Moisture-retaining Properties Research Articles

Sorption activity of zoocompost relative to copper ions Cu(II)

The study explored the possibility of using zoocompost, a waste product obtained during the production of protein and lipid concentrate from the larvae of the black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens), to reduce the mobility of copper (II) ions in soils due to the sorption of copper (II) ions. The Hermetia zoocompost, which has high air permeability, moisture-retaining properties, and a porous structure was used in the study. The adsorption of Cu2+ ions was studied under static conditions using model copper containing solutions prepared by dissolving CuSO4·5H2O salt in distilled water. It has been established that the sorption capacity of Cu2+ ions by zoocompost was 1 mmol/g or 64 mg/g. The efficiency of purification of a model solution containing Cu2+ ions reached 95% of the initial concentration. The mathematical processing of the adsorption isotherm within the framework of the Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET), Temkin, Langmuir, Dubinin-Radushkevich, and Freundlich models showed that the adsorption process was most accurately described by the Freundlich model (R2=0.9686). The value of Gibbs energy (ΔGо=-15.18 kJ/mol) indicated a spontaneous process. The calculated sorption energy (E=15.022 kJ/mol) indicated the specific nature of adsorption.

In-situ electrospinning with precise deposition of antioxidant nanofiber facial mask loaded with Enteromorpha prolifera polysaccharides

In order to fabricate a novel antioxidant nanofiber facial mask, a metal cone modified in-situ electrospinning with precise deposition was employed by utilizing Enteromorpha prolifera polysaccharides (EPPs). The metal cone could control the deposition area to achieve precise fabrication of facial mask on skin. The EPPs exhibited remarkable antioxidant ability, as evidenced by the half-maximal inhibitory concentrations (IC50) of 1.44 mg/mL and 0.74 mg/mL against DPPH and HO• free radicals, respectively. The antioxidant ability of the facial mask was improved by elevating the electrospinning voltage from 15 kV to 19 kV, due to the improved release capacity of EPPs by 7.09 %. Moreover, the facial mask demonstrated robust skin adhesion and moisture-retaining properties compared with commercial facial mask, which was benefited by the in-situ electrospinning technology. Furthermore, cytotoxicity assay, animal skin irritation test, and ocular irritation test collectively affirmed the safety of the facial mask. Thus, this research introduces a novel in situ electrospinning with precise deposition method and a natural antioxidant additive for preparing facial mask.

Sour milk drink technology with amarant flour

The article presents the results of a study on the production of sour milk drink with amaranth flour and cranberry puree. Sour milk drink corresponds to the modern concept of production of qualitatively new food products with the directed changes of chemical structure according to physiological needs of the person. Amaranth flour has been used in the production of innovative products as a high-protein ingredient that increases the nutritional value of products. At the first stage, a study of the functional and technological properties of amaranth flour was conducted. The parameters of preliminary heat treatment of amaranth flour were experimentally established. It was found that increasing the temperature and duration of aging amaranth flour increases its moisture-retaining properties. It is proposed to brew amaranth flour at a temperature of 90 °C for 10 minutes. In experimental studies, brewed amaranth flour in different concentrations was added to the milk base of the experimental samples: sample 2 – 1 %, sample 3 – 2 % sample 4 – 3 % sample 5 – 4 % and prepared cranberry puree in the amount of 5 %. Preparation of cranberry puree consisted of heating to t = 40 ± 2 °C, adding sugar and stirring. According to the results of the research, the amount of brewed amaranth flour in the fermented milk product was established. The most harmonious were the organoleptic characteristics with a content of brewed amaranth flour of 3 %. The technology of production of sour-milk drink with vegetable ingredients by thermostatic method is offered. Technological operations for the production of fermented milk product are as follows: acceptance and evaluation of the quality of the main and auxiliary raw materials; cleaning from mechanical impurities, separation, cooling, milk reservation; homogenization of the mixture; pasteurization and cooling of the mixture; preparation of cranberry puree; brewing amaranth flour; assembly of the mixture, application of leaven, mixing, bottling, sealing, marking; fermentation, cooling, comprehensive assessment of quality and functional properties; transportation and sale.

