Production Potential Research Articles

Optimizing Soil Fertility through Machine Learning: Enhancing Agricultural Productivity and Sustainability

Nowadays, the sustainability of agriculture and food security have an increasing importance on soil fertility. Soil fertility is defined as the capacity of a land to grow crops and its potential crop productivity. However, factors such as increasing population, climate change, land use changes and environmental pollution threaten soil fertility. These threats can result in problems such as erosion, soil salinisation and organic matter depletion. Soil fertility is critical for the long-term health of agriculture and food security. Artificial intelligence techniques used to determine and manage soil fertility analyse the minerals present in the soil as well as other factors. These analyses assess the amount of minerals present in the soil, the availability of nutrients and important parameters such as pH. This information guides farmers in selecting the most appropriate crops. Furthermore, the integration of Internet of Things (IoT) technologies allows real-time monitoring of minerals and nutrients in the soil and optimising irrigation and fertilisation processes based on this data. These developments have the potential to improve soil fertility management and increase agricultural productivity.

Unlocking relief: formulation, characterization, and in vivo assessment of salicylic acid-loaded microemulgel for psoriasis management.

Psoriasis, a chronic skin condition, affects around 2-5% of the population. Topical corticosteroids treat the vast majority of cases (> 80%). Because of the physicochemical characteristics of the damaged stratum corneum, all treatments are ineffective. Nevertheless, systemic immunosuppression, the oral strategy, has substantial adverse effects that may be avoided using the topical procedure. The research sought to determine if a salicylic acid-loaded microemulsion-based gel (emulgel) could successfully infiltrate and maintain salicylic acid in skin tissue for psoriasis treatment. The pseudo-ternary phase was generated in different Smix ratios (1:1, 2:1, and 3:1; Labrasol:Transcutol® P). At a 3:1 ratio, the Smix had a substantial microemulsion area. Microemulsion was characterized for particle size, pH, etc. For topical application, the selected microemulsion was combined with Carbopol 940 gel, and ex vivo permeation and drug retention study were conducted. The effectiveness of the developed gel was checked using the IMQ-induced psoriatic plaque model. Salicylic acid microemulsion has an average globule size of 79.72nm, pH 5.93, and 100% transmittance. In an ex vivo diffusion study, emulgel revealed greater penetration and more drug retention than ordinary salicylic acid gel. The emulgel was non-irritating on the skin of rats. In vivo studies revealed significant antipsoriatic activity of microemulsion-loaded gel compared to the marketed product. Developed emulgel was considered a potential product for an effective and safe way to administer salicylic acid for the treatment of skin diseases such as psoriasis.

Stereoselective Vinylic C–H Addition via Metallaphotoredox Migration

Geometrically defined allylic alcohols with SE, SZ, RE and RZ stereoisomers serve as valuable intermediates in synthetic chemistry, attributed to the stereoselective transformations enabled by the alkenyl and hydroxyl functionalities. When an ideal scenario presents itself with four distinct stereoisomers as potential products, the simultaneous control vicinal stereochemistry in a single step would offer a direct pathway to any desired stereoisomer. Here, we unveil a metallaphotoredox migration strategy to access stereodefined allylic alcohols through vinylic C–H activation with aldehydes. This method harnesses a chiral nickel catalyst in concert with a photocatalyst to enable a 1,4‐Ni migration by using readily accessible 2‐vinyl iodoarenes as starting materials. The efficacy of this methodology is highlighted by the precise construction of all stereoisomers of allylic alcohols bearing analogous substituents and the efficient synthesis of key intermediates en route to Myristinin family. Experimental and computational studies have shed light on pivotal aspects including the synergy of metal catalysis and photocatalysis, the driving forces behind the migration, and the determination of absolute configuration in the C–H addition process.

Stereoselective Vinylic C-H Addition via Metallaphotoredox Migration.

