Optimum pH Level Research Articles

Evaluating Sustainable Media Mixes Using Local Agricultural and Forestry Wastes for Enhancing the Early Establishment of Container-Grown Southern Highbush Blueberry in Subtropical Climates

Container-grown blueberry (Vaccinium spp.) production using soilless substrates has gained significant attention for offering better control over growing conditions. However, the reliance on peat moss as a primary substrate poses environmental concerns due to its non-renewable nature, emphasizing the need for sustainable alternatives. This study investigates the use of locally sourced agricultural and forestry wastes as alternative media mixes for container-grown ‘Biloxi’ southern highbush blueberry (V. corymbosum interspecific hybrids) in Taiwan. The media mixes tested included combinations of ultisols with rice husks, peanut shells, spent mushroom compost, or wood chips from longan (Dimocarpus longan Lam.) and sweetgum (Liquidambar formosana Hance) trees. Key growth parameters, such as pH, electrical conductivity (EC), shoot length, leaf area, gas exchange characteristics, plant dry weights, and fruit yield, were monitored during plant establishment. Our findings demonstrated that media mixes containing peanut shells [peanut shells: ultisols (v/v = 2:1, PSU)] effectively maintained optimal pH and EC levels, promoting vigorous growth and early fruit production, with total dry weights comparable to the peat-based control (PMP). These growth improvements were potentially linked to increased net CO2 assimilation rates. Conversely, the media mix with spent mushroom compost [spent mushroom compost: ultisols (v/v = 2:1, MCU)] resulted in elevated pH and EC levels, adversely impacting plant growth. The findings suggest that locally sourced materials can serve as sustainable and cost-effective alternatives to peat moss for blueberry production during the nursery or establishment phase, helping reduce costs and environmental impact. Further research is necessary to evaluate the long-term effects of these media mixes and their applicability across different blueberry cultivars and environmental conditions, focusing on their performance in later production cycles and larger container systems.

Enhancing Agricultural Efficiency Through Smart Farming and Internet of Things Enabled Precision Agriculture

Background: In response to global challenges like increasing food demand, climate changeand resource scarcity, there is a critical need for innovative agricultural methods. This study centers on Smart Farming and Precision Agriculture, which integrate technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), roboticsand data analytics. These technologies aim to optimize resource use, improve crop productivityand reduce environmental impact. Precision management, which involves tailoring farm inputs to specific field conditions, is central to this approach and is essential for promoting sustainable agriculture. Methods: This research was conducted over 2 years and 6 months at Amity University Uttar Pradesh, focusing on banana cultivation. The IoT-based system includes an Arduino UNO board, a SIM900 GSM module for data transmissionand a suite of sensors-soil moisture, temperature, humidity, PIR, NPK, pH and raindrop sensors. This configuration enables continuous monitoring and real-time data collection, allowing for informed decisions in farm management. Data is transmitted to a cloud-based platform for aggregation and analysis, enabling timely adjustments in irrigation, fertilizationand crop care based on real-time environmental and soil data. Result: The implementation of this smart farming system led to significant improvements in resource efficiency and crop monitoring. Water usage was reduced by approximately 25%, while fertilizer application decreased by around 30%, maintaining optimal soil pH levels of 5.5-6.5. These adjustments contributed to a 20% increase in crop yield over traditional methods. Remote monitoring allowed for prompt interventions, highlighting the system’s potential for driving sustainable agriculture and addressing food demand challenges through IoT-driven solutions.

Development of High-Quality Organic Fertilizer from Biomass Waste and the Application of Biochar in Local Areas of Sakon Nakhon Province, Northeastern Thailand

