Low Moisture Content Research Articles

Effects of partial precipitation and freeze-drying on morphology and physicochemical properties of rice starch hydrolysates

Agricultural bio-catalysis is of immense scientific interest due to its increasing importance in the efforts for more sustainable agriculture while optimizing environmental impacts. In our studies, native rice starch was hydrolyzed with various alpha-amylase concentrations (0, 0.1, 0.2, and 0.3% w/w of starch) at 50°C for 20 min; then purified by partial precipitation (PP) with organic solvents, or freeze-drying (FD) without further purification. The rice starch hydrolysates (RSH) produced by different methods (PP or FD) were determined for dextrose equivalent (DE), morphology, and some physicochemical properties including bulk density, moisture content, hygroscopicity, and water solubility. The results showed that at the same alpha-amylase treatment conditions, the RSH obtained by the PP method had lower DE values and production yields than those of RSH obtained by FD method. The FD-RSH had higher DE values, lower bulk densities and moisture contents, higher hygroscopicity and water solubility. In morphology, the PP-RSH (DE 10.2) had a larger particle size and more condensed microstructure compared to the FD-RSH of almost similar DE 13.5. These findings showed that the PP method resulted in lower-DE RSH with different morphological and physicochemical properties compared to those obtained by the FD method.

Proximate Analysis of Lemongrass Powder (Cymbopogon citratus)

Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus), a widely utilized aromatic herb, holds significant potential as a nutritional and functional food ingredient. This study evaluates the proximate composition of lemongrass powder to determine its key nutritional components, including moisture, ash, crude protein, crude fat, crude fibre, and carbohydrates. The results reveal a low moisture content (6.5 ± 0.2%), indicative of prolonged shelf life, and moderate ash content (4.3 ± 0.1%), suggesting a rich mineral profile. The crude protein (8.2 ± 0.3%) and fat (3.1 ± 0.2%) contents highlight its modest contribution to dietary protein and low-fat applications. Notably, the high crude fibre (16.7 ± 0.4%) and carbohydrate (61.2 ± 0.5%) levels underline its suitability as a dietary fibre source and energy provider. These findings support lemongrass powder's utility in food formulations and nutraceuticals, emphasizing its potential health benefits and multifunctionality. Further research on its bioactive compounds and antioxidant properties is recommended to expand its applications.

Enhancement of Corn Seed Germination in Calcareous Soil: Combined Effect of Biochar and Calcium Carbonate

Calcareous soil is reported to reduce seed germination performance due to its soil properties, like low moisture content, weak soil structure, and nutrient leaching. Biochar could enhance soil properties by modifying the physiochemical properties of the soil, which aids in accelerating seed germination and plant growth. Due to biochar's alkaline properties, it is rarely recommended for use on calcareous soil, which is naturally alkaline. Nevertheless, the water-holding capacity of biochar still has the potential to improve seed germination and thus could be suitable for working as a soil nourisher in calcareous soil. Till now, the effect of biochar on calcareous soil is lacking information. Thus, the current study aimed to evaluate the combined effects of biochar and calcareous soil on corn seed germination performance. Calcium carbonate of different rates (0, 10, 25% w/w) was mixed in a mixed soil with an initial pH of 6.8 to form the calcareous soil. Then biochar of different rates (0, 5, 10% w/w) was applied to the calcareous soil. After a week, the corn seed was sown, and seed germination performance was evaluated. The experiment was laid out in a completely randomized design (CRD). This study showed that the combination of calcareous soil at 0% and biochar at 10% gave the best seed germination, which supports the idea that biochar nourishes typical soil, as reported in many studies. However, this study also showed the potential of biochar in appropriate amounts to amend alkaline soil. The calcareous soil with the highest calcium carbonate rate (25%) has been shown to reduce seed germination significantly. However, the combined effects of calcium carbonate at 25% and biochar at 5% have significantly increased seed germination. However, the combined effect of calcareous soil at 25% and biochar at 10% portrayed the weakest seed germination. This suggests that 5% of BC is the appropriate amount to amend calcareous soil.

