Low Production Research Articles

Impact of organic and inorganic sources of nutrition on the morpho-physiological, biochemical, yield traits and uptake of nutrients by mung bean (Vigna radiata L.)

ABSTRACT Mung bean is a vital legume crop in Pakistan, contributing significantly to both dietary needs and agricultural sustainability due to its rich nutrient content and soil-enhancing properties through nitrogen fixation. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of vermicompost, simple compost and NP fertiliser on the morpho-physiological, biochemical and yield characteristics of mung bean. Treatments included vermicompost, compost and their combinations with NP fertiliser. Key parameters assessed were plant height, crop germination, leaf size, nodule viability, pod length, grain protein content and yield attributes. Results indicated that while vermicompost alone improved growth and productivity, the combination of 50% vermicompost with 50% NP fertiliser yielded the highest productivity. Intermediate results were observed with a mixture of 25% vermicompost, 25% compost and 50% NP fertiliser, whereas the control (100% NP fertiliser) and compost treatments alone resulted in the lowest productivity and decreased soil fertility. The study concluded that integrating organic and chemical fertilisers, particularly at a 50:50 vermicompost to NP fertiliser ratio, is optimal for enhancing mung bean yield and soil health.

Top‐Down Assembly of Photosensitizable Flexible Wood Dressing with Synergistic Effect of Anti‐Infection and Moisture Management

AbstractInfected wound repair stands as a formidable global issue, posing significant threats to public health and medical care. Biopolymer‐based dressings represent a natural and biocompatible candidate greatly conductive to wound healing. However, the low productivity and high price, coupled with the widespread lack of antibacterial activities, vitally restrict their clinical applications. Herein, a simple yet efficient top‐down assembly strategy is reported to fabricate aggregation‐induced emission photosensitizer (AIE‐PS) functionalized flexible wood (AIE/FW) dressing with synergistic photodynamic therapy and moisture management to accelerate the healing of infected wounds. On account of its superior bactericidal effectiveness and appropriate moisture management, along with superb flexibility and excellent biocompatibility, the proposed AIE/FW can effectively prevent wound infection and alleviate inflammatory response, thereby dramatically boosting the infected wound recovery. It is anticipated that the scalable, sustainable, and cost‐effective AIE/FW offers a promising pathway to overcome global wound care challenges.

Conceptual study of Shiro Dhara Procedure - A Review Article

The man of 21st century is breathing under various stresses, strains and anxiety. Co-ordination between ambitions and capabilities is no more seen. People may experience poor concentration, lower productivity and poorer work quality as a result of this stress. In comparison to the treatment of different systems of medicine, Ayurveda has a very good approach towards the treatment of these problems by both internal and external medications. So, to overcome this problem a review of Ayurveda text regarding Shiro Dhara was done. Indication, Contraindication, Procedure, Precautions and therapeutic efficacy of Shiro Dhara were noted during this study.

Camel milk: White gold and its contribution to the sustainable development goals—A review

Camel milk plays a multifaceted and significant role in contributing to sustainable development goals (SDGs). This review aims to explore its impact on SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and SDG 13 (Climate Action). Camel milk alleviates poverty by providing crucial income and job opportunities for pastoral communities where alternative livelihoods are limited. Its rich nutritional value enhances food security, particularly in regions suffering from hunger and low agricultural productivity. Furthermore, its nutritional and medicinal properties contribute to public health and well-being, particularly in communities affected by food insecurity. The expanding camel milk industry promotes decent work and economic growth by fostering market diversification and growth while empowering women by creating economic opportunities within local communities. Camel milk production aligns with sustainable consumption and production patterns by requiring fewer resources and minimizing waste, and it strengthens resilience to climate change in vulnerable regions. Despite its potential, the camel milk industry faces hurdles such as high production costs, inadequate infrastructure, and limited market access. This article emphasizes the need for targeted efforts to overcome these challenges and highlights the potential of camel milk as a key driver of sustainable development in some of the world's most fragile regions and its contributions to sustainable development and improving the livelihoods of vulnerable communities worldwide. This article emphasizes the need for targeted efforts to overcome these challenges and highlights the potential of camel milk as a key driver of sustainable development in improving the livelihoods, especially of vulnerable communities across the world's most fragile regions.

