Storage Of Products Research Articles

Enhancing nutritional formula expiry monitoring: A quality improvement project in a tertiary-level hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Nutrition is a vital part of any treatment plan. This may include providing nutritional formulas during hospitalization and afterward. However, reported incidents showed that we had issues with nutritional formula expiry monitoring at our hospital with low compliance to Joint Commission International Standards (MMU.3.1): "There is a process for storage of medications and nutritional products that require special consideration." Therefore, a "Nutritional Formula Expiry Monitoring" project was created to decrease hospital safety incidents related to expired nutritional formulas from an average of 28 in 2015 to zero by 2018. A quality improvement model was developed to map the existing formula processes. Several proposed ideas were tested including performing a hospital-wide audit to examine possible risks and practices, developing a hospital policy, flow charts, forms, and audit tools, and providing educational presentations. A total of 40 units in the hospital were included in the implementation. After implementing all the change ideas, the system for monitoring the expiry of the nutritional formula was standardized, and the number of reported incidents related to the nutritional formula decreased from 28 in the third quarter of 2015 to one in the first quarter of 2018. This project provided step-by-step instructions for improving storing, delivering, and monitoring of nutritional formula. Consequently, the incidences of expired formula and cost wasting were successfully decreased, which increased safe administration and prevented patients from receiving expired nutritional formula. This project can be implemented in various healthcare settings.

Stability of Nano-Emulsified Cannabidiol in Acidic Foods and Beverages.

Introduction: Food and beverage products containing cannabidiol (CBD) is a growing industry, but some CBD products contain Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC), despite being labeled as "THC-free". As CBD can convert to Δ9-THC under acidic conditions, a potential cause is the formation of Δ9-THC during storage of acidic CBD products. In this study, we investigated if acidic products (pH ≤ 4) fortified with CBD would facilitate conversion to THC over a 2-15-month time period. Materials and Methods: Six products, three beverages (lemonade, cola, and sports drink) and three condiments (ketchup, mustard, and hot sauce), were purchased from a local grocery store and fortified with a nano-emulsified CBD isolate (verified as THC-free by testing). The concentrations of CBD and Δ9-THC were measured by Gas Chromatography Flame Ionization Detector (GC-FID) and Liquid Chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), respectively, for up to 15 months at room temperature. Results: Coefficients of variation (CVs) of initial CBD concentrations by GC-FID were <10% for all products except ketchup (18%), showing homogeneity in the fortification. Formation of THC was variable, with the largest amount observed after 15 months in fortified lemonade #2 (3.09 mg Δ9-THC/serving) and sports drink #2 (1.18 mg Δ9-THC/serving). Both beverages contain citric acid, while cola containing phosphoric acid produced 0.10 mg Δ9-THC/serving after 4 months. The importance of the acid type was verified using acid solutions in water. No more than 0.01 mg Δ9-THC/serving was observed with the condiments after 4 months. Discussion: Conversion of CBD to THC can occur in some acidic food products when those products are stored at room temperature. Therefore, despite purchasing beverages manufactured with a THC-free nano-emulsified form of CBD, consumers might be at some risk of unknowingly ingesting small amounts of THC. The results indicate that up to 3 mg Δ9-THC from conversion can be present in a serving of CBD-lemonade. Based on the previous studies, 3 mg Δ9-THC might produce a positive urine sample (≥15 ng/mL THC carboxylic acid) in some individuals. Conclusion: Consumers must exert caution when consuming products with an acidic pH (≤4) that suggests that they are "THC-Free," because consumption might lead to positive drug tests or, in the case of multiple doses, intoxication.

A novel trigeneration energy system with two modes of operation for thermal energy storage and hydrogen production

This article introduces a new trigeneration system designed to meet the escalating energy demands by harnessing solar energy. Notably, the system features dual-mode operation and integrates ultrasound technology for hydrogen production, enabling it to adapt to varying levels of energy production by seamlessly transitioning between two modes. Through comprehensive energy, exergy, and environmental analyses, this study evaluates the system's performance and its environmental advantages. The results demonstrate that the system achieves the energy and exergy efficiencies of 58.28 % and 76.75 %, respectively. Moreover, it demonstrates that, under sunlight conditions, the system can produce hydrogen at a rate of 1 kg/h and deliver a power output of 1957 kW. During the periods utilizing a thermal energy storage option, the system is capable of generating hydrogen at 0.8 kg/h and an electrical power output of 1481.2 kW. The environmental analysis indicates that the system is eco-friendly, with the potential to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 4.54 kg/kWh. These results underscore the system's efficiency and its contribution toward a more sustainable and environmentally friendly energy future.

