Successful Production Research Articles

Impact of Levels of Nutrient Management on Economics of Soybean-onion and Soybean-potato Cropping System

Background: Nutrient management and cropping sequence are two important factors which affect productivity and profitability of crop. Profitability is one the important part of the successful crop production. Soybean fixes atmospheric nitrogen in soil and partially fulfills the nitrogen requirement of succeeding crops. There is a need for a suitable substitute crop or cropping systems after soybean to improve the soil fertility and productivity to maximize the profitability. The plains of Maharashtra are well suited for onion and potato cultivation. There is scope for increasing the area, production and productivity of onion and potato crop. Majority of farmers in Maharashtra following soybean-wheat and soybean-chickpea crop sequence while in present investigation soybean is grown in sequence with vegetable crop such as onion and potato which could help to increase profitability through higher net return and B: C ratio. Methods: The experiment was laid out in split plot design with three replications. Six combinations of two crop sequences (soybean-onion and soybean-potato) and three levels of nutrient management viz., 50% RDF+FYM 5 t ha-1+ biofertilizer (N1), 75 % RDF+ FYM 5 t ha-1+ biofertilizer (N2) and 100 % RDF+ FYM 5 t ha-1+ biofertilizer (N3) were the main plot treatments in kharif season replicated three times in randomized block design. During rabi season each main plot treatment of nutrient management level was split into three sub plot treatments with three levels of recommended dose of fertilizer viz., 75% RDF (F1), 100% RDF (F2) and 125% RDF (F3) to rabi season crops resulting in eighteen treatment combinations replicated three times in split plot design. The data pertaining to growth characteristics, yield characteristics, economics of soybean (kharif) and onion or potato (rabi) was collected at regular interval in 2017-18, 2018-19 and 2019-20 at Agronomy Farm, Dr. PDKV, Akola which was analyzed statistically in SPD (split plot design). Result: Soybean-onion crop sequence registered higher profitability in terms of GMR, NMR and B: C in comparison with soybean - potato crop sequence. Soybean crop supplied with 100% RDN+ 5 t FYM ha-1 + Biofertilizer (Rhizobium japonicum+ PSB+ Tricoderma viridi) recorded highest GMR, NMR and B:C ratio over lower levels of treatments in all year experimentation. Rabi crops treated with 125% RDF recorded GMR, NMR and B:C ratio over lower levels of treatments in all years of experimentation.

Artificial Insemination as a Possible Convenient Tool to Acquire Genome-Edited Mice via In Vivo Fertilization with Engineered Sperm

Advances in genome editing technology have made it possible to create genome-edited (GE) animals, which are useful for identifying isolated genes and producing models of human diseases within a short period of time. The production of GE animals mainly relies on the gene manipulation of pre-implantation embryos, such as fertilized eggs and two-cell embryos, which can usually be achieved by the microinjection of nucleic acids, electroporation in the presence of nucleic acids, or infection with viral vectors, such as adeno-associated viruses. In contrast, GE animals can theoretically be generated by fertilizing ovulated oocytes with GE sperm. However, there are only a few reports showing the successful production of GE animals using GE sperm. Artificial insemination (AI) is an assisted reproduction technology based on the introduction of isolated sperm into the female reproductive tract, such as the uterine horn or oviductal lumen, for the in vivo fertilization of ovulated oocytes. This approach is simpler than the in vitro fertilization-based production of offspring, as the latter always requires an egg transfer to recipient females, which is labor-intensive and time-consuming. In this review, we summarize the various methods for AI reported so far, the history of sperm-mediated gene transfer, a technology to produce genetically engineered animals through in vivo fertilization with sperm carrying exogenous DNA, and finally describe the possibility of AI-mediated creation of GE animals using GE sperm.