This study investigates the production of high-quality organic fertilizers from biomass waste in the Ban Wa Yai community of Sakon Nakhon Province, Northeastern Thailand, aimed at promoting sustainable agricultural practices amidst challenges such as soil degradation and reliance on chemical fertilizers. The primary objective was to develop organic fertilizers that enhance soil health and support plant growth while utilizing locally sourced biomass materials, including cow and buffalo manure, finely ground fermented leaf scraps, and weed debris. A fermentation process lasting 15 to 30 days was used, integrating biochar to improve nutrient profiles and microbial activity. Results showed optimal pH levels of 8.04 after 15 days and 7.94 after 30 days of fermentation, beneficial for addressing the region’s acidic soil conditions (pH 4.67 - 5.38). The germination index (GI) was notably high at 129 ± 1.86 after 30 days, indicating effective growth promotion potential. Analytical assessments confirmed nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) concentrations in the organic fertilizers met or exceeded organic standards, supporting plant nutrition and fostering healthy microbial ecosystems. The organic matter (OM) and organic carbon (OC) content were approximately 40 - 60 % higher than commercial alternatives, enhancing soil structure, aeration, and water retention. Additionally, calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) levels improved the nutrient profile, with Ca slightly exceeding standard limits, which helps ameliorate soil acidity. Economic analysis indicated a 40 % reduction in fertilizer costs for local farmers, promoting a shift towards organic practices. Overall, this study emphasizes the significance of self-reliance and the sufficiency economy philosophy in fostering sustainable agriculture practices within the Ban Wa Yai community. By utilizing local resources and transitioning from chemical fertilizers to high-quality organic fertilizers, the community enhances agricultural productivity while promoting economic independence and resilience. Such initiatives exemplify the potential for integrating traditional practices with modern agricultural methods to ensure a sustainable future. HIGHLIGHTS The study developed high-quality organic fertilizers from local biomass waste, enhancing sustainable agricultural practices in the Ban Wa Yai community. Fermentation resulted in optimal pH and nutrient levels (N, P, K, Ca, and Mg), surpassing commercial fertilizer standards and improving soil health. Transitioning to organic fertilizers led to a 40 % cost reduction for farmers, promoting self-reliance and aligning with the sufficiency economy philosophy. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

In vitro evaluation of salt-based antifungal compounds for sustainable control of Neoscytalidium dimidiatum

Objective: This study evaluated the antifungal potential of various salts—specifically ammonium, borate, calcium, magnesium, potassium, and sodium compounds—against two isolates (Ol_Dr04 and Ciar 64) of Neoscytalidium dimidiatum under in vitro conditions. The goal was to assess the efficacy of these salts in inhibiting mycelial growth, arthrospore germination, and germ tube elongation under both fixed and adjusted pH conditions. Materials and Methods: In this study, the mycelial growth of N. dimidiatum isolates was first observed across a pH range of 2 to 12 to determine the optimal pH levels. Subsequently, the antifungal efficacy of 1% concentrations of ammonium, borate, calcium, magnesium, potassium, and sodium salts was assessed under both fixed and adjusted pH (5) conditions for both isolates. Effective salt concentrations (EC50) needed to achieve a 50% reduction in mycelial growth, arthrospore germination, and germ tube elongation were calculated using probit analysis. Additionally, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) values were determined for each salt under the tested conditions. Results: Under fixed pH conditions, 1% concentrations of ammonium (bicarbonate and carbonate), borate (anhydrous borax, Etidot-67, and hydrated borax), and sodium (benzoate, citrate tetrahydrate, and metabisulfite) salts completely inhibited mycelial growth in both fungal isolates. However, under adjusted pH (5) conditions, only sodium benzoate and metabisulfite maintained the same inhibitory effect. At adjusted pH, calcium oxide and propionate also fully suppressed mycelial growth. Sodium metabisulfite emerged as the most effective antifungal compound, with remarkably low EC50 values (0.016 and 0.017%; w/v), MIC (0.0625 and 0.0625%; w/v), and MFC (0.0625% and 0.0625%; w/v) concentrations. Furthermore, with EC50 below 0.03125%, sodium metabisulfite remained the strongest inhibitor in both arthrospore germination and germ tube elongation assays. Conclusion: These results highlight the potential of sodium metabisulfite, ammonium bicarbonate, and ammonium carbonate salts as environmentally friendly alternatives to conventional fungicides. Further in vivo studies are recommended to validate these findings and explore practical applications in sustainable plant disease management.

