Production Potential Research Articles

Photovoltaic-Driven Battery Deionization System for Efficient and Sustainable Seawater Desalination.

Seawater desalination via electrochemical battery deionization (BDI) has shown significant potential for freshwater production. However, its widespread application has been limited by the high energy costs involved. To facilitate the commercialization of BDI technology, it is crucial to develop innovative integrated BDI systems that utilize sustainable energy sources and assess their practical performance for desalination of natural seawater. In this study, we construct the first photovoltaic-driven battery deionization system, termed PV-BDI, capable of continuously and simultaneously removing multiple ions from natural seawater. The system successfully produced freshwater with a total dissolved solids (TDS) level of 704 mg L-1, meeting the maximum acceptable TDS limits recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) for drinking water standards, which specify a maximum TDS limit of 1000 mg L-1. The mass-specific energy consumption for salt removal to obtain drinking water from natural seawater via this system has been reduced to 0.036 kW·h kg-1, surpassing the performance of other state-of-the-art PV-driven electrochemical-based desalination technologies such as electrodialysis and capacitive deionization (0.068-2.100 kW·h kg-1). This work presents a pioneering proof-of-concept integrated PV-BDI system and demonstrates its practical performance for desalinating natural seawater, thereby laying the foundation for expanding BDI systems in the near future for environmentally friendly and sustainable industrial-scale seawater desalination.

Will Climate Endowment Affect the Improvement of Agricultural Production Efficiency? Evidence From Cities in Zhejiang Province, China

ABSTRACTClimate change poses constraints on nature‐based agricultural productivity, necessitating an understanding of urban agriculture's performance across varying climatic conditions. This study examines the impacts of temperature, precipitation, and evapotranspiration production potential on agricultural production efficiency using a pooled OLS model. The results show that there is a spatial pattern of alternating high and low agricultural production efficiency units, and in urban areas where agricultural production efficiency values hover around 0.5, there still exists significant potential for improvement. Through regression analysis, results show that the production potential of precipitation has a significantly positive impact on improving agricultural production efficiency. However, the effects of temperature production potential, evapotranspiration production potential, and insolation on agricultural production efficiency are either not significant or exhibit poor stability. The results of the heterogeneity test show that the effect of precipitation production potential on enhancing agricultural production efficiency varies between cities in northeastern and southwestern Zhejiang, with only a few cities experiencing significant benefits. Furthermore, the innovation of this study resides in its comprehensive application of management science, climatology, geography, and other interdisciplinary approaches to deeply explore the influences of different climatic resource endowments on agricultural production efficiency from a spatial perspective. This interdisciplinary research approach provides fresh insights into how urban agriculture can be optimized under complex and ever‐changing climatic conditions.

Regulating Strain and Suppressing Defect States Through Polymer Ionization and Chemical Chelation for Efficient Inverted Flexible Perovskite Solar Cells.

Flexible perovskite solar cells (FPSCs) have great promise for applications in wearable technology and space photovoltaics. However, the unpredictable crystallization of perovskite on flexible substrates results in significantly lower efficiency and mechanical durability than industry standards. A strategy is investigated employing the polymer electrolyte poly(allylamine hydrochloride) (PAH) to regulate crystallization and passivate defect states in perovskite films on flexible substrates. The weakly acidic precursor allows PAH to undergo partial ionization, leading to the protonation of some ─NH3 + groups into ─NH3 +. Simulations and experimental results indicate that multifunctional PAH forms strong chemical interactions with precursors of perovskite materials including Formamidine Hydroiodide (FAI) and Lead Iodide (PbI2), facilitating homogenous nucleation and growth of crystals of perovskite films. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM) reveals that PAH strongly anchors to grain boundaries (GBs), consistent with findings from photo-induced force microscopy-based infrared spectroscopy (PiFM-IR). PAH improves the uniformity distribution of Young's modulus between the grains and GBs, facilitating stress relief in the perovskite films. Therefore, the champion efficiency of PAH-modified FPSCs reaches 24.19% and exhibits strong bending durability, retaining 87.9% of their initial efficiency after 2500 bending cycles (r = 5 mm), demonstrating their practical application potential in outdoor wearable electronic products.

