Content Values Research Articles

Development and characterization of polymorphic microsatellite markers for Periplaneta americana (Blattodea: Blattidae).

The American cockroach, Periplaneta americana (Blattodea: Blattidae), is a prevalent urban pest with significant public health implications. This study aimed to develop and validate novel microsatellite markers to understand the genetic diversity and population genetic structure of P. americana. In this study, a total of 397,898 microsatellite markers were developed based on 24.6 million genomic DNA sequences. Twenty microsatellite markers were selected and amplified with varying numbers of alleles ranging from 0 to 35. Seven out of 20 markers were characterized for their polymorphism and amplification efficiency. The polymorphic information content (PIC) values of these markers were high (0.669 to 0.950) implying their effectiveness. These markers also revealed 7 to 35 alleles per locus across tested samples, highlighting their utility in assessing the extensive genetic variation within Periplaneta americana populations. These results provide insightful information that may be applied to the genetic analysis of the American cockroach population using the developed species-specific microsatellite marker.

Social Media and Adolescents' Prosocial Behavior: Evidence of the Interaction Between Short Videos and Social Value Orientation.

Social media significantly influences adolescents' prosocial behavior. With smartphones becoming ubiquitous, short videos have emerged as the predominant social media format for adolescents. However, the effects of adolescents' engagement with short videos on their prosocial behavior remain uncertain. This study aims to address the problem of how short videos (content and consequences) affect prosocial behavior in adolescents, and simultaneously explores the differences of this effect among individuals with different social value orientations. The current study conducted two research laboratory experiments using the between-subject study design of two factors. Study 1 (N=148) reveals that viewing prosocial short videos significantly predicts adolescents' prosocial behavior more so than neutral short videos. The interaction between short video content and social value orientation on prosocial behavior illustrates that the encouraging impact of prosocial content is primarily evident in prosocial individuals, rather than in pro-self individuals. In Study 2 (N=152), we introduce new dimensions by assessing adolescents' response to varying consequences of the same prosocial behavior (ie, reward, punishment) within the short video context. Findings indicate that reward consequences significantly bolster adolescents' prosocial behavior, whereas punitive measures tend to adversely affect it. Furthermore, the interaction between the consequences of prosocial short videos and social value orientation suggests that prosocial individuals exhibit no significant behavioral difference between rewards and punishments; instead, the reward/punishment consequences notably influence the prosocial behavior of pro-self individuals. Short videos (content and consequences) and social value orientations interactively influence adolescents' prosocial behaviors. This study underscores the need to recognize individual differences in adolescents' use of short videos and its impact on their prosocial behavior, particularly highlighting the crucial role of their social value orientations. Practically, the research offers valuable insights for parents and professionals seeking to foster adolescents' prosocial behavior.

An Analysis of the Transmission Content of the Dance Culture of the Jiajong Tibetan "Kasdawen" in Western Sichuan, China

Background and Aim: Cultural communication is a kind of cultural continuity that has existed since the beginning of human civilization. "Kasdawen" dance is the most distinctive folk dance of Jiarong Tibetan people in western Sichuan, China. From the initial sacrificial hunting and production activities, it has gradually evolved into a folk sacrificial singing and dancing activity in funeral rites, and festival celebrations to worship Buddha and pray for peace. Taking the Tibetan folk dance "Kasdawen" in Heishui County, west Sichuan, China as a case study, this paper analyzes the communication content from three aspects: performance ceremony, performance form, and cultural connotation. Materials and Methods: This study adopts the qualitative research method of literature method, observation method, and interview method, and analyzes the data content. Most of the literature materials come from the county cultural centers or literature and history research centers in the research area, a small part comes from the library of Aba Prefecture, Sichuan Province, China Knowledge Network, and a small part comes from the people. The interviews mainly come from folk artists and outstanding contribution dancers and observe Tibetan social life. Results: In the research results, the communication contents of the "Castaven" dance performance ceremony are mainly divided into festival ceremony and sacrifice ceremony; The communication content of the dance performance form is mainly divided into dance form, style feature, and rhythm feature. The communication content of cultural connotation is mainly divided into patrilineal culture, Wuwu dance culture, and religious belief culture. Conclusion: The dissemination of "Kasdawen" dance culture is to spread the spirit and belief of Jiarong Tibetan nationality, and it is also hoped that the dissemination of the substantive content and spiritual value of "Kasdawen" dance culture will help protect and inherit Tibetan culture.

