High Acid Content Research Articles

Exploring the potential of dwarf coconut: physicochemical properties and sensory evaluation of several coconut varieties

Abstract Dwarf coconut has not been widely used in many products as much as the tall varieties. In this research, dwarf coconut water was the subject of the research to elevate its economic value. Four different varieties of coconut, namely Nias Yellow Dwarf (NWD), Mapanget Tall (MT), Tebing Tinggi Dwarf (TTD), and Khina, were evaluated for their 9-month-old fruits regarding their physical characteristics, water volume, pH, Brix, and sensory evaluation. Overall, there were several attribute differences among those varieties, especially, between tall and dwarf coconuts. NYD and Khina have the highest overall likeness rating for their water. They were also highly rated for their sweetness attribute which could be provided by the relatively high content of sugar and amino acids in the waters. Nonetheless, the meats of all coconuts scored a medium rating in all attributes. In conclusion, NYD and Khina were recommended to be used in coconut water drink production. These findings may benefit coconut-based-beverage producer by giving unique characteristics to their product.

Antihypertensive effects of whey protein hydrolysate involve reshaping the gut microbiome in spontaneously hypertension rats

Novel angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory peptides were identified from whey protein hydrolysates (WPH) in vitro in our previous study and the antihypertensive abilities of WPH in vivo were further investigated in the current study. Results indicated that WPH significantly inhibited the development of high blood pressure and tissue injuries caused by hypertension. WPH inhibited ACE activity (20.81 %, P < 0.01), and reduced renin concentration (P < 0.05), thereby reducing systolic blood pressure (SBP) (12.63 %, P < 0.05) in spontaneously hypertensive rats. The increased Akkermansia, Bacteroides, and Lactobacillus abundance promoted high short chain fatty acid content in feces after WPH intervention. These changes jointly contributed to low blood pressure. The heart weight and cardiomyocyte injuries (hypertrophy and degeneration) were alleviated by WPH. The proteomic results revealed that 19 protein expressions in the heart mainly associated with the wingless/integrated (Wnt) signaling pathway and Apelin signaling pathway were altered after WPH supplementation. Notably, WPH alleviated serum oxidative stress, indicated by the decreased malondialdehyde content (P < 0.01), enhanced total antioxidant capacity (P < 0.01) and superoxide dismutase activity (P < 0.01). The current study suggests that WPH exhibit promising antihypertensive abilities in vivo and could be a potential alternative for antihypertensive dietary supplements.

Andrias davidianus bone peptides alleviates hyperuricemia-induced kidney damage in vitro and in vivo

Hyperuricemia (HUA) is a vital risk factor for chronic kidney diseases (CKD) and development of functional foods capable of protecting CKD is of importance. This paper aimed to explore the amelioration effects and mechanism of Andrias davidianus bone peptides (ADBP) on HUA-induced kidney damage. In the present study, we generated the standard ADBP which contained high hydrophobic amino acid and low molecular peptide contents. In vitro results found that ADBP protected uric acid (UA)-induced HK-2 cells from damage by modulating urate transporters and antioxidant defense. In vivo results indicated that ADBP effectively ameliorated renal injury in HUA-induced CKD mice, evidenced by a remarkable decrease in serum UA, creatinine and blood urea nitrogen, improving kidney UA excretion, antioxidant defense and histological kidney deterioration. Metabolomic analysis highlighted 14 metabolites that could be selected as potential biomarkers and attributed to the amelioration effects of ADBP on CKD mice kidney dysfunction. Intriguingly, ADBP restored the gut microbiome homeostasis in CKD mice, especially with respect to the elevated helpful microbial abundance, and the decreased harmful bacterial abundance. This study demonstrated that ADBP displayed great nephroprotective effects, and has great promise as a food or functional food ingredient for the prevention and treatment of HUA-induced CKD.

Integrating organic fertilization and soil tillage techniques to enhance the nutritional attributes of “Royal” grapes (Vitis vinifera L. cv.)

