Low Yield Research Articles

Optimization of Nano-DAP Fertilization for Improvement in Growth and Yield of Finger Millet (Eleusine coracana (L.) Gaertn.)

Aim: Optimization of nano-DAP fertilization for improvement in growth, yield and to maximize the production of finger millet. Study Design: Randomized Block Design (RBD). Place and Duration of Study: This investigation was conducted in Kharif 2021 and 2022, with variety VL-352 at the Research and Extension Centre, Gaja, College of Forestry, Ranichauri (Tehri Garhwal), Uttarakhand, India. Methodology: This experiment comprised of ten treatments viz., T1- NK 100% (Control), T2- NPK 100%, T3- 75%P + 100%N + 100%K, T4- 50%P + 100%N + 100%K, T5- 75%P + 100%N + 100%K + Seed Treatment (ST) + Foliar Spray (FS) (2mL), T6- 75%P + 100%N + 100%K + ST + FS(4mL), T7- 50%P + 100%N + 100%K + ST + FS(2mL), T8- 50%P + 100%N + 100%K + ST + FS (4mL), T9- 50%P + 100%N + 100%K + ST + FS(2mL) + FS(2mL), T10- 50%P + 100%N + 100%K + ST + FS (4mL) + FS(4mL) and was laid out in RBD with three replications. Measurements and calculations of plant growth parameters, yield attributes, and economic considerations were made. Result: The plant growth and yield attributing parameters were recorded significantly higher in the treatment T10- 50%P +100%N + 100%K + ST + FS (4mL) + FS(4mL) while significantly lower yield was recorded in T1- NK 100% (Control). Conclusion: The use of 50% P through DAP and 100% NK along with seed treatment by nano DAP @5mL/kg seed as well as two foliar sprays of nano-DAP @4 mL/L of water, first at 30-35 days after germination and second at 45 days after seed germination gave significantly higher plant growth, seed yield and seed quality of finger millet.

The Catheter Flushing Method Shows a Similar Diagnostic Yield to the Conventional Method in Brushing Cytology for Biliary Strictures.

Background/Objectives: Endobiliary brushing is usually performed in the diagnosis of indeterminate biliary strictures; however, in this setting, brush cytology is limited by a low diagnostic yield and sensitivity. Here, we compared the catheter flushing method (CFM) with the conventional cytologic method (CCM) in terms of cellularity and diagnostic performance. Methods: Endobiliary brushings were obtained during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) from patients with biliary strictures enrolled at six tertiary hospitals. Additionally, the CFM was performed after brushing. Using liquid-based cytologic preparations of samples, we assessed the diagnostic performance of the CCM using Pap staining and the CFM using methionyl-transfer RNA synthetase 1 (MARS1) immunofluorescence staining. Results: From a total of 399 patients (malignant, 253; benign, 146), 374 CCM samples and 361 CFM samples contained adequate cells, with no significant difference in diagnostic yield (93.7% vs. 90.5%, respectively; p = 0.088). The sensitivity of the CFM (90.3%) was significantly higher than that of the CCM (75.1%; p < 0.001), with no significant difference in accuracy between methods (81.2% vs. 82.6%, respectively; p = 0.608). Conclusions: The diagnostic yield of the CFM was comparable to that of the CCM. Additionally, the diagnostic performance of the CFM was comparable to that of the CCM. These findings indicate that the CFM could be an additional brush cytology method for sample collection in patients with indeterminate biliary strictures. Incorporating both the CCM and CFM might be expected to improve the diagnostic yield of brush cytology in the biliary strictures. Further prospective comparative studies between the CCM and CFM using the same staining method are needed to validate these findings.

