Superior Yield Research Articles

Bioprospecting for Rhizobacteria with the Ability to Enhance Drought Tolerance in Lessertia frutescens.

Lessertia frutescens is a multipurpose medicinal plant indigenous to South Africa that is used for the management of cancer, stomach ulcers, wounds, etc. The use and demand for the raw materials from this plant have been increasing steadily over the years, putting strain on the dwindling wild populations. Although cultivation may provide relief to the strained supply, the persistent drought climate poses a threat to the plant's growth and productivity. This study explored three plant-growth-promoting rhizobacteria isolates, TUTLFNC33, TUTLFNC37 and TUTLFWC74, obtained from the root nodules of Lessertia frutescens as potential bioinoculants that can improve yield, biological activities and the production of secondary metabolites in the host plant. Isolate TUTLFNC37 was identified as the most promising isolate for inoculation of Lessertia frutescens under drought conditions as it induced drought tolerance through enhanced root proliferation, osmolyte proline accumulation and stomatal closure. Superior biomass yield, phenolics, triterpenes and antioxidant activity were evident in the extracts of Lessertia frutescens inoculated with TUTLFNC37 and under different levels of drought. Furthermore, the metabolomics of the plant extracts demonstrated the ability of the isolate to withstand drastic changes in the composition of unique metabolites, sutherlandiosides A-D and sutherlandins A-D. Molecular families which were never reported in the plant (peptides and glycerolipids) were detected and annotated in the molecular networks. Although drought had deleterious effects on Lessertia frutescens, isolate TUTLFNC37 alleviated the impact of the stress. Isolate TUTLFNC37 is therefore the most promising, environmentally friendly alternative to harmful chemicals such as nitrate-based fertilizers. The isolate should be studied to establish its field performance, cross infectivity with other medicinal plants and competition with inherent soil microbes.

Screening the Soybean Varietal Lines for Selecting High-Yielding and Better Agronomic Traits Producing lines

Soybean (Glycine max), an economically significant legume originating from East Asia, serves as a valuable source of protein and oil globally. In Pakistan, soybean is considered a non-conventional oilseed crop, with successful cultivation possible during both the spring and summer seasons. The careful selection of appropriate varieties is a primary concern for soybean growers in the country. Therefore, experiments were conducted utilizing the newly developed varietal line in the agroecological zone of Tandojam to select the most suitable and adaptable varieties. A total of forty-six newly developed varietal lines, which have not yet been released, were evaluated alongside four released varieties (Ajmeri, Faisal, Jack, and Rawal) that are already being cultivated in various regions of the country. The field experiments were carried out at the experimental area of the Nuclear Institute of Agriculture (NIA) in Tando Jam during the spring and summer seasons of 2018. Agronomic traits were recorded for each variety, and weather data were obtained from the Pakistan Meteorological Department. All agricultural practices were followed. The results indicate significant variations among the genotypes for all evaluated characteristics. Based on grain production, NIBGE32 exhibited the highest performance, achieving a notable yield of 22g during the summer season, which was 30% higher than the yield of the top-performing control variety, Faisal. Other newly developed varietal lines, namely NIBGE 18, NIBGE 8, NIBGE 45, and NIBGE 41, also demonstrated promising high-yield potential. These varieties displayed comparatively superior growth and yield outcomes. Germination percentage significantly vary in the spring and summer season (Mann-Whitney U =7925, P<0.01); whereas days to maturity, plant height, leaf area, lowest pod height, 100-grain weight, biological yield, seed weight per plant, were not significantly different in two seasons. This suggests a potential for these varietal lines to be cultivated in both seasons. This research endeavours to offer valuable insights and recommendations to farmers and policymakers, aiming to augment soybean production and advance agricultural sustainability in the region of Sindh.

