High Moisture Levels Research Articles

A Comprehensive Design and Performance Assessment of a Reel-Type Blade Organic Waste Chopper Machine

The global issue of organic waste poses a serious threat to the environment and public health. With the increasing production of organic waste driven by population growth and urbanization, waste management systems worldwide are confronted with inevitable pressures. The decomposition process of organic waste generates methane gas, contributing not only to global climate change through the greenhouse gas effect but also posing risks of air and water pollution. The primary function of organic waste lies in its ability to become a valuable resource through recycling and composting processes. The potential use of organic waste as a source of renewable energy through biogas or biomass production also presents promising prospects. The objective of this research is to design a reel-type chopper machine for more optimal waste processing. The research method employed is engineering, involving non-routine design activities to create something new in both process and form. The results of the study show that the designed reel-type organic waste shredder has dimensions of 800 mm in length, 750 mm in width, and 1042 mm in height. The machine consists of four main components: the frame hopper, shredding cylinder, and discharge hole. The chopper machine has a power of 2.2 kW, a chopper capacity of 1 ton/hour, and a cutting length of 2–5 cm. The advantages of the shredded output from this reel-type chopper machine can accelerate the decomposition and fermentation processes of organic waste. The smaller and uniformly shredded particles provide a larger surface area for the activities of decomposing microorganisms. Additionally, reel-type machines are more efficient in processing materials with high moisture levels, such as wet branches or leaves. By ensuring optimal particle size, reel-type machines also enhance the efficiency of composting, as well as the production of compost briquettes and briquettes fueled by organic waste. Therefore, the role of reel-type organic waste shredder machines is crucial in maximizing the value of organic waste, accelerating the recycling cycle, and effectively reducing environmental impact.

Iot-based flood monitoring and early warning system for proactive security measures

The project introduces an IoT-based flood monitoring system using Arduino Uno, soil moisture sensor, LCD, buzzer, Wi-Fi module (e.g., ESP8266), and ThingSpeak cloud platform. It monitors soil moisture levels, issuing alerts when a predefined threshold indicative of potential flooding is reached. The soil moisture sensor measures moisture content and is displayed on an LCD screen for real-time monitoring. A buzzer provides audible alerts for high moisture levels. A Wi-Fi module enables wireless communication, transmitting data to the ThingSpeak cloud platform for centralized storage and analysis. Users access real-time and historical data through ThingSpeak's interface. The system configures the Wi-Fi module to connect to a network, securely sending data using a unique API key. ThingSpeak enables visualization, analysis, and alert setup based on soil moisture levels, offering a comprehensive flood monitoring solution. This cost-effective system, integrating open-source hardware and cloud platforms, enhances accessibility and deployment ease and is suitable for various environmental monitoring applications.

Novel transparent NaLu2F7:Tb3+ glass-ceramics scintillator for highly resolved X-ray imaging

Due to the rapid advancements in medical radiography, nondestructive inspection, and radiation detection, there is an increasing demand for scintillators that offer both cost-effectiveness and high-resolution X-ray imaging. In this study, we have successfully synthesized transparent glass-ceramic scintillator by embedding Tb3+-doped NaLu2F7 nanocrystals in a glass matrix. This scintillator demonstrates excellent spatial resolution of 20 lp/mm in X-ray imaging due to its high transmittance (over 90% at 550 nm) and intense luminescent intensity when excited by X-ray (151% higher than that of the Bi4Ge3O12 scintillator). More significantly, the as-synthesized scintillator exhibits exceptional stabilities at high temperature, moisture levels, and moderate radiation exposure. Notably, any decline in performance caused by long-term exposure to high-dose X-ray can be fully recovered through heat treatment at 350 °C for 30 min. These findings highlight the great potential of NaLu2F7:Tb3+ glass ceramics as suitable options for high-resolution and retrievable X-ray imaging.