Geometrically defined allylic alcohols with SE, SZ, RE and RZ stereoisomers serve as valuable intermediates in synthetic chemistry, attributed to the stereoselective transformations enabled by the alkenyl and hydroxyl functionalities. When an ideal scenario presents itself with four distinct stereoisomers as potential products, the simultaneous control vicinal stereochemistry in a single step would offer a direct pathway to any desired stereoisomer. Here, we unveil a metallaphotoredox migration strategy to access stereodefined allylic alcohols through vinylic C-H activation with aldehydes. This method harnesses a chiral nickel catalyst in concert with a photocatalyst to enable a 1,4-Ni migration by using readily accessible 2-vinyl iodoarenes as starting materials. The efficacy of this methodology is highlighted by the precise construction of all stereoisomers of allylic alcohols bearing analogous substituents and the efficient synthesis of key intermediates en route to Myristinin family. Experimental and computational studies have shed light on pivotal aspects including the synergy of metal catalysis and photocatalysis, the driving forces behind the migration, and the determination of absolute configuration in the C-H addition process.

Consumer likelihood to purchase farmed marine finfish with potential for commercialization in the United States

Local aquaculture production of marine finfish has potential to meet the domestic seafood demand and contribute to reduction of the United States (U.S.) seafood trade deficit. The United States Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service, along with other research programs, has developed aquaculture production technologies for warmwater marine finfish species with potential for commercial production. To understand the marketing opportunities for the candidate species, an online survey of 818 seafood consumers in the southeastern U.S. was conducted to explore their awareness, familiarity, frequency of consumption, location of purchase, and likelihood of purchasing the species of interest. A binary logit model was specified to explore the factors that influenced consumers likelihood to purchase Atlantic cod, black sea bass, California flounder, California yellowtail, Florida pompano, redfish, red snapper, southern flounder, spotted seatrout, striped bass, summer flounder, and white seabass, the 12 species for which there were at least 100 survey responses. This study focused on consumers likelihood to purchase the candidate species at grocery stores and restaurants. The results show that consumers who placed high importance on source of the fish and quality were more likely to buy various candidate species including red snapper, striped bass, Atlantic cod, southern flounder, Florida pompano, California yellowtail, black sea bass, California flounder, and white seabass. Respondents who considered price to be important were more likely to buy California flounder, redfish, red snapper, white seabass, black sea bass (at grocery stores only), and summer flounder (at grocery stores only). Frequent consumers of Atlantic cod, southern flounder, California flounder, redfish, summer flounder (at grocery stores only) and California yellowtail (at grocery stores only) were more likely to purchase these species. Frequency of consumption, seasonality in consumption, and demographic characteristics, including income, age, race, and state of residence, influenced consumers likelihood to purchase various species of interest.

Efficient preparation of diglycerides from rapeseed oil sediment using phospholipase C in a solvent-free phospholipid hydrolysis system

Diacylglycerols (DAGs), which are involved in rapid energy supply and fat reduction, are typically produced from triglycerides, glycerol and fatty acids through lipase-catalysis. This study introduces a novel method for preparing DAGs in a solvent-free system by using phospholipase C (PLC) hydrolysis of rapeseed oil sediment, which is a byproduct of the rapeseed oil water degumming. The optimisation of DAGs production by PLC hydrolysis using Response Surface Methodology (RMS) and Box-Behnken design. Under optimal conditions of 0.6% enzyme concentration, 51 °C reaction temperature, 56% water content and 2.2 h reaction time, phosphatidylcholine (PC) and phosphatidylethanolamine in the oil sediment were almost entirely converted into DAGs. This reaction yielded an oil product containing 27.1% DAGs, with 1,2-DAGs at 24.88% ± 0.01% and 1,3-DAGs at 2.22% ± 0.01%, which is favoured in drug delivery systems, and the fatty acid composition of DAGs oil was almost consistent with rapeseed oil. Moreover, the residual phospholipids were primarily phosphatidylinositol (PI), with an amount of 69.73%, suggesting the potential for high-purity PI production. In this study, rapeseed oil sediment achieved comprehensive utilization through hydrolysis by PLC, which not only enhanced the value of the oil sediment but also provided a new approach for the synthesis of DAGs.