Effectiveness of digital traceability in long-term storage of semi-smoked sausages

Semi-smoked sausages are one of the most popular meat products in the world. However, during long-term storage, semi-smoked sausages can be subjected to various unfavorable factors that can lead to deterioration of their quality and safety. This study evaluates the effectiveness of digital traceability in long-term storage of semi-smoked sausages. The main areas of research include conducting experimental studies to evaluate the effectiveness of digital traceability. The scientific significance of the study reveals the effectiveness of using digital traceability to ensure the quality and safety of semi-smoked sausages during long-term storage. The practical significance of the study is that its results can be used to implement digital traceability in the production of semi-smoked sausages. The study utilized blockchain technology to track the storage parameters of semi-smoked sausages. As an experimental object, semismoked sausages with the addition of vegetable components were developed. The storage parameters of the sausages were tracked for 3 months. The results of the study showed that digital traceability provides reliable and transparent control over the condition of semi-smoked sausages at all storage stages. Digital traceability allows monitoring of the following sausage storage parameters: temperature, humidity, light, oxygen, carbon dioxide. These parameters are critical to ensure the quality and safety of semi-smoked sausages. Digital traceability enables real-time monitoring of these parameters, facilitating timely interventions to prevent the deterioration of product quality. In addition, digital traceability ensures transparency of the sausage storage process. Any interested person can get access to information about product storage parameters. This helps to increase consumer confidence in the safety of semi-smoked sausages. The results of the study can be used to implement digital traceability in the production of semi-smoked sausages. The introduction of digital traceability will improve the quality and safety of semi-smoked sausages, as well as increase consumer confidence in this product.

Assessment of storage structures for some staple crops in Akwa Ibom North East Senatorial District, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

Increased post-harvest losses of staple crops due to poor handling and inadequate storage facilities have become a concern to stakeholders in the Nigerian Food Industry. Storage structures available for some staple crops in Akwa Ibom North East Senatorial District of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria, were assessed. Questionnaires were administered to one hundred and fifty respondents randomly selected from a pool of farmers, processors, and marketers in the study area. The study also examined the physical state of some of the available storage facilities to ascertain some challenges limiting their usage and recommendations made on measures to address the concerns. According to the survey, 50% of the respondents used sag bags for storing maize for domestic consumption and marketing, while 29% preferred plastic containers. Less than 10% of the respondents agreed to the use of enclosed rooms and lamented changes in the physical outlook of the crop at the point of marketing them due to poor aeration. Findings revealed that materials for developing storage structures for products such as cassava and cocoyam were sourced locally. Rewetting of stored products, mold, microbial infestation, and theft were some identifiable challenges associated with using plastic containers as storage mediums. The lack of awareness on the part of farmers, poor maintenance culture, non-conformity of some of the storage structures with the environment, poor funding for the development of the structures based on available local materials, inadequate supervision, and misuse of the structures were some of the factors identified as challenges towards effective utilization of storage structures in the study area. The use of rodent glue, adequate fumigation, and efficient crop drying before storage are some of the measures that could help reduce the rate of post-harvest losses of stored agricultural products. The provision of silos and other modern storage structures in strategic farm locations and the upgrading of existing structures could also enhance the storage of agricultural products and value addition.

Synergistic performance of Ag-MOF@V2CTx composite for asymmetric supercapacitors and hydrogen evolution reaction

Extensive research is underway to process viable electrode materials for energy storage and hydrogen production. This study focuses on synthesizing Ag-MOF and V2CTx, followed by their combination in a 50/50 wt% ratio to produce Ag-MOF@V2CTx composite. Utilizing a three-electrode design, Ag-MOF@V2CTx exhibits specific capacitance 2180 Cg-1 at current density of 2.0 A/g. BET testing reveals a significant specific surface area of 147 m2/g, enhancing electrochemical performance. The supercapattery which is constructed with Ag-MOF@V2CTx and activated carbon, yields a charge specific capacity of 283 Cg-1. The Ag-MOF@V2CTx//AC configuration achieves a power density of 1230 Wkg-1 and energy density of 75.12 Whkg−1. Remarkably, behind 10,000 GCD cycles, Ag-MOF@V2CTx device retains 85 % of its capacity. Moreover, among all composites evaluated in (HER), Ag-MOF@V2CTx exhibits the lowest overpotential (119 mV). These findings underscore the significance of Ag-MOF@V2CTx as electrode materials for energy storage devices and various energy applications.

