Moderate Content Research Articles

Isolation, Characterization, and Proteomic Analysis of Crude and Purified Extracellular Vesicles Extracted from Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) produced by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense (Foc) play vital roles in plant–pathogen interactions; however, the isolation of purified Foc TR4-EVs and their pathogenicity and proteomic profiles are not well studied. This study aims to isolate and characterize purified Foc TR4-EVs and compare their pathogenic effects and protein profiles with crude TR4-EVs. Foc TR4-EVs were isolated using ultracentrifugation and purified by iodixanol gradient centrifugation. After characterization and evaluation of the pathogenicity effects on banana leaves, LC-MS/MS was performed to conduct the proteomics assay. Results indicated that Fraction 2 EVs exhibited clearer spherical structures (TEM), excessive abundance (1.70 × 109 particles/mL), greater intensity (400 a.u), mean size (154.5 nm), moderate protein content (333.16 ng/µL), and protein profile (25–77 kDa), which were superior to Fractions 1, 3, and crude EVs. Crude EVs displayed significant background interference with EV structures (TEM), highest abundance (2.11 × 109 particles/mL), lower intensity (7.0 a.u), higher protein content (528.33 ng/µL), and higher molecular weight proteins (55–70 kDa) compared to gradient EVs. A non-significant biocontrol effect of Foc-EVs on the growth of TR4 spores was observed. Pathogenicity assays revealed that crude EVs caused the largest (2.805 cm2), while Fraction 2 (1.386 cm2) and Fraction 3 (1.255 cm2) resulted in moderate lesions on banana leaves. Proteomic analysis identified 807 unique proteins in Fraction 2, enriched in pathways related to EV trafficking and signaling. In comparison, crude EVs contained 179 unique non-EV proteins related to metabolism and secondary metabolites, indicating that non-EV proteins of crude EVs also influence the pathogenicity observed in banana leaves. This study emphasizes the importance of EV purification, with Fraction 2 being a critical focus for future research on Foc EV pathogenicity.

Insights into the Genomic Background of Nine Common Chinese Medicinal Plants by Flow Cytometry and Genome Survey

Medicinal plants have long played a crucial role in healthcare systems, but limited genomic information on these species has impeded the integration of modern biological technologies into medicinal plant research. In this study, we selected nine common medicinal plants, each belonging to a different plant family, including Sarcandra glabra (Chloranthaceae), Nekemias grossedentata (Vitaceae), Uraria crinita (Fabaceae), Gynostemma pentaphyllum (Cucurbitaceae), Reynoutria japonica (Polygonaceae), Pseudostellaria heterophylla (Caryophyllaceae), Morinda officinalis (Rubiaceae), Vitex rotundifolia (Lamiaceae), and Gynura formosana (Asteraceae), to estimate their genome sizes and conduct preliminary genomic surveys. The estimated genome sizes by flow cytometry were 3.66 Gb, 0.65 Gb, 0.58 Gb, 1.02 Gb, 3.96 Gb, 2.99 Gb, 0.43 Gb, 0.78 Gb, and 7.27 Gb, respectively. The genome sizes of M. officinalis, R. japonica, and G. pentaphyllum have been previously reported. Comparative analyses suggest that variations in genome size may arise due to differences in measurement methods and sample sources. Therefore, employing multiple approaches to assess genome size is necessary to provide more reliable information for further genomic research. Based on the genome survey, species with considerable genome size variation or polyploidy, such as G. pentaphyllum, should undergo a ploidy analysis in conjunction with population genomics studies to elucidate the development of the diversified genome size. Additionally, a genome survey of U. crinita, a medicinal plant with a relatively small genome size (509.08 Mb) and of considerable interest in southern China, revealed a low heterozygosity rate (0.382%) and moderate repeat content (51.24%). Given the limited research costs, this species represents a suitable candidate for further genomic studies on Leguminous medicinal plants characteristic of southern China. This foundational genomic information will serve as a critical reference for the sustainable development and utilization of these medicinal plants.

