Average Moisture Content Research Articles

Karakteristik Fisiko Kimia dan Organoleptik Bakso Vegetarian Berbasis Tempe Kacang Kedelai dan Kacang Merah (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)

Meatballs are one of the foods that are much liked by the people of Indonesia. Meatballs are generally made from meat, such as chicken, beef or fish. Vegetarians tend to consume meat analogues to replace animal flesh. Analog meat is usually made from legumes such as soybeans and red beans, where protein is an important nutrient needed by a vegetarian. Research using a simple randomized block design (RBD) with 7 treatment levels. The control treatment consisted of 50g of soybean flour and 50g of red bean flour. While the other 6 treatments used a comparison between soybean tempeh and red bean flour, namely 50:50; 55:45 ; 60:40 ; 65:35 ; 70:30 and 75:25. The results showed that the comparison of soybean tempeh and red bean flour had a significant effect on proximate levels (moisture content, ash content, fat content, protein content, carbohydrates), yield and meatball elasticity and had no significant effect on water holding capacity meatball. Treatment using 65g soybean tempeh and 35g red bean flour was the best treatment, with an average moisture content of 56.24%, ash content of 2.21%, fat content of 9.15%, protein content of 11.02%, carbohydrates 21.35%, water holding capacity 117.26%, yield 108.09%, elasticity 100.61gf, aroma 3.06 (rather like), color 3.06 (rather like), texture 3.33 (rather like) and taste 3.53 (towards like).

Unveiling the composition of bio-earth from landfill mining and microplastic pollution.

Landfill mining is the prominent solution for the recovery of resources from legacy waste. The bio-earth recovered from landfill mining is being utilized for a variety of applications like application as fertilizer. The presence of microplastic in the recovered bio-earth disrupts its usefulness. This study investigated the composition and microplastic pollution in bio-earth derived from landfill mining at the Bhandewadi landfill, Nagpur, India. Results provided insights into its characterization and presence of microplastic. The average moisture content of the bio-earth was 25.2 ± 1.1% with total organic carbon of 14.3 ± 0.6%. The bio-earth exhibited a C:N ratio of 16.9 ± 5.0, volatile solid content of 24.6 ± 1.0%, and ash content of 75.4 ± 1.0%. Bulk density was 434.3 ± 37.2kg/m3, pH value 6.91 ± 0.28, and electrical conductivity 4.6 ± 0.7 dS/m. Total nitrogen content was 0.9 ± 0.3%, available phosphorus 2.1 ± 0.3g/kg, and potassium and sodium contents of 12.7 ± 0.4g/kg and 3.9 ± 0.3g/kg, respectively. Heavy metals detected included Fe, Zn, Mn, Cu, Pb, Ni, Cr, and Cd. Microplastics in the bio-earth samples were assessed using attenuated total reflectance-Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR). The amount of microplastics averaged 100,150 ± 29,286 items per kg (dry basis). Additionally, five specific polymer types were prominent as microplastics. Further research and mitigation strategies are necessary to ensure the safe and sustainable use of bio-earth in agriculture and horticulture.

Research and Application of Chemical Water Plugging Technology with High Salt Resistant Gel and Immobile String

Abstract The salinity of formation water in Gasi N1-N2 reservoir is 18 × 104 mg/L, in which calcium and magnesium ions are 6300 mg/L. The conventional gel used for profile control and water plugging has poor salt resistance and is easy to dehydrate under the erosion of formation water; At the same time, the chemical water plugging of oil wells in the past needs to trip down the downhole string for many times, and the construction period is long. In order to solve the former problem, an anti-high salt organic gel suitable for Gasi N1-N21 reservoir is synthesized. The formula is 0.4 wt% SD-3000 + 0.1-0.2 wt% urotropine + 0.05 wt% resorcinol + 0.4 wt% additive. The viscosity of the gel is more than 6000 mPa.s after gelation, and no obvious dehydration phenomenon is found after aging for five months in the formation water environment of Gasi N1-N21 reservoir at 65 °C. The technology of chemical water plugging without moving the string has been innovatively developed, which does not require the operation of tubing and pump during construction. In Gasi N1-N21 reservoir, anti-high salt gel was used to carry out three well-times of chemical water plugging tests without pulling the string, which were all successful, saving 44% of the cost of measures and shortening 78% of the construction period. After water plugging, water production was obviously inhibited, and the average moisture content was reduced from 95% to 45%. The average daily oil increment of a single well was 1.8 tons, and the cumulative oil increment was 1700 tons. The results show that the chemical water plugging technology without pulling string has broad application prospects in Gasi N1-N21 reservoir in Qinghai Oilfield and similar reservoirs in China.

