Low Fiber Content Research Articles

Targeting ultra-processed foods for prevention of type 2 diabetes: state of the evidence and future directions.

The incidence of type 2 diabetes has risen globally, in parallel with the obesity epidemic and environments promoting a sedentary lifestyle and low-quality diet. There has been scrutiny of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) as a driver of type 2 diabetes, underscored by their increasing availability and intake worldwide, across countries of all incomes. This narrative review addresses the accumulated evidence from investigations of the trends in UPF consumption and the relationship with type 2 diabetes incidence. Hypotheses for why UPFs may be causally implicated in the initiation and progression of weight gain and suboptimal blood glucose levels are varied. There is also uncertainty and debate about whether detrimental effects of UPFs could be owing to additives and other features of industrial processing, independent of established dietary risk factors, namely added sugar, sodium, saturated fat and low fibre content. However, these current research gaps are addressable with rigorous research and coordinated efforts across nutrition-science domains; for example, the strengths of longitudinal cohort studies can be leveraged to refine the characterisation of key UPF subcategories within the enormous and diverse category of UPFs and ultra-processed beverages, and to identify high-risk patterns of intake that are related to the development of chronic-disease outcomes. The notable advantages of dietary intervention studies are the critical gains in the reliability of dietary assessments, and isolating the effects of individual UPF additives and features through carefully formulated diets. Research improving our understanding of the modifiable food environment, the diet's causal drivers of weight gain and suboptimal cardiometabolic health, and the interactions among them, can be used to meaningfully shift the food supply for large-scale improvements in health. Thus, although the global market share of UPFs seems to outpace the research on its detrimental health effects, leaving the scientific community with the responsibility of generating proof, there may still be promising opportunities to reduce the burden of type 2 diabetes.

Mechanical Properties of TWILL Carbon Fiber Fabric-Reinforced Single-Layer Thermoplastic Polyamide and Polybutylene Terephthalate-Based Composite Materials Manufactured by Hot Pressing

This study investigates carbon fabric-reinforced thermoplastic composites produced via hot pressing, using Polyamide PA6 and Polybutylene Terephthalate (PBT) as matrix materials. These materials are increasingly utilized in the development of lightweight, high-performance, multilayer structures, such as aluminum-reinforced laminates, for automotive and aerospace applications. The mechanical properties, including tensile strength and stiffness, were systematically evaluated under varying loading conditions. The PBT-CF composite exhibited a 17% higher tensile strength and stiffness compared to the PA6-CF composite, despite the low carbon fiber content. This highlights the critical role of uniform fiber distribution in enhancing material performance. Slower loading speeds (1 mm/min) resulted in higher strength, emphasizing the influence of process parameters on mechanical behavior. Cyclic loading tests showed a gradual reduction in stiffness with increasing strain range, particularly for the CF-45° configuration. The warp and weft arrangement of the carbon fabric contributed to structural inhomogeneity but did not significantly affect the global mechanical properties. These findings demonstrate the suitability of PBT as a matrix material alongside PA6 for carbon fiber-reinforced thermoplastics, offering new possibilities for the design of advanced composite materials with tailored properties.

