Market Value Research Articles

Red rice (Oryza sativa L.) composition and its water interaction

Red rice (RR) is renowned for its exceptional nutritional properties and bioactive compounds. Preservation techniques can extend its shelf-life and enhance its market value. Understanding the relationship between the nutritional composition of RR and its water interaction is crucial for improving processing control, product quality and its culinary implications. This study evaluates the influence of RR composition and its water interaction. Nutritional composition was measured. A drying process was conducted to raise the drying critical processing points/periods using an incubator with airflow (1m/s) at 60°C. Empirical models were applied to assess the response of the biological material and ensure a good fit. The experiments and statistical analyses were conducted in triplicate. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was employed to evaluate the correlation between drying periods and the nutritional composition. Results revealed that the nutritional composition influenced the drying critical points/periods. The applied models adjusted well for 'MNA-PB-901', 'MNA-PB-902', and 'MNA-PB-405', while Page's model best fit the experimental data for 'CAQUI' and 'MARANHÃO'. PCA analysis indicated that carbohydrates and amylose impacted superficial water content. A positive correlation was observed between the ash content and "D" point, and crude Fibre and "E" point.

Renewable Energy Complementarity (RECom) maps – a comprehensive visualisation tool to support spatial diversification

Abstract. Maps showing the mean wind speed only give an inaccurate indication of the quality of locations for future wind power developments. Calculating the capacity factor and plotting that on a map gives a better indication of the expected mean power output, but the outcome depends on the turbine choice. In this article, we introduce a general step-by-step method for improved visualisation of potential wind power locations. First, the mentioned dependency on turbine choice is compensated for by putting the expected mean power output in relation to the expected mean power output of all other wind parks of the region. This relative capacity factor results in comprehensive wind resource maps and can be plotted for the situation today and also for a future scenario. Since the expected income of a potential wind park is the product of mean power output and mean market value, looking at the relative capacity factor only does not give the full picture. The mean market value is influenced by the merit order effect that is mainly driven by covariance with other wind parks and the capacity factor's relation to production at low-wind moments. A market value factor is introduced that captures the expected mean market value relative to other wind parks, based on a simplified power market model. Finally the Renewable Energy Complementarity (RECom) index is defined, combining the relative capacity factor and market value factor into a single index, resulting in RECom maps. This map can comprehensively show the revenue potential of different locations for potential future wind power developments.

The Exploring the Relationship between Financial Performance Indicators, ESG, and Stock Price Returns: A Rough Set-based Bipolar Approach

Using a Rough-Set-based approach, this study investigates the connection between financial performance, Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors, and stock returns. It analyzes data from various companies and industries to examine how ESG metrics interact with financial indicators to influence stock prices. Those findings underscore the importance of considering financial and ESG factors when evaluating a company's performance and market valuation. The Rough-Set-based bipolar model comprises eight decision rules, and the DEMATEL (Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory) analysis reveals the influence relationship among the core attributes. Furthermore, the ranking result, based on the bipolar model, is consistent with the market returns, which suggests the validity of this study.

Unlocking the dynamic linkages between sustainable equity investment and economic policy uncertainty: An empirical analysis for G‐20 countries

AbstractThe study examines the dynamic relationships between sustainable equity investment and economic policy uncertainty of G‐20 countries using monthly environmental, social, and governance (ESG) equity and economic policy uncertainty (EPU) indices. Using the autoregressive distributed lag model and nonlinear autoregressive distributed lag model models, the study finds a negative long‐run relationship between sustainable equity investments and economic policy uncertainties in Australia, Canada, the USA, Brazil, Mexico, Germany, Italy, and Japan. Investors in these G20 countries may perceive that companies with higher ESG performance are more likely to face regulatory scrutiny, legal action, or reputational damage if they are associated with high levels of economic policy uncertainties. As a result, ESG market indices may underperform when EPU is high and vice versa. It supports prospect theory and suggests that individuals are more sensitive to potential losses than gains. On the contrary, the relationship is positive in the case of the USA, Brazil, China, and to some extent India. This might be because firms with high ESG performance could manage risks better and seize opportunities associated with EPU, which helps ESG market indices to outperform when EPU is high. It is supported by the legitimacy theory that says to maintain the legitimacy and credibility of the company, the investment must be invested in ESG initiatives, which can lead to improved long‐term financial performance and market value.

