Optimal Retention Research Articles

Effects of spray drying and ultrasonic assisted extraction on the phytochemicals, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of strawberry fruit

Despite being nutrient-dense fruits with loads of bioactives, strawberries have a limited shelf life due to highly perishable nature. Therefore, to develop powders and extracts from these fruits through implementation of novel technologies is gaining importance. In current work strawberries pulp was dried through spray drying followed by ultrasonic assisted extraction using 70 % ethanol, to compare phytochemicals of fresh strawberries and strawberry powder. Both fresh strawberries and spray dried strawberry powder were found rich source of fiber, ash, protein and important minerals, however, strawberry powder presented significantly high fiber (4.72 %), ash (3.88 %) and protein (6.12 %). Total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), total carotenoid content (TC), DPPH free radical scavenging activity, total anthocyanins, vitamin C and β-carotene were found in significantly high amounts in ultrasonic assisted extracts of spray dried strawberry powder with values 480.18 mg GAE/100 g, 233.90 mg CE/100 g, 250.18 mg/100 g, 82.48 mg AAE/100 g, 8.04 mg/100 g, 32.16 mg/100 g and 92.03 mg/100 g, respectively. As compared to the ultrasonic assisted ethanolic extracts of fresh strawberries, the extracts of dried powder exhibited significantly high (p≤0.05) antimicrobial activities. Thus, aforementioned techniques could prove useful for optimum retention of bioactives in strawberry powder.

Significantly Enhanced Nitrate and Phosphorus Removal by Pyrite/Sawdust Composite-Driven Mixotrophic Denitrification with Boosted Electron Transfer: Comprehensive Evaluation of Water-Gas-Biofilm Phases during a Long-Term Study.

Further reducing total nitrogen (TN) and total phosphorus (TP) in the secondary effluent needs to be realized effectively and in an eco-friendly manner. Herein, four pyrite/sawdust composite-based biofilters were established to treat simulated secondary effluent for 304 days. The results demonstrated that effluent TN and TP concentrations from biofilters under the optimal hydraulic retention time (HRT) of 3.5 h were stable at <2.0 and 0.1 mg/L, respectively, and no significant differences were observed between inoculated sludge sources. The pyrite/sawdust composite-based biofilters had low N2O, CH4, and CO2 emissions, and the effluent's DOM was mainly composed of five fluorescence components. Moreover, mixotrophic denitrifiers (Thiothrix) and sulfate-reducing bacteria (Desulfosporosinus) contributing to microbial nitrogen and sulfur cycles were enriched in the biofilm. Co-occurrence network analysis deciphered that Chlorobaculum and Desulfobacterales were key genera, which formed an obvious sulfur cycle process that strengthened the denitrification capacity. The higher abundances of genes encoding extracellular electron transport (EET) chains/mediators revealed that pyrite not only functioned as an electron conduit to stimulate direct interspecies electron transfer by flagella but also facilitated EET-associated enzymes for denitrification. This study comprehensively evaluates the water-gas-biofilm phases of pyrite/sawdust composite-based biofilters during a long-term study, providing an in-depth understanding of boosted electron transfer in pyrite-based mixotrophic denitrification systems.

A flexible, soft superabsorbent polyester-cotton blended fabric in-situ coated by poly(sodium acrylate-co-acrylic acid)

A novel pre-synthesized polymer is fabricated with sodium polyacrylate and acrylic acid through free radical polymerization. Interestingly, the pre-synthesized polymer is further polymerized on the polyester-cotton fabric in the presence of glycerol as a cross-linking agent forming superabsorbent fabric. The composite functional fabrics is prepared by two steps, namely synthesis and finishing process. Owing to the vital role of the viscosity of pre-polymer for the superabsorbent property, the effect of monomer concentration, temperature, time, dosage of initiator and degree of neutralization on the viscosity of pre-polymer is thoroughly investigated. Besides, the effects of the degree of neutralization and dosage of polymerization solution as well as cross-linking agent on the water absorption of the composite and unfinished polyester-cotton blended fabrics is compared, respectively. After treatment, the water absorption capacity increases from 1 to 323.52 g/g in 1 h, reaching a maximum value of 417.53 g/g after 3.5 h. Besides, the water transportation obeys a Fickian diffusion mechanism. Furthermore, the composite fabric exhibits an optimum water retention capacity of up to 4 h. This speedy and super-water-absorbing material exhibits great potential in practical applications, such as in sanitary articles, wound dressings, and soil moisture.