THIN OVERLAYS OF STEEL FIBER REINFORCED CONCRETE AND CONTINUOUSLY REINFORCED CONCRETE STATE OF THE ART IN BELGIUM

In Belgium, resurfacing of existing roads with cement concrete has been a common practice for over a decade, with approximately 500 km of roads overlaid with continuously reinforced concrete pavement (CRCP). This interest expanded to include thin resurfacings (<15 cm) of steel fibrous reinforced concrete (SFRC) and thin continuously reinforced concrete (TCRCP) due to the advantages offered by steel fibrous reinforced concrete in terms of lower fiber content and better incorporation possibilities. Experimental sections constructed since 1982, covering nearly 25 km of roads, have explored the use of SFRC and TCRCP overlays on both old concrete and bituminous pavements. The study reveals promising outcomes for thin overlays in SFRC, particularly when applied over bituminous underlayers, showcasing remarkable and durable bond strength. The best results were achieved with new leveling courses with an overall open structure. On old concrete pavements, achieving an adequate bond is crucial for success, necessitating intensive roughening of the existing surface. Grout application showed minimal improvement in bond strength. TCRCP overlays, particularly those with a thickness of 14 cm, demonstrated satisfactory performance with no significant issues. Utilizing welded-wire fabric for reinforcement can offer cost savings and facilitate construction under traffic conditions. This research, conducted with financial assistance from the IRSIA organization and supervised by a Working Party chaired by Prof. dr. ir. F. Van Cauwelaert, aims to establish practical guidelines for thin resurfacing and explores the relationship between empirical experience and thickness design computations. The study underscores the potential of thin concrete resurfacings in the rehabilitation of the Belgian road network, emphasizing careful consideration of bond strength and overlay thickness for successful implementation. (Abstract generated by AI tool ChatGPT 4)

Identification of elite accession of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera L. Dunal) for root yield and brittleness

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera L. Dunal) is a commercially important arid to subtropical type agroecology crop. The field experiments were conducted at ICAR-DMAPR, Anand and ARS, AU, Samdari under agro-climatic zones III and IA, respectively. The impact of both locations was studied and diverse morphotypes of Ashwagandha were evaluated for physical, chemical and molecular parameters due to genotypic traits. The accessions were observed to be eclectic in morphological, molecular and chemical content compared to available checks. Accession DNA-4 is unique for number of branches, dry stem weight, berry size, root weight, number of secondary roots, root size, test weight and root yield. Accession DTWr-1 is unique for crude fiber, starch and total withanolides content. The result obtained from evaluation studies showed that accession DNA-4 will be suitable for the powder industry and the extraction industry might prefer DTWr-1. DTWr-1 and DNA-4 were earnestly performed under both locations. Both the morphotypes with high starch and low crude fibre content roots fetch a premium price under Agro-climatic zone IA and maintain root brittleness suitable for churna and extract preparation. Overall, the region-specific cultivation of selected elites under particular agro-climatic conditions for specific purposes will be promoted.

Relationship between nutritional composition and fibre digestibility in tropical forages compared to temperate forages

The study aimed to analyse variability in nutrient concentration and fibre digestibility in forage legumes and grasses from tropical and temperate regions and identify forage species with similar fibre concentration and digestibility. Forty-five samples comprised 22 tropical forage legumes, four temperate forage legumes, eleven tropical grasses, and eight temperate grasses were analysed for their proximate nutritional composition, as well as fibre digestibility by 240-h of in vitro incubation in buffered rumen fluid. All data were analysed using SAS (SAS Institute Inc., USA). Pearson correlations and multiple linear regressions were determined using CORR and GLM procedures, respectively. Cluster analyses were done using CLUSTER procedures. Tropical forage legumes had greater ash-corrected neutral detergent fibre (aNDFom) concentrations compared to temperate forage legumes, but lower aNDFom concentrations compared to tropical and temperate grasses. Tropical forage legumes had greater undigested neutral detergent fibre estimated after 240 h in vitro incubation (uNDF240) concentrations compared to other forages. In tropical forage legumes, aNDFom and lignin concentrations correlated with uNDF240 concentration (p < 0.001). Meanwhile, there were no relationships between explanatory variables and fibre digestibility (p > 0.100). Four clusters of forage species varying in fibre concentration and fibre digestibility were identified. Peanut, lima bean, and cowpea forages might have low fibre concentration and medium fibre digestibility similar to those of alfalfa and red clover. Despite differences in environmental conditions, tropical forage legumes might compete with temperate species in terms of nutrient and fibre quality. This information allows tropical farmers to improve forage quality by choosing appropriate species.

