Diversity Of Products Research Articles

Evaluation of TrpM and PsiD substrate promiscuity reveals new biocatalytic capabilities.

N-methylated tryptamines, such as the hallucinogenic natural products, psilocybin and N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT), are gaining interest from the medical community due to their potential as next generation treatments for mental health disorders. The clinical relevance of these compounds has driven scientists to develop biosynthetic production routes to a number of tryptamine drug candidates, and efforts are ongoing to expand and further develop these biosynthetic capabilities. To that end, we have further characterized the substrate preferences of two enzymes involved in tryptamine biosynthesis: TrpM, a tryptophan N-methyltransferase from Psilocybe serbica, and PsiD, the gateway decarboxylase of the psilocybin biosynthesis pathway. Here, we show that TrpM can N-methylate the non-native amino acid substrate, 4-hydroxytryptophan, a key intermediate in the Escherichia coli-based recombinant psilocybin biosynthesis pathway. However, the ability to incorporate TrpM into a functional psilocybin biosynthesis pathway was thwarted by PsiD's inability to use N,N-dimethyl-4-hydroxytryptophan as substrate, under the culturing conditions tested, despite demonstrating activity on N-methylated and 4-hydroxylated tryptophan derivatives individually. Taken together, this work expands upon the known substrates for TrpM and PsiD, further increasing the diversity of tryptamine biosynthetic products.

Selection signatures of wool color in Gangba sheep revealed by genome-wide SNP discovery

BackgroundGangba sheep as a famous breed of Tibetan sheep, its wool color is mainly white and black. Gangba wool is economically important as a high-quality raw material for Tibetan blankets and Tibetan serge. However, relatively few studies have been conducted on the wool color of Tibetan sheep.ResultsTo fill this research gap, this study conducted an in-depth analysis of two populations of Gangba sheep (black and white wool color) using whole genome resequencing to identify genetic variation associated with wool color. Utilizing PCA, Genetic Admixture, and N-J Tree analyses, the present study revealed a consistent genetic relationship and structure between black and white wool colored Gangba sheep populations, which is consistent with their breed history. Analysis of selection signatures using multiple methods (FST, π ratio, Tajima's D), 370 candidate genes were screened in the black wool group (GBB vs GBW); among them, MC1R, MLPH, SPIRE2, RAB17, SMARCA4, IRF4, CAV1, USP7, TP53, MYO6, MITF, MC2R, TET2, NF1, JAK1, GABRR1 genes are mainly associated with melanin synthesis, melanin delivery, and distribution. The enrichment results of the candidate genes identified 35 GO entries and 19 KEGG pathways associated with the formation of the black phenotype. 311 candidate genes were screened in the white wool group (GBW vs GBB); among them, REST, POU2F1, ADCY10, CCNB1, EP300, BRD4, GLI3, and SDHA genes were mainly associated with interfering with the differentiation of neural crest cells into melanocytes, affecting the proliferation of melanocytes, and inhibiting melanin synthesis. 31 GO entries and 22 KEGG pathways were associated with the formation of the white phenotype.ConclusionsThis study provides important information for understanding the genetic mechanism of wool color in Gangba, and provides genetic knowledge for improving and optimizing the wool color of Tibetan sheep. Genetic improvement and selective breeding to produce wool of specific colors can meet the demand for a diversity of wool products in the Tibetan wool textile market.

Re-Glass: Product Development Pathways for Post-Consumer Glass

Our research examines the viability of recycling soda lime glass from post-consumer Insulated Glass Units (IGU), mixing various types of architectural glass cullet and fusing them into flat plates by using electric kilns. Those kilns operate at lower temperatures than standard float glass production, which significantly reduces manufacturing emissions. The research outcomes suggest the potential for near-site operations, reducing transportation logistics, costs, and emissions. Strength and emissivity tests were performed on the recycled glass samples, to assess challenges arising from various production parameters including: glass types, processing methods, annealing temperatures and schedules, cullet sizes and distribution. These explorations offer high-level perspectives for developing post-consumer glass solutions driven by emissions and logistics primarily, and tectonics secondarily, exploring the cost-effective diversion of glass products from landfill to generate solutions staying within the built environment. The research examines performance aspects of recycled glass as emblematic of sustainability in design and underscores the role (and implications) of texture in architectural materiality. Performance and viability are weighted with considerations for the US market (hauling distances, energy grid emissivity across states, market culture, labor rates, incentives, or lack thereof). This exploration proposes innovative avenues for integrating distinctive, sustainable recycled glass as a hallmark into architectural frameworks.