PHARMACEUTICAL NANOCRYSTALS: AN EXTENSIVE OVERVIEW

In pharmaceutical development, pharmaceutical nanocrystals sized between 10 and 1000 nanometers have been found to hold promise in improving drug solubility. Since they comprise only the active pharmaceutical ingredient, nanocrystals have dramatically increased surface area-to-volume ratios, ensuring improved in vitro dissolution and solubility profiles. In view of their strengths and limitations, different production strategies have been reviewed: methods of size reduction such as wet milling and high-pressure homogenization; the bottom-up approaches of controlled precipitation and supercritical fluid technology; and efficient ways to stabilize nanocrystal formulations aided by excipients like surfactants and polymers. Techniques used in this characterization of nanocrystals include size analysis, surface-charge measurement, and assessment of crystalline structure. The routes of administration, such as oral, injectable, inhaled, and topical application, are reviewed alongside commercially successful products and clinical trials. This work reviews dynamic regulatory scenarios and current challenges of large-scale production, long-term stability, and nanotoxicity evaluation. In addition, it addresses the emerging trends in nanocrystal technology in the field of personalized medicine, targeted drug delivery, and theranostic approaches associated with how nanocrystals can help optimize the outcome of a patient in drug delivery systems.

Unlocking renewable fuel: Charcoal briquettes production from agro-industrial waste with cassava industrial binders

Increasing global fuel demand has created challenges in sourcing raw materials, making agro-waste biomass utilization for energy production a critical alternative. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the production of charcoal briquettes using different base materials such as coconut shells (TC1), Leucaena leucocephala wood (TC2), and assorted wood charcoal residues (TC3), along with binders derived from cassava industry by-products—namely, tapioca starch (TB1), cassava peel (TB2), and cassava tubers (TB3) at binder content (BC) ratios of 5, 10, 15, and 20 by volume. Initially, assessing the physical properties, including proximate and ultimate analyses, was crucial for predicting effective charcoal production. The TC2 briquettes, using TB2 and TB3 binders at a BC20 concentration, were found to be optimal, displaying a high production capacity and low specific energy consumption. Using cassava peel and tubers as binders not only efficiently uses agricultural by-products, thereby reducing costs and avoiding competition with food resources (TC1) but also results in high-quality briquettes. In scenarios of raw material shortages, TC3 and TC2 can effectively replace TC1. Mechanically, TC3 and TC2 briquettes exhibited superior characteristics. Although BC20 enhances the mechanical properties and facilitates handling, it may compromise heat release. Thermally, a higher BC decreases the charcoal proportion, leading to increased ignition time, reduced calorific value, and heating effectiveness. In conclusion, the successful production of charcoal briquettes from agro-industrial waste using cassava industrial binders presents a viable pathway towards more sustainable energy practices, improves waste management, and adds value to agricultural waste.

ABOUT THE SINTERING OF HISTORICAL “YELLOW BRICKS” OF SOFIA

The historical “yellow cobblestones” of Sofia are a very well sintered ceramic clinker with practically zero water absorption. However, the high amount of crystal phase formed, which explains the extraordinary mechanical properties of this remarkable material, is in formal contradiction with its low final porosity. In fact, in the modern ceramics clinkers the crystallinity is similar or inferior, but the reached degree of sintering is lower; as a result, the mechanical properties are reduced. The aim of this report is to elucidate some peculiarities of the densification process of “yellow ceramics bricks” because such information is essential for the eventual successful production of replica of this emblematic pavement. The chemical and phase compositions of original “yellow paving bricks” together with those of modern clinker from “Vitosha” boulevard in Sofia were evaluated by XRF and XRD analysis, respectively. The structures of both ceramics were investigated with density measurements and SEM.Their densification behaviour was estimated by re-sintering of milled original samples by Hot Stage Microscopy (HSM) tests. The results elucidate that the sintering temperature of the historical clinker is inferior, and their sintering interval is significantly narrow. This peculiarity is explained by the rapid decreasing of apparent viscosity with temperature rise.Finally, by secondary holding at the sintering temperatures and subsequent fast quenching of a “yellow brick” sample, it is demonstrated that some phase formation occurred during the industrial cooling step. This result explains both the good degree of densification and the better properties of the “yellow cobblestones”.