Effects of Mulching and Flaming on Weed Control and Almond Growth in a Newly Established Almond Orchard

This study was conducted in a newly established (2-year-old) almond orchard to investigate the effects of five different mulching materials (woven and nonwoven fabric, black and white polyethylene, almond shell) and flame treatments applied at two different frequencies (FL20 and FL30) on weed control and almond growth compared with those of conventional herbicide (glyphosate) application and weedy control. Thus, this study included nine different treatments. The impacts of these treatments on weed density and coverage were periodically monitored. Additionally, the biomass of the weeds was measured at the end of the season to evaluate the effects of the treatments. Because the almond orchard was not yet in the economic fruit-bearing stage, the effects of the treatments were examined in terms of parameters that characterize almond growth, such as plant height, trunk diameter, shoot length, and shoot thickness. The chlorophyll content and water potential values of the trees were also determined. The results of this two-season study indicated that synthetic mulches provided the best outcomes in terms of weed control and almond growth. No weed emergence was observed throughout the season in any of the synthetic mulch treatments. Although almond shells used as organic mulch were highly effective for blocking sunlight, they failed to prevent the growth of some vigorously growing perennials such as Cynodon dactylon and Sorghum halepense that emerged from gaps. Flame treatments demonstrated rapid and effective results; however, they were less successful against the aforementioned monocot perennial weeds and required frequent repetition because of the lack of residual effects. Glyphosate, an herbicide that is commonly used in conventional orcharding, was applied five times throughout the experiment and proved effective weed management compared with that of the weedy control. However, considering the increasing herbicide resistance, environmental and health issues, and growing interest in organic almond cultivation, synthetic mulch applications have emerged as good options. Despite the initially higher establishment costs, synthetic mulches effectively controlled weeds and reduced water stress, thereby promoting almond tree growth.

Energy Content, Moisture Content, and Energy Assimilation Efficiency by Birds and Mammals of Oil-Containing Seeds and Implications for Seed Treatment Risk Assessments for Birds and Mammals.

Energy content, moisture content, and energy assimilation efficiency are essential parameters in the food intake rate (FIR) and exposure calculations for bird and mammal risk assessments. The updated European Food Safety Authority guidance document on risk assessment for birds and mammals summarizes these parameters for different food items. For seed treatments, values for cereal seeds are proposed as surrogates for other crops. Oil-containing seeds are expected to have a higher energy content than cereal seeds. This would result in lower FIR and, thus, exposure from consuming such seeds. To be able to calculate reliable exposure values for risk-assessment purposes, we conducted a systematic literature review to collect information on these three parameters for oil-containing seeds (sunflower, oilseed rape, soybean, peanut, sesame, safflower, linseed [flax], white mustard, and castor bean). The search yielded 401 papers, of which 151 contained values for at least one of the parameters of the crops in focus. The overall average energy content value of oil-containing seeds was 24.25 kJ/g (n = 124, SD = 3.00), whereas that for moisture content was 6.57% (n = 296, SD = 1.15). Energy assimilation values were only available for peanut, oilseed rape, soy, linseed, and sunflower for a limited number of bird and mammal species. Mean energy assimilation efficiency for mammals was 82.69% (n = 4, SD = 1.55), whereas values for birds were 57.54% (n = 2, SD = 6.77) for Galliformes and 79.25% (n = 2, SD = 1.82) for Passeriformes. The values presented can be used to calculate appropriate FIR values for future bird and mammal risk assessments. Environ Toxicol Chem 2024;43:2080-2085. © 2024 The Author(s). Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.

