Percent Retention Research Articles

Ag@Co/Zn N‐Doped Carbon as Antibacterial Oxygen Reduction Catalysts for Microbial Fuel Cells

Biofouling of air cathode surface decreases the electricity generation performance of membrane‐free microbial fuel cells (MFCs). Ag@Co/Zn N‐doped carbon (Ag@Co/Zn‐NC) is designed as an antibacterial oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) catalyst to inhibit biofouling on the cathode surface. The Co/Zn‐NC active component promotes ORR catalytic activity through the advantages of well‐distributed Co nanoparticles and numerous active sites. Superficial Ag nanoparticles act as antibacterial active species to inhibit bacterial proliferation and suppress biofilm growth. Ag@Co/Zn‐NC catalyst prevents bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation, effectively preventing excessive biofouling on the cathode surface. The antibacterial catalyst maintains a high catalytic activity and good ion diffusion properties without the adverse effects of biofouling, resulting in enhanced ORR durability of the air cathode. The assembled MFCs achieve high electricity generation during long‐term cyclic operation. The maximum power density retention percentage (82.6%) is higher than that of Co/Zn‐NC MFC (65.3%) and Pt/C MFC (52.4%) after continuous operation for 1200 h. Excellent operational durability is revealed for the air‐cathode MFCs assembled with the antibacterial ORR catalyst during the cyclic process. The novelty of this study is that the design of antibacterial catalysts inhibits the excessive growth of the cathode biofilm to improve the cyclic electricity generation performance of MFCs.

The Effect of Zinc Concentration on Bioaccumulation in Milkfish <i>(Chanos chanos)</i> Use of <sup>65</sup>Zn as a Radioactive Tracer

Bioaccumulation studies of zinc (Zn) in milkfish (Chanos chanos) have been carried out in the laboratory using a 65Zn radiotracer. The research was conducted to determine the effect of Zn concentration on the ability of Chanos chanos to accumulate and release these contaminants. Zn absorption follows the single-compartment model, and experiments were carried out until stable conditions were achieved. The stages of research were biota collection, acclimatization, bioaccumulation, and elimination. Acclimatization was carried out for biota adaptation in the experimental environment. Bioaccumulation was carried out for 7 days by placing the biota in an aquarium filled with seawater added with 65Zn radiotracer contaminants. The elimination process involves the release of contaminants from the biota by placing them in contaminant-free seawater for 7 days. The results of the bioaccumulation experiment showed that the concentration factor (CF) ranged from 0.67 - 18.18 mLgr-1 at a concentration of ZnCl2 of 1.5 ppm, and the absorption constant (ku) 1.878 - 3.267d-1 and R2 was 0.0276. The release of contaminants in depuration experiments was highest at ZnCl2 2 ppm concentrations. The percentage of retention during depuration was between 14.61 - 79.91 %, the elimination constant (ke) was 8.681, and R2 was 0.7213.

145 Encoding Brain Dynamics: Neuropsychological Test Scores as Predictors of iEEG Spectral Features in Epilepsy

INTRODUCTION: Intracranial EEG is a valuable tool for investigating the neural mechanisms underlying medically refractory epilepsy (MRE). Despite the advances made in understanding the condition, there is a lack of research exploring the relationship between iEEG data and neuropsychological test performance in MRE patients. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of resting-state iEEG data from 70 MRE patients, extracting spectral features from 4.4 million 10-second time windows across 5201 electrodes. Using MATLAB and FieldTrip toolbox, we processed the data and used two brain atlases for probabilistic electrode assignment. Neuropsychological test scores were corrected for demographic factors. Relationships between preoperative neuropsychological test scores and spectral features were explored using nested hierarchical generalized linear mixed effects (GLME) models, focusing on the hippocampus. RESULTS: We found significant associations between neuropsychological tests and hippocampal power spectral densities (PSDs). Rey Auditory verbal learning test (RAVLT) recognition correct and short-term retention percentages were significantly associated with relative power (RP) in the beta-range (p < 0.05, FDR-corrected). The Boston naming test and Trail Making Test (TMT)-A finishing time showed significant associations with high-beta/low-gamma PSD (p < 0.05, FDR-corrected). TMT-B errors are positively correlated with delta/theta RP (p < 0.05, FDR-corrected). CONCLUSIONS: Our study provides novel insights into the relationship between iEEG spectral features and neuropsychological test performance in MRE patients. The findings suggest that the heterogeneity in spectral features may explain relevant cognitive performance, highlighting the biological basis and circuits of neuropsychological testing.