Millet Cultivation in North-east Hill Region of India: A Review

The millets are climate resilient, most efficient in use of water, adopted to grown in marginal and sub marginal area, suitably grown in hilly and rainfed area, nutrient dense and having low carbon and water footprint. Considering their significance in present context of agriculture, it is important to know about their region-specific cultivation practices and intervention in it. The North East Hill (NEH) region is known for its diversity in terms of soil and climatic condition as well as crop and plant diversity. The marginal and sub-marginal area with different slope, topography and soil related constraints for production, the millets will be one of the important options for arable crop cultivation. The production practices followed by the farmers and recommended practices were highly diverse due to different agro-climatic condition. At the same time, in several locations production practices were even not developed due to cultivation on very less area with less economic impact at regional or state agriculture. Hence it is informative and knowledge impacting exercise to review the production practices followed and interventions made at institutional and stakeholders level for millets cultivation in NEH region. The present review summarizes the interventions in production practices such as seed and sowing requirement, nutrient, water and weed management as well as insect-pest and disease management in context of NEH region. Besides that, interventions from NEH region at post-harvest and value addition were also discussed in this review. The cost effective and high enumerative interventions in production processes such as substitution of low yielding upland rice cultivation partly or completely with millets, transplanting, fertilization, micronutrient foliar feeding, use of herbicide for weed management and promotion/ up gradation of millets cultivation in new areas (North-East Hill region) are important at production level. The interventions at policy level such as promotion for incorporation of millets in public distribution system, inclusion of millets in school age children diet and different schemes related with supply of nutritious food to children and adolescence are important for NEH region. Increase in diversity of product prepared from millets, initiation of organic seed production of millets, exploring export potential of traditional products prepared from millets to different domestic and international market are important interventions at policy level. At research level, the standardization of production practices for different states in NEH region was initiated and need to be further emphasized rather than using recommendation as it is from other part of India.

Electric Field-Based Ozone Nanobubbles in Tandem with Reduced Ultraviolet Light Exposure for Water Purification and Treatment: Aquaculture and Beyond

Micro- and nanobubbles are tiny gas bubbles that are smaller than 100 μm and 1 μm, respectively. This study investigated the impact of electric field ozone nanobubbles (EF-ONBs) on the purification of both deionised and aquaculture water bodies, finding that heightened reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and oxygen reduction potential (ORP) are correlated to a higher production of EF-ONBs. In particular, it was found that there were substantially reduced ultraviolet light requirements for aquaculture when using EF-ONBs to maintain aquaculture purification standards. It is clear that the approximately exponential decay is slowed down by almost ten times by EF-ONBs even without UV applied, and that it is still roughly six times longer than the ‘control’ case of standard O3 sparging in water (i.e., meso- and macro-bubbles with no meaningful level of dispersed-phase, bubble-mediated dissolution beyond the standard Henry’s law state—owing mostly to rapid Stokes’ law rising speeds). This has very positive implications for, inter alia, recirculation aeration systems featuring an ozonation cycle, as well as indoor agriculture under controlled-light environments and malting, where ozonation cycles are also often used or contemplated in process redesign strategies. Such promising results for EF-ONBs offer, inter alia, more sustainable aquaculture, water sterilisation, indoor farming, and malting.

Preparation, characterization, and protective effects of Gardenia fructus carbon dots against oxidative damage induced by LPS in IPEC-J2 cells