Application of Gum Arabic on the Geotechnical Properties of Subgrade Materials

This study investigates the impact of Gum Arabic on the geotechnical properties of subgrade soil materials, a non-traditional soil stabilization technique. Given the need for sustainable and locally available alternatives in road construction, the study aims to assess how different percentages of Gum Arabic affect the physical and mechanical behavior of soil. The research aims to provide sustainable and locally available alternatives in road construction. Three soil samples were treated with varying percentages of Gum Arabic, (1.5%, 3%, 6% and 12%), and standard geotechnical tests were conducted under both soaked and unsoaked conditions. The results showed that the average natural moisture content of the soils was 7.9%, 2.2%, and 4.6%. The addition of Gum Arabic increased the peak maximum dry density of the soil samples by 8.02%, 1.88, and 7.88%. The maximum unsoaked California Bearing Ratio (CBR) values of soil samples were 32.1%, 81.7%, and 48.7%, respectively. Whereas, maximum soaked CBR values of soils S1, S2 and S3 obtained at 1.5%, 6% and 1.5% additions of gum Arabic were 8.4%, 28.7% and 16.9% respectively. The study recommends using 3% Gum Arabic to improve the CBR property of soil samples. The application of Gum Arabic showed significant improvements in soil behavior under both soaked and unsoaked conditions.

Effects Of Drying Temperatures On Drying Rates And Proximate Composition Of Caulerpa Racemosa Dried Using The Tray Dryer

This study examined the effects of different drying temperatures (50°C, 55°C, and 60°C) on the nutritional attributes of Caulerpa racemosa seaweed to improve preservation techniques. The seaweed's potential as a nutrient source and the challenge of preserving it were explored by drying samples at varying temperatures to assess the impact on quality. Proximate analysis of dried samples was performed to evaluate drying effects, measuring moisture, crude ash, fiber, fat, protein, and carbohydrates using the AOAC methods. This study aimed to find the most viable drying temperature that preserves seaweed quality through a comparative analysis between the three temperatures used in the drying process. The proximate analysis results were averaged and analyzed through statistical analysis (ANOVA and Tukey's HSD Test) to determine significant differences in the data. Samples dried at 55°C for 240 minutes had the lowest ash content (60.94%) and highest fat (1.64%), protein (10.22%), and carbohydrate (19.33%) levels, with a moisture content of 14.94%. The lowest moisture was in samples dried at 60°C, and the highest fiber at 50°C. Ash and protein contents differed significantly, while carbohydrates, fiber, and fat did not. The drying kinetics of the experiment also showed no significant differences when comparing the average moisture content and drying rate at different temperatures. Therefore, it is recommended to dry seaweed at 55°C as it preserves the seaweed's attributes the most. Drying at 50°C took 30 minutes longer and impacted the sample's composition. Further research is needed to identify the best drying parameters and conditions for C. racemosa.