POLR3A-mutated Wiedemann-Rautenstrauch fibroblasts display differential profile of intron retention and expression of TP53 isoforms

BACKGROUND: Wiedemann-Rautenstrauch Syndrome (WRS) is a neonatal progeroid syndrome for which biallelic pathogenic variants in RNA polymerase III subunit A (POLR3A) have recently been described. POLR3 is a 17 subunits protein complex responsible for the transcription of short RNAs including all the transfer RNAs (tRNAs), the 5 S subunit of ribosomal RNA, the short nuclear RNA U6, among other regulatory RNAs. OBJECTIVE: We aim to evaluate the impact of POLR3A pathogenic variants on the relative expression of the short nuclear RNA U6 and on the differential profile of intron retention RNA U6, p53 isoforms and in fibroblasts derived from patients with WRS and control fibroblasts. METHODS: RNA was extracted by the TRIzol method; intron retention analysis was performed by using IRFinder from an mRNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) platform; P53 isoforms, short nuclear RNA U6 and additional genes related to cell senescence were measured by RT-PCR. RESULTS: No significant differences were found in the percentage of intron retention (control: 7.8%, WRS1 : 6.3%and WRS2 : 8.14%). Genes showing higher intron retention profile in both groups were mainly related to RNA binding pathways, cell cycle regulation, positive regulation of transcription, positive regulation of inflammatory pathways, negative regulation of apoptosis, RNA transcription, mitochondria, and regulation of translation initiation. However, in WRS fibroblasts the genes with more intron retention were those related to the immune response and mitochondrial function; while in control those related to the response to oxidative stress had the most introns retained. WRS1 showed higher expression of short nuclear RNA U6 compared to control and WRS2; while both WRS cells showed higher expression of p53β and lower percentage of Δ133p63α, consistent with a higher expression of the cellular senescence markers p16 and p21. CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrated the important role of POLR3A in the maintenance of cellular homeostasis and highlight its potential role in cell senescence in WRS.

Recovery of lakes from eutrophication: changes in nitrogen retention capacity and the role of nitrogen legacy in 10 Danish lakes studied over 30 years

AbstractUsing data on 23 Danish lakes, we conducted mass balances to develop total nitrogen (TN) models for predicting annual mean TN in lakes based on external TN loading and found high predictability when including lake hydraulic retention time and mean depth in the model. We further used a unique 30-year mass balance data series from 10 Danish lakes with contrasting mean depths and hydraulic retention times to elucidate the effect of external TN loading reduction and N legacy on lake TN. We found that the TN retention percentage during the 30 years was generally not sensitive to an often major reduction in the external TN loading; it overall followed the pattern of the above model predictions, suggesting a low TN legacy effect. Moreover, the TN retention percentage was not affected by changes in TP. Our results, therefore, show a fast response to TN loading reduction, indicating that we can expect an immediate effect on lake water quality in shallow lakes suffering from internal phosphorus loading during re-oligotrophication provided that inorganic N is low enough to become a growth-limiting nutrient.