`Optimization of Economics of Biomass Fuel Mix for Boilers in Tea Processing through Response Surface Methodology

Fuelwood is the primary source of heat energy for tea processing, but its availability is declining due to population growth and logging restrictions. This study aimed to optimize the economics of biomass fuel mixtures for tea processing boilers by integrating macadamia nutshells as a supplementary fuelwood. The objective was to develop a cost-effective fuel mix strategy using Response Surface Methodology (RSM) and MATLAB simulations. The methodology involved proximate and ultimate analyses to assess the energy potential of fuelwood and macadamia nutshells. Various scenarios of moisture content and wood availability were simulated to determine the necessary quantities of macadamia nutshells to address fuelwood shortages. RSM was then applied to optimize the fuel mix by minimizing costs while maximizing energy efficiency. Key findings revealed that macadamia nutshells have a higher bulk density (680-745 kg/m³) and lower moisture content (7.86-10%) than eucalyptus wood (322-358 kg/m³, 15-50% moisture content). Additionally, macadamia nutshells have a superior calorific value (21,296.56 kJ/kg) compared to eucalyptus (18,765.24 kJ/kg), though they are more expensive (USD 0.10/m³ vs. USD 0.04/m³). The regression analysis showed that moisture content significantly increased fuel costs (18% per unit increase), while wood availability reduced costs by 17% per unit increase. The quadratic model (R2 = 0.9995) confirmed these interactions. The study supports the use of macadamia nutshells as a viable alternative or supplementary fuel source, enhancing the sustainability of tea processing operations.

Improving properties of chitosan/polyvinyl alcohol films using cashew nut testa extract: potential applications in food packaging.

Cashew nut testa, a by-product of cashew nut processing, is abundant in phenolic compounds and exhibits strong antioxidant properties, making it a potential additive for enhancing the antioxidant properties of biodegradable films used in food packaging. This study explores the fabrication of biodegradable chitosan/polyvinyl alcohol films incorporating varying concentrations of cashew nut testa extract (CNTE; 0, 1, 2 and 3% v/v) and evaluates their physical, structural, mechanical, optical and antioxidant properties. The results demonstrate that increasing extract concentration generally increased the thickness, tensile strength, Young's modulus, thermal stability and antioxidant capacity of the films, while reducing the moisture content, swelling degree, elongation at break, and light transmittance. Specifically, the film with 3% extract showed approximately 11% lower moisture content and 31% lower swelling degree compared with the plain film. It also displayed the highest tensile strength and Young's modulus at 28.63 and 147.35 MPa, respectively. Microstructural analysis revealed that the incorporation of CNTE resulted in a smoother and slightly denser film structure. Antioxidant activity, determined by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging assay, was not detected in the plain film but increased with increasing extract concentration. The film with 3% CNTE exhibited the highest antioxidant activity of 58.93 µmol Trolox equivalents (TE) g-1 film. This study highlights the potential of CNTE as an effective edible additive for developing antioxidant and ultraviolet barrier films with improved mechanical strength and water resistance for food packaging applications.

Investigation of Spray Drying Parameters to Formulate Novel Spray-Dried Proliposome Powder Formulations Followed by Their Aerosolization Performance

Background: Spray drying, whilst a popularly employed technique for powder formulations, has limited applications for large-scale proliposome manufacture. Objectives: Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate spray drying parameters, such as inlet temperature (80, 120, 160, and 200 °C), airflow rate (357, 473, and 601 L/h) and pump feed rate (5, 15, and 25%), for individual carbohydrate carriers (trehalose, lactose monohydrate (LMH), and mannitol) for 24 spray-dried (SD) formulations (F1–F24). Methods: Following optimization, the SD parameters were trialed on proliposome formulations based on the same carriers and named as spray-dried proliposome (SDP) formulations. Drug delivery of the formulations was assessed using a dry powder inhaler (DPI) in combination with a next-generation impactor (NGI). Results: Upon analysis, formulations F6 (SD-mannitol), F15 (SD-trehalose), and F20 (SD-LMH) demonstrated high production yields (84.01 ± 3.25, 72.55 ± 5.42, and 70.03 ± 3.39%, respectively), small particle sizes (2.96 ± 1.42, 4.55 ± 0.46, and 5.16 ± 1.32 µm, respectively) and low moisture contents (0.25 ± 0.03, 3.76 ± 0.75, and 1.99 ± 0.77%). These SD optimized parameters were then employed for SDP formulations employing dimyristoly phosphatidylcholine (DMPC) as a phospholipid and beclomethasone dipropionate (BDP) as the model drug. Upon spray drying, SDP-mannitol provided the highest production yield (82.45%) and smallest particle size (2.64 µm), as well as high entrapment efficiency (98%) and a high fine particle dose, fine particle fraction, and respirable fraction (285.81 µg, 56.84%, 86.44%, respectively). Conclusions: The study results are a promising step in the optimization of the large-scale manufacture of proliposome formulations and highlight the versatility of the instrument and variability of formulation properties with respect to the carriers employed for targeting the pulmonary system using dry powder inhalers.