Industrial Production of Functional Foods for Human Health and Sustainability

Functional foods significantly affect social stability, human health, and food security. Plants and microorganisms are high-quality chassis for the bioactive ingredients in functional foods. Characterised by precise nutrition and the provision of both nutritive and medicinal value, functional foods serve a as key extension of functional agriculture and offer assurance of food availability for future space exploration efforts. This review summarises the main bioactive ingredients in functional foods and their functions, describes the strategies used for the nutritional fortification and industrial production of functional foods, and provides insights into the challenges and future developments in the applications of plants and microorganisms in functional foods. Our review aims to provide a theoretical basis for the development of functional foods, ensure the successful production of new products, and support the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals, including no poverty, zero hunger, and good health and well-being.

Drug-Eluting and Antibacterial Core-Shell Polycaprolactone/Pectin Nanofibers Containing Ti3C2Tx MXene and Medical Herbs for Wound Dressings.

Fibrous scaffolds capable of delivering natural drugs and herbs show great promise for tissue regeneration and wound care, particularly in personalized medicine. This study presents the fabrication and characterization of drug-eluting antibacterial core-shell mats composed of polycaprolactone (PCL) and pectin nanofibers produced through coaxial electrospinning. Berberine chloride (BBR), an herbal compound with antineoplastic, anti-inflammatory, antilipidemic, and antidiabetic properties, served as the model drug. Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) was blended with pectin to enhance the mechanical properties of the core fibers. The shell was modified with two-dimensional Ti3C2Tx (MXene) nanosheets and subjected to covalent and ionic cross-linking. Structural analysis confirmed the successful production of bead-free fibers with diameters ranging from 160 to 350 nm, depending on composition. The PCL core fibers were uniformly coated with a pectin/PVA shell approximately 90 nm thick. The inclusion of BBR and MXene increased the fiber diameter. Drug-release kinetics, modeled by using Korsmeyer-Peppas, revealed a two-stage release mechanism. An initial burst release occurred within the first 24 h (kinetic exponent n = 1.36), followed by sustained release over 2 weeks (n = 0.48). The release mechanisms were identified as case-II relaxational release in the first stage, transitioning to quasi-Fickian diffusion in the second. Incorporating MXene into the shell further prolonged drug release. The mechanical strength of the scaffolds improved significantly by a factor of 7 and 4 in wet and dry conditions, respectively. In vitro biocompatibility assays using L929 cells demonstrated excellent cell attachment and compatibility. Additionally, antibacterial tests against Escherichia coli showed that the inclusion of MXene enhanced antibacterial activity by 30%. These results suggest that the functional biocomposite scaffolds hold the potential for developing innovative, drug-eluting wound dressings.

Melatonin Ameliorates Cadmium Toxicity in Tobacco Seedlings by Depriving Its Bioaccumulation, Enhancing Photosynthetic Activity and Antioxidant Gene Expression.

Soil remediation for cadmium (Cd) toxicity is essential for successful tobacco cultivation and production. Melatonin application can relieve heavy metal stress and promote plant growth; however, it remains somewhat unclear whether melatonin supplementation can remediate the effects of Cd toxicity on the growth and development of tobacco seedlings. Herein, we evaluated the effect of soil-applied melatonin on Cd accumulation in tobacco seedlings, as well as the responses in growth, physiological and biochemical parameters, and the expression of stress-responsive genes. Our results demonstrate that melatonin application mitigated Cd stress in tobacco, and thus promoted plant growth. It increased root fresh weight, dry weight, shoot fresh weight and dry weight by 58.40%, 163.80%, 34.70% and 84.09%, respectively, compared to the control. Physiological analyses also showed significant differences in photosynthetic rate and pigment formation among the treatments, with the highest improvements recorded for melatonin application. In addition, melatonin application alleviated Cd-induced oxidative damage by reducing MDA content and enhancing the activities of enzymatic antioxidants (CAT, SOD, POD and APX) as well as non-enzymatic antioxidants (GSH and AsA). Moreover, confocal microscopic imaging confirmed the effectiveness of melatonin application in sustaining cell integrity under Cd stress. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) observations illustrated the alleviative role of melatonin on stomata and ultrastructural features under Cd toxicity. The qRT-PCR analysis revealed that melatonin application upregulated the expression of photosynthetic and antioxidant-related genes, including SNtChl, q-NtCSD1, NtPsy2 and QntFSD1, in tobacco leaves. Together, our results suggest that soil-applied melatonin can promote tobacco tolerance to Cd stress by modulating morpho-physiological and biochemical changes, as well as the expression of relevant genes.