Influence of plant growth regulators on fruit drop, fruit retention and fruit yield of mango (Mangifera indica l.) cv. Amrapali under west central table land zone of Odisha

Farmers in the western region of Odisha are grappling with issues related to low fruit set, fruit drop, and erratic yield in mango cultivation. Plant growth regulators (PGRs) play a pivotal role in addressing fruit drop at different developmental stages by modulating the nutritional and hormonal status of the plant. This study aims to investigate the impact of specific PGRs on fruit drop, fruit retention, and overall yield of Mango (Mangifera indica L.) cv. Amrapali in the West Central Table Land zone of Odisha. The experimental setup was implemented at the research plot of the College of Horticulture, Chiplima, Sambalpur, following a randomized block design with ten treatments, each replicated three times. The treatments involved various concentrations of three PGRs: NAA, GA3, and 2,4-D, applied during the pea and marble stages of fruit growth. The outcomes indicated that the application of 30 ppm GA3 significantly mitigated fruit drop, with comparable efficacy observed for 30 ppm 2,4-D. GA3 positively influenced fruit retention, particularly Treatment T7 (30 ppm GA3), exhibiting the highest retention percentages at 30, 60, and 90 days post-spraying. Furthermore, GA3 at 30 ppm resulted in the maximum average fruit weight and volume. The highest number of harvested fruits per plant and maximum yield per plant were recorded in Treatment T7. These findings underscore the potential of GA3 in alleviating fruit drop, enhancing fruit retention, and improving overall yield in mango cultivation, specifically for the Amrapali variety in the West Central Table Land Zone of Odisha.

Vitamin D3 Bioaccessibility from Supplements and Foods-Gastric pH Effect Using a Static In Vitro Gastrointestinal Model.

Vitamin D3 deficiency is a global phenomenon, which can be managed with supplementation and food fortification. However, vitamin D3 bioaccessibility may depend on factors such as matrix composition and interactions throughout the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. This research focused on the effect of different matrices on vitamin D3 content during digestion, as well as the effect of pH on its bioaccessibility. The INFOGEST protocol was employed to simulate digestion. Three different types of commercial supplements, two foods naturally rich in vitamin D3, and three fortified foods were investigated. High-Performance Liquid Chromatography was used to determine the initial vitamin D3 content in the supplements and foods, as well as after each digestion stage. The results indicate that the foods exhibited higher bioaccessibility indices compared to the supplements and a higher percentage retention at the end of the gastric phase. The pH study revealed a positive correlation between an increased gastric pH and the corresponding content of vitamin D3. Interestingly, exposing the matrix to a low pH during the gastric phase resulted in an increased intestinal content of D3. Vitamin D3 is more bioaccessible from foods than supplements, and its bioaccessibility is susceptible to changes in gastric pH. Fasting conditions (i.e., gastric pH = 1) enhance the vitamin's bioaccessibility.

Normative Data of Liquid Gastric Emptying and Small-bowel Transit: A Prospective Cross-sectional Study.