Enhancing Mid-Term Strength and Microstructure of Fly Ash–Cement Paste Backfill with Silica Fume for Continuous Mining and Backfilling Operations

Fly ash–cement composite backfill slurry, prepared by partially replacing cement with fly ash, has been demonstrated to effectively reduce the mine backfill costs and carbon emissions associated with cement production. However, the use of fly ash often results in insufficient early and medium-term strength of the backfill material. To address the demand for high medium-term strength in backfill materials under continuous mining and backfilling conditions, this study developed a silica fume–fly ash–cement composite backfill slurry. The effects of varying silica fume contents on the slurry’s flowability, uniaxial compressive strength, microstructure, and pore characteristics were systematically investigated. The results showed that increasing the silica fume content significantly reduced the slurry’s flowability. However, at a silica fume content of 5%, the slurry achieved optimal medium-term strength, with a 14-day uniaxial compressive strength of 3.98 MPa, representing a 25% improvement compared to the control group. A microstructural analysis revealed that a moderate silica fume content promoted the formation of calcium silicate hydrate gel, filled micropores, and optimized the pore structure, thereby enhancing the overall strength and durability of the material. Conversely, an excessive silica fume content above 5% led to a marked decrease in both flowability and strength. Based on a comprehensive evaluation of silica fume’s effects on the flowability, strength, and microstructure, the optimal silica fume content was determined to be 5%. This study provides a theoretical basis and practical guidance for improving the efficiency of continuous mining and backfilling operations, and for designing high-performance backfill materials suitable for continuous mining and filling conditions.

Proximate Analysis of Lemongrass Powder (Cymbopogon citratus)

Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus), a widely utilized aromatic herb, holds significant potential as a nutritional and functional food ingredient. This study evaluates the proximate composition of lemongrass powder to determine its key nutritional components, including moisture, ash, crude protein, crude fat, crude fibre, and carbohydrates. The results reveal a low moisture content (6.5 ± 0.2%), indicative of prolonged shelf life, and moderate ash content (4.3 ± 0.1%), suggesting a rich mineral profile. The crude protein (8.2 ± 0.3%) and fat (3.1 ± 0.2%) contents highlight its modest contribution to dietary protein and low-fat applications. Notably, the high crude fibre (16.7 ± 0.4%) and carbohydrate (61.2 ± 0.5%) levels underline its suitability as a dietary fibre source and energy provider. These findings support lemongrass powder's utility in food formulations and nutraceuticals, emphasizing its potential health benefits and multifunctionality. Further research on its bioactive compounds and antioxidant properties is recommended to expand its applications.

Waste wood tar based porous carbon electrodes for supercapacitors with excellent performances through condensation cross-linking modification

Wood tar is an unavoidable by-product during a slow-pyrolysis process of biomass, which is usually discarded as a waste and results in environment pollution. Recently, wood tar has been used as a starting material for carbon electrodes because of its thermoplasticity and high carbon content. However, wood tar is mainly composed of various light phenolic molecules, which usually leads to a low carbonization yield after carbonization and an inferior electrochemical performance after activation. In this work, in order to improve the carbonization rate and electrochemical performance of these materials, wood tar was first condensed and crosslinked with formaldehyde and urea via a condensation reaction to produce condensed macromolecular resins, which were then carbonized at 550°C and activated with KOH at 800°C to prepare high-performance nitrogen-doped carbon electrodes for supercapacitors. The samples possess high carbonization yield, large specific surface area (3515.1 m2g-1) and moderate nitrogen content (1.11%). The high-performance carbon electrodes fabricated by this method achieves a high capacitance of 437.8Fg-1 (6M KOH electrolyte) at 1A/g-1. The assembled supercapacitor has an energy density of 13.41Whkg-1 at a power density of 124.93Wkg-1. And the capacitance retention was essentially 100% after 10000 cycles at 5Ag-1. The study presents an innovative strategy for the production of porous carbon for supercapacitors using wood tar and improves carbonization yield via condensation cross-linking modification.

Improved thermoelectric performance in wide temperature range of flexible moderately Ag-doped Bi0.5Sb1.5Te3 films

Motivated by previous investigations on Ag-doped Bi0.5Sb1.5Te3 films deposited on various kinds of substrates, we introduced the Ag doping of moderate content into flexible Bi0.5Sb1.5Te3 films through magnetron co-sputtering. The Ag doping level was found to have significant influence on the film microstructure and orientation. The remarkedly increased carrier concentration suppresses the bipolar conduction, contributing to superior thermoelectric performance in a wide temperature range from 300 K to 580 K. As a result, the 3.5 % Ag-doped Bi0.5Sb1.5Te3 film reveals the highest PF value of 1373 μWm-1 K-2 at 480 K, as well as the best average PF of 1290 μWm-1 K-2 within 300-580 K, which are competitive among the flexible BiSbTe-based thin films.