Operation risk assessment of Flexible Manufacturing Networks subject to quality-reliability coupling

In flexible manufacturing network (FMN), the growth of product types increases the diversity of interacting behaviors between machine reliability and product quality, and the product diversity and machine flexibility promote the explosion of processing routes and processing sequences, increasing the gap between current risk evaluation of manufacturing systems and engineering practice. To fill this gap, a novel operation risk assessment framework is constructed for the complex FMN. In detail, to model the reliability-quality interactions, a mathematical framework describing a complete manufacturing process involving "feedstock quality (Q1) - machine degradation (R) - product processing quality (Q2) - quality inspection status (I)" is proposed for complex FMN, solving the measurement of interacting behaviors between machine reliability and product quality in an FMN that suffers from both multiple process routes and multi-type products. Then, an effective evaluation framework is proposed to evaluate the connectivity risk of multiple process routes and the quality risk of multiple product types in a complex FMN, providing a concurrent solution for risk evaluation under both complex system structures and complex quality-reliability interrelationships. At last, a simulation experiment verifies the effectiveness of our proposed methods and reveals differences in the operation risk of different product types in an FMN.

Diversity, composition, and role of woody Non-Timber Forest Products in Tawangmangu, Central Java, Indonesia

Abstract. Haqqin F, Arkan F, Ibriza NM, Fadhilah RN, Safira RN, Dewangga A, Kusumaningrum L, Thenya T, Setyawan AD. 2024. Diversity, composition, and role of woody Non-Timber Forest Products in Tawangmangu, Central Java, Indonesia. Asian J Ethnobiol 7: 68-78. Forests have an important role in supporting biodiversity and providing various ecosystem services vital for human welfare; besides that, forests are also an important resource for Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFP), which are forest products other than timber used by local communities. NTFP can be categorized into fodder, firewood, food wrapping, medicinal plants, ornamental plants, spices, and food. The aim of this research was to analyze biodiversity and the use of NTFP in the villages of Plumbon, Nglebak, and Sepanjang, located in Tawangmangu Sub-district, Karanganyar District, Central Java, Indonesia. Data collection included interviews and field surveys. In the course of the interviews, a total of 62 respondents were engaged. The results showed that 83 plant species belonging to 41 families had been identified for many NTFPs such as (i) medicinal plant, (ii) food, (iii) ornamental plant, (iv) fodder, (v) spices; (vi) firewood; and (vii) food wrapping. The research findings indicate that Plumbon Village (Station A) exhibited the highest NTFP woody plant biodiversity value, with the highest values for each index component, i.e., 2.8 (H'), 5.9 (Dmg), and 0.765 (E). Each village is characterized by distinct dominant plant species: Melastoma malabatrichum dominates Plumbon Village (Station A), Manihot esculenta dominates Nglebak Village (Station B), and Calliandra houstoniana dominates Sepanjang Village (Station C). Notably, the plant with the highest use value is Tectona grandis, which serves as a medicinal plant, firewood, and food wrapping material. This research provides a deeper understanding of the biodiversity and use of NTFPs in the region, which has important implications for natural resource management and the well-being of local communities.

THE IMPACT OF A LARGE DEPRECIATION ON THE COST OF LIVING OF RICH AND POOR CONSUMERS

AbstractUsing retailer scanner data, we investigate how a sharp and abrupt depreciation of the exchange rate affects consumers' cost of living. We find that the marginal cost of imported goods increased, whereas their retail markups decreased compared to domestic products. There was also a surge in the entry and exit of both foreign and local product varieties post‐depreciation. Wealthier consumers, who spend more on imports, are hit harder by higher marginal costs but benefit from reduced markups and increased product diversity, unlike their less affluent counterparts.