Microencapsulation of Hibiscus sabdariffa extract in taro starch: Determination of optimal conditions of bioactive compound retention using response surface methodology

Hibiscus sabdariffa (HS) extract contains a large amount of bioactive compounds with antioxidant, anticarcinogenic, and antihypertensive effects. The extraction of total phenols, flavonoids, and anthocyanins is more efficient at boiling temperature (~91 °C) than that performed at room temperature (~27 °C). In this study, a central composite rotatable design (CCRD) was used to optimize the inlet temperature conditions of a spray dryer and the concentration of taro starch solids to obtain microcapsules with the highest retention of bioactive compounds in hibiscus extracts. Optimized microcapsules (OM) were obtained at an inlet temperature of 118 °C and solid concentration of 26.5 %. Low moisture content (4.54 %) and water activity (0.2) and high content of total phenols (3374.91 mg GAE/100 g), flavonoids (372.81 mg QE/100 g), monomeric anthocyanins (36.74 mg C-3-GE/100 g), and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitory activity (80.01 %), were determined in OM using response surface methodology. OM showed a range of spherical agglomerate sizes (10––32 μm). These results indicate that CCRD is a good tool for establishing the optimal conditions for solid concentration and drying temperature to maximize the protection of bioactive compounds using taro starch as the wall material.

Polysaccharide-potato protein coacervates for enhanced anthocyanin bioavailability and stability

Anthocyanins (ACNs) possess strong antioxidants, anti-cancer, anti-obesity, anti-diabetic, and anti-inflammatory properties but are limited use by their susceptibility to environmental factors. This study aims to overcome these limitations by developing and assessing a novel coacervate system, consisting of potato protein isolate (PPI) combined with various polysaccharides, to stabilize and encapsulate anthocyanins from black carrot concentrate The polysaccharides included in this system include inulin, gum Arabic, guar gum, pectin, and soluble fiber. The coacervate system's effectiveness in maintaining stability and increasing the bioavailability of anthocyanins was evaluated compared to conventional soybean protein-based systems. The results show that pH considerably influences potato protein solubility, with maximum solubility at strongly acidic (pH 2) conditions. Hygroscopicity and moisture content analysis of the coacervates showed significant variations, with potato protein-guar gum (PPIGG) microcapsules having the lowest moisture content and potato protein gum Arabic (PPIGA) microcapsules having the highest moisture content. SEM imaging illustrated distinct microcapsule morphologies, while FT-IR measurement verified the successful integration of proteins and polysaccharides. The significance of the research reflects its proof that potato protein isolate (PPI) based coacervate systems consists of potato protein with polysaccharides, particularly those containing gum Arabic and pectin, have significant potential for improving anthocyanin stability and bioavailability. These findings guide future studies to investigate other polysaccharides, improve coacervation processes, and explore applications in the food and nutraceutical sectors. It also offers valuable insights for creating efficient encapsulation techniques for bioactive substances.