Mechanism of moisture adsorption in plant fibers surface-modified with glycerol evaluated by LF-NMR relaxation technique

Surface modification by humectants is an important technology to improve product quality in textile field, healthcare, tobacco processing and paper-making industry. As a common humectant glycerol is applied to keep the moisture adsorbability of the plant fibers during manufacturing. The effects of glycerol on the moisture adsorption of the plant fibers were studied by analyzing the induced differences of bulk and surface physicochemical property with XRD, FTIR, SEM characterizations. The improvement of moisture adsorption capacity of the modified plant fibers was caused by the increased active adsorption sites, while the moisture diffusion resistance increased simultaneously with glycerol indicated by a declining Deff. LF-NMR relaxation spectra demonstrated the water state and distribution in the plant fibers were changed by loading glycerol. The moisture transfer mechanisms induced by glycerol were also investigated. Free water failed to materialize in the plant fibers treated with glycerol, immobile water existed preferentially during the adsorption, and bound water presented increasing after the immobile water was saturated. These findings are referenced values to improve the manufacturing processes of moisture-retaining properties of different functional plant fibers.Graphical abstract

Ecological and environmental context shape the differential effects of a facilitator in its native and invaded ranges.

Invasive species often exhibit disproportionately strong negative effects in their introduced range compared to their native range, and much research has been devoted to understanding the role of shared evolutionary history, or lack thereof, in driving these differences. Less studied is whether introduced species, particularly those that are important as facilitators in their native range, have persistent positive effects in their invaded range despite a lack of a shared evolutionary history with the invaded community. Here, we manipulated the density of a habitat-forming facilitator, the high intertidal acorn barnacle Balanus glandula, factorially with herbivore density in its native range (Bluestone Point, British Columbia, Canada) and invaded range (Punta Ameghino, Chubut Province, Argentina) to determine how this facilitator differentially affects associated species at these two locations. Given that high intertidal species at Punta Ameghino (PA) are evolutionarily naïve to barnacles, we predicted that the positive effects of B. glandula at PA would be absent or weak compared to those at Bluestone Point (BP). However, we found that B. glandula had an equally positive effect on herbivore biomass at PA compared to BP, possibly because the moisture-retaining properties of barnacle bed habitats are particularly important in seasonally dry Patagonia. Barnacle presence indirectly decreased ephemeral algal cover at BP by increasing grazer pressure, but barnacles instead facilitated ephemeral algae at PA. In contrast, B. glandula increased perennial algal cover at BP, but generally decreased perennial algal cover at PA, likely due to differences in dominant algal morphology. Though our experiment was limited to one location on each continent, our results suggest that shared evolutionary history may not be a prerequisite for strong facilitation to occur, but rather that the nature and strength of novel species interactions are determined by the traits of associated species and the environment in which they occur.

Особливості змін фізико-хімічних властивостей сироватки та сиру кисломолочного, вироблених із молока корів української чорно-рябої молочної породи з різними генотипами капа-казеїну в процесі зберігання

The article presents experimental materials on the study of changes in the whey and cottage cheese physicochemical properties which are made from the milk of Ukrainian black-and-white dairy cows with different kappa-casein genotypes during storage. The experimental part of the work was carried out in the conditions of a pedigree plant for breeding Ukrainian black-and-white dairy breed of the «Profintern» unit of the State Enterprise «Gontarivka» in the Institute of Animal Science of the National Academy of Agrarian Sciences (NAAS). Based on the analysis results of the chemical composition, there were no significant differences between the groups for most indicators during storage in the period from the first to the 15th day, although in absolute values they can be placed in the following order: cottage cheese made from milk of cows with the BB genotype, AB and AA. It was found that the concentration of active acidity, similar to most quality indicators of cottage cheese, was determined at the beginning of storage by a higher value in cows with genotype BB by 0.9 and 0.5% compared to animals with genotypes AA and AB. With the extension of the shelf life, the rate of acid formation tended to decrease and on the 15-th day was 3.8–3.1%, compared the initial values. In contrast, the difference between the samples from the representatives with the BB and AA genotype in terms of the activity of hydrogen ions during this period was 1.6% and the AB genotype – 0.9%. Despite the fact that the duration of storage had a negative effect on the hydrogen ions’ concentration in cottage cheese, made from cow’s milk with different genotypes of kappa-casein, its moisture-retaining properties, on the contrary, have improved. It was found that cottage cheese and whey, regardless of the cows’ genotype at the kappa-casein locus, during storage have a relatively stable composition and meet the requirements of the current DSTU. The recommended shelf life is 15 days. The best combination of the studied parameters in the production of BB genotype cows reflects the higher course of metabolic processes in the body, which led to an improvement in its quality.