Comparison of Different Ionomers for the Anode Catalyst Layer of Anion Exchange Membrane Water Electrolysis

In water electrolysis cells, optimizing the anode electrode where the oxygen evolution reaction takes place is crucial for high performance and durability. The ionomer is an essential part of the catalyst layer (CL). It provides ionic conductivity, enabling ions to move to the catalyst sites where the electrochemical reaction occurs. Additionally, ionomers contribute to tuning the hydrophobicity and hydrophilicity of the CL, which influences water availability at catalyst sites and gas removal. Moreover, ionomers ought to help to maintain optimal pH levels, an important factor for catalyst stability.In anion exchange membrane water electrolysis (AEMWE), when a supporting electrolyte is used, the ionic conduction takes place not only via the ionomer but also via the supporting electrolyte. Therefore, many studies in AEMWE use NafionTM as an ionomer even though it is a cation exchange ionomer.1, 2 Also, several studies use polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) as a binder.3, 4 Thus, in this study, different commercial ionomers/binder are compared for the usage on the anode side of the AEMWE to understand their influence on the performance of the AEMWE cell at different pH feed electrolytes (1M, 0.1M and 0.01M); Hydrophilic cation exchange Nafion™, hydrophilic anion exchange Aemion® and PiperION®, and hydrophobic inert PTFE are used in the Ir-based anode CL. A commercial anion-exchange membrane (PiperION®) and a Pt/C cathode with PiperION® ionomer are used, respectively. CL compositions and morphologies are investigated via thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Electrochemical characterizations such as polarization curve and constant current hold analysis along with electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) are performed on a full cell set up to assess the performance, durability, and ionic transport resistance of the anode CL.We show that anionic ionomers (Aemion® and PiperION®) do not lead to a better performance of the cell at 1M KOH concentration (see figure) and even at lower concentrations such as 0.1M KOH. Nafion™ ionomer incorporated membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs) exhibit better performance than anionic ionomers (Aemion® and PiperION®) and inert binder (PTFE) in 1M KOH measurement. One hypothesis on Nafion’s TM outstanding performance is that Nafion’s TM anionic head groups form an ionic interaction with the cationic head groups of the PiperION membrane and therefore lower the contact resistance between CL and membrane.5 However, in our measurements, all high-frequency resistances of different ionomers/binder incorporated MEAs are in the same range (55-65 mΩ cm-2), which opposes the hypothesis. Based on the overall polarization characteristics, the performance for the different ionomers changes mainly in the kinetic region. As this difference can already be observed at begin of life where ionomer decomposition can be neglected, we assign this difference to an ionomer-catalyst interaction phenomenon (i.e., poisoning effect) or to a structural change in the CL when using different ionomers. Nafion’s ™ swelling in 1M KOH solution is lower than anionic ionomers. Therefore, it might be influencing the performance by having the optimal triple phase boundary and not blocking some of the catalyst particles. However, the PTFE binder also doesn’t swell in the KOH solution, but the performance is worse than for the Nafion™-based anode CL. By a variation of testing parameters (KOH feed molarity, temperature) and ink/CL fabrication we discuss the possible reasons for this phenomenon. In general, the role of ionomers for AEMWE must be reevaluated as the ionic conductivity of anion exchange ionomers becomes irrelevant when supporting electrolyte is in use, and anion exchange ionomers do not follow the same design criteria as for proton exchange ionomers.References M. Moreno-González, P. Mardle, S. Zhu, B. Gholamkhass, S. Jones, N. Chen, B. Britton and S. Holdcroft, Journal of Power Sources Advances, 19, 100109 (2023).I. V. Pushkareva, A. S. Pushkarev, S. A. Grigoriev, P. Modisha and D. G. Bessarabov, Int. J. Hydrog. Energy, 45(49), 26070–26079 (2020).C. C. Pavel, F. Cecconi, C. Emiliani, S. Santiccioli, A. Scaffidi, S. Catanorchi and M. Comotti, Angewandte Chemie International Edition, 53(5), 1378–1381 (2014).M. K. Cho, H.-Y. Park, H. J. Lee, H.-J. Kim, A. Lim, D. Henkensmeier, S. J. Yoo, J. Y. Kim, S. Y. Lee, H. S. Park and J. H. Jang, J. Power Sources, 382, 22–29 (2018).B. Mayerhöfer, K. Ehelebe, F. D. Speck, M. Bierling, J. Bender, J. A. Kerres, K. J. J. Mayrhofer, S. Cherevko, R. Peach and S. Thiele, J. Mater. Chem. A, 9(25), 14285–14295 (2021). Figure 1

Systematic Optimization of Activity-Based Protein Profiling for Identification of Polysorbate-Degradative Enzymes in Biotherapeutic Drug Substance down to 10 ppb.