Unveiling the ecological dominance of button mangrove (Conocarpus erectus L.) through microstructural and functional traits modifications across heterogenic environmental conditions

BackgroundThe button mangrove (Conocarpus erectus L.) is regarded as a peripheral species within mangrove communities. This particular species has the ability to thrive in regions that are arid or semiarid, where there is limited availability of nutrients. This study provides evidence of the ecological dominance of Conocarpus erectus across various habitats, highlighting its adaptability and success throughout the country of Pakistan. We collected twelve populations from four distinct ecological regions, including artificial forest plantations, agricultural fields, roadsides, and wastelands, offering a comprehensive assessment of C. erectus adaptability across diverse environmental contexts.ResultsForest plantation populations exhibited impressive shoot growth and moderate root lengths, with plants generally tall and well-weighted. Physiologically, they had moderate chlorophyll content and low carotenoid levels, with a balanced chlorophyll a/b ratio, indicating stable photosynthetic activity. Anatomically, these populations had thicker epidermal and cortical root layers but smaller vascular bundles and phloem regions. Stem and leaf structures were generally moderate in size, with thicker midribs and cortical layers in the leaves. Agricultural field populations showed robust shoot and root systems with balanced fresh and dry biomass. They exhibited high chlorophyll and carotenoid levels, indicating strong photosynthetic capacity. Root and stem anatomy revealed larger root areas, thicker cortex, and wide vascular bundles, reflecting enhanced structural development. Leaves from these populations had moderate midrib and cortical thickness, with larger stomatal areas, promoting efficient gas exchange. Roadside populations displayed deeper roots and reduced biomass production. These populations adapted to environmental stress through leaf expansion, with high leaf numbers and areas. Physiologically, populations had high chlorophyll content, with a high chlorophyll a/b ratio. Root and stem anatomy showed compact structures with smaller vascular bundles, indicating adaptation to harsher conditions. Leaf anatomy was moderate, with smaller vascular bundles and reduced water transport capacity. Wasteland populations exhibited poor growth and high shoot biomass despite small leaves. Physiologically, these populations had the highest total soluble protein and proline contents, reflecting stress adaptation. Anatomically, root and stem structures were variable, with some populations showing reduced cortical cell areas and smaller vascular bundles, indicating limited resource transport. Leaf structures had thicker lamina, thinner epidermal layers, and lower stomatal densities, reflecting adaptation to nutrient-poor soils.ConclusionThis study reveals the adaptability and thriving potential of Conocarpus erectus across varied habitats, providing key insights into its resilience and survival strategies. Understanding these adaptive traits can support habitat restoration, conservation planning, and improve species management in diverse environmental conditions, especially in response to climate change and habitat degradation.

Efisiensi Waktu Fermentasi dan Variasi Brix terhadap Hasil Akhir Kadar dan Volume Bioetanol pada Limbah gula (Molasses)

ABSTRACT The use of fossil fuels in everyday life is increasing. Fossil fuels that come from elements of living things that have been buried for thousands or even millions of years are non-renewable or non-renewable, so the more use of fossil fuels the longer the time will run out. Therefore, bioethanol can act as a substitute or alternative energy to reduce the use of fossil fuels. Bioethanol is a liquid resulting from sugar fermentation from a carbohydrate source (cellulose) using microbes. The purpose of this study was to determine the efficiency of fermentation time on the final yield of bioethanol content and volume from bagasse (molasses) using various Brix values ​​of 14%, 15%, and 16% and the fermentation time used was 36 hours, 48 ​​hours, and 60 hours. From the variation of Brix value and fermentation time, 9 kinds of treatment were obtained with 3 repetitions so that the total sample was 27. The results of this study indicate that the fermentation time factor is the dominant factor in determining the volume of alcohol, and the Brix factor is the dominant factor in determining the concentration. The most optimal treatment to produce the highest volume of alcohol was the 14% Brix variation with a 36-hour fermentation time variation with an average bioethanol volume of 1145.3 mL, and the most optimal treatment to produce high alcohol content was 16% Brix variation with an average the moderate alcohol content is 84%. Keywords: bioethanol, molasses, Brix, time efficiency, fuel