Achieving over 90% Faradaic Efficiency in Cyclohexanone Oxime Electrosynthesis Using the Cu-Mo Dual-Site Catalyst.

Coupling with the nitrate electroreduction reaction (NitRR), the electrosynthesis of cyclohexanone oxime (CHO, the vital feedstock in the nylon-6 industry) from cyclohexanone provides a promising alternative to the traditional energy consumption process. However, it still suffers from low efficiency because selective production of *NH2OH intermediate from NitRR under large current densities is challenging. We here report a Cu1MoOx/nitrogen-doped carbon (NC) electrocatalyst with high-density Cu-Mo dual sites for NitRR to selectively produce and stabilize *NH2OH, with the subsequent cyclohexanone oximation achieving the highest CHO Faradaic efficiency of 94.5% and a yield rate of 3.0 mol g-1 h-1 at an industrially relevant current density of 0.5 A cm-2. Furthermore, in situ characterizations evidenced that the Cu-Mo dual sites in Cu1MoOx/NC effectively inhibited hydrodeoxygenation of hydroxyl-containing intermediates of NitRR, selectively producing *NH2OH and thus achieving cyclohexanone oximation with high efficiency. This work provides a high-performance catalyst for CHO electrosynthesis from nitrogenous waste, showing promising application potential in industrial production of CHO.

Production of High-Value Green Chemicals via Catalytic Fast Pyrolysis of Eucalyptus urograndis Forest Residues

Lately, pyrolysis has attracted significant attention due to its substantial potential for bio-oil production, with the ability to serve as a renewable energy source and/or facilitate the production of valuable chemical compounds. The chemical compounds generated and their amounts are completely influenced by the traits and chemical makeup of the initial biomass. In this work, the catalytic fast pyrolysis of Eucalyptus urograndis canopy was carried out using a pyrolyzer coupled to gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS) at different temperatures and in the presence and absence of catalysts. Elemental composition analysis was employed to characterize the chemical composition of the biomass. The results showed a biomass with a carbon percentage of 50.20%, oxygen of 43.21%, and hydrogen of 6.34%, as well as a lower calorific power of 17.51 MJ/kg. The Py-GC/MS analyses revealed the presence of several noteworthy compounds, including acetic acid (C2H4O2) and, in smaller quantities, hydrogen (H2), furfural (C5H4O2), and levoglucosan (C6H10O5). The technical-economic evaluation revealed that the production of acetic acid, furfural, hydrogen, and levoglucosan commands a high market price. Additionally, a single production cycle is anticipated to yield a favorable technical-economic balance, generating approximately USD 466.10 /ton of processed biomass. This outcome is achieved through the process of catalytic fast pyrolysis, where CuO has been identified as the most suitable catalyst.

Inhibitory Effects of Polyphenols from Equisetum ramosissimum and Moringa peregrina Extracts on Staphylococcus aureus, Collagenase, and Tyrosinase Enzymes: In vitro Studies