Acute Kaempferol Stimulation Induces AKT Phosphorylation in HepG2 Cells.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) stands as a prevalent global public health issue caused by deficiencies in the action of insulin and/or insulin production. In the liver, insulin plays an important role by inhibiting hepatic glucose production and stimulating glycogen storage, thereby contributing to blood glucose regulation. Kaempferitrin (KP) and kaempferol (KM), flavonoids found in Bauhinia forficata, exhibit insulin-mimetic properties, showing promise in managing T2DM. In this study, we aimed to assess the potential of these compounds in modulating the insulin signaling pathway and/or glucose metabolism. Cell viability assays confirmed the non-cytotoxic nature of both compounds toward HepG2 cells at the concentrations and times evaluated. Theoretical molecular docking studies revealed that KM had the best docking pose with the IR β subunit when compared to the KP. Moreover, Langmuir monolayer evaluation indicated molecular incorporation for both KM and KP. Specifically, KM exhibited the capability to increase AKT phosphorylation, a key kinase in insulin signaling, regardless of insulin receptor (IR) activation. Notably, KM showed an additional synergistic effect with insulin in activating AKT. In conclusion, our findings suggest the potential of KM as a promising compound for stimulating AKT activation, thereby influencing energy metabolism in T2DM.

A multi-generation system with integrated solar energy, combining energy storage, cooling, heat, and hydrogen production functionalities: Mathematical model and thermo-economic analysis

Increasing the proportion of renewable energy is of paramount importance for all countries in the world. In this work, a novel multi-generation system is designed to fully utilize solar energy, which includes a photovoltaic/thermal subsystem (PV/T), an absorption refrigeration cycle (ARC), a proton-exchange membrane (PEM) electrolysis, and a promising pumped thermal electricity storage (PTES) energy storage subsystem, which can simultaneously achieve the purposes of refrigeration, hydrogen production, heat production, and energy storage. Meanwhile, the solar radiation data of Wuwei City, Gansu Province, China for the year 2022 are selected for the study. According to different seasons, the thermodynamic and thermo-economic performances of the combined power, heat and hydrogen production (CPHH) mode operated in spring, autumn, winter, and the combined power, cooling and hydrogen production (CPCH) mode operated in summer are investigated, and multi-objective optimization is conducted. The results indicate that the direct normal irradiance (DNI) of solar, the area of PV/T, the thermal storage temperature of the PTES subsystem, and the pinch point temperature difference significantly affect the total energy efficiency, total exergy efficiency, and total product unit cost of the system. The multi-objective optimization results show that the optimal solutions of total energy efficiency and total product unit cost of the system are 85.90 %, 24.25 $·GJ−1 and 86.97 %, 24.25 $·GJ−1 for the CPHH mode in spring and winter, respectively, and 88.26 % and 22.21 $·GJ−1 for the CPCH mode in summer. This work can provide a valuable reference for the research of multi-generation systems with integrated renewable energy sources.

Analysis of Carbon Materials with Infrared Photoacoustic Spectroscopy.

Measurement of infrared spectroscopy has emerged as a significant challenge for carbon materials due to the sampling problem. To overcome this issue, in this work, we performed measurements of IR spectra for carbon materials including C60, C70, diamond powders, graphene, and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) using the photoacoustic spectroscopy (PAS) technique; for comparison, the vibrational patterns of these materials were also studied with a conventional transmission method, diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform (DRIFT) spectroscopy, or Raman spectroscopy. We found that the IR photoacoustic spectroscopy (IR-PAS) scheme worked successfully for these carbon materials, offering advantages in sampling. Interestingly, the profiles of IR-PAS spectra for graphene and CNTs exhibit negative bands using carbon black as the reference; the negative spectral information may provide valuable knowledge about the storage energy, production, structure, defect, or impurity of graphene and CNTs. Thus, this approach may open a new avenue for analyzing carbon materials.