Processes and microorganisms driving nitrous oxide production in the Benguela Upwelling System

AbstractUpwelling systems and their associated oxygen deficient zones (ODZs) are hotspots of nitrous oxide (N2O) production in the ocean. The Benguela Upwelling System (BUS) is a highly productive region and an important, yet variable source of N2O to the atmosphere. This study examined underlying processes and microbial key players governing N2O production in the BUS during the austral winter. 15N‐tracer incubation experiments were conducted to track N2O production from NH4+ oxidation and denitrification. N2O production and consumption mechanisms over a longer temporal scale were determined through natural‐abundance isotope analyses. Metagenomics and 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing were used to identify potential key prokaryotes driving N2O production. Our results showed that, compared with permanent ODZs, the BUS is characterized by a higher oxidative and a lower reductive N2O production, both of which exhibit substantial spatial variability. N2O production peaked in low‐oxygen (O2) waters, with nearly equal contributions of oxidative and reductive processes, suggesting their co‐occurrence across an O2 concentration range broader than previously thought. However, the observed N2O isotope signatures implied a legacy of recent and extensive N2O reduction to N2. Metagenomic and 16S rRNA gene data identified denitrifiers belonging to Thioglobaceae and the archaeal ammonia‐oxidizers Nitrosopumilaceae among the potential key drivers of N2O production. Our study provides a comprehensive picture of N2O production in the BUS, revealing significant variability in the N‐cycling regime and underlying N2O production mechanisms, and demonstrating the value of combining direct rate measurements with more integrative approaches, such as molecular omics and natural‐abundance stable isotope tracers.

The effects of the housing system and milk productivity on serum and fecal levels of essential and toxic trace elements and minerals in Red Steppe dairy cows.

The objective of the present study was to evaluate serum and fecal trace element and mineral levels in Red Steppe dairy cows with different daily milk yields during the transition from feedlot to pasture. Serum and fecal trace element and mineral levels were assessed using the inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The obtained data demonstrate that serum Ca, Mg, K, and Na levels increased significantly in the pasture period, and this increase is more profound in cows with higher milk yield. In turn, circulating levels of B, Co, Cr, Fe, I, and Se significantly decreased in the pasture period. Despite the lack of group differences in the feedlot period, serum B, Cr, and Fe levels in the pasture period were higher in cows with higher milk yield. In turn, circulating Co and I concentrations were higher in the cows with lower milk yield. Finally, the levels of toxic trace elements in the pasture period were found to be higher in cows with lower milk productivity. Discriminant analysis demonstrated that the groups of cows with different milk productivity were clearly discriminated only in the pasture period. Despite a significant change in fecal trace element and mineral content upon transition from feedlot to pasture, only minor group differences between cows with different daily milk yields were observed. These findings demonstrate that despite the lack of differences in dietary trace element and mineral intake, cows with different milk productivity are characterized by distinct patterns of serum trace element and mineral content.

Utilization of Pineapple Fruit Waste in Greener Alternative Agents for Thai Silk Pretreatment and Acid Dyeing Wastewater Treatment

Pineapple, extensively cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions, contains bromelain, a protein-digesting enzyme that is highly valued in the food and beverage industries. Pineapple residues from food processing retain these enzymes and can be repurposed for silk processing. This research utilized Smooth Cayenne pineapple juice as a degumming agent and its pulp as an adsorbent for dyeing effluent treatment. Pineapple juice, containing bromelain with a protease activity of 16.40 µg/mL·min, effectively removed 22% of sericin from raw silk using a liquid ratio of 30:1 at pH 7 and 60 °C for 60 min. Unlike alkaline degumming, which weakened silk fibers (maximum load 6.18 ± 1.56 N), pineapple juice-treated silk retained higher strength (maximum load 7.80 ± 1.32 N), offering a gentler alternative. The remaining pineapple pulp, after juice extraction, was processed into a porous adsorbent with a surface area of 3.63 m2/g and a pore size of 6.15 nm. This material absorbed acid dyes effectively at pH 5, the normal pH used in the acid dyeing of silk. Valorizing pineapple residues reduces chemical use, energy consumption, and environmental impact while lowering production costs and enhancing local resources.

Building Information Modelling (BIM) as an Efficient Solution to Middle Eastern Construction Project Delays

The construction and building industry is considered one of the essential players in the economic sector that contributes significantly to creating jobs and generating financial resources. This study provides a review of the construction industry's capability available in the Middle Eastern countries, the development process, and its importance for the economic growth. It analyzes what causes construction projects to go over budget and behind schedule in an attempt to draw conclusions that can be applied to a broader body of research. Delays are costly in terms of time, money, quality, and safety. Some adverse outcomes of project delays are disputes between employer and contractor, lower revenue and productivity, and incomplete projects. This research investigates the reasons behind the construction setbacks in the Middle East and what can be done to rectify the situation. Moreover, it examines the Building Information Modeling (BIM) as a tool to reduce the construction delays. The BIM permits the digital construction of facilities before their physical structure, which aids in time management, reduces risks, improves security, and resolves problems.

