Production Ability Research Articles

Safety Assessment of Levilactobacillus brevis KU15006: A Comprehensive Analysis of its Phenotypic and Genotypic Properties.

Levilactobacillus brevis KU15006, isolated from kimchi, exhibits pathogen-antagonistic and anti-diabetic activities; however, the safety of this strain has not been assessed. In the present study, L. brevis KU15006 was evaluated to elucidate its safety as a probiotic strain using phenotypic and genotypic analyses. Its safety was assessed using a minimum inhibitory concentration test comprising nine antibiotics, 26 antibiotic resistance genes, a single conjugative element, virulence gene analysis, hemolysis, cell cytotoxicity, mucin degradation, and toxic metabolite production. L. brevis KU15006 exhibited equal or lower minimum inhibitory concentration for the nine antibiotics than the cut-off value established by the European Food Safety Authority. It did not harbor antibiotic resistance and virulence genes. L. brevis KU15006 lacked β-hemolysis, mucin degradation, cytotoxicity against Caco-2 cells, gelatin liquefaction, bile salt deconjugation, and toxic metabolite production abilities. Based on the results, L. brevis KU15006, which has antagonistic and anti-diabetic effects, could be marketed as a probiotic in the future.

Effect of pasteurization time and temperature on bioactive compounds, antioxidant ability and color value of beverage produced from herbal extract (Passiflora foetida and embryo nelumbinis)

Herbal beverage is one of the natural products which are greatly preferred by customers. Passiflora foetida and Embryo Nelumbinis are two kinds of medicinal plants that possess many precious bioactive compounds that have the effect of supporting calmness, reducing stress, treating insomnia; and have been used in many folk remedies in Vietnam. The main objective of this study is to investigate the effects of heating temperature (75, 85 and 95°C) and pasteurization time (15, 30, 45 and 60 minutes) on the content of bioactive compounds (polyphenol, flavonoid, tannin, alkaloid and saponin), antioxidant ability (FRAP, DPPH) and color parameters (L*, a*, b* and ΔE) of product. The reseach was designed randomly with two factors and three replications. The content of bioactive compounds and antioxidant capacity of product were analyzed by standardization methods using spectrophotometer; and the color parameters were measured by the colorimeter. The result showed that the opitmal pasteurization temperature and time were 85°C and 30 minutes, at this heating process the product maintained high level of bioactive compounds and antioxidant ability. The content of polyphenol, flavonoid, tannin, saponin and alkaloid were 9.46 mgGAE/g, 4.44 mgQE/g, 4.85 mgTAE/g, 7.40 mgSE/g, 14.25 mgCE/g; the antioxidant capacity of product by DPPH and FRAP method were 64.50% and 28.25 μFeSO4/g; the color parameters such as LMFeSO4/g; the color parameters such as LMFeSO4/g; the color parameters such as LMFeSO4/g; the color parameters such as LMFeSO4/g; the color parameters such as LMFeSO4/g; the color parameters such as LMFeSO4/g; the color parameters such as LMFeSO4/g; the color parameters such as LMFeSO4/g; the color parameters such as LMFeSO4/g; the color parameters such as LMFeSO4/g; the color parameters such as LMFeSO4/g; the color parameters such as LMFeSO4/g; the color parameters such as LMFeSO4/g; the color parameters such as LMFeSO4/g; the color parameters such as LMFeSO4/g; the color parameters such as LMFeSO4/g; the color parameters such as LMFeSO4/g; the color parameters such as LMFeSO4/g; the color parameters such as LMFeSO4/g; the color parameters such as LMFeSO4/g; the color parameters such as LMFeSO4/g; the color parameters such as LMFeSO4/g; the color parameters such as LMFeSO4/g; the color parameters such as LMFeSO4/g; the color parameters such as L*, a*, b* and ΔE were 31.58, -0.24, -0.47 and 61.25, respectively. The production process was successful in pilot equipment and the product can be used as one of the beverages for health strengthening.