This study aimed to prepare Gardenia fructus carbon dots (GF-CDs) and examine their efficacy in mitigating oxidative stress and apoptosis in intestinal porcine epithelial cells from the jejunum (IPEC-J2 cells) induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The GF-CDs were synthesized using a one-step hydrothermal method. The oxidative damage model of IPEC-J2 cells was induced through LPS treatment. The potential mechanism by which GF-CDs affect cellular oxidative damage was examined through the perspectives of apoptosis, reactive oxygen species level, antioxidant-related enzyme index, mRNA transcription of antioxidant-related genes, and the expression of antioxidant proteins. The results revealed that GF-CDs, characterized by particle sizes<7 nm, abundant functional groups, and good water solubility, were synthesized using a one-step hydrothermal method. The carbon spots of Gardenia fructus at concentrations of 50, 100, and 200 μg/mL exhibited protective effects, as evidenced by their ability to enhance viability (P<0.01) and restore cellular morphology after oxidative damage. The GF-CDs decreased oxidative damage and reduced the apoptosis rate of cells by upregulating AKT1 expression and downregulating the expression of Caspase 3, STAT3, TNF-α, and JNK. These results indicate that GF-CDs have the characteristic physicochemical properties of CDs, exhibit biological activities related to antioxidation and cellular damage mitigation, and may serve as a potential healthcare product in swine raising.

In vitro screening of potential echinochrome delivery systems for the treatment of eye diseases

An important task of topical application of medicines in the treatment of eyes is to achieve a compromise between their effectiveness and safety. The development of new multifunctional local ophthalmic drug delivery systems and in vitro screening of potential medicinal eye products are key areas in solving this problem. In this study, primary in vitro screening of the effect of echinochrome (Ech), the carrageenan complex of echinochrome (CRG/Ech) and its liposomal form (CRG/Ech-Lip) was performed on cultured epithelial cells of the outer shell of the eyeball: conjunctival epithelial cells (Chang Conjunctiva, Clone 1-5c-4) and corneal epithelium human (HCE). The cell viability was assessed by their morphology and metabolic activity using light microscopy and MTT test methods. The direct dependence of the intensity of the cytotoxic effect of Ech on its concentration in the nutrient medium, the form of use, the cellular test system and the incubation time of cells was revealed. Ech in the form of an alcoholic solution in its final concentration of 0.1 mg/ml of the nutrient medium exhibits pronounced cytoxicity against both cellular test systems. The same final concentration of Ech in the nutrient medium, but already as part of the carrageenan complex of echinochrome (CRG/Ech), turned out to be critical only for the viability of corneal epithelial cells, the survival rate of conjunctival cells under these conditions was about 50 %. A high biocompatibility of the liposomal form of the carrageenan complex of echinochrome (CRG/Ech-Lip) with cells of both test systems and a stimulating cytoprotective effect against the cells of the conjunctiva epithelium was revealed.

Сравнительная оценка кроссов карпа по биохимическим показателям

The main goal of hybridization in the field of aquaculture is to improve the commercial qualities and increase the productivity of hybrids in comparison with the parent forms. This improvement in performance occurs due to the achieved effect of heterosis, that is, due to the inheritance of a certain set of alleles of various genes from their dissimilar parents. Heterosis is achieved by selecting males and females of different origins, thus avoiding the negative impact of the opposite effect – inbreeding depression. The results of a comparative assessment of a new three-breed carp cross with other crosses are presented, including production indicators – indices that allow one to judge the linear changes in fish during its development. It has been shown that the runnability index of the new three-breed cross is significantly lower than that of the “Sursky Malokostny” and “Petrovsky” crosses, which allows us to conclude that it has high commercial qualities. The results of the commercial assessment of fish are presented and conclusions are drawn about the value of its nutritional qualities are described. In terms of size and weight indicators, two-year-olds of the new three-breed cross are superior to other crosses, which indicates significant production potential. All recorded blood parameters of the studied fish were within physiological norms. The increased vitality indicates good resistance of the new three-breed cross-hybrid. The analysis of biochemical blood parameters allows us to draw conclusions about the high intensity of protein metabolism of the “Sursky malokostny” and the new three-breed crosses, judging by the activity of ALT and the content of total protein.