Characterization of the Aroma Profile of Ginger Powder Produced by a Split-Stream Spray-Drying Process.

Freeze-dried ginger (Zingiber officinale) is renowned for its high quality, but it is expensive. As an alternative, spray drying can be explored for producing ginger powder. However, sugar rich feed solutions can lead to stickiness development during the process. Adding carrier materials increases costs and labeling. Accordingly, a split-stream spray-drying process was developed, where ginger fibers in their natural composition were reintroduced as a carrier material into the spray-drying process. The inlet and outlet temperatures were set at 220 and 80 °C, respectively, for optimal aroma retention. Using a stir bar sorptive extraction-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry-olfactometry, the results revealed that reintegrating ginger fibers significantly increased the concentration of eight key odorants. Although freeze-dried ginger retains more aroma, the total concentration of twenty-seven odorants in the developed spray-dried ginger was 1.9 times higher compared to frozen ginger.

Utilization Of Neutral Zone Technique In Complete Denture Fabrication For A Class III Sagittal Jaw Relation Patient

Long-term denture wearers have advanced ridge atrophy and atrophy of the musculature of the cheeks and lips and often face challenges associated with decreased mandibular denture stability. This case report highlights the successful implementation of the neutral zone technique in the fabrication of maxillary and mandibular complete dentures to address this issue. Understanding the concept of the neutral zone is essential for achieving optimal denture stability, retention, and speech quality. The steps involved in capturing and utilizing the neutral zone to improve denture stability are thoroughly described. The case exemplifies the effectiveness of the neutral zone technique in overcoming mandibular denture instability for patients with compromised edentulous ridges, resulting in enhanced patient satisfaction, improved oral function and speech.

Retention of Mandibular Complete Overdentures using Mini Dental Implants (Ø < 3 mm) and Standard Diameter Implants (Ø > 3mm): A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomised Controlled Trials.

The objective of the present systematic review and meta-analysis was to assess randomised controlled trials (RCTs) which assessed the efficacy of mini dental implants (MDIs) and standard-diameter implants (SDIs) in retaining mandibular overdentures (MO). The focused question was "Is there a difference in the mechanical stability between MDIs and SDIs in retaining MO?" Indexed databases were searched up to and including November 2023 using different keywords. Boolean operators were used during the search. The literature was searched in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. The PICO characteristics were: patients (P) = individuals with complete mandibular dentures requiring dental implants; Intervention (I) = placement of MDIs under mandibular dentures; Control (C) = placement of SDIs under mandibular dentures; Outcome (O) = comparison of stability between MDIs and SDIs in supporting mandibular dentures. Only RCTs were included. Risk of bias (RoB) was assessed using the Cochrane RoB tool. Five RCTs were included. The numbers of participants ranged between 45 and 120 edentulous individuals wearing complete mandibular dentures. The mean age of patients ranged between 59.5 ± 8.5 and 68.3 ± 8.5 years. The number of MDIs and SDIs ranged between 22 and 152 and 10 and 80 implants, respectively. The follow-up duration ranged between one week and 12 months. Three RCTs reported an improvement in the quality of life (QoL) of all patients after stabilisation of mandibular dentures using MDIs or SDIs. In one RCT, peri-implant soft tissue profiles were comparable between MDIs and SDIs at the 1-year follow-up. The implant survival rate was reported in two RCTs, which were from 89% to 98% and 99% to 100% for MDIs and SDIs, respectively. All RCTs had a low RoB. Mini dental implants represent a viable alternative to traditional standard-diameter implants when seeking optimal retention for mandibular overdentures.

RETENTIVE STRENGTH OF CEMENTRETAINED IMPLANT-SUPPORTED FIXED DENTAL PROSTHESES ACCORDING TO DIFFERENT CEMENT TYPES AND CEMENTATION PROTOCOLS: AN IN VITRO STUDY.