AbstractIn the context of global efforts to improve food quality against the backdrop of climate change and increasing demands for food, this study sought to investigate the influence of tillage and fertilization methods on essential nutritional components. Thus, this extensive investigation into the variability of organic acid, sugar, and vitamin content within berries over the years 2020 to 2022 shows the critical influence of agricultural practices on the nutritional quality of grape. Our findings revealed significant fluctuations in the levels of various organic acids, with oxalic and propionic acids seeing a notable increase in 2022, while tartaric, citric, and maleic acids decreased. Similarly, a significant rise in sucrose, glucose, and fructose levels was documented by 2022, alongside a variable trend in vitamin content. The PCA results revealed a clear impact of tillage and organic amendments on the biochemical composition of Royal grapes. Heatmap findings confirmed the results obtained from PCA and showed that certain treatments resulted in high organic acid content, while others resulted in high sugar content. However, disc harrow and olive blackwater 2021 followed by disc harrow and Antep radish 2021 and no‐tillage broccoli 2020 were the best treatments with a balanced distribution of organic acids, soluble sugars, and vitamins among all treatments. On the other hand, chisel and olive blackwater '20 was the treatment with the lowest ratio of organic acids, sugars, and vitamins, followed by chisel and Antep radish 2020. These results show that the concentration of organic acids, soluble sugars, and vitamins in grapes is more affected by the tillage method than the type of organic fertilizer used. To sum up, our study holds valuable implications for viticulture and agriculture at large, highlighting the potential to tailor farming practices for enhanced nutritional outcomes. Such advancements not only promise to elevate the quality of agricultural produce but also contribute to the broader objective of achieving food security and nutritional adequacy, thus offering a roadmap for future research and practice in sustainable agriculture and viticulture.

Перспективы переработки угля с низкой степенью метаморфизма

Introduction. The relevance and significance of this work is due to the fact that the soils of Kazakhstan are about 48% salt marshes. The reasons for their occurrence are different: harsh climatic conditions, the drying Aral Sea, the Baikonur cosmodrome, numerous test sites, etc. With an increased content of water-soluble salts in the root layer of soils, most cultivated plants develop poorly and yield a reduced yield. To solve the above problem, the technology of processing brown coal from the Kiyakty deposit and its substandard part for the production of drugs-growth stimulants for agricultural plants, high-calorie fuel briquettes and coal-alkali reagents is proposed. Materials and methods. Development of technology for the production of a humic preparation from brown coal deposits in Kazakhstan. It is known that these coals are amorphous polymers containing bitumen, humic acids, residual organic substances and moisture. Laboratory experiments were carried out by the method of biotesting according to B.P. Strogonov in glasses with a capacity of 0.5 liters in accordance with the requirements of GOST (GOST 10250–80, GOST 12038–84). The methodology for conducting research on the manufacture of briquettes, carbon-alkali reagents based on the humic acid hypothesis and various local binding materials with the involvement of certified CeLSIM laboratories is substantiated. The most optimal binder is a liquid bardic concentrate. Results. As a result of the application of new methods of pre-sowing treatment of rice seeds with a 2.5 % aqueous solution of the preparation from coal, its yield increased by 9.5–12.1 quintals per 1 ha, or by 33.8–41 % compared with the control. Discussion. The works of a number of foreign and domestic researchers on this topic have proved the possibility of using humic substances from brown coals to obtain organo-mineral fertilizers, and a comparative study of the chemical composition has been conducted. However, according to our technology, it is clear that we do not get fertilizer, but plant growth stimulants. It should be noted that the technology developed by the authors makes it possible to obtain a humic preparation, the use of which on low-yielding soils of Kazakhstan ensures a stable increase in the yield of cereals and legumes. Conclusion. The developed technology for the production of humic preparations for various purposes can be used to increase crop yields on degraded soils, for the bio recultivation of man-made formations, the manufacture of a substrate for greenhouse farms, the production of fuel briquettes and coal-alkali reagents, as well as during the operation of other brown coal deposits of the Republic of Kazakhstan with a high content of humic acids in their composition. Suggestions for practical applications and directions for future research. The territory of Kazakhstan is considered to be arid zones of dry steppe soils without rains. In these conditions, agricultural technicians resort to plants of halophyte varieties, therefore, the prospects for using this technology are very large, for example, to suppress dust formation on the surface of tailings ponds with the cultivation of green mass of wild plant varieties. Preparations from brown coals can be used to purify water and wines, leach precious metals, etc.