A Study of Recent Trends in Online Green Marketing

The term "green" signifies innocence. Green symbolises purity of quality and fairness or justice in transactions. The promotion of environmentally friendly products is known as green marketing. Green marketing is also known as environmental marketing. It talks about how a company makes an effort to carefully prepare and promote products so as not to harm the environment. It is believed that everyone, whether a business or an individual, has an obligation to act in a socially conscious manner. Businesses are embracing green advertising as a new weapon for corporate social responsibility (CSR) and as a social endeavour. Companies are developing tools to protect the environment and building their brand as eco-friendly companies. Additionally, the study looks at India's green marketing techniques and offers a summary of the justification for its use by companies and look at the challenges associated with green marketing. This essay will discuss the value of green marketing to customers and the environment, break it down into its constituent parts, and conclude that green marketing is a strategy that will only become more and more popular as a means of protecting the environment for future generations.

The Impact of Customer Perceived Value in the Contemporary Art Distribution Chain

Objective: The objective of this study is to investigate the role of customer-perceived value in the contemporary art distribution chain and its impact on value co-creation behavior, with the aim of how customer-perceived value affects the transaction and market value of artworks from creation to final sale.   Theoretical Framework: In this topic, the main concepts and theories that underpin the research are presented. Customer Perceived Value Theory, Value Co-Creation Behavior, Consumer Purchase Decision Theory, and factors influencing Customer Value Judgments stand out, providing a solid basis for understanding the context of the investigation.   Method: The methodology adopted for this research involves a qualitative research approach, focusing on the exploration of customer perceived value in various aspects of art distribution and the mechanisms influencing value co-creation behaviors. The study selected ten industry insiders, including six primary market practitioners and four young artists. Through in-depth interviews, key information was summarized to clarify the mediating role of customers' perceived value in value co-creation behaviors and artwork prices. This qualitative method allows for a deeper understanding of the specific context of the contemporary art market, generating rich qualitative data to comprehend and explain the mediating role of customer perceived value. Its flexibility and adaptability enable the adjustment of research direction and focus based on findings, thus responding to the art market and investment strategies' variability.   Results and Discussion: The results obtained revealed that customer perceived value plays a crucial role in every segment of the contemporary art market's circulation, from the artist's creation to the final sale and collection of the artwork. The act of collecting and holding artworks by collectors is an acknowledgment of the art's value, reflecting the positive impact of customer perceived value on value co-creation behavior. The study also indicates that customer perceived value is continuously enhanced through the process of value co-creation, thereby positively affecting customer value co-creation behavior. As more people recognize an artwork, its value correspondingly increases, suggesting that customer value co-creation behavior has a positive impact on the price of artwork, with customer perceived value serving as a mediating role. Furthermore, the possession of artworks by collectors with refined aesthetics and relative professionalism is itself a form of value co-creation behavior, enhancing public recognition of the artwork's value. When value co-creativity improves customer perceived value and promotes the artwork's appreciation, this behavior also positively influences value co-creativity. These conclusions unveil the interconnectedness between customer perceived value, value co-creation behavior, and market dynamics, providing insights into how contemporary artworks gain recognition and value through collective appreciation and engagement.In the discussion section, these results are contextualized in light of the theoretical framework, highlighting the implications and relationships identified. Possible discrepancies and limitations of the study are also considered in this section.   Research Implications: The practical and theoretical implications of this research are discussed, providing insights into how the results can be applied or influence practices in the field of contemporary art market and art valuation. These implications could encompass art market dynamics, artist and gallery practices, art investment strategies, and collector behavior.   Originality/Value: This study contributes to the literature by exploring the intricate relationship between customer perceived value, value co-creation behavior, and their impacts on art market pricing and art collection value through a qualitative approach. It offers a unique perspective on how digitalization and globalization are reshaping the contemporary art market, highlighting the dynamic interplay between these factors. The relevance and value of this research are evidenced by providing actionable insights for artists, galleries, and collectors on leveraging customer perceived value and co-creation practices to enhance the economic and cultural value of artworks. Additionally, it offers a framework for understanding the evolving dynamics of the art market, potentially guiding future policies and strategies in art management and valuation.

