Percentage Of Ash Research Articles

ПРОДУКТИВНОСТЬ ПОСЕВОВ ОЗИМОЙ ПШЕНИЦЫ В ЗАВИСИМОСТИ ОТ ПРИМЕНЕНИЯ БИОПРЕПАРАТОВ В БОГАРНЫХ УСЛОВИЯХ РСО-АЛАНИЯ

The author presents the results of research on some possibilities of solving urgent problems of agricultural production of winter cereals in the Republic of North Ossetia-Alania. The research was carried out in the steppe zone, in the rain-fed conditions of the Mozdok district of the Republic of Alania. The article is devoted to the study of the influence of new generation biologics – Stabilan and HEFC, BP. According to the results of the conducted studies, it was proved that treatment with growth stimulants contributed to an increase in the density of standing plants. The tubulation period in all experimental plots began in the first decade of May. With the use of growth regulators HEFC and Stabilan, the earing phase of plants occurred 2-3 days later than in the control variant. In the following phases of development – flowering, milky-waxy and full maturity, the same trend was observed. It was found that grain yield increases, the increase in control was up to 1.36 t/ha. The use of growth regulators Stabilan and HEFC for the studied varieties of winter wheat, respectively, showed the largest mass of 1000 grains. The largest grain size was established for the Alekseich variety – 789 g/l and for the Adel variety – 782 g/ l, using the HEFC growth regulator. The highest yield was obtained on the variant with the use of the HEFC growth regulator – 4.63 t/ha. The highest protein content was noted in the Alekseich variety – 16.0%, whereas in the Adele variety the same indicator is 15.31%. The largest percentage of ash in the studied varieties was revealed in the control variant. The calculation of economic efficiency allowed us to determine that with a maximum yield of 4.63 t/ha in the variant using the HEFC growth regulator on the Alekseich variety, the conditional net income amounted to 15.1 thousand rubles / ha, with a level of production profitability of 48.2%. In a similar variant with the Adele variety, the yield was 4.43 t/ha with a production margin of 41.5%.

Influence of fly ash on rheological behaviour of HVFA concrete

High-volume fly Ash (HVFA) concrete has gained significant attention recently due to its potential for reducing environmental impact and improving long-term durability. This project investigates HVFA’s influence on concrete rheology, aiming to explore its applicability in sustainable construction. HVFA concrete mixes M1 (30% fly ash), M2 (40% fly ash), and M3 (50% fly ash) were prepared, varying fly ash percentages as a partial cement replacement. Fresh concrete tests, including slump cone and flow table tests, assessed workability and flow characteristics. Hardened samples underwent compressive and split tensile strength tests to evaluate mechanical properties. Results provided insights into HVFA concrete rheology, focusing on workability, flowability, and mechanical performance. Additionally, the study explores potential environmental benefits and challenges linked to HVFA concrete. These findings aid in advancing sustainable concrete technologies, offering crucial insights for engineers, architects, and policymakers seeking innovative, eco-friendly construction materials and practices while addressing environmental challenges related to HVFA concrete.

Graphic analysis of various sulfur applications on safflower fatty acids profile.

In this study, we examined the effects of seven different sulfur treatments on safflower seeds. The treatments included: no sulfur application (S0), 25 kg/ha of pure bulk sulfur (S25), 50 kg/ha of pure bulk sulfur (S50), 25 kg/ha of sulfur phosphate (Sp25), 50 kg/ha of sulfur phosphate (Sp50), 25 kg/ha of zinc sulfate (Zs25), and 50 kg/ha of zinc sulfate (Zs50). Our evaluation covered various seed quality attributes, including ash percentage (ASH), oil percentage (OIL), and protein percentage (PRO). Additionally, we analyzed the fatty acid composition, including palmitic acid 16 : 0 (PAL), stearic acid 18 : 0 (STE), oleic acid 18 : 1 (OLE), linoleic acid 18 : 2 (LINL), arachidic acid 20 : 0 (ARA), and linolenic acid 18 : 3 (LINN). The vector-view of the biplot illustrated positive associations among the fatty acids STE, PAL, and OLE, whereas ASH exhibited negative associations with OIL, LINL, and LINN. The polygon-view graph was divided into four sectors, with the genotype S50 emerging as the top performer for attributes such as OIL, PRO, LINL, ARA, and LINN. Treatment Zs50 occupied the vertex of another sector and displayed the highest values for palmitic acid PAL, STE, and OLE, while treatment S0 was positioned at the vertex of the next sector, characterized by its high ASH content. By utilizing the ideal tester tool of treatment by trait biplot, we identified OIL as the desirable trait that most effectively represented the data. The qualitative properties of safflower oil were notably influenced by sulfur application, with treatment S50 proving to be the most effective in enhancing these properties.