Alternative production of fucoxanthin and PUFAs using Chlorochromonas danica and Hibberdia magna, unicellular chrysophytes with different trophic modes

Ochrophyte microalgae attract attention from the applied phycology perspective, due to their ability to grow rapidly, engage variable trophic modes, and simultaneously produce high-value compounds such as xanthophyll carotenoids and polyunsaturated fatty acids. Unlike more often considered marine diatoms and haptophytes, unicellular chrysophytes may represent a reasonable freshwater alternative. In this work, we introduced two representatives: Chlorochromonas danica (Ochromonadales) and Hibberdia magna (Hibberdiales). We compared their ability to produce target compounds in mixotrophic and photoautotrophic modes, respectively. Both organisms had a similar temperature optima (18–22 °C), but light demands were much higher in the photoautotrophic H. magna. This work is the first report of fucoxanthin content and productivity by C. danica, showing that the presence of light enhanced the content of fucoxanthin 4.5-fold compared with darkness. For fucoxanthin productivity in the mixotrophic batch cultured C. danica, the optimal initial glucose dose was 10 g L−1. Culture medium supplemented with mineral nutrients resulted in an increase in biomass and fucoxanthin productivity of C. danica achieving the highest biomass productivity of 0.81 ± 0.06 g L−1 d−1. H. magna accumulated a maximum of 4.54 ± 0.04 mg g−1 DW of fucoxanthin, which was slightly more than the maximum value for C. danica of 3.99 ± 0.19 mg g−1 DW. However, due to the lower biomass productivity of H. magna, the maximal fucoxanthin productivities reached very similar values of 1.15 ± 0.05 and 1.16 ± 0.01 mg L d−1 in C. danica and H. magna, respectively. Both organisms had a relatively high fatty acid content, accounting for 17 % and 19 % of DW in C. danica and H. magna, respectively. H. magna had a higher level of polyunsaturated fatty acids, which were more diverse, longer, and more unsaturated. The potential for utilization of selected chrysophytes as producers in a multi-target biorefinery is discussed.

Determining the possibility of making mulberry wine by using the osmotic dehydration process

This study aimed to determine the possibility of using osmotic dehydration in the production of mulberry wine. Mulberry fruits (Mórus nígra L.) were mixed with 70 % sucrose solution and osmotic dehydration was carried out (τ=1 h, t=50±5 °C). At the stage of active fermentation, the osmotic solution separated from the fruits was added to the must (10 % by mass). Partially dehydrated mulberry fruits were infused for 12 hours in water at a temperature of 10–15 °C. The formed must was separated from the fruits, mixed with an osmotic solution, and a solution formed during pressing of dehydrated fruits. The mixture was fermented at 20±2 °C for 20 days under static conditions. At the end of fermentation, the young wine was kept at a temperature of 3–5 °C for 1 month. A second transfusion was performed, and its quality indicators were analyzed. It was established that the osmotic solutions formed during the osmotic dehydration of black mulberry fruits contain 42.60±0.25 mg/100 g of anthocyanins, which makes them an effective basis and additive for giving wine the desired sensory characteristics. The high content of anthocyanins in wine (35.8±0.5 mg/100 g) provides for its stable red-ruby color. As a result of hydrolysis, sucrose, which was the main component of the osmotic solution before mulberry dehydration, is transformed into glucose (27.74±0.05 g/100 g) and fructose (28.60±0.05 g/100 g). This significantly increases its biological value and gives the wine a harmonious taste characteristic of fruit wines. The wine made on the basis of mulberry fruit processing products is rated at 7.5 points. It had a pleasant taste and color, but a poorly developed aroma. Mulberry wine was classified as semi-dry because it had a low alcohol content (6±0.5 %), a low concentration of sugars (13.0±0.5 g/dm3), and a high concentration of volatile acids (1.4±0.5 g/dm3)

NUTRITIONAL ANALYSIS AND CHEMICAL FINGERPRINTING OF BLACK SOLDIER FLY (Hermetia illucens) LARVAE MEAL NATIVE TO THE PERUVIAN AMAZON