Effect of Genotype and Environment on Yield and Technological and Nutrition Traits on Winter Rye Grain from Organic Production

This study aimed to determine genotype and environment effects on the yield and selected quality traits of winter rye from organic production. The tested material was grain of two hybrid rye cultivars, Tur and KWS Dolaro, and five population cultivars of rye, Dańkowskie Hadron, Dańkowskie Granat, Dańkowskie Turkus, Dańkowskie Skand, and Piastowskie. Field trials were performed at two locations in Poland, Osiny and Grabów, in two growing seasons, 2018/2019 and 2019/2020. The grain yield, moisture content, falling number, thousand-grain weight, and hectoliter weight were determined. The content of basic nutrients, protein, minerals, lipids, carbohydrates, and dietary fibre, as well as the viscosity of aqueous extracts of grain, were also determined. This study revealed that environmental factors, such as harvest year and growing location, as well as the genotype factor, had the greatest effect on the viscosity of aqueous extracts and protein content. The study’s hybrid cultivars, Tur and KWS Dolaro, are characterized by significantly higher yield but lower dietary fibre and protein contents in rye grain and lower viscosity of aqueous compared to all study population cultivars. Of all the studied population cultivars of rye, the grain of the cultivar Dańkowskie Skand was found to be the most beneficial in terms of nutritional value because it was characterized by the highest viscosity of aqueous extracts.

Biosurfactant Producing Bacteria from Groundnut Oil Cake and its Application in Pesticide Removal

A member of the class of organophosphate pesticides that are commonly used in agricultural activities worldwide is ethion, also known by its chemical name, phosphorodithioate, or O, O, O’, O’-tetraethyl S, S’-methylene bis. Its broad-spectrum insecticidal properties make it indispensable for controlling various pests in crops such as fruits, vegetables, and cereals. However, the indiscriminate use of ethion raises concerns due to its toxicity to non-target organisms, persistence in the environment, and potential adverse effects on human health. It was studied how bacteria that produce biosurfactants and were isolated from groundnut oil cake broke down ethion aerobically. In comparison to the FCO limitations of 5.77, 1.05, and 2.43 for Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium, the chemical analysis of groundnut oil cake revealed greater levels of these elements. Based on nutritional analysis, groundnut cake has low fiber content but high levels of carbohydrates (34.3%), moisture, starch, and proteins (5.33%, 16.7% and 36.12%, respectively), fat (13.67%), and ash (5.42%). The results of biosurfactant production screening showed that 17 isolates were positive for haemolytic activity, 11 were positive for Drop collapsed test and 2 isolates B. niabensis (B) and B. endophyticus (C) showed highest emulsification index 80% and 82% respectively. These two isolates B. niabensis and B. endophyticus were identified by 16S rRNA sequencing method. Both of them were found to produce glycolipid and lipopeptide after FTIR analysis. GC-MS analysis of degradation study showed significant degradation of ethion. The findings have consequences for how a bioremediation approach should be developed.

Optimizing Sorghum for California: A Multi-Location Evaluation of Biomass Yield, Feed Quality, and Biofuel Feedstock Potential

