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Seaweed extract has gained popularity in agriculture due to global trend of promoting sustainable agricultural development. Seaweed contains phytohormones such as IAA and gibberellin and minerals that induce seeds germination. While conventional extraction of seaweeds has been carried out with different organic solvents such as ethanol and methanol, the present study uses natural and commonly available organic liquids i.e., water, vinegar, fermented buttermilk, and cow urine as extracting agents to make them suitable for regenerative agriculture. The organic solvents used in this study have a known nutritional composition and facilitate the enhancement of plant defense systems. Three seaweed species, Caulerpa racemosa, Gracilaria edulis, and Sargassum wightii, were extracted with different solvents at various concentrations and compared. The mineral analysis and FTIR characterization of different seaweeds and their extracts showed variation in composition and functional groups. Seaweed species, however, showed no variation in seed germination. Fermented buttermilk and water extract improved the germination properties of blackgram between 0.1–5% concentrations and led to higher increase in shoot and root length and biomass yield. The hormetic response by blackgram to the seaweed extract was observed starting at an average of 2% concentration with toxicity at 5% concentration and above for water and fermented buttermilk extract. However, vinegar and cow urine extracted seaweed showed toxicity symptoms even at lower concentrations (0.1%) inhibiting germination. Therefore, water and buttermilk extract may be recommended at 0.5–1% for enhanced germination.

Seaweed is an increasingly recognized source of secondary metabolites with a significant role as a plant biostimulant. With the rising popularity of organic farming, there is a pressing need to investigate the utilization of organic solvents derived from natural sources for seaweed extraction. Understanding the composition of these extracts is crucial for elucidating their role as biostimulants in plant growth. Hence, the present study aimed to explore the phytochemical composition and untargeted metabolomics of four extracts of Caulerpa racemosa (SW), prepared organically using vinegar, fermented buttermilk, and cow urine, in comparison with the conventionally used solvent, water. Approximately 95 volatile metabolites that belong to 22 chemical classes were identified through GC–MS analysis. The major classes detected include benzene and its substituted derivatives (24%), fatty acyls (17%), phenols (12%), benzofurans (8%), organo-oxygen compounds (6%), steroids and steroid derivatives (5%), and indole and its derivatives (4%). A significant shift in the composition of volatile metabolites was observed among the organic extracts as determined through a combination of various statistical analyses. A principal component analysis (PCA) highlighted seven principal components (PCs), which accounted for 99.9% of the total variance. Hierarchical cluster analysis delineated two distinct clusters, which signify a clear differentiation among the organic extracts. Furthermore, partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) highlighted 49 volatile metabolites of significant importance, evident from variable importance in projection (VIP) scores of more than 1. These results underscore the intricate and distinct metabolomes inherent in Caulerpa racemosa organic extracts, hinting at their potential as biostimulants for plant growth. This study establishes a foundation for deeper investigations into seaweed extraction utilizing easily accessible organic solvents, presenting potential benefits for farmers.