Modeling and Optimization of Hydropower Plant Operations in the Northern Vietnam Power System by 2030

The Northern Vietnam Power System (NVPS) has a long history, with over a century and a quarter of development. The NVPS has experienced a significant expansion in its total power generation capacity. In 1954, the total capacity was 31.5 MW. By the end of 2023, the total capacity of the NVPS reached 29,537 MW, with hydropower accounting for 9,764 MW, representing 33.06%. In 2023, the NVPS generated 90.380 billion kWh of electricity. Over the past decade, the annual growth rate of commercial electricity has averaged between 10% and 12%. Northern Vietnam is endowed with vast hydropower potential, particularly across its four major river basins: the theoretical maximum capacity of the Bang Giang-Ky Cung, Red River, Ma River, and Ca River basins is 20,598 MW. Hydropower plays a significant role in ensuring energy security due to its low production cost, capacity to rapidly meet peak demand, and status as a clean energy source. This study proposes an optimal operational model for hydropower plants in the NVPS for the period from 2025 to 2030. The results demonstrate that hydropower will continue to be crucial for meeting the growing energy demand while minimizing operational costs. Additionally, it supports the integration of renewable energy sources into the power grid, thereby underscoring the strategic importance of hydropower in maintaining system stability and promoting sustainable development in the region.

Membrane transport engineering for efficient yeast biomanufacturing.

Yeast strains have been widely recognized as useful cell factories for biomanufacturing. To improve production efficiency, their biosynthetic pathways and regulatory strategies have been continuously optimized. However, commercial production using yeasts is still limited by low product yield and high production cost. Accumulating evidences have demonstrated the importance of metabolite transport processes in addressing these challenges. Engineering yeast membrane transporters for transporting precursors, substrates, intermediates, products and toxic inhibitors has been successful. In addition, membrane properties are also important for metabolite production. Here we propose membrane transport engineering (MTE) to integrate manipulation of both membrane transporters and membrane properties. We emphasize that systematic optimization of both transporters and membrane lipid bilayers benefits production efficiency. We also envision the potential of artificial intelligence and automation process in MTE for economic and sustainable bioproduction using yeast cell factories.

Influence of Different Levels Organic and Inorganic Fertilizer Growth and Yield of Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.)

The global food demand of growing human population and need for eco-friendly strategy for sustainable soil-plant-microbes-environmental system currently a crucial challenge. In conventional farming for increasing the crop yield farmers are using huge amount of chemical fertilizer in the fields. Due to either over or imbalance use of chemical fertilizers in cultivation of crops, degraded the soil fertility and health of soil. Such farming is blamed for land degradation and environment pollution and adversely affecting the human health, plants and animals. Soil degradation contributes to low agricultural productivity. Organic amendments (OAs) have the potentials to reverse soil degradation processes by improving the soil's physical and chemical properties and consequently improve crop growth and yield performance An experiment was carried out during the winter season of 2021- 2022 to know the Effect of different levels of Vermicompost,Neam cake and fertilizer on soil health and yield of Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) ”. The experiment was laid out in Randomised Block Design (RBD) with three replicates for each treatment. The fertilizer applied for the crop was NPK and @ 120kg, ha-1, 80kg ha-1, 100 kgha-1, Vermicompost 6 and Neem cake 1.2 t h-1, respectively, showed significant influence on the soil health of Potato . Based on the above research work, it is concluded that application of Vermicompost, Neam cake and fertilizer, treatment T9 [NPK 100% + VC @100% + Neem Cake @ 100% ha-1] was found more beneficial and significantly improved soil, and tuber yield of Potato grown under Allahabad Agro-climatic conditions.

Effects of different nitrogen sources on growth and lipid production of Synechocystis and Chroococcus species

ABSTRACT In this study, the growth and lipid accumulation effects of different nitrogen sources (NaNO3, KNO3, NH4Cl and CH₄N₂O) on Synechocystis sp. and Chroococcus sp. were investigated. The results revealed that NaNO3 was the most suitable nitrogen source for both species. The highest biomass production (0.63 gL−¹) and productivity (49.0 mgL−¹ day−¹) for Synechocystis sp. were obtained with NaNO3. Chroococcus sp. produced 0.49 gL−¹ biomass with NaNO3 but showed lower lipid content. For Synechocystis sp. the lipid content and lipid productivity were 27% and 13.23 mgL−¹ day−¹, respectively, while for Chroococcus sp. these values were 19.5% and 9.73 mgL−¹ day−¹, respectively. Chroococcus sp. showed the highest lipid content (21%) in urea containing medium. NH4Cl caused low biomass and lipid production in both species. NaNO3 provided the best results in terms of growth rates and cell proliferation times (Synechocystis sp.: 0.017 h−¹, 41 h; Chroococcus sp.: 0.015 h−¹, 46 h). The results emphasise that the selection of the appropriate nitrogen source is critical for microalgae biomass and lipid production.