Exploitation of Selected Fungal Endophytes of Andrographis paniculata (Burm. f.) Wall. ex Nees for the Production and Optimisation of Tannase and Screening for their Associated Hydrolysing Enzymes; Amylase, Protease, Lipase, and Laccase

Endophytes represent a diverse domain of microorganisms with immense biotechnological potentialities. Metabolites from endophytes, especially fungi, are useful in industrial as well as pharmaceutical aspects. Here, endophytic fungal isolates of Andrographis paniculata collected from the Tapobon, Junglemahal region of West Bengal, India, have been studied for their hydrolyzing enzyme production abilities. Out of eighty-one isolates, twenty-one were positive for amylase, protease, lipase, laccase, and tannase action. Microscopic features of positive isolates revealed that the enzyme producers were Aspergillus sp., Fusarium sp., Alternaria sp., Trichoderma sp., Exerohilum sp., Nigrospora sp., Curvularia sp., Cladosporium sp., Cochliobolus sp., Tricothecium sp., Penicillium sp., Verticillium sp., and Cephalosporium sp. The amylolytic activity was remarkable in the case of endophytic Aspergillus sp. and Fusarium sp. Also, Aspergillus sp. and Alternaria sp. had proteolytic activity. Aspergillus sp., Mycelia sterilia-2, and Trichoderma sp. were potent lipase producers. Along with Exerohilum sp. endophytic Aspergillus sp. had positive laccase activity. The tannic acid degrading activity was highest for Aspergillus sp. APL11 followed by Helicosporium sp. and Fusarium sp. Tannase producing ability of Aspergillus sp. was optimized and an incubation time- 96h, incubation temperature- 29°C, initial medium pH- 6.5, carbon source- glucose, and nitrogen source- NaNO3 exhibited a two-fold scale-up of (2.83±0.05 u mL-1) in tannase action. These enzymes offer eco-friendly and efficient solutions across a wide range of industrial processes including food production, textile processing, and pharmaceutical synthesis. Fungal endophytes of medicinal plants act as an alternative source for hydrolysing enzymes.

Removal of sulfamethoxazole and production of cyanobacterial lipid promoted by the construction of a consortium containing a non-toxic cyanobacterium and sewage bacteria

This study evaluated the possibility of constructing a consortium containing sewage bacteria and cyanobacterial cells immobilized by Ca-alginate for the advanced treatment of antibiotic-polluted sewage coupled to cyanobacterial lipid production. Two non-toxic cyanobacterial species (Synechococcus sp. and Chroococcus sp.) were exposed to 0.5–20.0 μg/L of sulfamethoxazole (SMZ) for 4 days. Comparison between suspended and immobilized conditions indicated that immobilization increased (p < 0.05) SMZ removal percentage without reducing cyanobacterial growth performance (indicated by OD680), chlorophyll-a content, dry cell weight, lipid content and lipid weight/productivity of each cyanobacterium. Chroococcus sp. presented better antibiotic removal and lipid production ability than Synechococcus sp. After the addition of immobilized Chroococcus sp. into sewage, sewage bacteria attached to the surface and filled the pores of cyanobacterial beads. Immobilized Chroococcus sp. promoted the succession of sewage microbial community towards the dominance of Cellvibrio, Flavobacterium, Formivibrio and Pseudomonas, which participated in denitrification, phosphate accumulation and antibiotic removal. In the sewage microbial community, various functional genes upregulated by immobilized Chroococcus sp. directly showed negative correlation (p < 0.05) with sewage contaminants, including gltB, glnA and napA responsible for nitrogen removal; pstS responsible for phosphorus removal; nqrF, cbhA, glgC, malZ, pulA, uxaA and maeA responsible for COD removal; frmA, katG, maeA, uxaA, carB and cbhA responsible for SMZ removal. Coexisting sewage bacteria elevated (p < 0.05) lipid productivity of immobilized Chroococcus sp. to 29.13–36.52 mg/L/day through the upregulation of various genes related to metabolite exchange and signal transduction. Cyanobacterial cells degraded SMZ in collaboration with sewage bacteria, through deamination, nitration, bond cleavage, hydroxylation, desulfonation and nitrosation. The cyanobacteria-bacteria consortium presented 4-day removal percentages of 54.58–68.39%, 66.14–68.69%, 95.77–96.31% and 81.09–82.35% for SMZ, TN, TP and COD, respectively. In general, the cyanobacteria-bacteria consortium achieved a good combination of cyanobacterial lipid productivity and sewage treatment efficiency.