Differential QTL underlie wheat grain physical quality when measured using image‐based versus traditional laboratory methods

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe marketing value of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is determined, in parts, by the grain's physical characteristics as they directly or indirectly influence milling performance and baking quality. These characteristics have been measured manually in the past, but now, digital image analysis (DIA) is increasingly being used to replace the slow phenotyping system. Here, we asked whether this could lead to the identification of the same or different genes, when compared to the traditional phenotyping methods.RESULTSWe measured grain physical quality on 142 wheat doubled haploids grown in the field over two years and using quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping approach we found that (1) for wheat grain weight, the use of DIA provided genetic information that mostly conformed to those obtained using the traditional phenotyping methods, with heritability estimates that were identical across both methods. Majority of the QTL detected were consistent between the traditional versus digital phenotyping methods; (2) a more complex architecture, however, arose from QTL analyses of hectolitre weight (HLW) and percentage of shrivelled grains (SCR). The estimates for heritability varied by as much as 0.24 across methods and more significantly, many of the detected QTL for both traits were method‐specific; (3) though method‐specific, identified QTL mapped to genomic regions known to harbour genes for grain physical traits.CONCLUSIONSTGW is robust to phenotyping method, but a different genetic system underlie HLW and SCR, when these were measured using traditional versus digital image analysis. For these traits, heritability estimates were larger when phenotyped using traditional methods relative to digital image analysis, suggesting that further refinements are required to better correlate digital image analysis with the traditional phenotyping methods.This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Farmer Application

The aim of the program is to provide a platform for farmers to rent modern agricultural machinery and equipment as well as rent storage space for crops. The app will also connect to government servers to track data on crops, fertilizer use and government funds. Records of machinery and equipment will be kept along with details of the crop stored. In India, agriculture is the main source of income for the majority of the population. However, many farmers are not aware of advances in agricultural technology and cannot understand the market value of their products. That's why they often sell products at very low prices. In addition, they also try to follow the government's agricultural plans and reports. To solve these problems, our initiative will create a platform where farmers can get the latest information on vegetables and fruits in every market in India. This will help them sell their products at reasonable prices and improve their financial situation. Additionally, farmers will also receive notifications regarding government agricultural programs and in-app notifications to benefit from these programs. Additionally, our application will help farmers prepare the required products by estimating the amount of vegetables and fruits according to the market. We will also include weather data to support farmers' planning for the next 2-3 days. Overall, our programs focus on providing farmers with new knowledge and technology that will improve their livelihoods and increase their productivity

Climate change disclosure and firm value in a frontier market: Exploring the determinants

AbstractWe examine the factors that influence climate change disclosure and its effects on firm value in the context of Sri Lanka. By leveraging data spanning 1031 firm‐year observations from 2017 to 2022, an innovative machine‐learning technique is employed to quantify the level of climate change disclosure within annual corporate reports. Our findings indicate that factors such as firm size, size of the board of directors, the presence of independent and non‐executive directors on the board, and gender diversity of the board positively impact the extent of climate change disclosure. Notably, CEO duality, where the CEO and chairman roles are held by the same individual, demonstrates a negative relationship with climate change disclosure, suggesting that distinct roles can enhance transparency. This underscores the significant role of robust corporate governance practices in promoting environmental transparency and accountability. Additionally, the paper further assesses the implications of climate change disclosure on firm value, revealing that enhanced transparency in climate change disclosure positively impacts firm value.

