High Chemical Quality Research Articles

Glucosinolates in non-Brassicales plant species: Critical literature evaluation and testing of two high chemical quality reports

Glucosinolates (GSLs) are secondary metabolites mainly found in the plant order Brassicales. We critically evaluate reports of GSLs in other orders of flowering plants, propose standards for future reports and subject two cases to rigorous testing. Reports of GSLs in non-Brassicales species should live up to state-of-the-art scientific standards concerning chemical evidence, botanical evidence and biological replication. Occurrence of GSLs in the family Putranjivaceae, order Malpighiales (genera Putranjiva and Drypetes) was reasonably supported, but state-of-the-art confirmation was required. Hence, the taxonomic identity of Putranjiva roxbughii seeds with the previously known GSL profile was confirmed using DNA-based methods. Similarly, good suggestive evidence exist from the family Violaceae, order Malpighiales, but in need of confirmation. No other report of any GSL in a non-Brassicales species meet the proposed scientific standards, but suggestive evidence exists for the family Phytolaccaceae, order Caryophyllales and to a lesser extent family Celastraceae, order Celastrales. A recent report of a GSL in a tropical plant suggested to be a species in the order Sapindales was subjected to a rigorous testing in terms of chemical analysis, biological replication and botanical identification including DNA sequencing. We confirmed the original report concerning chemical structure and reproducibility but revised the botanical identification to a species from the Brassicales order (family Capparidaceae). Hence this paper also reports myrosinase activity, isothiocyanate-type GSL products from roots and stems, and GSL profile of roots, stems, leaves and fruits of Capparis sepiaria L., dominated by Leu-derived 2-methylpropyl GSL in vegetative parts, Val-derived 1-methylethyl GSL and Ile-derived 1-methylpropyl GSL in fruits, and additionally Trp-derived indol-3-ylmethyl GSL and 4-hydroxyindol-3-ylmethyl GSL in immature fruits. Several other GSLs were searched for and conclusively not found above the limit of detection.

Rationally Engineered Vertically Aligned β‐Ga2−xWxO3 Nanocomposites for Self‐Biased Solar‐Blind Ultraviolet Photodetectors with Ultrafast Response

AbstractWith the astonishing advancement of present technology and increasing energy consumption, there is an ever‐increasing demand for energy‐efficient multifunctional sensors or transducers based on low‐cost, eco‐friendly material systems. In this context, self‐assembled vertically aligned β‐Ga2−xWxO3 nanocomposite (GWO‐VAN) architecture‐assisted self‐biased solar‐blind UV photodetection on a silicon platform, which is the heart of traditional electronics is presented. Utilizing precisely controlled growth parameters, the formation of W‐enriched vertical β‐Ga2−xWxO3 nanocolumns embedded into the W‐deficient β‐Ga2−xWxO3 matrix is reached. Detailed structural and morphological analyses evidently confirm the presence of β‐Ga2−xWxO3 nanocomposite with a high structural and chemical quality. Furthermore, absorption and photoluminescence spectroscopy explains photo‐absorption dynamics and the recombination through possible donor–acceptor energy states. The proposed GWO‐VAN framework facilitates evenly dispersed nanoregions with asymmetric donor energy state distribution and thus forms build‐in potential at the vertical β‐Ga2−xWxO3 interfaces. As a result, the overall heterostructure evinces photovoltaic nature under the UV irradiation. A responsivity of ≈30 A/W is observed with an ultrafast response time (≈350 µs) under transient triggering conditions. Corresponding detectivity and external quantum efficiency are 7.9 × 1012 Jones and 1.4 × 104%, respectively. It is believed that, while this is the first report exploiting GWO‐VAN architecture to manifest self‐biased solar‐blind UV photodetection, the implication of the approach is enormous in designing electronics for extreme environment functionality and has immense potential to demonstrate drastic improvement in low‐cost UV photodetector technology.