Investigation of in Vitro Immunostimulating Effects of FreezeThaw Antigens against Visceral Leishmaniasis Caused by L. Infantum

Background: Visceral leishmaniasis, also known as Kala-Azar among the public, is among the notifiable infectious diseases. The fact that an effective and safe drug or vaccine formulation suitable for use on humans has not been developed causes the disease threat to continue. The aim of this study is to determine the immune system stimulating properties and cytotoxicity of the formulations obtained by combining the antigen obtained from Leishmania infantum parasites with different adjuvants. Methods: L. infantum (EP 126) antigens were obtained by the freeze-thaw method. Freund's adjuvant (Complete and Incomplete), a classical adjuvant, was used in the studies. Mouse macrophage (J774) and mouse fibroblast (L929) cell lines were used for cytotoxicity studies. Additionally, the responses at both 10ug/ml and 40ug/ml were investigated to ensure that the developed formulations were easily adaptable to in vivo. While the cytotoxicity of the formulations was determined by the MTT cell viability analysis method, the antileishmanial property was determined by the Nitric Oxide (NO) determination method. Results: It was determined that all the developed formulations did not have a toxic effect on the host cell, the immunostimulating activity increased with increasing concentration, and the highest value was obtained at a concentration of 200 µg/ml. Cell viability at the maximum concentration was found to be between 78% and 89% for both J774 and L929 cells. The highest cell viability values and NO production abilities (37% increase compared to the control group) were obtained with Incomplete Freund's adjuvant (40 ug/ml formulation). Conclusion: It has been understood that the combination of antigens obtained by the freeze-thaw method with Freunds adjuvant (incomplete) supports NO production, thus having an immunostimulating effect.

"Show Me What You Got": The Nomological Network of the Ability to Pose Facial Emotion Expressions.

Just as receptive emotional abilities, productive emotional abilities are essential for social communication. Although individual differences in receptive emotional abilities, such as perceiving and recognizing emotions, are well-investigated, individual differences in productive emotional abilities, such as the ability to express emotions in the face, are largely neglected. Consequently, little is known about how emotion expression abilities fit in a nomological network of related abilities and typical behavior. We developed a multitask battery for measuring the ability to pose emotional expressions scored with facial expression recognition software. With three multivariate studies (n1 = 237; n2 = 141; n3 = 123), we test competing measurement models of emotion posing and relate this construct with other socio-emotional traits and cognitive abilities. We replicate the measurement model that includes a general factor of emotion posing, a nested task-specific factor, and emotion-specific factors. The emotion-posing ability factor is moderately to strongly related to receptive socio-emotional abilities, weakly related to general cognitive abilities, and weakly related to extraversion. This is strong evidence that emotion posing is a cognitive interpersonal ability. This new understanding of abilities in emotion communication opens a gateway for studying individual differences in social interaction.