High-performance supercritical fluid chromatography hyphenated to high-resolution quadrupole-time of flight hybrid mass spectrometry (SFC-HR-QTOF-MS/MS) for the determination of cannabinoids in edible products

A growing number of papers suggest the positive action of cannabinoids in the treatment of several diseases, which is ascribed to the ability of phytocannabinoids to affect the human endocannabinoid system. In particular, this activity is characteristic of CBD, a non-psychoactive variation of 9-THC. It initiated a trend in the manufacturing of edible and cosmetic products containing CBD that can be easily acquired in drugstores. However, the composition of such products has rarely been tested. Hence, there is a need for data regarding their safety. Considering the possibility of cannabinoid interconversions as well as the complexity and diversity of edible products’ matrix, their analysis requires a suitable preparation and cleanup procedure. In this paper, the perspective of the application of Supercritical Fluid Chromatography (SFC) coupled to High-Resolution (HR) Quadrupole-Time of Flight (Q-TOF) tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) with electrospray ionization (ESI) in quality control of cannabis-containing food products was examined. The focus is on six neutral (CBD, 9-THC, CBC, CBG, CBN, and THCV) and three acidic (CBDA, THCA, and CBGA) cannabinoids. The study covers the thorough optimization of conditions for chromatographic separation with the use of the supercritical CO2 (scCO2)-based mobile phase and the working parameters of MS/MS detection with the elucidation of fragmentation patterns. Thanks to the utilization of scCO2, a short analysis time of 17 min., high intensity and small width of peaks, as well as low consumption of toxic organic solvent have been achieved at the 2-EP column with a 5 μm grain size. To reach such performance in LC, the utilization of more expensive columns packed with sub-2 μm particles is needed. In the case of the solvent matrix, the LOD was equal to 8 ng mL−1 for CBDA, THCA, and CBGA, 15 ng mL−1 for CBG and THCV, and 21 ng mL−1 for THC, CBD, CBC, and CBN. In the case of tea, an LOD of 25 ng mL−1 for acidic and 75 ng mL−1 for neutral cannabinoids has been obtained. The accuracy and precision were within the ± 15 % tolerance limit. Finally, the devised protocol has been applied for cannabinoid determination in hemp tea infusions.

Food production and biodiversity are not incompatible in temperate heterogeneous agricultural landscapes

We need landscape-scale approaches to design and manage agro-ecosystems that can sustain both agricultural production and biodiversity conservation. In this study, yield figures provided by 299 farmers served to quantify the energy-equivalents of food production across different crops in 49 1-km2 landscapes. Our results show that the relationship between bird diversity and food energy production depends on the proportion of farmland within the landscape, with a negative correlation observed in agriculture dominated landscapes (≥ 64–74% farmland). In contrast, neither typical farmland birds nor butterflies showed any significant relationship with total food energy production. We conclude that in European temperate regions consisting of small-scale, mixed farming systems (arable and livestock production), productivity and biodiversity conservation may not be purely antagonistic, particularly when (semi-)natural habitats make up a large fraction of the landscape (≥ 20%).

The Role of University-Ngo Cooperation in Increasing the Entrepreneurial Skills of Youth: An Evaluation Specific to Refugee Youth

As widely recognized, Turkey is hosting the world's highest number of registered refugees since 2011. Notably, 20% of this refugee population comprises young individuals aged 18-29, highlighting significant youth. Gaziantep, second to Istanbul in refugee concentration, accommodates over 440,000 refugees. This study delves into the necessity of forging a new symbiotic relationship between residents and migrants. Such a partnership can positively affect industry, productivity and human resource diversity. Notably, research indicates that a majority (80%) of refugees do not foresee a return to Syria, underscoring the significance of maximizing the productivity and efficiency of these individuals in their adopted regions. Consequently, the study investigates the interplay between young migrants and the city's entrepreneurship ecosystem, drawing upon data from 14 collaborative projects, focusing on enhancing local and refugee youth's capacity and entrepreneurial skills, between Gaziantep University and NGOs. The findings underscore the outcomes stemming from the alliance between young refugees and their local counterparts, which fosters innovation and productivity through collaboration. This study illuminates the potential for new ecosystems to drive entrepreneurial effectiveness and efficiency, culminating in innovation-driven accomplishments facilitated by the collaboration between refugee and local youth.