Sorghum cultivars, particularly those used for forage and biomass, present significant potential as drought-resistant crops suitable for animal feed and biofuel production. This study evaluated 59 sorghum hybrids over five years (2019–2023) across three University of California research farm locations in the Central Valley: Kearney REC (KARE), West Side REC (WSREC), and Davis. The primary aim was to identify genotypes that exhibit high yield and stability across diverse environments in California, which is crucial for meeting the state’s significant feed needs associated with dairy operations and animal production. The evaluation focused on biomass yields, forage quality traits such as Relative Feed Quality (RFQ) and milk yield per ton (milk/ton), and biofuel-relevant chemical compositions like Neutral Detergent Fiber (NDF) and starch. A multi-trait stability index was employed to pinpoint superior genotypes that combine high yield with desirable quality traits. Results indicated significant genotypic, environmental, and genotype-by-environment (GxE) interaction effects for all traits except fat and water-soluble sugars. Eight hybrids were notable for maintaining high and stable biomass yields across different locations. Additionally, high fat and starch content were found to correlate with improved milk/ton potential, while lower fiber content (ADF, NDF) was associated with enhanced RFQ. Specifically, nine hybrids were identified as optimal for dairy forage due to their combination of high yield, RFQ, and milk/ton. Furthermore, distinct hybrids were identified for first-generation (starch-based) and second-generation (NDF-based) biofuel strategies. Three hybrids stood out as having desirable traits for both feed and biofuel applications, underscoring their versatility. This study highlights the utility of a multi-trait stability index in selecting superior sorghum genotypes for specific trait combinations. The identified candidates for forage and biofuel use, especially the multipurpose varieties, offer valuable insights that can aid growers and industry stakeholders in developing more sustainable and versatile sorghum production systems in California. Findings from this study contribute significantly to the development of more resilient sorghum production systems. By identifying hybrids that excel in both yield and quality across various environments, this research supports future cropping decisions aimed at enhancing water use efficiency and drought resilience in sorghum cultivation. These advancements are crucial for maintaining competitive dairy operations and advancing biofuel production in the face of climate change-induced challenges.

Dietary inclusion of fibrous corn silages reduces gastric mucosa damage in fattening heavy pigs

BackgroundSeveral surveys conducted at slaughter sites have highlighted that gastric lesions are a widespread issue in fattening pigs, mainly due to feeding regimes. Diets with small particle sizes and low fibre contents guarantee high digestibility and performance but generate more rapid stomach emptying with a negative effect on gastric mucosa integrity. Providing fattening pigs with fibrous materials (e.g., straw provided in racks) or coarse fibrous ingredients (e.g., coarse silages) reduced the presence of gastric ulcers. The present research compares a traditional corn-soy-based diet with an experimental diet where bran and a portion of corn meal was substituted with whole ear and whole plant corn silages at the maximum dosages permitted by new Protected Designation of Origin for Italian dry-cured ham (20 and 10% of DM, respectively). This study aimed to examine the impact of the inclusion of corn silages in the diet on the productive performance of heavy Italian pigs and their ability to mitigate gastric mucosa damage.ResultsThe growth performances were satisfactory (750–800 g/d) given the advanced interval of growth of animals (from 120 to 180 kg). However, the inclusion of corn silages tended to reduce the growth rate by 5–6% due to the reduction of organic matter digestibility, without compromising the slaughter traits or the back-fat fatty acid profile. The experimental diet substantially affected both stomach development and mucosal integrity. The first consequence was an increase in stomach weight of approximately 6% (P < 0.01) but the most notable advantage of coarse feeding was a reduction in stomach damage severity, with a low number of cases with higher scores in animals fed coarse materials (P < 0.01).ConclusionsThe dietary inclusion of corn silages (30% of diet DM) decrease effectivelly the severity of stomach damage in finishing heavy pigs. Based on the feeding trial performances, the perspective of feeding heavy pigs corn silage should consider specific agronomic and harvesting techniques to improve digestibility and not reduce the growth rate.

Investigation of Impact Behaviour of Sisal Fiber Reinforced Phenol Formaldehyde Composites