Effects of Water, Fertilizer and Heat Coupling on Soil Hydrothermal Conditions and Yield and Quality of Annona squamosa

Seasonal drought and summer soil high-temperature stress in Southern China often lead to decreased yield and quality of Annona squamosa. It is important to explore reasonable and effective water and fertilizer management measures as well as cover measures to improve the soil hydrothermal conditions in orchards to realize the increase in yield and quality of Annona squamosa. This study involved a two-year (2022–2023) field experiment in Yun County, Lincang City, Yunnan Province, using three factors and a three-level orthogonal test, resulting in nine different experimental treatments for water, fertilizer and heat. The three irrigation levels were W1 (soil moisture content of 55% of field moisture capacity), W2 (soil moisture content of 75% of field moisture capacity) and W3 (soil moisture content of 85% of field moisture capacity). The three fertilizer levels were F1 (1666 kg·hm−2), F2 (2083 kg·hm−2) and F3 (2500 kg·hm−2), and the three cover methods were A1 (no cover), A2 (fresh grass cover) and A3 (straw cover). The effects of these treatments on soil hydrothermal conditions, growth indices and fruit yield and quality of Annona s1uamosa were systematically monitored and analyzed, and the relationships between these treatments and yield and quality was analyzed based on a Mantel test. The results showed that T5 (W2F2A3) had the highest average soil moisture content over two years, followed by T7 (W3F1A3). The T7 (W3F1A3) treatment effectively reduced soil temperature by 5 °C compared to T1 (W1F1A1). T5 (W2F2A3) had the highest average yield over two years, with an increase of 33.99% compared to T1 (W1F1A1). Additionally, T5 (W2F2A3) has the highest average soluble solids, soluble sugars and vitamin C content over two years, with increases of 28.13%, 13.36% and 4.86%, respectively, compared to T1 (W1F1A1). A Pearson correlation analysis showed that there was a significant correlation between Annona squamosa growth and soil moisture content and soil temperature, and the Mantel test showed that soil hydrothermal conditions had significant influence on the growth and yield. T5 (W2F2A3) has the highest comprehensive benefit in promoting growth, increasing yield and improving quality for the plant. The effects of different irrigation quantities, fertilizer amounts and different cover measures on the coupling interaction for soil hydrothermal status in the root zone, growth, yield and quality of Annona squamosa were investigated, providing reliable theoretical support for the scientific planting model of Annona squamosa in the low-heat river valley of Yunnan Province.

Exergy and Energy Analysis of Forced Convective Thin-layer Solar Drying of Tiger Nuts (Cyperus esculantus L.)

Aims: To study the exergy and energy analysis for thin-layer solar drying of tiger nuts; and also to determine the drying kinetics for the thin-layer solar drying of tiger nuts. Study Design: Yellow variety of tiger nuts were dried in a forced convection solar dryer to determine the exergy and energy indices. Place and Duration of Study: Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Nigeria between October, 2022 to March, 2023. Methodology: The experiment was conducted at three different air velocities of 1.5, 2.5, and 3.5 m s-1 and two different loads of 70 and 140 g. The tiger nuts were dried from average initial moisture content of 52% (wb) to final moisture content of 10.2% (wb), at an average temperature range of 50.5 to 51.2 ºC. Energy utilization, exergy loss rate, exergy efficiency, improvement potential, and sustainability index were determined. Results: The results of energy utilization, exergy loss rate and improvement potential ranged from 2.1 to 5.09 W, 0.25 to 0.93 W and 0.08 to 0.54 W respectively; however, these values increased with increasing air velocities and loads. The results of exergy efficiency and sustainability index ranged from 41.8 to 68.49% and 1.72 to 3.17 respectively; these values increased with decreasing air velocities and loads. Graphical plots of moisture content with drying time showed that the moisture content of the tiger nuts decreased with increasing drying time. The characteristic nature of the curve is indicative of the fact that there was an initial higher rate of drying, which gradually declined with drying time. The results also showed that the drying rates of the tiger nuts ranged from 6.03 to 8.44 %MC/hr; and these values varied with the different air velocities and loads. Conclusion: The results from this research will serve as a guide in reduction of energy costs for the optimum design of convective dryers.