To develop the most compatible cementation protocol for ensuring minimal residual cement and optimal retention of cement-retained implant-supported fixed dental prostheses. A total of 30 custom implant abutments and zirconia crowns with bilateral wings were prepared. Three cement types were used for cementation: noneugenol resin cement (Premier Implant Cement; Group IC), dual-polymerizing self-adhesive resin cement (SmartCem2; Group SC), and zinc oxide eugenol cement (Temp-Bond; Group TB; n &#61; 30 per group). Three cementation methods were applied for each cement type, and the samples were divided into subgroups: (1) cement was injected using a graduated syringe (ICN, SC-N, and TB-N); (2) a cementa/on jig made with a silicone impression material and temporary resin material was used (IC-CJ, SC-CJ, and TB-CJ); (3) 3D-printed abutments were used as replicas for cementation (IC-3DP, SC-3DP, and TB-3DP). The amount of cement injected, surface area of the residual cement, and retentive strength were measured. Kruskal- Wallis and post-hoc Mann-Whitney tests were used for statistical analyses. Excess cement was not observed when cementa/on jig or 3D-printed replicas were used. For IC and SC subgroups, non-use of these auxiliary tools resulted in significantly higher amounts of injected cement. The retentive strength differed significantly among the IC subgroups but not among the SC subgroups. The retentive strength of subgroups TB-N and TB-CJ was significantly higher than that of subgroup TB-3DP. To prolong the main purpose of each cement type, a cementation jig or 3D-printed replica is highly recommended regardless of the cement type.

Integrated membrane packed enzymatic column for the removal of atrazine in wastewater: Experimental, kinetics, breakthrough curves analysis and applicability in real wastewater

The current study explored the performance of a packed bed biocatalytic column equipped with polyethersulfone (PES) hollow fiber membranes and Novoprime base 268 laccase (Lac) for the biotransformation of the recalcitrant herbicide, atrazine (ATZ). Column design parameters: feed concentration (5 mg L −1), flow rate (2 mL min−1) and bed height (14 cm) generated optimum membrane retention (MR) in the fixed bed. A standalone MR system attained >50 % of ATZ retention with a maximum capacity of 170.2 mg g−1 at bed service time of 559 min. Under optimized conditions (50 mg dosage, 5 mg L−1 solution concentration at 25 °C) 66 % degradation efficiency was observed in the laccase-assisted conversion within 24 h. PES-Laccase (PES-Lac) biocatalyst improved the overall degradation efficiency to 86 %, exhibited simple regeneration and satisfactory operational reusability, retaining 46 % activity in the sixth cycle. Overall, the work demonstrated the potential of PES-Lac biocatalytic system to selectively bioremediate ATZ and provided a detailed understanding of the factors influencing its efficiency for applicability in water reclamation.

Biological denitrification performance of a novel sulfur-slow-release carbon source mixed filler

Long-term operation of the sulfur autotrophic denitrification (SAD) process leads to pH reduction, nitrite accumulation, a low nitrogen removal efficiency and excessive sulfate in the effluent. Two slow-release carbon source (SRC) fillers (reactors S2 and S3) consisting of different ratios of hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, disodium fumarate, polyhydroxy fatty acid ester and Fe3O4 powder were designed to couple SAD with heterotrophic denitrification by using SRC and sulfur particles (reactor S1) as components, combining the advantages of both processes while avoiding secondary pollution. During reactor operation, S3 showed the best denitrification performance. Under the optimal hydraulic retention time of 4 h, different influent nitrate concentrations of 39.92 ± 0.59 mg/L and 20.22 ± 0.45 mg/L achieved average nitrate removal efficiencies up to 88.01 ± 3.62 % and 94.28 ± 2.52 %, and the average denitrification strength were 8.78 mg N/(L·h) and 4.77 mg N/(L·h), respectively. 16S rRNA gene analysis at the genus level showed that the coupled reaction had the highest relative abundance of Thiobacillus associated with SAD, and SAD dominated the coupled system.