Background: Skin problems caused by oxidative stress lead to the activation of collagenase and tyrosinase enzymes, contributing to skin aging, discoloration, and infections. Equisetum ramosissimum and Moringa peregrina were assessed for their potential uses in treating various skin conditions. Objective: The present research aimed to investigate the positive effects of polyphenols in Equisetum ramosissimum and Moringa peregrina extracts as potential cosmetic products for the treatment of different skin conditions. Methods: Total phenolic and flavonoid contents, antioxidants, and anti-collagenase and anti-tyrosinase activities of plant extract mixtures (PEM) at different ratios of (M. peregrina: E. ramosissimum) were determined using standard procedures. Inhibitory effects of PEM against acne-causing Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 29213) were evaluated using the diameter (cm) of the inhibition zone method. A cream formulation containing PEM was developed and characterized for stability and potential skin irritation in rats using standard procedures. Results: The PEM at a ratio of (2:1) showed the highest total phenolic and flavonoid content (150.15 ± 2.8 mg/g, equivalent to gallic acid, and 41.5 ± 1.2 mg/g, equivalent to quercetin, respectively). Antioxidant activities for PEM (2:1) were also optimal, as determined by the DPPH and ABTS methods (IC50 = 7.06 ± 0.12 µg/mL and 53.29 ± 3.3 µg/mL, respectively). Furthermore, PEM (2:1) exhibited superior inhibitory activities against collagenase and tyrosinase enzymes (IC50 = 32.4 ± 1.19 µg/mL and 8.4 ± 1.19 µg/mL, respectively). Antimicrobial activity of PEM (2:1) tested on S. aureus showed the largest zone of growth inhibition (2.8 cm) at a concentration of 60 mg/mL. Studies on the PEM (2:1) cream formulation revealed that it remained stable under room conditions. Skin irritation tests on rats showed no signs of oedema or erythema after treatment. Conclusion: The PEM with a ratio of (2:1) demonstrated optimal activity as an oxidative stress-neutralizing agent, inhibitor of enzymes responsible for skin aging and hyperpigmentation, and antibacterial agent. The cream formulation containing PEM exhibited physical stability and no detectable risk of skin irritation throughout the research procedures.

Photophysiological status of phytoplankton communities in different types of eddies during winter in the western Pacific Ocean

The Western Pacific Ocean (WPO) is one of the most active eddy regions in the world, where a variety of ocean processes are frequently observed, but little research has been conducted on the phytoplankton communities and their photosynthetic physiological status within the eddies in this region. The bio-optical parameters of phytoplankton communities and their physiological status within the warm core and cold core eddies of the WPO during the winter of 2021 were investigated based on fast repetition rate fluorometry (FRRF). In this paper, environmental factors, phytoplankton community parameters, chlorophyll a (Chl a), and various bio-optical parameters were investigated for two opposite types of eddies at the WPO. The results show the maximum [Fv/Fm, 0.18 to 0.26 (warm eddy), 0.14 to 0.28 (cold eddy)] and effective photosynthetic efficiency [Fq'/Fm', 0.11 to 0.23 (warm eddy), 0.10 to 0.27 (cold eddy)] of the DCM for both warm and cold eddies, the electron transport rates ETRRCII [0.002–6.18 mol e− mol RCII−1 s−1 (warm eddy), 0.002–4.94 mol e− mol RCII−1 s−1 (cold eddy)] and the primary production potential PPmax [0.68–118.19 mg C (mg Chl a)−1 day−1 (warm eddy), 2.47–243.49 mg C (mg Chl a)−1 day−1 (cold eddy)] for different types eddies. In warm eddy, temperature and Chl a concentrations had significant effects on Fv/Fm and Fq'/Fm', while in cold eddy the correlation of Fv/Fm and Fq'/Fm' with temperature was not significant, and Fv/Fm was significantly negatively correlated with DIP only. Light was the main variable affecting the electron transport capacity and primary production potential of the phytoplankton community in the eddies, while larger cyanobacteria and dinoflagellates contributed significantly to the primary production potential of the cold eddy. In addition, both eddies centers had higher primary production potentials, with the cold eddy had a higher primary production potential than the warm eddy, based on microscopic analysis this phenomenon may be due to differences in electron transfer rates between phytoplankton communities.

Research on the Biogas Production Mechanism of Mudstone in the Qaidam Basin under Different CO2 Pressures.