The primary objective was to establish the reference values for liquid gastric emptying and small bowel. The secondary objectives encompassed comparing the anterior view and geometric mean methods, assessing gender differences, and exploring potential correlations with age. Thirty-five consecutive healthy participants (28 females and 7 males) with a mean age of 42 ± 11 years (median, 42; range, 23-65) underwent liquid gastric emptying scintigraphy at five intervals (0, 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 h), with optional additional imaging at 24 h. Liquid gastric emptying was evaluated using percent retention and half-time (T1/2). Small-bowel transit was assessed using the index of small-bowel transit (ISBT), calculated as the ratio of terminal ileal reservoir counts to total abdominal counts at 4 h. Reference values were established based on percentiles or mean and standard deviation (SD). Rapid small-bowel transit was determined through visual inspection. Statistical analysis involved paired Samples t-test or Wilcoxon signed-rank test for comparing imaging methods, independent Samples t-test or Mann-Whitney U-test for gender comparison, and Spearman's rank correlation for assessing age-related associations. A 2-tailed P < 0.05 indicated significance. Rapid liquid gastric emptying based on the geometric mean method was defined as percent retention <8% at 30 min, while delayed emptying as percent retention >33%, >20%, and >4% at 1, 2, and 4 h, respectively. The reference range of T1/2 of gastric emptying was 10-60 min. The reference value for small-bowel transit using the geometric mean method was established as ISBT >30% at 4 h, while rapid small-bowel transit was defined as the first visualization of activity in the cecum-ascending colon within 1 h. Parameters for liquid gastric emptying and small-bowel transit were notably higher in the anterior view method compared to the geometric mean method (P ≤ 0.019), except for percent retention at 2 h (P = 0.510). Nevertheless, the obtained reference values, whether based on percentiles or mean and SD, showed no notable variance between the two methods to warrant clinical significance. Gender did not display an impact on liquid gastric emptying or small-bowel transit in either method (P ≥ 0.173), and age demonstrated no significant moderate or strong correlations (Spearman's ρ ≤ 0.397). The study determined reference values for liquid gastric emptying and small-bowel transit through a standard gastric emptying scintigraphy protocol, avoiding additional complex procedures or extended imaging sessions. The established normative data can apply to individuals of both genders aged ≥18 years. While advocating the geometric mean method as the primary choice, the study acknowledges that in busy centers handling multiple studies with limited resources and a single-head gamma camera catering to multiple studies, the anterior view method remains a feasible alternative.

The influence of tactical formation on physical and technical performance across playing positions in the Chinese super league

This study aimed to investigate the impact of tactical formations on the physical and technical performance of professional football players in the Chinese Super League (CSL). A sample of 800 games from the 2015–2021 CSL was analyzed, and players' physical (total distance covered, distance covered while ball in play, number of sprints, sprint distance, and high/middle/low-speed running) and technical (gain/loss of possession, ball retention percentage, challenges, challenge success percentage, passes, and pass success percentage) performance was assessed across six team formations: 3-5-2 (n = 137), 4-3-3 (n = 77), 4-2-3-1 (n = 391), 4-4-2 (n = 257), 3-4-3 (n = 41), and 4-1-4-1 (n = 107). Linear mixed models were used to assess variations in performance indicators across positions and formations. The results demonstrated that central defenders traveled significantly more total and low-speed running distances in the 3-5-2 formation than in the 4-2-3-1 formation (ES range: 0.33–0.34, p < 0.01). Fullbacks in the 3-5-2 formation demonstrated more high-speed running than did those in the 4-4-2 formation (ES = 0.27, p = 0.04). The central midfielders exhibited significantly more sprints and longer sprint distances in the 4-2-3-1 formation than in the 4-4-2 formation (ES range: 0.2–0.24, p < 0.01). Regarding technical performance, central defenders displayed significantly greater ball retention percentages, passes, and pass success rates in the 3-4-3 than in the 3-5-2 formations (ES range: 0.58–0.65, p < 0.01). Moreover, fullbacks and central midfielders executed markedly more passes with superior pass success rates in 4-back formations than in 3-5-2 formations (ES range: 0.2–0.53, p < 0.01). These findings can help coaches and academic staff understand the physical and technical requirements of various positions in various tactical formations, thus optimizing the training process.

Acid insoluble lignin material production by chemical activation of olive endocarps for an efficient furfural adsorption-removal from aqueous solutions

The present work describes a protocol of chemical activation, with acid catalyst, of olive endocarps to obtain acid insoluble lignin-rich materials with high capacities for the adsorption of furfural present in aqueous media. During biomass activation, factors such as acid concentration, reaction time and temperature, solid/liquid ratio and the presence of water extractives strongly affected both the surface characteristics of the treated bioadsorbents and their capacities for furfural retention (percentage increase close to 600% with respect to the crude biomass). Once a treated solid with good adsorbent properties was obtained, the optimal conditions for adsorption were found: stirring speed 80 rpm, temperature 303 K and adsorbent load 7.5 g solid/50 cm3. Kinetic study indicated the pseudo-second order model provided the best fit of the experimental data. At 303 K, the equilibrium adsorption capacities values ranged from 2.27 mg g−1 to 29.29 mg g−1, for initial furfural concentrations between 0.49 g dm−3 and 12.88 g dm−3. Freundlich model presented the best isotherm (R2 = 0.996 and SE = 4.7%) providing KF and n values of 0.115 (mg g−1) (mg dm−3)−n and 0.610, respectively. Since physical interactions predominate in the adsorption of furfural on chemically activated olive endocarps, the furfural removal process could have occurred reversibly on the heterogeneous surface of the bioadsorbents.