Cryptovivipary: A rare phenomenon in monoecious species of Ficus L. (Moraceae)

Vivipary in Angiosperms refers to the precocious germination of offspring while they persist on the mother plant. True vivipary and pseudovivipary represent distinctive and adaptive strategies in plants. This phenomenon has never been documented in the genus Ficus (Moraceae family) before. The family Moraceae showcases a remarkable variety of floral structures, methods of pollination, and reproductive mechanisms. The present study is the first to document cryptovivipary in three monoecious fig species. The occurrence of this rare phenomenon could be plants' non-adaptive approach, as well as the influence of the microenvironment surrounding the seed of the species. Based on the observations made in this study, cryptovivipary in these three species appeared to be promoted by high levels of moisture, along with the microenvironment within the syconium that is encountered after seed maturation. Vivipary was documented predominantly during the heavy rainfall period in the monsoon season, spanning from late May to early August 2022, with July being the peak period. Nonetheless, it is important to acknowledge the limitations of this study in that it was not possible to investigate the survival and outcomes of viviparous offspring in comparison to non-viviparous seedlings, primarily due to resource limitations during the experimental period. Subsequent studies on reproductive biology, followed by seed setting and the effect of microenvironment inside syconia could advance our understanding of evolutionary factors and the influence of vivipary on seed production and survival in natural settings.

First report of Phyllachora maydis causing tar spot on corn in Delaware.

In October 2023, lesions consistent with descriptions of tar spot (Phyllachora maydis) were observed on corn (Zea mays) in Kent and Sussex County, Delaware (DE). Black, raised stromata were observed on leaves of commercially grown corn hybrids. Plants were at physiological maturity and disease severity was low with symptoms present on 1 to 10% of plants. In collected tissue, individual leaf severities ranged from 1 to 3% of leaf area with lesions. Hyaline conidia measuring approximately 15.5 µm in length and 0.5 µm in width were observed microscopically (n=5). Stromata were excised and sterilized in a 0.825% sodium hypochlorite solution for 30 s, rinsed in sterile deionized water for 30 s, and dried on a sterile paper towel for 30 s. Tissues were ground in a 1.5 mL microcentrifuge tube with a sterile plastic pestle. DNA was extracted using a DNeasy Plant Mini Kit (Qiagen). DNA was amplified at the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region with ITS4 and ITS5 primers using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). NCBI BLAST search results yielded 100% sequence homology and 100% query cover (350/515 bp) to P. maydis accession MG881848.1 (Moura et al. 2023). Koch's postulates could not be completed due to the obligate nature of P. maydis. Tarspot was initially discovered in the United States in 2016 in Indiana and Illinois (Ruhl et al. 2016).This is the first report of tar spot on corn in DE. Yield losses from P. maydis can range depending on time of infection, environmental factors, and hybrid susceptibility and have been recorded up to 100% (Rocco da Silva et al. 2021). Because the disease did not enter the area until the end of the season, no yield impact was observed for 2023. Monitoring for the progression of disease will be crucial for future seasons (Telenko et al. 2020). High humidity and moisture levels favor disease development. Approximately half of DE corn acreage is irrigated due to sandy soils, current irrigation timing strategies may need to be reevaluated. Fungicide efficacy trials for management of tar spot have been conducted in other regions, but continued research will be needed to assess management options and optimize application timing for farmers in DE and the Mid-Atlantic region.

Refractance Window Drying as an Alternative Method for Brewer’s Spent Grain Preservation

Brewer’s spent grain (BSG) is a residue that holds significant potential for various applications. Given its inherently high moisture levels, it becomes imperative to explore methods for preserving it. This study investigates the use of refractance window (RW) for drying BSG. The final moisture content, water activity, and drying kinetics were assessed. Various kinetic models were analyzed, including Lewis, Page, Overhults, Brooker, and Midilli. Employing a central composite design, this study also investigated the effects of the variables temperature (55.9 to 84.1 °C) and drying time (1.6 to 4.4 h) on the quality of the dried product. The quality was assessed based on the content of bioactive compounds: phenolics, flavonoids, citric acid, and ascorbic acid. The results suggest that refractance window (RW) drying can yield a product with reduced moisture content and water activity levels (lower than 10.0% and 0.600, respectively). The phenolic, flavonoid, and citric acid higher contents were found at 70 °C and 3 to 4 h of drying. The best ascorbic acid results were found at 55 to 65 °C after 3 h of drying. The use of RW emerges as an interesting alternative for processing BSG, offering a sustainable approach to better utilize this residue.

