High Potassium Concentration Research Articles

Influence of arboreal components on the physical-chemical characteristics of the soil under four silvopastoral systems in northeastern Peru

Silvopastoral systems (SPS) are presented as an alternative for the protection and recovery of soils; however, the relationship between the tree component and the physical-chemical characteristics of the soil is unknown. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the physical-chemical characteristics of the soil under four silvopastoral systems (SPS), alder (Alnus acuminata), pine (Pinus patula), cypress (Cupressus macrocarpa), and pona (Ceroxylon quindiuense), and a treeless system (TS) in the Amazonas region. A completely randomized design (CRD) with five treatments and three replicates was used. The experimental units were sampled at two depths, 0–15 and 15–30 cm. The parameters evaluated were pH, electrical conductivity (dS/m), organic matter (%), phosphorus (ppm), potassium (ppm), cation exchange capacity (meq/100 g), porosity (%), mechanical resistance (kg/cm2), bulk density (gr/cm3), moisture (%) and total carbon (t/ha). The results were analyzed by analysis of variance (α = 0.05 %) and Tukey's test of means (p ≤ 0.05). The systems presented strong acidic pH values (4.11–5.61), which resulted in high organic matter contents in all systems (6.74–9.99 %). The highest phosphorus content was in the SPS with alder (12.64 ppm), and the highest potassium content was in the SPS with cypress (382.33 ppm). Porosity in all systems was higher than 60 %. The highest bulk density was between 15 and 30 cm, and the highest percentage of moisture was in the surface layer (0–15 cm). The mechanical strength was higher in the SPS with cypress (2.62 kg/cm2). For all the systems evaluated, the highest carbon stock was found in the first 15 cm. The SPS with pine had the best soil characteristics and carbon sequestration (149.05 t/ha).

Analysis Of Nutritional Content in Petai (Parkia Speciosa Hassk.) With Various Food Processing Methods

Petai (Parkia speciosa Hassk.) is a plant commonly grown and consumed in Indonesia. Indonesian people usually consume Petai in fresh or processed form such as boiled and fried which can be used as an alternative sources of energy and potassium. This research aim to analyze protein, fat, carbohydrate and potassium content in Petai with various food processing methods This study used descriptive analytic design. The objects of this research used Petai were obtained from Kedung District, Jepara Regency, Central Java Province. This treatment used on this research were are fresh Petai, boiled Petai and fried Petai. Processing techniques performed were boiling and frying Petai with the skin until the processing was complete, stripping the skin of Petai seeds, next step is the Petai seeds were tested for nutritional content, analysis of nutrient protein content by kjeldahl method, fat content by soxhlet method, carbohydrate content by difference method and potassium content by Atomic Absorption Spectrometry method. Analysis of nutrient content was conducted at Chemistry Laboratory, Satya Wacana Cristian University, Salatiga.The highest protein content was found in boiled Petai (11.59g / 100g), and the lowest was found in fried Petai (4.96g / 100g). The highest fat content was found in fried Petai (0.75g / 100g), and the lowest was found in fresh Petai (0.15g / 100g). The highest carbohydrate content was found in fried Petai (80g / 100g), and the lowest was found in boiled Petai (63.7g / 100g). The highest potassium content was found in boiled Petai (143mg / 100g), and the lowest was found in fried Petai (106mg / 100g) he highest protein and potassium content was found in boiled Petai, while the highest fat and carbohydrate content was found in fried Petai

Evaluation of the range of fertilizers and methods of their application for a new variety of fiber flax Universal

Relevance. The productivity and especially the quality of flax products largely depend on a set of technological techniques that take into account varietal characteristics, agrochemical properties of the soil and the fertilizers used. Identification of the reaction to the production process of a new high-yielding flax variety of Universal is an important element of agricultural technology.Methods. The sod-podzolic medium loamy soil is characterized by a slightly acidic reaction of the soil solution pHKCl-5.44, a very high content of phosphorus (298 mg/kg) and medium potassium (85 mg/kg), low humus — 2.05%, medium boron (0.33 mg/kg), low zinc (0.56 mg/kg). The HTC (hydrothermal coefficient) for May — August by year was — 1.56 optimal (2017), — 1.09 arid (2018), — 1.80 wet(2019).Results. Studies have shown that the Universal flax variety has a high responsiveness to the use of fertilizers. The yield increases were: for flax straw 24 to 43%, for flax seeds from 27 to 49%, depending on the form of fertilizer and the method of their application. The advantage of the complex organomineral OMU “Universal” and mineral nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium with boron containing trace elements over the azofoska in equalized doses of nitrogen is noted. The increase in the yield of the flax stock of these fertilizers with the row method of application was lower by 40 and 34% of their main application, but the profitability of this method increased from 46 to 234% and from 62 to 219%. The application of organic fertilizer Sivid — Bor for seed treatment and Sivid-Zinc for crop processing on the background of reducing the dose of azofoski from 1.5 to 1.0 c/ha allowed to raise close to making azofoski of 1.5 c/ha, but with a greater profitability of 115%.