Mineral Identification as an A-7-5 Clay Stability Indicator Using Volcanic Ash

Soil is a building material and the foundation of the structure, it must be considered. There are bumpy roads and collapses on Jalan Elak Lhokseumawe. This study’s primary focus is on road subgrade. Because of its high plasticity index and clay minerals that swell when water is added, the soil cannot be used as a subgrade. Volcanic ash from Burni Telong Bener Meriah was used in this study. The combined volcanic ash content ranges between 7.5% and 15%. The goal is to see if the bearing can be stabilized afterward. Based on XRD analysis, this soil has an illite clay mineral content with a WT value of 0.817%. The Atterberg limit test on soil is classified as A-7-5 by AASHTO and MH by USCS. At a percentage of 12.5% volcanic ash, the CBR test results for soaked and unsoaked conditions yielded optimal values of 5.9% and 9.4%, respectively. The swelling value continued to fall at a percentage of 12.5% volcanic ash. UCS test results in soaked and unsoaked conditions at 12.5% volcanic ash percentage yielded optimum values of 1.46 kg/cm2 and 2.18 kg/cm2, respectively. The soil is found to be usable, but it needs to be stabilized.

Effect of replacing wheat flour with red carrot powder on the physicochemical and sensory properties of cake

The study aimed to produce cake by replacing wheat flour with red carrot powder by 0, 15, 20, and 25% and studying its effect on physicochemical and sensory properties. The chemical estimates showed that the moisture content decreased as the replacement percentage increase compared to the control sample. The protein, fat, and ash percentage increased with increasing percentages of red carrot powder. A study of some physical characteristics of the treatments with different ratios of substitution showed that the higher the substitution ratios for red carrot powder, the greater the weight and volume of the cake product. In contrast, the specific volume of the cake was the highest value for the cake without red carrot powder added. As for the height of the cake, it was the highest value at the replacement ratios of 20 and 25%, represented by treatment T2 and T3, respectively, compared to the control sample. The sensory evaluation of the cake product showed that the color characteristic recorded the highest value in treatment T1. The odor recipe was distinguished upon treatment T2 and T3. The taste characteristic of the cake product differed significantly from the rest of the treatments T0 and T1, and the texture recipe recorded the highest value on transaction T3. The results of the pH values indicated a gradual decrease in the pH values during storage for all treatments of the cake product, compared to the control sample, and the occurrence of damage and spoilage of the product after 30 days. The results of the water activity values of the cake models manufactured for different proportions during different storage periods 1, 10, 20, and 30 days showed a gradual decrease with the increase of time.

Nutritional evaluation of fish scale of selected saline and fresh water fish species

Fish scale is the major waste materials of fish having different vital nutrients, proteins, and fatty acids. But unfortunately, it has not been drawn much attention due to want of available researches and information. So, the present research has been emphasized on the exploration of proximate compositions and fatty acid profile in two fresh water fish L. rohita and C. idella as well as saline water fish L. calcarifer and T. ilisha. All the experiments were carried out according to International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC). The individual percentage of fatty acid was identified and quantified, using Gas Chromatography-Flame Ionization Detector (GC-FID) and the prominent percentage of docosanoic acid was found as 25.96 ± 0.05%, 51.74 ± 0.04%, 56.58 ± 0.01%, and 32.88 ± 0.04% in L. rohita, C. idella, L. calcarifer, and T. ilisha, respectively. Besides, among the mono and poly unsaturated fatty acids, palmitoleic acid and linolenic acid were traced in higher amount respectively, in all fish species. The quality of fish scale oil was evaluated using saponification value, iodine value, ester value, acid value, percentage of free fatty acid, and percentage of glycerin that was found as 183.78 ± 0.34 mg KOH/g, 29.93 ± 0.21 mg I2/g, 175.31 ± 0.31 mg KOH/g, and 17.53 ± 0.24 mg KOH/g, in L. rohita, T. ilisha, L. rohita, and L. rohita, respectively. The proximate analyses showed that the maximum percentage of moisture (53.20 ± 0.23%) and lipid (1.42 ± 0.11%) was noticed in L. rohita whistle, the maximum percentage of ash (18.70 ± 0.27%) and protein (32.37 ± 0.26%) was found in T. ilisha. Furthermore, among the different minerals, calcium was found as higher amount than others minerals in all four species.