Assessing Different Rice Genotypes Tolerance against the Major Pests and Identifying the Biochemical Basis of Tolerance

A total of 196 rice genotypes were screened for tolerance against paddy stem borer and leaf folder pests under open field conditions. Damage assessment followed the standard evaluation procedure for rice developed by IRRI (1988). Stem borer incidence was recorded during both the vegetative and reproductive stages while leaf folder incidence was recorded at five different growth stages (30, 40, 50, 60, and 70 days after transplanting). Interestingly, tolerance to paddy stem borer varied among the genotypes. Genotypes resistant at the Vegetative Stage did not show tolerance at the Reproductive Stage. Consequently, leaf folder infestation was recorded at five different growth stages, demonstrating that although the mean infestation was considered for identifying tolerance, the rate of infestation against an accession is not consistent across all growth stages. Additionally, biochemical analysis of the resistant entries, along with a susceptible check (TN1), revealed that higher total phenol concentrations, moderate chlorophyll content, and lower sugar levels were key factors contributing to pest tolerance. The correlation between infestation percentage and biochemical parameters showed a high positive correlation between total sugars and infestation percentage and a strong negative correlation between total phenols and infestation percentage, indicating that phenols play a role in plant defense.

Experimental study on mechanical properties of raw bamboo fibre-reinforced concrete

Bamboo is an eco-friendly renewable material with a high mechanical performance and short maturation period. The high tensile strength of the raw bamboo fibre is an essential factor for outstanding bamboo properties. In this study, to directly utilize the high tensile strength, the raw bamboo fibre was added to concrete as a reinforcing material. The influence of fibre dosage, length, and maximum aggregate size was systematically studied on the compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, flexural strength, and fracture energy from a macro perspective. In addition, through scanning electron microscopy (SEM), the interfacial bonding between the bamboo fibre and the concrete was further analyzed from a microscopic aspect. The results indicated that the raw bamboo fibre could effectively change the brittle failure mode of the plain concrete. A moderate fibre content, 20 mm fibre length, and 10 mm maximum aggregate size most notably improved the splitting tensile strength and fracture energy, with an increase of 19.8 % and 89.5 %, respectively. From the microscopic aspect, the rough surface structure was conducive to the adsorption of cement hydration products, and hence, improved the mechanical properties and deformation capacity of the raw bamboo fibre-reinforced concrete.

The Impact of Condensate Oil Content on Reservoir Performance in Retrograde Condensation: A Numerical Simulation Study

This study investigates the complex dynamics of retrograde condensation in condensate gas reservoirs, with a particular focus on the challenges posed by retrograde condensate pollution, which varies in condensate oil content and impacts on reservoir productivity. Numerical simulations quantify the distribution of condensate oil and the reduction in gas-phase relative permeability in reservoirs with 100.95 g/m3, 227.27 g/m3, and 893.33 g/m3 of condensate oil. Unlike previous studies, this research introduces an orthogonal experiment to establish a methodology for studying the dynamic sensitivity factors across different types of gas reservoirs and various development stages, systematically evaluating their contributions to condensate oil. The analysis reveals that reservoirs with low to moderate condensate oil content gradually experience expanding polluted regions, affecting long-term production. The maximum condensate saturation near the wellbore can reach 0.19, reducing gas-phase relative permeability by about 25.44%. In contrast, high-condensate oil reservoirs show severe early-stage retrograde condensation, with saturations up to 0.35 and a permeability damage rate reaching 73%. The orthogonal experiments identify reservoir permeability and condensate oil content as critical factors influencing production indicators. The findings provide key insights and practical recommendations for optimizing production strategies, emphasizing tailored approaches to mitigate retrograde condensation and enhance recovery, especially in high-condensate oil reservoirs, offering theoretical and practical guidance for improving reservoir management and economic returns.

Controllable Synthesis of Amino-Functionalized Silica Particles via Co-condensation of Tetraethoxysilane and (3-Aminopropyl)triethoxysilane.