Short Sisal fiber reinforced Phenol Formaldehyde resin composites are prepared with varied fiber lengths (5 mm and 10 mm) and for varied weight fraction (20%, 25% and 30%) of the fibers. Here in this work, Sisal fiber is used as reinforcement. Since it is abundantly available in nature and majority of it is getting wasted without being used as reinforcement in engineering applications. Over the last thirty years composite materials, plastics and ceramics have been the dominant emerging materials. The 10 mm fiber length reinforced composite shown improved mechanical properties than 5 mm fiber length reinforced composite. Increase in impact strength is seen when the fiber content in the composite is increased from 20% to 25% and 25% to 30%. The fiber strength, for different fiber lengths and fiber volume fraction, the work of fracture is proportional to the fiber length and fiber volume fraction. Although results show increment in impact strength with fiber volume fraction, proportionality is not demonstrated. This suggests that there are other mechanisms that affect the impact strength of the composites. Crack propagation is the predominant toughening mechanism in notched impact test. Improvement in impact strength characterizes that fibers as stress transferring medium are able to absorb impact energy effectively. Good interaction with crack increases the energy needed for further crack formation and propagation. The exceptional case could be due to low fiber content and relatively short fiber length so that the energy is not dissipated effectively. Weak interfacial bonding of natural fibers is mainly due to incompatibility of hydrophobic matrix and hydrophilic fiber. High moisture absorption causes dimensional changes of natural fibers as well.

УДОСКОНАЛЕННЯ ТЕХНОЛОГІЇ КЕКСІВ З ВИКОРИСТАННЯМ ЛЮПИНОВОГО БОРОШНА

The article is devoted to improving the technology of cupcakes by introducing lupine flour into their recipe. Lupine flour has been determined to be free of cholesterol, gluten and stomach irritants; modern sweet varieties do not contain alkaloids. Due to its low starch content and high dietary fiber content, it has a very low glycemic index (GI) and is recommended as an element in the diet of diabetics or people who want to lose weight, lower blood cholesterol and triglycerides and regulate blood pressure. Lupine flour contains up to 40% protein. Its fractional composition contains salt- and water-soluble proteins - 82-85%, alkali-soluble - 5-8%, insoluble fraction - 9-10%, alcohol-soluble proteins are completely absent. In terms of amino acid composition, lupine protein has a high content of lysine, threonine and leucine compared to other proteins contained in legumes. These amino acids have a positive effect on the young body (lysine and threonine) and are used in the treatment of diseases such as liver disease and anemia (leucine). In the work, 3 samples of cupcakes were developed with a partial replacement of wheat flour with lupine flour. After baking, samples with the addition of lupine flour were determined by organoleptic quality indicators, namely taste, smell, shape, texture, surface, structure and cross-sectional view. Research data showed that the addition of lupine flour in the amount of 15.0%...30.0% significantly improved the texture of the muffins compared to the control sample. The sample of the cake with a partial replacement of wheat flour with lupine flour meets the requirements of a healthy diet to the greatest extent due to the increased content of proteins (22.83%) and the reduced content of carbohydrates (36.33%). In general, the analysis of the chemical composition according to the content of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates showed the advantage of the improved recipes of the "Stolichny" cake, in particular, according to the content of the amino acid composition of proteins and fats, as well as reduced calorie content. Based on the results of the research, it can be concluded that the improved muffins expand the assortment of flour confectionery products for healthy nutrition with the content of essential amino acids in their optimal ratio.

Influences of superfine-grinding and mix enzymolysis alone or combined with hydroxypropylation or acetylation on the hypolipidemic and hypoglycemic properties of coconut endosperm residue fiber.

Coconut endosperm residue is an abundant and low-cost resource of dietary fiber, but the low soluble fiber content limits its functional properties and applications in the food industry. To improve the hypolipidemic and hypoglycemic properties, coconut endosperm residue fiber (CERF) was modified by superfine-grinding and mix enzymatic hydrolysis alone, or combined with acetylation or hydroxypropylation. The effects of these modifications on the structure and functional properties were studied using scanning electron microscopy, Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy, and in vitro tests. After these modifications, the microstructure of CERF became more porous, and its soluble fiber content, surface area, water adsorption, and expansion capacities were all improved (p < 0.05). Moreover, superfine-grinding and mix enzymolysis combined with acetylation treated CERF showed the highest surface hydrophobicity (48.96) and cholesterol and cholate adsorption abilities (33.72 and 42.04mg∙g‒1). Superfine-grinding-, mix enzymolysis-, and hydroxypropylation-treated CERF exhibited the highest viscosity (17.84 cP), glucose adsorption capacity (29.61µmol∙g‒1), and glucose diffusion inhibition activity (73.96%), and water-expansion ability (8.60mL∙g‒1). Additionally, superfine-grinding and mix enzymatic hydrolyzed CERF had the highest α-amylase inhibiting activity (42.76%). Therefore, superfine-grinding and mix enzymolysis alone or combined with hydroxypropylation were better choices to improve hypoglycemic properties of CERF; meanwhile, superfine-grinding and mix enzymolysis combined with acetylation can effectively improve its hypolipidemic properties. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: This study offered three composite modification methods to improve the soluble fiber content and in vitro hypolipidemic and hypoglycemic properties of coconut endosperm residue fiber. These modification methods were practicable and low-cost. Moreover, it provides good choices to improve the functional properties and applications of other dietary fibers in the food industry.