Drought disaster risk assessment and yield insurance pricing of maize: a case study of Liaoning Province, China

Starting from the ‘four-factors’ theory of natural disaster risk formation, the study first selects indices that represent hazard, vulnerability, exposure, and emergency response and recovery capability to construct the drought risk assessment index system. Then the natural disaster risk index method is employed to evaluate the risk of maize drought disasters in Liaoning. Finally, the pure premium rate for maize yield insurance is determined based on the risk assessment results and the Copula function. The results show that: (1) The hazard, vulnerability, and exposure index in northwestern Liaoning are high, while emergency response and recovery capability is relatively low. Therefore, northwestern Liaoning is identified as a high-risk area for drought risk. (2) There exists a negative correlation between the drought risk index and maize yield in most areas of Liaoning; that is, higher drought risk is associated with lower maize yield. (3) Under the same coverage level, pure rates are higher in the northwestern and eastern Liaoning and relatively lower in the southwestern and southeastern Liaoning. Under different coverage levels, higher coverage corresponds to increased pure rates. The results can offer valuable guidance and benchmarks for relevant departments in Liaoning Province to assess the impact of drought risk on agriculture.

INFLUENCE OF MACERATION,SOLVENT TYPES,AND EXTRACTION DURATIONS ON THE YIELD OF MILK THISTLE SEEDS(SILYBUM MARIANUM)EXTRACTION

The study investigated the extraction yield of defatted Silybum marianum seed samples using maceration as the sole extraction technique. Different solvent types (methanol, ethanol, and water) and extraction durations were tested. Prior to extraction, the samples were ground and defatted with n-hexane. For each combinationofsolvent type, and extraction duration, the extracted mass (g of extract/g of defatted sample) was determined. The impact of each parameter on the yield was analyzed, revealing significant effects.Results showed that water-based maceration for 4 hours yielded the highest average mass of dry extract, followed by shorter durations at 2 hours. Ethanol occasionally outperformed methanol, particularly at the 2-hour mark, but methanol consistently produced lower yields across longer extraction durations. These findings emphasize the need for careful optimization of solvent type and extraction duration to maximize extraction yield.Subsequent analysis using Tukey's HSD test revealed significant differences in dry extract mass among solvents. Water yielded the highest at 2 and 4 hours, ethanol at 4 hours, and methanol at 4 hours as well. KEYWORDS:Silybum marianum;maceration;solvent types;plant extraction,yield analysis

Mixed method evaluation of factors influencing the adoption of organic participatory guarantee system certification among Vietnamese vegetable farmers

AbstractIn markets where vegetables are commonly cultivated with heavy use of synthetic pesticides, it is particularly important for consumers to be able to identify genuine organic produce. Organic Participatory Guarantee Systems (PGS) certification offers smallholder farmers an affordable way to build trust among consumers and secure premium prices for their organic produce. In Vietnam, the demand for vegetables with no, or low, pesticide residues is growing. The attractiveness of PGS certification should increase accordingly, but the number of organic PGS certified farmers in Vietnam are stagnating or even decreasing. The aim of this study is to explain this paradox by investigating the factors that influence the adoption of organic PGS certification among Vietnamese vegetable farmers. We follow a mixed methods approach, combining a qualitative analysis of farmer interviews (n = 62) and a quantitative analysis of a farm survey data (n = 434) using a sample selection model that estimates adoption contingent on farmers’ awareness of PGS certification. Drawing on the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology, we found that social relationships and positive attitudes towards farming and the environment drive the adoption of organic PGS. Barriers include insufficient knowledge of organic farming techniques, labour shortages, and ageing farmers. At the systemic level, support by (non-)governmental institutions facilitates adoption, but challenges such as lower yields and limited access to premium markets remain. To promote organic PGS among Vietnamese vegetable farmers, efforts should focus on disseminating organic farming techniques that boost yields, alleviate labour demands, and ensure secure markets for premium-priced organic vegetables.

Computational Fluid Dynamics Analysis and Optimization of a Doublesuction Turbine Agitator