Increasing diversity among Lens species for improving biological nitrogen fixation in lentil

AbstractExotic germplasm is a key resource for reintroducing genetic variability into cultivars. We evaluated 36 accessions from cultivated lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.) and six related wild species inoculated with a commercial strain of Rhizobium leguminosarum bv. viciae under greenhouse conditions. The objective was to explore Lens species and/or accessions that can contribute higher biological nitrogen fixation ability to the lentil crop. A split plot design was used with either Rhizobium inoculation, added nitrogen (+N), or neither as the main plots, and accessions in subplots randomized in blocks. Two repeats of the experiment were evaluated at flowering for N fixation and nodulation characters, and two subsequent experiments, with a subset of 14 accessions, were evaluated at maturity for seed production, seed quality, and harvest index. Differences in phenotypic expression corresponded to specific accessions but not to any particular Lens species. CDC Greenstar had the highest N fixation among lentil cultivars and also had superior yield results compared to the added N treatment. When inoculated, wild accessions, including IG 72643 (Lens orientalis), displayed unique and multiple desirable characteristics compared to cultivars, including indeterminate nodulation, higher N translocation, stable yield compared to added N treatment, and exceptionally high protein concentration in seeds.

The Microstructures, Mechanical Properties, and Deformation Mechanism of B2-Hardened NbTiAlZr-Based Refractory High-Entropy Alloys.

The NbTiAlZrHfTaMoW refractory high-entropy alloy (RHEA) system with the structure of the B2 matrix (antiphase domains) and antiphase domain boundaries was firstly developed. We conducted the mechanical properties of the RHEAs at 298 K, 1023 K, 1123 K, and 1223 K, as well as typical deformation characteristics. The RHEAs with low density (7.41~7.51 g/cm3) have excellent compressive-specific yield strength (σYS/ρ) at 1023 K (~131 MPa·cm3/g) and 1123 K (~104.2 MPa·cm3/g), respectively, which are far superior to most typical RHEAs. And, they still keep appropriate plastic deformability at room temperature (ε > 0.35). The superior specific yield strengths are mainly attributed to the solid solution strengthening induced by the Zr element. The formation of the dislocation slip bands with [111](101_) and [111](112_) directions and their interaction provide considerable plastic deformation capability. Meanwhile, dynamic recrystallization and dislocation annihilation accelerate the continuous softening after yielding at 1123 K.

Preparation and properties of polyester fibers with polyacrylamide hydrogel grafted by UV‐irradiation

AbstractIt is widely recognized that polyester (PET) fibers with swelling properties are necessary for advanced applications of PET fibers in waterproof fabrics. This study presented the UV‐initiated methods to graft polyacrylamide (PAM) hydrogel on the surface of PET fibers. In the one‐step method, PET fibers are impregnated with a mixed solution of the photoinitiator benzophenone (BP) and the monomer acrylalkylamine (AM). Then, the PET fiber was directly exposed to UV light. In the two‐step method, PET fibers were first impregnated with a photoinitiator solution to generate BP radicals. Then, the fibers impregnated with a monomer solution before being grafted by UV light. Both two methods ultimately achieve PAM gelation‐modified PET fibers. The chemical composition and surface structure were detected by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscope. The findings demonstrate that the PAM hydrogel was successfully grafted on the PET fibers through one‐step method or a two‐step method. In addition, the properties of the grafted PET fibers were evaluated by grafting yield, contact angle, and swelling test. The study indicated that the modified PET fibers via a two‐step method exhibited a superior grafting yield up to 29.3% (PET‐2n) and 54% (PET‐2) compared to the one‐step technique (PET‐1). It was shown that the grafting efficacy of PET fibers modified by two‐step method is better than one‐step method. The static contact angles of PET fibers by UV‐Induced were all reduced. For instance, the contact angles of PET‐2n were decreased from 115° to 62.9°; and the two‐step modified PET fiber after acetone cleaning (PET‐2) decreased from 115° to 60°. It was suggested that the hydrophilicity of the modified PET fibers significantly increased. In addition, the research shows that the gelation‐modified fibers were all possessed swelling properties.