A sex-based growth performance, gene expression, fillet quality and fatty acid profile in GIFT tilapia cultured in field conditions

A 180 day field trial was carried out to study the growth performance, gene expression, fillet quality and fatty acid profile of male and female GIFT tilapia. Four month old male (180 fish with an average body weight of 72.75 ± 0.76 g) and female (180 fish with an average body weight of 72.25 ± 0.76 g) tilapia were segregated manually by seeing their genital papilla and were stocked, separately, in six hapas (60 fish/hapa) with each sex in triplicate conditions. The stocked fish were fed twice a day, with GROWPIA feed (floating pellet – 3 mm dia; crude protein - 28 %), at the rate of 5–8 %. The study found significant difference in growth performance between male and female GIFT tilapia. After 180 days of culture, male GIFT tilapia showed significantly higher specific growth rate (4.31 ± 0.001 % /day), average body weight gain (737.85 ± 0.25 g) and feed utilization indicators in terms of better apparent feed conversion ratio (1.69 ± 0.05), higher feed efficiency ratio (0.59 ± 0.02) and protein efficiency ratio (2.10 ± 0.07) compared to female GIFT. On the other hand, the female GIFT tilapia displayed downregulation in the gene expression of IGF-1/IGF-2, myoD, myogenin and upregulation of myostatin. However, the study did not find any significant difference in survival rate at the end of experiment. Similarly, there was no significant difference in fillet yield (%) and it was in the range of 43.93–45.49 % between male and female GIFT tilapia. Fillet nutritional quality analysis indicated significantly lower moisture (76.43 %) and ash (4.27 %) contents and higher crude lipid content (12.41 %) in female GIFT tilapia. Interestingly, the study found statistically similar fatty acid profile between male and female tilapia, however, the fatty acid contents of PUFA (19.38 ± 0.69 %), DHA/EPA (2.56 ± 0.38), omega-3 fatty acid (5.11 ± 0.32 %) and omega-6 fatty acid (14.27 ± 0.37 %) was found to be slightly better in male GIFT tilapia. Overall, the study found better growth performance in male GIFT tilapia and nutritionally similar fillets quality between male and female GIFT tilapia.

The Effect of Harvest Time and Plantation Age on the Yield, Chemical Composition, and Calorific Value of Reed Canary Grass (Phalaris arundinacea L.) Intended for Energy Purposes

Based on our own research conducted on a purpose-built plantation, the production capacity of reed canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea L.) was assessed depending on the age of the plantation and the date of the biomass harvest. The aim of this study was to assess the influence of the harvest date and plantation age on the yield, chemical composition, and calorific value of reed canary grass intended for energy purposes. The biomass on the plantation was cut twice during the growing season (summer/winter). The obtained biomass was analyzed for its ash content and selected elements, i.e., nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, sodium, sulfur, and chlorine. The total moisture, calorific value in working condition, and combustion heat were also assessed. The two-cut harvest system allowed us to obtain 3.85 t∙ha−1 of biomass from reed canary grass in the first year of cultivation. The highest biomass yields were obtained in the third and sixth years of cultivation and amounted to 8.50 and 8.75 t∙ha−1, respectively. Regardless of the age of the plantation, the biomass yield harvested in the summer period was always higher than the yield obtained from the winter harvest. The contents of some elements in the biomass also depended on the age of the plantation and the harvest date. The biomass of reed canary grass obtained from the summer harvest of the annual plantation was characterized by a high content of nitrogen (1.97% d.m.), potassium (2.35% d.m.), and phosphorus (0.31% d.m.) compared to the content of these elements in the biomass obtained from the three- and six-year plantations. In the case of sodium, the highest content (0.072% d.m.) was found in the biomass obtained from the summer harvest of the three-year plantation, and the lowest was obtained from the winter harvest of the six-year plantation (0.037% d.m.). The average sulfur content was the highest in the biomass obtained from the annual plantation, regardless of the harvest date (0.20% d.m.—summer harvest and 0.21% d.m.—winter harvest). On the other hand, the lowest amount of sulfur was contained in the biomass obtained from the winter harvest of the six-year plantation (0.12% d.m.). Only the magnesium content (from 0.09% d.m. to 0.14% d.m.) in the biomass remained at a similar level, regardless of the age of the plantation or the harvest date. The calcium content was the highest in the biomass obtained from the winter harvest of the annual plantation (0.35% d.m.), and the lowest was obtained from the six-year-old plantation, also from the winter harvest. In addition, the moisture and ash content of the obtained biomass depended on the age of the plantation and the harvest date. The highest moisture content (12.50%) was characteristic of the biomass harvested in the summer period from the one-year plantation. On the other hand, the lowest moisture content was found for the biomass harvested in the winter period from the six-year plantation. The highest ash content was obtained from biomass harvested in the summer period from the one-year plantation (75 g∙kg−1 d.m.) and the three-year plantation (69 g∙kg−1 d.m.). The lowest ash content was obtained from the winter harvest from the six-year plantation (45 g∙kg−1 d.m.). The highest calorific value of 16.0–16.2 MJ∙kg−1 d.m. was obtained for biomass harvested in the sixth year of the study (irrespective of the harvest date). The value of the combustion heat was also dependent on the age of the plantation and the date of the biomass harvest. The highest value for the combustion heat of 17.5 MJ∙kg−1 d.m. was obtained for biomass harvested in the winter period from the six-year plantation