Background: As one of the essential pieces of chemical equipment, a reactor provides the necessary reaction space and conditions for the materials involved in the reaction during the stirring process. However, under typical operating conditions, issues such as uneven gas distribution, suboptimal gas-liquid mixing, and low product yield often arise in gas-liquid phase reactors. Purpose: To address the issues prevalent in current stirred reactors, a new design for a stirred reactor equipped with a double-suction turbine agitator was developed. Method: In this paper, a stirred reactor equipped with a double-suction turbine agitator was designed, and its three-dimensional modeling was conducted using SolidWorks. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations, based on the Euler-Euler two-phase approach with the RNG k −ε turbulence model, were performed to assess variables such as stirring speed, installation height, blade diameter and agitator inner diameter. The dispersion characteristics and flow field behaviors of the gas-liquid two-phase under varying conditions were comparatively analyzed. Optimizations were conducted across various parameters to enhance the gas mixing efficiency in the liquid phase. Result: The results show that a diameter of 370mm for the double-suction turbine agitator, an installation height of 640mm, a blade diameter of 500mm, and an inner hole diameter of 200mm yield optimal gas-liquid two-phase mixing performance. This configuration results in a broad and uniform gas distribution within the reactor, maintaining a desired high level of gas holdup at specific positions. Conclusion: The double suction turbine agitator is a type of radial agitator. During operation, it induces significant centrifugal forces in the liquid, exerts a robust shear effect, and enhances the mixing of the gas-liquid phases, thereby increasing the production efficiency of the product.

Highly Charged Cellulose Nanocrystals via Electrochemical Oxidation.

Due to their exceptional properties, cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) have been proposed for various applications in sustainable materials science. However, state-of-the-art production methods suffer from low yields and rely on hazardous and environmentally harmful chemicals, representing a bottleneck for more widespread utilization of CNCs. In this study, we present a novel two-step approach that combines previously established HCl gas hydrolysis with electrochemical TEMPO oxidation. This unique method allows the collection of easily dispersible CNCs with high carboxylate contents in excellent overall yields of 71%. The electromediated oxidation was conducted in aqueous conditions without the usually required cocatalysts, simplifying the purification of the materials. Moreover, the proposed process is designed for facile recycling of the used reagents in both steps. To evaluate the sustainability and scalability, the environmental impact factor was calculated, and a cost analysis was conducted.

Review on the Effect of Seed Rate and Improved Varieties on Grain Yield of Bread Wheat (Tritium Aestivum L.) in Ethiopia

Wheat is one of the strategic crops in Ethiopia, because of its role for food security, import Substitution and supply of raw material for agro-processing industry. Wheat Produced by 4.6 million smallholder farmers on 1.8 million hectares of land with an estimated annual production of 5.0 million tons at an average productivity of 2.9 t/ha which has been consistently increasing for the last 25 years, but much lower than the world average 3.3 t/ha. The lowest yield is attributed to many factors, such as the wheat variety, seed rate, seed source, unavailability of quality seed, use of poor quality seeds and inappropriate seed size are some of the factors. Seed rate are the most important management factor affected the agronomic characteristics of wheat. Seeding rate can impact on wheat tillering, grain yield and protein quality. Hence, achieving higher agronomic performance and better end-use quality requires optimizing and periodically reviewing management practices such as seeding rates. However, in varieties that produce fewer tillers, higher seeding rates compensated for reduced tiller. In a dense wheat population, grain yield decreased due to competition between plants that induced self-regulation. So optimum seed rate is recommended depending on the growth habit of the varieties and soil fertility level for increasing wheat production and productivity.

Constructing high-performance bulk thermoelectric composites by incorporating uniformly dispersed fullerene sub-nanoclusters

Sub-nanomaterials possess unprecedented size-dependent properties compared to conventional nanomaterials, which endow them with great potential in catalysis, biomedicine, sensors, and so on. However, their applications in thermoelectrics are unknown due to poor thermal stability and low yields. Herein, we construct a series of thermoelectric composites by incorporating highly thermally stable and commercial fullerene sub-nanoclusters (C60 or C70). We find that sub-nanoclusters as the second phase can conduce to optimized carrier concentration through charge transfer at interfaces while the carrier mobility is significantly enhanced due to atom orbital hybridization and size-dependent electrical scattering mechanism. Furthermore, the ultra-low thermal conductivity of C60 due to its distorted chemical bonding and sub-nanometer pore, and the interfacial thermal resistance greatly suppress the phonon transport. Consequently, the 0.15 mol.% C60/Bi0.4Sb1.6Te3 realizes an ultra-high ZT of ∼1.6 at 373 K, an excellent thermoelectric conversion efficiency of ∼7.4 %, and a huge cooling performance of ∼73 K. This work demonstrates the application of sub-nanomaterials in thermoelectrics and may shed light on other fields such as electronic devices, thermal management, and fullerene chemistry.