Effects of Wilting and Exogenous Lactic Acid Bacteria on the Fermentation Quality and Microbial Community of Plantago lanceolata Silage

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of wilting and exogenous lactic acid bacteria treatments on the chemical composition, fermentation quality, and microbial community composition of Plantago lanceolata silage (PS). This experiment was carried out in the Guizhou Extension Station of Grassland Technology (25°38′48″ N, 106°13′6″ E). The PS samples were divided into four treatment groups, namely control PS (C-PS), wilting-treated PS (W-PS), Lactobacillus brucei-treated PS (LB-PS), and wilting + L. brucei-treated PS (WLB-PS) groups, and analyzed after 60 d of treatment. The W-PS and WLB-PS groups showed significantly lower ether extract, ash, and Neutral detergent fiber contents but significantly higher water-soluble carbohydrate content compared to the C-PS and LB-PS groups (p &lt; 0.05). Additionally, the W-PS group had significantly lower propionic acid content but significantly higher butyric acid content compared to the other groups (p &lt; 0.05). Meanwhile, the WLB-PS group had the highest lactic acid content, the lowest pH, and no butyric acid content (p &lt; 0.05). Additionally, the WLB-PS group showed a high proliferation of beneficial bacterial species (Lactobacillus buchneri and Lactobacillus plantarum) and decreased proliferation of undesirable bacterial species (Clostridium lutlcellarli and Clostridium tyrobutyricum). In conclusion, the combination treatment with wilting and L. brucei increased beneficial microorganisms and inhibited undesirable microorganisms during ensiling, thereby improving the fermentation quality of PS. Therefore, the combination treatment with wilting and L. brucei may be an effective Plantago lanceolata silage modulation technique.

Physical properties, nutritional profile, and consumer acceptability of gluten-free breakfast flakes from cassava flour

Driven by the increasing demand for gluten-free and affordable breakfast options, this study investigated the potential of cassava flour, as a primary ingredient and gluten-free alternative, for producing extruded breakfast flakes. Cassava flakes were prepared using a twin-screw extruder at a constant screw speed of 35 rpm, constant cutter speed of 21.2 rpm and barrel temperatures of 81 °C, 93 °C, and 89 °C in the first, second, and third zones, respectively. The physical properties, nutritional profile, and consumer acceptability of the cassava flakes were compared to a commercially available breakfast cereal. Cassava flakes exhibited significantly different (p < 0.05) physical properties. They had a higher WSI (57.6 %) but lower values of bulk density (0.3 g/cm3), WAI (2.3 g g-1), and color value (yellow orange ±1.73). Cassava flakes had lower fat (0.3 %), protein (6.6 %), and dietary fiber (1.8 %) compared to the commercial product, except for ash (2.3 %), moisture (6.0 %), carbohydrates (89.0 %), and energy (384.7 Kcal/100 g). Despite these differences, cassava flakes met the UNBS requirements for breakfast cereals. Additionally, the cassava flakes’ nutritional adequacy for school going children and adolescents was assessed by determining their %contribution to RDA per serving (30 g cassava flakes + 100 g milk). Their contribution to the RDAs of school going children was minimal with only the contribution of carbohydrates for all age groups and the contribution of protein for 4–8 years aged children meeting recommendations due to the low protein, fat and fiber content. It is, therefore, important to consider reformulation of the cassava flakes and incorporation of other ingredients to improve their protein, fiber, and energy content. Overall, cassava flakes were acceptable with good functionality, but the acceptability can further be enhanced through optimization of the sensory and nutritional qualities.