PENGARUH WAKTU DAN LETAK PEMANGKASAN DAUN TERHADAP PRODUKSI DAN KANDUNGAN GULA TANAMAN JAGUNG MANIS (Zea mays L. Saccharate Sturt)

The study aims to determine the effect of leaf pruning time on the production and sugar content of sweet corn plants, analyze the effect of the location of sweet corn leaf pruning that provides the best production and sugar content, and analyze the effect of the interaction between leaf pruning time and pruning location on the production and sugar content of sweet corn plants. The study was conducted in January - March 2024 in an experimental field at the Gowa Agricultural Development Polytechnic (POLBANGTAN) Campus, Romanglopoa Village, Bontomarannu District, Gowa Regency. This study was conducted using a randomized block design (RBD) consisting of two factors. The first factor is the pruning time which consists of 3 levels: Leaf pruning at the age of 30 Day After Planting (DAP); Leaf pruning at the age of 40 DAP; and Leaf pruning at the age of 50 DAP. The second factor is the location of leaf pruning which consists of 3 levels, namely: Pruning 3 upper leaves; Pruning 3 lower leaves, and Pruning 1 upper leaf and 2 lower leaves. The results showed that pruning the three upper leaves at the age of 50 DAP produced the weight of the cob with the heaviest husk of 420.00 g and was significantly different from other treatments at the same age. The treatment between pruning at the age of 50 DAP and pruning the three upper leaves significantly affected the characteristics of sweet corn cobs, namely the diameter of the cob with the highest husk reaching 50.72 mm. The treatment of pruning at the age of 50 DAP with pruning the three upper leaves also affected the sugar content, with a brix content value reaching 15%, which was significantly different from other treatments at the same age.

교육적 이상향으로서 인문주의에 나타난 ‘안과 밖’의 모순 - 독일 교양시민계층의 사례와 정전(正典) 논쟁을 중심으로

This thesis focuses on two historical cases by comparing the contradiction between the ideal of humanistic education and its realization in the concept of dialectical logic to the inner and outer. The first inside and outside is the socio-political consequence of the Bildung concept, which is the German typical of modern humanist educational ideology, and the educated middle class, which has made it a group identity. The result of the neo-humanistic educational ideals and the instrumentalization of education understood by the German educated middle class shows the modern origin of class inequality in schooling, which is a drastic problem in modern capitalist society. The second contradiction is that between the inner logic of European tradition and values, and the outer logic of non-European perspectives. Humanism has regarded the power-guaranteed classics, called canon, as an absolute value transcending time and society. However, since the middle of the 20th century, the discourse of diversity driven by multiculturalism, criticism of orientalism, feminism, and political correctness debate have raised questions about the canonization itself. Humanism tried to preserve its content value as a European heritage, but from the outside, charges of Eurocentrism were accused. The contradictory attributes of humanism are related to the aporia of discord between the ideology of education and reality.

Changes in the physical, chemical and sensory properties of pasta made by partially substituting wheat flour with black glutinous rice flour

Black glutinous rice flour (BGRF) had the potential to be used as a wheat substitute to increase the health-promoting nutritional value of pasta products. The purpose of this study was to investigate the possibility of using BGRF as an alternative to wheat flour in the production of pasta to improve its nutritional value. The research explored the physical, chemical, sensory properties, and consumer acceptance of pasta formulations with 0%, 20%, 40%, and 60% BGRF substitution. The findings revealed that pigmentation of BGRF contributed to increased phenolic compounds and antioxidant properties, which impacted physical and chemical properties of the pasta. The results indicated that a 40% substitution of BGRF was well-liked by consumers, while a 60% substitution led to decreased acceptance. The physical properties of uncooked pasta (UC-PAS) and cooked pasta (CK-PAS), such as moisture content and color values, were significantly influenced by the percentage of BGRF substitution. Specifically, the moisture content of UC-PAS decreased with higher BGRF substitution, resulting in changes in color values. These changes included an increase in redness, as well as a decrease in lightness and yellowness. Additionally, the pigmentation of BGRF contributed to increased phenolic compounds and antioxidant properties, which affected physical and chemical properties of the pasta. The pasta’s cooking quality, including cooking time (CKT), cooking loss (CKL), and cooking yield (CKY), also showed significant differences with varying percentages of BGRF substitution. Furthermore, the proximate composition indicated that the percentages of ash, protein, fat, and fiber increased as the proportion of BGRF increased, with pasta containing 60% BGRF demonstrating the highest values for these properties. All these findings provide evidence that BGRF substitution had a significant positive impact on the physical, chemical, and sensory properties of pasta. For example, the pasta had better antioxidant properties and was well-accepted by consumers. The potential for enhancing the nutritional profile of pasta products by substituting wheat flour with BGRF is noteworthy. Key words: black glutinous rice, wheat, rice flour, pasta, antioxidant, bioactive compounds