Effect of Pretreatment and Osmotic Dehydration on the Quality and Technological Properties of Dried Banana (cv. Thap Maeo)

The banana is a product to preserve banana, avoid post-harvest losses and add value. This study aims to evaluate pre-treatments of prevention enzymatic browning and osmotic dehydration, influence on drying time, proximate analysis, physicochemical characterization, color and yield in bananas cv. Thap Maeo. The biometric characterization was performed. Bananas cv. Thap Maeo was submitted to pre-processing: antioxidant (acid ascorbic (0.25%), acid citric (0.30%)), bleaching (94°C), sulphitation (Na2S2O5/0.01%), with and without osmotic dehydration in sucrose solution (65°Brix/6h) and oven dried (65°C). The obtained products were evaluated for drying curve, chemical composition, physicochemical characteristics, internal color and external color, and dried banana yield. The banana of cv. Thap Maeo presents big bunches, high number of fruits, class 12, medium fruits, moderately sweet, low acidity, pulp yield (80.47%) e 92.65 kcal). These technological properties are interesting for agribusiness. There are significant differences for prevention and enzymatic browning, osmotic dehydration and interaction for several evaluated parameters. Dried banana with osmotic dehydration dried in 32 h, dry matter (80.1%), carbohydrates (74%), TSS (65º Brix), TSS/TTA ratio (59.3), ash content (0.4%), lower Aw (0.59), moisture content (19.9%), lower texture (2.23 N), 312 Kcal. Bleaching was the best in preventing the enzymatic browning in dried banana, with lower values of crude fat (0.24%), DM (78.1%), texture (less hard, 2.43 N), low moisture content (21.9%), low pH (4.26), AW (0.66), high yield (39%). Color light, red and yellow: color external (L*(29.1), a*(10), b*(10.3)) and color internal (L*(38.9), a*(12.1), b*(19.9)). The dried banana blanched with osmotic dehydration can be an opportunity for agribusiness bananas, added value, and conservation bananas, and can serve as a basis for Local Productive Arrangements - APL’s, in the Amazon. We recommend that further studies bleaching be carried in bananas with peel, steam blanching, immersion in liquid nitrogen, freeze cycles, and loss of minerals.

Formulation development of dual-compartment topical inserts combining Tenofovir Alafenamide and Elvitegravir for flexible on-demand HIV prevention