Evaluate the volatile retention performance of structurally modified cassava flour through pulsed electric fields

This study is the first attempt to evaluate the volatile retention performance of structurally modified cassava flour through Pulsed Electric Fields (PEF). The effect of structural modification on the headspace volatile profile and retention capacity during storage was assessed through a chemometrics approach. Higher abundance of headspace volatiles (20–32%) was found in all PEF–treated (2–4 kV/cm at 500 kJ/kg) cassava flour suspensions, compared to native flour. This related to lower volatile retention in the suspension matrix. The structural alteration caused a higher headspace abundance of terpenes, but showed progressive retention during storage. Retention percentage of discriminant volatiles, α-terpinolene and perillene, increased by 7 and 14 times more after 48 h of storage than native flour, respectively. When compared to a thermally gelatinised flour, a different headspace volatile profile was observed. Overall, retention performance was shown to be affected by nature of flour or of its inherent starch. Industrial relevanceThe study provided essential benchmark information that could be considered in the industrial production of modified cassava flour based food products. Nonetheless, it also opens opportunities to maximize the use of the modified flours in binding compounds not limited to volatiles.

Intercalation chemistry engineering strategy enabled high mass loading and ultrastable electrodes for High-Performance aqueous electrochemical energy storage devices

Aqueous electrochemical energy storage devices (AEESDs) are considered one of the most promising candidates for large-scale energy storage infrastructure due to their high affordability and safety. Developing electrodes with the merits of high energy density and long lifespan remains a challenging issue toward the practical application of AEESDs. Research attempts at electrode materials, nanostructure configuration, and electronic engineering show the limitations due to the inherent contradictions associated with thicker electrodes and ion-accessible kinetics. Herein, we propose an intercalation chemistry engineering strategy to enhance the electrolyte ion (de)intercalation behaviors during the electrochemical charge–discharge. To validate this strategy, the prototypical model of a high-mass-loading MnO2-based electrode is used with controlled intercalation of Na+ and H2O. Theoretical and experimental results reveal that an optimal content of Na+ and H2O on the MnO2-based electrode exhibits superior electrochemical performance. Typically, the resultant electrode exhibits an impressive areal capacitance of 1551 mF/cm2 with a mass loading of 9.7 mg/cm2 (at 1 mA/cm2). Furthermore, the assembled full-cell with obtained MnO2-based electrode delivers a high energy density of 0.12 mWh/cm2 (at 20.02 mW/cm2) and ultra-high cycling stability with a capacitance retention percentage of 89.63 % (345 mF/cm2) even after 100,000 cycles (tested over 72 days).

Extraction and Microencapsulation of Phytochemical Compounds from Mango Peel (Mangifera indica L.) var. “Kent” and Assessment of Bioaccessibility through In Vitro Digestion

The peel from mango (Mangifera indica L.) var. “Kent” is a good source of bioactive compounds (BC). BC are sensitive to oxygen, temperature, humidity, light, and gastrointestinal digestion, which change their biological function and health benefits. This study was aimed at the extraction of the bioactive compounds present in the peel from mango var. “Kent” and their microencapsulation using spray drying (SD) and spout-fluid bed drying (SFB). The bioaccessibility of BC was also evaluated. Two consecutive extractions of 90 min at 30 °C and 80% v/v ethanol were used. The microcapsules produced via SD and SFB presented high retention and encapsulation percentages of the bioactive compounds; nevertheless, SFB showed better protection during in vitro gastrointestinal digestion. The non-encapsulated extract showed a decrease (p ≤ 0.05) of BC at the end of in vitro gastrointestinal digestion. The results show that these microcapsules might be used in the food industry as an ingredient to produce functional foods and, thereby, to obtain the health benefits that the bioactive compounds provide.