Effect of the distillation methods on the chemical properties of the Turmeric essential oil

Essential oils are highly concentrated plant extracts produced from flowers, leaves, stems, roots, seeds, barks, resins, or fruits. These oils are commonly used in a wide range of items, including meals, medications, and cosmetics, for their flavor and medicinal or odoriferous characteristics. The aim of this study is to extract and describe the essential oils found in turmeric cubes. As the extraction was completed, the chemical properties of the obtained essential oil were determined. The chemical properties like the specific gravity, refractive index, ester value, acid value saponification values, and color values are 0.0891–0.932, 1.527–1.553, 35.21–38.138 mg KOH/g, 3.594–5.560 mg KOH/g, 32.597 mg KOH/g, and color values are L (32.70–38.90), a (−1 to −5.60), and b (10.6–19.40), respectively. Novelty impact statement The essential oil obtained from hydrodistillation contains less impurity as compared to the steam distillation. The hydro-distilled essential oil has a high chemical quality in terms of commercial value and usages as compared to the steam distillation. But the hydrodistillation system, having the high extraction efficiency and capacity, consumes less energy as compared to the hydrodistillation system.

Crystallization, Phase Stability, Microstructure, and Chemical Bonding in Ga2O3 Nanofibers Made by Electrospinning.

We report on the crystal structure, phase stability, surface morphology, microstructure, chemical bonding, and electronic properties of gallium oxide (Ga2O3) nanofibers made by a simple and economically viable electrospinning process. The effect of processing parameters on the properties of Ga2O3 nanofibers were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and Raman spectroscopy. Thermal treatments in the range of 700–900 °C induce crystallization of amorphous fibers and lead to phase stabilization of α-GaOOH, β-Ga2O3, or mixtures of these phases. The electron diffraction analyses coupled with XPS indicate that the transformation sequence progresses by forming amorphous fibers, which then transform to crystalline fibers with a mixture of α-GaOOH and β-Ga2O3 at intermediate temperatures and fully transforms to the β-Ga2O3 phase at higher temperatures (800–900 °C). Raman spectroscopic analyses corroborate the structural evolution and confirm the high chemical quality of the β-Ga2O3 nanofibers. The surface analysis by XPS studies indicates that the hydroxyl groups are present for the as-synthesized samples, while thermal treatment at higher temperatures fully removes those hydroxyl groups, resulting in the formation of β-Ga2O3 nanofibers.

CORRELATION BETWEEN FARMER'S RESPIRATORY HEALTH AND INDOOR AIR QUALITY IN PULOKERTO AND SUNGAI REBO WETLAND AREA

Wetland areas have humid temperatures and residential development will have a major effect on the air quality in the room which becomes humid and humid room air can cause several symptoms of respiratory disorders caused by airborne. This research was conducted in 35 farmer's houses which aims to determine the relationship between the respiratory health of farmers with air quality in the farmhouse and obtained results that are not related to the respiratory health of farmers with air quality in the room, where P>0.05 and there is one house that has good quality. high physical conditions such as humid temperatures and high chemical quality of the air due to storing tools and plowing fields at home with a fairly high number of bacteria and fungi.

Enhanced process route to produce magnetite pellet feed from copper tailing

The majority of copper mines generate a large quantity of tailings after their concentration processing. The flotation tailings are, in general, either piled up or stored in dams, although most copper tailings have a huge potential for by-products production leading to improve sustainability and profitability of operations. This paper describes a study aiming at producing a by-product magnetite pellet feed from IOCG (Iron oxide copper–gold) industrial copper processing tailings, located in northern Brazil. The mineralogy of copper tailings indicates around 14% of magnetite in its head composition, making its concentration of economic interest also allowing a considerable reduction in the amount of tailing disposal. The proposed route of this study is composed of hydrocyclones, low and high fields magnetic separation followed by silicates reverse cationic flotation. The complex mineralogy of IOCG deposits leads to the need for regrinding the rougher magnetite pellet feed to a P80 of 20 µm to achieve the desirable magnetite liberation. A saleable magnetite pellet feed within a high chemical quality (Fe > 64.1 wt%, SiO2 < 2.5 wt%, and Al2O3 < 2.0 wt%) and specific surface area of 2600 cm2/g was obtained. The results have shown a total mass recovery of 9.5% and 63% of magnetite recovery. Moreover, it was generated a non-magnetic rougher tailing with low magnetite and high quartz contents that might be used as a by-product as aggregated material in the construction industry and as soil remineralizer. An investigative flotation optimization is being undertaken and will be further published as a continuation of the present work.