Moisture-Retaining Properties of Rocks in Ascending Capillary Leaching

The moisture-retaining properties of rocks in the rock mass are considered at ascending capillary leaching. The dependences of the moisture capacity of disperse material of flotation tailings at ascending motion of solutions are found. The dependence of specific moisture capacity and specific moisture-yielding ability of finely dispersed material at water, pH-neutral, and capillary filtration on the grain size and level of feeding water solutions to the rock mass is revealed. Based on a laboratory experiment, the specific parameters of capillary ascending filtration for the tailing dump are calculated with regard to moisture-capacity properties of the rock mass.

Astabilizing system for butter pastes based on the dry concentrates of milk protein

The composition of the stabilizing system for butter pastes based on dry concentrates of milk and whey proteins has been substantiated; that would help reduce the deficiency of protein in the diet of modern human and would make it possible to further improve the balance of the composition of the butter paste. Considering their functional-technological characteristics, conditions for gelation and synergy, the polysaccharides carrageenan and guar gum were introduced to the composition of the stabilizing system. The dynamics in the gradient of the limiting stress of protein and protein-polysaccharide systems have been studied. We established that gels based on the dry concentrate of milk protein are the plastic systems, they have sufficient strength and possess thixotropic properties. In order to reduce the quantitative content of the stabilizing system in the production of butter paste with a structural frame similar to that of butter, we introduced carrageenan to the system. However, an increase in its concentration led to the formation of strong cross-linked gels unsuitable for the production of butter pastes. Increasing the stability of the system against the freeze-defrost cycles could be achieved by the introduction of guar gum. Based on the indicator of the limiting stress at a variable deformation rate of the model samples, a rational ratio of the components in the stabilizing system was established. Its composition includes: milk protein concentrate: whey protein concentrate: guar gum: carrageenan: 10:3.0:0.3:0.05. The rational concentration of the stabilizing component based on skimmed milk was determined, which was 13.35 %. The water activity indicator is determined for the model samples of the selected stabilizing substances and mixtures in certain ratios. Stabilizing substances have been shown to exhibit the pronounced moisture-retaining properties, which increase at their combination. The effectiveness of the developed system is proven based on indicators for the water activity and enthalpy of the system. The indicator of water activity for the butter paste with a 40 % mass fraction of fat was 0.981, which is close to the respective indicator for the butter with a mass fraction of fat of 72.5 % (control) ‒ 0.979. The enthalpy index of the butter paste was 61.35 J/g; for control, it was 61.13 J/g. This is due to the additional bonding of moisture by the functional groups of components in the protein-polysaccharide complex, indicating the thermodynamic stability of the butter paste. The efficiency of application of the developed system in the technology of butter pastes has been determined: indicator of heat resistance of the butter paste with a mass fraction of fat of 40 % was 0.87 (control, 091), the size of droplets in the aqueous phase at the cut did not exceed 0.2 mm

Fructose; is that a public health problem?