Background/Objectives: Protein concentration is lower in human milk (HM) than in infant formula. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of an α-lactalbumin-enriched formula with a lower protein concentration on infant growth, protein markers and biochemistries. Subjects/Methods: Healthy term formula-fed (FF) infants 5-14 days old were randomized in this controlled, double-blind trial to standard formula (SF: l4.1 g/l protein, 662 kcal/l) group (n = 112) or experimental formula (EF: 12.8 g/l protein, 662 kcal/l) group (n = 112) for 120 days; a HM reference group (n = 112) was included. Primary outcome was weight gain (g/day) from DO to D120. Secondary outcomes included serum albumin, plasma amino acids insulin and incidence of study events. Anthropometric measures were expressed as Z-scores using 2006 World Health Organization growth standards. Results: A total of 321 of the 336 infants (96%) who enrolled, completed the study. Mean age was 9.6 (± 2.9) days; 50% were girls. Mean weight gain (g/day) did not significantly differ between SF vs EF (P = 0.67) nor between EF vs HM (P = 0.11); however weight gain (g/day) was significantly greater in the SF vs HM group (P = 0.04). At day 120, mean weight-for-age Z-score (WAZ) and weight-for-length Z-score (WLZ) did not significantly differ between SF vs EF nor EF vs HM; however the WAZ was significantly greater in SF vs Hm (P = 0.025). Secondary outcomes were within normal ranges for all groups. Incidence of study events did not differ among groups. Conclusions: α-Lactalbumin-enriched formula containing 12.8 g/l protein was safe and supported age-appropriate growth; weight gain with EF was intermediate between SF and HM groups and resulted in growth similar to HM-fed infants in terms of weight gain, WAZ and WLZ. European Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2011) 65, 167-174; doi: 10.1038/ejcn.2010.236; published online 10 November 2010 Keywords: protein; infant formula; a-lactalbumin; growth; human milk; weight gain, Introduction Human milk (HM) is the gold standard of early infant nutrition. The World Health Organization (World Health Organization, 2003) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (Koosha et al, 2008; [...]

Predicting crop yield at preharvest is pivotal for agricultural policy and strategic decision making. Despite global agricultural targets, labour-intensive surveys for yield estimation pose challenges. Using unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)-based multispectral sensors, this study assessed crop phenology and biotic stress conditions using various spectral vegetation indices. The goal was to enhance the accuracy of predicting key agricultural parameters, such as leaf area index (LAI), soil and plant analyser development (SPAD) chlorophyll, and grain yield of maize. The study’s findings demonstrate that during the kharif season, the wide dynamic range vegetation index (WDRVI) showcased superior correlation coefficients (R), coefficients of determination (R2), and the lowest root mean square errors (RMSEs) of 0.92, 0.86, and 0.14, respectively. However, during the rabi season, the atmospherically resistant vegetation index (ARVI) achieved the highest R and R2 and the lowest RMSEs of 0.83, 0.79, and 0.15, respectively, indicating better accuracy in predicting LAI. Conversely, the normalised difference red-edge index (NDRE) during the kharif season and the modified chlorophyll absorption ratio index (MCARI) during the rabi season were identified as the predictors with the highest accuracy for SPAD chlorophyll prediction. Specifically, R values of 0.91 and 0.94, R2 values of 0.83 and 0.82, and RMSE values of 2.07 and 3.10 were obtained, respectively. The most effective indices for LAI prediction during the kharif season (WDRVI and NDRE) and for SPAD chlorophyll prediction during the rabi season (ARVI and MCARI) were further utilised to construct a yield model using stepwise regression analysis. Integrating the predicted LAI and SPAD chlorophyll values into the model resulted in higher accuracy compared to individual predictions. More exactly, the R2 values were 0.51 and 0.74, while the RMSE values were 9.25 and 6.72, during the kharif and rabi seasons, respectively. These findings underscore the utility of UAV-based multispectral imaging in predicting crop yields, thereby aiding in sustainable crop management practices and benefiting farmers and policymakers alike.

Detecting different wavelengths and intensities of environmental light is crucial for the survival of many animals. In response, a multiplicity of opsins (a special group of photosensitive G protein-coupled receptors), when combined with a retinal chromophore, is able to directly detect light and initiate different downstream phototransduction signaling cascades. Although avian studies from the 1930s suggested the presence of deep brain photoreceptors that could respond to seasonal changes in the light/dark cycle, it was only a few decades ago that photopigments other than those found in the visual system (i.e. rods and cones) were identified as functional photoreceptors. It is now established that several classes of non-visual photoreceptors and the photopigments they express, in lower vertebrates to higher mammals alike, can regulate a plethora of mechanisms that function outside of vision. These include the synchronization of light/dark cycles with biological/cellular rhythms of the body (i.e. photoentrainment); melanogenesis in dermal tissues; thermoregulation in adipose tissue; embryonic eye development; smooth muscle relaxation; and the development of certain cancers. These and other mechanisms have been shown, in part at least, to be controlled by the expression of three important non-visual opsin genes, namely OPN3, OPN4 and OPN5, although other vertebrate opsin classes exist, many with unknown or unclear functional roles assigned to them presently. Specifically, these three opsins have been shown to be expressed during early embryogenesis and throughout adulthood, which will be discussed here. Moreover, this review highlights recent studies that focus on several key non-image-forming functional roles of OPN3, OPN4 and OPN5, and in particular those that impact photoreception in developing structures and pathways, as well as in adulthood.