Evaluation of the range of fertilizers and methods of their application for a new variety of fiber flax Universal

Relevance. The productivity and especially the quality of flax products largely depend on a set of technological techniques that take into account varietal characteristics, agrochemical properties of the soil and the fertilizers used. Identification of the reaction to the production process of a new high-yielding flax variety of Universal is an important element of agricultural technology.Methods. The sod-podzolic medium loamy soil is characterized by a slightly acidic reaction of the soil solution pHKCl-5.44, a very high content of phosphorus (298 mg/kg) and medium potassium (85 mg/kg), low humus — 2.05%, medium boron (0.33 mg/kg), low zinc (0.56 mg/kg). The HTC (hydrothermal coefficient) for May — August by year was — 1.56 optimal (2017), — 1.09 arid (2018), — 1.80 wet(2019).Results. Studies have shown that the Universal flax variety has a high responsiveness to the use of fertilizers. The yield increases were: for flax straw 24 to 43%, for flax seeds from 27 to 49%, depending on the form of fertilizer and the method of their application. The advantage of the complex organomineral OMU “Universal” and mineral nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium with boron containing trace elements over the azofoska in equalized doses of nitrogen is noted. The increase in the yield of the flax stock of thesefertilizers with the row method of application was lower by 40 and 34% of their main application, but the profitability of this method increased from 46 to 234% and from 62 to 219%. The application of organic fertilizer Sivid — Bor for seed treatment and Sivid-Zinc for crop processing on the background of reducing the dose of azofoski from 1.5 to 1.0 c/ha allowed to raise close to making azofoski of 1.5 c/ha, but with a greater profitability of 115%.

Informative title: Incorporation of finger millet affects in vitro starch digestion, nutritional, antioxidative and sensory properties of rice noodles

Effects of part replacement (0, 10, 20, 30 g/100 g) of rice by finger millet (FM) on nutritional properties, sensory properties, in vitro digestion and antioxidant properties of composite rice noodles (CRN) were investigated. A 20% blend of FM with rice was selected best used in the rice noodle formulation on basis of sensory evaluation. Rice noodles thus formulated showed low breaking rate (13.33%) and cooking loss rates (14.60%), high content of protein (5.58%), dietary fiber (2.64%), calcium (67.47 mg/100 g), potassium (67.31% mg/100 g), magnesium (24.72 mg/100 g) and phosphorus (99.35 mg/100 g). What's more, increasing the FM content in rice noodles resulted in progressing antioxidative activity, e.g., DPPH* scavenging increased by 55.26–169.62%, as well as in increasing classes and content of phenolic compounds, e.g., gallic acid content was 0 μg/g in control (0% FM), and 9.24 μg/g in the CRN with the highest FM substitution. Moreover, RS content in that latter case was 16.22-fold higher than in control. Overall, this study demonstrates that FM can effectively improve the nutritional value and taste of rice noodles, in addition to strengthening their anti-digestibility.