Stocking Hatchery-Produced Mola (<i>Amblypharyngodon mola</i>) Seed in Carp Polyculture Ponds: A Performance Assessment in Odisha, India

Small indigenous fish species (SIS) such as mola (Amblypharyngodon mola) regarded as natural ‘superfoods,’ due to their high nutrient content, offer a promising avenue for addressing the nutritional deficiencies in India. Over the past decade, integrating mola into conventional carp polyculture systems has emerged as a promising nutrition-sensitive innovation, significantly enhancing micronutrient intake, particularly for women and children. However, the lack of hatchery-reared mola seed has hindered the sustainability of this approach. Recently, this bottleneck was addressed by developing a hatchery-based mass seed production protocol for mola, which was introduced into carp farming systems on a pilot basis. This study evaluates the performance of hatchery-produced mola seed inhomestead carp polyculture ponds in Odisha, India by using a field survey. Of the surveyed farmers, 24% purchased mola spawn, while 76% opted for mola fry. The average pond size of surveyed farmers was 0.32 ha with an average culture duration of 9months. Farmers stocked mola spawn at an average density of 283,583/ha and fry at 22,190/ha. Results showed that 93% of farmers achieved successful mola production, with an average mola yield of 194 kg/ha and total production of 2831 kg/ha. Molacontributed an average of 9% to the total fish production reaching a maximum contribution of up to 26%. The mola fish contributed significantly to the household in terms of additional revenue. Household consumption averaged 14 kg of mola per year, with a per capita consumption of 3 kg. Increasing pond size and optimizing stocking density emerge as critical factors positively impacting mola production and income. Overall, this study demonstrates the potential of hatchery-produced mola seed in promoting nutrition-sensitive aquacul-ture in Odisha, offering valuable insights for its scaling up.

Sustainable production of the drug precursor tyramine by engineered Corynebacterium glutamicum.

Tyramine has attracted considerable interest due to recent findings that it is an excellent starting material for the production of high-performance thermoplastics and hydrogels. Furthermore, tyramine is a precursor of a diversity of pharmaceutically relevant compounds, contributing to its growing importance. Given the limitations of chemical synthesis, including lack of selectivity and laborious processes with harsh conditions, the biosynthesis of tyramine by decarboxylation of L-tyrosine represents a promising sustainable alternative. In this study, the de novo production of tyramine from simple nitrogen and sustainable carbon sources was successfully established by metabolic engineering of theL-tyrosine overproducing Corynebacterium glutamicum strain AROM3. A phylogenetic analysis of aromatic-L-amino acid decarboxylases (AADCs) revealed potential candidate enzymes for the decarboxylation of tyramine. The heterologous overexpression of the respective AADC genes resulted in successful tyramine production, with the highest tyramine titer of 1.9gL-1 obtained for AROM3 overexpressing the tyrosine decarboxylase gene of Levilactobacillus brevis. Further metabolic engineering of this tyramine-producing strain enabled tyramine production from the alternative carbon sources ribose and xylose. Additionally, up-scaling of tyramine production from xylose to a 1.5L bioreactor batch fermentation was demonstrated to be stable, highlighting the potential for sustainable tyramine production. KEY POINTS: • Phylogenetic analysis revealed candidate l-tyrosine decarboxylases • C. glutamicum was engineered for de novo production of tyramine • Tyramine production from alternative carbon substrates was enabled.

Product management: A multi-faceted approach to successful product development

Product management plays a pivotal role in ensuring the success of products across various industries, from digital applications to financial services. This paper examines the key aspects of product management, highlighting its strategic and tactical components. It also explores the role of the product manager, who must possess knowledge in marketing, design, technology, and data analysis. These areas are critical to managing the life cycle of a product and ensuring its success in a competitive market. The paper draws on real-world examples from the experience of Iuliia Nemudrova, a product manager with extensive experience in the financial sector.