The identification and control of high-risk host cell proteins (HCPs) in biotherapeutics development are crucial for ensuring product quality and shelf life. Specifically, HCPs with hydrolase activity can cause the degradation of excipient polysorbates (PS), leading to a decrease in the shelf life of the drug product. In this study, we systematically optimized every step of an activity-based protein profiling (ABPP) workflow to identify trace amounts of active polysorbate-degradative enzymes (PSDEs) in biotherapeutic process intermediates. Evaluation of various parameters during sample preparation pinpointed the optimal pH level and fluorophosphonate (FP)-biotin concentration. Moreover, the combined use of a short liquid chromatography gradient and the fast-scanning parallel accumulation-serial fragmentation (PASEF) methodology increased sample throughput without compromising identification coverage. Tuning the trapped ion mobility spectrometry (TIMS) parameters further enhanced sensitivity. In addition, we evaluated various data acquisition modes, including PASEF combined with data-dependent acquisition (DDA PASEF), data-independent acquisition (diaPASEF), or parallel reaction monitoring (prm-PASEF). By employing the newly optimized ABPP workflow, we successfully identified PSDEs at a concentration as low as 10 ppb in a drug substance sample. Finally, the new workflow enabled us to detect a PSDE that could not be detected with the original workflow during a PS degradation root-cause investigation.

Adaptive Agronomic Strategies for Enhancing Cereal Yield Resilience Under Changing Climate in Poland

Climate-driven changes have raised concerns about their long-term impacts on the yield resilience of cereal crops. This issue is critical in Poland as it affects major cereal crops like winter triticale, spring wheat, winter wheat, spring barley, and winter barley. This study investigates how soil nutrient profiles, fertilization practices, and crop management conditions influence the yield resilience of key cereal crops over a thirteen-year period (2009–2022) in the context of changing climate expressed as varying Climatic Water Balance. Data from 47 locations provided by the Research Centre for Cultivar Testing were analyzed to assess the combined effects of agronomic practices and climate-related water availability on crop performance. Yield outcomes under moderate and enhanced management practices were contrasted using Classification and Regression Trees to evaluate the relationships between yield variations and agronomic factors, including soil pH, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium fertilization, and levels of phosphorus, potassium, and magnesium in the soil. The study found a downward trend in Climatic Water Balance, highlighting the increasing influence of climate change on regional water resources. Crop yields responded positively to increased agricultural inputs, especially nitrogen. Optimal soil pH and medium phosphorus levels were identified as crucial for maximizing yield. The findings underscore the importance of tailored nutrient management and adaptive strategies to mitigate the adverse effects of climate variability on cereal production. The results provide insights for field crop research and practical approaches to sustain cereal production in changing climatic conditions.

PH Adaptation stabilizes bacterial communities

Diverse microbes in nature play an important role in ecosystem functioning and human health. Nevertheless, it remains unclear how microbial communities are maintained. This study proposes that evolutionary changes in the pH niche of bacteria can promote bacterial coexistence. Bacteria modify the pH environment and also react to it. The optimal environmental pH level for a given species or pH niche can adaptively change in response to the changes in environmental pH caused by the bacteria themselves. Theory shows that the evolutionary changes in the pH niche can stabilize otherwise unstable large bacterial communities, particularly when the evolution occurs rapidly and diverse bacteria modifying pH in different directions coexist in balance. The stabilization is sufficiently strong to mitigate the inherent instability of system complexity with many species and interactions. This model can show a relationship between pH and diversity in natural bacterial systems.