Toxicity of Essential Oil from Plectranthus amboinicus (Lamiales: Lamiaceae) against Sitophilus zeamais (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)

Abstract Maize weevil, Sitophilus zeamais Motschulsky (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), is a major insect pest of stored grain products, causing extensive damage to both grain quantity and quality. The application of synthetic insecticides to control this insect has a negative impact on human health and the environment. Essential oils derived from natural plants are recognized as user- and environmentally friendly alternatives. The use of essential oils from Lamiaceae, which exhibit toxic properties through contact, fumigation, and repellency, provides another option for protecting stored products from various insect pests. The aim of this research was to study the chemical constituents and insecticidal activity of essential oil extracted from the leaves of Indian borage, Plectranthus amboinicus (Lour.) (Lamiales: Lamiaceae), against S. zeamais adults.The chemical composition of the essential oil was analyzed using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry, and the insecticidal activity against adult maize weevils was investigated in the laboratory. The experimental plan followed a completely randomized design with five replications of seven treatments or concentrations of the essential oil: 0, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, and 3 µl/ml air. The results revealed that the essential oil from the leaves of P. amboinicus contained 23 chemical constituents (97.51%). Thymol (49.96%) was identified as the main compound followed by caryophyllene, trans-α-bergamotene, 3-methyl-4-isopropylphenol, γ-terpinene, p-cymene, caryophyllene oxide, humulene, 4-hydroxy-2-methylacetophenone, 2-hydroxy-2-phenylbutyramide, (2-oxazolidinylidene)malononitrile, hexestrol, terpinen-4-ol, 1-octen-3-ol, (1R,7S,E)-7-isopropyl-4,10-dimethylenecyclodec-5-enol, α-bisabolene, isoaromadendrene epoxide, α-farnesene, 4-carene, α-muurolene, 3-hexen-1-ol, ledene oxide-(II), and α-myrcene, respectively. The fumigation toxicity (median lethal concentration) to maize weevil adults at 48 h was 292.53 µl/ml air. The essential oil from the leaves of P. amboinicus, when applied at a concentration of 2 µl/ml air for 144 and 168 h, resulted in adult maize weevil mortality exceeding 90%. The highest concentration tested (3 µl/ml air) led to exceptionally high mortality rates, with 99–100% of the maize weevils succumbing to the treatment. These findings demonstrate that essential oil from P. amboinicus leaves holds promise as a fumigation insecticide for reducing the population of maize weevils, a significant pest in stored products.

Consumer reactions to packaging-free product dispensers: a variety of buyers' profiles to consider

PurposeThis study investigates consumer reactions to dispensers offering solid packaging-free products (e.g. pasta, lentils, cereals) integrated in a delimitated area in a grocery store. More specifically, the research examines the impacts of the overall appeal of packaging-free solid food product dispensers and their perceived ease of use on consumers' intention to use these dispensers and purchase packaging-free products. Moreover, using a set of variables, different buyer profiles are highlighted.Design/methodology/approachThe field study for this research was conducted in a delimitated area (i.e. a shop within a shop) dedicated to solid packaging-free products (e.g. pasta, lentils, cereals) in a university cooperative store in the province of Quebec, Canada. A total of 456 buyers and consumers of packaging-free products from this store took part in the field study and completed our survey.FindingsThis study shows packaging-free dispensers' overall appeal and perceived ease of use to be determinants of consumers' intention to use these dispensers and purchase packaging-free products. The Rebus (response-based procedure for detecting unit segments) method highlights the need to consider three buyer profiles (enthusiastic, pragmatic, and sceptical) with different reactions to the specific dispensers used by retailers for packaging-free products.Originality/valueThis study focuses on buyers' reactions to packaging-free dispensers in stores, during the purchase process, whereas previous ones highlighted the drivers of and barriers to consumer adoption of packaging-free products (before the purchasing process starts). It also points to the need to fine-tune the segmentation of consumers of packaging-free products, which must be based not only on consumers' previous experience or familiarity with these products but also on the integration of their drivers and barriers.