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) has emerged as a prominent approach for the prevention of HIV infections. While the latest advances have resulted in effective oral and injectable product options, there are still gaps in on-demand, event-driven, topical products for HIV prevention that are safe and effective. Here we describe the formulation development of a dual-compartment topical insert containing tenofovir alafenamide fumarate (TAF) and elvitegravir (EVG) that may be administered when needed, vaginally or rectally, pre- or post-coitus, for flexible HIV prophylaxis. Specifically, we describe the lab-scale formulation development, preclinical mucosal safety and pharmacokinetics (PK) testing in rabbits, long-term stability, and scale-up clinical manufacturing of the lead TAF/EVG (20 mg/16 mg) inserts, which are currently in clinical stages of development. As designed, the inserts are small, discreet and portable, offering a number of promising attributes, such as simple and robust direct-compression manufacturing, fast initial disintegration/dissolution, and suitable mechanical strengths showing low hardness (<8 kg), friability (<1 %), and moisture content (<1 %). The inserts initiated disintegration quickly (~ ≤ 15 min) providing full in vitro release (>90 %) of TAF and EVG within 60 min of dissolution. The lead insert was selected from formulation prototypes that met the evaluation criteria for manufacturability and characterization, together with a dose-ranging PK study in non-human primates. Successful technology transfer for clinical development of the lead TAF/EVG (20 mg/16 mg) insert was confirmed under cGMP conditions. Based on the 12 months (lab-scale) and 24 months (clinical batch) stability data, the TAF/EVG inserts are projected to have a long shelf life of over 2 years, if stored at or below 30 °C/65 % RH. Overall, these newly designed topical inserts have formulation properties that enable stable storage and fast release of the antiretroviral payload from a small, portable and discreet dosage form. They are safe and effective when applied vaginally or rectally, before or after coitus, providing the basis for a new method of flexible on-demand HIV prevention for cisgender and transgender women and men. The TAF/EVG inserts are currently the most clinically advanced on-demand topical product, as attested by their completed and ongoing clinical trials.

Influence of coagulants and flocculants dosing sequence on the dewaterability of oil sands mature fine tailings by pressure filtration

Rapid and cost-effective dewatering of wet tailings is crucial for clean and sustainable production in mineral processing. In the process of dewatering oil sands mature fine tailings (MFT) through coagulation-flocculation followed by pressure filtration, we observed that the dosing sequence of coagulants and flocculants had a significant influence on dewatering efficiency. Employing two anionic commercial flocculants (SNF3338 or Kemira PAM) together with an inorganic or a natural coagulant (aluminum sulfate, or chitosan), it was found that the sequence of flocculants followed by coagulants (F-C) gave higher net water release during filtration and lower moisture content in filter cakes than those in reverse sequence (C-F). The capillary suction time measurement showed a faster water release rate from the MFT treated with the F-C sequence. Zeta potential measurements indicated that flocs formed by treatment with the F-C sequence had lower negative potential or more positive potentials, likely contributing to the stronger floc strength and improved inter-floc porosity that favored pressure filtration. The findings in this Technical Note could help optimize the chemical treatment regime and reduce chemical consumption in the filtration of fine wet tailings.

All wastes/residues are not equal for hydrogen production via gasification: Impacts of feedstock properties on process parameters

Eight different waste streams are evaluated in a gasification process with carbon capture modeled using Aspen Plus®. The influence of the feedstock properties on various process parameters is analyzed and quantified. The waste properties that have the largest impact on the process are heating value, moisture content, and carbon content. The first two properties directly impact the feedstock amount and process conversion efficiencies. The carbon content influences the process parameter requirements for the gasifier and shift reactor, product yield and carbon emissions from the process. Energy requirements are dictated by the carbon content and net heating value of the feedstock. Based on these findings, correlations are developed for extrapolation to any waste residue for hydrogen production via gasification. Feedstocks with high carbon content (85–86 wt%), high heating value (>39 GJ/t dry) and low moisture content (<5 wt%) positively impact the hydrogen production process.

Formation of Chlorinated Carbohydrate Degradation Products and Amino Acids during Heating of Sucralose in Model Systems and Food.

Sucralose is an artificial sweetener whose stability during the thermal treatment of food is controversially discussed. In the present work, sucralose was subjected to different kinds of heat treatment either as such, in the presence of protein, or as an ingredient of food. Compared with sucrose, sucralose showed remarkable instability and discoloration after heating at 85-90 °C for 1 h. A chlorinated furan-3-one and different chlorinated dicarbonyl compounds were identified by High-performance liquid chromatography-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (HPLC-TOF-MS) for the first time, indicating that both the 4-chlorogalactosyl residue and the 1,6-dichlorofructosyl residue give rise to novel chlorinated sugar degradation products. When sucralose was heated in the presence of protein, the formation of 3-chlorotyrosine was detected, indicating that sucralose can invoke chlorination of other biomolecules. The influence of the addition of sucralose (0.03-0.1%) to dough on pH value, color development, and HMF formation was tested in baking experiments (muffins, coconut macaroons, cookies). A significantly higher HMF concentration was observed in bakery products, including sucralose, and a chlorinated 1,2-dicarbonyl compound was detected qualitatively in baked cookies. This work shows that sucralose is not stable during baking processes at high temperatures and low moisture contents, thereby confirming recommendations from the German Institute of Risk Assessment not to use sucralose for baking.