Mudstone, a class of sedimentary rocks rich in organic matter, possesses considerable potential for biogas production. Mudstones possess a rich biological origin, which is conducive to refining the mechanisms and enrichment patterns of biogenic gas reservoirs. This has significant theoretical and practical implications for guiding the exploration and development of Quaternary mudstone gas reservoirs. Furthermore, the Qaidam Basin is an excellent place for the geological storage of CO2 due to its rich petroleum reservoir conditions. Experimental research on biogas production under diverse CO2 pressure-mudstone-microorganism-water interactions is conducted to determine the biogas production mechanism of mudstone under different CO2 pressures during sequestration circumstances. According to the results: (1) under supercritical carbon dioxide conditions, there is a slight initial increase in biogas production, followed by a gradual decrease. The periods and peaks of gas production vary among the different reaction groups. As carbon dioxide pressure increases, the gas production cycle lengthens significantly, while the gas yield declines. (2) Siderite and secondary carbonate minerals have increased in the mudstone's mineral fraction both before and after biogas production, while clay mineral groups have decreased. Specifically, there was a notable drop in chlorite and kaolinite. (3) Microorganism species in the system were analyzed, and the results showed that there was a gap in each microorganism's ability to adapt to its surroundings, and the diversity and quantity of bacteria declined with increasing pressure. After carbon dioxide was fluxed, there was a considerable shift in the pattern of biogas generation, which consequently had a major impact on the alterations in mineral fractions.

Pairing Oxygen Reduction and Water Oxidation for Dual−pathway H2O2 Production

Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is a crucial chemical applied in various industry sectors. However, the current industrial anthraquinone process for H2O2 synthesis is carbon‐intensive. With sunlight and renewable electricity as energy inputs, photocatalysis and electrocatalysis have great potential for green H2O2 production from oxygen (O2) and water (H2O). Herein, we review the advances in pairing two‐electron O2 reduction and two‐electron H2O oxidation reactions for dual‐pathway H2O2 synthesis. The basic principles, paired redox reactions, and catalytic device configurations are introduced initially. Aligning with the energy input, the latest photocatalysts, electrocatalysts, and photo‐electrocatalysts for dual‐pathway H2O2 production are discussed afterward. Finally, we outlook the research opportunities in the future. This minireview aims to provide insights and guidelines for the broad community who are interested in catalyst design and innovative technology for on‐site H2O2 synthesis.

The correlation of muscle morphology with variations of 10-repetition maximum bench press strength in resistance-trained subjects