Pengaruh Proporsi Angkak (Red Mold Rice) Terhadap Karakteristik Fisikokimia dan Organoleptik Sosis Ikan Nila

The boiling process causes the color of the meat in the sausage to fade, so efforts are needed to improve the color of tilapia sausage using natural dyes that are safe for consumption. The addition of angkak was chosen for food coloring so that it can affect the level of consumer acceptance. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of the addition of angkak proportion on the physicochemical characteristics and organoleptic score of tilapia sausage produced. The treatment added is the proportion of angkak which consists of 6 concentrations, namely 0%, 0.5%, 1%, 1.5%, 2% and 2.5% (% calculated from the total weight of tilapia and tapioca flour). The test parameters were water content, fat content, protein content, antioxidant activity, color intensity, hardness, and organoleptic test of taste, aroma, color, and texture. The best treatment was tilapia sausage with the addition of 1.5% angkak proportion (A3) with an average moisture content of 61.85%; protein 15.87%; fat 15.35%; antioxidant activity 40.49%; texture hardness 31.59 N; color intensity: brightness (L) 44.85; redness (a) 23.37; yellowness (b) 13.05; organoleptic: color 4.23 (red); taste 3.86 (moderately savory); aroma 2.63 (not fishy); texture 4.43 (chewy). Keywords: tilapia sausage, angkak

Effects of Phosphorus Application Levels on Its Uptake and Utilization in Foxtail Millet

Foxtail millet is a traditional minor crop in China, known for its strong resistance to stress, tolerance to barren lands, and wide adaptation. Phosphorus is an essential element for crop growth and development, and the appropriate application of phosphorus can enhance crop yield and quality. However, the optimal phosphorus fertilization levels for the growth of foxtail millet have yet to be determined. This study aims to explore the effects of different phosphorus application levels (T1, T2, T3, and T4), on phosphorus accumulation and use efficiency and crop yield and quality in the foxtail millet cultivars ‘B376’ and ‘B27’, which have different phosphorus efficiencies. Additionally, we investigated the effects of phosphorus accumulation and use efficiency on the heading and filling stages of these cultivars. The results show that the total phosphorus content and accumulation levels in the ‘B376’ and ‘B27’ cultivars vary at different developmental stages and in different plant parts. Furthermore, crop yield and quality in both cultivars vary in response to the different phosphorus application levels. In terms of yield, the phosphorus-tolerant variety ‘B376’ reaches its highest at T2, while the phosphorus-sensitive variety ‘B27’ achieves its maximum yield at T3. For quality, ‘B376’ exhibits the highest moisture and crude fat content under T4, and the highest protein and the lowest amylose content under T3. On the other hand, ‘B27’ achieves its highest moisture content under T4, its highest crude fat and protein levels under T3, and its lowest amylose content under T2. Therefore, the response to different phosphorus application levels differs between the two cultivars with different phosphorus use efficiencies. Moreover, under different phosphorus fertilization levels, the average crop yield, moisture, fat, and amylose content averages of the phosphorus-tolerant ‘B376’ cultivar are 16.1%, 1.2%, 7.0%, and 4.1% higher than those of the phosphorus-sensitive ‘B27’ cultivar. Additionally, phosphorus use efficiency is positively correlated with the moisture and crude fat contents of foxtail millet. In conclusion, the phosphorus-tolerant cultivar demonstrates superior phosphorus accumulation, absorption, and utilization capacities compared to the phosphorus-sensitive cultivar. These results suggest that in the phosphorus-tolerant ‘B376’, optimal phosphorus fertilization levels enhance the development of roots, stems, and leaves at the T2 (P45) level, and promote the accumulation of moisture and crude fat in foxtail millet grains, thereby improving their taste and quality. Our findings provide a theoretical basis for phosphorus fertilizer utilization in foxtail millet cultivation and will help determine the optimal fertilization levels for foxtail millet growth.