Maximising carbon sequestration through mixing compost in moist soil

Organic amendments to soil often enhance soil organic matter (SOM) decomposition, also referred to as a priming effect (PE). However, decomposition of the organic amendment itself could also be altered when mixed in soil, with important consequences for the net soil carbon (C) balance and nutrient cycling, but this has rarely been explored. We examined decomposition and gross nitrogen (N) mineralisation of compost (C:N = 29) and SOM (C:N = 12) separately and when mixed, at two different moisture levels (45 and 85% water holding capacity) in a 42-day laboratory incubation study. As observed by many others, compost addition enhanced decomposition of SOM (i.e., causing a PE) at both moisture levels. In contrast, decomposition of compost was strongly reduced when mixed with soil, particularly at the highest moisture level, which more than compensated for the PE. These results indicate that the microbial decomposer community had a greater preference for decomposing SOM than decomposing compost when mixed, possibly because decomposition of SOM released more N than decomposition of compost in meeting the microbial demand for N. This was supported by higher gross N mineralisation rates at the end of the incubation period in compost-soil mixtures compared to what would be expected from gross N mineralisation rates in their separate components. It is also possible that mineral adsorption of organic compounds derived from compost caused greater protection against microbial decomposition of compost, and thus reduced compost decomposition when mixed into soil. We conclude that mixing compost in soil could result in greater net soil C gains compared to having compost and soil separate, particularly under moist conditions.

Effect of sub-optimal moisture levels on the quality of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) during storage in triple-layer hermetic storage bags

Storage is an important aspect of groundnut, as the in-shell and shelled kernels are prone to infestation by insects, pests, and fungi. Among several storage pests, the groundnut bruchid, Caryedon serratus, causes serious losses. Farmers often resort to different management practices, including hermetic storage, to control it. The moisture content of the commodity plays an important role in insect infestation during storage. Drying to safe moisture levels before storage is known to prevent the activity of various living organisms, such as storage pests. However, drying to low levels of moisture may not be economical for farmers, as they may not have access to devices to accurately check product moisture. In this regard, we wanted to demonstrate the efficacy of triple-layer hermetic storage bags in preventing the damage caused by C. serratus when the groundnuts are stored at intermediate (10%) and high (14%) levels of moisture compared to traditionally used bags such as polypropylene bags and jute bags. Groundnut pods at 10% moisture content and 14% moisture content were separately inoculated with adult bruchids and a toxigenic strain of Aspergillus flavus fungal inoculum before storing them for 6 months. Results from groundnut samples taken at two-month intervals indicated that groundnut pods stored in triple-layer hermetic bags were completely free from infestation by C. serratus by recording a zero number of eggs laid, number of pupae, adult emergence, percentage of loss, and percentage of damage up to 6 months of storage, by creating low oxygen (hypoxia) and high carbon dioxide (hypercarbia) conditions. Results also indicate no loss of pod weight stored in triple-layer bags, but a slight reduction in germination percentage was recorded due to a slight increase in fungal activity, but the reduction was significantly less in triple-layer plastic bags compared to other bag types. Similarly, biochemical constituents such as oil and protein content were slightly reduced in triple-layer plastic bags when pods were stored at a 10% moisture level, but a higher reduction was observed at a 14% moisture level. However, the reduction was very high and significant in other bag types at both 10 and 14% moisture levels.