Effect of 67-years of manuring, fertilization and amendments on fractions of soil organic carbon, nutrient dynamics and yield sustainability in an acidic Alfisol

Amending a problem soil in addition to nutrient input is crucial for maintaining a healthy and productive soil in the long run. The study aimed at evaluating the long-term impact of manuring and fertilization with or without liming on different soil attributes and crop yield in an acidic Alfisol. Surface soil samples (0–15 cm) were collected from selected 7 treatments, viz. Control; N; FYM; ½(N+FYM)+PX/2+KY/2; NPK; NPK+L; and P(A-X)K(B-Y)+FYM+L of the Permanent Manurial Trial (PMT) of Birsa Agricultural University, Ranchi, after the harvesting of rainy (kharif) maize (Zea mays L.) at the 67th crop cycle (2023 and 2024) and assessed for various fractions of soil organic carbon (SOC), available nutrients and yield attributes. The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design (RBD) and replicated thrice. The treatments which received manures either alone or in combination with chemical fertilizers recorded significantly higher amount of all the fractions of SOC, available nitrogen and lower bulk density as compare to the unfertilized plot or treatment with inorganic alone. The study also revealed that, addition of lime helped maintaining an optimum pH level, enhanced microbial activities and nutrient availability in the soil leading to a higher crop yield. Therefore, integrated use of manures and fertilizers in addition to lime for a prolonged period would have significant positive impact on soil health and sustaining its productivity.

Adsorption technique using new semi-IPN hydrogels for high removal of methylene blue dye from aqueous solutions

ABSTRACT Six new semi-IPN hydrogels using 2-acrylamido-methylpropane-1-sulfonic acid (AMPS) and Gelatin at different ratios through redox polymerization were prepared. Methylene-bisacrylamide and glutaraldehyde were used as the crosslinking agents for AMPS and Gelatin, respectively. The hydrogels’ swelling ratios and surface morphologies were analyzed using SEM for characterization. Porosity and specific surface area using the Brunauer–Emmett–Teller technique. DSC and Tg were also used for the thermal analysis of the prepared hydrogels, which show trans-glass temperature (Tg) higher than their raw materials AMPS and Gelatin. The prepared hydrogels were used to eliminate the cationic dye MB from the water-based solutions with an initial concentration of 600 ppm. The study discovered that the N9 and N10 hydrogels were extremely effective at removing a certain dye from aqueous solutions with an optimum pH level of 11 and an optimum temperature of 65°C. Both N9 and N10 achieved high removal efficiencies, reaching equilibrium at 90 min, whereas the other hydrogels required 120 min. N9 performed slightly better at 1078.919 mg/g and N10 at 1057.404 mg/g. The adsorption behavior of the two hydrogels followed the Langmuir model. The hydrogels exhibited pseudo-second-order kinetics. The thermodynamic study cleared that the adsorption of MB dye was endothermic and spontaneous. Results also showed that the adsorption of dyes with hydrogels N9 and N10 is chemisorption in nature. Desorption studies were conducted using 0.1 M HCl and NaOH. HCl was found to be the best eluent for dye recovery.

PRODUCTION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF CELLULASES FROM ASPERGILLUS NIGER UNDER STATIC FERMENTATION

The ever-increasing uses of cellulase in various industries have made it popular among researchers. Annually, a large amount of fruit wastes go into vain, which is a great source of cellulases. The objective of this study is to use grape wastes as substrate for production of cellulases from Aspergillus niger using static fermentation. CMCase and FPase assays were performed to characterize the cellulases. The cellulases’ CMCase and FPase activities and stabilities were analyzed for optimum temperature and pH. The effect of substrate concentration and kinetic constants Km and Vmax, along with thermodynamic analysis, were determined. The effects of several metals on the activity of the enzyme were observed. The optimal temperatures were found as 40 °C and 50 °C for CMCase and FPase activity, respectively. CMCase activity shows stability at 20 °C-60 °C, FPase shows low thermal stability as its activity starts to decrease after 50 °C. CMCase and FPase both show maximum activity at pH 6, and maintain their stability at pH 6-7. The values of Km and Vmax obtained from Lineweaver and Burk plot for CMCase are 0.648 mM and 12.953 mM/min, and for FPase are 0.975 mM and 41.493 mM/min. The Arrhenius plot was used to calculate activation energy (Ea) as -19 kJ/mol, and enthalpy of reaction (ΔH) as 16.4 kJ/mol, while entropy ΔS -16.4 kJ/mol was obtained from the plot of ln(Vmax/T) versus the inverse of temperature (1/T). Most metals induce enzyme activities, whereas EDTA inhibits enzyme activities. The findings suggest A. niger has remarkable cellulase production potential from grape wastes in static fermentation, at optimum temperature and pH levels for achieving enzyme activity and stability.