Effect of Voltage variation on the Geotechnical Properties and Removal Efficiency of Heavy Metal Contaminants from Contaminated Soil using Electrokinetic Remediation Technique

A lot of research work has shown that despite the effectiveness of the electrokinetic remediation technology in decontaminating heavy metal contaminated soils, more work is still required to fully understand the role of voltage in the remediation process. There is need to establish the optimum voltage that would best remove heavy metals from such contaminated soil and its attendant effect on the geotechnical properties of the remediated soil. Effect of voltage variation on the removal efficiency of lead, copper and the geotechnical properties of remediated heavy metal contaminated soil using electrokinetic remediation technique was investigated in this research. The contaminated soil was remediated by applying direct current (DC) to the remediation setup at 0.5V/cm, 1.0V/cm, 1.5V/cm and 2.0V/cm. The concentration of the heavy metals after remediation were determined using the Oxford Instrument Analyzer to evaluate removal efficiency, geotechnical properties tests were also conducted on the soil specimens at each phase of remediation. The results showed that the lead removal efficiency was highest at 2.0V/cm (86%) with the shortest remediation time of 5days and lowest at 0.5V/cm (39%) at 9days. 52% of copper was removed at 2.0V/cm in 5days and 29% at 0.5V/cm after 9days of remediation. At 1.0V/cm, the lead and copper removal efficiency are 75% and 40% respectively. There was no significant change in the Specific Gravity of all the soil samples with the test results lying between 2.0 and 2.2. The soil is generally silty fine sand with not less than 40% passing the sieve no.200 (75micron). 45% passed through sieve 75micron for unremediated soil and slightly reduced to 40%, 40.4% and 40.2% for 30V, 45V and 60V respectively. The soil is non-plastic with the liquid limit of between 25.8% and 29.5% belonging to the A-4 group of soil. The maximum dry density improved across all the three compactive efforts, from 1.8390g/cm3 to 1.8480g/cm3 with WAS compactive effort and from 1.8000g/cm3 to 1.8320g/cm3 with BSL method with an average optimum moisture content of 10%. The CBR values increases with increase in voltage applied. The unsoaked CBR values averagely increased with 31%, 18% and 7% for BSH, WAS and BSL compactive efforts respectively. The durability index with resistances of 89% and 90% to loss in strength was recorded at 1.0V/cm and 1.5V/cm respectively, this, when compared to the resistance to loss in strength of 71% in unremediated soil has respectively 25.3% and 26.8% durability advantages. There was also a consistent increase in the UCS values, from 381kN/m2 to 474kN/m2 and from 351kN/m2 to 447kN/m2 when WAS and BSL methods of compaction were used. Generally, there was improvement in the geotechnical properties of the remediated soil. These improvements are maximum at 1.0V/cm and 1.5V/cm with little or no further improvement at 2.0V/cm. It is recommended that 1.0V and 1.5V are suitable for remediation purpose since it requires low energy consumption.

A study on the performance of corn grain dryer using hybrid solar drying with liquefied petroleum gas

Corn is a widely produced and consumed agricultural product, used as fuel, staple food, and livestock feed. The high level of corn production can lead to potential post-harvest food losses. Drying methods offer a solution to extend the shelf life of a substance. Hybrid solar drying, which combines solar drying with additional heating, particularly using liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), was introduced in this research to ensure faster and more efficient drying processes. The three drying methods compared in this study consist of open sun drying, natural solar drying, and hybrid solar drying. The research results show an average corn grain moisture content of 13.95% over 10.5 hrs, 13.75% over 6 hrs, 13.65% over 7 hrs, 13.45% over 5 hrs, and 13.65% over 4.5 hrs in open sun drying, natural solar drying, and hybrid solar drying with temperature variables of 40°C, 50°C, and 60°C. The average drying rates were 0.212 g/min, 0.364 g/min, 0.318 g/min, 0.439 g/ min, and 0.477 g/min, respectively. The average drying efficiency values for each variable were 2.968%, 4.719%, 5.358%, 5.271%, and 6.037%. In the proximate test, the corn grain moisture content in the hybrid solar drying variable at 60°C was 13.8%, ash was 1.24%, protein was 7.76%, fat was 4.40%, and carbohydrate was 72.8%. For the corn grain color test, the average values obtained were L = 46.48, a = 4.58, and b = 25.37. Meanwhile, the aflatoxin test for dried corn grains showed values of aflatoxin B1, B2, G1, and G2 <0.5 with a total aflatoxin content <2.00. Therefore, hybrid solar drying is recommended over open sun drying and natural solar drying because of its ability to operate even in unfavorable weather conditions, its temperature control capability, its ability to accelerate the drying process, and its capacity to maintain the quality of the material.