Proximate and Mineral Analysis of Some Edible Wild Seeds and Stem in Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria

Benue State is endowed with numerous varieties of useful plants whose fruits, seeds, roots, stems and leaves serve important roles in nutrition but unfortunately many of these plants have not been put to maximum use. The neglect of these forest food plants is attributed to inadequate information on their nutritional potential to serve as food. The broad objective of the study was to examine the nutritional composition of Vitellaria paradoxa fruits, Cissus populnea stem, Afzelia africana seeds, Parkia biglobosa seeds and Prosopis africana seeds. Carbohudrate content was found to be the most abundant nutrient in all the plant species studied when compared with other nutrients. The highest carbohydrate content (58.22±0.2%) was found in Cissus populnea stem followed by carbohydrate content in Afzelia africana seeds (51.36±0.01%). The least carbohydrate content of 35.68±0.06% was found in the fruits of Vitellaria paradoxa. There were significant variations in the concentrations of nutrients screened from the 5 selected plants at p>0.05 level. Proximate analysis showed that Vitellaria paradoxa fruits, Cissus populnea stem, Afzelia africana seeds, Parkia biglobosa seeds and Prosopis africana seeds were good sources of minerals such as Calcium,Magnesium, Potassium, iron and Chlorine. Potassium had the highest concentration in all the plant species when compared with other nutrients. The highest Potassium content (32.92±0.59%) was found in Vitellaria paradoxa fruits followed by Potassium content of 25.15±0.07% in Afzelia africana seeds. However, Potassium content between Prosopis africana seeds (15.77±0.81%) and Cissus populnea stem (15.77±0.61%) were not significantly different. The least concentration of Potassium was found in Parkia biglobosa seeds (8.03±0.11%). The mean quantities of minerals found in the plant species that were screened differ significantly at P<0.05 level. It was concluded that Vitellaria paradoxa fruits, Cissus populnea stem, Afzelia africana seeds, Parkia biglobosa seeds and Prosopis africana seeds were good sources of nutrients and major minerals like calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron and chlorine. Diabetic persons need to be careful about the consumption of these plant species. It was recommended that efforts should be made to conserve and protect these plant species through domestication as they are rich sources of nutrients.

The effects of different electrode materials on seed germination of Solanum nigrum L. and its Cd accumulation in soil

The effects of different electrode on Solanum nigrum L. seed germination were determined. The result showed that germination percentage (GP) of seeds in treatment T2 (titanium electrode) was 26.6% higher than in control (CK, without electric field). High potassium and calcium concentrations were beneficial for seed enzymatic activity in treatment T2, which could partly explain the increase in GP. Cd accumulation (μg/pot) in S. nigrum treated with any electric field was significantly higher (p<0.05) than in CK without electric field. Specifically, Cd accumulation under the treatment T3 (stainless steel electrode) was the highest both in roots and shoots; this accumulation in shoots and roots were 74.7 % and 67.4 % higher for stainless steel than in CK. This increase must have been associated with a higher Cd concentration in plants and did not exert a significant effect on the biomass. In particular, Cd concentrations in roots and shoots under stainless steel treatment were both significantly higher than in CK (p<0.05), which had to be related to the higher available Cd concentration in the soil in the middle region. Furthermore, it could be attributed to altered soil pH and other soil properties. Moreover, none of the biomasses were significantly affected (p<0.05) by different electrode materials compared to CK.

Selective Production of Phenol-Rich Bio-Oil From Corn Straw Waste by Direct Microwave Pyrolysis Without Extra Catalyst.

We report a sustainable strategy to cleanly address biomass waste with high-value utilization. Phenol-rich bio-oil is selectively produced by direct pyrolysis of biomass waste corn straw (CS) without use of any catalyst in a microwave device. The effects of temperature and power on the yield and composition of pyrolysis products are investigated in detail. Under microwave irradiation, a very fast pyrolysis rate and bio-oil yield as high as 46.7 wt.% were obtained, which were competitive with most of the previous results. GC-MS analysis showed that temperature and power (heating rate) had great influences on the yield of bio-oil and the selectivity of phenolic compounds. The optimal selectivity of phenols in bio-oil was 49.4 area% by adjusting the operating parameters. Besides, we have made detailed statistics on the change trend of some components and different phenols in bio-oil and given the law and reason of their change with temperature and power. The in situ formed highly active biochar from CS with high content of potassium (1.34 wt.%) is responsible for the improvement of phenol-rich oils. This study offers a sustainable way to fully utilize biomass waste and promote the achievement of carbon neutrality.