Application of Vine-Shoot Chips during Winemaking and Aging of Malbec and Bonarda Wines

The growing demand in recent years for sustainable wine production has led to the management of waste and by-products. Among them, vine-shoots could be used as additives comparable to the oak fragments widely employed in enology. This work analyzes the feasibility of applying vine-shoot chips during winemaking and the aging of Malbec and Bonarda wines from Mendoza (Argentina) and evaluates their chemical and sensory impact. Toasted (CHT) and untoasted (CHWT) vine-shoot chips obtained from a Bonarda vineyard were added in Malbec and Bonarda grapes during winemaking (Experiment A): C, control; CHWT, 12 g/L; CHT, 12 g/L. Furthermore, the same treatments were applied during aging (1M, 30 days; 2M, 60 days; 4M, 120 days) to the finished wines under controlled conditions (Experiment B). The impact of vine-shoot chips during winemaking was different between varieties. For Malbec alone, CHT caused a significant decrease in tannins, anthocyanins, and polymeric pigments, and a modification of wine color. During aging, CHWT and CHT had an impact mainly at the sensory level, increasing the wine’s complexity in terms of aromatic attributes and mouthfeel. In conclusion, the proposed technology could be a simple and economical tool for red wine production of high chemical and organoleptic quality.

Combination of pre-fermentative and fermentative strategies to produce Malbec wines of lower alcohol and pH, with high chemical and sensory quality

The climatic conditions in some wine regions imply in many cases the important delay in the harvest date to achieve an appropriate phenolic maturity in red grape varieties, leading to wines with high pH and alcohol content. This problem, associated with low acceptation for some consumers and chemical/microbial instability, can be addressed from a viticultural, oenological, or microbiological level. The present study aimed to provide a technological alternative, combining vintages blending and inoculation of native yeasts, for reducing simultaneously the alcohol content and the pH of Malbec wines without altering the chemical and sensory quality. Sauvignon blanc grapes harvested at the beginning of ripening (2017 season) were employed to obtain a wine with high acidity and low alcohol content (LW), that was blending with Malbec grapes of full phenolic maturity. Malbec grapes were harvested at two different moments (1H, 13.0 % v/v; 2H, 14.5 % v/v, probable alcohol), and elaborated following a standard protocol. From 2H, a part of the grape juice was removed and replaced with LW as a strategy for alcohol reduction (2RW). Consequently, it was obtained nine wines by triplicate combining 1H, 2H, 2RW musts with three fermentative strategies: CI, co-inoculation of Hanseniaspora uvarum BHu9/Saccharomyces cerevisiae BSc114 native yeasts; NS, S. cerevisiae BSc114 native yeast; and CS, S. cerevisiae EC 1118 commercial yeast. We found that 2RW wines, fermented with different yeast strains, showed similar levels of total phenols, tannins, anthocyanins, and polymeric pigments concerning control wines (2H). In all cases, those wines presented greater phenolic potential compared to wines from 1H. At the same time, the pre-fermentative strategy of vintages blending produced wines with 1.4 % v/v less alcohol than 2H wines, also achieving a pH decrease of 0.3 units. Combined treatments with native strains, especially as single inoculum (2RW–NS), were the most efficient in reducing both parameters, showed higher tannins, anthocyanins levels, and colour saturation, without affecting the sensory quality, in terms of aromas and mouthfeel. In conclusion, the strategies proposed could be simple and economic tools, for red wines production with low alcohol content, and high chemical and organoleptic quality, capable of competing and satisfying market needs.

Olive oil characterization of cv. 'Arauco' harvested at different times in areas with early frost in Mendoza, Argentina.

'Arauco' is the only autochthonous olive cultivar from Argentina. Little has been reported so far regarding the management of this crop. In this work, variations in fruit and chemical characteristics of olives harvested over a wide range of dates and seasons are reported for this cultivar at two sites in Mendoza province in central west Argentina. During the harvest periods studied, fruit oil content on a dry basis remained at its maximum and was stable, but fruit oil content on fresh basis increased as water content decreased with delay in harvest date. Harvest date affected the maturity index of fruits as well as the oxidative stability and phenolic content of oil. In contrast, the fatty acid profile was not consistently affected by harvest date. Environmental conditions, mainly the occurrence and intensity of frosts, strongly influenced oil quality as well as maturity with delay in harvest date. The most appropriate harvest time to obtain Arauco oil with a high oil yield and good chemical quality was before mid-May and with maturity index lower than 2. Fruits harvested after mid-May were exposed to minimum temperatures between -1.2 °C and - 4.0 °C, producing oil with low phenolic compounds and oxidative stability. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.