Bioactive exopolysaccharide from Limosilactobacillus fermentum LAB-1: Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antibiofilm properties

Exopolysaccharides (EPS) are an intriguing group of high-molecular-weight carbohydrate polymers known for their diverse functional benefits. Our study focused on assessing the bioactive characteristics of EPS produced by Limosilactobacillus fermentum LAB1, lactic acid bacterium (LAB) isolated from the popular dairy beverage Borhani. Previous research had demonstrated its robust antimicrobial potential against various pathogens and provided genomic evidence of its EPS production. In this investigation, we verified and validated the EPS production ability of LAB1 through a battery of tests including the string test, Congo red agar test, and aniline blue agar plate method, all of which produced positive results. The EPS extracted from LAB1 displayed a high carbohydrate-to-protein ratio and exhibited a multifaceted repertoire of bioactive properties. It demonstrated antimicrobial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative pathogens, and showed the ability to inhibit biofilm formation in Staphylococcus aureus (76.61%) and Escherichia coli (13.64%). Furthermore, the EPS exhibited DPPH free radical scavenging (92.25%), hydroxyl radical scavenging (87.82%), and reducing power capacity (3.1 mM/L), which indicate its substantial antioxidant potential. Additionally, the EPS sample demonstrated significant anti-inflammatory activity (75.79 %) and moderate oil emulsifying capacity with an emulsification index of 38.38%. These findings underscore the versatility of LAB1 EPS, positioning it for diverse applications and highlighting its multifunctional role across various industrial domains.

Fermented milk product “Narineh” with Lactobacillus acidophilus in sequential and classical therapy for Helicobacter pylori-associated peptic ulcers

Background: In recent years, there has been a growing dissatisfaction with the classical schemes of the eradication of Helicobacter pylori in ulcerative disease among physicians due to frequent failures in eradication therapy, mostly due to antibiotic resistance. It is a known fact that the Lactobacillus acidophilus inhibits the growth of Helicobacter pylori. Objective: Our main goal was to investigate the ability of the fermented milk product "Narineh,” as a functional food, containing Lactobacillus acidophilus to evaluate the efficiency and incidence of adverse effects in addition to the standard triple scheme of eradication therapy with colloidal bismuth substrate. Methods: The patients with peptic ulcer were divided into 2 groups: control (42 patients) received traditional treatment regimens, including 7 days proton pump inhibitor (PPI) + amoxicillin (A) and clarithromycin (C) in the standard doses and subsequent 14 day De-nol (colloidal bismuth subcitrate); experimental (44 patients) received in addition to this standard conventional scheme "Narineh" - 200g, containing 2x109 Lactobacillus acidophilus one time a day starting from the 8-th day for 4 weeks. The results of the eradication in patients were evaluated after 4 -5 weeks, 6 months, and 12 months after completion of treatment using the C13 respiratory urea test (RUT). Repeated endoscopy with histological biopsies was carried out together with RUT in 4-5 weeks after the completion of treatment, and later (6-12 months) for the identification of recurrent ulcer. Results: The treatment with “Narineh” added to the standard regimen significantly reduces the percentage of reinfection and relapse of the disease with a statistical difference (P&lt;0,05). The combination of fermentation milk product “Narineh”, containing Lactobacillus acidophilus with bismuth subcitrate, doesn’t cause a violation of biocenosis of the large intestine, in contrast to the PPI and antibiotics with a statistical difference (P&lt;0,05). In addition, it provides the normalization of gut biocenosis and reduces the frequency of antibiotic-associated diarrhea and other side effects. Conclusion: The treatment with “Narineh” added to the standard scheme is more effective for eradication of Helicobacter pylori infection and significantly reduces the percentage of reinfection and relapse of the disease and lessens the side effects of medications. Keywords: peptic ulcer, eradication Helicobacter pylori, side effects reinfection, fermented milk product “Narineh”, Lactobacillus acidophilus, functional foods

Phenotypic heterogeneity unveils a negative correlation between antibiotic resistance and quorum sensing in Pseudomonas aeruginosa clinical isolates.