Ash content in fruit samples of the &lt;i&gt;Actinidia kolomikta&lt;/i&gt; genetic collection

Among the representatives of the Actinidia Lindl. genus, Actinidia kolomikta (Siebold et Zucc.) Planch. is valued as the most winter-hardy variety with high taste and dietary properties. The Federal Horticultural Research Centre for Breeding, Agrotechnology and Nursery has a live collection of Actinidia, which includes more than a hundred cultivated forms and varieties. In this study, ash content in Actinidia kolomikta fruits of 10 varieties and collection samples was studied by energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy using an analytical scanning electron microscope JEOL JSM6090 LA. A decreasing series was established for the accumulation of ash elements in the fruits of the studied samples: Ca&gt; K&gt; P&gt; Mg&gt; Mo&gt; S&gt; Se&gt; Zn&gt; Fe&gt; Co&gt; Si&gt; Na. In terms of accumulation of useful macro- and micronutrients, the most valuable varieties were identified. The total accumulation of macronutrients in the fruit ash ranged from 28.6 to 45.3 wt%. This indicator was the highest in the fruits of Dolgovechnaya, Uslada and Vinogradnaya (42.068–45.638 wt%). The fruits of the Uslada variety were distinguished by a high content of phosphorus (5.89), silicon (0.504), sulfur (1.34) and potassium (23.596 wt%). In terms of micronutrient accumulation, the Pamyati Kolbasinoj variety (4.904 wt%) showed the highest levels of molybdenum (3.804) and selenium (0.801 wt%). Iron accumulated more readily in the fruits of the Uslada variety (0.161), cobalt — in Nadezhda (0.157), zinc — in Vinogradnaya (0.247) and Chempion (0.195). A statistically significant positive correlation (r &gt; 0.7) was revealed in the accumulation of the following pairs of ash elements: sodium — sulfur (r = 0.70), phosphorus — potassium (r = 0.75), silicon — iron (r = 0.76), as well as molybdenum with phosphorus (r = 0.84), sulfur (r = 0.83) and potassium (r = 0.71). A statistically significant negative correlation was observed only for the accumulation of phosphorus and calcium (r = -0.71). According to the results, the fruits of the Actinidia kolomikta varieties under study can be an additional or alternative source of dietary minerals in functional food products.

The State of Health of Students of Physical Education Specialties with Systematic Available Loads

Asthenia is a very socially significant pathology for modern Russian youth studying at universities. Its treatment is traditionally based on prevention and systematic recovery, including the use of physical activity. It is based on regular muscle activation, mood elevation and distraction from negative moments in life. Physical education classes bring a person, especially a young age, a lot of positive emotions, provide him with emotionally-colored contact with his peers. The health improvement of young men with asthenia by means of physical culture is largely based on the stimulating effect on their body of regular muscle loads that activate the endocrine glands, immunity and blood circulation. Elimination of asthenia in young people is an important basis for the prevention of the development of diseases of internal organs in her. For a highly effective treatment of asthenia, physical activity should be supplemented with a rational diet with a high content of protein products, potassium and vitamins.

Minority potassium-uptake system Trk2 has a crucial role in yeast survival of glucose-induced cell death.

The existence of programmed cell death in Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been reported for many years. Glucose induces the death of S. cerevisiae in the absence of additional nutrients within a few hours, and the absence of active potassium uptake makes cells highly sensitive to this process. S. cerevisiae cells possess two transporters, Trk1 and Trk2, which ensure a high intracellular concentration of potassium, necessary for many physiological processes. Trk1 is the major system responsible for potassium acquisition in growing and dividing cells. The contribution of Trk2 to potassium uptake in growing cells is almost negligible, but Trk2 becomes crucial for stationary cells for their survival of some stresses, e.g. anhydrobiosis. As a new finding, we show that both Trk systems contribute to the relative thermotolerance of S. cerevisiae BY4741. Our results also demonstrate that Trk2 is much more important for the cell survival of glucose-induced cell death than Trk1, and that stationary cells deficient in active potassium uptake lose their ATP stocks more rapidly than cells with functional Trk systems. This is probably due to the upregulated activity of plasma-membrane Pma1 H+-ATPase, and consequently, it is the reason why these cells die earlier than cells with functional active potassium uptake.