Interplay between Solubility Limit, Structure, and Optical Properties of Tungsten-Doped Ga2O3 Compounds Synthesized by a Two-Step Calcination Process.

This work unfolds the fundamental mechanisms and demonstrates the tunable optical properties derived via chemical composition tailoring in tungsten (W)-doped gallium oxide (Ga2O3) compounds. On the basis of the detailed investigation, the solubility limits of tungsten (W6+) ion and associated effects on the crystal structure, morphology, and optical properties of W-doped Ga2O3 (Ga2-2 xW xO3, 0.00 ≤ x ≤ 0.25, GWO) compounds are reported. GWO materials were synthesized via a conventional solid-state reaction route, where a two-step calcination is adopted to produce materials with a high structural and chemical quality. X-ray diffraction analyses of sintered GWO compounds reveal the formation of a solid solution of GWO compounds at lower concentrations W ( x ≤ 0.10), while unreacted WO3 secondary phase formation occurs at higher concentrations ( x>0.10). Insolubility of W at higher concentrations ( x ≥ 0.15) is attributed to the difference in formation enthalpies of respective oxides, i.e., Ga2O3 and WO3. GWO compounds exhibit an interesting trend in morphology evolution as a function of W content. While intrinsic Ga2O3 exhibits rod-shaped morphology, W-doped Ga2O3 compounds exhibit nearly spherical-shaped grain morphology. Increasing W content ( x ≥ 0.10) induces morphology transformation from spherical to faceted grains with different facets (square and hexagonal). Relatively larger grain sizes in GWO compounds might be attributed to vacancy assisted enhanced mass transport due to W incorporation and/or WO3 induced liquid phase sintering. Our findings demonstrate a substantial red shift in band gap ( Eg), which is evident from the optical absorption spectra, enabling the wide spectral selectivity of GWO compounds. W 5d orbitals induced sp- d exchange interaction between valence band and conduction band electrons accounts for the substantial red shift in Eg of GWO compounds. Also, with increasing W, Eg decreases linearly, obeying Vegard law up to x = 0.15 and, at this point, an abrupt Eg drop prevails. The nonlinearity ( bowing effect) behavior in Eg beyond x = 0.15 is due to insolubility of W at higher concentrations. The fundamental scientific understanding of the interdependence of synthetic conditions, structure, chemistry, and band gap could be useful to optimize GWO materials for optical, optoelectronic, and photocatalytic device applications.

Physico-chemical, quality parameters and composition of Chemlal extra virgin olive-oils from Algeria

The aim of this work was to determine the composi on, physicochemical and quality parameters of Chemlal EVOO from di erent regions of Algeria and at di erent harvest me. Olive-oil yield, quality indices, fa y acid composition, pigments (carotenoids and chlorophylls), phenolic compounds were evaluated for a complete descrip on of olive-oil samples. The nal results showed that the altitude and the me of harvest obviously had an in uence on the quality and the chemical composition of the olive oils. A very advanced maturity was observed for the olives coming from the low altitudes. The olives of the region of Oran at 80 m of al tude ripen very quickly that the olives of M'chedallah to 474 m and more than those of the region of Illit- en which is more than 700 m. The pro le of fa y acids was in uenced by al tude. Oleic acid, which is a nutri onal and quality criterion for olive oil, increases with al tude but does not exceed the limit set by the Interna onal Olive Council. On the other hand, the content of pigments and phenolic compounds, decreased with the matura on of olives. According to the results found, the most suitable ripening index for harves ng olives for Chemlal EVOOs of high chemical quality starts from 3.20 up to 4.

An integrated drinking water production system to remove chemical and microbiological pollution from natural groundwater by a coupled prototype helio-photochemical/H2O2/rapid sand filtration/chlorination powered by photovoltaic cell