Evaluation of Genetic Diversity in Sorghum Genotypes via Simple Sequence Repeat (SSR) Markers

This study aimed to evaluate the genetic diversity of 20 sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] genotypes via simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers, with a focus on identifying drought-tolerant varieties. Leaf samples were collected from three-week-old seedlings, and genomic DNA was extracted via the CTAB method, a widely recognized protocol for obtaining high-quality DNA. The DNA samples were quantified to ensure consistent template concentrations for amplification via 25 SSR primers. PCR amplification was performed, followed by agarose gel electrophoresis to separate and visualize the SSR band patterns, which were then recorded in a binary matrix format on the basis of the presence or absence of bands. Among the SSR primers used, nine were polymorphic, generating 13 scorable markers, highlighting the genetic variability among the genotypes. The polymorphic information content (PIC) values ranged across the SSR loci, with the Xtxp145 locus exhibiting the highest PIC value of 0.998, indicating its high discriminatory power and informativeness in differentiating between genotypes. Genetic similarity indices were calculated via Jaccard's similarity coefficient [1], and the data were subjected to cluster analysis via the unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean (UPGMA) method. The resulting dendrogram grouped the genotypes into seven main clusters at a 50% similarity threshold, underscoring the genetic diversity present within the sorghum genotypes studied. Cluster I contained a single genotype, SVD-1272R, whereas, Cluster II included seven genotypes with subcluster formation. Cluster III comprised one ungrouped genotype, SPV-486. Cluster IV included eight genotypes, whereas Clusters V, VI, and VII each contained a single ungrouped genotype. This dendrogram illustrates the genetic diversity and relationships among the sorghum genotypes on the basis of similarity indices. The findings of this study confirmed the efficacy of SSR markers in assessing genetic diversity and emphasized their potential utility in breeding programs aimed at improving drought tolerance.

TRACING THE DIVERSITY OF CULTIVATED TRANSGENIC COTTON IN PAKISTAN BY SSR BASED DNA FINGERPRINTING

The introduction of transgenic Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) cotton is one of the success stories of applying biotechnology in agriculture. It also decreased the use of insecticides and the production cost as an environmental and economic benefit, respectively. The use of selective genotypes as a parental material for Bt cotton breeding has resulted in the multiplication of limited germplasm. The main objective of the study was to find out the genetic diversity of cultivated Bt cotton genotypes by fingerprinting. Twenty-two SSR markers were used to analyze the genetic differences in Bt cotton genotypes, collected from two different sources i.e., research institutes and open market. Results showed that the Polymorphism information content (PIC) value ranged from zero to 0.673. A UPGMA based dendrogram divided all the genotypes into four main clusters. Eighty-six percent similarity was observed between VH-282 and AS-01 while the lowest similarity of 45% was found between IUB-222 and FH-167.This diversity of newly introduced transgenic genotypes will help to detect the diverse lines to be used in future for broadening the genetic base of Bt cotton in Pakistan. Another observation was that a genotype, FH-114 oBtained from two sources was clustered in two different clades. This showed the presence of name variants for a particular genotype depicting adulteration of seed available in seed market which need to be addressed. Though the adoption of Bt cotton was rapid, but the economic impact of this adoption was not significant in Pakistan as compared to other developing countries. The identified problem might be one of the reasons, limiting the benefits of this technology to be harvested out of it.