A Review of Potassium-Rich Crop Residues Used as Organic Matter Amendments in Tree Crop Agroecosystems

Ecosystem-based approaches to nutrient management are needed to satisfy crop nutrient requirements while minimizing environmental impacts of fertilizer use. Applying crop residues as soil amendments can provide essential crop nutrient inputs from organic sources while improving nutrient retention, soil health, water conservation, and crop performance. Tree crop hulls, husks, and shells have been found to contain high concentrations of potassium across species including almond, cacao, coffee, pecan, and hazelnut. The objective of this review is to characterize organic sources of potassium focusing on lignocellulosic pericarps and discuss reported effects of surface application on potassium cycling, water dynamics, soil functionality, and crop yield. Research indicates potassium ions solubilize readily from plant material into soil solution due to potassium’s high mobility as a predominately unbound monatomic cation in plant tissues. Studies evaluating tree crop nutshells, field crop residues, and forest ecosystem litter layers indicate this process of potassium release is driven primarily by water and is not strongly limited by decomposition. Research suggests orchard floor management practices can be tailored to maximize the soil and plant benefits provided by this practice. Contextual factors influencing practice adoption and areas for future study are discussed.

Physicochemical properties and heavy metal pollution characteristics and correlation analysis of sludge landfill

ABSTRACT Heavy metal content and speciation of sludge, physicochemical properties of sludge, and the correlation between heavy metal content and speciations were investigated in this work. Results demonstrated that organic matter content of sludge ranged from 158.4 to 474.5 g kg−1, total nitrogen content from 9.95 to 27.45 g kg−1, total phosphorus content from 22.72 to 41.45 g kg−1, and total potassium content from 5.04 to 11.20 g kg−1. The sludge contains high content of organic matter, phosphorus and potassium and low content of nitrogen, it indicated that the sludge has a big prospect of agricultural use, and it could improve and increase soil fertility. Cu and Zn content exceed the agricultural use standard. Heavy metal speciations analysis indicated that Cu mainly exists in oxidizable speciation; Zn and Cd mainly exist in exchangeable and reducible speciation; Mn and Pb mainly exist in residual speciation; Cr, Ni, As and Hg mainly exist in oxidisable and residual speciations. These results indicated that Zn and Cd migration and bioavailability are strong in the environment, whereas Cu, Cr, Ni, As and Hg are weak. Mn and Pb are most stable in the sludge in these heavy metals. The correlation analysis indicated that heavy metal content and physicochemical properties obtained a positive correlation, such as with the heavy metal content, and total carbon, total nitrogen, ammonia nitrogen content obtained a positive correlation with heavy metal content, heavy metal had the same source and synergistic effect, and heavy metal content obtained a positive correlation with speciation in the sludge sample.

Spirulina platensis Protein as Sustainable Ingredient for Nutritional Food Products Development

Spirulina platensis, microalgae, is emerging as a sustainable source for highly nutritional food ingredient production to cover the food demands of the global population. This study aimed to characterize food prototypes supplemented with microalgae protein isolate to develop health-promoting food products. The nutritional composition (proximate composition, fatty acids, and mineral content) of the spirulina biomass, the structural characterization of spirulina platensis protein (SPP) isolates, and the physicochemical properties of SPP- developed food products were evaluated. High protein (47%), ϒ-Linolenic acid (24.45 g/100 g of fat), iron (16.27 mg/100 g), calcium (207 mg/100 g), and potassium (1675 mg/100 g) content in the spirulina biomass was found. SPP (76% of purity) with sodium alginate produced stable emulsions (&gt;90%) during storage (14 days). Amaranth + SPP pasta resulted in good appearance, texture, color, and high nutritional value in protein (above 30%) and minerals, mainly iron (9–10 mg/100 g) and magnesium (300 mg/100 g), meeting the daily intake recommendations. In addition, the amino acid profile of the pasta was in line with the amino acid pattern requirements for adults. SPP can be considered as potential additive for emulsions stability and provided nutritional and physicochemical desired in the elaborated pasta.