Unveiling the Proximate, Sensory, Microbial, And Shelf Life of Leavening Agent Modified Gluten-Free Cookies Formulated With Indigenous Nepalese Hill Grains

The prevalence of gluten-related disorders has risen due to the increased consumption of bakery products made from refined flour in recent decades. This study focused on employing indigenous hill grain flours, such as Taichung 176 rice flour, maize flour, sweet buckwheat flour, and finger millet flour from Nepal, to create gluten-free cookies by incorporating fungal αamylase, baking powder, and baker's yeast as modified leavening agents, in contrast to the typical refined flour-based cookies. 16 different composite flours were made by combining millet, maize, buckwheat, and glutinous rice flours in a 75:25 percentage, then subjected to 30°C proofing for 1 hour for food grade fungal α-amylase with an improver and baker's yeast treated sample before blending with cream and baking for 20 minutes at 200°C.The ash content, moisture content, sensory qualities, microbial load, and shelf life of cookies were studied and compared with control cookies. Over 60-days storage period, most formulated cookies had moisture content below 5%, except BWBY cookies (6%to 8.37%). The ash percentage of cookies significantly increased from 0.81% to 2.59%. The highest ratings for taste (8.0), texture (7.6), and crunchiness (8.1) were achieved for cookies produced with 75:25% Millet: Taichung 176 rice flour, treated with fungal α-amylase, improver, and baker’s yeast.Utilization of proofing techniques in that sample improved their color, taste and resolved the gritty texture issue Formulated gluten-free cookies (GFC) had higher ash and moisture but were still acceptable despite increased microbial load and moisture until the 60th day of storage. Overall acceptability (OAC) score slightly dropped but remained good (7 of 9) after 2 months of storage. Notably, gluten-free cookies exhibited higher nutritional value and retained their acceptability for up to 60 days when stored at ambient temperature (25 ± 2°C).

Peningkatan Kadar Serat Brownies Kukus dengan Penggunaan Tepung Kacang Merah (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)


 
 
 Brownies are a type of dark brown cake with a soft texture, a distinctive chocolate aroma and a sweet taste. Generally, flour-based brownies have a low fiber content. Therefore, red bean flour is expected to be used to increase fiber content. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of using red bean flour on the fiber content of steamed brownies and produce steamed brownies with high fiber content and the best characteristics. This study used a completely randomized design (CRD) with the treatment ratio of wheat flour and red bean flour, namely: 100:0, 90:10, 80:20, 70:30, and 60:40 repeated 3 times to obtain 15 experimental units. The data obtained were analyzed by Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), followed by the Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMRT). The results showed that the use of red bean flour had a significant effect (P<0.05) on crude fiber content, moisture content, ash content, protein content, fat content, carbohydrate content, and sensory properties of steamed brownies, but had no significant effect (P > 0.05) on the sensory properties of the color of steamed brownies. Treatment of 70 percent wheat flour and 30 percent red bean flour was the best treatment with 5.08 percent crude fiber content, 23.66 percent moisture content, 2.20 percent ash content, 8.84 percent protein content, 33.81 percent fat content, carbohydrate content of 31.46 percent with color, aroma, texture, taste and overall acceptance favored by the panelists.
 
 

Evaluation of Proximate Composition and Seasonal Variations of the Muscle Tissue of Mouth-Brooding Tilapia Oreochromis mossambica from Meghadrigedda Reservoir, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India

This study aimed to investigate the proximate composition and seasonal variations in the muscle of mouth-brooding tilapia O. mossambica from Meghadrigedda reservoir, Visakhapatnam. The bio-chemical analysis such as total protein, total fat, total carbohydrates, ash and moisture content in the muscle of fish was taken for seasonal variations in relation to reproductive characters during 2021-22.The total protein percent of the fish O. mossambica ranged from 24.5 to 36.8 in females and males was 24.5 and 37.5. The total fat percentage ranged from 5.4 to 8.6 in females and males was 6.4 to 8.7. Total Carbohydrates percentage was 4.1to 5.5 in females and males was4.8 and 5.9. Moisture percentage was 80.2 to 84.5 in females and males was 75.5 to 85.5. Ash percentage was 4.1 to 4.9 in females and males was 4.1 to 4.8. The results of the present clearly indicate that there was differences in the proximate composition of the male and female species.