Valorization of tomato processing by-products: Predictive modeling and optimization for ultrasound-assisted lycopene extraction

Lycopene is a carotenoid highly valuable to the food, pharmaceutical, dye, and cosmetic industries, present in ripe tomatoes and other fruits with a distinctive red color. The main source of lycopene is tomato crops. This bioactive component can be successfully isolated from tomato processing waste, commonly called tomato pomace, mostly made from tomato skins, seeds, and some residual tomato tissue. The main investigative focus in this work was the application of green engineering principles in each stage of the optimized ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) of enzymatically treated tomato skins to obtain functional extracts rich in lycopene. The experimental plan was designed to determine the influence of studied operating parameters: enzymatic reaction time (60, 120, and 180 min), extraction time (0, 5, 10, 15, 30, 60, and 120 min), and temperature (25, 35 and 45 ℃) on lycopene yield. Process optimization was performed based on the yield of lycopene [1018, 1067, and 1120 mg/kg] achieved at optimal operating conditions. An artificial neural network (ANN) model was developed and trained for predictive modeling of the closed extraction system, with operating parameters used as input neurons and experimentally obtained values for lycopene content defined as the output neural layer. Applied ANN architecture provided a high correlation of experimental output with ANN-generated data (R=0.99914) with a model deviation error for the entire data set of RMSE=5.3 mg/kg. The k-Nearest Neighbor algorithm was introduced to predict lycopene yield using experimental key features: operating temperature, extraction time, and time of enzymatic treatment, split into training and testing sets with an 85/15 ratio. The model interpretation was conducted through the SHAP (SHapley Additive exPlanations) methodology.

The magma evolutional constrains on the genesis of proximal Zn skarn mineralization: A case study from the Yaojialing deposit in Tongling district, eastern China

The major factors especially the roles of the magma evolution controlling the Zn/Cu mineralization in skarn deposits are still controversial. Yaojialing is a large-sized skarn Zn polymetallic deposit (1.74 Mt Zn at 3.6 %, 30.4 t Au at 4.2 g/t and 24.8 t Cu at 0.83 %) located in the Tongling district of the Middle–Lower Yangtze belt (MLYB), both the proximal and distal areas of the deposit exhibit high Zn/Cu mineralization. The intrusions in Yaojialing primarily consist of quartz monzonite porphyry (QMP) and granodiorite porphyry (GDP), and the QMP is related to skarn mineralization. Both the QMP and GDP display relatively high (87Sr/86Sr)i values (0.707907 to 0.709390), low εNd(t) values (−9.05 to −8.17) and negative εHf(t) values (−8.51 to −11.72), suggesting that they originated from a mixed source of enriched mantle and lower crust. Both the QMP and GDP contain type I and type II amphiboles, while type III amphibole exists only in QMP. Type I amphibole is acicular crystals shape, type II amphibole is euhedral in shape and relatively large in size (0.6–2.0 mm), while type III amphibole crystallized around the margin of type II amphibole. The type I amphibole from QMP and GDP show similar calculated temperatures (948–1010 ℃), pressures (2.9–6.5 kbar, corresponding depths at 11.0 to 24.4 km), fO2 (ΔFMQ = 0.2–1.9) and H2O content (4.2–6.8 wt%). Type II amphibole crystallized at 815–941 ℃, 1.2–2.9 kbar (corresponding to depth of 4.6–11.1 km), ΔFMQ = 0.7–2.1, and 4.4–5.7 wt% H2O. Type III amphibole have a lower temperature (679–795 ℃), pressure (<0.5 kbar) and water content (2.5–4.3 wt%) but higher fO2 value (ΔFMQ = 3.1–3.8) compared to type I and type II amphiboles. Reverse zoning of plagioclase and higher Mg# (74 to 89) of type III amphibole in QMP are resulted from injection of mafic magma at shallow depths, which provide sufficient metal and favorable conditions for the formation of QMP parental magma. Modeling of magma H2O solubility indicates that QMP begins to exsolve fluid at depth of 6.2–11.1 km. Initial low oxygen fugacity and ore-forming element differential release during fluid exsolution process resulted in the high Zn/Cu mineralization at Yaojialing.