Colonization of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in the lung environments frequently leads to the enrichment of strains displaying enhanced antibiotic resistance and reduced production of quorum-sensing (QS) controlled products. However, the relationship between the emergence of QS deficient variants and antibiotic resistance remains less understood. In this study, 67 P. aeruginosa strains were isolated from the lungs of 14 patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, followed by determining their genetic relationship, QS-related phenotypes and resistance to commonly used antibiotics. The integrity of P. aeruginosa QS system was checked by DNA sequencing. The relationship between the QS system and antibiotic resistance was then assessed by correlation analyses. The function of the LasR protein and bacterial virulence were evaluated through homology modeling and nematode-infection assay. The influence of antibiotic on the development of extracellular protease production ability of P. aeruginosa was tested by an evolutionary experiment. The results showed that P. aeruginosa clinical strains displayed abundant diversity in phenotype and genotype. The production of extracellular proteases was significantly negatively correlated with antibiotic resistance. The strains with enhanced antibiotic resistance also showed a notable overlap with the mutation of lasR gene, which is the core regulatory gene of P. aeruginosa QS system. Molecular docking and Caenorhabditis elegans infection assays further suggested that P. aeruginosa with impaired LasR protein could also have varying pathogenicity. Moreover, in vitro evolution experiments demonstrated that antibiotic-mediated selective pressure, particularly from Levofloxacin contributed to the emergence of extracellular protease-negative strains. Therefore, this study provides evidence for the connection of P. aeruginosa QS system and antibiotic resistance, and holds significance for developing targeted strategies to address antibiotic resistance and improving the management of antibiotic-resistant infections in chronic respiratory diseases.

Tumor Homing Chimeric Peptide Rhomboids to Improve Photodynamic Performance by Inhibiting Therapy-Upregulated Cyclooxygenase-2.

Negative therapeutic feedback of inflammation would extensively attenuate the antitumor effect of photodynamic therapy (PDT). In this work, tumor homing chimeric peptide rhomboids (designated as NP-Mel) are fabricated to improve photodynamic performance by inhibiting PDT-upregulated cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). The hydrophobic photosensitizer of protoporphyrin IX (PpIX) and palmitic acid are conjugated onto the neuropilin receptors (NRPs) targeting peptide motif (CGNKRTR) to obtain tumor homing chimeric peptide (Palmitic-K(PpIX)CGNKRTR), which can encapsulate the COX-2 inhibitor of meloxicam. The well dispersed NP-Mel not only improves the drug stability and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production ability, but also increase the breast cancer targeted drug delivery to intensify the PDT effect. In vitro and in vivo studies verify that NP-Mel will decrease the secretion of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) after PDT treatment, inducing the downregulation of IL-6 and TNF-α expressions to suppress PDT induced inflammation. Ultimately, an improved PDT performance of NP-Mel is achieved without inducing obvious systemic toxicity, which might inspire the development of sophisticated nanomedicine in consideration of the feedback induced therapeutic resistance.

Ecotoxicological Effects of Commercial Microplastics on Earthworm Eisenia fetida (Savigny, 1826) (Clitellata; Lumbricidae)

As soil invertebrates with a unique digestive system, earthworms are regularly used as bioindicators and test organisms. Due to their burrowing activity and casting, earthworms are involved in the structuring of the soil. However, this way of life exposes them to different pollutants, including microplastic particles. Although the use of plastics is economically justified, it has a major impact on living organisms. In this study, the influence of different concentrations (2.5%, 5%, and 7% (w/w)) of commercial glitter as a primary source of microplastics (MPs) on mortality, growth, cocoon production, avoidance behavior, and bioaccumulation ability during a four-week exposure of the earthworm species Eisenia fetida was investigated. The mortality was higher at 5% and 7% MPs in the soil than at 2.5% and in the control (0%) after 28 days, and the number of cocoons and growth rate decreased with an increasing MP concentration. However, the earthworms did not avoid the soil with MPs. Furthermore, the dissection of the digestive system enabled the identification of MP distribution. The sections of the digestive system were additionally examined under a fluorescence microscope. The results indicated that non-selective feeding enabled the input of MPs into the earthworm’s body and, thus, into food webs.

