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Almonds ( ; family Rosaceae) contain 18-25% protein (dry weight). They are an important plant-based protein source in dairy alternatives and other functional foods. The hard and dense nature of almond kernels and the localization of proteins with lipid bodies in the cotyledons of almond seeds make it challenging to recover protein from the seed efficiently and preserve its function. Therefore, this review evaluates the influence of pretreatments, including blanching, grinding, and defatting, on almond protein recovery and functionality, and compares conventional and emerging technologies for almond protein. Traditional protein extraction techniques such as alkaline extraction-isoelectric precipitation (AE-IEP), aqueous extraction, and salt extraction provide moderate-to-high protein yields, but harsh processing conditions denature the proteins, decrease solubility, and cause functional properties to be lost. On the other hand, emerging protein extraction technologies (including enzyme-assisted aqueous extraction (EAE) ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), microwave-assisted extraction (MAE), high-pressure processing (HPP), and pulsed electric field (PEF) treatment) improve protein recovery, resulting in protein extract with superior functional properties and reduced allergenicity. However, their application in industry remain challenging. This review reveals that pretreatment approaches and conditions/parameters significantly influence protein extraction efficiency and the functional and structural properties of almonds, and that no single method is universally optimal. This review concludes that controlled enzymatic hydrolysis combined with physical pretreatment may be the best approach for producing high-value-added almond protein ingredients with specific techno-functional properties for use in plant-based beverages, hypoallergenic products, or nutraceuticals. More research is needed to develop an efficient, applicable, sustainable and eco-friendly almond protein extraction process, optimizing processing conditions to achieve high protein recovery while retaining desirable functional properties, and reduce operating costs.

Objective: To compare efficacy of block, safety profile and frequency of adverse effects after using conventional Halstead technique versus experimental modified Halstead technique for inferior nerve block in patients planned for third molar extraction Study Design: Quasi-experimental study Place and Duration of Study: Orthodontics department of Armed Forced Institute of Dentistry (AFID), Rawalpindi, Pakistan, from Jun 2024 to Jul 2025 Methodology: Participants were placed in Group-A (n=160) to receive conventional Halstead approach for the block and Group B (n=160) to receive modified infra alveolar block technique for a modified Halstead approach. Primary variables studied were frequency of re-anesthesia required due to persistent pain after starting the procedure, electric discharge sensation felt, local complications including swelling and bleed, mean onset of block time at the level of tongue and lower lip. Secondary variables studied were pain during injection and extraction. Results: Median pains scores on the VAS during injection were 2.00 (2.00) versus 3.00 (2.00) (p<0.001) and median pain scores during extraction were 3.00 (2.00) versus 5.00 (3.00) (p<0.001). Re-anesthesia requirement was seen in 46(28.7%) patients in Group-A versus 72(45.0%) patients in Group-B (p=0.003). Complete block failure was reported in 05(3.1%) patients in Group-A versus 08(5.0%) patients in Group-B (p=0.396). Conclusion: Conventional Halstead approach still offers the better patient outcomes with respect of onset of block time, frequency of local complications, median pain scores during the procedure, requirement of re-anesthesia and overall block failure.

In recent days, due to potential growth of vehicle usage, the researchers have to concentrate on abnormal vehicle identification areas to provide solutions to avoid accidents. Though many vehicle identification works have been done by applying machine and deep learning approaches, still there is some problem with handling repetition frames and identifying the abnormal vehicles among vehicles in a camera. To overcome these challenges, this paper introduces KFEAVI (Key Frame Extraction based Abnormal Vehicle Identification) technique that uses statistical feature extraction technique and constrained angular second moment technique. The statistical feature extraction technique is used to extract the key frames in a statistical way by using beta distribution estimation. This technique handles well for both gradual and abrupt content changes in frames. The constrained angular second moment method is applied to find the vehicles to identify the abnormal vehicles movement. The experimental results are carried out using Car Accident Detection Dataset (CADP). For evaluating performance of KFEAVI, several algorithms are compared with the KFEAVI. The experimental results reveal that the KFEAVI achieved better results in terms of F-score.

Different parts of a plant (seeds, fruits, flower, leaves, stem, and roots) contain numerous biologically active compounds called “phytoconstituents” that consist of phenolics, minerals, amino acids, and vitamins. The conventional techniques applied to extract these phytoconstituents have several drawbacks including poor performance, low yields, more solvent use, long processing time, and thermally degrading by-products. In contrast, modern and advanced extraction nonthermal technologies such as pulsed electric field (PEF) assist in easier and efficient identification, characterization, and analysis of bioactive ingredients. Other advantages of PEF include cost-efficacy, less time, and solvent consumption with improved yields. This review covers the applications of PEF to obtain bioactive components, essential oils, proteins, pectin, and other important materials from various parts of the plant. Numerous studies compiled in the current evaluation concluded PEF as the best solution to extract phytoconstituents used in the food and pharmaceutical industries. PEF-assisted extraction leads to a higher yield, utilizes less solvents and energy, and it saves a lot of time compared to traditional extraction methods. PEF extraction design should be safe and efficient enough to prevent the degradation of phytoconstituents and oils.