The search for new protein sources for food formulation is increasing. Black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae have high levels of protein, good fat content and are rich in essential amino acids, making them an alternative source of dietary protein. In this work, the nutritional properties and metabolomic characterization of black soldier fly larvae meal native to the Peruvian Amazon reared on three organic waste substrates were carried out. The three meals had a high protein content (38.90-44.68%), lipids (26.96-31.01%), as well as a high potassium, calcium and low sodium content. The larvae meal fed with orange bagasse presented the best content of iron and manganese. The fatty acid profile showed a high content of palmitic, oleic and linoleic acids for the three flours. The most abundant essential amino acids in the three meals were leucine, lysine and valine. A total of 48 compounds were identified in the larvae meal fed with orange bagasse, 24 compounds in the larvae meal fed with oats and 44 compounds in the larvae meal fed with ripe banana pulp. These results indicate that black soldier fly larvae meals native to the Peruvian Amazon are a good source of proteins, minerals, essential amino acids and unsaturated fatty acids with high nutritional value.

Exploiting the Thermotolerance of Clostridium Strain M1NH for Efficient Caproic Acid Fermentation from Ethanol and Acetic Acid.

A novel thermotolerant caproic acid-producing bacterial strain, Clostridium M1NH, was successfully isolated from sewage sludge. Ethanol and acetic acid at a molar ratio of 4:1 proved to be the optimal substrates, yielding a maximum caproic acid production of 3.5g/L. Clostridium M1NH exhibited remarkable tolerance to high concentrations of ethanol (up to 5% v/v), acetic acid (up to 5% w/v), and caproic acid (up to 2% w/v). The strain also demonstrated a wide pH tolerance range (pH 5.5-7.5) and an elevated temperature optimum between 35 and 40°C. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that Clostridium M1NH shares a 98% similarity with Clostridium luticellarii DSM 29923T. The robustness of strain M1NH and its efficient caproic acid production from low-cost substrates highlight its potential for sustainable bio-based chemical production. The maximum caproic acid yield achieved by Clostridium M1NH was 1.6-fold higher than that reported for C. kluyveri under similar fermentation conditions. This study opens new avenues for valorizing waste streams and advancing a circular economy model in the chemical industry.

The giant panda gut harbors a high diversity of lactic acid bacteria revealed by a novel culturomics pipeline.

Some lactic acid bacteria (LAB) can provide significant health benefits, which are critically important for the conservation of endangered animals, such as giant pandas. However, little is known about the diversity and culturability of LAB in the giant panda gut microbiota. To understand the roles of LAB in giant panda conservation, it is critical to culture bacterial strains of interest. In this study, we established a pipeline to culture bacterial strains using enrichment of target bacteria with different liquid media and growth conditions. Then, the strains were isolated in solid media to study their functions. Using 210 samples from the culture enrichment method and 138 culture-independent samples, we obtained 1120 amplicon sequencing variants (ASVs) belonging to Lactobacillales. Out of the 1120 ASVs, 812 ASVs from the culture enrichment approach were twofold more diverse than 336 ASVs from the culture-independent approach. Many ASVs of interest were not detected in the culture-independent approach. Using this pipeline, we isolated many relevant bacterial strains and established a giant panda gut bacteria strain collection that included strains with low-abundance in culture-independent samples and included most of the giant panda LAB described by other researchers. The strain collection consisted of 60 strains representing 35 species of 12 genera. Thus, our pipeline is powerful and provides guidance in culturing gut microbiota of interest in hosts such as the giant panda.IMPORTANCECultivation is necessary to screen strains to experimentally investigate microbial traits, and to confirm the activities of novel genes through functional characterization studies. In the long-term, such work can aid in the identification of potential health benefits conferred by bacteria and this could aid in the identification of bacterial candidate strains that can be applied as probiotics. In this study, we developed a pipeline with low-cost and user-friendly culture enrichment to reveal the diversity of LAB in giant pandas. We compared the difference between culture-independent and culture enrichment methods, screened strains of interest that produced high concentrations of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), and we investigated the catalog of virulence factors, antibiotic resistance, butyrate and lactate synthesis genes of the strains at a genomic level. This study will provide guidance for microbiota cultivation and a foundation for future research aiming to understand the functions of specific strains.