Evaluating the performance effectiveness of briquettes made from coconut dreg charcoal (CDC), tea residue (TR), and cocoa pod (CP)

Abstract Environmental pollution, depletion of fossil fuels, and a significant rise in the human population are contributing to an increase in the greenhouse gas in the atmosphere. Addressing these challenges necessitates the production of clean, low-carbon emission, and sustainable bioenergy, such as briquettes, which can significantly contribute to knowledge and innovation. To assess the effectiveness of briquettes, their characteristics need to be tested using proximate analysis. In examining the characteristics of briquettes, the average moisture content of coconut dreg charcoal and tea residue (CDC+TR) measured 4.835%, contrasting with the 5.9% found in the cocoa pod (CP). The average ash content in CDC+TR was 2.351%, while CP recorded 3.2%. The average volatile matter in CDC+TR was 24.993%, while in CP, it was 31.5%. CDC+TR had an average fixed carbon of 67.815%, compared to CP of 59.5%. Furthermore, the average gross calorific value in CDC+TR was 4562.16 cal/g, whereas in CP, it was 4205.2 cal/g. In conclusion, CP briquettes could serve as an alternative energy source due to ease of production, low sulfur content, and favorable calorific value. CDC+TR, on the other hand, enhanced energy efficiency because of their lower moisture content, ash content, and volatile matter. Additionally, CDC+TR briquettes had higher fixed carbon and gross calorific values compared to CP, making them a suitable energy source.

Drying of a Clayey Ceramic Flat Plate: Simulation Studies Using the Galerkin-Based Integral Method

The ceramics sector is crucial to the global economy. This research is devoted to studying the drying process of ceramic parts with arbitrary shapes based on Fick’s second law of diffusion and energy conservation. Herein, the mathematical procedure to obtain the exact solutions of the model equations using the Galerkin-based integral method is provided. In the mathematical modeling are considered constant properties and equilibrium conditions at the surface of the material. Emphasis is given to clay ceramic flat plate. Analytical results of the average moisture content, local temperature, and moisture content and temperature fields within the ceramic parts are presented, followed by an in-depth discussion.

Assessment of a beeswax-packed domestic solar dryer for sustainable bitter gourd drying: An experimental study

Solar dryers present a clean and affordable solution to food wastage which is one of the biggest concerns of the world. The highest contribution of domestic sector to the global food waste and lack of researches on small-scale solar dryers have created a need to develop sustainable and low cost domestic solar dryers. The present research aims to develop and analyse the output behaviour of a beeswax-packed domestic solar dryer (BDSD) for intermittent bitter gourd drying. The drying kinetics of bitter gourd slices and thermal, economic, environmental and exergetic performances of the BDSD have been evaluated with varying sample masses for passive and active drying conditions. The average final moisture content of the bitter gourd slices for passive and active conditions were found to be 3.26 and 3.93 % (wb), respectively. Midilli-Kucuk model exhibited the strongest fit to the bitter gourd drying behaviour under both the drying conditions. The total moisture evaporation, heat transfer coefficients, thermal efficiency, specific moisture extraction rate, savings for dried bitter gourd slices drying, CO2 mitigation, carbon credit earned and exergy efficiency were found to increase while the drying rate, effective moisture diffusivity, specific energy consumption, costs for bitter gourd slices drying, payback period and energy payback time decreased as the sample mass increased under both drying conditions. The performance of the BDSD was found to be a linear function of sample mass under both drying conditions.

Modeling of moisture content during baking with different approaches for effective diffusivity and evaluation of quality variables in baked potato slices.