Porous Nb4W7O31 microspheres with a mixed crystal structure for high-performance Li+ storage

Niobium-tungsten oxides with tungsten bronze and confined ReO3 crystal structures are prospective anode candidates for lithium-ion batteries since the multi-electron transfer per niobium/tungsten offers large specific capacities. To combine the merits of the two structures, porous Nb4W7O31 microspheres constructed by nanorods are synthesized based on a facile solvothermal method. This new material contains different tungsten bronze structures and 4 × 4 ReO3-type blocks confined by tungsten bronze matrices, generating plenty of pentagonal and quadrangular tunnels for Li+ storage, as confirmed by spherical-aberration-corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy. Such structural mixing enables three-dimensionally uniform and small lattice expansion/shrinkage during lithiation/delithiation, leading to good structural and cyclic stability (95.2% capacity retention over 1,500 cycles at 10C). The large interlayer spacing (~3.95 Å), coupled with the abundant pentagonal/quadrangular tunnels, results in ultra-high Li+ diffusion coefficients (1.24 × 10-11 cm2 s-1 during lithiation and 1.09 × 10-10 cm2 s-1 during delithiation) and high rate capability (10C vs. 0.1C capacity retention percentage of 47.6%). Nb4W7O31 further exhibits a large reversible capacity (252 mAh g-1 at 0.1C), high first-cycle Coulombic efficiency (88.4% at 0.1C), and safe operating potential (~1.66 V vs. Li/Li+). This comprehensive study demonstrates that the porous Nb4W7O31 microspheres are very promising anode materials for future use in high-performance Li+ storage.

Evaluation of Type III Adhesive Mortar (ACIII) and Gypsum as Precipitating Agents of Copper and Lead

Heavy metals exhibit characteristics such as nonbiodegradable nature, toxic character, bioaccumulation capability, and ability to transit over long distances. The widespread application of these metal ions in various industrial sectors has led to an increase in their release into the environment. Chemical precipitation has been one of the technologies used to remove heavy metals from wastewater, involving a process in which chemical agents are added to wastewater with dissolved toxic metal ions, which react with the metals, forming insoluble precipitates. Therefore, the present study aimed to assess the potential of gypsum and adhesive mortar type III (ACIII) as precipitating agents for lead (Pb) and copper (Cu) ions, as well as to evaluate the toxicity of precipitation products on Drosophila melanogaster. Experiments using ACIII mortar waste as a precipitating agent for Cu ions were obtained using a glass filter composed of 04 chambers and 04 antechambers, while the potential of gypsum as a Pb ion precipitant was evaluated by adding gypsum powder to a beaker containing a Pb ions solution. The toxicity of the precipitation products was evaluated by observing the mortality and negative geotaxis parameters on D. melanogaster. In the tests using ACIII mortar as a precipitating agent for Cu, retention percentages progressively varied, obtaining 98.82% at a concentration of 30 mg/L. Meanwhile, gypsum obtained retention percentages that varied from 32.83 to 98.61% for Pb. It was found that the precipitates of Cu and Pb resulted in alterations in the survival and locomotion rates of D. melanogaster only at the highest evaluated concentrations. In conclusion, the results obtained indicated that geomaterials such as ACIII mortar and gypsum have potential for the removal of Cu and Pb from aqueous solutions. Moreover, the precipitation stages by these materials also impact in decreasing the toxicity of metal ions to the evaluated model organism.

Variations in micronutrient concentrations and retentions in fufu made from yellow-fleshed cassava as a function of genotype and processing methods.