Influence of pH on the Stability of Pharmaceutical Compounds in Japan

Purpose: The aim of the study was to assess the influence of pH on the stability of pharmaceutical compounds in Japan. 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 study showed that the ionization state of a drug molecule can change with pH, leading to different degradation pathways. Acidic or basic conditions can catalyze hydrolysis, oxidation, and other chemical reactions, causing the drug to lose potency or form harmful by-products. For instance, ester and amide bonds in pharmaceuticals are prone to hydrolysis at extreme pH levels, while oxidative degradation is more prevalent at neutral or slightly basic pH. The stability of certain antibiotics, vitamins, and biologics is particularly pH-sensitive, necessitating careful formulation to maintain optimal pH levels. Buffer systems are often employed to stabilize the pH within a range that minimizes degradation. Additionally, the pH of the solution can influence the solubility and bioavailability of the drug, impacting its therapeutic efficacy. Thus, understanding and controlling the pH environment is crucial in pharmaceutical formulation to ensure drug stability, efficacy, and safety throughout its shelf life. Implications to Theory, Practice and Policy: Buffer theory, Arrhenius theory of acid-base reactions and Bronsted Lowry theory may be used to anchor future studies on assessing the influence of pH on the stability of pharmaceutical compounds in Japan. Practically, it is imperative for pharmaceutical companies to implement rigorous pH control in the formulation and storage of drugs. On a policy level, regulatory agencies should establish stringent guidelines for the pH stability of pharmaceutical compounds.

Approaching Optimal pH Enzyme Prediction with Large Language Models.

Enzymes are widely used in biotechnology due to their ability to catalyze chemical reactions: food making, laundry, pharmaceutics, textile, brewing─all these areas benefit from utilizing various enzymes. Proton concentration (pH) is one of the key factors that define the enzyme functioning and efficiency. Usually there is only a narrow range of pH values where the enzyme is active. This is a common problem in biotechnology to design an enzyme with optimal activity in a given pH range. A large part of this task can be completed in silico, by predicting the optimal pH of designed candidates. The success of such computational methods critically depends on the available data. In this study, we developed a language-model-based approach to predict the optimal pH range from the enzyme sequence. We used different splitting strategies based on sequence similarity, protein family annotation, and enzyme classification to validate the robustness of the proposed approach. The derived machine-learning models demonstrated high accuracy across proteins from different protein families and proteins with lower sequence similarities compared with the training set. The proposed method is fast enough for the high-throughput virtual exploration of protein space for the search for sequences with desired optimal pH levels.

The individual and combined effect of DHA and high-fat diet on flesh quality, antioxidant capacity and myofiber characteristics of grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idellus)

The impact of a high-fat diet (HFD) on the meat quality of farmed fish is a subject of considerable interest among researchers. While docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is recognized for enhancing growth performance and muscle mass in fish, its potential to mitigate the adverse effects of HFD on meat quality remains uncertain. This study examined the nutritional value, textural properties, and muscle characteristics of grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idellus) fed varying levels of DHA (0.0%, 0.5%, and 1.0%) under either a regular fat diet (5.0% lipid) or an HFD (10.0% lipid) for a period of eight weeks. Results indicated that the addition of DHA to both the normal fat diet and HFD significantly improved the nutritional and sensory qualities of fish fillets, increasing crude protein, polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA), and collagen content while preserving optimal muscle hardness and pH levels. The HFD group exhibited diminished antioxidant capacity, reduced sarcomere length, and mitochondrial structural damage, all effectively ameliorated through DHA supplementation. Moreover, dietary DHA supplementation at both lipid levels upregulated the expression of genes associated with myogenesis and protein synthesis. A two-way ANOVA revealed significant interactions between dietary DHA and lipids, influencing muscle pH, fatty acid composition, myofiber characteristics, antioxidant capacity, and gene expression related to muscle growth and protein synthesis. In conclusion, DHA supplementation can effectively mitigate the deterioration of fish flesh quality induced by HFD.