Significant advancements have been made in the development of CO2 reduction processes for applications such as electrosynthesis, energy storage, and environmental remediation. Several materials have demonstrated great potential in achieving high activity and selectivity for the desired reduction products. Nevertheless, these advancements have primarily been limited to small-scale laboratory settings, and the considerable technical obstacles associated with large-scale CO2 reduction have not received sufficient attention. Many of the researchers have been faced with persistent challenges in the catalytic process, primarily stemming from the low Faraday efficiency, high overpotential, and low limiting current density observed in the production of the desired target product. The highlighted materials possess the capability to transform CO2 into various oxygenates, including ethanol, methanol, and formates, as well as hydrocarbons such as methane and ethane. A comprehensive summary of the recent research progress on these discussed types of electrocatalysts is provided, highlighting the detailed examination of their electrocatalytic activity enhancement strategies. This serves as a valuable reference for the development of highly efficient electrocatalysts with different orientations. This review encompasses the latest developments in catalyst materials and cell designs, presenting the leading materials utilized for the conversion of CO2 into various valuable products. Corresponding designs of cells and reactors are also included to provide a comprehensive overview of the advancements in this field.

Water electrolysis is an important alternative technology for large-scale hydrogen production to facilitate the development of green energy technology. As such, many efforts have been devoted over the past three decades to producing novel electrocatalysis with strong electrochemical (EC) performance using inexpensive electrocatalysts. Transition metal oxyhydroxide (OxH)-based electrocatalysts have received substantial interest, and prominent results have been achieved for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) under alkaline conditions. Herein, the extensive research focusing on the discussion of OxH-based electrocatalysts is comprehensively highlighted. The general forms of the water-splitting mechanism are described to provide a profound understanding of the mechanism, and their scaling relation activities for OxH electrode materials are given. This paper summarizes the current developments on the EC performance of transition metal OxHs, rare metal OxHs, polymers, and MXene-supported OxH-based electrocatalysts. Additionally, an outline of the suggested HER, OER, and water-splitting processes on transition metal OxH-based electrocatalysts, their primary applications, existing problems, and their EC performance prospects are discussed. Furthermore, this review article discusses the production of energy sources from the proton and electron transfer processes. The highlighted electrocatalysts have received substantial interest to boost the synergetic electrochemical effects to improve the economy of the use of hydrogen, which is one of best ways to fulfill the global energy requirements and address environmental crises. This article also provides useful information regarding the development of OxH electrodes with a hierarchical nanostructure for the water-splitting reaction. Finally, the challenges with the reaction and perspectives for the future development of OxH are elaborated.

Sleep is an essential physiological process, which profoundly affects a wide range of biological activities. It is now known that sleep supports myriad vital functions in the central nervous system. This includes neural plasticity, learning, memory, cognition and emotional regulation. Additionally, it affects basic processes such as cardiovascular, immunological and metabolic activity. Evidence from multiple lines of research has thus shown that good quality of sleep is essential for both survival and optimal functioning of life. Considerable evidence also supports the conclusion that even minimal dysfunctions in circadian regulation can significantly disrupt sleep and broadly affect body physiology. As a consequence, it is now appreciated that the therapy of sleep disorders is more complex than was once thought. At present, several clinical disciplines have recognized the significance of the biological clock in health and illness, and are incorporating this knowledge into treatment programs. Recent decades have seen the emergence of chronotherapies, i.e., treatment strategies that are aimed at producing adjustments in the circadian clock. The final objective of these approaches is to affect basic cellular and physiological processes, which in turn may be at the root of disorders such as physiological aging, immune functioning, metabolic activity, and psychiatric disturbance. It is suggested that the integration of chronobiological perspectives into many mainstream medical disciplines would be of significant benefit, both for the reduction of the prevalence of diseases and their treatment. This review considers the physiology of sleep and the importance of timekeeping mechanisms in the regulation of overall health.