Baking is a healthier alternative to frying, since texture, color, smell, and flavor are developed, without adding oil. The objective was to estimate the moisture content in potato slices, during baking using Fick's law of diffusion to model internal moisture transport and to assess the impact on quality attributes. Moisture transport kinetics were examined at three baking temperatures of 120, 130, and 140°C. Fick's law was employed to estimate average moisture content using different methods: considering both a constant (method of slopes by subperiods, MSS; and method of successive approximations, MSA) and a variable (represented as a quadratic function of time, QFT) behavior of effective diffusivity (De). Three quality variables were analyzed: water activity (aw, dew point hygrometry), total color difference (∆E, colorimetry), and fracturability (F, universal testing machine). The diffusivity estimated with the time-varying De method provided a more realistic description of moisture migration during baking. The aw, ∆E, and F for baked potato slices ranged from 0.234 to 0.276, 17.9 to 24.6, and 5.20 to 5.49 N, respectively. These attributes imply improved stability and extended shelf life, showing typical colors and texture changes for baked snacks. These changes are linked to variations in diffusivity, influenced by the size and quantity of micropores within the food structure. This study could allow an accurate prediction of mass transfer by considering variable De, facilitating the optimization of baking conditions. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: The analysis of the moisture content using Fick's law, considering a time-varying diffusivity, enables the optimization of the baking process for foods. This helps minimize the occurrence of defective products.

Effect of basil seed gum coating and ultrasound pretreatment on frying time, oil uptake, hardness, color indexes, and sensory properties of potato slices

Fried food products have low oil content with improved nutritional quality, higher crispiness, and better sensory attributes. Edible coatings can decrease the excessive oil uptake in deep-fat fried food products. Furthermore, ultrasound treatment before frying process decreased oil uptake of food products. So, in this study, the impact of gum edible coating and ultrasonic pretreatment (at two different power levels of 75 and 150 W) on the frying time of potato slices, and moisture percent, oil uptake, texture hardness, surface area change, color parameters (lightness, redness, yellowness, and total color change), and sensory attributes of fried potato slices were examined. Edible coating with basil seed gum (BSG) and ultrasonic pretreatment significantly increased the frying time of the slices (p < 0.05). The average moisture content of the fried slices changed from 49.48 % to 60.55 %, and was further increased by edible coating and ultrasonic treatment. The highest (26.92 %) and lowest (14.56 %) oil uptake were for the uncoated and coated-sonicated (150 W) fried potato slices, respectively. The ultrasound pretreatment significantly increased the hardness of fried potato slices (p < 0.05). The low and high intensity ultrasonic pretreatment (75 W and 150 W, respectively) significantly decreased the crust area change of fried potato slices (p < 0.05). The average lightness index of the fried samples changed from 63.30 to 71.58, and increased with increasing ultrasonic power. The minimum redness, yellowness, and total color change indexes were for the coated and high-power sonicated (150 W) samples, respectively. The highest appearance, odor, texture, flavor, and overall acceptance were for the coated and high-power sonicated (150 W) sample.

Comparison of Radial Ply and Cross Ply Tire in Terms of Achieved Rolling Resistance and Soil Compaction in a Soil Test Channel

Many literature sources state that radial ply tires achieve lower rolling resistance values than cross ply tires. From a certain point of view, radial ply tires are gentler on the ground than cross ply tires. The effort was therefore to experimentally verify this statement for two radial ply and cross ply tires similar in shape and size. The work deals with the diagnostics of rolling resistance levels achieved by radial ply and cross ply tires on selected forest soil under the laboratory conditions of a soil test channel. BKT 210/95 R16 Agrimax RT 855 and Özka 7.50-16 8PR KNK 50 were chosen as radial ply and cross ply tires, respectively, and had approximately the same dimensions. The soil in the soil test channel can be characterized as a loamy sand with an average moisture content of 30% and an initial bulk density of 1445.07 kg·m−3. Another monitored parameter was the diagnostics of changes in soil density caused by tire movement in order to assess the degree of soil compaction. From the results of the work, it follows that there is no statistically significant difference between radial ply and cross ply tires in terms of the achieved levels of rolling resistance on the soil. The observed tires also caused intense compaction of the soil in the soil test channel, especially at higher tire pressures and higher vertical loads. The analysis of the results also shows that changes in tire pressure in both tires cause more energy loss and soil compaction than changes in the vertical load.