Seed responses to change in ambient humidity and the consequences for storability

The study of seed moisture sorption isotherms helps us to understand the response of seeds to changes in moisture in their environment and how this might impact their longevity. A seed moisture isotherm shows the relationship between moisture content (MC) and water activity (aw) at a constant temperature. Seed MC is higher when it dries from a hydrated state (desorption) than when it rehydrates from a very dry state (adsorption) to the same RH, an effect known as hysteresis. Seeds on the desorption isotherm will age faster than seeds on the adsorption isotherm at the same RH due to higher MC, resulting in a more rapid decline in seed viability and vigour. In this study, moisture isotherms of seeds from diverse species were determined and modeled using the Guggenheim-Anderson-de Boer (GAB) model; the hysteresis effect was then quantified. The maximum hysteresis magnitude varied between 0.3 and 2.7% MC (occurring between 49 and 57% RH) when seeds were dried over silica gel (below 11% RH) and rehydrated. Cycling seeds between 30 and 50%, 20 and 50%, and 15 and 50% RH, it was found that seeds of barley, lupin, buckwheat, wheat and pea switch to the adsorption isotherm upon rehydration after drying at intermediate moisture levels. Thus, adsorbing seeds of these species have greater longevity than desorbing seeds at the same RH. In contrast, seeds of oilseed rape and yellow mustard do not show a hysteresis effect unless they are dried to very low MC (over silica gel), so the adsorbing seed longevity remains the same as desorbing seeds at a constant RH. It is important to consider the moisture history of seeds depending on species for better seed storage management.

Nutritional differences in eggs, chicken, and plantain from agroecological, conventional, and commercial systems: a case study in Valle del Cauca, Colombia

ABSTRACT This case study examines the nutritional differences between agroecological, conventional, and commercial products in Valle del Cauca, Colombia. Using a participatory methodology with local farmers, eggs, chicken, and plantain were selected for analysis. Moisture, protein, fat, ash, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, and magnesium contents were compared across the three production systems. Statistical analyses included ANOVA and MANOVA. Results indicate that agroecological products from the studied farms tended to have lower moisture content. Agroecological eggs showed higher fat content (11.09 g/100 g vs 9.32 g/100 g conventional and 8.45 g/100 g commercial). Agroecological chicken presented higher protein content (22.37 g/100 g vs 20.73 g/100 g conventional and 18.1 g/100 g commercial) and potassium (281 mg/100 g vs 298 mg/100 g conventional and 213 mg/100 g commercial). Agroecological plantain had higher ash content (0.85 g/100 g vs 0.77 g/100 g conventional and 0.79 g/100 g commercial) and calcium (8 mg/100 g vs 5 mg/100 g conventional and 6 mg/100 g commercial). These differences were statistically significant (p < 0.05). While these findings suggest potential nutritional benefits of agroecological production in this region, further studies with a larger number of replicates are needed to confirm these trends on a broader scale.

Effect of meat type and fat level on burger meat characteristics: A combined approach using imaging and sensory techniques.

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of fat level and meat cut type on burger meat through color, texture, image, and sensory analyses, and to explore the ability of the imaging technique as a complementary tool for consumer quality perception. For this purpose, burger meat samples were prepared by combining pork and beef meat (50/50%) with other nonmeat ingredients. The differences between samples were fat level: around 15 g fat/100 g (code HF) or 10.5 g fat/100 g (code LF); cut types: from cow carcasses (code C) or yearling (code Y). Instrumental color and texture measures analysis, an image analysis, and a sensory evaluation were carried out on samples (raw and cooked) at two times: day 0 and day 1 before expiry dates. The results showed that the samples made with meat from cows presented lower L* and higher a* and b* values than the samples made from yearling. However, the fat level did not affect this parameter. This same pattern was observed for the image measurements. Regarding texture, the samples with higher fat content (and lower moisture content) had higher hardness values. Generally, meat type had no effect on textural parameters. The samples that consumers gave the highest overall acceptance scores were those made of cow meat at both fat content levels. These samples also had the highest raw and cooked color scores. The fat level slightly affected hardness, with the same pattern observed for the instrumental measures of texture. The analyses showed a good correlation between instrumental techniques and sensory evaluation.