An Innovative Biphasic Reaction System for Highly Selective Benzene Hydroxylation based on Photocatalytic Polymer Composites

AbstractThe hydroxylation of benzene to phenol in presence of hydrogen peroxide was performed using a new biphasic system consisting of a solid phase, a photocatalytically active monolithic polymer composite, immersed in an aqueous phase in which H2O2 is dissolved. In detail, ZnO photocatalytic particles were embedded into the hydrophobic syndiotactic polystyrene (sPS) polymer. Zinc oxide nanostructures (ZnO NSs) were synthesized by an electrochemical procedure. The surface morphology and structure of ZnO nanoparticles and ZnO‐sPS monolithic aerogel composite (ZnO/sPS) were investigated by scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis. Photocatalytic results evidenced that, under UV irradiation, both ZnO NSs and biphasic system water‐photocatalytic composites had a high benzene oxidative property but with very low phenol yield (&lt;2 %) at pH=7. To enhance the phenol selective formation, the pH of the aqueous solution surrounding the photocatalytic polymer composite was modified. A phenol yield of about 94 % and benzene conversion higher than 99 % was obtained in alkaline conditions (pH=11).

Screening of novel β-carotene hydroxylases for the production of β-cryptoxanthin and zeaxanthin and the impact of enzyme localization and crowding on their production in Yarrowia lipolytica

Zeaxanthin, a vital dietary carotenoid, is naturally synthesized by plants, microalgae, and certain microorganisms. Large-scale zeaxanthin production can be achieved through plant extraction, chemical synthesis, or microbial fermentation. The environmental and health implications of the first two methods have made microbial fermentation an appealing alternative for natural zeaxanthin production despite the challenges in scaling up the bioprocess. An intermediate between β-carotene and zeaxanthin, β-cryptoxanthin, is found only in specific fruits and vegetables and has several important functions for human health. The low concentration of β-cryptoxanthin in these sources results in low extraction yields, making biotechnological production a promising alternative for achieving higher yields. Currently, there is no industrially relevant microbial fermentation process for β-cryptoxanthin production, primarily due to the lack of identified enzymes that specifically convert β-carotene to β-cryptoxanthin without further conversion to zeaxanthin. In this study, we used genetic engineering to leverage the oleaginous yeast Yarrowia lipolytica as a bio-factory for zeaxanthin and β-cryptoxanthin production. We screened 22 β-carotene hydroxylases and identified eight novel enzymes with β-carotene hydroxylating activity: six producing zeaxanthin and two producing only β-cryptoxanthin. By introducing the β-carotene hydroxylase from the bacterium Chondromyces crocatus (CcBCH), a β-cryptoxanthin titer of 24 ± 6 mg/L was achieved, representing the highest reported titer of sole β-cryptoxanthin in Y. lipolytica to date. By targeting zeaxanthin-producing β-carotene hydroxylase to the endoplasmic reticulum and peroxisomes, we increased the production of zeaxanthin by 54% and 66%, respectively, compared to untargeted enzyme. The highest zeaxanthin titer of 412 ± 34 mg/L was achieved by targeting β-carotene hydroxylases to peroxisomes. In addition, by constructing multienzyme scaffold-free complexes with short peptide tags RIDD and RIAD, we observed a 39% increase in the zeaxanthin titer and a 28% increase in the conversion rate compared to the strain expressing unmodified enzyme. The zeaxanthin titers obtained in this study are not the highest reported; however, our goal was to demonstrate that specific approaches can enhance both titer and conversion rate, rather than to achieve the maximum titer. These findings underscore the potential of Y. lipolytica as a promising platform for carotenoid production and provide a foundation for future research, where further optimization is required to maximize production.