This study evaluates the simultaneous removal of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid acid-2,4-D at 70 μg L−1 and the viability decreasing of Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae from real groundwater samples containing natural amounts of iron (0.39 mg L−1) and natural pH (7.31) in a coupled prototype system powered by a photovoltaic cell (SPh + LPh + H2O2 + RSF + Cl) consisting of photochemical (using both natural sunlight (SPh) and UV-B + A + Visible lamp (LPh) and a 30-L Compound Parabolic Collector-CPC reactor), rapid sand filtration (RSF) and chlorination (Cl, adding of Ca(OCl)2 to get residual chlorine ranging between 0.2 and 0.6 mg Cl L−1) to drinking water production. Results showed that simple addition of H2O2 10 mg L−1 and both natural sunlight and artificial light irradiation could enhance several natural photo-induced processes among them photocatalytic and photo-Fenton. These radicals could be responsible for both bacteria inactivation and 2,4-D removal from natural groundwater diminishing the addition of substantial amounts of chemicals into water samples. Coupling of photochemical processes with conventional treatments to drinking water production as RSF and Cl at high solar energy dose (150,000 J m−2), led to the efficient removal 2,4-D and bacteria from natural groundwater without a significative trihalomethanes production. These results strongly suggest that coupling of helio-photochemical/H2O2 systems with RSF and chlorination treatments seems to be a promising approach to remove chronic and acute risk from groundwater obtaining drinking water with high chemical and microbiological quality. However, despite these encouraging results, bacteria inactivation underwent a detrimental effect when low solar energy doses (75,000 J m−2) were tested.

Faunal remains and environments from the Bronze age of Kalehkoob, Lut Desert, eastern Iran

The study of faunal remains from Kalehkoob, an archeological site in southern Khorasan, Sarayan, represents the first investigation of prehistoric vertebrates in the northern part of the Lut desert, in the east Iranian plateau. A vertebrate assemblage containing >200 specimens was found at various depths (155 cm to 595 cm) of an excavation trench. A combination of morphological and morphometric methods led to the identification of Artiodactyla, namely Bovidae (Ovis, Gazella, and Bos) and Perissodactyla, namely Equidae (Equus asinus and Equus caballus). Combined zooarcheological and sedimentological analyses points to three phases and two sub phases of depositional. Transition between the second phase and the first and third phases suggests that changes in faunal composition were potentially a response to different environmental conditions during each phase, such as a reduction of river water volume and humidity. Radiocarbon dating of bones from two depths, 155 cm (scapula) and 462 cm (horse tooth) from phases 1 and 2, respectively, provides ages of 3227–3060 cal BP and 5914–5749 cal BP for the deposit. Given the high chemical quality of both samples of scapula and tooth, δ13C and δ15N analyses were also conducted, suggesting the presence of arid environmental conditions.

Stoichiometry of decomposing Spathodea campanulata leaves in novel puertorrican forests

One of the challenges in the restoration of degraded lands is the re-establishment of soil structure and fertility. Novel forests that regenerate on recently abandoned and degraded agricultural lands are among the first biotic systems that begin the process of soil rehabilitation. The rate of litter decomposition and associated element mobility is one of many processes that contribute to the understanding of how ecosystem-level processes restore eroded soils. We studied the stoichiometry of Spathodea campanulata leaves decomposing in novel subtropical moist forests. We found that the speed of leaf decomposition was high (annual decomposition constant of 5.0 to 2.6 or half-life of 51 to 98 days). Spathodea leaf mass loss was particularly fast during the first 16 days of decomposition (half-life of 33 days). Leaf litter was characterized by high chemical quality with low C/N, C/P, and N/P. During the leaf decomposition process, macroelements (N, P, K, Ca, and Mg) were more mobile than microelements (Al, Mn, Fe, and Na). As leaf litter decomposed, nitrogen increased in concentration, the quantity of all macroelements decreased, and microelements tended to increase in both concentration and quantity. Because of the rapid rate of decomposition and high chemical quality of Spathodea leaf litter, it appears that the potential for yielding residual soil organic matter from its leaves is reduced, but this is a tradeoff with the rapid release of elements, which contributes to the high juvenile tree density and primary productivity observed in novel Spathodea forests.

Controlled surface/interface structure and spin enabled superior properties and biocompatibility of cobalt ferrite nanoparticles