Comparative Study of the Structural Characteristics and Bioactivity of Polysaccharides Extracted from Aspidopterys obcordata Hemsl. Using Different Solvents.

The polysaccharides extracted from Aspidopterys obcordata are thought to have anti-urolithiasis activity in Drosophila kidney stones. This study aimed to assess the effects of different extraction solvents on the yield, chemical composition, and bioactivity of polysaccharides from A. obcordata. A. obcordata polysaccharides were extracted by using four solutions: hot water, HCl solution, NaOH solution, and 0.1 M NaCl. The results revealed that the extraction solvents significantly influenced the extraction yields, molecular weight distribution, monosaccharide compositions, preliminary structural characteristics, and microstructures of polysaccharides. The NaOH solution's extraction yield was significantly higher than the other extraction methods. Vitro antioxidant activity assays revealed that the NaOH solution extracted exhibited superior scavenging abilities towards DPPH and ABTS radicals and higher FRAP values than other polysaccharides. The vitro assays conducted for calcium oxalate crystallization demonstrated that four polysaccharides exhibited inhibitory effects on the nucleation and aggregation of calcium oxalate crystals, impeded calcium oxalate monohydrate growth, and induced calcium oxalate dihydrate formation. The NaOH solution extracted exhibited the most pronounced inhibition of calcium oxalate crystal nucleation, while the hot water extracted demonstrated the most significant suppression of calcium oxalate crystal aggregation. Therefore, it can be inferred that polysaccharides extracted with NaOH solution exhibited significant potential as a viable approach for extracting polysaccharides from stems due to their superior yield and the remarkable bioactivity of the resulting products.

Synergy between Cu and Co in a Layered Double Hydroxide Enables Close to 100% Nitrate-to-Ammonia Selectivity.

Nitrate electroreduction (NO3RR) holds promise as an energy-efficient strategy for the removal of toxic nitrate to restore the natural nitrogen cycle and mitigate the adverse impacts caused by overfertilization from suboptimal agricultural practices. However, existing catalysts suffer from limited electrocatalytic activity, poor selectivity, inadequate durability, and low scalability. To address this quadrilemma, in this study, we developed a cost-effective layered double hydroxide (LDH) electrocatalyst with a lamellar structure that presents trimetallic CuCoAl active sites on the nanomaterial surface. This codoping design enabled electrochemical upcycling of nitrate into ammonia exclusively and efficiently with an onset potential at 0 V vs RHE, where the electrocatalytic process is less energy intensive and has a lower carbon footprint than conventional practices. The synergistic interaction among Cu, Co, and Al further afforded a 99.5% Faradic efficiency (FE) and a yield rate of 0.22 mol h-1 g-1 for nitrate-to-ammonia electroreduction, surpassing the performance of state-of-the-art nonprecious metal NO3RR electrocatalysts over an extended operation period. To gain insights into the origin of the catalytic performance observed on LDH, control materials were employed to elucidate the roles of Cu and Co. Cu was found to improve the NO3RR onset potential despite displaying limited FE for ammonia synthesis, while Co was discovered to suppress the formation of nitrite byproduct though requiring large overpotential. Simulated wastewater containing phosphate and sulfate, which are typically present in industrial effluents, was used to further investigate the effect of electrolytes on NO3RR. Intriguingly, the use of phosphate buffer resulted in a superior yield rate and FE for ammonia production while simultaneously inhibiting nitrite byproduct formation compared with the sulfate case. These experimental findings were supported by density functional theory (DFT) calculations, which explored the adsorption strength of nitrate adducts adjacent to coadsorbed electrolytes on the LDH surface. Additionally, the relative free energies of NO3RR species were also computed to examine the proton-coupled electron transfer (PCET) mechanism on CuCoAl LDH, shedding light on the potential-dependent step (PDS) and the exclusive selectivity for nitrate-to-ammonia conversion. The CuCoAl LDH developed here offers scalability by eliminating the need for precious metals, rendering this earth-abundant catalyst particularly appealing for sustainable nitrate electrovalorization technology.