Science teachers' perceptions and practice of uncertainty in science learning: The changes experienced after engaging in a practice‐based professional development

AbstractGrappling with uncertainty is an essential element of students' science learning and sense‐making processes, yet literature is limited regarding how teachers can facilitate and use student scientific uncertainty as a pedagogical resource in their classrooms. Furthermore, progress on pedagogical practice depends on both the ability to notice one's perceptions and engage in opportunities to experience and reflect on new instructional approaches. To date, there are few professional development experiences explored in literature that explicitly aim to enhance teachers' awareness and pedagogical practice regarding the use and facilitation of student scientific uncertainty. As such, this qualitative study follows a group of 11 middle school science teachers before and after participating in a week‐long practice‐based professional development (P‐BPD) specifically designed to foster teachers' ability to use student uncertainty as a pedagogical resource. Interviews were conducted and analyzed prior to the P‐BPD, immediately after the P‐BPD, and the year following to measure shifts in perceptions over time. Additionally, classroom practice was observed both before and the year following the P‐BPD. Overall, we found that teachers' awareness of how to use student scientific uncertainty grew both in their expressed perceptions and in their observed classroom enactment. After engaging in the P‐BPD, many teachers expressed an enhanced awareness of the productive potential uncertainty can have, as well as increased understanding of potential sources and responses to student uncertainty. Additionally, in the post‐implementation observations, most of the teachers demonstrated more diverse use of uncertainty navigation strategies, intentionally raising, maintaining, and reducing scientific uncertainty more often. Teachers were observed using student ideas and uncertainties to drive the trajectory of their lessons more consistently. Notably, we report counterexamples for teachers who demonstrated less or no shifts in perceptions or practice. Furthermore, teachers explicitly identified experiences from the P‐BPD that fostered shifts in both their perceptions and practice.

Effect of composite yeast culture on the jejunal barrier function, inflammatory response, and microbial community structure of laying hens during the late stage of egg production

During the late laying period, the intestinal barrier of laying hens is susceptible to damage, resulting in enteric infections and even systemic inflammatory responses, posing a major challenge for the poultry industry. Therefore, it is crucial to investigate methods for addressing intestinal inflammation in late laying hens. In order to maximize the production potential of egg laying chickens, farmers usually use various feed additives to prevent damage to the intestinal barrier. Composite yeast cultures have shown advantages in broiler applications. This study aims to assess the impact of composite yeast culture (CYC) on the intestinal barrier function, inflammatory cytokines, and microbial community structure of Hy-Line Brown laying hens. A total of 160 healthy Hy-Line Brown hens, aged 58 weeks and of similar weight, were randomly assigned to two groups, with four replicates per group and 20 hens in each replicate. The control group was fed a basal diet (Con), while the experimental group was provided with a diet supplemented with 40 g/kg of composite yeast culture (CYC). The test period was 25 days. The results indicated that: compared to the control group, CYC significantly improved the egg production rates of hens during days 11–15, 16–20, and 21–25 (p < 0.05). CYC significantly enhanced the relative mRNA expression levels of occludin, claudin-1, zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1), and mucin 2 (Muc2) in the intestinal tract (p < 0.05), while reducing the relative expression levels of pro-inflammatory factors TNF-α and IFN-γ (p < 0.05), and increasing the levels of anti-inflammatory factors IL-4, IL-10, and TGF-β1 (p < 0.05). CYC significantly increased the abundance of Bifidobacterium pseudocatenulatum and Faecalibacterium prausnitzii in the intestine. These findings suggest that the composite yeast culture (CYC) can improve the structure of the intestinal microbial community. In conclusion, CYC may enhance egg production rates, reduce inflammatory responses, and strengthen intestinal barrier function by modulating the composition of the intestinal microbiota in late laying hens.