The relationship between muscle mass and strength is complex as it can be influenced by several neurological factors. Variations in the type of training and its mechanisms involved, such as strength- or hypertrophy-oriented training, may influence this relationship in different ways (Carvalho et al., 2022). In addition, the relationship between muscle stiffness and strength remains unclear (Akagi et al., 2016; Mannarino et al., 2019). Thus, this research aimed to investigate the potential correlation between the strength levels, measured by the 10-repetition maximum (10RM), across different ranges of motion (ROM) in the barbell bench press exercise (BP) to the cross-sectional area (CSA) and shear modulus (= indication for stiffness) of the muscles primarily engaged in the exercise. Twenty-one resistance-trained participants (age 27.1 ± 3.4 years) volunteered in this study. The CSA and muscle shear modulus were assessed in a resting position with ultrasound imaging using an ultrasound system (Supersonic Imaging, Aix-en-Provence, France). CSA ultrasound images were captured with panoramic mode for the pectoralis major and the triceps brachii long head. Muscle shear modulus was measured for the pectoralis major, the anterior deltoid, and the triceps brachii long head using shear wave elastography (SWE). Additionally, participants were assessed for their 10RMs of the three types of BP variations, a full ROM and two partial ROMs, the upper half and lower half of the full movement. Data analyses revealed significant correlations between all BP variations and the medial and lateral CSA of the pectoralis major with correlations ranging from r = 0.775 to r = 0.832 (p = 0.001). Significant correlations were also found for the proximal CSA of the triceps brachii long head with the strength values of all tested BP variations with correlations ranging from ρ = 0.492 to ρ = 0.494 (p = 0.028 to p = 0.027). The distal CSA of the triceps brachii did only correlate significantly with the lower ROM BP (r = 0.484, p = 0.026). No significant correlations were found between the SWE of the measured muscles and the bench press variations tested. Additionally, no differences were observed in the correlations between the BP variations. Correlations between 10RM strength levels and the CSA of the pectoralis, and to a lesser extent, the triceps muscle, show the significance of muscle mass for strength in resistance-trained individuals. This finding aligns with a previous training study that examined the hypertrophic effects of bench press exercises on various muscles (Ogasawara et al., 2012). The study revealed that although both the pectoralis and triceps muscles increased in size, the triceps tended to plateau earlier. This suggests that the pectoralis muscle has a greater capacity for muscle volume growth and, consequently, a higher potential for force production. Finally, SWE measurements revealed no significant correlation with BP variations, implying that muscle stiffness may not play as critical a role in 10RM performance as muscle CSA does. This conclusion aligns with other studies that could not find significant changes in muscle stiffness using SWE following resistance training interventions (Dankel & Razzano, 2020). References Akagi, R., Shikiba, T., Tanaka, J., & Takahashi, H. (2016). A six-week resistance training program does not change shear modulus of the triceps brachii. Journal of Applied Biomechanics, 32(4), 373–378. https://doi.org/10.1123/jab.2015-0290 Carvalho, L., Junior, R. M., Barreira, J., Schoenfeld, B. J., Orazem, J., & Barroso, R. (2022). Muscle hypertrophy and strength gains after resistance training with different volume-matched loads: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Applied Physiology, Nutrition, and Metabolism, 47(4), 357–368. https://doi.org/10.1139/apnm-2021-0515 Dankel, S. J., & Razzano, B. M. (2020). The impact of acute and chronic resistance exercise on muscle stiffness: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Ultrasound, 23(4), 473–480. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40477-020-00486-3 Mannarino, P., Matta, T. T. D., & Oliveira, L. F. D. (2019). An 8-week resistance training protocol is effective in adapting quadriceps but not patellar tendon shear modulus measured by Shear Wave Elastography. PLoS ONE, 14(4), Article e0205782. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0205782 Ogasawara, R., Thiebaud, R. S., Loenneke, J. P., Loftin, M., & Abe, T. (2012). Time course for arm and chest muscle thickness changes following bench press training. Interventional Medicine and Applied Science, 4(4), 217–220. https://doi.org/10.1556/imas.4.2012.4.7

Thermal stable NaMgLaTeO6:Dy3+ double perovskite yellow phosphors for w-LEDs and latent fingerprint visualization

The novel Dy3+-doped NaMgLaTeO6 (NaMgLaTeO6:Dy3+) phosphors were produced through a high-temperature solid-state reaction. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis and Rietveld refinement manifest that the pure phosphor was committed to the space group (P21/m (11)) and features the double perovskite structure. The band gap (Eg) of the direct semiconductor NaMgLaTeO6 is calculated to be 2.065 eV. Under 388 nm excitation, the 4F9/2→6H13/2 energy level transition contributes to the maximum emission peak at 572 nm. Other properties of the phosphor include optimal concentration (x = 5 mol %), high thermal stability, activation energy (Ea = 0.31 eV), and internal quantum efficiency (IQE = 31.44 %). The relevant color coordinate of the white light emitting diode (w-LED) prepared by the phosphor is (0.298, 0.311). The features of the latent fingerprint (LFP) created by NaMgLaTeO6:Dy3+ can be clearly reflected on different surfaces. In summary, NaMgLaTeO6:Dy3+ phosphor has proven high potential in w-LEDs production and LFP detection.