Effects of water-soluble protein of turtle shell on the quality and in vitro digestibility of rice noodles.

Turtle shell, as a nourishing product with high nutritional value, offers significant potential as a functional food ingredient. The underlying mechanism by which the turtle shell extract (TSE) 's water-soluble protein affected the quality and digestibility of rice noodles was explored through studying the starch gelatinization, microstructure, and protein interaction forces. Adding 1.0 % to 2.0 % TSE improved the edible quality of rice noodles, including their sensory attributes, structural integrity, hardness, viscosity, and cooking characteristics. At 5 % TSE, the peak viscosity, setback, and enthalpy values decreased by 26.43 %, 19.09 %, and 20.00 %, respectively. Additionally, TSE's protein improved the ordered structure of the starch, in which hydrogen bonds played a key role. TSE's water-soluble protein enhanced the physical barrier that binds protein to starch, primarily through increased hydrogen, disulfide bonding, and decreased hydrophobic interactions. TSE also lowered in vitro starch digestibility, reducing the final hydrolysis from 85.88 % to 72.66 %. Overall, adding 1.0 %-2.0 % TSE enhanced rice noodles edible quality and digestibility by the interaction between protein and starch, or the barrier effect of protein, supporting its potential in improving starchy foods and developing low glycemic index products.

Low Middle Income Countries and Academic Productivity of Neurosurgery: A Quantitative Analysis From Pakistan.

Neurosurgical training and practice rely heavily on research, which is a pivotal marker of academic productivity. This study investigates the current landscape of neurosurgery publications originating from Pakistan, encompassing overall research output, prevalent topics, and disparities across institutions and regions. Electronic databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and ScienceDirect, were systematically searched up to November 1, 2023, using specified keywords. Data pertaining to authors, publication years, affiliations, article types, citations, journals, impact factors, and topics were extracted from eligible articles. From inception till Nov 1, 2023, a total of 825 articles relating to Neurosurgery were published from Pakistan. A significant upsurge in publications occurred from 2017 onwards, reaching its peak in 2021 with 115 studies published. A total of 12 articles had 100 or more citations. The majority of publications were original articles (n=592, 71.7%) followed by reviews (n=144, 17.5%), predominantly focusing on brain-related topics (n=203, 24.6%), neuro-oncology (n=164, 19.8%), spine (n=145, 17.5%), and trauma (n=143. 17.3%). Vascular neurosurgery contributed 88 studies, general neurosurgery 40, neuroradiology 28, functional neurosurgery 14, and pediatric neurosurgery 17. Shamim MS was the top author with the most number of publications (n=89), followed by Enam SA (n=51). JPMA (n=93) and Surgical Neurology International (n=71) emerged as the top publishing journals. Aga Khan University and Hospital emerged as the most prolific contributor with 236 original studies conducted. There exists notable regional disparities and a lack of experimental studies. While there has been a substantial increase in neurosurgical publications from Pakistan in recent years, significant regional disparities and challenges persist. Addressing these issues is crucial to fostering a more robust research environment in neurosurgery within the country.

Enhancement of medium-chain fatty acids production from sewage sludge fermentation by zero-valent iron.

The effect of zero-valent iron (ZVI) dosage on medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs) production from sewage sludge fermentation was explored. ZVI within a dosage of 2-20g/L favored MCFAs production. Adding 20g/L ZVI (ZVI20) increased the MCFAs and long-chain alcohols (LCAs) production to 4079.0mg/L and 93.1mg/L, the electron transfer efficiency of MCFAs and MCFAs selectivity were also increased by over 40% and 25% than the control. This may be due to the enriched MCFAs-producing genera, like Romboutsia and Paraclostridium. 2g/L ZVI favorably strengthened the RBO pathway and facilitated intracellular electron generation. Moreover, ZVI facilitated the extracellular electron transfer, and cytochrome C was most enriched by ZVI20. The low MCFAs production in the ZVI50 group might be due to the inhibition of acetyl-CoA and ATP synthesis. These results provided a deep insight into the effects of ZVI dosage on MCFAs production and the specific mechanisms.