Double Low‐Yield‐Point Steel Corrugated Plates as an Innovative Damper to Improve the Behavior of CBF Braces

ABSTRACTIn this paper, an innovative damper made of low yield point (LYP) steel compound of double corrugated plate and flange plates to form an I‐shaped damper was considered parametrically and numerically. This damper pertain to easy fabrication and replacement after a severe earthquake. The proposed damper is expected to yield while elements outside the damper remain elastic. Consequently, it acts as a ductile fuse that was confirmed in this study. Results indicated that changing the damper from conventional steel to LYP steel improves the damper's performance. Because dampers with the same exhibited different responses, classification of the damper response based on the is not approritae. Of course, considering the fact that it has shear behavior with can be used in the initial design, but it is an incomplete criterion. Also, for dampers with , the ultimate strength is increased related to the from 2.64 to 4.50 times whereas for and is reached 1.35 to 3.84 times and 1.34 to 3.80 times, respectively. It confirms that on the , the most effective on the ultimate strength is obtained by changing the A36 steel to LYP steel. It should be noted that by increasing the by two to four times, the energy dissipation is enhanced 1.44 to 5.64 times for LYP dampers and 1.15 to 2.02 times for A36 dampers.

Examination of Microstructure, Mechanical Properties, and Fatigue Strength in a Wire Arc Additively Manufactured Material Comprising Dissimilar Materials: AISI 316L Stainless Steel and Carbon Steel

This study provides a comprehensive investigation into the microstructure, hardness, tensile strength, and bending fatigue behavior of a Wire Arc Additively Manufactured (WAAM) component composed of dissimilar materials—Carbon Steel (CS) and 316L stainless steel. Microscopic analysis reveals distinct microstructural characteristics, such as equiaxed ferrite grains in WAAM CS and a coarse columnar structure with delta-ferrite phases in WAAM 316L. A macroscopic phase map indicates a predominantly Body-Centered Cubic (BCC) structure near the interphase, suggesting element migration between CS and 316L due to high heat input. Higher magnification scans highlight martensitic structures on both sides of the interphase, with the CS side exhibiting larger grain sizes. Hardness assessment along the built direction shows a peak hardness of 407 HV near the interphase on the 316L side, contrasting with the CS side's average interphase hardness of 316 HV due to larger grain sizes. The yield strength of both WAAM CS and WAAM dissimilar material was consistently measured at 392 MPa. In comparison, WAAM 316L exhibited a slightly lower yield strength of 359 MPa. Notably, WAAM 316L demonstrated the highest tensile strength among the materials, reaching 656 MPa. Meanwhile, WAAM CS displayed a robust tensile strength of 503 MPa, and the WAAM dissimilar material exhibited a yield strength of 520 MPa. In terms of elongation, WAAM CS and WAAM 316L showcased values of 44.9% and 49.6%, respectively. On the other hand, WAAM dissimilar material exhibited a somewhat lower elongation of 20.4%, suggesting a different mechanical behavior in terms of ductility. Bending fatigue tests on WAAM 316L, WAAM CS, and the dissimilar material reveal a fatigue limit of approximately 225 MPa for WAAM 316L, 210 MPa for WAAM CS, and approximately 210 MPa for the dissimilar material. In the low-cycle and medium-cycle regimes, the dissimilar material exhibits slightly superior fatigue strength, potentially due to its marginally higher static strength. Notably, consistent fractures on the CS side during fatigue tests underscore a recurring behavior in the dissimilar material.

Manipulating button mushroom casing affects the disease dynamics of blotch and green mold disease

Productive cultivation of the button mushroom (Agaricus bisporus) relies on the use of selective substrates and effective disease management. In extending our previous work on manipulating the developmental microbiome (devome), this study employs the strategy of substrate passaging to explore its effects on crop outcomes and disease dynamics. Here we subjected the casing substrate to ten cycles of passaging. This manipulated substrate stimulated early pinning (primordia formation) by at least three days. Passaged casing also altered disease dynamics when challenged with two commercially important A. bisporus pathogens, Pseudomonas tolaasii (causing bacterial blotch) and Trichoderma aggressivum f. aggressivum (responsible for green mold). Passaged casing had a suppressive effect on blotch disease and a conducive effect on green mold disease. Blotch suppression resulted in a significantly higher yield of asymptomatic mushrooms in all three mushroom harvests (flushes) and in the overall crop yield. Blotch severity was also significantly reduced in passaged casing compared to standard casing due to a lower yield of mushrooms with the highest degree of blotch disease expression. Green mold disease expression was markedly higher in passaged casing, leading to lower numbers of asymptomatic mushrooms. Zones where no growth of hyphae or mushrooms were also observed in passaged casing due to green mold disease pressure. The stimulating effect of passaged casing on mushroom development and the dynamic outcomes for disease challenge from two distinct, commercially damaging diseases, demonstrates the potential for passaged casing to be used as material to study more sustainable mushroom production and disease management practices.