High fructose corn syrup used in many products on the market is occured through a series of chemical processes. Long shelf life, and food softness because of the moisture-retaining properties, being more sweeter than other sugars have rendered preferred this product. Possible side effects of high fructose corn syrup with animal and human studies have been investigated but no evidence related serious adverse effect could be found with physiologic consumption. However this type of food and drink intake is accompanied by the consumption of hypercaloric energy and is believed to cause metabolic complications. Therefore, the appropriate amounts of natural fructose has indisputable benefits if consumed excessively adverse effects are inevitabl

Traditional Indian beliefs: a key toward sustainable living

India is known for the moral ethos of its people. Indian beliefs have been associated with compassion and respect for nature and its creations since ages. The religious beliefs of Jain, Vedic and Buddhist traditions in India established the principles of ecological harmony centuries ago. Indian religious and philosophical traditions embody the earliest concept of environmental ethics. Some of the important traditional environmental beliefs prevalent in India in which nature has been valued are discussed here. In Rajasthan, a desert state of India, the Khejri tree is valued for its moisture-retaining properties, and it is not axed even if it comes between the constructions. The live example of this is cited in Salasar Balaji temple in Sikar district. A Bishnoi cult of India inhabiting the Jodhpur region is known for wildlife protection specially the famous Black Buck that is an endangered species. Some areas popularly known as sacred groves or orans that are dedicated to a local deity worshipped by the inhabitants of that area are especially reserved for biodiversity conservation, and anthropogenic activities are completely prohibited. These and many more similar examples show that traditional beliefs of Indian societies have got a deeper understanding of the ecological system and have been completely integrated with nature to evolve sustainable lifestyle.

Characteristics and application of pectin extracts in cigarette production

Investigations were carried out on the chemical and physico-chemical characteristics of pectin extracts obtained from apple pressings by extraction with diluted acids and on their effect on the technological properties of tobacco. It was established that the pectin yield from extraction with nitric and phosphoric acids is higher than from citric acid extraction. The content of reducing substances, monosaccharides, proteins and amino acids is higher with nitric acid extraction and this can be explained by the greater hydrolysing capacity of nitric as compared to phosphoric and citric acids. With respect to the dynamic viscosity, surface tension and angle of wetting, the extracts studied were close to aqueous glycerol solutions. The tobacco treated with nitric acid extract containing enzyme hydrolysate and with nitric acid extract had better moisture-retaining properties than the tobacco treated with phosphoric acid extract or with citric acid extract. The addition of pectin extracts caused no significant changes in the chemical composition of the tobacco blends studied. The extracts reduced tar and carbon monoxide in tobacco smoke compared with the diethyleneglycol treated control.

Algae removal by sand filtration and reuse of filter material

Integrated pond systems consisting of facultative and high-rate ponds operating in series can produce an effluent low in dissolved organic material, nutrients, and hazardous bacteria. However, the effluent is rich in algae, and cannot meet stringent water-quality criteria on suspended solids. The algae, therefore, must be removed before final discharge or reuse of the effluent. This study reports on the efficiency of slow sand filtration in removing algae from high-rate pond effluents. When agricultural sandy soil with an effective grain size of 0.08 mm was used as the filter medium, an average filtration rate of about 1.3 m 3/m 2 .d was obtained. If filtration was preceded by sedimentation, the duration of a filtration run was about 100 h. At the end of each run, the filter was cleaned by scraping off the top few centimeters of the filter bed. The filtered effluent consistently had a biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) value less than 20 mg/L and undetectable fecal coliforms. The filter media, being rich in organic matter and having moisture-retaining properties, can be used as a soil conditioner.

The digenean parasites of Littorina neritoides (L.) in relation to microhabitat on the Plymouth breakwater

The Plymouth breakwater affords an artificial rocky shore environment with an east–west increasing exposure gradient, a uniquely uniform profile, and a highly restricted splash zone. A population of Littorina neritoides, elsewhere characteristic of splash zones, is found on the breakwater divided between two contrasting niches. Some live submerged in small, deep, permanent pools along the top of the breakwater, while others cluster in splash zone crevices on the walls of a few isolated shelter block structures. The occurrence in submerged snails of both Microphallus similis cercariae and the cysts of an unidentified metacercaria shows an inverse correlation with the degree of exposure to wave action at any place along the breakwater. Splash zone snails have very few infections with M. similis, but marked differences in infection rates with the metacercarial cysts can be correlated with the relative moisture-retaining properties of the stonework faces of each shelter block.