Delineation of selection indices for identification of asiatic cotton (Gossypium arboreum L.) genotypes for drought tolerance ability

Categorization of genotypes under low moisture conditions is essential for the identification and development of drought tolerant genotypes in cotton. In the present study, 48 diverse Asiatic cotton genotypes were categorized for drought tolerance ability using two different techniques. The significant interaction between genotypes and drought treatment indicates that the studied genotypes were significantly affected by imposed treatment for measured drought tolerance related traits. The categorization of genotypes based on the cumulative score assigned for each genotype revealed the linear relationship between biomass production and drought tolerance ability. The categorization of genotypes based on comprehensive drought tolerance measurement is the finest way to identify the contrast cotton genotypes for drought tolerance ability. The Asiatic cotton genotypes NDLA 2963, NDLA 2965, NDLA 3113, NDLA 3139-3 and NDLA 2708 are identified as drought tolerant, which can be exploited for the improvement of drought tolerance ability in Asiatic cotton breeding programs.

MSMEs Awareness in Halal Certification from an Operations Management Perspective

Providing halal certification is considered as one of the tools that can strengthen the position of Indonesian MSMEs. This is due to the ability of MSME products that have halal status to become a competitive advantage for Indonesia on the international stage. This study will analyze the factors that can increase the awareness of MSMEs in Indonesia regarding the importance of obtaining halal certification. This research uses descriptive methods through survey techniques. The survey technique used is a questionnaire technique that must be filled in by the subject and also conducts opinion polls, as well as in-depth interviews with a sample of respondents selected based on the requirements for the length of time MSMEs have been established, the type of MSME business, and ownership of current halal certification. MSMEs have realized the importance of halal certification even though many of them have not processed it due to a lack of education. However, even though they are not yet halal certified, from an operations management perspective, the production process that is carried out is halal by ensuring that both the materials used and the processes carried out are in accordance with Islamic law.

All lactose-oxidizing enzymes of Pseudomonas taetrolens, a highly efficient lactobionic acid-producing microorganism, are pyrroloquinoline quinone-dependent enzymes.

In previous and present studies, four enzymes (GCD1, GCD3, GCD4, and MQO1) have been found to act as lactose-oxidizing enzymes of Pseudomonas taetrolens. To investigate whether the four enzymes were the only lactose-oxidizing enzymes of P. taetrolens, we performed the inactivation of gcd1, gcd3, gcd4, and mqo1 genes in P. taetrolens. Compared to the wild-type strain, the lactobionic acid (LBA)-producing ability of P. taetrolens ∆gcd1 ∆gcd3 ∆gcd4 ∆mqo1 was only slightly decreased, implying that P. taetrolens possesses more lactose-oxidizing enzymes. Interestingly, the four lactose-oxidizing enzymes were all pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ)-dependent. To identify other unidentified lactose-oxidizing enzymes of P. taetrolens, we prevented the synthesis of PQQ in P. taetrolens by inactivating the genes related to PQQ synthesis such as pqqC, pqqD, and pqqE. Surprisingly, all three knocked-out strains were unable to convert lactose to LBA, indicating that all lactose-oxidizing enzymes in P. taetrolens were inactivated by eliminating PQQ synthesis. In addition, external PQQ supplementation restored the LBA production ability of P. taetrolens ∆pqqC, comparable to the wild-type strain. These results indicate that all lactose-oxidizing enzymes in P. taetrolens are PQQ-dependent.