Characterization and pathogenicity of Colletotrichum camelliae causing brown blight disease of tea (Camellia sinensis) in Malaysia

Tea (Camellia sinensis (L.) Kuntze) is a dicotyledonous woody shrub species widely cultivated to produce a beverage made from its leaves. Brown blight is a destructive foliar fungal disease that reduces tea production and degrades quality, resulting in lower market value. Typical brown blight symptoms observed in three commercial tea plantations in Malaysia were characterized as brownish to black lesions on young leaves. The lesions expanded with age, becoming darker and developing into necrotic cells. A total of 45 fungal isolates were isolated from brown blighted tea leaves and identified as Colletotrichum camelliae. Morphological characteristics coupled with universal spacer region and multigene phylogenetic relationships using the internal transcribed spacer (ITS), β-tubulin (tub2) and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (gapdh) were used to accurately identify fungal isolates. The results of the pathogenicity test revealed that C. camelliae was responsible for causing brown blight disease of tea. This study highlights the occurrence of C. camelliae which causes tea brown blight in Malaysia. These findings may assist in disease monitoring, strict quarantine and effective control management of diseased tea plants.

CAPITAL EXPENDITURE DECISIONS AND MARKET VALUE OF QUOTED FOOD AND BEVERAGES FIRMS IN NIGERIA

This study examined the relationship between capital expenditure decisions and market value of quoted food and beverages manufacturing firms in Nigeria. Secondary data obtained from 22 quoted food and beverage manufacturing firms from 2012 - 2022 obtained from the Nigerian Exchange Fact book and annual reports of the quoted food and beverage manufacturing firms.  The study modeled market value as the dependent variables while capital expenditure decision was proxy using firms’ capital expenditure decision on equipment, buildings, human, maintenance, expansion and sustenance. Panel data methodology was employed while the fixed effects model was used as estimation technique at 5% level of significance. Fixed effects, random effects and pooled estimates were tested while the Hausman test was used to determine the best fit. The result show that the proxies of capital expenditure decision explained 94.4 percent variation in market value of quoted food and beverages manufacturing firms in Nigeria. The beta coefficient indicates that firms’ capital expenditure on sustenance contribute 0.97 percent, capital expenditure on expansion reduces market value by 0.006 percent, capital expenditure on plant leads to 8.9 percent increase in firms’ value, capital expenditure on human capital contributes 0.02 percent and capital expenditure on equipment reduced valuation of the firm by 0.01 percent. The model was judge significant based on f-statistic and probability value while the Durbin Watson found no autocorrelation among the variables.  The study conclude that capital expenditure decision have significant effect on market value of quoted food and beverage manufacturing firms in Nigeria. We recommend that policies such as optimization of capital investment decision to increase value of the quoted firms.
 Keywords:  Capital Expenditure Decisions, Valuation, Food and Beverage Manufacturing, Nigeria Firm Value Optimization.

A Feasibility Analysis of Energy Retrofit Initiatives Aimed at the Existing Property Assets Decarbonisation

In light of the growing demand for sustainability in the construction sector and real estate market, the European Community (EC) has recently begun incentivizing renovations of private and public European buildings. This aligns with the EC’s aim to reduce harmful emissions by 55% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels, and to achieve complete decarbonization of buildings, i.e., zero harmful emissions in this sector, by 2050. Given this framework, this study aims to verify the financial viability associated with the construction of “green” buildings, as well as the associated monetary benefits related to the efficient nature of these buildings and the resulting reduction in energy consumption. Lastly, an investigation is conducted to determine the economic feasibility of energy retrofit initiatives on existing building assets by comparing the required costs to retrofit against the potential increase in market value of a retrofitted residential unit. Along with assessing the undisputed environmental advantages for the community and all building users, this research aims to assess the financial and economic feasibility of sustainable construction initiatives, providing insight into how best to pursue the EC’s aims.