The use of Cauchy-type singular integrals over neighboring intervals to compute induced slip in displaced faults

We present expressions to compute the inverse of a Cauchy-type singular integral equation representing the relation between a double-peaked Coulomb stress in a fault or fracture and the resulting slip gradient in two distinct collinear slip patches. In particular we consider a situation where the patches are close enough to account for the influence of the slip gradient in one patch on the slip-induced shear stress in the other patch and vice versa. This situation can occur during depletion-induced or injection-induced fault slip in subsurface reservoirs for, e.g., natural gas production, hydrogen or CO2 storage, or geothermal operations. The theory for a single slip patch is well-developed but the situation is less clear for a configuration with two patches although the monographs of Muskhelishvili (1953) and Weertman (1996) provide earlier results. We show that the general inverse solution for the coupled two-patch problem requires six auxiliary conditions to ensure six physical requirements: boundedness of the slip gradient at the four end points of the slip patches and vanishing of the integrals of the slip gradient over the patches. Mathematically, the presence of two additional conditions, as compared to earlier formulations, corresponds to two undetermined coefficients in the general solution of the governing integral equation. Numerical simulation confirms that at least one of these is always non-zero in the coupled situation. For a coupled double-patch case with a symmetric pre-slip Coulomb stress pattern, the general inverse solution requires three auxiliary conditions. Moreover the conditions for the asymmetric case may be reduced to a set of four again, but these are different from the sets of four obtained earlier by Muskhelishvili (1953) and Weertman (1996). We illustrate the theory with a numerical example in which the evaluation of the Cauchy integrals is performed with a modified version of augmented Gauss–Chebyshev quadrature that relies on analytical inversion.

Application of Solar Hydrogen Production and Hydrogen Energy Storage in Outer Space

The pursuit of space colonization has captured humanity's imagination, leading us to imagine a future in which humans inhabit distant celestial bodies. However, such ambitious efforts raise questions about the sustainability of life in these harsh and isolated environments. Among these issues, a reliable and renewable energy source is essential. In this context, hydrogen is essential to the space colonization equation. Hydrogen, as an energy carrier, offers numerous compelling reasons for its essential role in the future of space colonization. First and foremost, hydrogen boasts an unparalleled versatility that aligns with the multifaceted demands of space colonization. In space, hydrogen can be employed in various applications, including power generation, propulsion, and life support systems. In addition to its versatility, hydrogen is a crucial chemical feedstock for various industrial processes. These processes are pivotal in sustaining human life and facilitating scientific endeavors in space. We will explore hydrogen's unique advantages and potential to reshape how we approach the challenges of inhabiting other worlds. Moreover, we investigate the utilization of these local resources for hydrogen production and the technological methods and challenges associated with each approach. By understanding these methods and their limitations, we aim to contribute to the foundation of knowledge necessary for sustainable space colonization.In conclusion, this paper explores the pivotal role that hydrogen plays in the future of space colonization. It underscores the significance of harnessing local resources for hydrogen production on the Moon and Mars, offering solutions to the challenges that lie ahead. Through interdisciplinary research and innovation, we strive to unlock the full potential of hydrogen as we embark on this epic journey into the cosmos.

Machine learning assisted prediction for hydrogen production of advanced photovoltaic technologies

The photovoltaic (PV) water electrolysis method currently stands as the most promising approach for green hydrogen production. The rapid iteration of photovoltaic technologies has significantly affected on the technical and economic evaluation for photovoltaic hydrogen production. In this work, the photovoltaic hydrogen production of three most advanced silicon photovoltaic technologies is systematically compared for the first time under the climatic conditions of the Kucha region. All-weather stable hydrogen production control system with optimal charging and discharging strategies is constructed to realize stable and efficient hydrogen energy production. Seven machine learning (ML) algorithms are used to forecast the performance in power generation and hydrogen production of a 100 ​MW photovoltaic hydrogen production and energy storage (PH-S) system throughout its operational life. The long short-term memory (LSTM) algorithm exhibits the best performance, achieving mean absolute error (MAE) of 0.0415, root mean square error (RMSE) of 0.0891, and coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.8402. In terms of cost-effectiveness, heterojunction with intrinsic thin layer (HJT) PV technology achieves the lowest levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) and hydrogen (LCOH) at 0.025 $/kWh and 6.95 $/kg, respectively. According to the sensitivity analysis, when the cost of proton exchange membrane electrolysis (PEMEC) reduced 50%, the LCOH for PH-S system decreased 21.40%. This study provides valuable insights for the practical implementation of large-scale photovoltaic hydrogen production and cost reduction in PH-S systems.