Diversity and similarity in the Ceramic Age lapidary production in the Caribbean islands

Diversity and similarity in the Ceramic Age lapidary production in the Caribbean islands

Divergent synthesis of chromones and chromanones from diketones using an AgOTf/[Si]H system by switching hydrosilanes

A method of using AgOTf/[Si]H for the efficient and divergent synthesis of chromones and chromanones from a common substrate via reductive coupling cyclization by switching hydrosilanes has been developed. Results of mechanistic studies revealed that under Ph2MeSiH conditions, the reaction initially undergone cyclization to form chromones 2a, which can subsequently be reduced to yield chromanones 3a. When the hydrosilane was switched to Et3SiH, the reaction route stopped at chromone 2a and C2C3 could not be further reduced. This novel, mild protocol features broad functional group compatibility, high product diversity, and utility in constructing biorelevant chromone or chromanone derivatives.

Isotopes and bioarchaeology in the Andes: Diet, life histories, and ritual

AbstractIn this article, we present an isotopic perspective of key research questions in Andean bioarchaeology, focusing on the ways in which stable and radiogenic isotope analyses have contributed to our understanding of the past. Andean archaeology offers a window into long‐term processes of economic, socioecological and political change since the mid‐Holocene, thus providing historical trajectories of socio‐ecological change relevant for global comparison. The spatial scale of this review includes the areas traditionally identified as the south‐central Andes and the southern Andes. These ecological scenarios are characterised by marked topographic, climatic and ecological variations that are fruitful for the application of isotopes to understand diet, mobility, migration and ritual in past human societies. Within the broader Andean context, here we focus on the growth of bioarchaeological applications of isotopic data. We discuss some major themes of economic production, mobility and exploitation of environmental diversity, maize agriculture, migrations in small‐ and large‐scale societies and ritual practices related to human sacrifices and body modifications. Building on this, we discuss theoretical and methodological trends and directions for future research combining bioarchaeology and isotopes in the Andes.

Mycochemical contents of higher fungi and their in vitro effect on plant growth

This research work is part of a project to develop the natural substances of higher basidiomycetes from Algeria’s forest. This study aimed to evaluate the bioactive compounds of higher fungi, by quantifying phenols and flavonoids using spectrophotometry. The assay, showed that the highest quantity of flavonoids was recorded in the extract of Trametes quercina (10.27 ± 0.015 mg QE/g), followed by Suillus mediterraneensis (7.82 ± 0.011 mg QE/g). For phenols, amount of 442.23 and 432.88 mg GAE/g were respectively found in Lactarius zonarioides and S. mediterraneensis. In addition, TLC chromatographic screening was carried out for the first time in order to select higher basidiomycetes containing secondary metabolites. The results reported that all the basidiomycete extracts are rich in phenols, tannins and flavonoids with a similarity of secondary metabolites between the different extracts. Following these chemical investigations, eight extracts showing a phyto-stimulating effect were selected for analysis by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The presence of flavones and flavonols was detected: Flavones were found in Agaricus bisporus, Boletus sp., Pleurotus dryinus, S. mediterraneensis, Coprinus atramentarius, T. quercina and Xerocomus sp. On the other hand, flavonols were found in C. atramentarius, Pleurotus ostreatus and P. dryinus. Additionally, tannic acid was found in S. mediterraneensis, chromatographic profiles show that basidiomycete extracts produce a wide range of secondary metabolites, with many compounds common to all extracts. The study of plant growth enhancement by extracts of basidiomycetes on eggplant, in hydroponic conditions, is a novelty. The chemical study confirmed that these extracts do indeed contain a diversity of bioactive products that contribute to increasing plant yield, thus offering strong agricultural potential.