An efficient vanadium phosphorus oxide catalyst prepared by tuning vanadium precursor for selective oxidation of n-butane to maleic anhydride

Maleic anhydride (MA), as an industrially important chemical, is currently produced through selective oxidation of n-butane (SOB) over vanadium-phosphorus-oxygen (VPO) catalyst, but sufferring from low selectivity by overoxidation. Therefore, preparing selective VPO catalysts is urgent, but remains a challenge. Herein, we prepared an efficient VPO catalyst (VPO-Vsg) by using the pre-synthesized V2O5 (V2O5-sg) via a sol–gel process as V source. It shows about 90 % n-butane conversion with more than 70 % MA selectivity under 2000 h−1 and 400 °C conditions. It shows much superior MA yield (more than 60 %) to the VPO catalyst prepared by using commercially available V2O5 (V2O5-ca) as V source, ascribed to the optimal V oxidation state and lattice oxygen content, and the decreasing V5+ contributes its higher selectivity. This study not only generates an excellent VPO catalyst for MA production, but also provides a facile and effective approach for designing efficient catalysts for hydrocarbon selective oxidation.

Enhancing electrocatalytic ammonia synthesis through theoretical design of cluster catalysts supported on TiO2 surface

The electrocatalytic nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR), conducted under ambient conditions, holds promise as a viable alternative to the traditional Haber-Bosch process. However, the progress in developing effective electrocatalysts for NRR is stymied by the intense competition with the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), which leads to low rates of ammonia yield and Faradaic efficiencies. This challenge can be tackled by utilizing well-defined loaded two-dimensional TiO2 structured model catalysts. In this study, we introduce an efficient Cobalt–Nickel electrocatalyst (Co1Ni2@TiO2) based on theoretical predictions. Through a rational screening of 16 TiO2-based catalysts, we identified Co3, Co1Ni2, and Ni1Mn2@TiO2 as effective suppressors of the HER reaction. Among these, Co1Ni2@TiO2 demonstrated the lowest energy barrier for the potential-determining step, at 0.39 eV. We then experimentally synthesized Co1Ni2@TiO2. This catalyst exhibited a superior yield of 20.396 μgNH3/mgcat/h and a Faradaic efficiency of 13.327 %. This signifies a minimum of 2.9-time enhancement when compared to Co3@TiO2 and Ni3@TiO2.

Effects of Y2O3 nanoparticles / Ni matrix interface on the mechanical properties and helium swelling resistance in NiMoCr-Y2O3 alloys

The use of oxide dispersion-strengthened (ODS) nickel-based alloys has emerged as a promising choice for structural materials in molten salt reactors. In this study, a novel Y2O3 nanoparticles dispersion-strengthened nickel-base alloy was prepared by powder metallurgy method. The NiMoCr-Y2O3 alloy exhibits superior yield strengths and ultimate tensile strengths, surpassing those of the Hastelloy N (HN) alloy, both at room temperature and high temperatures. This enhancement can be attributed to the dispersion-strengthening effect imparted by Y2O3 nanoparticles. Additionally, the NiMoCr-Y2O3 alloy displays commendable plasticity. Nevertheless, it is worth noting that the stress concentration at the Y2O3 nanoparticles/Ni matrix interfaces makes it susceptible to stress-induced breakage, resulting in lower plasticity compared to the HN alloy. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) observations reveal that the Y2O3 nanoparticles /Ni matrix interfaces effectively trap helium (He) bubbles, leading to a reduction in helium bubble size. Furthermore, X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) analysis indicates a higher vacancy density in NiMoCr-Y2O3 alloy compared to HN alloys during irradiation, contributing to an increased number of helium bubbles in the NiMoCr-Y2O3 alloy. This effect is primarily due to the preferential absorption of a significant quantity of interstitial particles by the Y2O3 nanoparticles/Ni matrix interfaces. Consequently, the volume fraction of helium bubbles in the NiMoCr-Y2O3 alloy (∼0.12 %) is notably lower than that observed in the HN alloy (∼0.52 %), showing that NiMoCr-Y2O3 alloys exhibit excellent He swelling resistance.