TECHNOLOGICAL-NUTRITIONAL QUALITY TRAITS AND RELATIONSHIP TO BIOACTIVE COMPOUNDS IN MESOAMERICAN AND ANDEAN BEANS

ABSTRACT The common bean exhibits wide genetic variability for technological quality traits, mineral concentrations, and bioactive compounds. For this reason, investigating the correlations between those traits in common bean lines of different gene pools contributes to the progress of biofortification programs. In the present study, two recombinant inbred line populations of Mesoamerican and Andean common bean were evaluated at the F5:7 generation. Technological quality was evaluated based on mass of 100 grains and seed coat color, which was determined using a colorimeter that analyzed the L* (white to black), a* (green to red) and b* (blue to yellow) values. The concentration of six minerals and bioactive compounds (phytates and phenolic compounds) was evaluated and used to characterize the nutritional composition of the lines. The evaluated common bean lines differed (p ≤ 0.05) for all technological quality traits, mineral concentrations, and bioactive compounds, except for the zinc concentration in Andean beans. Seed coat color (L*, a*, and b* values) was highly correlated with most of the evaluated minerals and with the phytates in Mesoamerican beans. In Andean beans, seed coat color (L*, a*, and b* values) was correlated with the concentrations of potassium, magnesium, iron, and phenolic compounds. The nutritional composition of common bean lines of different classes is variable: black beans have higher concentrations of potassium, phosphorus, calcium, zinc, and phytates; carioca beans stand out with high magnesium concentration; and cranberry beans have higher concentrations of potassium, magnesium, and iron.

Особенности строения лесных почв под еловыми насаждениями Удмуртии

The article presents the data of studies of the state of forest soils under spruce stands. The research was carried out on the territory of the Udmurt Republic in the most common types of forest – spruce forests. To assess the soil horizons, soil sections were laid, chemical analysis of the soil was carried out, by determining the main indicators, such an important element of forest soils as forest litter was analyzed. It was revealed that the dark coniferous forests of the republic were formed on sod-podzolic soils. These soils are characterized by an acidic reaction of the soil solution and a low content of basic nutrients. In the context of the development of transport infrastructure, a high content of potassium (225 mg/kg or more) is observed due to the use of KCl as an anti-icing reagent. Soil acidity varies from highly acidic (3.9 pH) to acidic (4.9 pH), due to the influence of coniferous plants. In turn, this can negatively affect the state of the spruce stands. Keywords: SPRUCE STANDS, SOILS, SOIL HORIZONS, FOREST LITTER, CHEMICAL INDICATORS OF SOILS

Nutritional, Physicochemical, and Functional Properties of Five Varieties of Taro (Colocasia esculenta)

Abstract Objectives Taro (Colocasia esculenta) is a starchy root crop and a major food source for individuals across Pacific Islands, Asia, and Africa. As a gluten free, hypoallergenic crop with high digestibility, taro may serve as a dietary carbohydrate alternative for food production that adds nutrient value and potential health implications. Thus, this study aimed to explore the nutritional, physicochemical and functional properties of different taro varieties grown in Hawaii. Methods Five varieties of taro (Bun-long, Mana Ulu, Moi, Kauai Lehua, and Tahitian) grown in Hawaii were harvested and processed immediately. The nutritional, physicochemical, and functional properties were analyzed and compared. Results Among the five taro varieties, Moi had the highest concentrations of potassium, copper, and manganese at 1.75 g/100 g, 0.97 mg/100 g, and 12.46 mg/100 g, respectively. Tahitian exhibited the highest concentrations of iron and zinc at 7.74 mg/100 g and 13.68 mg/100 g, respectively. Tahitian, Bun-long, and Moi showed high total starch content of 40.8 g/100g, 38.9 g/100g, and 34.1 g/100g, respectively. Tahitian exhibited the highest water absorption capacity (WAC), oil absorption capacity (OAC), and water solubility index (WSI) at 3.48 g/g, 3.15 g/g, and 33.30 g/100g, respectively. Total starch content of taro was significantly correlated with its WAC, OAC, emulsifying activity, water absorption index, and WSI. Conclusions These results indicate that the taro varieties can be utilized as a carbohydrate alternative for different food processing requirements based on their physicochemical and functional properties to improve nutritional value, food quality and human health. Funding Sources USDA-NIFA Hatch, USDA-ARS.