Developing a semi-analytical model for estimating mechanical properties of sandstone reservoirs: Enhancing applications in hydrocarbon production and underground gas storage

Rock mechanical properties, encompassing the static Young's modulus, bulk modulus, and shear modulus, influence strategic decision-making operations, such as drilling programs and well completion designs. When precisely calculated, these variables can significantly affect drilling cost-efficiencies and production economic returns. Even though these attributes are significant, the conventional estimation method is core-lab testing, which is expensive and limited to covering the entire reservoir strata. To address this challenge, we propose a new semi-analytical model with direct equations to estimate the elastic rock properties primarily anchored around porosity. In particular, we developed an analytical framework using generalized equations for bulk and shear modulus to calculate static rock mechanical properties as porosity-driven functions. We employed lab-tested core data from 55 core samples to validate the new model's efficiency. The model's innovative design allows computing all elastic properties solely based on porosity. Impressively, the results closely matched the lab measurements. The new semi-analytical model's equations yielded a good root mean square error (RMSE) in the calculated rock mechanical properties. Specifically, the new static Young's modulus equation has the lowest RMSE, 1.489, compared to 45.168 for the Edimann equation and 3.043 for the Zhang equation. The newly developed static shear modulus equation had an RMSE of 0.497, lower than Zhang's empirical equation's 1.262. However, the Zhang equation has an RMSE of 0.891 versus 2.029, slightly outperforming the new equation. According to the RMSE values, the discrepancy between the core sample-based measured, new semi-analytical model-calculated static modulus was caused by the fact that the core samples were collected from clean sand oil-bearing reservoir intervals. However, the derived equations used porosity ranges that covered shale and sand. In essence, the new semi-analytical model provides a fast and precise estimation of rock mechanical properties, easily solving drilling concerns. This research not only advances knowledge of drilling and geomechanics, but also makes strategies more efficient and cost-effective.

Morphological comparison of tympanal organs between Phycitinae and Pyralinae (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)

Tympanal organ plays an important role for insects in perception, fleeing from predators, defense, finding and choosing sex, communication, and carrying out social interactions. It is positioned in different areas among various insect groups. Tympanal organ is in the abdomen in the Pyralidae family, many species of which are harmful to economically important agricultural products and storage products. This study was conducted to determine the importance of the tympanal organ in the classification of Pyralids. For this purpose, tympanal organs of 10 species (Pyralis farinalis (Linnaeus, 1758), Hypsopygia glaucinalis (Linnaeus, 1758), Endotrichia flammealis ([Denis &amp; Schiffermüller], 1775), Dioryctria pineae (Staudinger, 1859), D. mendacella (Staudinger, 1859), Oncocera semirubella (Scopoli, 1763), Etiella zinckenella (Treitschke,1832), Acrobasis obliqua (Zeller, 1847), Myelois circumvoluta (Geoffroy in Fourcroy, 1785), Ematheudes punctellus (Treitschke, 1833) in four tribus belonging to Pyralinae and Phycitinae were examined for the first time. Bulla tympani, fornix tympani, pons tympani, rugae odontinae, intersegmental thoraco abdominal membrane, processus spiniforme etc. structures of these species were described and photographed for the first time. The similarities and differences between taxa were analyzed.

Principles of amyloplast replication in the ovule integuments of Arabidopsis thaliana.

Plastids in vascular plants have various differentiated forms, among which amyloplasts are crucial for starch storage and plant productivity. Despite the vast knowledge of the binary-fission mode of chloroplast division, our understanding of the replication of non-photosynthetic plastids, including amyloplasts, remains limited. Recent studies have suggested the involvement of stromules (stroma-filled tubules) in plastid replication when the division apparatus is faulty. However, details of the underlying mechanism(s) and their relevance to normal processes have yet to be elucidated. Here, we developed a live analysis system for studying amyloplast replication using Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) ovule integuments. We showed the full sequence of amyloplast development and demonstrated that wild-type amyloplasts adopt three modes of replication, binary fission, multiple fission, and stromule-mediated fission, via multi-way placement of the FtsZ ring. The minE mutant, with severely inhibited chloroplast division, showed marked heterogeneity in amyloplast size, caused by size-dependent but wild-type modes of plastid fission. The dynamic properties of stromules distinguish the wild-type and minE phenotypes. In minE cells, extended stromules from giant amyloplasts acquired stability, allowing FtsZ ring assembly and constriction, as well as the growth of starch grains therein. Despite hyper-stromule formation, amyloplasts did not proliferate in the ftsZ null mutant. These data clarify the differences between amyloplast and chloroplast replication and demonstrate that the structural plasticity of amyloplasts underlies the multiplicity of their replication processes. Furthermore, this study shows that stromules can generate daughter plastids via the assembly of the FtsZ ring.