Recent advancements in aquaponics with special emphasis on its sustainability

AbstractAn aquaponic system which is an integration of hydroponics with aquaculture is sustainable, ecologically friendly, and uses non‐renewable resources with very high efficacy. The increasing trend in aquaponics research demonstrates a growing recognition of its potential to address critical global issues such as food security, water conservation, and sustainable agriculture, particularly in regions vulnerable to climate change and resource limitations. It has witnessed remarkable advancements in recent years, with various methods and variations emerging to enhance its functionality and productivity. The purpose of this review is to unify fragmented research on aquaponics and provide a comprehensive resource that emphasizes its potential for broad adoption and successful implementation in varied environments. This review focuses on recent innovations in aquaponic system designs for various climates and examines key advancements in critical areas, including microbial communities, biofiltration, feed management, water quality, and nutrient cycling, emphasizing the interdisciplinary nature of aquaponics. Coupled systems suit moderate climates with high resource efficiency, while decoupled systems offer flexibility across diverse climates by allowing independent control of each component. Innovations such as sandponics, algaeponics, and saline aquaponics address challenges like water scarcity and nutrient efficiency. Smart technologies like IoT and AI are integrated into aquaponics, automating monitoring and nutrient management for better productivity. Emerging areas, including vermi‐aquaponics and flocponics, offer new solutions for nutrient cycling, making aquaponics more efficient, adaptable, and resource‐conserving globally. This paper also examines the sustainability aspects of aquaponics, emphasizing its economic, social, and environmental dimensions. Despite high setup costs and nutrient complexities, aquaponics offers significant potential for sustainable food production by minimizing water use and reducing synthetic fertilizers. Its scalability in both urban and rural areas, along with innovations like vertical systems, presents promising solutions for enhancing agriculture and food security across diverse environments.

Exploring the anti-aging potential of natural products and plant extracts in budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae: A review

Historically, plant derived natural products and their crude extracts have been used to treat a wide range of ailments across the world. Biogerontology research aims to explore the molecular basis of aging and discover new anti-aging therapeutic compounds or formulations to combat the detrimental effects of aging and promote a healthy life span. The budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been, and continues to be, an indispensable model organism in the field of biomedical research for discovering the molecular basis of aging S. cerevisiae has preserved nutritional signaling pathways (such as the target of rapamycin (TOR)-Sch9 and the Ras-AC-PKA (cAMP-dependent protein kinase) pathways, and shows two distinct aging paradigms chronological life span (CLS) and replicative life span (RLS). This review explores the anti-aging properties of natural products, predominantly derived from plants, and phytoextracts using S. cerevisiae as a model organism.

Phycobiliprotein content and growth profile of Spirulina platensis in airlift photobioreactor

<p>Microalgae are versatile organisms capable of adapting to diverse environmental conditions, allowing for enhanced biomass production and metabolite synthesis. Due to their rich biochemical composition and rapid growth rate, they are widely utilized across various industries. Microalgae cultivation can be conducted at different scales and methods, including photobioreactors and open ponds. Among various microalgae species, <em>Spirulina platensis</em> is particularly favored in industrial applications and recognized as one of the most significant commercial sources of phycobiliproteins, bioactive compounds unique to blue-green algae. Phycocyanin, a phycobiliprotein derived from <em>S. platensis</em>, is especially valued for its high-added economic potential. This study investigates the production of phycocyanin from <em>S. platensis</em> using an airlift photobioreactor, which offers advantages such as the elimination of mechanical mixing components and the efficient replacement of O<sub>2</sub> and CO<sub>2</sub> through aeration. The specific growth rate of <em>S. platensis</em> was determined to be 0.28 ± 0.01 day<sup>−1</sup>, with a doubling time of 2.47 ± 0.09 days. The phycobiliprotein concentrations were measured as follows: 1.03 ± 0.001 mg/L for phycoerythrin, 10.37 ± 0.08 mg/L for phycocyanin, 6.29 ± 0.24 mg/L for allophycocyanin, and 17.71 ± 1.76 mg/L for total phycobiliprotein. This study successfully cultivated <em>S. platensis</em> in an airlift photobioreactor, demonstrating its potential for efficient production of biomass and bioactive materials.<strong></strong></p>

Unveiling the Gold Facet Effect in Selective Oxidation of 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural and Hydrogen Production.