Evaluating microwave energy impact on 3G snacks: A study on dielectric properties and expansion

Third-generation (3G) snacks, a food type of widespread interest in the industry, have a longer shelf life than second-generation (2G) snacks. The primary regeneration process for these snacks involves frying and microwaving. However, only a few studies have detailed the effects of microwave irradiation on these products. This study aims to analyse the influence of the type of material, compression, and microwave power on the expansion capabilities of the pellets. Four raw materials (rice flour, rice semolina, corn semolina, and wheat starch) were combined with water to achieve uniform moisture content and extruded into pellets with different compression ratios (1:1, 2:1, and 3:1). The elaborated samples were processed at different microwave powers (heating rates of 2 and 10 °C/s) using an instrument capable of accurately delivering microwave energy to food samples while monitoring key process parameters, including dielectric properties. Samples with high starch content, low protein content, and low fibre content, in conjunction with higher compression ratios exhibited a more pronounced expansion.

Native Forbs Provide Pollinator Resources and Improve Forage Nutrient Composition, Animal Performance, and Pasture Productivity

Pollinator declines and expectations for more sustainable agriculture, including pasture-based enterprises, bring attention to strategies to enhance the habitat value of grazing lands. We evaluated native warm-season grass (NWSG) pastures with (FORB) and without (CONT) interseeded native forbs in 2021–2023. An analysis was conducted using R with the significance set at p ≤ 0.05. The grass appeared to be weakened predominantly by grazing management practices. Forb density and mass had an inverse relationship in seasons two and three. Total forage mass declined in response to increased grazing days and weakened stands. The forage nutritive compositions differed, with more stable, season-long crude protein and lower fiber concentrations in late-season FORB, which supported higher bodyweight gains and season-long average daily gain. Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta; BESU), lanceleaf coreopsis (Coreopsis lanceolata; LCOR), and showy ticktrefoil (Desmodium canadensis; STTF) were the most abundant forbs, and BESU, LCOR, and purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea; PURC) produced long flowering windows. Cattle grazed STTF, cup plant (Silphium perfoliatum; CUPP), and oxeye sunflower (Helopsis helianthoides) the most. Under continuous stocking, a blend of BESU, LCOR, PURC, STTF, and CUPP produced acceptable cattle gains and provided pollinator resources, suggesting that this model may be a viable means to enhance the sustainability of pastures.

Establishment of near-infrared rapid prediction model and comprehensive evaluation model for foxtail millet quality

Foxtail millet (Setaria italica) is one of the earliest cereal crops in the world and is still an important food crop in Asia, Europe and Africa. However, there are few reports on rapid and comprehensive evaluations of foxtail millet quality. In this study, color, nutrient content, cooking quality and sensory quality of 45 varieties of foxtail millet from the main production areas of the country were determined. Near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) combined with partial least squares regression (PLSR) was developed for rapid and nondestructive detection of foxtail millet quality, where NIRS models for ash, amylopectin, protein, and VB1 and VB2 were desirable. In addition, correlation analysis, principal component analysis and cluster analysis were used for comprehensive evaluation of millet quality. The results showed that foxtail millet with low ash, protein, fat and fiber content and high amylopectin and carotenoid content has good cooking quality and was more preferred. This research will contribute to the quality evaluation and further processing of foxtail millet.