Selective separation of rhenium from oxygen-pressure leach solution of molybdenite concentrate using modified D201 resin: Experiments and theoretical calculations

Recovering rhenium from highly acidic rhenium-containing leach solutions is challenging for most resins, particularly in multiplexed systems. Herein, we introduce a scheme for selectively obtaining rhenium from a multielement solution containing high concentrations of sulfuric acid using modified D201 resin. Considering the dosage of resin and parameters such as pH and adsorption temperature, the adsorption efficiencies under optimal conditions for rhenium, molybdenum, iron, and cerium were 97.46 %, 0.38 %, 0.94 %, and 1.10 %, respectively. The selective recovery mechanism of rhenium was investigated by fitting the experimental data to kinetic and adsorption isotherm models. The pseudo-second-order and Langmuir models better fit results corresponding to the experimental data, which indicates monolayer chemisorption of ReO4− formed on the resin surface. Meanwhile, various characterizations such as SEM-EDS, FTIR, XPS, etc., indicate that ReO4− initially combines with the protonated −CHN+H2CH2Cl on the modified resin surface and then undergoes ion exchange reaction with doped Cl−. Furthermore, because of the diverse forms and similar properties of molybdenum and rhenium ions in acidic solutions, a theoretical model based on density functional theory was used to simulate the selective adsorption process in leach solution with a pH of 1.7. The simulation results demonstrate a highest occupied molecular orbital–lowest unoccupied molecular orbital energy gap, observed in the following order: ΔEMoO22+ = ΔEReO4− < ΔEMoO42− < ΔEMo7O246−, which implies that MoO22+ and ReO4− were most likely to transition from their ground states to excited states and react with the electron donor and acceptor groups, respectively. Compared with MoO42−, ReO4− is more likely to react with the electron acceptor group and provides the corresponding methods and a theoretical reference for selective separation of rhenium in multielement solutions.

Camelina sativa Seeds and Oil as Ingredients in Model Muffins in Order to Enhance Their Health-Promoting Value.

The aim of this study was to see whether it is possible to add camelina oil and seeds as ingredients in muffins in order to enhance their health-promoting value, such as their bioactive compound content, while maintaining the organoleptic attributes considered desirable by consumers. Camelina oil is characterised by a high linolenic acid content. Four types of muffins were prepared for analysis: MBnO-control muffins (containing 11.85% rapeseed oil), MCsO-muffins containing camelina oil instead of rapeseed oil, MCsS-muffins containing 6.65% camelina seeds in relation to the mass of prepared dough, and MCsOS-muffins containing both camelina oil and camelina seeds. The change in the fatty acid profile in muffins with the addition of camelina oil was significant; however, it was found that, as a result of thermal treatment, lower amounts of saturated fatty acids were formed. Among all the investigated experimental variants, muffins were characterised by the highest contents of all the phenolic acids analysed. The substitution of rapeseed oil with camelina oil had no negative effect on most of the organoleptic attributes of the muffins. Moreover, thanks to a greater content of carotenoids, camelina oil had an advantageous effect on the improvement of product colour, thus improving its overall desirability.

Design and Development of Biofuel and Chicken Feed (Broilers) for Janitor Fish (Pterygoplichthys) Utilizing AVR Microcontroller (Esp32)

Liquid biofuels are emerging as a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to fossil fuels, with versatile applications from transportation to heating. This study aims to produce biofuel from janitor fish, an invasive species with a high fatty acid content that can be used as animal feed because of its high protein content. This combined strategy seeks to reduce environmental impact while utilizing the biomass of the species for energy and nutritional purposes. The research goal was to automate extracting biofuel from janitor fish and turning the remaining biomass into chicken feed. The experimental setup comprised a pyrolysis process of 12 kilograms of janitor fish with 21 liters of water to extract bio-oil. The system included four modules: boiling, grinding, separating, and sensor, designed to make conversion operations more efficient. The results showed a high system efficacy, with biofuel production obtaining 97% accuracy for outputs ranging from 450 to 500 ml and chicken feed production achieving 98% accuracy for 12 kilograms feed. Biofuel quality remained similar throughout experiments, with 98% accuracy in “gasera” life ratings. Furthermore, two-day trials of chicken feed proved its nutritional sufficiency and acceptability, with an overall accuracy of 96% in projected weight growth. Finally, the study demonstrated the successful use of janitor fish to produce biofuel and chicken feed, emphasizing the system's potential contribution to sustainable energy and agriculture. Comprehensive testing confirmed the system's performance, demonstrating its dependability and usefulness in converting a hazardous species into beneficial resources.