High quality, crystalline, well-dispersed, and stable magnetic oxide nanoparticles (NPs) of inverse spinel cobalt ferrite (CoFe2O4; CFO) were prepared by a facile, reproducible, and simple hydrothermal route. The transmission electron microscopy, small-angle scattering and X-ray diffraction analyses demonstrate the structural quality of CFO NPs with a controlled size of ∼12 nm. Small-angle scattering experiments demonstrate that the pristine CFO NPs have the individual size ∼8.5 nm and spherical shape. The Raman and infrared spectroscopic measurements further confirm their high chemical quality and cubic symmetry. CFO NPs exhibit a remarkable, maximum coercivity (HC) value of 18.92 kOe, which is the highest value achieved to date. Surface spins and spins canting along with a weak dipolar interaction accounts for the giant HC and large effective anisotropy (11.45 × 106 erg/cm3) of these CFO NPs. The magnetic grain size of NPs reveals that the canted surface spins exist around the magnetic particles. Reorientation of surface spins and interparticle interaction causes the jumping behaviour in M-H hysteresis loops at H = 0. The cell viability of CFO NPs against the cancer (cisplatin resistant ovarian cancer – A2780/CP70) was evaluated to determine their potential application in biomedicine and health science. The mild response of CFO NPs in terms of their anti-proliferative nature against cancer cells and negligible cytotoxicity suggests their human-safe-and-friendly nature which makes them suitable for biomedical/health-related applications. Assessment of toxicity toward human red blood cells (RBC) revealed that hemolysis is less than 5% compared to the positive control confirming the potential applications of CFO NPs targeting human cells and making relevant for adopting them in biomedicine.

Optimized Treatment and Recovery of Irradiated [18O]-Water in the Production of [18F]-Fluoride

Enriched [18O]-water is the target material for [18F]-fluoride production. Due to its high price and scarce availability, an increased interest and necessity has arisen to recycle the used water, in order to use it multiple times as a target material for [18F]-fluoride production. This paper presents an efficient treatment and reprocessing procedure giving rise to high chemical quality [18O]-water, thereby maintaining its enrichment grade. The reprocessing is subdivided into two main steps. In the first step, the [18F]-FDG (fluorodeoxyglucose) synthesis preparation was modified to preserve the enrichment grade. Anhydrous acetonitrile is used to dry tubing systems and cartridges in the synthesis module. Applying this procedure, the loss in the enrichment throughout the reprocessing is &lt;1%. The second step involves a fractional distillation in which the major part of the [18O]-water was recycled. Impurities such as solvents, ions, and radioactive nuclides were almost completely separated. Due to the modified synthesis preparation using acetonitrile, the first distillation fraction contains a larger amount of an azeotropic [18O]-water/acetonitrile mixture. This fraction is not further distillable. Contents of the remaining [18O]-water were separated from the azeotropic mixture by using a molecular sieve desiccant. This process represents a fast, easy, and inexpensive method for reprocessing used [18O]-water into new [18O]-water quality for further application.

Contribution of Jahn-Teller and charge transfer excitations to the photovoltaic effect of manganite/titanite heterojunctions

The effect of correlation effects on photovoltaic energy conversion at manganite/titanite heterojunctions is investigated. As a model system we choose a heterostructure consisting of the small polaron absorber Pr0.66Ca0.34MnO3 (PCMO) epitaxially grown on single-crystalline Nb-doped SrTi0.998Nb0.002O3 (STNO) substrates. The high structural and chemical quality of the interfaces is proved by detailed characterization using high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) studies. Spectrally resolved and temperature-dependent photovoltaic measurements show pronounced contributions of both the Jahn-Teller (JT) excitations and the charge transfer (CT) transitions to the photovoltaic effect at different photon energies. A linear temperature dependence of the open-circuit voltage for an excitation in the PCMO manganite is only observed below the charge-ordering temperature, indicating that the diffusion length of the photocarrier exceeds the size of the space charge region. The photovoltaic response is compared to that of a heterojunction of lightly doped Pr0.05Ca0.95MnO3 (CMO)/STNO, where the JT transition is absent. Here, significant contributions of the CT transition to the photovoltaic effect set in below the Neel temperature. We conclude that polaronic correlations and ordering effects are essentials for photovoltaic energy conversion in manganites.

Changes in physical and chemical characteristics of fermented cocoa (Theobroma cacao) beans with manual and semi-mechanized transfer, between fermentation boxes