Amino-functionalized silica has attracted a great deal of interest due to its high surface reactivity and potential for diverse applications across various fields. While the classical co-condensation method is commonly used to synthesize amino-functionalized silica particles, the mechanism of the reaction between (3-aminopropyl)triethoxysilane (APTES) and tetraethoxysilane under different conditions remains unclear, leading to unexpected self-nucleation or cross-linking between silica particles and consequently hindering rational control over the extent of functionalization. To address this issue, we systematically explored the co-condensation growth mechanism of amino-functionalized silica particles in the Stöber method by investigating the effects of APTES concentration and water content on the hydrolysis and condensation of silanes. The experimental results revealed that APTES could decrease the rate of hydrolysis/condensation, while the moderate water content promoted both the rate of hydrolysis/condensation and the overall quality of the silica particles. Consequently, we successfully demonstrated the rational synthesis of amino-functionalized silica particles with diameters ranging from 213 to 670 nm and a nitrogen content of ≤2.8 wt %. The relationship between the APTES concentration and particle properties exhibited a biphasic trend. At low APTES concentrations (≤2.0 mM), the particle size remained stable while the isoelectric point increased rapidly. Further increasing the APTES concentration from 2.0 to 100.0 mM induced a decrease in particle size due to APTES's inhibitory effect on silica growth, with nitrogen content continuing to increase even after the isoelectric point remained unchanged. These silica particles, featuring varying surface amino group densities, were utilized as matrices for loading Au nanoparticles. The resulting functionalized particles exhibited distinctive catalytic ability in the reduction of 4-nitroaniline, demonstrating significant potential for applications across various fields.

In Situ Crosslinked Biodegradable Hydrogels Based on Poly(Ethylene Glycol) and Poly(ε-Lysine) for Medical Application.

Hydrogels have emerged as promising biomaterials due to their excellent performance; however, their biocompatibility, biodegradability, and absorbability still require improvement to support a broader range of medical applications. This paper presents a new biofunctionalized hydrogel based on in situ crosslinking between maleimide-terminated four-arm-poly(ethylene glycol) (4-arm-PEG-Mal) and poly(ε-lysine) (ε-PL). The PEG/ε-PL hydrogels, named LG-n, were rapidly formed via amine/maleimide reaction by mixing 4-arm-PEG-Mal and ε-PL under physiological conditions. The corresponding dry gels (DLG-n) were obtained through a freeze-drying technique. 1H NMR, FT-IR, and SEM were utilized to confirm the structures of 4-arm-PEG-Mal and LG-n (or DLG-n), and the effects of solid content on the physicochemical properties of the hydrogels were investigated. Although high solid content could increase the swelling ratio, all LG-n samples exhibited a low equilibrium swelling ratio of less than 30%. LG-7, which contained moderate solid content, exhibited optimal compression properties characterized by a compressive fracture strength of 45.2 kPa and a deformation of 69.5%. Compression cycle tests revealed that LG-n demonstrated good anti-fatigue performance. In vitro degradation studies confirmed the biodegradability of LG-n, with the degradation rate primarily governing the drug (ceftibuten) release efficiency, leading to a sustained release duration of four weeks. Cytotoxicity tests, cell survival morphology observation, live/dead assays, and hemolysis tests indicated that LG-n exhibited excellent cytocompatibility and low hemolysis rates (<5%). Furthermore, the broad-spectrum antibacterial activity of LG-n was verified by an inhibition zone method. In conclusion, the developed LG-n hydrogels hold promising applications in the medical field, particularly as drug sustained-release carriers and wound dressings.

Kyanite-muscovite-dumortierite vein mineralization mechanisms from advanced microstructural analysis using EBSD