Maximization of Biodiesel production from oil that produced during salmon smoking process with high amount of omega-3 by using homogenous catalyst.

The escalating global demand for oil, coupled with declining fossil fuel production, prompts the urgent exploration of renewable alternatives. To address this challenge, researchers are actively seeking environmentally friendly fuels like biodiesel. Among potential feedstocks, oil that is produced from salmon smoking process during industry emerges as a promising option. Smoked salmon oil could be a challenge when producing biodiesel due to its high content of omega-3 compounds. Using homogenous commercial catalyst from alkali to achieve the highest yield from salmon smoking oil was the aim of the current study. A Box-Behnken design and response surface methodology in Design Expert software (version 13) was used to study the effect of four main factors on the biodiesel yield from salmon smoking oil. The optimum biodiesel values were 70°C, 90 min, 0.753 wt.%, and 20 wt.% for temperature, reaction time, sodium hydroxide concentration, and methanol concentration, respectively. At these optimum values, the highest biodiesel production was 92.0% with fatty acid methyl ester contents of 83.4% and conversion efficiency of 77%. Thin-layer chromatography and thermal gravimetric analysis confirmed the successful production of biodiesel at optimized conditions. Using Aspen Plus simulation software confirmed the cost-effectiveness of the homogenous catalyst used for enhancing biodiesel production from salmon smoking oil.

Highly Porous 3D Nanofibrous Scaffold of Polylactic Acid/Polyethylene Glycol/Calcium Phosphate for Bone Regeneration by a Two-Step Solution Blow Spinning (SBS) Facile Route.

This work presents the successful production of highly porous 3D nanofibrous hybrid scaffolds of polylactic acid (PLA)/polyethylene glycol (PEG) blends with the incorporation of calcium phosphate (CaP) bioceramics by a facile two-step process using the solution blow spinning (SBS) technique. CaP nanofibers were obtained at two calcium/phosphorus (Ca/P) ratios, 1.67 and 1.1, by SBS and calcination at 1000 °C. They were incorporated in PLA/PEG blends by SBS at 10 and 20 wt% to form 3D hybrid cotton-wool-like scaffolds. Morphological analysis showed that the fibrous scaffolds obtained had a randomly interconnected and highly porous structure. Also, the mean fiber diameter ranged from 408 ± 141 nm to 893 ± 496 nm. Apatite deposited considerably within 14 days in a simulated body fluid (SBF) test for hybrid scaffolds containing a mix of hydroxyapatite (HAp) and tri-calcium phosphate-β (β-TCP) phases. The scaffolds with 20 wt% CaP and a Ca/P ration of 1.1 showed better in vitro bioactivity to induce calcium mineralization for bone regeneration. Cellular tests evidenced that the developed scaffolds can support the osteogenic differentiation and proliferation of pre-osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells into mature osteoblasts. The results showed that the developed 3D scaffolds have potential applications for bone tissue engineering.

Impact of supplemental irrigation and organic manure on growth and yield performance of rice variety BRRI dhan103 under terminal drought condition in Aman season

BRRI dhan103 is a transplanting Aman (T. Aman) rice variety that demands sufficient organic manure and supplemental irrigation to ensure successful production. Seven treatments, viz., T1= rainfed control; T2= one supplemental irrigation at 80 days after transplanting (DAT); T3= two supplemental irrigations at 70 and 80 DAT; T4= additional 5 t ha-1 poultry compost under rainfed condition; T5= additional 10 t ha-1 poultry compost under rainfed condition; T6= additional 2.5 t ha-1 biochar under rainfed condition; and T7= additional 5 t ha-1 biochar under rainfed condition, were evaluated against BRRI dhan103 to assess the impact of supplemental irrigation and manuring under terminal drought conditions. It was revealed that supplemental irrigation and manuring significantly improved all growth parameters and yield attributes compared to the rainfed control. Notably, T5 treatment provided its greatest performance statistically in respect of SPAD value (36.13), root dry weight (12.43 g), number of tillers hill-1 (13.22), panicle length (28.87 cm), panicles hill-1 at harvest (9.13), total spikelet (194.53), spikelet panicle-1 (197.63), filled spikelet panicle-1 (197.63), thousand grain weight (33.78 g), grain weight panicle-1 (28.70 g), grain yield hill-1 (31.97 g), and above-ground biological yield (3043.35 g m-2). The highest tiller hill-1 at harvest (9.53) was achieved when an additional 10 t ha-1 of poultry compost was applied under rainfed conditions. This study suggested that additional 10 t ha-1 poultry compost under rainfed conditions performed best to enhance the growth and yield of BRRI dhan103.