Pilot composite tubular bioreactor for outdoor photo-fermentation hydrogen production: From batch to continuous operation

A novel 70 L composite tubular photo-bioreactor was constructed, and its photo-fermentation hydrogen production characteristics of batch and continuous modes were investigated with glucose as the substrate in an outdoor environment. In the batch fermentation stage, the hydrogen production rate peaked at 37.6 mL H2/(L·h) accompanied by a high hydrogen yield of 7 mol H2/mol glucose. The daytime light conversion efficiency is 4 %, with 37 % of light energy from the sun. An optimal hydraulic retention time of 5 d was identified during continuous photo-fermentation. Under this condition, the stability of the cell concentration is maintained and more electrons can be driven to the hydrogen generation pathway while attaining a hydrogen production rate of 20.7 ± 0.9 mL H2/(L·h). The changes of biomass, volatile fatty acids concentration and ion concentration during fermentation were analyzed. Continuous hydrogen production by composite tubular photo-bioreactor offers new ideas for the large-scale deployment of photobiological hydrogen production.

Co-digestion of filter cake, biogas effluent, and anaerobic sludge for hydrogen and methane production: Optimizing energy recovery through two-stage anaerobic digestion

This study assesses a two-stage anaerobic digestion process designed to efficiently recover energy through hydrogen and methane production by co-digesting filter cake (FC), biogas effluent (BE), and anaerobic sludge (AS) from the sugar and ethanol industry. The optimal proportions of FC, BE, and AS were determined in batch fermentation experiments using Design Expert software, which identified a suitable ratio of 31.05:28.95:0.00 (g VS/L), respectively. The results indicated that hydrogen production in the first stage could occur solely through the hydrogenic bacteria present in the BE and FC mixture, without the need for AS as an inoculum. This optimized FC:BE ratio was then applied in a semi-continuous fermentation system, achieving a hydrogen production rate of 193.6 mL H2/L.d and a hydrogen yield of 9.8 mL H2/g VS at an optimal hydraulic retention time (HRT) of 3 d. In the subsequent second stage, the effluent from the hydrogen reactor was used for methane production. This stage achieved a methane production rate of 422.0 mL CH4/L·d and a methane yield of 140.2 mL CH4/g VS, with an HRT of 20 d. Overall, the two-stage process exhibited an impressive energy output, peaking at 5.17 kJ/g VS. This suggests the potential for an annual electricity generation of 194,655 MWh and an estimated reduction of 85,668 tCO2eq/year in greenhouse gas emissions. This study highlights the efficiency of the two-stage anaerobic digestion process for harnessing energy through the co-digestion of FC and BE, without the need for additional AS inoculum. The findings demonstrate the potential for sustainable energy recovery from industrial waste streams while mitigating environmental impacts.

Adhesive Resin Cementation of Posterior Hybrid-type Retainer Porcelain Fused to Metal Fixed Dental Prostheses

Porcelain fused to metal (PFM) of fixed dental prostheses (FDP) remains the gold standard for rehabilitating partial edentulous. However, conventional PFM FDP requires lengthy procedures to achieve optimum retention, resistance, and esthetics, such as the geometry and depth of preparation. Adhesive technology could minimize the complexity of cementation to achieve retention and resistance by minimizing the preparation area, thus ruling out the geometry of preparation consideration. The optimal geometry of preparation is achieved by the preparation of a tooth structure with significant depth and geometry. Thus, abandoned preparation geometry increases the use of minimally invasive prosthodontics. Minimally invasive prosthodontics could minimize the possibility of future endodontic treatment. One option for treating partially edentulous patients with a minimally invasive approach is the hybrid PFM FDP, consisting of an inlay-bonded retainer with the vital tooth in one of the abutments and a conventional retainer with the non-vital tooth in the other. As a result, this report showed the reasoning and technology for cementation of hybrid-type retainer PFM FDP using adhesive technology in the posterior area. Findings uncovered that using adhesive technology, the cementation FRC FDP of hybrid-type retainer PFM FDP could minimize the preparation and cementation procedure without compromising retention and resistance. Therefore, future usage of hybrid-type retainer PFM FDP should be encouraged from a minimally invasive point of view