Seed Yield, Seed Attributes and Economics of Alfalfa Seed Production as Influenced by Integrated Nutrient Management During kharif Season under Southern Dry Zone of Karnataka, India

The field experiment was carried out at the farm field of Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Konehalli, Tiptur taluk, Tumkuru, Karnataka during Kharif season of 2017-18 to examine the effect of integrated nutrient management on seed yield, seed attributes and net benefit of alfalfa. The experiment was laid out Randomized complete block design (RCBD) comprising nine treatments viz T1 : RDF (25:50:25 kg NPK/ha + 10 t/ha FYM); T2 : 75% RDF + 25% N through FYM; T3 :75% RDF + 25% N through Vermicompost; T4 :75% RDF + 25% N through Poultry manure; T5 : 50% RDF + 25% N through FYM + Rhizobium + PSB+VAM ; T6 :50% RDF + 25% N through Vermicompost+ Rhizobium + PSB+VAM; T7 :50% RDF + 25% N through Poultry manure+ Rhizobium + PSB+VAM ;T8 : RDF + Rhizobium + PSB+VAM ;T9 : 10 t/ha FYM + 100% N through FYM and replicated four times. The results of experiments revealed that the plants supplied with of 50 % RDF + 25 % N through vermicompost + Rhizobium + PSB + VAM shown highest fresh herb yield at first harvest (160.65 q/ha), herb yield after harvest of seeds (187.50q/ha), 50% flowering (35.00 days), pod initiation (48.50days), pod maturation (73.05 days), while, lower fresh herb yield, pod initiation, pod maturation were recorded when 10 t/ha FYM + 100 % N through FYM was applied. The maximum pod (56.78 %), number of pods (228.75/plant), pod yield (19.90/plant), pod length (6.25 mm), pod weight (87.61 mg), seed set (56.50 %), number of seeds (5.50/pod), test weight (3.33g), seed yield per hectare (223.38kg/ha) and highest net return per hectare were recorded with 50 % RDF + 25 % N through vermicompost + Rhizobium + PSB + VAM. while, poor performance with regard to these parameter were recorded with application of 10 t/ha FYM + 100 % N through FYM. Therefore, application of 50 % RDF + 25 % N through vermicompost + Rhizobium + PSB + VAMmay be recommended for commercial seed productionin Alfalfa during kharif season under southern dry zone of Karnataka.

Influence of Planting Distances, Boron Application and Varying Fertilizer Levels on the yield Performance of Shallot (Allium Cepa var. Aggregatum) Across Season in Ilocos Norte, Philippines

Shallots are gaining importance in the Ilocos region, due to their culinary uses in traditional cuisine, medicinal properties, and export potential. However, the reduction of inherent soil fertility and the manifestation of multiple nutrient deficiencies have led to low yields which is 13.70% lower than the national average. Consequently, researchers and farmers are aware in the improvement of shallot production in the region. This study, conducted from March, 2023 to February, 2024, at Mariano Marcos State University using a Strip-Split-Plot design with three replicates and analyzed using STAR. Planting distances as vertical plot, boron application as horizontal plot, and fertilizer level as the subplot. The study aimed to evaluate the influence of planting distances on yield performance of shallots, and to develop better nutrient management strategies for optimal shallot production. To optimized shallot productivity per land unit area, particularly during the off-season, it is recommended to adopt closer planting distances of 15cm x 10cm combined with the application of 30-30-30 kgha⁻¹ NP₂O₅K₂O and 5 tha⁻¹ of organic fertilizer. This technique has been shown to produce higher yields, reaching up to 17.39 tha⁻¹. Additionally, pure organic fertilizer application at a rate of 7.5 tha⁻¹ during the off-season is also recommended, as it has demonstrated high yields of 16.12 tha⁻¹ when using the same planting distance of 15 cm x 10 cm. This approach not only increases yield but also improves soil health, making it a sustainable option for long-term cultivation. For the regular season, planting distances of 20 cm x 10 cm and 15 cm x 15 cm, applied with 60-60-60 kg ha⁻¹ NP₂O₅K₂O and 2.5 tons ha⁻¹ of organic fertilizer, are recommended, as they have produced yields of up to 29.4 tons ha⁻¹. While pure inorganic fertilizer results in high yields during the regular season, a combination of organic and inorganic fertilizers is preferred to enhance soil health and prevent soil d