A Comparative Study of Drying of Muga Cocoons using Convection and Infra-red Heating Method

Background: Muga is an exclusive golden-colored silk produced by the Antheraea Assamensis silkworm species in North-east India. In the silk processing stage, drying of Muga silkworm cocoon is essential to prevent the pupa from emerging from the shell and to preserve the cocoons for a longer period (3-6 months). It is necessary to reduce the potentially harmful high moisture level in the cocoon shell and pupa body to an optimum or safe level of moisture content (6-12%). In India, the natural sun drying method is the most common method to preserve Muga cocoons for a longer period. Considerably losses may occur using the sun-drying method due to various effects such as rodents, insects, rain, microorganisms, excessive temperature, etc. To address this issue the study was conducted to improve the quality of Muga silk yield using a comparative study between Convection and IR heating methods for cocoon drying. Methods: In this study, Muga cocoons were dried properly at optimum temperature (50-100°C) to obtain a safe moisture level for getting quality Muga silk. The drying of the Muga cocoon is processed using convection (1 kw) and Infrared (650 watts) modes of heating for the same duration of time. Muga cocoons were placed in a drying chamber initially at a high temperature (100±5°C) using both convection and Infrared heating methods separately to maintain the moisture content to an optimum level. It took approximately 75 minutes to obtain the temperature 100 from room temperature and every 15 minutes temperature measure was recorded for both methods and compared. The parameters studied were temperature, time, cocoon weight, shell weight, shell ratio and moisture content. These parameters were examined, evaluated and compared for both the Convection and IR heating methods. Result: The comparative study results indicated that the performance of the studied cocoon parameters namely temperature, cocoon weight, shell weight, shell ratio and moisture content are approximately similar for both convection and IR heating methods. Moisture content was maintained at the optimum range (6-12%) for both the convection and IR methods. The study provided a better performance using the IR heating method as compared to convection heating concerning energy consumption and safety for the same duration of time. Energy consumed by a 1 kW convection heater is 1.25 kWh, whereas energy consumption in a 650-watt IR heater is 0.8125 kWh.

Behavior of Pasting Properties of Ohmic‐Heated Corn Starch Versus Moisture and Temperature Applied

AbstractStarch is an essential biopolymer for creating viscous food systems in the food industry. Viscosity behavior is unclear in the literature and varies with the thermal process and moisture content used. This study analyzed how ohmic heating affects the pasting properties of corn starch in response to changes in moisture and temperature. Corn starch is mixed with water at varying ratios (1:1, 1:3, and 1:5). The mixture is heated at 5 °C min−1 using an ohmic heating cooker to 80, 100, and 120 °C. Moisture affects pasting and starch properties. Peak viscosity varies with moisture content, decreasing from 5904 cP (native) to 3204–4510 cP at a 1:1 ratio. At a moisture ratio of 1:3, peak viscosity matched the native sample. Higher peak viscosity (6539 to 8772 cP) occurred at high moisture levels (1:3). Thermal properties confirmed different gelatinization degrees, which is evidenced by a shift in the x‐ray diffraction pattern from A‐type (native starch) to V‐type crystalline. The viscosity and physicochemical properties of corn starch depend on temperature and moisture levels. Moisture has a more significant impact on these properties than temperature. Therefore, varying the moisture content it can improve corn starch properties precisely, making it useful for the food industry.

Effect of Different Post-Harvest Treatments on Quality and Shelf Life of Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) Fruits During Storage

Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) is a widely consumed vegetable crop worldwide. The perishability of fruits increased due to the high level of moisture which reduces quality and shelf life. Thus, this study was conducted in Kanchanpur, Nepal from 11th July to 1st August 2022 to investigate the impact of postharvest application of various chemical substances and plant extracts on the post-harvest life of tomatoes throughout the storage. The pink stage of the Heemsohna variety of tomato fruit was harvested and dipped in various treatment solutions; 0.1 % Gibberellic acid (GA3), 1.5% calcium chloride (CaCl2), 10% Aloe vera gel, and 15% Neem leaf extract (NLE) or distilled water as control. After that, the fruits were air-dried and kept at ambient temperatures. The experiment was set up using a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with 3 replications and 5 treatments. At three-day intervals throughout storage, the physicochemical properties and shelf life of tomato fruit were examined. The different postharvest treatments caused the changes in total soluble solids, titratable acidity, decaying loss, and weight loss to be delayed compared to the control. With 0.1% GA3 and 1.5% CaCl2, fruit had the lowest decay percentage followed by aloe vera gel and NLE. Similarly, the fruits dipped in 1.5% CaCl2, had shown maximum shelf life of 21 days. Hence, it was determined that postharvest treatment with GA3, CaCl2, Aloe vera gel, and NLE possesses the capacity to keep quality, extend shelf life, and delay spoilage.