Engineering Yarrowia lipolytica to Produce l-Malic Acid from Glycerol.

The declining availability of cheap fossil-based resources has sparked growing interest in the sustainable biosynthesis of organic acids. l-Malic acid, a crucial four-carbon dicarboxylic acid, finds extensive applications in the food, chemical, and pharmaceutical industries. Synthetic biology and metabolic engineering have enabled the efficient microbial production of l-malic acid, albeit not in Yarrowia lipolytica, an important industrial microorganism. The present study aimed to explore the potential of this fungal species for the production of l-malic acid. First, endogenous biosynthetic genes and heterologous transporter genes were overexpressed in Y. lipolytica to identify bottlenecks in the l-malic acid biosynthesis pathway grown on glycerol. Second, overexpression of isocitrate lyase, malate synthase, and malate dehydrogenase in the glyoxylate cycle pathway and introduction of a malate transporter from Schizosaccharomyces pombe significantly boosted l-malic acid production, which reached 27.0 g/L. A subsequent increase to 37.0 g/L was attained through shake flask medium optimization. Third, adaptive laboratory evolution allowed the engineered strain Po1g-CEE2+Sp to tolerate a lower pH and to accumulate a higher amount of l-malic acid (56.0 g/L). Finally, when scaling up to a 5 L bioreactor, a titer of 112.5 g/L was attained. In conclusion, this study demonstrates for the first time the successful production of l-malic acid in Y. lipolytica by combining metabolic engineering and laboratory evolution, paving the way for large-scale sustainable biosynthesis of this and other organic acids.

Iodine Assessment of Carbon Dioxide Angiography in Iliac Branched Repair.

The objective of this study was to investigate whether the use of carbon dioxide (CO2) angiography decreases the intraoperative use of iodine contrast medium (ICM), thereby decreasing the risk of developing postoperative renal damage in patients undergoing iliac branch device (IBD) implantation. Patients undergoing IBD implantation at a single tertiary center between May 2013 and August 2019 were screened for inclusion in the study. A cohort of patients in whom an intraoperative imaging protocol using predominantly CO2 was compared with a control group in whom ICM was used (CO2 and ICM groups). Fusion imaging was used in both groups. Retrospective review of the medical charts and all imaging was performed. Variables were expressed as median with interquartile range (IQR) or absolute number and percentage. Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney and χ2 tests were used to compare continuous and categorical variables, respectively. P values of <0 .05 were considered statistically significant. Twenty-three patients were included in the CO2 group and 21 in the ICM group without significant differences in patient characteristics between the groups. Intraoperative iodine exposure was lower in the CO2 group than in the ICM group (8.2 g [IQR, 7.1-10.9 g) vs 15.8 g (IQR 7.6-21 g); P = 0.015, respectively). There were no differences in technical success, clinical success, fluoroscopy time, and dose-area product in the 2 groups. There were no adverse events that could be related to the intraoperative use of CO2. There was no difference in postoperative survival nor renal function assessment between the groups despite the higher number of accessory renal arteries embolized in the CO2 group (P = 0.221). Reduction of intraoperative ICM exposure during IBD implantation is feasible through the predominant use of CO2 automated angiography. This can be done safely without affecting the technical success or radiation exposure. The immediate postoperative renal damage was low when a modern intraoperative imaging protocol with ICM was used and was not significantly reduced by the use of CO2. Further and larger studies are needed to investigate the long-term effects. This study aimed to investigate how to minimize intraoperative risk during iliac branched repair exploring the intraoperative use of automated carbon dioxide angiography in order to decrease the use of contrast media protecting renal function and thereby potentially impacting long-term survival.