Identifying the physiological traits associated with DNA marker using genome wide association in wheat under heat stress

Heat stress poses a significant environmental challenge that profoundly impacts wheat productivity. It disrupts vital physiological processes such as photosynthesis, by impeding the functionality of the photosynthetic apparatus and compromising plasma membrane stability, thereby detrimentally affecting grain development in wheat. The scarcity of identified marker trait associations pertinent to thermotolerance presents a formidable obstacle in the development of marker-assisted selection strategies against heat stress. To address this, wheat accessions were systematically exposed to both normal and heat stress conditions and phenotypic data were collected on physiological traits including proline content, canopy temperature depression, cell membrane injury, photosynthetic rate, transpiration rate (at vegetative and reproductive stage and ‘stay-green’. Principal component analysis elucidated the most significant contributors being proline content, transpiration rate, and canopy temperature depression, which exhibited a synergistic relationship with grain yield. Remarkably, cluster analysis delineated the wheat accessions into four discrete groups based on physiological attributes. Moreover, to explore the relationship between physiological traits and DNA markers, 158 wheat accessions were genotyped with 186 SSRs. Allelic frequency and polymorphic information content value were found to be highest on genome A (4.94 and 0.688), chromosome 1A (5.00 and 0.712), and marker Xgwm44 (13.0 and 0.916). Population structure, principal coordinate analysis and cluster analysis also partitioned the wheat accessions into four subpopulations based on genotypic data, highlighting their genetic homogeneity. Population diversity and presence of linkage disequilibrium established the suitability of population for association mapping. Additionally, linkage disequilibrium decay was most pronounced within a 15–20 cM region on chromosome 1A. Association mapping revealed highly significant marker trait associations at Bonferroni correction P < 0.00027. Markers Xwmc418 (located on chromosome 3D) and Xgwm233 (chromosome 7A) demonstrated associations with transpiration rate, while marker Xgwm494 (chromosome 3A) exhibited an association with photosynthetic rates at both vegetative and reproductive stages under heat stress conditions. Additionally, markers Xwmc201 (chromosome 6A) and Xcfa2129 (chromosome 1A) displayed robust associations with canopy temperature depression, while markers Xbarc163 (chromosome 4B) and Xbarc49 (chromosome 5A) were strongly associated with cell membrane injury at both stages. Notably, marker Xbarc49 (chromosome 5A) exhibited a significant association with the 'stay-green' trait under heat stress conditions. These results offers the potential utility in marker-assisted selection, gene pyramiding and genomic selection models to predict performance of wheat accession under heat stress conditions.

The Effect of Putrescine and Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) Treatments on Fruit Quality Characteristics of Strawberry (Kabarla cultivar) During Cold Storage

Strawberry is a fruit species that must be harvested at full ripening and at the same time has an extremely short shelf life and deteriorates rapidly. Therefore, it is important to extend the shelf life after harvest. In this study, putrescine and modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) were applied during cold storage in order to maintain the quality and extend the shelf life of strawberry fruit. The commercial ripening fruit were treated with 1 mM putrescine and stored in MAP for 20 days. The quality characteristics such as weight loss, soluble solids content, titratable acidity, fruit color, organic acid and phenolic content were measured and analyzed on days 4, 8, 12, 16 and 20 of storage. At the end of 20 days of the cold storage, the highest weight loss was in control treatment (%). The decrease in soluble solids content (SSC) and titratable acidity (TA) values during cold storage was slowed down by MAP and putrescine treatments. Organic acids and phenolic compounds were significantly affected by storage time and MAP and putrescine treatments. After 20 days of the cold storage, citric acid (748.91 mg 100 g -1) and malic acid (258.34 mg 100 g-1), which were determined as basic organic acids, were highest in putrescine treatment. Shikimic acid (0.77 mg 100 g-1) and isocitric acid (112.58 mg 100 g-1) as phenolic compounds were highest in MAP and MAP+ putrescine treatments, respectively. These results releaved that the application of putrescine and modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) during cold storage significantly extends the market life of strawberries by preserving their quality attributes.