Green extraction techniques (GreETs) emerged in the last decade as greener and sustainable alternatives to classical sample preparation procedures aiming to improve the selectivity and sensitivity of analytical methods, simultaneously reducing the deleterious side effects of classical extraction techniques (CETs) for both the operator and the environment. The implementation of improved processes that overcome the main constraints of classical methods in terms of efficiency and ability to minimize or eliminate the use and generation of harmful substances will promote more efficient use of energy and resources in close association with the principles supporting the concept of green chemistry. The current review aims to update the state of the art of some cutting-edge GreETs developed and implemented in recent years focusing on the improvement of the main analytical features, practical aspects, and relevant applications in the biological, food, and environmental fields. Approaches to improve and accelerate the extraction efficiency and to lower solvent consumption, including sorbent-based techniques, such as solid-phase microextraction (SPME) and fabric-phase sorbent extraction (FPSE), and solvent-based techniques (μQuEChERS; micro quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe), ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), and microwave-assisted extraction (MAE), in addition to supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) and pressurized solvent extraction (PSE), are highlighted.

The extraction of bioactive compounds of pharmaceutical interest from natural sources has been significantly explored in recent decades. However, the extraction techniques used were not very efficient in terms of time and energy consumption; additionally, the solvents used for the extraction were harmful for the environment. To improve the environmental impact of the extractions and at the same time increase the extraction yields, several new extraction techniques were developed. Among the most used ones are ultrasound-assisted extraction and microwave-assisted extraction. These extraction techniques increased the yield and selectivity of the extraction in a smaller amount of time with a decrease in energy consumption. Nevertheless, a high volume of organic solvents was still used for the extraction, causing a subsequent environmental problem. Neoteric solvents appeared as green alternatives to organic solvents. Among the neoteric solvents, deep eutectic solvents were evidenced to be one of the best alternatives to organic solvents due to their intrinsic characteristics. These solvents are considered green solvents because they are made up of natural compounds such as sugars, amino acids, and carboxylic acids having low toxicity and high degradability. In addition, they are simple to prepare, with an atomic economy of 100%, with attractive physicochemical properties. Furthermore, the huge number of compounds that can be used to synthesize these solvents make them very useful in the extraction of bioactive compounds since they can be tailored to be selective towards a specific component or class of components. The main aim of this paper is to give a comprehensive review which describes the main properties, characteristics, and production methods of deep eutectic solvents as well as its application to extract from natural sources bioactive compounds with pharmaceutical interest. Additionally, an overview of the more recent and sustainable extraction techniques is also given.

This review explores eco-friendly methods for extracting bioactive natural products from diverse sources. The introductory exploration emphasizes the increasing demand for sustainable extraction methods, with a focus on the environmental impact of conventional approaches. Addressing existing knowledge gaps, this review outlines the key objectives of evaluating various green extraction technologies, including supercritical fluid extraction, pressurized liquid extraction, ultrasound-assisted extraction, enzyme-assisted extraction, and others. The primary findings underscore the remarkable potential and advancements achieved with green solvents, specifically deep eutectic solvents and bio-based solvents. This review elucidates the synergistic effects achieved by combining different extraction techniques, exemplified by ultrasound-microwave-assisted extraction and sequential supercritical fluid and pressurized liquid extraction, among others. Notwithstanding the promising results, this review emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and addressing challenges such as standardization, selectivity, scalability, and economic viability.

Essential oils (EOs) are complex mixtures of volatile compounds extracted from different parts of plants by different methods. There is a large diversity of these natural substances with varying properties that lead to their common use in several areas. The agrochemical, pharmaceutical, medical, food, and textile industry, as well as cosmetic and hygiene applications are some of the areas where EOs are widely included. To overcome the limitation of EOs being highly volatile and reactive, microencapsulation has become one of the preferred methods to retain and control these compounds. This review explores the techniques for extracting essential oils from aromatic plant matter. Microencapsulation strategies and the available technologies are also reviewed, along with an in-depth overview of the current research and application of microencapsulated EOs.

Pesticides are among the most important contaminants worldwide due to their wide use, persistence, and toxicity. Their presence in soils is not only important from an environmental point of view, but also for food safety issues, since such residues can migrate from soils to food. However, soils are extremely complex matrices, which present a challenge to any analytical chemist, since the extraction of a wide range of compounds with diverse physicochemical properties, such as pesticides, at trace levels is not an easy task. In this context, the QuEChERS method (standing for quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe) has become one of the most green and sustainable alternatives in this field due to its inherent advantages, such as fast sample preparation, the minimal use of hazardous reagents and solvents, simplicity, and low cost. This review is aimed at providing a critical revision of the most relevant modifications of the QuEChERS method (including the extraction and clean-up steps of the method) for pesticide-residue analysis in soils.

Preparing a sample for analysis is a crucial step of many analytical procedures. The goal of sample preparation is to provide a representative, homogenous sample that is free of interferences and compatible with the intended analytical method. Green approaches to sample preparation require that the consumption of hazardous organic solvents and energy be minimized or even eliminated in the analytical process. While no sample preparation is clearly the most environmentally friendly approach, complete elimination of this step is not always practical. In such cases, the extraction techniques which use low amounts of solvents or no solvents are considered ideal alternatives. This paper presents an overview of green extraction procedures and sample preparation methodologies, briefly introduces their theoretical principles, and describes the recent developments in food, pharmaceutical, environmental and bioanalytical chemistry applications.