Dual-Action Gemcitabine Delivery: Chitosan–Magnetite–Zeolite Capsules for Targeted Cancer Therapy and Antibacterial Defense

Cancer and infectious diseases are two of the world’s major public health problems. Gemcitabine (GEM) is an effective chemotherapeutic agent against several types of cancer. In this study, we developed macrocapsules incorporating GEM into a chitosan matrix blended with magnetite and zeolite by ionic gelation. Physicochemical characterization was performed using HRTEM-ED, XRD, FESEM–EDS, FT-IR, TGA, encapsulation efficiency (%E.E.), and release profiles at pHs 7.4 and 5.0. Cell viability tests against A549 and H1299 cell lines, and microbiological properties against staphylococcal strains were performed. Our results revealed the successful production of hemispherical capsules with an average diameter of 1.22 mm, a rough surface, and characteristic FT-IR material interaction bands. The macrocapsules showed a high GEM encapsulation efficiency of over 86% and controlled release over 24 h. Cell viability assays revealed that similar cytotoxic effects to free GEM were achieved with a 45-fold lower GEM concentration, suggesting reduced dosing requirements and potentially fewer side effects. Additionally, the macrocapsules demonstrated potent antimicrobial activity, reducing Staphylococcus epidermidis growth by over 90%. These results highlight the macrocapsules dual role as a chemotherapeutic and antimicrobial agent, offering a promising strategy for treating lung cancer in patients at risk of infectious diseases or who are immunosuppressed.

Fangirling While Black: K-POP, Affect, and the Reproduction/Rejection of Blackness

ABSTRACT By analyzing the K-POP industry, K-POP fandom, and Korea itself as complexly racialized spaces, I argue that the images of idols, constructed in part through their military-precise African-American-inspired performances and music, work as a form of national branding, framing South Korea as aligned with American pop cultural modernity while globally exporting examples of the South Korean state’s supposedly successful production of disciplined bodies. In this complex and ultimately affective process, Black fans find themselves freed from domestic cultural expectations while paradoxically trapped by legacies of racism that haunt them overseas, suggesting the tenuous and contradictory construction of Korea’s hegemonic social politics.

Challenges and Solutions in Scaling Operations Globally: A Guide for U.S. Food and BeverageExecutives

Abstract—This paper explores the challenges and solutions associated with scaling operations globally in the food and beverage sector from a U.S. executive’s perspective. It examines why expanding internationally makes sense for companies with successful domestic products, highlighting the advantages of U.S. innovation and lower costs of innovation compared to local markets abroad. The paper outlines a strategic roadmap for global expansion, including test markets, partnerships with local firms, and focusing on countries with positive sentiments toward U.S. food safety standards. A hypothetical case study illustrates the growth process, emphasizing the need for internal buy-in, patience, and a long-term view. Potential pitfalls and strategies for success are discussed, along with competitive analysis and the role of disruption in scaling products. Index Terms—Global Expansion, Food and Beverage Industry, Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG), International Operations, U.S. Innovation, Market Entry Strategy, Competitive Analysis, Disruption

Micellar (Photo−)Catalysis Driven by IR‐Active Semiconductor Surfactants

AbstractIn micellar catalysis, one uses aggregates formed by surfactants as nanoreactors for performing chemical reactions. A special class of tailor‐made surfactants containing catalytically active sites opens new perspectives in micellar catalysis. Little is known about the combination of such surfactants with photocatalysis. Molecular semiconductors are presented, which simultaneously have amphiphilic properties and are made of a hydrophilic fullerenol head group attached to dye molecules as the hydrophobic entity. The first generation of those surfactants produces reactive oxygen species (ROS) when exposed to light in the UV/Vis range. The concept of the current paper is that one can drive the photocatalytic process also using low‐energy photons in the near‐infrared region. For this purpose, NIR‐active dye molecules were selected and attached to the fullerenol head. It is shown that a fullerenol ‐ aminostilbene compound representing the second generation of semiconductor surfactants fulfills all requirements. It forms aggregates in water that are catalytically active. Moreover, two‐photon experiments with λ=780 nm were performed, indicating successful ROS production and, thus, photocatalytic activity.