Response of Bread Wheat Cultivars to Deficient Irrigation: a Morphological and Molecular Study

During the agricultural season of 2022-2023, a field experiment was conducted at the second agricultural experiment station of the College of Agriculture - Al-Muthanna University in the Al-Bandar area (3 km from the city center) to study the molecular and phenotypic response of bread wheat cultivars to the effect of incomplete irrigation. An experiment was conducted using the Randomised Complete Block Design with split plots and three replications, the primary plots included the deficient irrigation factor, coded: D1 control, D2 tillering stage, D3 elongation stage, and D4 booting stage, while the secondary plots included cultivars and were coded V1 Mawada, V2 Bohuth22, V3 Baraka, and V4 IBAA99. The statistical analysis revealed that there were significant differences between the water stress stages. The D1 treatment produced superior spike length (13.17) cm. Regarding cultivars, the cultivar Baraka excelled in the majority of field characteristics, including spike length (17.09) cm, leaf area (42.33) cm2, number of grains per spike (67.78) grains spike-1 and grain weight (61.02) g. While the cultivar Mawadah excelled in the number of days up to 50% flowering (88.50), plant height (93.17), and spike m-2 yield (364.4), the cultivar IPA99 excelled in the number of spikes (364.4). Regarding the interpenetrate, it had a significant effect on the majority of the traits, as treatment D1V2 excelled in the number of spikes (396.7) spike m-2, while treatment D1V3 excelled in the number of grains per spike (76.11) grains spike-1 and treatment D1V4 excelled in grain yield (7.30) ton ha-1. The combination D4V1 was also superior in terms of the number of spikes m-2 (408.3). The D4V4 treatment produced a superior grain yield (8.54) ton ha-1. The results of the molecular analysis by ISSR-PCR technique indicated that the primer (HB13) had 33 bands, and the primer (HB14) had 40 bands. Electrophoresis on agarose gel revealed that the primer (HB15) recorded the highest number of bands with 57 bands, 41 differentiated and 16 common, representing the main binding sites.

Rice hull-based substrates and the influence of the type of transplant and the age of the plant on the strawberry culture

The soilless growing of strawberries using local materials as a substrate is an alternative to reduce costs and reuse waste. The objective of this work was to evaluate the growth and yield of strawberry plants cultivar Aromas, originated from bare root and plug plants, as well as second-year plants in comparison to first-year plants, in substrates formulated with raw rice husk (RRH) and two types of conditioners [carbonized rice husk (CRH) and commercial substrate (S10)]. The experimental factors consisted of four substrates [RRH (100%), RRH + CRH (80 %: 20 %), RRH + S10 (80 %: 20 %), and RRH + CRH + S10 (80 %:10 %:10 %)], two types of transplants (plug plants and bare-root), and the maintenance of second-year plants in comparison to first-year plants. For the first year of growing, regardless of the substrate, plug plants showed greater growth and yield, providing an increase of 62.1 % in the commercial yield of plug plants in relation to the growing of bare-root transplants. As for the growing of bare-root transplants, the addition of CRH and its simultaneous use with commercial substrate S10 as RRH conditioners increased plant growth. However, fruit yield gains were less expressive and clear positive responses for this variable were obtained only with the simultaneous use of CRH and the commercial substrate S10. The results obtained in the second experiment indicate that second-year plants, on mean, showed greater vegetative growth, number and yield of fruits, however, with lower mean weight of fruits than the plants of the first year. First year plants showed superior commercial yield in the RRH + S10 substrate.