Selective recovery of europium from real acid mine drainage using modified Cr-MIL and SBA15 adsorbents

The successful adoption and widespread implementation of innovative acid mine drainage treatment and resource recovery methods hinge on their capacity to demonstrate enhanced performance, economic viability, and environmental sustainability compared to conventional approaches. Here, an evaluation of the efficacy of chromium-based metal–organic frameworks and amine-grafted SBA15 materials in adsorbing europium (Eu) from actual mining wastewater was conducted. The adsorbents underwent comprehensive characterization and examination for their affinity for Eu. Cr-MIL-PMIDA and SBA15-NH-PMIDA had a highest Langmuir adsorption capacity of 69 mg/g and 86 mg/g, respectively, for an optimum level of pH 4.8. Preferential adsorption tests followed using real AMD collected at a disused mine in the north of Norway. A comparative study utilizing pH-adjusted real AMD revealed that Cr-MIL-PMIDA (88%) exhibited slightly higher selectivity towards Eu compared to SBA15-NH-PMIDA (81%) in real mining wastewater. While Cr-MIL-PMIDA displays excellent properties for the selective recovery of REEs, practical challenges related to production costs and potential susceptibility to chromium leaching make it less appealing for widespread applications. A cost–benefit analysis was then undertaken to quantify the advantages of employing SBA15-NH-PMIDA material. The study disclosed that 193.2 g of EuCl3 with 99% purity can be recovered by treating 1000 m3 of AMD.

A potential thermosensitive poloxamer 407-based in situ hydrogel containing moxifloxacin-loaded silk fibroin nanoparticles for prolonged ocular delivery

The aim of this study was to develop a hybrid system of thermosensitive poloxamer 407-based in situ hydrogel containing moxifloxacin-loaded silk fibroin nanoparticles (MFX-FNPs ISG) for improving the residence time of the antibacterial drug on the eye. Moxifloxacin-loaded silk fibroin nanoparticles (MFX-FNPs) were successfully formulated by absorption technique and two optimized poloxamer 407-based in situ hydrogels (ISG) were prepared by cold method. Consequently, the MFX-FNPs dispersion was embedded into these in situ hydrogels and sterilized by autoclave. Optimized MFX-FNPs displayed an average particle size of 210 nm, zeta potential of −30 mV, and moderate entrapment efficiency ∼44 %. The hybrid system of MFX-FNPs ISG possessed homogeneous solutions with acceptable osmolality, optimal pH levels, and transmittance of ∼90 % and manifested a pseudoplastic flow behavior at 35 °C. Furthermore, they exhibited a solution form at room temperature and quickly transformed into gel at ocular temperature. The in vitro release of MFX from MFX-FNPs ISG showed a prolonged drug release following Peppas-Sahlin kinetic model. Interestingly, the in vitro mucoadhesive study revealed that the combination systems significantly increased the residence time of the particles on the mucus membrane over 6 h compared to the solution and nanodispersion form. The prepared formulations showed effective antibacterial activity against both Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa without causing toxicity to human corneal epithelial cells, suggesting no ocular irritation. Therefore, the MFX-FNPs ISG offer the potential to enhance the contact time of moxifloxacin on the ocular surface, thus improving the therapeutic efficacy in treating bacterial keratitis.

Effect of Soil pH Variation on Peanut Plant Growth

This research investigates the qualitative effects of soil pH variation on peanut plant growth, aiming to provide insights into the complex interactions between soil properties and plant responses in agricultural ecosystems. Through semi-structured interviews with ten informants, supplemented by insights synthesized from prior research and theoretical frameworks, the study explores perceived relationships, implications for soil health and nutrient availability, challenges, opportunities, and practical implications for peanut production. Key findings highlight the critical influence of soil pH on peanut growth and productivity, with deviations from optimal pH levels affecting nutrient availability, root health, and overall plant vigor. Participants underscore the importance of targeted soil management practices, including lime application, organic matter incorporation, and crop rotation, in optimizing soil pH and supporting resilient peanut production systems. The study identifies challenges in soil pH management, such as limited accessibility of soil testing services and inadequate farmer knowledge, while also highlighting opportunities for innovation and improvement. The insights gleaned from the study contribute to advancing knowledge in agricultural sciences and inform evidence-based soil management practices for sustainable peanut production.