Pyrolysis-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry analysis as a useful tool in identifying fibre composition in mixed post-consumer textile waste

The progress of textile recycling is significantly impeded by the absence of adequate methodologies for determining the composition of fibres in textile blends. The examination of textile mixtures poses considerable difficulties, particularly due to the presence of elastane fibres, which in their limited quantities cannot be easily detected using conventional analytical techniques. Further, the undetected elastane fibres pose difficulty in separation during recycling of the textiles as they end up as impurities in cases where dissolution of the fibres is employed. Consequently, it is of utmost importance to explore new analytical tools that possess the capability to identify the primary fibres in post-consumer waste. In the current investigation, we conducted a study to assess the capabilities of Attenuated Total Reflectance Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) and Pyrolysis coupled with Gas Chromatography and Mass Spectrometry (Py-GC/MS) for the characterization of postconsumer textile fabrics. A comprehensive pyrolysis database was established encompassing prevalent pure fibres commonly employed in textile production. In addition, an examination was conducted on three textile blends with predetermined compositions, and the findings were subsequently compared with data obtained through the utilization of ATR-FTIR. The data derived from the original fibres was ultimately utilized for the examination of post-consumer fabric samples acquired from a waste landfill. The utilization of Py-GC/MS, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and ATR-FTIR enabled to discern fibre compositions of mixtures even those that contained relatively low fibre content.

A recyclable dispersant based on carbomer utilizing controllable viscosity for high-efficiency dispersion of carbon fibers

Good dispersion of carbon fibers is important for the carbon paper production, which is usually achieved using low carbon fiber concentrations and disposable dispersants. In this study, we developed carbomer as a recyclable and high-efficiency dispersant for carbon fibers. When the carbon fiber concentration was 0.1 wt%, carbon fiber suspension showed improved dispersion performance as increasing the carbomer dosage. It exhibited low Turbiscan Stability Index (TSI) of 0.41 and small change of delta backscattering between −0.5 to 0.8 % when using 0.5 wt% carbomer. However, the good dispersibility fade away when increasing the concentration of carbon fibers. Subsequently, the pH of the carbon fiber suspension was adjusted to 7.0 to improve the dispersibility by increasing the viscosity, but causing a worse flowability. Then the pH was further adjusted to 13.0 to ensure good flowability in the wet-forming process and good dispersibility at carbon fiber concentration of 0.5 wt%. More importantly, the dispersant was successfully recycled and still exhibited excellent dispersion effects for carbon fibers after 5 cycles. Notably, the high-efficiency dispersion of carbon fibers and the recyclability of dispersant were achieved simultaneously for the first time, which is suitable for the eco-friendly and sustainable production of carbon paper.

Design-driven approach for engineered geopolymer composite with recorded low fiber content

How to design an engineered cementitious composite (ECC) achieving both economic viability and ultra-sustainability has been the longstanding goal of ECC community. This study presents a design-driven approach to tackle this challenge through yielding a low matrix fracture toughness and a sufficiently strong interfacial bonding between fiber and matrix concurrently. As a result, only 0.2 % fiber content was sufficient for achieving robust strain-hardening in Engineered Geopolymer Composite (EGC), which, to the authors’ knowledge, is the lowest recorded thus far. The tensile strain-to-fiber content ratio reached 25, a remarkable 233 % higher than the existing strain-hardening composites. Besides, the compressive strength was around 40 MPa, marking the highest specific strength among the ECCs with a density below 1450 kg/m3. Leveraging the high porosity of 38 % and the presence of shrinkage micro-cracks in the matrix, a low fracture toughness, combined with a robust friction between fiber and matrix, facilitated the noticeable strain-hardening. The reaction product was identified as a dense alkaline aluminosilicate hydrate (N-A-S-H) gel, benefiting the interfacial bonding and compressive strength. The embodied energy and carbon of the EGC diminished by 27 % and 63 % compared to ordinary concrete, respectively, and the corresponding cost was 79 % lower than the classic M45-ECC, contributing significantly to ultra-sustainability.