Effect of Acid-Injection Mode on Conductivity for Acid-Fracturing Stimulation in Ultra-Deep Tight Carbonate Reservoirs

The conductivity of acid-etched fractures and the subsequent production response are influenced by the injection mode of the fracturing fluid and acid fluid during acid fracturing in a carbonate reservoir. However, there has been a lack of comprehensive and systematic experimental research on the impact of commonly used injection modes in oilfields on conductivity, which directly affects the optimal selection of acid-fracturing injection modes. To address this gap, the present study focuses on underground rock samples, acid systems, and fracturing fluid obtained from ultra-deep carbonate reservoirs in the Fuman Oilfield. Experimental investigations were conducted to examine the conductivity of hydraulic fractures etched by various types of acid fluids under five different injection modes: fracturing fluid + self-generating acid or cross-linked acid; fracturing fluid + self-generating acid + cross-linked acid. The findings demonstrate that the implementation of multi-stage alternating acid injection results in the formation of communication channels, vugular pore space, and natural micro-cracks, as well as grooves and fish-scales due to enhanced etching effects. The elevation change, amount of dissolved rock, and conductivity exhibited by rock plates are significantly higher in comparison to those achieved through the single-acid injection mode while maintaining superior conductivity. It is recommended for optimal conductivity and retention rate in the Fuman Oilfield to adopt two stages of alternating acid-fracturing injection mode. Field application demonstrated that two-stages of alternating acid-fracturing generate more pronounced production response than the adjacent wells.

Effect of different retention doses of ultrasound-guided polidocanol chemical ablation for benign cystic-solid thyroid nodules

ObjectiveTo assess the influence of varying retention doses of ultrasound-guided polidocanol chemical ablation for benign cystic-solid thyroid nodules. MethodsA retrospective study was conducted from December 2019 to January 2022, including 78 patients with benign cystic-solid thyroid nodules, of which 31 received polidocanol chemical ablation alone, 23 received polidocanol chemical plus thermal ablation, and 24 received open surgery. Patients who received polidocanol chemical ablation were assigned into groups based on the retention dose of polidocanol: 0 %, 10 %, 20 %, 30 %, and 50 %. Follow-ups were done at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. The volume of the nodules, postoperative complications, and recurrence of the nodules were examined before treatment and during follow-up visits. ResultsTotal operation time and intraoperative bleeding volume for patients who received ablation were substantially lower than those for patients who received open surgery (P < 0.001). Among patients in the polidocanol chemical ablation group, volume shrinkage rate of thyroid nodules in the 10 % retention dose group was significantly lower than that in the 0 % retention dose group at 1, 3, and 6 months postoperatively (P < 0.05). The 30 % retention dose group had the highest nodule shrinkage rate (98.46 ± 1.55 %) at 12 months postoperatively, which was significantly higher than that in the 50 % retention dose group (P < 0.05). Among patients in the polidocanol chemical and thermal ablation group, the volume shrinkage rate of thyroid nodules in the 10 % and 30 % retention dose groups at 1 month postoperatively was significantly lower than that in the 0 % retention dose group (P < 0.05). Although volume shrinkage rate in the 20 % retention dose group after thermal ablation was higher than that in the 0 % retention dose group, the difference was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). In terms of adverse reactions, the incidence of hoarseness and coughing was higher in the open surgery group than in the polidocanol chemical ablation and polidocanol chemical and thermal ablation groups, but there was no significant difference (P > 0.05). ConclusionChemical ablation with polidocanol was safe and effective for therapy of benign cystic-solid thyroid nodules, and the optimal retention dose may be between 20 % and 30 %. Patients with poor efficacy from chemical ablation alone can receive safe and effective treatment through thermal ablation.