Characterization of physicochemical properties and sensory profile of red oncom in Dramaga District Bogor Regency

The production methods of red oncom can vary between different producers, leading to differences in sensory characteristics and compounds. This study aimed to characterize the physicochemical and sensory profile of red oncom that are most preferred by consumers. In this study, five samples of red oncom from Dramaga Districts, Bogor Regency, were selected as raw materials for physicochemical and sensory analysis. The proximate content of the five red oncom samples showed high levels of moisture, ash, and fat, but protein content in samples 259, 786, 615, and 478 was low. In contrast, the carbohydrate content in sample 615 was higher than proximate of red oncom by the Ministry of Health Republic Indonesia in 2019. The physical characteristics of color in some samples did not significantly differ in terms of L*, a*, C*, and h*values, although all samples exhibited a significant difference in terms of b* value. The texture characteristics of the five samples showed no significant differences in terms of springiness and cohesiveness, but significant variations were observed in hardness, gumminess, and chewiness. The sensory profiling involved 30 consumer panelists and 18 attributes, with sample 259 emerging as the most preferred among consumers. The analysis of consumption patterns based on five aspects of the food model, considering age and gender categories, revealed significant differences in several aspects, mainly related to food preferences (stir-fried, tutug rice, sauce, and fried oncom), self-conditions (feeling of sadness), and environmental conditions (hot weather). However, a significant difference was observed in the ecological aspect, specifically cold temperatures, when considering the gender category.

Determination of Proximate, Amino Acid, and Vitamin Compositions of Sous-Vide Cooked Meagre (Argyrosomus regius) and Shrimp (Penaeus japonicus)

ABSTRACT The nutritional quality of fish and shrimp cooked with sous-vide was investigated. Vacuum-packed fish and shrimp were cooked at 70 and 85°C for 15 and 25 minutes. Proximate, free amino acid, and B vitamin compositions were investigated. Higher moisture levels, lower cooking losses, and lower protein content were found in sous-vide cooked samples than conventionally cooked ones. In all cooking treatments of fish, losses in amino acids and vitamins were observed. Fluctuations in amino acid changes were observed in shrimps. All losses were lower in sous-vide cooked samples. In conclusion, sous-vide cooking maintains the nutritional value of fish and shrimp.

Effect of different drying techniques on the quality attributes and antioxidant properties of green banana pulp

The green banana is a major crop in the tropics and subtropics. Raw bananas are packed with many nutrients and phytochemicals, which play a significant role in promoting health. Preserving green banana pulp is challenging because of its high moisture level. Drying is a crucial component in conserving and exploiting residual pulp materials. This study is innovative in investigating various drying techniques for banana pulp and subsequently conducting a comparative analysis of different drying techniques concerning their outcomes. The physiochemical characteristics such as moisture diffusivity, texture, color, and phytochemicals are also thoroughly examined.

Perfil lipídico y calidad nutricional de especies de pescado enlatadas en aceite vegetal: matrinxa (Brycon amazonicus) y sardina de agua dulce (Hemiodus unicamculatus)

Given the need to satisfy the demand for fish consumption, canned native fish has emerged as a market alternative, but it is necessary to determine the nutritional aspects of this product. The aim of this study was to characterise the lipid profile and evaluate the nutritional quality of matrinxã preserved in vegetable oil and compare these results with freshwater sardines obtained from the same type of processing and canning. Matrinxã species had higher protein content than sardines, but sardines had higher levels of moisture, lipids and total minerals. The predominant fatty acid in the canned fish samples was linoleic acid, followed by oleic acid and palmitic acid. In terms of nutritional quality, matrinxã showed higher indices of atherogenicity and thrombogenicity and lower values of the following ratios: hypocholesterolemic and hypercholesterolemic fatty acids; polyunsaturated/saturated and omega 6/omega 3 ratio in relation to sardines. In view of the results, it can be affirmed that Matrinxã, from a nutritional point of view, presents itself as a good alternative for the canned fish industry.