The addition of hollow aluminium oxide bubbles to the 7075 aluminium matrix results in a lightweight syntactic foam with a reduced density and an increased peak compression strength. The presence of ceramic bubbles also aids in a reduced coefficient of thermal expansion and thermal conductivity in comparison to aluminium alloys. In spite of their enhanced material properties, the inclusion of hollow aluminium oxide bubbles presents the challenge of poor machinability. In order to elucidate the problem of poor surface machinability, an attempt has been made to develop a thermo-mechanical finite element machining model using AdvantEdgeTM software with which surface quality and machined syntactic foam material can be analyzed. If the novel model developed is combined with virtual reality technology, CNC technicians can observe the machining results to evaluate and optimize the machining program. The main novelty behind this software is that the material foam is assumed as a homogeneous material model for simplifying the material model as a complex heterogeneous material system. The input parameters used in this study are cutting speed, feed, average size and volume fraction of hollow aluminium oxide bubbles, and coolant. For the output parameters, the numerical analysis showed a 6.24% increase in peak tensile machining induced stress as well as a 51.49% increase in peak cutting temperature as cutting speed (25 m/min to 100 m/min) and uncut chip thickness (0.07 mm to 0.2 mm) were increased. The average size and volume fraction of hollow aluminium oxide bubbles showed a significant impact on the magnitude of cutting forces and the depth of tensile induced stress distribution. It was observed on the machined surface that, as the average size of hollow aluminium oxide bubbles became coarser, the peak machining induced tensile stress on the cut surface reduced by 4.47%. It was also noted that an increase in the volume fraction of hollow aluminium oxide bubbles led to an increase in both the peak machining induced tensile stress and the peak cutting temperature by 29.36% and 20.11%, respectively. This study also showed the influence of the ceramic hollow bubbles on plastic deformation behavior in 7075 aluminium matrix; the machining conditions for obtaining a favorable stress distribution in the machined surface and sub-surface of 7075 closed cell syntactic foam are also presented.

In this study, the drilling performance of biodegradable grade Mg-9Al-1.4Zn alloy reinforced with hollow thin-walled Al2O3 microspheres is inspected under different coolant environments such as dry, Almag® mineral oil, and liquid nitrogen. Drilling experiments were carried out using titanium aluminum nitride PVD coated and uncoated K10 tools on varying volume fractions of magnesium syntactic foams (5%, 10%, and 15%) reinforced with hollow Al2O3 microspheres. Test results showed a 30–60% higher thrust force generated with liquid nitrogen drilling in comparison to dry and oil-based drilling while cutting higher volume fraction foams. Higher microsphere volume fractions of syntactic foam recorded higher machining forces, which is roughly a 200% increase as the volume fraction raised to 15%. The performance of TiAlN PVD tool coating is reflected through a reduction in thrust forces by 20% during cryogenic drilling. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) investigation of cryogenic-machined bore surfaces showed minimal drilling-induced surface defects compared to dry and Almag® mineral oil conditions. A three-dimensional, thermo-mechanical finite element-based model for drilling Mg-9Al-1.4Zn syntactic foam using AdvantEdgeTM is developed for different sustainable lubrication conditions. Surface finish (Ra) showed a 45–55% improvement during cryogenic drilling of 15% syntactic foams with minimized subsurface damages compared to dry and wet cutting conditions. The higher the volume fraction, the higher the surface roughness (Ra) and thrust force under cryogenic machining.

