devices for on-site hydrogen production. Still, their upscaling is challenged by the corrosive acidic environment and sluggish anodic oxygen evolution reaction (OER), which demand using noble metal based catalysts [1, 2]. Currently, Ir-based oxides are employed as OER catalysts in commercial PEMWE as they provide the best balance between activity and stability. Yet, the scarcity and high market price of Ir lead to poor cost-benefit factors. In the last years, Ir-Ru mixed oxides have attracted significant attention of the community due to their improved electrocatalytic activity [2, 3]. However, Ru degradation during the OER becomes challenging in conditions of long-term operation of the electrolyzer. Therefore, balancing stability and activity towards the OER at reduced Ir loading remains a significant challenge in PEMWE.Here, we examine the effect of low additions of Ti (1 to 6 at. %) on the catalytic activity and stability of Ru-Ir alloys towards the OER [4]. The catalysts are synthesized as ternary Ru-Ir-Ti thin film material libraries with Ir contents below 50 at. %. After the high-throughput screening of these libraries for desired electrocatalytic properties by online inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), the most promising alloy compositions are selected and tested in conditions of long-term electrolysis (Figure 1). The observed activity-stability trends are correlated with the electronic structure of the Ru-Ir-Ti catalysts derived from X-ray photoelectron (XPS) and X-ray absorption spectroscopies (XAS). Furthermore, the structural changes in the near-surface regions of these catalysts induced by the OER, are investigated with the aid of atom probe tomography (APT). Our data reveal formation of Ir-Ru hydrous oxide layers in the course of the OER, providing high catalytic activity, while Ti additions promote stabilization of these reactive oxides in the near surface region. Our multidisciplinary approach of combining advanced electrochemical, spectroscopic and atomic-scale characterization methods provides insights on structure-function relationships in electrocatalysis, guiding the rational design of active and stable electrocatalysts.[1.] Carmo, M., et al., A comprehensive review on PEM water electrolysis. International journal of hydrogen energy, 2013. 38(12): p. 4901-4934.[2.] Kasian, O., et al., On the Origin of the Improved Ruthenium Stability in RuO2-IrO2 Mixed Oxides. Journal of the Electrochemical Society, 2016. 163(11): p. F3099-F3104.[3.] Saveleva, V.A., et al., Uncovering the stabilization mechanism in bimetallic ruthenium–iridium anodes for proton exchange membrane electrolyzers. The journal of physical chemistry letters, 2016. 7(16): p. 3240-3245.[4.] Lahn, L., et al. Low Ti Additions to Stabilize Ru‐Ir Electrocatalysts for the Oxygen Evolution Reaction. ChemElectroChem, 2023, e202300399. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/celc.202300399. Figure 1

Ecological impacts on the distribution of Ganges River dolphin (Platanista gangetica) in the lower Gangetic plains and its conservation challenges

Despite threatened status, the Ganges River dolphin (Platanista gangetica) received insufficient attention in many habitats including the lower Ganges. In this study, through standardised monitoring programmes, we recorded the population and distribution of the species from a 100-km long stretch of the lower Ganges between January and December 2023. Important ecological parameters (e.g. fish abundance and water quality parameters) were also monitored to understand their effects on dolphin population in the river. Number of Ganges River dolphin varied over time (ANOVA: F11,88 = 10.9, p < 0.001) and space (F8,88 = 24.1, p < 0.001). Maximum number of dolphin was sighted in the month of August; whereas, the minimum was in February. Population of Ganges River dolphin was affected positively by fish abundance (LMM: F = 19.7, p < 0.001) and water transparency (F = 4.4, p = 0.042) and negatively by total dissolved solids (TDS; LMM: F = 13.5, p = 0.001). A range of challenges related to fishermen’s knowledge and attitude towards the Ganges River dolphin were identified. These include lack of awareness, high market demand and price for the species and negative attitude towards the species. Illegally harvested Vulnerable dolphins were sold only to produce dolphin oil to catch another Endangered fish species Clupisoma garua. The results of this study have conservation management applications and implications.

Legume choice and planting configuration influence intercrop nutrient and yield gains through complementarity and selection effects in legume-based wheat intercropping systems

CONTEXTBy exploiting the complementarities between intercrops, cereal/legume intercropping provides an opportunity to increase legume production with sustained cereal yield. However, little is known about how legume choice and spatial configurations affect the performance and economic viability of legume-based wheat intercropping, especially in arid-irrigated conditions. OBJECTIVEWe conducted this study to investigate the complementarity of three different legumes (chickpea, soybean, and pea) with wheat and determine the appropriate strip width for intercrops. METHODSA three-year study (2021−2023) was conducted to evaluate the effects of legume choice and spatial configuration (narrow strips of 0.6 m (NS) and partially wide strips of 1.2 m (pWS) for each intercrop) on wheat/soybean, wheat/pea, and wheat/chickpea intercropping, and results were compared with their sole systems for dry matter, nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) uptake, yield, and economic returns. We also quantified the intensity of the net biodiversity effect (NE), complementarity effect (CE), and selection effect (SE) for yield, N (NEN, CEN, and SEN), and P (NEP, CEP, and SEP) gains of legume-based wheat intercropping systems. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONSOur results show that intercrops achieved the highest dry matter, nutrient uptake, and grain yield with pWS compared to NS. The intercropped chickpea, soybean, and pea achieved 67–71%, 55–62%, and 62–70% of their sole system yield. The intercropped wheat with chickpea, soybean, and pea produced 66–69%, 57–62%, and 62–66% of sole wheat yield, respectively. Results also confirmed a positive NE with both NS and pWS, mainly due to the higher CE, which ranges from 37% to 104% of NE under all intercropping systems. The nutrient uptake gain with NS and pWS ranged from −3.4 kg ha−1 to 101.5 kg ha−1 (NEN) and − 0.2 kg ha−1 to 13.8 kg ha−1 (NEP). On average, maximum LER (1.36), NE (1012 kg ha−1), NEN (86 kg ha−1), and NEP (12 kg ha−1) were obtained with pWS in wheat/chickpea, followed by wheat/pea and wheat/soybean intercropping. Overall, wheat/pea intercropping with pWS generated the highest net profit (2014, 1533, and 1394 USD ha−1 in 2021, 2022, and 2023, respectively), which was primarily linked to the high market price of pea than chickpea and soybean. SIGNIFICANCEThese results imply that legume choice and spatial configurations influenced complementary and facilitation interactions between intercrops, and wheat/chickpea and wheat/pea intercropping with pWS could be adopted as a productive cropping strategy for obtaining higher and diverse crop yields with reduced land and nutrients than the sole wheat system.