Development of smart control system for leakage warning in compact roofs

Smart Sensor technologies to monitor temperature and moisture conditions in building components, can be used to give automatic warnings for abnormal high levels of moisture. Flat compact roofs are of particular interest, especially due to their vulnerability to rain leakages through the roofing membrane. Installing moisture sensors in such a roof measuring relative humidity (RH) or free water may give an early warning of rain leakages or condensation due to air leakages from indoors – before they start to get problematic. One challenge is, however, that normal moisture redistribution in the insulation layer over the season or day may give very high levels of RH in the top or bottom part of the insulation. The sensor system must be able to distinguish between these normal levels and leakage events. Together with a sensor technology and control system producer we have previously developed a semi-quantitative system that defines typical or normal RH levels in the insulation layer during the year. This system was based on hygrothermal simulations for various conditions, such as different exterior climate and levels of built-in moisture. This paper presents the preliminary findings from the further development of the system using real measurements from two pilot buildings located in Norway.

Combined application of hot water treatment and eucalyptus leaf extract postpones seneṣcence in harvested green chilies by conserving their antioxidants: a sustainable approach

BackgroundGreen chili is the predominant vegetable in tropical and subtropical regions with high economic value. However, after harvest, it exhibits vigorous metabolic activities due to the high moisture level, leading to a reduction in bioactive compounds and hence reduced shelf life and nutritional quality. Low temperature storage results in the onset of chilling injury symptoms. Therefore, developing techniques to increase the shelf life of green chilies and safeguard their nutritional value has become a serious concern for researchers. In this regard, an experiment was conducted to evaluate the impact of the alone or combined application of hot water treatment (HWT) (45 °C for 15 min) and eucalyptus leaf extract (ELE) (30%) on 'Golden Hot' chilies in comparison to the control. After treatment, chilies were stored at 20 ± 1.5 °C for 20 days.ResultsHWT + ELE-treated chilies had a significant reduction in fruit weight loss (14.6%), fungal decay index (35%), red chili percentage (41.2%), soluble solid content (42.9%), ripening index (48.9%), and reactive oxygen species production like H2O2 (55.1%) and O−2 (46.5%) during shelf in comparison to control, followed by the alone application of HWT and ELE. Furthermore, the combined use of HWT and ELE effectively improved the antioxidative properties of stored chilies including DPPH radical scavenging activities (54.6%), ascorbic acid content (28.4%), phenolic content (31.8%), as well as the enzyme activities of POD (103%), CAT (128%), SOD (26.5%), and APX (43.8%) in comparison to the control. Additionally, the green chilies underwent HWT + ELE treatment also exhibited higher chlorophyll levels (100%) and general appearance (79.6%) with reduced anthocyanin content (40.8%) and wrinkling (43%), leading to a higher marketable fruit (41.3%) than the control.ConclusionThe pre-storage application of HWT and ELE could be used as an antimicrobial, non-chemical, non-toxic, and eco-friendly treatment for preserving the postharvest quality of green chilies at ambient temperature (20 ± 1.5 °C).

Comparing quasi-3D soil moisture derived from electromagnetic induction with 1D moisture sensors and correlation to barley yield in variable duplex soil