Spalling behavior in ultra-high performance concrete: multi-technique insights and multi-scale fiber-rubber mitigation strategies

Explosive spalling of ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) at elevated temperatures is one of the main problems limiting its application. While the intrinsic mechanism governing the spalling is determined by the UHPC matrix. Therefore, in this paper, multi-technique characterization approaches, i.e., acoustic signal characteristics, fractal characteristics of spalling fragments, and thermal cracks are employed to quantitatively characterize the spalling of the UHPC matrix. The effects of moisture content, heating rate, geometric characteristics of specimens, mineral admixtures, crumb rubber content, and fibers on concrete spalling are investigated to reveal the explosive spalling mechanism, reduce the risk of explosive spalling, and develop a spalling-resistant material. The waveform, cumulative energy, and spectrum of the spalling acoustic signal are used to assess the intensity of concrete spalling. The results show that the UHPC matrix with high moisture content, high heating rate, and large specimen size undergoes violent spalling events characterized by larger amplitude and smaller frequencies of acoustic signals. Incorporating crumb rubber increases the spalling events in the frequency range of 8000–10000 Hz, which plays a positive role in alleviating spalling. Meanwhile, the fractal characteristics of spalling fragments and thermal cracks can also quantitatively reflect the intensity of concrete spalling (i.e., the larger the fractal dimension, the more severe spalling). By minimizing the moisture content and heating rate, as well as increasing rubber content, the spalling fragments can be larger and the fractal dimension can be reduced. It is also found that saturated specimens spall with significant cumulative energy. While the specimens with a large size and low moisture content spall with lower cumulative energy and an increase in the proportion of spalling fragments in the small particle size range. A higher heating rate and larger specimens can induce a higher thermal stress, which can be more likely to spall explosively. While a lower moisture content can result in explosive spalling at a higher heating rate. Hence, it is believed that thermal stress can be the dominant factor affecting explosive spalling and the moisture content can be an accelerator. The addition of multi-scale fibers completely prevents explosive spalling by releasing vapor pressure from the channels created by fiber melting and improving the tensile strength of concrete, which also effectively restricts the thermal cracking of UHPC due to their hybrid bridging effects.

Identification of Microflora Associated with Groundnut (&amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Arachis hypogaea&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; L.) Seeds and Its Impact on Physical Impairment on Seeds Germination Percentages

This study was to investigate the incidence of seed-borne fungi on the groundnut seeds isolate and identify the seed-borne fungi associated with some of groundnut seeds and obtain information on the pathological effect of these fungi on the peanut seed germination. The results of these investigations revealed the existence of four notable seed-borne fungal pathogens, specifically A. niger, A. flavus, A. tamre, and one Aspergillus pp., in the designated research area. A. niger was identified as the predominant fungus affecting groundnut seeds among these pathogens. This finding suggests that the presence of A. niger might inhibit the growth of other fungi through competitive interactions in the environment. Previous research by Ohave. The findings are consistent with the results of my study, which demonstrate that these fungi play a role in causing pathological effects on groundnut seeds, resulting in issues such as seed shriveling, discoloration, and decreased germination rates due to seed-borne fungal infections. The conducted study emphasizes the importance of treating seeds purchased from markets with fungicides prior to planting to prevent seedborne diseases like seed rot, decay, and other related pathologies. Furthermore, it is very important to take steps to reduce the spread of seed-borne pathogens and the production of mycotoxins in groundnut seeds by improving storage conditions, which include maintaining low temperatures, humidity levels, and moisture content. Additionally, preventive measures should be implemented to avoid damage during post-harvest processes at storage and during the sale at the market.