Machine learning assisted design of acoustic metamaterials with broadband sound-absorbing and superior mechanical performance

It remains challenging to design lightweight metamaterials with superior sound-absorbing and load-bearing capacities. One promising approach is using multiple coherently coupled resonators to serve as sound absorbers and reinforced grid cores of sandwich panels. However, with too many design parameters each requiring careful tuning to reach the stringent critical coupling condition, achieving an optimal design based on experience alone is challenging. An autoencoder-like neural network is constructed that, once well trained, significantly promote the inverse design process thanks to the highly efficient computational speed. Particularly, a probabilistic model is inserted into the network to tackle ill-posed inverse problems requiring man-made and probably unreal spectrum as an input, and can provide multiple ultra-thin (32 mm) and broadband designs. We have fabricated and tested the optimized metallic sandwich structures, showing broadband capacity of using solely nine resonators to achieve quasi-perfect sound absorption (over 0.9) from 399 to 675 Hz. The static compression and dynamic impact testing also verify the superior mechanical performance with high yield strength (21.2 MPa) and large normalized energy absorption (0.29) at lower relative density (13.5%). We believe this work is encouraging to accelerate the design of multifunctional absorbers targeted especially for low-frequency noise control in engineering.

Performance of coconut hybrids and varieties in the East coast of Andhra Pradesh

Coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) is one of the plantation crops with more life span, so suitability of a variety or hybrid for particular region may improve the productivity of the coconut. An experiment was carried out with seven hybrids and two varieties viz. Chandra Sankara (COD × WCT), Chandra Laksha (LCT x COD), VHC1 (ECT × MGD), VHC-2 (ECT × MYD), Kera Ganga (WCT × GBGD), Laksha Ganga (LCT × GBGD), Godavari Ganga (ECT x GBGD), Kera Chandra (Double Century) and Chandra Kalpa at Dr.YSRHUHorticultural Research Station, Ambajipeta, Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Konaseema Dist., Andhra Pradesh. The experiment was initiated in 2002, in Randomized Block Design in three replicated blocks. The compiled data for six years (2015- 2021) revealed that, Godavari Ganga recorded significantly highest nut yield /palm/year (144.40 nuts) followed by VHC-2 (134.93 nuts) and Kera Ganga (133.33 nuts). Godavari Ganga recorded maximum copra yield of 3.20 t/ha and oil yield of 2.20 t/ha. Tender nut water quantity was recorded more (322.5 mL) in VHC-2 and Godavari Ganga. Due to its superior nut, copra and oil yield, Godavari Ganga and VHC-2 can be recommended for cultivation Andhra Pradesh.

Assessment of G × E interaction and stability parameters for quality, root yield and its associating traits in ashwagandha [Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal] germplasm lines

Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal holds significant pharmaceutical and nutritional benefits. The stability and superior root yield of ashwangandha genotype is a crucial parameter for long-term development and raw material supply for pharma-industries. The impact of genotype × environment (G × E) interaction on economic traits (root yield) stability on ninety-six genotypes in four different environments was evaluated in this study. Using two models of stability analysis namely Eberhart - Russell and Additive Main Effects and Multiplicative Interaction (AMMI) analysis models, current study was focused on adaptability and phenotypic stability of ashwangandha genotypes. Field trail was conducted in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Phenotypic data were collected on eleven important traits including four commercially important traits viz total soluble sugars (TSS), starch content, withanolides content and crude fiber in the main and late-season in 2020 and 2021. Analysis of variance exhibited consistency between both models. These results depicated G × E interaction, revealing subtle variations in response to environmental conditions. Eberhart and Russell model provided valuable trait performance insights, while AMMI offered genotype and environment insights. Interestingly, Eberhart and Russell model identified Env 3 as superior while Env 4 as a challenging environment. Genotypes viz. AGP-84, AGP-16, AGP-79, AGP-95, AGP-57 and AGP-14 exhibited stability and consistent performance for root yield across environments. AMMI analysis captured 52.7 % variance in the first principal component and 26.3 % in the second. Genotypes namely AGP 18, AGP 22, and AGP 57 were found best and stabile with high mean dry root yield in both models. Env 1 stood out as the most distinct, and Env 2 was representative for selecting the best genotypes.