Farms in Western Australia (WA) are highly variable in soil texture and water retention capacity; therefore, information of soil moisture spatial variability in the field is important for effective crop management. In practice, farmers often rely on point sensors to determine soil moisture in their fields for crop planning. The limitation of point measurements to account for spatial variability highlights the need to develop methods that can assess soil moisture across variable broadacre fields. This information can enable more effective site-specific crop management practices. In this study, we used a mobile non-intrusive electromagnetic induction (EMI) sensor to map soil apparent electrical conductivity (ECa) to predict soil moisture levels at three different depths (0–0.5, 0.5–0.8 and 0.8–1.6 m) across the field and compared it with barley yield production. To convert the depth specific electrical conductivity (EC) from EMI surveys into soil moisture estimates, calibrations between electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) to volumetric moisture were used. These calibrations were developed for the different soil textural classes of the field, with R2 of 0.97–0.99. There was no significant difference between the estimated soil moisture from EMI surveys and the point moisture measurements obtained from soil moisture sensors and soil sample extracts, with Pearson R values of 0.64 for 0–0.5 m depth and 0.73 for 0.5–0.8 m depth. Additionally, correcting the temperature drift relative to the measured soil temperature on EMI surveys by 10% in dry season and 31% in wet season, improved the moisture estimation results. This study successfully demonstrated the effectiveness of spatial soil moisture estimation using EMI sensor in a field characterized by horizontal and vertical soil texture variability. However, no significant correlation was found between the mapped soil moisture or soil texture with barley yield. This may be due to relatively high initial moisture levels resulting from two years of fallow rotation.

Holothuria atra: An Underutilized Marine Resource for Nutritional and Collagen Benefits

Aims: To assess the nutritional content in the body wall of an underutilized sea cucumber species: Holothuria atra and to extract and characterize the potential collagen types from the body wall Study Design: The specimens of H.atra were identified based on morphology and the nutritionally analyzed with respect to lipid profile, vitamins, minerals, and carbohydrates. H. atra body wall was used to extract collagen and later characterized.
 Place and Duration of Study: Samples were collected at Mannar, Sri Lanka. Study was conducted at the Department of Zoology, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka. Methodology: Nutritional content in the body wall (proximate analysis, lipid profile, vitamins, minerals, and carbohydrates) was analyzed using biochemical assays. Moreover, H.atra body wall was used to extract collagen, by acid soluble collagen extraction and characterized by physico- chemical methods.
 Results: The results showed that body wall tissues of H.atra contained high moisture level (83.2%), proteins (10.2%) and low levels of fat (2.0%) and carbohydrates (2.1%). Further, flesh contains, 0.4% saturated fatty acids, 0.4% unsaturated fatty acids, considerable amount of Calcium, Magnesium and Sodium. Collagen yield from the body wall was recorded as 0.95% and fibrils observed as irregular and dense with a loose and porous structure. Attenuate Total Reflectance-Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy and Ultra Violet Vis spectroscopy indicated the collagen was Type I.
 Conclusion: Results suggest that underutilized, non-commercial H.atra is a potential nutritional source and it contains type I collagen. Further studies are underway to increase the collagen yield from H.atra and to develop a collagen membrane which can be used in future industrial applications.

Unravelling the hidden diversity of cave mycobiota in Thailand’s Satun Geopark

Karst caves are distinctive ecosystems that have limited nutrients, darkness, low to moderate temperatures, and high moisture levels, which allow for a diverse range of fungal communities to thrive. Despite their significance, little is understood about the fungi found in karst caves in Thailand. In 2019, we studied the cultured mycobiota from five substrate types (air, water, rock, soil/sediment, and organic debris) in two karst caves (Le Stegodon and Phu Pha Phet Caves) of the Satun UNESCO Global Geopark, southern Thailand. A cumulative count of 829 distinct fungal morphological types was identified, encompassing 319 fungal culturable were observed. Based on preliminary analyses of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequence using BLAST searches, the most common phylum among the fungal morphotypes was Ascomycota, harboring 282 species in 91 genera, 93.4% of which were distributed in the classes Eurotiomycetes, Sordariomycetes, and Dothideomycetes. The most common fungal genera identified in the two karst caves were Aspergillus, Penicillium, Cladosporium, Talaromyces, Xylaria, and Trichoderma, with 45, 41, 24, 14, 14, and 6 species identified, respectively. Discovering fungi in Thai karst caves highlights the extensive fungal diversity in the Satun UNESCO Global Geopark, implying undiscovered species, and emphasizing the need for comprehensive investigations in other unexplored Thai karst caves.