Export of agricultural products as a determinant of currency security of Ukrainian economy

Purpose. The purpose of this study is the development of the methodological approach for estimation the impact of agri-food exports on the monetary sphere of Ukraine in order to substantiate the prospective directions of the export potential of agricultural products as the factor in ensuring the currency security of Ukraine. Methodology / approach. The following methods were used: literature review in determining the main trends in the export of agricultural products based on the analysis of publications; economic and statistical analysis to assess the impact of key factors on the formation of the export potential of agricultural products and its impact on exchange rate formation; ARDL modelling, Dickey-Fuller, and Engle-Granger tests to estimate the impact of different factors on exchange rate changes. Results. The paper highlights the immediate and delayed influence of selected factors on the dynamics of the exchange rate in Ukraine, showing that the export of food products and raw materials for their production can significantly strengthen the national currency in the long-run. The continuous growth in food exports contributes to a slower appreciation of the exchange rate, which ultimately leads to a stronger national currency. Therefore, the strategy of focusing on increasing food exports can play a vital role in bolstering the Ukrainian currency in the long-run by exerting a positive influence on the exchange rate dynamics and contributing to the overall economic stability. Originality / scientific novelty. The study contributes to the understanding of the complex interplay between war, food security, and economic stability. The novelty implies the ARDL model of the influence of agricultural exports on the currency and exchange rate sphere of the Ukrainian economy. Additionally, the analysis adds new dimension to the discussion on the strategic importance of the agricultural sector for foreign exchange reserves and currency accumulation. Practical value / implications. The practical value is that understanding the relationship between export volumes, global prices, and exchange rate movements can help in predicting and managing currency fluctuations more effectively. By identifying the time frames for the return of exchange rate shocks to their long-term equilibrium and the impact of various factors on currency valuation, the study aims policy-making processes at ensuring currency security for the state.

Evaluation of the hydrogen/oxygen and thermoelectric production of a hybrid solar PV/T-electrolyzer system

In order to achieve a sustainable, low-carbon energy future, it is necessary to develop innovative and integrated solutions. However, one of the main obstacles to the advancement of renewable energy is storage. With this in mind, hybrid systems combining solar energy and hydrogen production have great potential. This article focuses on the evaluation of a solar PV/T (photovoltaic-thermal) system coupled with an electrolyser for the joint production of hydrogen and heat. Simulations are performed in MATLAB. The analysis reveals that with PV/T power supply, the production potential is estimated at 179.6 W and 551.9 W respectively for electrical and thermal power. An in-depth study aimed at optimizing the system by evaluating the quality of the energy used in the water electrolysis process makes it possible to analyze the effect of certain operating parameters. With a water flow of 5.7 ×10−3m3/h, a current density of 200 mA/ cm2 and an electrolyzer temperature of 60 °C, the monthly production of hydrogen and oxygen reaches the maximum values of 4.85 m3 and 2.42 m3 respectively. This led to a maximum exergy efficiency of 57.8 %. This study demonstrates the linearity between hydrogen production and current density which at high density reduces exergy performance.

Enhancing methane yield from microalgae: abiotic stress and cells disruption with quartz powder

This study investigates the biochemical methane potential (BMP) of microalgal biomass, introducing a novel cells disruption method using quartz powder (SiO2). A two-phase algae cultivation, involving nitrogen deprivation and salinity shifts, was employed to biochemically modify the biomass of two brackish green algae strains, Chlorella vulgaris and Monoraphidium contortum, enhancing their methane (CH4) production potential. Mechanical disruption of the algal cells further increased BMP, with C. vulgaris yielding 305 mL CH4/g volatile solids (VS) and M. contortum reaching 324 mL CH4/g VS, reflecting respective increases of 51 % and 86 %. The integration of this efficient mechanical cell disruption method with a simple, stress-based cultivation strategy presents significant potential for enhancing the methane yield of microalgal biomass.

Use of plant growth regulators and their combined application to enhance lipid productivity in the filamentous microalga Tribonema sp.