Abstract Dumortierite, an aluminous borosilicate mineral, is relatively rare in Earth’s crust, but it is the second most abundant aluminous borosilicate after tourmaline. Boron is an element with many uses in modern societies worldwide, from health products to wind turbine blades for clean energy, but of limited availability and at future risk of supply. Only a limited number of studies have been published on dumortierite mineralization processes and the factors that control its abundance and distribution remain poorly understood. Here we present the first comprehensive electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) study of dumortierite mineralization mechanisms in kyanite-muscovite-dumortierite veins occurring in the metapelites of the Amgaon Gneiss Supracrustals, in the Girola hill area, Sakoli region, Central India. Advanced microstructural and chemical analyses show that mixed-mode brittle-viscous deformation in kyanite, by fracturing and easy glide on (100) [001] slip system, facilitates fluid-rock interactions with reactive hydrothermal fluids rich in B, F, and K and containing Na, Ti, Mg, Fe and Pt. These interactions cause the dissolution of kyanite along fracture and cleavage surfaces and the precipitation of muscovite (F = 0.32 wt %) and topaz (F = 16.48 wt %). The motion of ripplocation defects in muscovite facilitates fluid migration along cleavage surfaces and crystallisation of dumortierite needles within these surfaces. Fluid flux removes silica in solution from the system, so reactions may continue. The observed mineral assemblage, the microstructural signature of kyanite and muscovite, the moderate fluorine content of topaz, and low fluorine content of muscovite, together suggest that dumortierite mineralization results from hydrothermal activity, possibly in a transitional magmatic-hydrothermal environment, likely at P &amp;gt; 2.5 kbar and 400°&amp;lt;T &amp;lt; 550°, that could be linked with granite intrusions in the area. Using EBSD we demonstrate that dumortierite mineralization is focussed along muscovite basal cleavage surfaces and dumortierite needle elongation is likely controlled by the fluid flux direction. These new results advance our understanding of dumortierite mineralization mechanisms and conditions and have important implications for our understanding of the distribution of this aluminous borosilicate mineral in muscovite-rich rocks.

The disorder-order transition of FeCuPt nanoparticles with various Cu content

The effect of adding a third-element on disorder-order transition of FePt has been demonstrated using FeCuPt alloy as a model. The introduction of Cu leads to an increase in the ordering degree, and a moderate amount of Cu enhancing the most. Density Functional Theory calculations indicate that the disorder-order transition in FePt is influenced by the ordering temperature and vacancy formation energy. FePtCu alloy with a moderate Cu content exhibits the lowest vacancy formation energy in the L10-phase, which promotes the atom diffusion during annealing and resulting in a higher ordering degree. This study summarizes the annealing temperature, time, and thermodynamic or kinetic conditions required to achieve L10-FePtX alloy with superior ordering degrees. The findings offer valuable insights for selecting suitable third-elements and annealing parameters to produce L10-FePtX alloy with enhanced ordering degrees.

Optimizing residue return with soil moisture and nutrient stoichiometry reduced greenhouse gas fluxes in Alfisols

Optimum soil moisture and high crop residue return (RR) can increase the active pool of soil organic carbon and nitrogen, thus modulating the magnitude of greenhouse gas (GHG) fluxes. To determine the effect of soil moisture on the threshold level of RR for the wheat production system, we analyzed the relationship between GHG fluxes and RR at four levels, namely 0, 5, 10, and 15 Mg ha−1 (R0, R5, R10, and R15) under two soil moisture content (80% FC and 100% FC) and three levels of nutrient management (NS0: no nutrient; NS1, NS2= 3x NS1). Nutrient input (N and P) in NS1 balanced the residue C/nutrient stoichiometry to achieve 30% stabilization of the residue C input in RR (R5). All RR treatments (cf. R0) were found to significantly reduce N2O emission in moderate soil moisture content (80% FC) by 22–56% across nutrient management due to enhanced soil C mineralization, microbial biomass carbon, and N immobilization. However, averaged across nutrient management, a linear increase in N2O emission was observed with increasing RR under 100% FC soil moisture. A significant decrease in CH4 emission by ca. 46% in most RR treatments was observed in 100% FC compared with the R0. The N2O emission was negatively correlated (p = &amp;lt;0.001) with nutrient stoichiometry. Partial least square (PLS) regression indicated that GHG emissions were more responsive (values &amp;gt; 0.8) to management variables (RR rate, nitrogen (N) input rate, soil moisture, and nutrient stoichiometry of C: N) and post-incubation soil properties (SMBC and NO3-N) in Alfisols. This study demonstrated that the mechanisms responsible for RR effects on soil N2O, CH4 fluxes, and carbon mineralization depend on soil moisture and nutrient management, shifting the nutrient stoichiometry of residue C: N: P.