The biofortification of staple foods such as cassava is one of the technological breakthroughs in the nutritional improvement of foods. Fufu is one of the fermented cassava products produced and consumed in major West African countries, including Sierra Leone, and the majority of the processes involved in its production have direct and indirect effects on its properties. This study looked at how the concentration and retention of micronutrients in yellow-fleshed cassava fufu varied depending on genotype and processing method. Six yellow-fleshed cassava root genotypes (TMS-070557, TMS-011371, TMS-011412, TMS-011663, TMS-083724, TMS-083774) and one white (TME 419 as a control) were processed into fufu using both conventional (oven and sun-dried) and traditional (bowl and river) methods. The Statistical Analysis System (SAS) version 9.4 was used to analyze data using means, percentages, analysis of variance and means separated by least significant differences (LSD). In the modified traditional river method, raw and cooked fufu samples had significantly higher β-carotene concentrations and true retention (TR) percentages (11.06 g/g (46.77%) and 4.54 g/g (16.94%), respectively) than other genotypes (p < 0.0001). Modified traditional fufu processing methods increased total β-carotene concentrations, while raw roots showed a significant decrease in total carotenoid and β-carotene concentrations, regardless of genotype or processing method. Sun-drying was the most effective method, with significantly higher concentrations and TR percentages of iron (10.01 mg/kg, 18.02%) and zinc (11.49 mg/kg, 40.64%) in raw and cooked fufu samples. Genotype TMS-083724 outperformed both conventional fufu processing methods, displaying a significant total carotenoid concentration and true retention percentage. Finally, this study found that the concentrations and percentages of TR of micronutrients varied depending on the processing method and genotype. It is recommended that a modified traditional river fufu processing method be further developed and improved in order to maximize provitamin A carotenoids, concentrations, and percentage TR.

A 3D hydrangea-like NiMoO4/rGO/PANI hybrid composite for high performance asymmetric supercapacitor

Development of electrode materials exhibiting exceptional stability and possessing a high specific capacitance is the important task within the realm of supercapacitor research. In this study, a novel micro-architecture of NiMoO4 (NMO) resembling a hydrangea in three dimensions (3D) has been developed. The surface of NMO was modified by anchoring PANI nanoparticles and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) resulting in the formation of a composite material designated as NiMoO4/rGO/PANI (NMORP). The NMORP composite demonstrates a notable increase in specific-capacity, reaching 1150 C g−1 when tested at 1 A g−1. The observed capacity retention percentage of 97.5 % after undergoing 5000 cycles on a notable current density (10 A g−1) provides substantial proof of exceptional cycling performance within the cycling domain. The remarkable outcomes observed can be attributed to the synergistic impact of the structural and componential characteristics of the NMORP composite. The higher cycling stability of the NMORP composite electrode may be ascribed to the 2D–2D coupling phenomenon occurring at the interface of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and NMO nanosheets, together with the stable 3-D design reminiscent of hydrangea flowers. Furthermore, the NMORP composite, characterized by a pore structure ranging from 10 to 20 nm and higher conductivity, demonstrates enhanced capabilities regarding the transfer of charge and diffusion of ions. In addition, the NMORP//AC supercapacitor shows a remarkable energy density of 82.43 Wh kg−1 at 850 W kg−1 power density. Furthermore, it shows exceptional cycling performance, retaining 94.5 % of its capacity with 10 A g−1 current density upon the completion of 10,000 cycles. The fabrication of a composite material, referred to as NMORP, presents a viable approach to address the challenges associated with the inadequate electrochemical durability and sluggish electron/ion transfer exhibited by NMO composite when utilized as an electrode in asymmetric supercapacitors (device).