Synergistic effects of supplementary cementitious materials and compressive strength prediction of concrete using machine learning algorithms with SHAP and PDP analyses

In order to reduce the CO2 associated with cement production, this study explored the potential of rice husk ash (RHA) and fly ash (FA) as supplementary cementitios materials for partially replacing cement in concrete production. The study aimed to analyze the synergistic effects of a cement-based mixture consisting of RHA and FA in different proportions on concrete's fresh, hardened, non-destructive and microscopic properties. In addition to the experimental work, this study successfully applied machine learning to predict the compressive strength of RHA-FA concrete using three types of algorithms: ANN (Analytical Neural Network), XGB (Extreme Gradient Boosting), and GBM (Gradient Boosting Model). A total of 138 data points were used for this prediction, and statistical and parametric analyses were performed to define the impact of input parameters on the outcome. Furthermore, both destructive and non-destructive tests were conducted on hardened concrete, including compressive strength, split tensile strength, ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV), and rebound hammer. The scanning electron microscope (SEM) was operated to analyze the microstructural characteristics of concrete. The compressive and split-tensile strength test results showed that the mixture with a higher percentage of fly ash and a lower percentage of rice husk ash achieved maximum strength. The X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) analysis revealed that both ashes contained a significant amount of silica, which gave them excellent pozzolanic properties. After 28 days, both the UPV and the rebound hammer strength align with the destructive compressive strength results. The study also employed SHAP (SHapley Additive exPlanations) and PDP (Partial Dependence Plot) analyses to identify the optimal range for each parameter's contribution to strength improvement. The machine learning models exhibited a strong correlation with the test results, achieving an R2 value of 0.84 for the XGBoost model.

Effect of adding curcumin and betacyclodextrin nanocomplex on some of the physicochemical, microbiological and sensory traits of yogurt

The aim of this research is to study the effect of adding free curcumin and curcumin loaded with betacyclodextrin to laboratory-made yogurt by conducting a set of tests on the final product. Yogurt was prepared using three treatments. The first treatment was a standard yogurt without any additions, while the second treatment involved adding free curcumin (CU) at concentrations similar to the third treatment, which contained curcumin loaded with betacyclodextrin (B-CU) at concentrations of 100 and 200 μg/ml. which involved measuring the protein percentage, moisture percentage, fat percentage, and ash percentage of the samples studied from day one of production until day 28 of refrigerated storage, which were (4.61, 86.62, 5.64, 0.86) respectively. Various physical and rheological tests were conducted, including total acidity, pH, spontaneous whey separation, viscosity value, and water-holding capacity, which were (0.97, 4.61, 3.1, 2680, 72.36) respectively, up to day 28 of refrigerated storage. Microbiological tests were also conducted on the manufactured yogurt under the same conditions, which showed the efficiency of the active compound, whether in its free form or loaded with β-cyclodextrin, as a microbial inhibitor and preventing contamination of the manufactured product. The tests demonstrated the superiority of the B-CU treatment containing 200 mg/ ml of curcumin-loaded β-cyclodextrin over the other treatments. The sensory evaluation was well-received, ranging from (95-77)% from day one of production until day 28 of refrigerated storage.

Determination of the standardized ileal digestible calcium requirement of Ross broilers from hatch to day 14 post-hatch

An experiment was conducted to determine the standardized ileal digestible (SID) calcium requirement of fast-growing broilers from hatch to d 14 post-hatch. Ross 308 (n = 360) male broilers were obtained on day of hatch and allocated to 1 of 5 treatments in battery cages. There were 6 birds per cage and 12 pens per treatment. Four treatments were formulated to contain 0.60%, 0.46%, 0.32% or 0.18% SID Ca. The final treatment was formulated using total Ca to meet or exceed all nutrient requirements, including 0.90% total Ca and 0.49% non-phytate P (nPP), using the same ingredients. This treatment was the reference diet for comparison and validation of the SID Ca diets. Birds and feed were weighed at placement and on d 14. Tibias and ileal contents were obtained on d 14 and excreta was collected per pen and pooled on d 14. Data were analyzed using JMP Pro and requirements were estimated using 3 different non-linear regression models. Increasing the SID Ca content in the diet from 0.18% to 0.60% improved (quadratic, P < 0.05) body weight gain and mortality corrected feed conversion ratio (mFCR). The estimated SID Ca requirement to optimize gain or mFCR was between 0.39% and 0.52%. Tibia ash percent and weight increased (quadratic, P < 0.05) as SID Ca content in the diet increased and the estimated SID Ca requirement was between 0.32% and 0.58%. Phosphorus utilization was improved in birds fed diets formulated using SID Ca compared with birds fed the reference diet. In conclusion, the SID Ca requirement of fast-growing broilers from hatch to d 14 was estimated between 0.534% and 0.398% when quadratic, straight-broken line, or quadratic-broken line regressions were used. These results agree with previously published data evaluating the SID Ca requirement of fast-growth broilers from hatch to d 10.