Optimization of culture conditions for xylanase production by mixed fungal fermentation: Effects on pretreated maize cobs

The use of microorganisms for xylanase production plays important role in the bioconversion of lignocelluloses and also required in huge amount for industrial level application. This necessitates the need to select potent microorganisms for xylanase production, followed by optimization of media components for enhanced production. The effects of altering cultural fermentation conditions on the xylanase production ability in maize cobs were investigated. A consortium of four fungi; Lenzites betulina, Trichoderma reesei, Lachnocladium specie and Aspergillus niger were used to carry out single and mixed solid-state fermentation on NaOH pretreated maize cobs. Optimization of fermentation factors were carried out from ten groups of individual and co-fermented fungal combinations. L. flavidum was found to be the most effective xylanase producer with optimal conditions at pH of 5.5, moisture 75%, inoculum concentration at 5-6 x 103 spores/ml, incubation period of 7-9 days and 1% peptone as the best nitrogen media supplement. Variation to different degrees in the degradation of the maize cobs were observed. A 10% decrease in cellulose was observed with co- cultures of T. reesei and A. niger and a 15% decrease in the hemicellulose fraction. The biotechnological potential of corn cobs has been enhanced by the screening and optimizing the culture conditions.

Early mixing in a Spanish-English simultaneous bilingual in a Japanese context at age 2;4

Early language mixing has often been interpreted as bilinguals’ inability to separate languages, although more recent research suggests that young bilingual children have the ability in production. This study analyzes the mixing patterns of Jun, a Spanish-English simultaneous bilingual being raised in a Japanese societal context. Spontaneous speech data have been analyzed from two hours of video recordings, of four family conversations at age 2;4 [years;months], a period at which syntax should be emerging. The investigation found that Jun, prior to acquiring verb inflection, consistently speaks in the context-appropriate language and rarely engages in mixing, suggesting clear language separation and pragmatic sensitivity. Mixing rates, MLU, UB, and monoglossic production in both home languages confirm Jun’s balanced performance, and also language separation. Moreover, the scarcity of inter- and intra-sentential mixing, as well as 1-word mixing, reveals the child’s accommodation to his interlocutors’ language choice, as well as this 2-year-old’s strong control over his own language choice

Stimulating microorganisms in the cultivation and improvement of vegetable plants

Research objective: In this study, the possibility of using different microbial types inoculated into the growing medium was evaluated in order to assess the growth-promoting potential of certain vegetable species. Materials and Methods: The plants were grown in pots under controlled conditions; 30 seedlings per thesis, divided into 3 replications of 10 plants each, were planted in early November 2023. The plants used in the trial were Cichorium intybus and Allium ampeloprasum. All plants were fertilised with a slow-release fertiliser (2 kg m-3 of Osmocote Pro® for 6 months) introduced into the growing medium at the time of transplanting. The six experimental groups in cultivation were: i) group without microorganisms, irrigated with water and previously fertilised substrate; ii) group with Pacilomyces lilacinus; iii) group with Azospirillum sp.; iv) group with Glomus sp.; v) group with Trichoderma viride; vi) group with mix Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas sp. and Trichoderma viride. On 11 January 2024, plant height, number of leaves, total leaf area per plant (mm2), primary root length (mm), biomass of the aerial and root system, and number of dead plants were recorded. Results and Discussion: The experiment showed that the use of microbial strains of various types can indeed significantly improve the vegetative and root growth of Cichorium intybus and Allium ampeloprasum. All treatments showed a significant improvement over the untreated control for the agronomic parameters analysed, but the Azospirillum sp. and Glomus sp. treatments were statistically the best. Improvements were also found in plant height, number of leaves, leaf area, vegetative and root biomass and root length. A very interesting aspect was also the ability of the microbial products to reduce plant mortality, particularly the application of Trichoderma viride in Cichorium intibus and all microbial treatments on Allium ampeloprasum. Conclusions: This experiment highlights other interesting and innovative aspects of the use of microorganisms, which have already been highlighted in previous trials on various vegetable and ornamental species. Given the importance of the application of microbial inoculums in plants, the new agricultural experiments are very important because they could enable the development of new products to be used in organic and sustainable farming systems and enable better results.