Effect of cutting management on productivity, profitability and quality of dual purpose oat (Avena sativa) cultivars in Shiwalik foothill plains

A field experiment was conducted during winter (rabi) seasons of 2018–19 and 2019–20 at research farm of Sher- e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir to assess the effect of cutting management on productivity and profitability of dual purpose oat (Avena sativa L.) cultivars. Experimental results revealed that the yield attributes and productivity of dual purpose oat cultivars were significantly influenced by cutting management. Dual purpose oat cultivar treatments with single cut recorded significantly higher number of tillers/m2, number of grains/panicle, 1000-grain weight, grain yield, straw yield and harvest index as compared to treatments with double cut which recorded significantly higher forage yield, grain equivalent yield, net returns and B:C ratio. Among the oat cultivars evaluated in the experiment, JHO-2000-4 consistently outperformed the other cultivars in both cutting managements. In the single cut management system, JHO-2000-4 achieved significantly highest grain equivalent yield compared to all other single cut treatments. Similarly, in the double cut management system as well, JHO-2000-4 exhibited significantly higher forage yield, grain equivalent yield, gross returns, net returns, and B:C ratio. These results contribute to our understanding of the potential benefits of specific cutting management strategies and cultivar selection for optimizing oat productivity and profitability. Based on the findings of this study, it can be concluded that the cultivation of oat cultivar JHO-2000-4 using double cut approach involving cuts 60 DAS and 105 DAS can provide superior forage yield, grain equivalent yield, and higher economic returns.

Isolating the effect of Co and Ce on Ni–X–Y/Al2O3 bi- and trimetallic reforming catalysts for hydrogen generation

This work investigates the individual and combined promoting effects of ceria and cobalt on a nickel-based catalyst for steam reforming. First, the catalysts were synthesized using a fixed 20 wt% Ni content and variable Ce and Co, 0-10 wt% contents. We used a combined experimental (characterization and testing) and computational framework to assess the promoting role in catalytic activity and stability for nickel-alumina-based catalysts. The formation of Ni-Co alloy was approved by combining different characterization techniques. The Ni20Ce2Co10/Al catalyst exhibits superior conversion, H2 yield, and lifetime. The obtained catalytic activity is attributed to the presence of bare Co sites that reduces the Ni crystal size, enhances the accessibility of active sites, promotes the metal–support interaction, and facilitates C-C scission. In addition, the incorporation of Ce with low loading (2 wt %) to Ni-Co interface enhances the accessibility of oxygen vacancy, facilitates the reaction, prevents coke formation and maintains catalytic activity for prolonged lifetime. The simplicity and cost-effectiveness of this proposed catalyst make it an appealing option for scaling up.

Sustainable Maize Farming: Organic Soil Amendments Boost Maize Production and Soil Quality