Oleaginous Tribonema sp. has shown great potential in biodiesel production. However, effective strategies are still needed to increase overall lipid productivity for cost-effectiveness. Although the effects of plant growth regulators (PGRs) on enhancing microalgal growth and lipid content have been widely demonstrated, the synergistic effects of their combinations on improving lipid productivity in Tribonema sp. remain unclear. In this study, we investigated the comparative effects of five PGRs (e.g., fulvic acid, melatonin, gibberellin, γ-aminobutyric acid [GABA], and indoleacetic-3-acid [IAA]) at different concentrations (0.1–10 mg/L) on the growth, nitrogen uptake, and lipid content of Tribonema sp. The results showed that 10 mg/L GABA and 0.1 mg/L IAA were optimal conditions, contributing to an approximately 33.00 % increase in lipid productivity compared with the control (without PGRs). Based on these findings, the combination of optimized concentrations of GABA and IAA, especially in equal proportions, resulted in a more desirable fatty acid profile and produced the highest biomass, lipid content, and lipid productivity, with increases of 23.55 %, 25.62 %, and 54.95 %, respectively, over the control. This combination also significantly increased nitrogen removal efficiency in the medium, which was 46.24 % higher that of the control. These results were attributed to the significant upregulation of genes associated with nitrogen metabolism mediated by the synergy of IAA and GABA, promoting nitrate uptake by algal cells in the medium. Genes involved in photosynthesis and lipid synthesis were also upregulated, facilitating simultaneous biomass and lipid accumulation to maximize lipid productivity. Overall, this study is the first to report the combined application of GABA and IAA as an effective strategy to enhance lipid productivity in Tribonema sp., providing insights into the underlying mechanisms. These findings offer a promising solution for economically improving microalgal lipid production.

LC-MS-Based Targeted Metabolite Profiling and Atomic Absorption Spectrophotmeter Based Mineral Analysis of Methanol Extract of Terminalia bellerica (Gaertn.) Leaves

Aim: Natural products in medicinal plants are one of the important sources for modern drug discovery. Plant-based formulations play an important role in management of numerous diseases. To discover the medical potential of natural products, it is important to understand the bioactive compounds present in medicinal plants. Hence the aim of the study is to identify the volatile compounds by LC –MS analysis and minerals by AAS assay present in the leaves of Terminalia bellerica. Study Design: This study investigates metabolites present in leaves of Terminalia bellerica have been studied by AAS and LC-MS techniques. Results: The AAS assay showed that the leaves of T. bellerica are particularly rich in iron (260 mg/kg) compared to their zinc, manganese, and copper content. Meanwhile, the LC-MS analysis identified chebulinic acid, chebulagic acid, punicafolin, myricetin, rutin, and galloyl punicalagin as being present in the highest concentrations. Conclusion: Results highlighted presence of considerable amount of iron and other minerals in methanolic extract of the leaves of T. bellerica, it may be used in the development of health supplements. The results also revealed that bioactive compounds in the methanolic extracts of T. bellerica leave used for drug design and making it safe to human health.

Methanization Test of Water Hyacinth and Azolla in Co-digestion and Fertilizing Value of Digestates in Benin (West Africa)

Faced with the need for an alternative energy source following the extreme pressure exerted on woody resources accompanied by the increase of aquatic pests which invade water resources, the construction of mini reactors producing clean energy, biogas based on these invasive plants becomes a challenge. This investigation aims to assess the methane production potential of water hyacinth and Azolla in co-digestion and the fertilizing quality of the digestates obtained. A bio methanization test based on various combinations of organic substrates composed of water hyacinth and Azolla alone or in co-digestion under laboratory conditions at mesophilic temperature and neutral pH after 27 days was carried out. The source of enrichment in anaerobic microorganisms for fermentation processes in micro bioreactors consists of fresh pig manure. It appears that the combination of organic substrates including 75% of water hyacinth generated the maximum quantity of methane which is 1234 liters for one ton of organic substrates. This methane production is 1.93 times greater than that of the bioreactor containing water hyacinth alone, 1.90 times that containing azolla, 1.5 times that containing 25% water hyacinth +75% azolla then 3.04 times that containing the bioreactor composed of a high proportion of crushed Azolla filiculoides. The digestates are rich in N, P, K, Ca and Mg and had an amending power according to the NFU 44051 standard. For the construction of bioreactors with aquatic pests for the benefit of communities, co-digestion with a combination of substrates with a high proportion of water hyacinth is suggested.