Evolution of Natural Ferroan Brucite Under Different Atmospheres

The study on the evolution of natural ferroan brucite (MgFe(OH)[Formula: see text] was beneficial to discovering the function of brucite in the geologic cycle and directing the reasonable utilization of brucite resources. In this study, natural MgFe(OH)2 was characterized in detail and Rietveld refinement was employed to determine the precise content and existing environment of Fe[Formula: see text]. The reaction products of MgFe(OH)2 under various atmospheric conditions, including CO2, O2 and a mixed atmosphere of CO2 and O2 were innovatively investigated to gain insights into the evolution process and the crucial role played by Fe[Formula: see text]. Accordingly, the evolution mechanism of MgFe(OH)2 under different atmospheres was afforded based on the characterization and molecular simulations like electron transfer and binding energy. Fe[Formula: see text] in MgFe(OH)2 layers could be oxidized by O2 easily and give positive layers, CO[Formula: see text] produced by CO2 dissolving in water simultaneously was attracted to finally produce CO[Formula: see text] intercalated MgFe- layered double hydroxides (MgFe-CO[Formula: see text]-LDHs) which could be used as adsorbents, catalysts and so on. This process was supported by thermodynamics and also the dominant evolution route due to the dynamic reason. The existence of Fe[Formula: see text] in MgFe(OH)2 resulted in the diversity of the evolution products. This work highlighted the composition and structure of evolution products of natural MgFe(OH)2 under different environment as well as its possible application field.

The Impact of Marketing in Increasing the Level of Competitiveness for Agro-Food Products in Albania

The climate that prevails in Albania and the type of agricultural land are favorable for new cultures and agricultural products that have higher benefits than other products that have been cultivated so far. Developing and increasing the capacities of existing products is one of the main components in a small or medium-sized company. A progressive company should preemptively address the planning and expansion of its product range and diversity of culture where it operates in order to remain competitive in the market. To achieve this, companies nowadays need to implement the most effective marketing strategies. Marketing is increasingly emerging as the most significant aspect for companies in the agro-food sector, serving as the primary means of customer orientation, with arguments as to why they should choose a company's products or services over other competitors. With the advancement of technology, the utilization of marketing and its elements is increasing more and more, as the best way to achieve the desired profit, target performance and competitiveness in the market. The purpose of this paper is the analysis of the existing situation in the development of the competitiveness of agro-food products as a result of the application of marketing, through which the market will be studied and make the agricultural producer aware of the increase of their performance in the market, through the production of quality and cost-effective products. The results reveal that agro-food production companies and farms have started to apply marketing in various forms, both in social and traditional media, creating better competitive positions in the market and increased production capacities allowing for the substitution of imported products with local products. Consequently, it has influenced the increase in consumer confidence in Albanian products and brands.

THE INFLUENCE OF COFFEE TASTE AND TO PRODUCT VARIETY TOWARDS CUSTOMER LOYALTY (STUDY ON COFFEE FROMMAKASSAR COFFEE)

The purpose of this study is a type of quantitative research with the aim of determining the influence of taste and product diversity on customer loyalty study on coffee Darikopi Makassar. Samples were taken from customers of Darikopi Makassar. The type of data used in this study is quantitative data obtained from the results of questionnaires that have been distributed to regular customers of Darikopi Makassar. Data collection is carried out through literature review, questionnaire distribution and documentation. In this study, the data sources used include primary data and secondary data. The research instrument used in this study used the Likert scale method. Based on the results of research using SPSS on the influence of taste and product diversity on customer loyalty of Darikopi Makassar, it was concluded that taste had a positive and significant effect on customer loyalty which was marked by 4,296 > 1.66 with a significance of 0.000. Product diversity has a positive and significant effect on customer loyalty which is marked by 5,785 > 1.66 with a significance of 0.000. Taste and product diversity have an effect of 51.6% on customer loyalty, and simultaneously affect it which is characterized by a probability value of 0.000 < 0.05, Product diversity from Makassar Coffee needs to be maintained and further improved because the results show that product diversity has a more influence than taste on customer loyalty.