Optimization of fertilizer cow waste-based bokashi composting process using 3 types effective microorganism in smart pot sak

Bokashi fertilizer is the result of recycling organic waste through a composting process that functions to improve soil health and plant production. However, the quality of organic waste and the composting process time are affected by the type of Effective Microorganisms used. This study was designed to evaluate the process and quality of organic waste produced from three types of Effective Microorganisms (EM4, Eco Farming, and MA11). Organic waste consisting of cow dung, rice husk, and bran mixed with each type of microorganism solution according to the treatment of 10, 15, and 20 ml/10 kg weight of organic waste with a composting time of 30 days. pH, Temperature, Color, Air content, N-organic, C-organic, C/N Ratio, Potassium, and Phosphate were recorded in this study. The results showed that 20 mL MA11 provided a faster composting process with an optimal Ph level and C/N ratio. In addition, the water content produced was lower and there was an increase in nutrients compared to other treatments. The use of MA11 in optimum quantities will produce good quality organic waste and quickly without causing environmental problems in its application to soil.

Enhancing Dengue Virus Production and Immunogenicity with Celcradle™ Bioreactor: A Comparative Study with Traditional Cell Culture Methods.

The dengue virus, the primary cause of dengue fever, dengue hemorrhagic fever, and dengue shock syndrome, is the most widespread mosquito-borne virus worldwide. In recent decades, the prevalence of dengue fever has increased markedly, presenting substantial public health challenges. Consequently, the development of an efficacious vaccine against dengue remains a critical goal for mitigating its spread. Our research utilized Celcradle™, an innovative tidal bioreactor optimized for high-density cell cultures, to grow Vero cells for dengue virus production. By maintaining optimal pH levels (7.0 to 7.4) and glucose concentrations (1.5 g/L to 3.5 g/L) during the proliferation of cells and viruses, we achieved a peak Vero cell count of approximately 2.46 × 109, nearly ten times the initial count. The use of Celcradle™ substantially decreased the time required for cell yield and virus production compared to conventional Petri dish methods. Moreover, our evaluation of the immunogenicity of the Celcradle™-produced inactivated DENV4 through immunization of mice revealed that sera from these mice demonstrated cross-reactivity with DENV4 cultured in Petri dishes and showed elevated antibody titers compared to those from mice immunized with virus from Petri dishes. These results indicate that the dengue virus cultivated using the Celcradle™ system exhibited enhanced immunogenicity relative to that produced in traditional methods. In conclusion, our study highlights the potential of the Celcradle™ bioreactor for large-scale production of inactivated dengue virus vaccines, offering significant promise for reducing the global impact of dengue virus infections and accelerating the development of effective vaccination strategies.

Evaluation of precipitated CaCO3 produced from locally available limestone as a reinforcement filler for PVC pipe.

The current experimental work aimed at developing PCC through two major process steps: dissolution and precipitation, using raw materials domestically available as SL, which are intensively used in construction inputs. The pH level was the decisive parameter used to determine the time required to complete the dissolution and carbonation processes during precipitation. The optimal pH levels were found to be 13 for dissolution and 7.1 for precipitation, respectively. The produced PCC was characterized based on chemical analysis, crystallinity, and morphology, showing an increment of CaCO3 content exceeding 99%, sharper crystal peaks, and predominantly calcite PCC. The compatibility of the PCC was assessed by incorporating 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% of PCC with commercial filler, followed by selected mechanical tests, such as stress at yield, density, and elongation at break. The results indicated that mixing ratios of 25%, 50%, and 75% of PCC with the commercial filler met the standards, with stress at a yield above 45MPa and density within the range of 1.35 to 1.46g/cm3. However, complete substitution slightly lowered these properties. Nevertheless, the elongation at break was acceptable at all treatment levels.