Effect of surface-active substances on the macrodispersion behavior of thermal stress-modified multi-wall carbon nanotubes in cryogenic environments

In the preparation of nanocomposites, the agglomeration of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) in the composite due to their low colloidal stability limits their use in industrial areas. To overcome these problems, it is important to develop simpler, economical, high-yield and non-hazardous techniques to replace existing techniques with low yields, expensive additional equipment or hazardous liquids. This study explores how surfactants affect the macrodispersion of thermal stress-modified MWCNTs in cryogenic environments, focusing on their application in polymer film preparation. Firstly, optimal conditions for modifying MWCNTs through thermal stress were identified using liquid nitrogen. Parameters assessed included the number of cycles (2, 4, and 6), duration in liquid nitrogen (10, 20, and 30 min), and subsequent waiting time at room temperature (5, 12, and 20 min). Results showed that the highest surface area was obtained with 2 cycles, 20 min in liquid nitrogen, and 5 min at room temperature. Analytical techniques such as Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), High Contrast Transmission Electron Microscopy (CTEM) and Raman spectroscopy were used to evaluate the functionalization process's effects on MWCNTs' internal graphitic structure and physicochemical properties. CTEM micrographs indicated that thermal stress reduced the length of MWCNTs, while Raman analysis showed improved graphite quality. The modification process, carried out with 100 % efficiency and no sample loss, increased the BET surface area from 297.551 m2/g to 397.295 m2/g. The study also investigated the impact of surfactants (polyethylene glycol sorbitan monooleate-Tween 80, sodium dodecyl sulfate-SDS, and hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide-CTAB) on MWCNTs' macrodispersion degrees (DM%) and energy band gaps via UV–visible (UV–Vis) absorption spectroscopy. CTAB provided the highest and most stable macrodispersion, reducing the energy band gaps of MWCNTs from 5.65–5.75 eV to 3.53–3.60 eV. CTAB showed excellent colloidal stability with a zeta potential of 44.2 mV, while SDS had −49.9 mV. Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) polymer films, created using MWCNT solutions with optimal macrodispersion, were confirmed by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Differential Scanning Calorimeters (DSC), and BET surface area analyses to have successfully and homogeneously incorporated MWCNTs. In addition to the superior properties of MWCNTs modified with the functionalization technique developed within the scope of this study by increasing their specific surface area and porosity, the excellent colloidal stability provided may have various effects in many industrial areas. These advantages enable MWCNTs functionalized with the developed technique to have a wider range of applications in industrial applications and provide more efficient and sustainable solutions.

Ceric Ammonium Nitrate Oxidation of a MnII Complex Generates a Bis(μ-oxo)dimanganese(IV,IV) Product via a MnIV-Oxo Intermediate.