Direct oxidation of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) to 5-hydroxymethyl-2-furancarboxylic acid (HMFCA), crucial for medical supply production, is hindered by overoxidation. We synthesized gold nanomaterials with distinct single-crystal facets, {111} in octahedra (OC), {100} in nanocubes (NCs), and {110} in rhombic dodecahedra (RD), to investigate the facet-dependent HMF oxidation. The Au RD achieved the spontaneous oxidation of HMF to HMFCA with stoichiometric hydrogen production, maintaining 95% carbon balance, 91% yield, and 98% selectivity. In contrast, Au OC and NCs were inert. The superior performance is due to the absence of a C-H activation energy barrier on the Au(110) facet. Furthermore, gas chromatography and isotope experiments supported that the intermediate is oxidized to produce H2 via H- transfer, rather than H2O via H+ transfer. Oxygen was essential for scavenging electrons, thereby closing the reaction loop. The Au RD exhibited remarkable stability, operating for 240 h without performance degradation, indicating its potential for efficient HMFCA production.

The colloidal nature and osmotic potential of alkali-silica reaction products and their role for the ASR expansion mechanism

The chemical basics of the ASR are largely revealed and widely accepted, but the nature of the expansion mechanism is still not yet sufficiently well understood. Recent observations showed that ASR products could be considered as colloidal systems. In order to clarify if and to what extent this is the case and whether it could help to better understand the nature of the ASR products and the mechanism of ASR expansion in concrete, 10 ASR products of different composition, water content and synthesised at two temperatures (40 and 60 °C) were investigated over a period of 1.5 years. The ASR products were studied by means of NTA, SEM, 29Si NMR, XRD and an osmotic cell test. The results show that ASR products contain particles of colloidal size, mainly between 50–600 nm and of different shape. The particles are unable to pass pores with a size smaller than themselves what represents a mechanism of semi-permeability in all concrete constituents with respective pore sizes, resulting in the Donnan effect and osmosis. The particles are irreversibly linked by the addition of Ca, which leads to a decrease in the particle concentration, the formation of crystalline phases and thus to a decrease in the osmotic potential of the ASR products. Based on the colloidal nature of the ASR products, expansion caused by ASR in concrete can be explained osmotically.

Ultrastable Seawater Oxidation at Ampere-level Current Densities with Corrosion-resistant CoCO3/CoFe Layered Double Hydroxide Electrocatalyst.

Hydrogen is an essential energy resource, playing a pivotal role in advancing a sustainable future. Electrolysis of seawater shows great potential for large-scale hydrogen production but encounters challenges such as electrode corrosion caused by chlorine evolution. Herein, a durable CoCO3/CoFe layered double hydroxide (LDH) electrocatalyst is presented for alkaline seawater oxidation, showcasing resistance to corrosion and stable operation exceeding 1,000 h at a high current density of 1 A cm-2. The results indicate that CoCO3 within the electrocatalyst undergoes conversion into CoOOH and releases CO3 2- during electrolysis. The incorporation of CO3 2- within its layers and the anchoring of the electrocatalyst's surface prevent the adverse adsorption of chloride ions, enhancing resistance to chloride ion corrosion, thereby protecting the active sites of the electrocatalyst effectively.

Alterations in Mitochondrial Function in Pulmonary Vascular Diseases.

Aims: Alterations of mitochondrial bioenergetics and arginine metabolism are universally present and mechanistically linked to pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), but there is little knowledge of arginine metabolism and mitochondrial functions across the different pulmonary hypertension (PH) groups. We hypothesize that abnormalities in mitochondrial functions are present across all PH groups and associated with clinical phenotypes. We test the hypothesis in PH patients and healthy controls from the Pulmonary Vascular Disease Phenomics Program cohort, who had comprehensive clinical phenotyping and follow-up for at least 4 years for death or transplant status. Mitochondrial transmembrane potential, superoxide production, and mass were measured by flow cytometry in fresh platelets. Metabolomics analysis was performed on plasma samples. Global arginine bioavailability was calculated as the ratio of arginine/(ornithine+citrulline). Results: Global arginine bioavailability is consistently lower than controls in all PH groups. Although the mitochondrial mass is similar across all PH groups and controls, superoxide production and transmembrane potential vary across groups. Mitochondrial superoxide is higher in group 1 PAH and lowest in group 3 compared with other groups, while transmembrane potential is lower in group 1 PAH than controls or group 3. The alterations in mitochondrial functions of group 1 PAH are associated with changes in fatty acid metabolism. Mitochondrial transmembrane potential in group 1 PAH is associated with transplant-free survival. Conclusion: While alterations in mitochondrial function are found in all PH groups, group 1 PAH has a unique mitochondrial phenotype with greater superoxide and lower transmembrane potential linked to fatty acid metabolism, and clinically to survival. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 00, 000-000.