Developing Theoretical and Methodological Provisions for Improving the Mechanism of Labour Efficiency

The article presents a theoretical generalisation and solution of a current scientific and applied problem which develops theoretical principles, methodological approaches and scientific and practical recommendations for improving the mechanism of labour efficiency management in terms of innovation-oriented development of enterprises. It is substantiated that in the conditions of innovation-oriented development of ecosystems, including enterprises, the disclosure of the essence of labour efficiency requires introduction of a dual quantitative–qualitative approach: on the one hand, labour efficiency reflects the ratio of the manufactured products (tangible and intangible benefits) and corresponding living labour costs (quantitative aspect) and, on the other hand, it is the result of using productive abilities of people, characterised by manufactured products of a particular consumer quality with the creation of added value (qualitative aspect). Conceptual bases of improvement of the mechanism of labour efficiency management at enterprises were developed. They are based on certain tasks, functions, principles, methods of labour efficiency management and the formed system of factors of influence and the revealed factors and reserves of an increase in labour efficiency. They presuppose development and realisation of the corresponding programme, which aims to: optimise total labour costs; improve quality of products at a constant mass and satisfaction with the work process of all its participants; ensure positive changes in material well-being and quality of life on the basis of the formation of modern innovation infrastructure of the enterprise.

Co3O4/C derived from ZIF-67 cathode enhances the microbial electrosynthesis of acetate from CO2

Microbial Electrosynthesis (MES) is an electrochemical reduction technology that efficiently converts CO2 into chemicals by electrically driving microbial catalysts. However, the lower mass transfer efficiency of CO2 and hydrogen H2 affected the performance of the MES. In this study, Co3O4/C is derived from the carbonization of ZIF-67 with different temperature (700 °C,800 °C,900 °C), in which some Co ions are exposed and a large number of catalytically active sites are supplied. Among them, the Co3O4/C with 800 °C had the highest hydrogen evolution reaction activity and the lowest internal resistance. The Co3O4/C with 800 °C showed the highest hydrogen production rate of 81.34 × 102 mol day−1, which was 4.4 times higher than that of the bare carbon felt. Furthermore, the Co3O4/C with 800 °C modified cathode was beneficial to the formation of biofilm and improved the enrichment of Acetobacterium and Arcobacter. The highest acetate yield of 0.19 g L−1d−1 was obtained by Co3O4/C with 800 °C, which was 2.1 times higher than that of bare carbon felt, and the corresponding acetate concentration reached 5.61 ± 0.1 g L−1. Co3O4/C derived from ZIF-67 with good H2 production and CO2 adsorption ability is an effective strategy to improve MES cathode.

ZIF-8 induced N, P double doped porous molybdenum phosphide hydrogen evolution catalyst

Molybdenum based phosphides have gradually become the investigation frontier of hydrogen evolution catalysts due to the platinum like electronic structure. In this paper, N, P double-doped graphite carbon layers wrapped with MoP nanoparticles (P–MoP@NPC), is directly compounded by one-step high-temperature carboning PMo12-APP@ZIF-8 precursor. P–MoP@NPC possesses splendid hydrogen production reactive, in two kinds of electrolytes, when the overpotentials of P–MoP@NPC are 132 mV and 161 mV, the slope of current density reaching 10 mA cm−2, Tafel slope are 67 and 79 mV dec−1, respectively. In the bargain, P–MoP@NPC displays satisfactory durability in acid and alkaline mediums and can continue to work for more than 24 h. The wonderful hydrogen production ability of P–MoP@NPC is ascribed to the synergistic effect of MoP nanoparticles, hierarchical porous structure as well as N, P double-doped carbon layers. The confinement effect of ZIF-8 makes most of the synthesized MoP nanoparticles evenly distributed. The hierarchical porous structure caused by the volatilization of Zn atoms with high temperature can expose more active centers. The N, P double-doped graphitic carbon layers not only protect the catalyst but also adjust the electronic structure of MoP, promoting the hydrogen production capacity. This work may provide a general way to study molybdenum phosphide catalysts synthesized by APP as a green phosphorus source for energy conversion.