Comparison of Chemically Treated, Pasteurized, and Microwave-Treated (at Different Time Durations) Chia Seeds Added To Mango-Whey Beverage, during Different Storage Periods, for Physicochemical and Sensory Parameters

Foods that are widely consumed and accepted have had a lot of ingredients added to them which may enhance consumer’s health. Whey is a byproduct in the manufacture of cheese or curd and is widely used in different beverage formulations, due to its nutritional importance. In this context, a mango-based functional whey drink, added with omega-3-rich chia seeds, was de veloped. Different treatments of beverage were as follows: untreated control beverage (T0), application of chemicals (T1), pasteurization (T2), and microwave heating (at 4 different time lengths: T3, T4, T5, and T6). Beverages were analyzed for physiochemical, microbiological, and sensorial changes, during the 90 days of storage. Chemical analysis of chia seeds before incorporation in beverages revealed a high nutritional profile of chia seeds, especially the presence of essential fatty acids. Significant variation in color parameters of the beverage was observed as a result of treatments and storage, with optimum values observed for T3. A decrease in pH and an increase in acidity during storage for all treatments were evident, with the most significant results for microwave treatment for longer time periods. The total plate count of the beverage was the highest (2.36 ± 0.1 CFU/ml) for control, followed by chemically treated (2.17 ± 0.1 CFU/ml) and lowest in microwave-treated (0.98 ± 0.1 CFU/ml) at the start of the experiment, and this total plate count was found to be increasing in all treatments during storage. Total solids were increased and soluble solids were decreased during longer microwave treatments and also during storage of all treatments. The most acceptable treatment T3 (85 ml whey, 2 g chia seed, and microwave heating for 30 sec) was further subjected to a storage study and it was observed that the sensory scores gradually decreased during the 90 days of storage. From the outcomes of the study, it was concluded that microwave treatment of the beverage for 30 sec, as compared to longer durations and chemical preservatives, was proved helpful for optimum quality retention of the formulated beverage, with minimum deteriorating effects. Thus, proper treatments of different beverage formulations, following the necessary protocols, could provide the consumers safe, healthy, and nutritious beverages.

Synergism of sonication and microwave on phytochemical and physicochemical capacity of sugarcane-mint blend juice

The sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) juice, a beverage with fascinating track record of health promoting potential, loaded with phenolics, flavonoids, the bioactives, is capable of high antioxidant activities. The mint is a reliable herbal plant, with loads of phytochemicals and hundreds of food applications. However, sugarcane juice added with mint is normally consumed without any processing and preservation. Therefore, it is important to employ green processing technologies on sugarcane-mint juice blend, in order to process and preserve this nutritional juice with optimum retention of bioactives. In the current study sugarcane-mint blend juice was developed to study the synergistic effect of sonication (20 kHz, 70% amplitude, 5, 10 and 15 min) and microwave (90 °C, 400 W, 120 s) on pH, titratable acidity, total soluble solids (TSS), total phenolics (TPC), total flavonoids (TFC) and antioxidant activity of developed beverage, at 7 days interval, during 21 days of storage period. Increment in sonication time and advancement in storage days, both resulted in an increase in pH, and decrease in titratable acidity and TSS of blend juice. Sonication for 15 min along with microwave exhibited significant (p ≤ 0.05) results in terms of rise in TPC, TFC and antioxidant ability of blend juice, as compared to 10 and 5 min, sonication. Whereas, untreated juice samples exhibited significantly (p ≤ 0.05) less contents of TPC, TFC and antioxidant capacity, which were further significantly (p ≤ 0.05) decreased during 21 days of storage. Our results highlighted the significance of synergism of sonication and microwave in improvement of physicochemical and phytochemical quality of sugarcane-mint blend juice.

Selection of White-Rot Fungi for Decolorization of Palm Oil Mill Effluent and Evaluation of Biodegradation and Biosorption Processes

Ten species of white-rot fungi were evaluated for their ability to decolorization of palm oil mill effluent. The highest decolorization efficiency was found with Trametes elegans (PP17-06), followed by Ganoderma sp.2 (PW17-06) and Ganoderma sp.2 (PW17-177), respectively. T. elegans was further evaluated for the long-term performance of decolorization for 24 d. The optimal retention time for the decolorization was 8 d, with a color removal efficiency of 47.7%. Beyond 18 d of incubation, decolorization efficiency was reduced due to the autolysis of enzymes. During the biodegradation process, manganese peroxidase enzyme activities reached a maximum of 36.03 U.L−1. However, no significant laccase and lignin peroxidase activities were observed. T. elegans was also assessed for decolorization performance through biosorption on mycelial biomass. The synthesis of the enzyme was prevented by exposing the mycelium to HgCl2. Within an optimal contact time of 2 d, decolorization efficiency reached 12.5% with ADMI reduction from 4259.0 (±20.1) ADMI to 3727 (±104.04) ADMI. Results indicate that the adsorption capacity was reached at this time, and no significant color removal can be achieved by biomass. Results obtained in this study showed the potential of T. elegans in decolorizing palm oil mill effluent.