Thermal degradation kinetics and purification of C-phycocyanin from thermophilic and mesophilic cyanobacteria

The natural blue colorant C-phycocyanin (C-PC) has many potential applications but its poor heat stability limits its commercial use. This study compares the production and thermal stability of C-PC from two cyanobacteria: the thermophilic Thermosynechococcus sp. TUBT-T01 and the mesophilic Synechococcus cedrorum TISTR8589. Thermosynechococcus sp. produced nearly 1.9-fold more C-PC than S. cedrorum. Batch adsorption using a chromatographic cationic ion exchange resin (Streamline Direct HST1) was used to effectively purify the C-PC. The equilibrium adsorption capacity (Qeq) of the resin for C-PC was the highest at pH 5. At this pH, the Qeq for the thermophilic C-PC was 5.5 ± 0.1mgmL⁻¹, whereas for the mesophilic C-PC it was 1.5 ± 0.2mgmL⁻¹. Purification increased the concentration of the thermophilic C-PC by 5.9-fold, and that of mesophilic C-PC by 4.2-fold. The purity ratios of the final products from the two cyanobacteria were similar at ~2.2. At 60 °C and pH 7, the C-PC of Thermosynechococcus sp. had ~12-times longer half-life than the mesophilic C-PC; however, the productivity of the thermophilic C-PC was comparatively low because of a low biomass productivity of Thermosynechococcus sp.

Low impact emissions H2 production via biogas steam reforming in a foam structured membrane reactor: Energy efficiency and exergy analyses, and H2 production cost assessment

Low impact emissions H2 production via biogas steam reforming in a foam structured membrane reactor: Energy efficiency and exergy analyses, and H2 production cost assessment

Does lower electric vehicle production cost spur traditional automaker electrification? Spillovers of cost-reduction investments

Does lower electric vehicle production cost spur traditional automaker electrification? Spillovers of cost-reduction investments

Deep sea paleoceanographic changes in the Southeastern Pacific over the last ~400 kyr and its linkage to the Antarctic Circumpolar Current and Patagonian Ice Sheet

Antarctic Intermediate Water (AAIW) plays a significant role in transporting large volumes of relatively cool water masses to low latitudes and modulating climate. This study investigates the deep sea paleoceanographic evolution of the Southeastern Pacific Ocean (SEP) and the influence of the Patagonian Ice Sheet (PIS) and Antarctic Circumpolar Current (ACC) dynamics in modulating Antarctic Intermediate Water (AAIW) formation. Sediment core samples from International Ocean Discovery Program (IODP) Site U1542, located at ~1100 m deep on the Chilean margin, and under the influence of AAIW, were analysed for benthic foraminifera assemblages, surface productivity, and major minerals to achieve the objectives. Six benthic foraminifera biofacies are delineated using multivariate analyses, suggesting changes in bottom water conditions related to oxygenation and organic flux. Changes in biofacies suggest a change from well-ventilated bottom water with an intermediate flux of organic matter in the SEP from ~400 to 240 ka, followed by a reduction in bottom water oxygenation coupled with higher nutrient and organic flux from ~240 ka through the Holocene, except for a short interval of low productivity and increased ventilation from ~130 to 110 ka. PIS expansion and contraction control the nutrient flux and extent of ACC in the SEP, which modulates the formation of AAIW during various glacial-interglacial periods. ACC variability proxies show a ~ 100 kyr cycle as observed in the Asian monsoon records, whereas SEP bottom water characteristic variability show 44 kyr obliquity cycle, supporting the role of the Southern Ocean in modifying marine carbon reservoirs by influencing AAIW production.

Design for manufacture and assembly (DfMA) for modular buildings: an analytical framework

ABSTRACT Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DfMA) is a proactive strategy aimed at maximizing the potential of modular buildings to address issues, including labor shortages, time overruns, and low productivity. Despite its growing adoption, research on examining existing design practices remains limited. This study therefore aims to 1) develop an analytical framework and 2) uncover underlying modular building design patterns. Drawing inspiration from space syntax analysis, the framework comprises six components: nomenclature system, space identification, spatial relations, module shape, dimensions, and convex break-up. It was then applied to analyze 39 modular building units in Hong Kong. The established framework helps visualize underlying design patterns, e.g. spatial typologies, module shapes and sizes, and standardized spatial configurations. Several design patterns are also identified, i.e. typical space requirements, common module sizes, dimension-coordinated spaces, and the repetitive use of standardized spaces and modules to form units. This innovative framework, along with a discussion on evolving professional practices, offers valuable insights for advancing DfMA and modular construction. Future research is recommended to refine the framework and enhance DfMA by integrating these patterns with expert knowledge and computational intelligence.