Microbiological and physicochemical characterization of organic and nonorganic honey sold in São Paulo State

This study assesses the microbiological and physicochemical quality of organic and nonorganic honey sold in São Paulo State, Brazil. A total of 26 samples were analyzed, 10 samples of organic honey (OH) and 16 of non-organic honey (NOH) sold in São Paulo State, Brazil. Physicochemical analyses revealed notable variations in moisture, acidity, and hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) levels between OH and NOH. The average moisture content was 17.74 ± 1.47 g/100 g for OH and 18.12 ± 1.73 g/100 g for NOH. Regarding acidity, OH had an average of 26.90 ± 14.58 mEq/kg, while NOH had 34.32 ± 11.22 mEq/kg. Regarding HMF, OH had an average of 23.40 ± 38.70 mg/kg and NOH had 35.82 ± 39.94 mg/kg. Samples showing deviations from legal standards indicate potential processing or storage issues. The Fiehe test indicated possible fraud in one OH sample and four NOH samples. The Lund test showed no precipitation in any samples, suggesting adulteration in all of them. Diastatic enzyme research revealed the absence of enzymes in three samples, indicating adulteration or inadequate processing. The mean counts of mesophiles were 23 CFU/g for OH and 55.33 CFU/g for NOH, while the counts of molds and yeasts were 126.5 CFU/g for OH and 2289 CFU/g for NOH, exceeding recommended limits and raising concerns about product safety. These findings underscore the need for rigorous quality control measures throughout honey production to ensure safety, purity, and authenticity.

Air-drying performance of three genotypes of teak wood

The clonal materials of Tectona grandis L. f. in fast-growing plantations exhibit faster growth than the seminal materials. Therefore, it is necessary to investigate the differences in wood drying to ensure the quality and yield of the final product. This study evaluated the outdoor drying behavior of three genotypes of teak lumber. Two clonal genotypes (G1 and G2) and one of seminal origin (G3) were assessed. Boards measuring 30 × 150 × 1000 mm (thickness × width × length) were produced from the basal logs. The average moisture content (79.3, 64.9, and 60,1%), final moisture content (10.8, 9.8, and 11.6%), and mean drying rate (1.2, 0.97, and 0.85%.day-1) were observed in the wood from genotypes G1, G2 and G3, respectively. The clonal material crooked and bowed below 5 mm.m-1, which is considered the tolerance limit for both warpings. The seminal material had a greater incidence of splitting. The clonal genotypes G1 and G2 had similar qualities and presented higher drying rates, final moisture contents below 11% and a lower incidence of defects, especially splitting, compared to the naturally seeded material.

Improving the Representation of Moisture and Convective Instability in Baroclinic-Wave Channel Simulations

Abstract We present an improved approach to generating moist baroclinically unstable background states for f-plane-channel simulations via potential vorticity (PV) inversion. Previous studies specified PV distributions with constant values in the troposphere and the stratosphere, but this produces unrealistic static-stability profiles that decrease sharply with height in the troposphere. Adding moisture to such environments can yield unrealistically large values of convective available potential energy (CAPE) even for reasonable relative humidity (RH) distributions. In our modified approach, we specify a PV distribution that increases with height in the troposphere and the stratosphere, yielding background states with more realistic values of static stability and CAPE. This modification produces environments that are better suited for representing moist processes, namely, deep convection, in idealized extratropical-cyclone simulations. Also, we present a method for introducing moisture that preserves a specified RH distribution while maintaining hydrostatic balance. Our approach allows for a large degree of control over the initial conditions, as background states with different jet strengths and shapes, average temperatures, moisture contents, or horizontal shears can easily be obtained without changing the underlying PV formula and inadvertently producing unreasonable values of static stability or CAPE. We demonstrate the characteristics of idealized extratropical cyclones developing in our background states by adding localized perturbations that represent an upper-level trough passing over a low-level frontal zone. In particular, we illustrate the impacts of horizontal shear, moisture, and grid spacing on baroclinic-wave development.