Оценка химического состава сапропелей различных месторождений

Complex chemical composition and wide mining opportunities determine the use of sapropels and sapropel-based products in various sectors of national economy. The fullest potential of sapropel is revealed in agriculture, where it is used as fertilizer, a component of soils, raw materials for humic preparations production etc. The aim was to study the sapropels’ suitability for the production of humic fertilizers. Using validated methods we analyze chemical composition of sapropel sediments from 4 freshwater lakes located within the latitudinal section of 53–56° N in the temperate climate. Microbiological parameters of all studied samples are within the normal range. Dry matter content in the range of 46.1–51.3% corresponds to the normative indicators. The mass fraction of organic matter varies in the range of 31.8–39.9% DM. This allows classifying all samples as organo-clay, and determines the possibility of their use for soils of light granulometric composition. The relatively high content of humic (18.3–22.9% DM) and fulvic acids (3.7–6.4% DM) makes it possible to use the studied sapropel samples for the manufacture of humic preparations (especially, a sapropel sample of the lake Chervonoe, Belarus). Low P and K content (0.24–0.36% DM and 0.32–0.42% DM, respectively) can negatively affect the efficiency of fertilizers from these sapropel species; this can be avoided by mixing sapropel with manure or enrichment with mineral fertilizers. Indicators of heavy metal (Cu, Mn, Zn, Co, Pb and Cd) content in all studied samples meet the safety requirements. Samples from deeper layers of the Rusaki Lake (Altai Territory) and the Beloe Lake (Novosibirsk Region) refer to the 1st class of suitability, the rest (according to a number of indicators) – to the 2nd class. The content of trace elements in the studied sapropels is within the established norms and makes it possible to use them for replenishing the deficit of trace elements in soils. In general, all the studied samples can be used as environmentally friendly organomineral fertilizers, as well as production of humic preparations to increase in the biological and energy capacity of agrocenoses and to reproduce the soil fertility.

Enhanced mobility of iron and manganese on Mars: Evidence from kinetic experiments and models

Several missions have reported complex alteration mineralogies on early Mars, which preserve environmental records of multiple water-rock-atmosphere interactions. The MSL and M2020 missions in Gale and Jezero have identified Fe and Mn-bearing secondary phases. These elements are used as tracers for the redox conditions on both Earth and Mars. However, to fully understand the short-lived and local-scale processes observed on Mars, it is necessary to go beyond thermodynamic models and experiments. Enhancing our ability to interpret the redox and hydrological conditions from the observed phase assemblage requires understanding the evolution of Fe and Mn during weathering. This study reports the results of kinetic alteration experiments and geochemical models conducted under Mars-like conditions. We tested variable pO2, pCO2, temperatures, and starting solutions. The results suggest that Fe is more mobile on Mars than on Earth, with a pseudo-equilibrium concentration that is kinetically controlled by dissolution and oxidation rates. Despite some initially modeled siderite precipitation, no siderite precipitation was observed in the altered powder. Solutions with higher acid concentrations were primarily controlled by dissolution kinetics, with both Fe and Mn being mobile, even when a minor amount of P, Fe, and S bearing secondary phases are formed. Based on our experimental results, we updated the model and conducted two large-scale sensitivity tests on our kinetic simulation. We confirmed that our experiments were too high in pO2 for siderite to form; however, we found that over a range of clearly oxidizing conditions from an equilibrium standpoint, Fe and Mn are mostly mobile, and siderite precipitation can occur. We were able to determine the pO2, pCO2 and the temporal space where Fe-oxide or siderite predominate or coexist, constraining the meaning of reducing or oxidizing conditions. Moreover, we also observed that siderite formation would require a much longer water residence time than Fe-oxide to precipitate, interpreted as higher weathering rates, or later evaporation required to effectively precipitate under any conditions. On ancient Mars, both Fe and Mn would be relatively mobile and prone to be leached from their host rock. Observing siderite or oxide would not primarily be a redox marker but would be a clue to a different hydrological regime. At the planetary scale, it would be challenging to form authigenic siderite during alteration. Although siderite would not indicate the presence of a particularly reducing atmosphere and that Mn-oxides are mainly pH controlled and do not require terrestrial-level amounts of oxygen, a collocated precipitation of siderite and Mn-oxides could also provide valuable information to constrain the redox environment of the ancient Mars.