Nutrient Intake and Nitrogen Balance of West African Dwarf Goats Fed Raw Cashew Nut Shell Diets

A study was conducted using twenty (20) growing West African Dwarf (WAD) bucks with an average weight of 6.74 ± 0.33 kg to determine the nutrient intake and nitrogen balance. The goats were allotted to four dietary treatments with five goats replicates per treatment in a completely randomized design. The raw cashew nut shell was sun-dried and crushed to a particle size of less than 1 cm. The cashew nut shell was incorporated in the diets at the rate of 0% (diet A), 5% (diet B), 10% (diet C) and 15% (diet D) respectively. The experimental period lasted for 63days excluding 2weeks of adaptation. The chemical and mineral compositions of the diets were determined. Result showed that chemical composition were significantly (P &lt; 0.05) influenced by the raw cashew nut shell. The crude protein ranged from 7.16 to 7.89% while the crude fiber varied from 22.45 to 24.01%. Calcium and Phosphorus content increased with increased level of raw cashew nut shell. Sodium ranged from 17.47 to 23.00% while magnesium varied from 9.34 to 12.94%. Goats fed diets A had the highest nitrogen balance (8.57 g/day) and highest percentage of nitrogen retention (86.58%) which is statistically similar to the values obtained in goats fed diet B; (8.34 g/day nitrogen balance and 84.58% percentage nitrogen retention). However, dry matter intake recorded in this study were significantly (P &lt; 0.05) influenced by the inclusion levels of raw sundried cashew nut shell in the diet. Goats fed diets A had the highest dry matter intake (456.37 g/day) while goats fed diet D had the least (207.69 g/day). Crude protein intake and crude fiber intake increased as the levels of raw cashew nut shell increased in diets. In conclusion, feeding of raw sundried cashew nut shell at 5% could provide good quality replacement ingredient to ruminants especially during the dry season for improved performance and productivity.

Characterization of mango hybrids and their parents for vigor, flowering, yield components and biochemical traits

The vigour, blooming, yield, and biochemical features of seventy mango hybrids, including their parents,‘Amrapali’ and ‘Sensation’, were evaluated. The hybrid ‘H-13-5’ had the greatest plant height (10.11m), wherestem girth was maximum in ‘H-1-6’ (132.21cm), and ‘H-13-1’ had the largest canopy spread (9.77 m). The hybrid‘H-13-4’ exhibited the highest bark-wood ratio (7.59), signifying a higher percentage of mature wood surroundingthe entire stem. Hybrid ‘H-1-9’ had the highest stomatal density (797 stomata/mm2) as a dwarfing trait. Regardingreproductive characteristics, hybrid ‘H-11-4’ produced the maximum number of fruits (2.51) per panicle. Witha more significant fruit retention percentage of 62%, the hybrid ‘H-11-1’ showed improved fruit retention onthe tree. The tree with the higher fruit output, hybrid ‘H-1-8’, produced 43 kg of fruit per tree. The hybrid ‘H-1-5’ produced the maximum size of fruits (317 g/ per fruit). These signify that the resultant hybrids have a lotof potential for future breeding and commercial exploitation be cause of their advantageous economic traits

Optimization of heating profile for superconductor joint performance made by resistive joule heating process

The long-term heating (>60 min) of second generation high temperature superconductor (2G HTS) tape-joints at temperatures above 200 °C leads to the continuous deterioration of their superconducting properties. Previously, we proposed a resistive Joule heating process with a short heating time (∼10 min) that exhibited beneficial critical current (Ic), retention percentages (84–99 %), and joint resistances (74–697 nΩ cm2) in four independent experiments.In this study, we investigated two heating rates and three tape-joint areas. The results show that for the samples with different tape joint areas, the critical current retention percentages (97–100 %) and uniformity of specific joint resistances (82–272 nΩ cm2) were significantly improved at a high heating rate of ∼30 °C/min. The sintering of silver nanoparticles and oxidation characteristics of the copper stabilizers were observed using transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and Raman spectroscopy to elucidate the effect of different heating profiles. This study opens new avenues for improving the quality of 2G HTS tape joint processes for ultrahigh magnetic field applications.