The aim of this study was to evaluate variation in the physical and chemical properties of fermented cocoa beans with cocoa beans transfer between wooden fermentation boxes manually (M) and semi-mechanized (SM) way. Mass temperature, moisture, pH, and total acidity of the cotyledon and pulp; the total polyphenol, anthocyanin, reducing sugar, theobromine, and caffeine content in fresh, fermented, and dried beans; and percentage of fermented beans and time required to move beans during fermentation were determined. The cocoa used grew in the Pachiza district of the San Martin region of Peru. Cocoa sampling was each 0, 48, 72, 96, 120, 144, and 168 h of fermentation. The cocoa mass temperature was highest with both removal systems after 96 h of fermentation. M cotyledon and pulp samples had the highest moisture content and titratable acidity, while cotyledon and pulp pH with both systems were statistically equal. In contrast, fermented beans had a higher polyphenol, anthocyanin, reducing sugar, theobromine, and caffeine content with SM. SM produced the greatest amount of fermentation (91.67%) and required the shortest amount of time to move beans (78.56 min). In conclusion, the system of fermentation of cocoa beans with SM was faster and produced fermented grains with high chemical quality.

Intermittent Drying of Nopal (Opuntia Ficus Indica) in a Fluidized Bed Pilot Dryer Adapted with Revolving Chambers

AbstractIntermittent drying is a novel method for improving the food drying kinetics, enhancing product quality and reducing energy consumption per unit of moisture removed at the lab scale. However, the drying protocol itself makes it difficult to implement it at the pilot plant scale without important energy loses. Taking this into account, an accessory for a fluidized bed pilot dryer was developed using an arrangement of revolving chambers that could increase the efficiency of the drying process; nopal (Opuntia ficus indica) was employed as a food material. Several drying experiments were conducted at the laboratory scale in order to establish the most appropriate drying condition to be further tested at the pilot plant scale. No statistical difference was observed between the drying curves obtained in the laboratory and pilot plant dryers under conventional and intermittent drying conditions, which means that the arrangement of chambers guarantees equal and consistent treatment of the solid. Interestingly, the results indicate that a drying protocol of nopal size “E” using the adapted fluidized bed dryer with tempering cycles at pilot plant scale can be regarded as an excellent and cost‐effective methodology for processing vegetables without chemical quality losses.Practical ApplicationsIn this work, the performance of a novel fluidized bed dryer, adapted with an arrangement of revolving chambers specially designed to increase the efficiency of intermittent drying at the pilot plant scale, was evaluated. Cubes of nopal (Opuntia ficus indica) was chosen to take advantage of a biomaterial with high nutrimental characteristics. It was concluded that the arrangement of the equipment was able to maintain an equal and consistent treatment of the solid that in consequence, lead to a high chemical quality of the final dried product, comparable to that obtained at the laboratory scale. Additionally, the results indicate that the scaling of the process in the dryer prototype was highly efficient as it allowed to increase 300% the amount of biomaterial to be processed in one single drying operation. It was proposed that the use of the dryer adaptor has a great potential to increase the efficiency of drying processes of other biomaterials.

How Does Pollen Chemistry Impact Development and Feeding Behaviour of Polylectic Bees?

Larvae and imagos of bees rely exclusively on floral rewards as a food source but host-plant range can vary greatly among bee species. While oligolectic species forage on pollen from a single family of host plants, polylectic bees, such as bumblebees, collect pollen from many families of plants. These polylectic species contend with interspecific variability in essential nutrients of their host-plants but we have only a limited understanding of the way in which chemicals and chemical combinations influence bee development and feeding behaviour. In this paper, we investigated five different pollen diets (Calluna vulgaris, Cistus sp., Cytisus scoparius, Salix caprea and Sorbus aucuparia) to determine how their chemical content affected bumblebee colony development and pollen/syrup collection. Three compounds were used to characterise pollen content: polypeptides, amino acids and sterols. Several parameters were used to determine the impact of diet on micro-colonies: (i) Number and weight of larvae (total and mean weight of larvae), (ii) weight of pollen collected, (iii) pollen efficacy (total weight of larvae divided by weight of the pollen collected) and (iv) syrup collection. Our results show that pollen collection is similar regardless of chemical variation in pollen diet while syrup collection is variable. Micro-colonies fed on S. aucuparia and C. scoparius pollen produced larger larvae (i.e. better mates and winter survivors) and fed less on nectar compared to the other diets. Pollen from both of these species contains 24-methylenecholesterol and high concentrations of polypeptides/total amino acids. This pollen nutritional “theme” seems therefore to promote worker reproduction in B. terrestris micro-colonies and could be linked to high fitness for queenright colonies. As workers are able to selectively forage on pollen of high chemical quality, plants may be evolutionarily selected for their pollen content, which might attract and increase the degree of fidelity of generalist pollinators, such as bumblebees.