Growth and fatty acid profile of Nannochloropsis oceanica cultivated on nano-filtered whey permeate

Nano-filtered whey permeate (WP), a major by-product of dairy industry, is produced by membrane filtration of whey. The oleaginous microalga Nannochloropsis oceanica was successfully cultivated on WP without salinity and nutrient amendments. Growth, cell characteristics, and fatty acid profile of the cultures were analyzed using microscopy, flow cytometry, and GC analysis. WP was nitrogen limited, comprising primarily protein as a nitrogen source and only small amounts of free inorganic nitrogen (in the form of nitrate). Nannochloropsis oceanica (and associated bacteria) efficiently removed nitrate (100%), protein (87%), and phosphate (74%) from the whey permeate. Microscopic and flow cytometric analysis revealed diverse size distributions in whey permeate cultures, with significant cell aggregation attributed to low-salinity acclimatization and nitrogen limitation. Autofluorescence analysis revealed reduced photosynthetic activity in whey permeate-grown cells, possibly as a consequence of heightened mixotrophic activities on carbon source in the medium. Low nitrogen availability in whey permeate resulted in biomass with a fatty acid profile enriched in saturated fatty acids. Despite this, a considerable level of the omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (in the form of eicosapentanoic acid or EPA) was detected at ca. 16% of total fatty acids. Whey permeate proved beneficial for the growth of N. oceanica and yielded high concentrations of eicosapentaenoic acid in the extracted lipids for potential applications in the feed/food industries.

Assessing the durability properties of sandcrete blocks incorporating iron filings as fine aggregate

The rising costs of construction materials, particularly sandcrete blocks, necessitate the exploration of cost-effective alternatives. This study examines the feasibility of incorporating iron filings (IF), a by-product of metal workshops, into hollow sandcrete block production and assesses their performance under harsh conditions. IF was used to replace 5–20 % of the fine aggregate component in blocks at a step of 5 %, mixed at a 1:8 ratio, and sized at 450mm×150mm×225mm. The study evaluated the impact of acidic exposure on the density, sorptivity, and compressive strength of these blocks, as well as their sensitivity to elevated temperatures. The results showed that IF blocks had significantly lower density than non-IF blocks, especially those cured with H₂SO₄. For instance, blocks with 15 % IF and cured in 0.3 mol/dm³ H₂SO₄ had a 13.9 % reduction in density. Despite higher acid concentrations, IF samples demonstrated better sorptivity, absorbing water more slowly than non-IF samples. However, exposure to acidic media reduced compressive strength by 1.9 %–47.8 % for HNO₃ exposure and 0.5 %–42.4 % for H₂SO₄ exposure. None of the acid-exposed blocks met the minimum standards for load-bearing (2.5 MPa) or non-load-bearing walls (2.0 MPa) as per NIS standards. Furthermore, the sensitivity of IF sandcrete blocks to changes in compressive strength under elevated temperatures decreased by almost half, from 0.026 to 0.014 MPa/°C, as the curing period increased from 7 to 28 days. Blocks with 5–15 % IF showed improved compressive strength at temperatures below 150 °C, but strength declined sharply beyond this temperature. By utilising IF, a readily available waste material, the implications of the study are significant for promoting a circular economy in the construction industry. However, the performance of the blocks against durability concerns needs to be improved further before integrating such waste materials into developing sustainable and resilient construction materials

Influence of cultivar on quality parameters of pecans produced in Southern Brazil