Performance Analysis of Multi-Point Incremental Forming Tool using Martensitic AISI 420 Sheet Metals

Incremental Sheet metal Forming (ISF) Process is a suitable process which helps to produce various parts used in automotive sector by rapid prototyping. This method of producing a prototype helps industry in reducing the production cost. In ISF process, a final product is evolved through local deformation of the sheet metal made by the tool. Usually better formability is obtained when the tool makes a better contact with the sheet metal throughout the process. Improved formability elevates dimensional accuracy of the product, thus increases the market value of the product. A new tool with multiple ball ends capable of making multiple mating points over sheet metal was used in this research to enhance the efficiency of formability and surface finish. Ability of the new Multi-Point Incremental Forming Tool (MPIF) was investigated and compared to the existing Single Point Forming Tool (SPIF) based on the formability and surface finish. Forming Limit Diagram (FLD), Strain Distribution (SD) and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) were used to examine the formability of the sheet metal. The SEM & 3D-Surface roughness profilometer were used to observe the sheet metals surface finish. In addition to these experimental techniques a simulation results were also used to predict the stress and strain rate during forming process. The experimentation and simulation outcome shows that the MPIF provides superior formability and surface finish.

Wet Aging USDA Select Beef Strip Steaks: Implications on Consumer Acceptability, Demand, and Product Selection

The objective of this study was to determine if wet aging increases the value and demand for lower-quality USDA-grade beef steaks. USDA Select boneless beef loins (NAMP #180) were dorsally divided into 4 equal portions, which were randomized to receive 0, 7, 14, or 21 d of wet aging. A total of twenty 2.5-cm-thick steaks from each aging time (n = 20 steaks per aging treatment) were cooked to an internal temperature of 71°C, cubed, and served to a consumer panel (N = 126), which evaluated acceptability using a 9-point hedonic scale with 1 and 9 representing “dislike extremely” and “like extremely,” respectively. Immediately after the panel, a elicitation mechanism auction method was used to obtain independent consumer willingness to pay for each aging time. Consumers were separated into 6 clusters based on overall acceptability ratings. Cluster 1 (n = 24) preferred steaks that were aged for 0 and 21 d (P ≤ 0.014). Cluster 2 (n = 50) liked all treatments moderately but liked steaks aged for 7, 14, and 21 d more than 0-d aged steaks (P ≤ 0.018); Cluster 3 (n = 20) preferred 0-d steaks over 7-d steaks and 7-d steaks over 14-d and 21-d aged steaks (P ≤ 0.044). Cluster 4 preferred 7-d and 21-d aged, and Cluster 6 preferred 14-d and 21-d aged steaks. Demand analysis indicated that 0, 7, and 21 d of aging would sell 5.29, 5.34, and 6.94 more units (0.454 kg) (P < 0.001) than steaks aged for 14-d holding price constant at the current market value of $14/0.454 kg. Overall, results indicated that wet aging for 14-d was not sufficient to provide the flavor and tenderness improvements that were apparent after 21 d of aging. Under optimal pricing and various cost scenarios, 21 d of aging was the most profitable single product offering only if daily production costs were sufficiently low.

Corporate Governance Mechanisms and Financial Performance: An Analysis of Listed Companies in Brazil

Purpose: The aim of the study was to investigate the corporate governance mechanisms and financial performance: an analysis of listed companies in Brazil.
 Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries.
 Findings: The analysis of listed companies in Brazil found that strong corporate governance practices are associated with improved financial performance. Factors such as board independence, transparency, and shareholder rights positively influence profitability, liquidity, and market valuation. This highlights the vital role of effective corporate governance mechanisms in fostering investor confidence and driving sustainable financial success in Brazil.
 Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Agency theory, stakeholder theory & resource dependency theory may be used to anchor future studies on the corporate governance mechanisms and financial performance: an analysis of listed companies in Brazil. By emphasizing the pivotal role of board independence, transparency, and shareholder engagement, the study provides tangible guidance on governance practices that can be effectively implemented to bolster financial performance. Policymakers tasked with overseeing the corporate governance landscape in Brazil