Diversity of Primary Energy Production in India- A Study for the Period 1970-2022

The diversity of energy production is vital for India's sustainable development. It enhances energy security, economic stability, environmental sustainability and resilience to climate change. By investing in a variety of energy sources and technologies, India can ensure a reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy supply for its growing population and economy. India is mostly dependent upon coal for its energy production and consumption. When we consider only primary energy sources, India produced 79.6 % of energy from coal and consumed 52.89 % of energy from coal in 2020. In this paper we have studied about the energy diversity of India based on primary energy sources using data for 53 years (from 1970 to 2022). We have used the four types of primary energy sources i.e., coal, lignite, crude oil and natural gas. We have used different indices [Shannon-Weiner Index (SWI), Herfindahl-Hirschman Index (HHI), Weighted_SWI (D_SWI) and Weighted_HHI (D_HHI)] to find the Energy Diversity Index of India. From the result, we have found that energy diversity of India is very low due to high dependency upon coal and also the index is falling which is of concern in regard to energy security of India.

Free Drawing to assess food consumption information in comparison with the Free Listing: An intracultural study in Brazil with adolescents and dairy products

This study aimed to evaluate the Free Drawing method to assess food consumption information compared to the Free Listing method. Furthermore, the citation frequencies of dairy products consumed by adolescents were compared in Brazilian regions. Adolescents (14–17 years old, n = 265, n = 53 for each region, North, South, Northeast, Midwest, and Southeast regions) listed or drew the dairy products they consumed using Free Listing or Free Drawing. The contingency tables were constructed, and the cognitive saliency indexes (CSI) were calculated. Multiple Factor Analysis (MFA) was performed, and the RV indices were determined. The adolescents listed/drew 55 dairy products, grouped into 10 categories. The Free Listing method resulted in greater citation frequencies of dairy products. The Free Drawing method resulted in richer and more detailed information, with specifications of the type of product consumed within the category, flavor, type of packaging, and brand. The dairy products with the highest citation frequencies/CSI by adolescents were milk, cheese, and fermented milk. The South and Southeast regions observed greater citation frequencies and diversity of dairy products (prevalence in 6 categories). The CSI did not depend on the method, but it was affected by the region (p < 0.05). The sensory methods showed high similarity considering the categories of dairy products (RV = 0.80) and regions (RV = 0.79). It is concluded that the Free Drawing method proved to be an alternative to Free Listing for evaluating adolescents’ consumption information of dairy products in an intracultural study in Brazil.

Mast seeding in European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) is associated with reduced fungal sporocarp production and community diversity.

Mast seeding is a well-documented phenomenon across diverse forest ecosystems. While its effect on aboveground food webs has been thoroughly studied, how it impacts the soil fungi that drive soil carbon and nutrient cycling has not yet been explored. To evaluate the relationship between mast seeding and fungal resource availability, we paired a Swiss 29-year fungal sporocarp census with contemporaneous seed production for European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.). On average, mast seeding was associated with a 55% reduction in sporocarp production and a compositional community shift towards drought-tolerant taxa across both ectomycorrhizal and saprotrophic guilds. Among ectomycorrhizal fungi, traits associated with carbon cost did not explain species' sensitivity to seed production. Together, our results support a novel hypothesis that mast seeding limits annual resource availability and reproductive investment in soil fungi, creating an ecosystem 'rhythm' to forest processes that is synchronized above- and belowground.

A Comparative Analysis of Brand Management of Cipla and Sun Pharma

Abstract: This research presents a comparative analysis of brand management strategies employed by two leading pharmaceutical companies, Cipla and Sun Pharma. The study aims to provide insights into how these companies manage their brands in the highly competitive pharmaceutical industry. The analysis encompasses various dimensions of brand management, including market share, brand equity, product portfolio, global reach, and innovation/R&amp;D strategies. Data was collected from primary and secondary sources, including financial reports, industry publications, and customer surveys. The findings reveal significant differences between Cipla and Sun Pharma in terms of market share, brand strength, product diversity, international presence, and innovation focus. These differences highlight the unique approaches each company takes in managing their brands and positioning themselves in the market. The research contributes to the understanding of brand management practices in the pharmaceutical industry and provides valuable insights for practitioners and scholars alike.