건조방법에 따른 오크라 추출물의 영양성분 분석 및 항산화활성 비교

This study evaluated and compared the nutritional components and antioxidant activities of Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench (AM) extracts processed using hot air and freeze-drying methods. The results showed that hot air and freeze-dried AM extracts were mainly composed of carbohydrates and crude protein. Both hot air and freeze-dried AM had a high content of saturated fatty acids (palmitic acid). Also, both these extracts had a high content of unsaturated fatty acids (oleic acid and linoleic acid). The ratio of essential amino acids (EAA)/amino acids (AA) was higher in the hot air dried AM extract compared to the freeze-dried AM extract. Both the drying methods resulted in high content of potassium (K), followed by calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) in decreasing order. Freeze-dried AM extract showed higher total polyphenol content compared to hot air dried AM extract. Total flavonoid content was significantly higher in hot-air dried AM extract compared to freeze-dried AM extract. The IC50 value for 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity with hot-air dried and freeze-dried AM extract was found to be 0.78 and 0.69 mg/mL, respectively. The IC50 value for 2,2‘-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonate) (ABTS) and the reducing power of freeze-dried AM extract were lower than that of hot-air dried AM extract. Ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) was significantly higher in the freeze-dried AM extract than in the hot air dried AM extract. According to our results, it appears that AM extracts possess higher nutritional and antioxidant activities.

Effect of Sugar-Pectin-Citric Acid Pre-Commercialization Formulation on the Physicochemical, Sensory, and Shelf-Life Properties of Musa cavendish Banana Jam

Cavendish banana is the second most cultivated species in Malaysia due to its high potassium and vitamin B6 content. However, there has been little commercialisation of Cavendish banana in jam making to date because of its unappealing physical characteristics and unsavoury taste. In the present study, response surface methodology was used to determine the optimum quantity of sugar (175-275 g)-pectin (3-7 g)-citric acid (150-234 mL) (SPC) on water activity, °Brix, colour analysis, pH, total titratable acidity (TTA), and sensory attributes of formulated banana jams. The amount of sugar-pectin-citric acid was found to have an effect on the TTA and pH of the banana jams. Conversely, water activity and °Brix were only affected by the amount of sugar. The lightness, L* of the banana jams was influenced by the quantity of pectin and the volume of citric acid added. Sensory analysis using 30 panellists showed that there were changes in the colour, taste, aroma, texture, and overall acceptability of banana jam depending on the amount of sugar used. In a shelf life study, banana jams stored at 4 °C were found to have a longer shelf life compared to those stored at 25 °C. Overall, the optimal formulation for a high-quality banana jam was 281.79 g of sugar, 4.13 g of pectin, and 264.66 mL of citric acid. This study constitutes the first report on the potential pre-commercialisation formulation for Cavendish banana jam production.

Strains induced in the vagina by smooth muscle contractions

The ability of the vagina to contract gives rise to a set of active mechanical properties that contribute to the complex function of this organ in-vivo. Regional differences in the morphology of the vagina have been long recognized, but the large heterogeneous deformations that the vagina experiences during contractions have never been quantified. Furthermore, there is no consensus regarding differences in contractility along the two primary anatomical directions of the vagina: the longitudinal direction (LD) and the circumferential direction (CD). In this study, square vaginal specimens from healthy virgin rats (n=15) were subjected to isometric planar biaxial tests at four equi-biaxial stretches of 1.0, 1.1, 1.2, and 1.3. Contractions were induced at each stretch by a high concentration potassium solution. The digital image correlation method was used to perform full-field strain measurements during contractions. The vagina was found to undergo significantly higher compressive strains, tensile strains, and contractile forces along the LD than along the CD during contractions. Specifically, when computed over all the applied equi-biaxial stretches, mean (± std. dev.) absolute maximum compressive strains were -(13.43 ± 1.56)% along the LD and -(3.19 ± 0.25)% along the CD, mean absolute maximum tensile strains were (10.92 ± 1.73)% along the LD and (3.62 ± 0.57)% along the CD, and mean maximum contractile forces were 6.24 ± 0.55 mN along the LD and 3.35 ± 0.56 mN along the CD. Moreover, the vaginal tissue appeared to undergo compression in the proximal region and tension in the distal region while kept at constant equi-biaxial stretches. The active mechanical properties of the healthy vagina need to be fully investigated so that detrimental alterations in vaginal contractility, such as those caused by pelvic floor disorders and current treatment strategies, can be prevented. Statement of significanceContractile forces of the vagina have been measured by several investigators using uniaxial tensile testing methods. Unlike previous studies, in this study planar-biaxial tests of vaginal specimens were performed while the full-field strains of the vagina, as induced by smooth muscle contraction, were measured. The vagina was found to generate significantly larger contractile strains and forces in the longitudinal direction than in the circumferential direction. Knowledge of the contractile mechanics of the healthy vagina is essential to understand the detrimental effects that pelvic organ prolapse and the use of surgical meshes have on the functionality of smooth muscle in the vagina.