Towards social life cycle assessment of food delivery: findings from the Italian case study

Abstract Purpose The growth of global food delivery (FD), which could reach a market value of 1510 billion dollars by 2027, could raise significant sustainability concerns, especially in terms of the social impact related to the expansion of the gig economy. This study, therefore, aims to analyze the social sustainability of the FD, taking Italy as a case study. The results could be a baseline to suggest practices that could promote a more socially responsible FD sector. Methods Social life cycle assessment (S-LCA) was used, following the guidelines of the Product Social Impact Life Cycle Assessment (PSILCA) and considering four categories of stakeholders (workers, value chain actors, society, and local community), 11 risk categories, and 13 subcategories, mainly based on both the availability of data and their adherence to the objectives of the study and FD. Results and discussion The main risks are associated with low wages, improper working hours, high accidentality, and approximation in food handling. Specifically, the wages of riders, 23% of whom are migrants, are just 14% above the poverty line in Italy and 67% below the median income. With 30-h work weeks, moreover, riders may face high risks of economic vulnerability. Stressful working conditions and the absence of mandatory protective equipment have resulted in 17 fatalities × 100,000 workers and 25 accidents × 1000 workers, which could generate a medium risk that violations of labor laws will occur. All this is also due to the low unionization in the Italian FD. Finally, results also show a flaw in food safety, as riders are not required to have HACCP and ATP attestation. Conclusions Italian legislation and the business models of FD companies are still shown to be insufficient to guarantee the fairness of protections for riders, which are substantiated by low wages, high accident rates, poor union rights, and improper working hours. In addition, doubts are raised about the hygiene of containers carrying food during transport, as they could induce a potential microbiological health risk for consumers, especially related to food handling during transport.

Introducing Copi as a Positive Path Toward Combatting Invasive Carps in North America

A group of loosely related, large‐bodied fishes collectively called carps have had a complex relationship with North Americans. Despite lessons learned about invasive Common Carp Cyprinus carpio in the early 1900s, Bighead Carp Hypophthalmichthys nobilis, Black Carp Mylopharyngodon piceus, Grass Carp Ctenopharyngodon idella, and Silver Carp H. molitrix were introduced to the United States more than 50 years ago and are expanding throughout the Mississippi River basin. Increased economic value in the North American seafood market could aid management. Complete eradication through harvest is unlikely, but controlling densities and containing dispersal may be possible. Improving perceptions of nutrition, palatability, and safety of wild‐caught carps should increase consumer demand. A branding and marketing effort launched in June 2022 renamed the foodstuff produced from the four species as the trademarked brand Copi. The “Choose Copi: Eat Well. Do Good.” campaign allows consumers to know that these fishes are an environmentally sound and responsible alternative to other seafood choices. The Copi brand has gained interest nationwide, with food processors and distributors engaged, although the contribution of Copi to harvest removal from rivers and resulting population dynamics is yet to be quantified. Developing a regional fishing industry for Copi, while also aiding fisheries and aquaculture for native species, remains an economic and logistical challenge within the vast river network.

Revolutionizing Banking: The Path to an AI-driven Future with a Special Reference to Union Bank