Enhancing local gastronomy: Innovative preparations with coró Fish (Pomadasys corvinaeformis) on the coast of Northeast Brazil

Fishing is an important economic activity for the coastal regions of Brazil. This study aims to analyze the proximate composition of coró fish (Pomadasys corvinaeformis) and develop new preparations using this fish, common on the coast of the state of Ceará, in the municipality of Camocim. The methodology included analysis of the proximate composition of the fish filet, development of culinary preparations, microbiological analysis and sensory evaluation of the products prepared. Two preparations were developed: a coró cake and a coró cream, both subjected to microbiological and acceptance analysis. The coró filet is rich in protein and has a moderate lipid content, comparable to other fish species consumed in the region. The sensory analysis, carried out with focus groups from the fishing community and the general population of Camocim, revealed a high acceptance of the preparations, with a preference for coró cream. The analysis highlighted the importance of the characteristic flavor of coró in the preparations and suggested improvements, such as adjustments to the texture and color of the coró cake. Hence, the potential of coró as an important source of nutrients and an element of local gastronomy enhancements is emphasized. The preparations presented an alternative to diversifying the use of fish in regional cuisine and reinforcing Camocim's cultural food identity. The study suggests continuing research in the area, developing educational materials on food sovereignty, and incorporating traditional foods into the school curriculum as strategies to promote the appreciation of local products and the nutritional health of the population.

Web-Based Geographic Information System to Find Viral Culinary Tourist Spots

The development and implementation of a Web-Based Geographic Information System (GIS) designed to help users discover viral culinary tourist spots, focusing on promoting local food culture. The system is built using the PHP programming language, leveraging its robust server-side scripting capabilities for dynamic web development. The GIS platform integrates various functionalities, including real-time mapping, geolocation services, and user-generated content, to offer an interactive experience for tourists. The platform allows users to search for culinary hotspots, view their locations on an interactive map, get directions, and read reviews from other users. Business owners can register and update information about their culinary spots, contributing to an up-to-date, community-driven database. The system employs a MySQL database to store location data, user profiles, and reviews, while Google Maps API is used for map visualization and geolocation services. The backend structure is built to handle high-traffic environments, using PHP's object-oriented features for efficient and scalable code management. Administrators can moderate content, ensuring the reliability and quality of the information provided. Implementing this system in PHP highlights the language’s flexibility in creating web-based GIS platforms, demonstrating how culinary tourism can be enhanced through modern web technologies. This paper discusses the technical aspects of the system’s architecture, database management, and frontend-backend integration, offering insights into the benefits of using PHP for developing similar GIS applications.

Algorithmic camouflage: Exploring the shadowbans imposed by algorithms to moderate the content of Chinese gay men

This study employs semistructured interviews and algorithmic ethnography to explore how algorithmic shadowbans have been used to moderate content related to Chinese gay men and achieve targeted algorithmic governance. Through a multimethod approach combining both thematic analysis and discourse analysis, this study claims that algorithms impose seemingly tolerant but actually restrictive shadowbans, which are thematized as “(im)permissible searching” and “(un)smooth posting,” on Chinese gay men. This study conceptualizes such algorithmic shadowbans as “algorithmic camouflage,” emphasizing the opacity of the roles, behaviors, and purposes of algorithms toward specific users from an interactive perspective, highlighting the “hypocrisy” of algorithms. Under hypocritical algorithmic shadowbans, this study suggests that a highly camouflaged “de-gaying” discourse—through compositions of dehumanization, de-emotionalization, and dramatization—is being shaped by algorithms on Chinese digital platforms.

Unraveling the Complex Temperature-Dependent Performance and Degradation of Li-Ion Batteries with Silicon-Graphite Composite Anodes

Competing effects of graphite and Si result in a complex temperature dependent performance and degradation of Li-ion batteries with Si-graphite composite anodes. This study examines the influence of varying the Si content (0 to 20.8 wt%) in Si-graphite composite anodes with consistent areal capacity and N/P ratio in full cells containing NMC622 cathodes. One hundred pilot-scale double-layer pouch cells were built and cycle aged in the temperature range from −10 to 55 °C. Electrochemical characterization demonstrated that increasing Si contents enhance capacity and mitigate internal resistance at low temperatures. On the other hand, high Si contents decrease charge-discharge energy efficiency and cycle life, particularly at elevated temperatures. Post-mortem analysis of aged electrodes, including physico-chemical characterization (scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray analysis, thickness measurements) and cell reconstruction revealed significant solid electrolyte interphase growth and increased loss of active material in anodes with high Si content. The optimum temperature for longest cycle life as derived from Arrhenius plots decreased from 30 °C for graphite anodes to 10 °C for cells with moderate Si content up to 5.8 wt%. These findings allow the design of optimized cells by balancing the Si content versus operating temperature in order to achieve lowest cell aging.