The oxidation of manganese complexes using ceric ammonium nitrate (CAN) is often complicated by the fact that cerium(IV) can serve as both an oxidant and a Lewis acid. In this work, we explore the reaction of CAN with the MnII complex [MnII(OTf)(DMMN4py)](OTf) (DMMN4py = N,N-bis(4-methoxy-3,5-dimethyl-2-pyridylmethyl)-N-bis(2-pyridyl)methylamine). We chose this complex as multiple oxidation products, including oxomanganese(IV) and bis(μ-oxo)dimanganese(III,IV) complexes, have previously been reported. We envisioned that knowledge of the spectral properties of these intermediates would aid in understanding the potential complexities of CAN oxidation reactions. The oxidation of [MnII(OTf)(DMMN4py)](OTf) with 2.0 equiv CAN in 9:1 (v/v) MeCN:H2O at 25 °C transiently forms the MnIV-oxo complex, but this species is formed in low yields and is unstable. The MnIV-oxo complex evolves to a new intermediate that had not been previously observed. At lower temperatures, the formation of this new intermediate is preceded by formation of the previously reported bis(μ-oxo)dimanganese(III,IV) complex. EPR and X-ray absorption experiments for the new intermediate provide strong evidence for its formulation as [MnIVMnIV(μ-O)2(DMMN4py)2]4+. This work establishes dinuclear MnIVMnIV species as products that must be considered in CAN oxidation reactions of MnII complexes and shows that both mononuclear MnIV-oxo and dinuclear MnIIIMnIV complexes can be intermediates in such reactions.

Tobacco stalk nanofibrillated cellulose: An eco-friendly binder on fluidized bed granulation

The search for new excipients that provide formulation alternatives over existing ones and that are derived from natural resources has advanced over the years. Emerging from this scenario, an important alternative to traditional excipients is nanofibrillated cellulose (NFC), which is generally obtained from agricultural wastes and is a cellulose-rich material. Most of the time, the nanofibers are presented in aqueous dispersions that form a highly entangled network of fibrous particles that exhibit gel-like behavior. Therefore, the present work aimed to explore the gel-like behavior of NFC from tobacco stalks to evaluate it as a binder in a fluid bed granulation process for further application as a pharmaceutical ingredient. The granulation process was carried out using top spray mode with an inlet air temperature of 80 °C, airflow between 9 and 11 mm3 h−1, and atomizing air pressure of 0.7 bar. Povidone (PVP) was used as a standard binder for comparison purposes. The binder systems were sprayed on the powder blend of theophylline and maltodextrin at a feed rate of 3.05 mL⋅min−1. Granule properties, such as yield, moisture content, morphology, label-free Raman imaging, particle size distribution, drug content, and flow properties, were evaluated. The process using NFC provided granules with excellent drug uniformity, low moisture content (<2 %), high yield (>92 %), and passable flow properties. Their behavior was comparable to that of granules prepared with the classical PVP binder system. Therefore, this study opens a perspective for the reuse of NFC from tobacco stalk, an agricultural waste, as an alternative binder for the granulation process, contributing to environmental sustainability.

13 C-MFA helps to identify metabolic bottlenecks for improving malic acid production in Myceliophthora thermophila

BackgroundMyceliophthora thermophila has been engineered as a significant cell factory for malic acid production, yet strategies to further enhance production remain unclear and lack rational guidance. 13C-MFA (13C metabolic flux analysis) offers a means to analyze cellular metabolic mechanisms and pinpoint critical nodes for improving product synthesis. Here, we employed 13C-MFA to investigate the metabolic flux distribution of a high-malic acid-producing strain of M. thermophila and attempted to decipher the crucial bottlenecks in the metabolic pathways.ResultsCompared with the wild-type strain, the high-Malic acid-producing strain M. thermophila JG207 exhibited greater glucose uptake and carbon dioxide evolution rates but lower oxygen uptake rates and biomass yields. Consistent with these phenotypes, the 13C-MFA results showed that JG207 displayed elevated flux through the EMP pathway and downstream TCA cycle, along with reduced oxidative phosphorylation flux, thereby providing more precursors and NADH for malic acid synthesis. Furthermore, based on the 13C-MFA results, we conducted oxygen-limited culture and nicotinamide nucleotide transhydrogenase (NNT) gene knockout experiments to increase the cytoplasmic NADH level, both of which were shown to be beneficial for malic acid accumulation.ConclusionsThis work elucidates and validates the key node for achieving high malic acid production in M. thermophila. We propose effective fermentation strategies and genetic modifications for enhancing malic acid production. These findings offer valuable guidance for the rational design of future cell factories aimed at improving malic acid yields.