Optimization and Characterization of Interspecific Hybrid Crude Palm Oil Unaué HIE OxG Nanoparticles with Vegetable By-Products as Encapsulants.

Interspecific hybrid crude palm oil (HCPO) HIE OxG derived from crossbred African oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) and American Caiaué (Elaeis oleifera) is prominent for its fatty acid and antioxidant compositions (carotenoids, tocopherols, and tocotrienols), lower production cost, and high pest resistance properties compared to crude palm oil. Biodegradable and sustainable encapsulants derived from vegetable byproducts were used to formulate HCPO nanoparticles. Nanoparticles with hybrid crude palm oil and jackfruit seed flour as a wall material (N-JSF) and with hybrid crude palm oil and jackfruit axis flour as a wall material (N-JAF) were optimized using a 22 experimental design. They exhibited nanoscale diameters (<250 nm) and were characterized based on their zeta potential, apparent viscosity, pH, color, and total carotenoid content. The nanoparticles demonstrated a monodisperse distribution, good uniformity, and stability (polydispersity index < 0.25; zeta potentials: N-JSF -19.50 ± 1.47 mV and N-JAF -12.50 ± 0.17 mV), as well as high encapsulation efficiency (%) (N-JSF 86.44 ± 0.01 and N-JAF 90.43 ± 1.34) and an optimal carotenoid retention (>85%). These nanoparticles show potential for use as sustainable and clean-label HCPO alternatives in the food industry.

STUDENTS’ DIGITAL VOCABULARY LEARNING: EXPERIENCES, BARRIERS, AND ADAPTIVE STRATEGIES EXPLORATION

This study aims to explore the experiences of students as they navigate individualized obstacles in the learning of digital vocabulary. The research employs a research methodology of a qualitative research, specifically employing a design centered around narrative inquiry, with the purpose of examining the subject matter. Specifically, the research examines the barriers faced by students in their pursuit of proficient acquisition of vocabulary through digital means, with a focus on the barriers that hinder optimal comprehension and retention. The findings of the research illuminate that students encounter both internal and external obstacles when learning vocabulary through the use of digital tools, as revealed by research. In addition, the findings reveal that students strategically combine different resources in order to enhance their vocabulary acquisition experience. This research offers practical insights to refine and enhance methods of vocabulary instruction in the digital age. A more efficient, inclusive, and captivating digital vocabulary learning environment for students can be created by educators, curriculum designers, and technology makers with an understanding of these issues and adaptable solutions. It is crucial for educators and developers to prioritize the inclusion of interactive elements in their digital vocabulary tools to address the identified need for heightened engagement and cognitive involvement in the vocabulary acquisition process.

Edible coatings for enhancing osmodehydration process of pears using glucose solution: a study on mass transfer kinetics and quality assessment

SummaryThe present study aimed to evaluate the combined application of edible coatings (alginate or pectin) and the osmotic dehydration process (glucose solution at 40 °Brix and 60 °Brix, solution temperatures of 20 and 40 °C, and process times of 1, 2, 4, 8, and 16 h) on mass transfer kinetics and physicochemical parameters (weight reduction (WR), water loss (WL), solids gain (SG), and optical and mechanical properties) of pear cubes. The best dehydration performance was observed in the coated samples treated at 60 °Brix‐40 °C. At the end of this process, the coated samples showed higher values of WR (77.30% and 75.13%) and WL (77.39%; 74.38%) and lower values of SG (1.69% and 1.24%) than the uncoated samples (WR: 65.97%, WL: 68.38%, and SG: 4.12%). Additionally, optimal retention of optical and mechanical properties was achieved in the coated samples exposed to the 40 °Brix‐40 °C condition.