Banking stands at a transformative crossroads, propelled by technological disruption, shifting consumer dynamics, and the catalytic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. This research charts the course for a new era in banking business models, introducing a paradigm shift known as 'the AI bank of the future.' Grounded in the advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, this model offers traditional banks the potential to elevate revenue while reducing costs, ushering in innovative customer engagement approaches. In response to multifaceted challenges, including market valuations, competitive threats from neobanks, and changing customer expectations, traditional banks are urged to become 'AI-first' in strategy and operations. This involves leveraging economies of scale through efficient AI deployment to enhance customer engagement with distinctive experiences and superior value propositions. The research meticulously explores the building blocks of an AI bank, delving into four critical layers: engagement, AI-powered decision-making, core technology, and data infrastructure, and a platform-based operating model. Through a series of articles, the study examines trends, challenges, and requirements for each layer, offering an end-to-end view of the capabilities essential for the AI bank of the future. The articles cover topics ranging from the challenges leading banks to adopt an AI-first approach, a day in the life of a consumer transacting with an AI bank, reimagining customer engagement, to AI-powered decision-making and the modernization of core technology. The final piece discusses the necessity of a platform operating model, emphasizing the deployment of AI and analytics capabilities at scale through cross-functional business-technology platforms. To embark on this transformative journey, bank leaders are advised to formulate strategic goals for the AI-enabled digital age, establish an AI-first vision, and strategically modernize enterprise technology. The research underscores the importance of assessing emerging technologies, prioritizing initiatives aligned with customer needs, and considering partnerships for non-differentiating capabilities while focusing on in-house development for distinct competitive advantages. In conclusion, building the AI bank of the future is envisioned as a pathway to innovation, competitive prowess against digital natives, and sustainable increases in profits and valuations. The research serves as a guiding compass, assisting banks in establishing their vision and crafting a strategic roadmap for this transformative journey into the AI-driven future of banking.

Single‐Atom Titanium on Mesoporous Nitrogen, Oxygen‐Doped Carbon for Efficient Photo‐thermal Catalytic CO2 Cycloaddition by a Radical Mechanism

Developing efficient and earth‐abundant catalysts for CO2 fixation to high value‐added chemicals is meaningful but challenging. Styrene carbonate has great market value, but the cycloaddition of CO2 to styrene oxide is difficult due to the high steric hindrance and weak electron‐withdrawing ability of the phenyl group. To utilize clean energy (such as optical energy) directly and effectively for CO2 value‐added process, we introduce earth‐abundant Ti single‐atom into the mesoporous nitrogen, oxygen‐doped carbon nanosheets (Ti‐CNO) by a two‐step method. The Ti‐CNO exhibits excellent photothermal catalytic activities and stability for cycloaddition of CO2 and styrene oxide to styrene carbonate. Under light irradiation and ambient pressure, an optimal Ti‐CNO produces styrene carbonate with a yield of 98.3%, much higher than CN (27.1%). In addition, it shows remarkable stability during 10 consecutive cycles. Its enhanced catalytic performance stems from the enhanced photothermal effect and improved Lewis acidic/basic sites exposed by the abundant mesopores. The experiments and theoretical simulations demonstrate the styrene oxide•+ and CO2•‐ radicals generated at the Lewis acidic (Tiδ+) and basic sites of Ti‐CNO under light irradiation, respectively. This work furnishes a strategy for synthesizing advanced single‐atom catalysts for photo‐thermal synergistic CO2 fixation to high value products via a cycloaddition pathway.

Low Diversity and High Genetic Structure for Platonia insignis Mart., an Endangered Fruit Tree Species.

Platonia insignis is a fruit tree native to Brazil of increasing economic importance, with its pulp trading among the highest market values. This study aimed to evaluate the structure and genomic diversity of P. insignis (bacurizeiro) accessions from six locations in the Brazilian States of Roraima, Amazonas, Pará (Amazon biome), and Maranhão (Cerrado biome). A total of 2031 SNP markers were obtained using genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS), from which 625 outlier SNPs were identified. High genetic structure was observed, with most of the genetic variability (59%) concentrated among locations, mainly between biomes (Amazon and Cerrado). A positive and significant correlation (r = 0.85; p < 0.005) was detected between genetic and geographic distances, indicating isolation by distance. The highest genetic diversity was observed for the location in the Cerrado biome (HE = 0.1746; HO = 0.2078). The locations in the Amazon biome showed low genetic diversity indexes with significant levels of inbreeding. The advance of urban areas, events of burning, and expansion of agricultural activities are most probably the main factors for the genetic diversity reduction of P. insignis. Approaches to functional analysis showed that most of the outlier loci found may be related to genes involved in cellular and metabolic processes.