Technogenic and ecological hazards of using chemical plant protection products (on the example of copper-containing preparations)

Problems Statement and Purpose. The widespread use of pesticides in agriculture has led to significant environmental pollution and health risks, and it is important to consider the negative effects and explore potential solutions to reduce pesticide pollution and its impact on human health and ecosystems. The purpose of the research is to determine the technogenic and environmental hazards of the use of chemical plant protection products (on the example of copper-containing preparations). Materials and methods of research. To study the scale of use and storage of plant protection products in Ukraine and to identify their anthropogenic and environmental threat, the analysis of statistical data on the volume of purchases and use of pesticides, in particular in the Kharkiv region, was used, Experimental studies and chemical analysis of some types of agricultural products after pesticide treatment were carried out using atomic absorption. Results. The paper reveals the essence of the technogenic and environmental hazard of plant protection products for humans and the environment, analyses the scale of use and storage of plant protection products in Ukraine, in particular in the Kharkiv region; outlines ways to improve the technogenic and environmental safety of plant protection products; shows the hazard of using chemical plant protection products for vegetable products on the example of copper-containing preparations. The volume of accumulation and use of pesticides in Ukraine, including in warehouses in the Kharkiv region, is considered. The number of centralised warehouses has increased. There have been no banned or unusable plant protection chemicals since 2012. The research was conducted using vegetables, in particular green onions. In the green mass that came into direct contact with the preparation based on copper sulphate (CuSO4), the Cu content was found to exceed the MAC for vegetables. In the study of tomatoes and cucumbers, the content of copper in fruits was investigated. It was found that treatment with a preparation containing copper does not affect the Cu content in fruits throughout the experiment, including the day of treatment. The maximum Cu content in tomato fruits on the day of treatment does not exceed the MPC in the experimental and control samples. The increase in the concentration of Cu in the experimental samples compared to the control samples is not statistically significant, since all values were below the MAC for vegetables, which is 5.0 mg/kg. The study revealed a periodic increase in the content of this heavy metal in cucumber and tomato samples taken on the day of treatment compared to control samples. This may be due to the presence of the product on the surface of the treated crop that has not yet been washed off. Conclusions. 1) Vinnytsia, Ternopil, and Khmelnytskyi regions used the most pesticides, while Poltava, Cherkasy, and Sumy regions used less. Kharkiv region had 125 pesticide storage facilities, with 79 in good and 46 in satisfactory condition. 2) Copper-containing pesticides increase copper levels in greenhouse vegetables during growth, with significant peaks on the day of treatment. Green produce exceeded permissible copper levels by up to 6.9 times. 3) The results for early vegetable production in greenhouses can be applied to most agricultural practices in Ukraine.

ÇATALHÖYÜK GASTRONOMY CULTURE THE FIRST KNOWN CULINARY PRACTICES IN ANATOLIA (TÜRKİYE) AND WORLD HISTORY

Çatalhöyük is an archaeological site located in the Çumra district of Konya, Turkey, with a deep-rooted history dating back to around 7500 BCE and still not fully explored. In this article, the eating habits and gastronomy culture of Çatalhöyük are examined, focusing on its history and culture. Remarkable findings in terms of dietary culture include the discovery of fossils of charcoal, grains, seeds, wild fruits, and plant bulbs. Additionally, the presence of hearths, storage containers, food processing tools, and grain storages within adjacent houses demonstrates how dietary activities were conducted. The abundance of wooden bowls, clay pots, and items made from plants such as baskets, crates, and mats as kitchen utensils indicates the processing, consumption, long-term storage, and potential for future production of these products. According to research, it can be said that herbs such as rye, chickpeas, lentils, figs, plums, sumac, blackberries, mallow, purslane, clover, and bird's foot trefoil were used during that period. Moreover, it is known that crops such as barley, wheat, millet, peas, chickpeas, lentils, almonds, and gum trees were also utilized. However, some wall paintings and decorations on utensils do not fully explain the types of meals prepared during that time. Therefore, further research is needed to fully understand the dietary culture at Çatalhöyük. This article aims to shed more light on the culinary culture of Çatalhöyük by conducting an in-depth literature review online, thereby contributing new insights to both Turkish and global gastronomy literature.

Comparison of 16 national methods in the life cycle assessment of carbon storage in wood products in a reference building

Comparison of 16 national methods in the life cycle assessment of carbon storage in wood products in a reference building