Trapnell's Upper Valley soils of Zambia: the production of an integrated understanding of geomorphology, pedology, ecology, and land use

Abstract. The Ecological Survey of Northern Rhodesia (now Zambia), undertaken in the 1930s under the leadership of Colin G. Trapnell, was a seminal exercise to relate soil, vegetation, and agricultural practices through intensive field observation. In this article, we examine early activities of the survey in the Upper Valley region around the Kafue Flats and the neighbouring plateau, where Trapnell recognized how geomorphological processes of normal erosion gave rise to distinctive soils with associated vegetation communities and considerable potential for crop production. We consider how Trapnell's approach to fieldwork gave him a particular insight into how soil conditions constrained agriculture in the Zambian environment; the adaptive value of traditional practices; and how these were developed as communities moved and responded to social, economic, and environmental change. We argue that Trapnell's work was innovative and that distinctions must be drawn between his understanding and what has been called the ecological theory of development. Close attention to Trapnell's experience could inform modern efforts to understand indigenous knowledge of African soils and their agricultural potential.

Fabrication and mechanical/biological evaluations of dissolving bird-bill microneedle arrays.

Coated microneedles (MNs) have several disadvantages, including limited drug doses, decreased skin puncture ability due to drug coating, and a risk of clogging and infection due to repeated application. We aimed to fabricate a dissolving bird-bill MN (dBB MN) with a vertical groove between two thin plate-shaped needles and needle pedestal. Moreover, we evaluated its ability to transdermally deliver a large-molecular-weight insulin into the systemic circulation. Hydrogels with various concentrations of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) or sodium hyaluronate (HA) were prepared, and dBB MN arrays were fabricated by micromolding under negative pressure for potential mass production. The needle height of the dBB MN was at the maximum when the hydrogel was 25 w/w% PVP, with a viscosity of 8-9Pa∙s. Furthermore, the buckling force of dBB MNs made from 25 w/w% PVP was 130.6 ± 51.0 mN, which increased to 195.6 ± 65.3 mN when insulin was added at 1 w/w%. The skin insertion ability of dBB MN was investigated using swain skin, with micro-holes were confirmed on the skin surface. dBB MN showed biphasic dissolution in the skin; the plate-shaped needles were immediately dissolved within 10min, while the needle pedestal was slowly dissolved over 180min. The blood glucose concentration in diabetic rats decreased slowly and significantly after a 3-h application of the insulin-loaded dBB MN array. Therefore, the dBB MN array demonstrated sufficient ability to puncture skin and transdermally deliver a large-molecular-weight drug into the systemic circulation. These findings suggest that the dBB MN array holds promise as a minimal invasive drug delivery platform, with potential applications in improving patient adherence and expanding access to essential therapies, particularly in resource-limited settings.

Effect of soaking and high-pressure processing on antioxidant content, functional and pasting properties of Bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranean (L.) Verdc) flour

The study evaluated the effect of pre-treatment methods on the antioxidant content, functional properties and pasting profile of Bambara groundnut flour. Soaking and highpressure processing (HPP) were used as pre-treatment methods. The results revealed that the value of crude protein, crude fat, total phenolic compounds, 2,2-Diphenyl-1- picrylhydrazyl, ferric reducing antioxidant power, dispersibility, water absorption index and swelling capacity of HPP pre-treated Bambara groundnut flour were significantly higher than the values obtained for raw and soaked pre-treated Bambara groundnut flour. The application of HPP pre-treatment to Bambara groundnut flour resulted in notable improvements in dispersibility, water absorption index, and swelling power. The pasting curve revealed increased peak viscosities in both soaked and HPP pre-treated samples, particularly highlighting the potential for products requiring enhanced gel strength. Additionally, the HPP pre-treated flour exhibited the shortest peak time, suggesting faster cooking and underscoring its versatility in various applications.