Pecan nut is a good source of natural antioxidants and bioactive compounds. Among other factors, genotypes can greatly influence both antioxidants and bioactive compounds. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of cultivars on the physicochemical composition of pecan nuts [Carya illinoinensis (Wangenh.) K. Koch] produced in the South of Brazil. Twenty- six cultivars of pecan nuts, grown in the same location, were analyzed for kernel length and diameter, peroxide index, acidity value, color, fatty acid profile, and tocopherols. The findings revealed a substantial effect of cultivar type on the physicochemical attributes of pecan nuts. Several cultivars stood out in distinct aspects, such as the 'Caddo', showcasing a lighter and golden hue, and the 'Melhorada', exhibiting greater size and mass. Multivariate analysis facilitated the differentiation among cultivars, providing valuable insights into their composition and stability. Some cultivars showed heightened oxidation parameters, while others demonstrated lower acidity and peroxide values. Elevated levels of monounsaturated fatty acids were observed in the 'Elliot' (55.57 %) and ‘Desirable’ (53.54 %) cultivars, whereas the 'Chickasaw' distinguished itself with a high content of polyunsaturated fatty acids (41.95 %) and the antioxidant γ-tocopherol (717.96 mg/100 g). Since there is limited information available on the composition of pecan nuts produced in the South of Brazil, the information provided here will be valuable for a better understanding of the potential of different cultivars.

Nutritional Advantages and Opportunities for Its Processing of Finger Millet (Eleusine coracana L.): A Comprehensive Review

Finger millet (Eleusine coracana L.) stands out as a highly nutritious yet underutilized grain among the millets. Despite its substantial health benefits, finger millet remains one of the least consumed foods globally. With the world's population growing at an unprecedented rate, addressing food security and malnutrition is a critical challenge. UNICEF reports indicate that nearly 2 billion people suffer from hidden hunger, and one in five children under five years old experience stunted growth due to malnutrition. Finger millet offers a promising solution to these issues due to its rich nutritional profile, which surpasses that of many common cereals. This review comprehensively examines the nutritional advantages of finger millet, highlighting its high content of calcium, iron, dietary fiber, and essential amino acids. Additionally, finger millet is a rich source of antioxidants and has a low glycemic index, making it beneficial for managing diabetes and other metabolic disorders. The review also explores various opportunities for processing finger millet to enhance its appeal and consumption. Processing techniques such as malting, fermentation, and extrusion can improve the bioavailability of nutrients and create diverse, palatable food products. By leveraging modern processing technologies, finger millet can be transformed into a staple food that addresses nutritional deficiencies and contributes to global food security. This review aims to underscore the importance of finger millet in combating malnutrition and promoting sustainable food systems. Increased awareness and research into finger millet's nutritional benefits and processing opportunities can pave the way for its broader adoption and integration into daily diets, ultimately contributing to better health outcomes worldwide.

Effects of aeration and centrifugation conditions on omega-3 fatty acid production by the mixotrophic dinoflagellate Gymnodinium smaydae in a semi-continuous cultivation system on a pilot scale

High production and efficient harvesting of microalgae containing high omega-3 levels are critical concerns for industrial use. Aeration can elevate production of some microalgae by providing CO2 and O2. However, it may lower the production of others by generating shear stress, causing severe cell damage. The mixotrophic dinoflagellate Gymnodinium smaydae is a new, promising microalga for omega-3 fatty acid production owing to its high docosahexaenoic acid content, and determining optimal conditions and methods for high omega-3 fatty acid production and efficient harvest using G. smaydae is crucial for its commercial utilization. Therefore, to determine whether continuous aeration is required, we measured densities of G. smaydae and the dinoflagellate prey Heterocapsa rotundata in a 100-L semi-continuous cultivation system under no aeration and continuous aeration conditions daily for 9 days. Furthermore, to determine the optimal conditions for harvesting through centrifugation, different rotational speeds of the continuous centrifuge and different flow rates of the pump injecting G. smaydae + H. rotundata cells into the centrifuge were tested. Under continuous aeration, G. smaydaeproduction gradually decreased; however, without aeration, the production remained stable. Harvesting efficiency and the dry weights of omega-3 fatty acids of G. smaydae + H. rotundata cells at a rotational speed of 16,000 rpm were significantly higher than those at 2,000–8,000 rpm. However, these parameters did not significantly differ at injection pump flow rates of 1.0–4.0 L min-1. The results of the present study provide a basis for optimized production and harvest conditions for G. smaydae and other microalgae.