How Does Meaning Affect the Perceived Value of Art? The Case of Chinese Calligraphy

How does meaning making affect the perceived value of art? In this paper, we focus on a unique form of art, Chinese calligraphy, to explore the effects of literal meaning on the perceived value of art combining both words and aesthetic quality. Based on a 2*4 between-subjects factorial experiment (n = 451), we find evidence that the provision of transcriptions for Chinese calligraphy artworks can have certain impact on the works’ perceived value. Specifically, our findings suggest that transcriptions enhance the appreciation of the value of the literal content and the perceived beauty of certain artwork. This paper contributes to a better understanding of the effect of meaning on the perceived value of Chinese calligraphy artworks, information supply on aesthetic experiences, and the value of Chinese calligraphy as intangible cultural heritage. Recommendations for stakeholders including auction houses are provided.

Imminent prognosis for piperazinium-based ionic liquids applications for coal desulfurization

Sulfur is one of the most important quality parameters for coal rank and utility in power generation. Combustion of coal having high sulfur content leads to SOx emissions which have detrimental impacts on the environment and human health. For sulfur remediation, N-methyl piperazinium-based room temperature ionic liquids (RTILs) were synthesized with two acidic anions precursors’ dimethyl sulfate and Perchloric acid. These novel RTILs were characterized using standardized analytical techniques of FTIR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, HPLC, and TGA/DSC. Thermal stability of dimethyl piperazinium methyl sulfate [DMPI+][MeSO4−] and methyl piperazinium perchlorate [MPI+][ClO4−] was 284 °C and 256 °C. The proximate and ultimate analysis of coal samples collected from block II of the Thar coal field shows high moisture content (29–47 %) and gross calorific value between 5006–6660 Btu/lb suggesting it is Lignite-B type fuel. Total sulfur content in coal samples was 1–4.1 % reflecting variable degree of sulfurization. Coal cleansing through oxidative extractive desulfurization theme using nifty combinations of these acidic RTILs was verified by HPLC, FTIR, CHNS Elemental Analyzer, and X-ray Florescence (XRF) techniques. Sulfur leaching from the coal matrix was higher for methyl piperazinium perchlorate and an 85 % decrease in the sulfur part of coal along with increased heat content through this study suggests cleaner and sustainable use of coal.

Environmental assessment of soluble solids contents and pH of orange using hyperspectral method and machine learning

Progress in non-destructive methods to detect the characteristics of fruits is a new and attractive process for researchers and specialists in this field. On the other hand, these researchers move toward identifying their impacts on their surroundings in line with diagnostic efficiency. One of these essential impacts is the environmental impact of the non-destructive detection process of fruits. Navel oranges are one of the most popular and widely consumed fruits, whose maturity indices such as soluble solids contents (SSC) values and acidity are considered as parameters in determining the quality of this product. This study used the hyperspectral method in the vis-NIR range to evaluate and measure navel oranges' SSC and acidity values. In the following, by applying the life cycle assessment method, the environmental impacts of measuring and evaluating these two parameters of the characteristics of navel oranges were investigated. The Impact2002+ method was used to evaluate the impact of the life cycle list. Based on the findings, the environmental impacts of SSC measurement are about 40, 42, 20, and 18 % higher than those of the environmental impacts of pH measurement from the point of view of endpoint impacts for Human Health, Ecosystem quality, climate change, and resources, respectively. The random forest modeling results showed a suitable and acceptable correlation and relationship (over 90 %) between the wavelengths selected from the feature selection stage and environmental impacts.

Formulation of a stable diesel microemulsion using eco-friendly ionic liquids and investigation of particle size and fuel properties as an alternative fuel