Modification of cellulosic fabric was carried out using the eco-friendly (MCT-β-CD) polymer via pad-dry-cure method. These polymer solutions were cross-linked with cellulose, using citric acid as cross linker. A cost-effective synthesis of magnesium oxide (MgO) nanoparticles was prepared by the sol-gel method. The unmodified and modified cellulose fabrics were confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and SEM with EDX analysis. The biocidal activities of unmodified and modified cellulose were measured by agar diffusion method for some species of microorganisms, including Staphylococcus aureus (gram-positive), Escherichia coli (gram-negative), Candida albicans (gram-positive) and Aspergillus niger (gram-negative), respectively. The modified cellulose has been improved antimicrobial efficiency for kid's clothes, inner wear, sportswear and medical bandage cloths. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Epidemiological studies since 1980 have shown significant increases in the incidence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The public health burden generated by the growing prevalence of T2DM, which, in its fully developed form, is a lifelong illness, has been associated with further social and economic costs in affected countries. Recent studies have suggested that chronic sleep insufficiency or disrupted or poor quality sleep could contribute to the development of T2DM. Although many research findings have now shown that sleep plays a key role in glucose metabolism, the full implications of these findings have not been translated into clinical programs for improving patients’ sleep quality as a means for addressing the treatment of T2DM. The purpose of this brief overview is to focus on the clinical significance of sleep in the onset and treatment of T2DM. We suggest here that physician education should emphasize the importance of sufficient sleep for overall health, including the management of T2DM, and that steps should be taken to incorporate this perspective into clinical practice. The promotion of sleep hygiene techniques as a clinical intervention could improve the regulation of glucose metabolism and thus the longevity of T2DM patients. Moreover, it may prevent secondary complications accruing from the illness and consequently reduce the significant medical costs of treating T2DM patients.

Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are a spectrum of neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by impaired social interaction and communication, as well as stereotyped and repetitive behaviors. ASDs affect nearly 2% of the United States child population and the worldwide prevalence has dramatically increased in recent years. The etiology is not clear but ASD is thought to be caused by a combination of intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Circadian rhythms are the ∼24 h rhythms driven by the endogenous biological clock, and they are found in a variety of physiological processes. Growing evidence from basic and clinical studies suggest that the dysfunction of the circadian timing system may be associated with ASD and its pathogenesis. Here we review the findings that link circadian dysfunctions to ASD in both experimental and clinical studies. We first introduce the organization of the circadian system and ASD. Next, we review physiological indicators of circadian rhythms that are found disrupted in ASD individuals, including sleep–wake cycles, melatonin, cortisol, and serotonin. Finally, we review evidence in epidemiology, human genetics, and biochemistry that indicates underlying associations between circadian regulation and the pathogenesis of ASD. In conclusion, we propose that understanding the functional importance of the circadian clock in normal and aberrant neurodevelopmental processes may provide a novel perspective to tackle ASD, and clinical treatments for ASD individuals should comprise an integrative approach considering the dynamics of daily rhythms in physical, mental, and social processes.

Aluminum closed cell syntactic foams possess reduced density, higher peak compression strength, and lower coefficient of thermal expansion and thermal conductivity compared to metal alloys. However, the industrial mass production of these complex material systems presents a significant problem in the form of poor machinability. In order to address this concern and to increase the use of this potential cost- and energy-saving system, a two-dimensional numerical model using the AdvantEdgeTM machining software was developed. For the verification of the numerical model, machining trials in dry conditions were conducted on different samples using a SandvikTM carbide-coated insert having a 6° rake angle and a 7° clearance angle. The hollow alumina shell diameter and volume fraction were found to profoundly affect the magnitude of the generated machining forces. This study showed an increase in machining force by almost 25% for syntactic foams reinforced with hollow alumina shells of higher volume fraction and coarser diameters. The cutting conditions to obtain a favorable stress diastribution in the syntactic foam’s machined sub-surface were identified.