Soil organic matter depletion leads to soil structural degradation in cultivated ecosystems. Organic soil amendment reduces inorganic fertilizer dependency, maintains soil properties, and enhances crop production. Organic soil amendments are crucial for sustainable agriculture, providing nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium to soil and plants. They help address soil organic carbon depletion and environmental issues, as inorganic fertilization hinders sustainable agriculture by affecting soil fertility and crop productivity. A two-year field experiment at the Agriculture Research Farm, University of Agriculture Peshawar-Pakistan, examined the effects of combining organic and inorganic amendments on maize variety Azam and hybrid CS 220, aiming to compensate for soil organic carbon loss. Treatments were Control, Half (H) NPK, Full NPK, Legume Residues (LR) @ 10 tons ha-1, Humic Acid (HA) @ 5 kg ha-1, Biochar (BC) @ 10 tons ha-1, LR + HNPK, HA + HNPK, BC + HNPK, HLR +HHA+ HNPK, HLR + HBC + HNPK and HBC + HHA + HNPK. The study used a two-factorial randomized complete block design with three replications to study maize two-year data. Results showed significant cob lengths in HLR + HBC + HNPK treatment, while maximum results in plant population, 1000 grain weight, and biological yield were in HBC + HHA + HNPK treatment. The highest soil organic matter was recorded in plots with only BC application at 10 tons ha-1, with the highest soil K recorded in BC + HNPK treatment. The hybrid CS 220 maize variety showed superior yield and component performance compared to the Azam variety, while the Azam variety yielded the best results in soil parameters. The maize production improved significantly in the second year compared to the first year. The study suggests that combining organic and half-inorganic fertilizers improves soil fertility, making it a viable strategy for crop yield regulation and sustainable maize production. This can be achieved using efficient organic soil amendments alone or in combination with commercially available inorganic fertilizers.

RESPON PERTUMBUHAN, HASIL, DAN KUALITAS BEBERAPA VARIETAS SELADA KERITING (Lactuca sativa L.) TERHADAP APLIKASI PUPUK CANGKANG TELUR

Lettuce growth and production are influenced not only by cultivars but also by the environment and their interaction. Providing nutrition is part of cultivation techniques that can affect plant cultivars' growth, production and quality. Sources of plant nutrition can come from natural materials, one of which is eggshells. This research aimed to determine the effect of eggshell fertilizer on the growth, production and quality of several varieties of loose-leaf lettuce. The research was conducted from March to May 2022 in Gunung Putri, West Java. It was designed using a factorial, completely randomized design with three replications. Eggshell fertilizer consists of 5 levels, namely without eggshell fertilizer treatment, 50% recommendation (5 g per plant), 100% recommendation (10 g per plant), 150% recommendation (15 g per plant), and 200% recommendation (20 g per plant). Observed variables include growth, yield and quality characteristics. The Karina lettuce variety generally has superior growth and yield compared to the Kreibo variety but has relatively no differences from the New Grand Rapid variety. The Karina variety treated with eggshell fertilizer had a larger stem diameter than the one not treated with eggshell fertilizer. The Karina variety treated with eggshell fertilizer up to 200% has a higher dry weight and PTT content. The Karina variety, given the recommended 200% eggshell fertilizer, and the New Grand Rapid variety, given the recommended 100% eggshell fertilizer, produced the crispiest leaves. Eggshell fertilizer can potentially increase crop yields and quality, but further testing is needed to make it more optimal.

Lightweight Fe47Mn25Al13Cr7Ni5C3 medium-entropy alloy with enhanced mechanical properties

In this study, we designed a lightweight Fe47Mn25Al13Cr7Ni5C3 medium-entropy alloy (MEA) (calculated density of 6.803 g/cm3) with enhanced mechanical properties. The MEA samples were produced in three conditions with varying microstructures via thermomechanical processing. They achieved excellent tensile properties through strengthening mechanisms such as partial recrystallization, ultrafine grains, and M23C6 and B2 precipitates. Different strengthening mechanisms were applied depending on the annealing heat treatment conditions, resulting in three different strength-elongation combinations. Furthermore, the MEA, under all designed conditions, exhibited superior specific yield strength-uniform elongation and specific ultimate tensile strength-uniform elongation combinations compared to previously studied lightweight high-entropy alloys (HEAs) and lightweight steel. This was primarily attributed to the combination of benefits obtained from the low proportion of iron (47 at%) as a principal element and the large amount of aluminum addition (13 at%). The proposed MEA and its design strategy can satisfy the requirements for lightweight, cost-effective, strong, and ductile metallic materials, making a great contribution to the automotive industry in terms of crash resistance and fuel efficiency.