Ecofriendly ionic liquids (ILs) were synthesized through amidation of ricinoleic acid, the main fatty acid in castor oil, followed by a quaternization reaction to solubilize ethanol in IL/diesel blends at different ratios. As a result, stable and highly renewable, low viscous microemulsion biofuels with high oxygen content were prepared. The prepared fuel samples combine the advantages of green ionic liquids and microemulsion properties. The chemical structures of ILs were confirmed with the aid of NMR and FTIR spectroscopy. DLS analysis revealed that the ethanol particles ranged in size from 8 to 18.1 nm in all samples. As ILs ratios decrease in microemulsion from 37 to 69%, the ethanol particle sizes increase from 10 to 25%. Ethanol shows good solubilization in diesel and IL-1 is more effective than IL-2 in ethanol solubilization at low percentages of ethanol due to more oxygen atoms besides three hydroxyl groups. The ternary phase diagram indicated that the microemulsion area in the case of using IL-1 is larger than that of IL-2. The fuel properties of the prepared microemulsions are nearly close to those of neat diesel and fall within the permitted range of ASTM D975. The viscosity and density values at low ratios of ILs are found to be very close to the values of the neat diesel at different temperatures. The prepared samples show a slight decrease in cetane number and heating value compared to diesel. However, they have improved flash points, cloud points, sulfur content, and acid value. The particle sizes were checked every week and the prepared samples showed high stability with the aid of the synthesized ILs. Moreover, the prepared microemulsions stayed in a transparent appearance for more than a year and no phase separation was observed.

Effect of Organic and Industrial Fertilizers on Reducing Sugar, Specific Gravity, Dry Matter and Starch Composition of Fresh Harvested Irish Potato Varieties in Musanze District Rwanda

Potatoes for use in industrial processing must have a low reducing sugar concentration. This study investigates the impact of organic and synthetic fertilizers on the composition of Irish potato cultivars’ reducing sugar, specific gravity, dry matter, and starch. The research was conducted at Busogo Farm in Rwanda, using randomized complete block designs in seasons 2021 B and 2022 A with rate of ten tones per hectare under the doses of 100%, 50%, and 0% and three hundred kilograms per hector under the dose of 100%, 50% and 0% respectively for farmyard manure and NPK 17.17.17. Results showed significant effects of season and treatment on reducing sugar levels in potatoes. Twihaze and Kirundo varieties recorded high glucose (0.09%), while Gisubizo variety in control, recorded low glucose (0.01%). Additionally, the analysis of variance showed that Irish potato varieties with low to moderate and moderate to high glucose contents, respectively, experienced extremely significant (p 0.001) effects of farmyard manure and NPK on glucose content for the seasons 2021 B and 2022 A. The application of inorganic and organic fertilizers had a significant impact (p 0.05) on dry matter in seasons B and A, according to the analysis of variance. Additionally, the results demonstrated extremely significant (p&lt;0.01) differences in specific gravity and starch in both seasons, with Kinigi variety having higher values of dry matter, specific gravity, and starch content in season B and A, respectively, of 24.58, 1.10, and 18.59%. Season 2022 A’s high decreasing sugar levels were caused by meteorological conditions brought on by the soil’s high moisture content as well as the maturity of the tubers. Due to its low level of reducing sugar, Gikungu, Kirundo, and Kinigi are excellent for chips whereas Twihaze variety is advised for boiling cooking methods.

Comparative analysis of twin-screw pressing and blending methods for walnut oleosome extraction: Yield, physical stability, and functionalities

Walnuts are renowned for their rich oil content and nutritional value, imparting significant health benefits. Walnut oleosomes, naturally present in a pre-emulsified state, can be effectively extracted through aqueous methods. Mechanical processes, such as twin-crew pressing or blending, are commonly employed to disrupt cell walls and extract oleosomes. Our study focused on investigating these two methods under varying soaking pH for walnut oleosomes extraction to develop an efficient extraction process for large-scale production or specific applications. Results showed that the oil content of extracted oleosomes ranged from 84.5% to 89.5%, with no substantial differences noted. Twin-screw pressing significantly achieved higher extraction yields (53.3–57.8%) compared to blending (35.7–36.4%), while blending produced walnut oleosomes with higher zeta potential, viscosity, storage modulus, and smaller particle size, improving physical stability compared to blended samples. The soaking pH levels minimally impacted extraction efficiency and physicochemical attributes of the oleosomes. Overall, blending offered oleosomes with relatively better physical stability, while twin-screw pressing was more advantageous for higher yields, making it more commercially viable for large-scale production. This study underscored the efficiency of sustainable approach in harnessing walnut oleosomes for various industrial applications.