Determining the phosphorus release curve for Sunphase HT phytase in nursery pig diets.

A total of 280 pigs (DNA 241 × 600, initially 10.4 ± 0.24kg) were used in a 21-d study to determine the available P (aP) release curve for Sunphase HT phytase (Wuhan Sunhy Biology Co., Ltd., Wuhan, P.R. China) when fed diets with a high phytate concentration. On day 21 post-weaning, considered day 0 of the study, pigs were blocked by average pen body weight (BW) and randomly allotted to 1 of 7 dietary treatments with 5 pigs per pen and 8 pens per treatment. Dietary treatments were derived from a single basal diet, and ingredients including phytase, monocalcium P, limestone, and sand were added to create the treatment diets. Treatments included three diets with increasing (0.11%, 0.19%, and 0.27%) aP from monocalcium P, or four diets with increasing phytase (250, 500, 1,000, or 2,000 phytase unit (FTU)/kg) added to the diet formulated to 0.11% aP. All diets were corn-soybean meal-canola meal-based and were formulated to contain 1.24% SID Lys, a 1.10:1 total calcium-to-phosphorus ratio, and a calculated 0.32% phytate P. Prior to the beginning of the study, all pigs were fed a diet containing 0.11% aP from days 18 to 21 post-weaning. At the conclusion of the study, 1 pig, closest to the mean weight of each pen, was euthanized, and the right fibula, 10th rib, and metacarpal were collected to determine bone ash and density. After cleaning, bones were submerged in ultra-purified water under a vacuum for 4h and then weighed to calculate the density (Archimedes principle). For bone ash, bones were processed using the non-defatted method. From days 0 to 21, increasing aP from monocalcium P increased (linear, P ≤ 0.014) average daily gain (ADG), gain-to-feed (G:F), and final BW. Pigs fed increasing phytase had increased (linear, P ≤ 0.045) ADG, final BW, and plasma inositol concentration as well as improved (quadratic, P = 0.023) G:F. For bone characteristics, pigs fed increasing aP from inorganic P had a linear improvement (P ≤ 0.019) in fibula bone ash weight and percentage bone ash, rib bone ash weight and bone density, and all metacarpal bone properties, with a quadratic response (P ≤ 0.030) for fibula bone density and rib percentage ash. Additionally, pigs fed increasing phytase had increased (P < 0.05) bone ash weight, percentage bone ash, and bone density in either a linear or quadratic fashion depending on the bone analyzed. The available P release curve generated for Sunphase HT phytase for percentage bone ash combining values from the right fibula, 10th rib, and metacarpal is aP release, % = (0.360 × FTU) ÷ (2,330.250 + FTU).

Colloidal Properties of Polymer Amended Cyprus Bentonite for Water-Based Drilling Fluid Applications

In this work, we investigate the capability of a waste bentonite from the Polycanthos quarry in Cyprus, as a low-density solid additive to create colloids that are used in water-based drilling fluid systems (WBF) in drilling operations. Repurposing waste bentonite aligns with environmental sustainability and when properly processed can serve as a cost-effective solution to achieve the desired colloidal properties for WBF. Samples were obtained from waste stockpiles and were mechanically processed to a size < 63 μm. The material was activated with soda ash via three different methods investigating optimum soda ash percentage and curing time. Standard tests were performed for the rheological behavior and filtration properties and the results indicated that the quality of the activated clay dispersions improved slightly but the desired colloidal properties were not obtained. This can be attributed to the K+-rich clay and non-clay impurities that are inherent in the material so further amendment with xanthan gum polymer was conducted, at various concentrations. Results of this work show that with minor polymer addition, the material under investigation reaches the desired colloidal properties and qualifies according to API standards for WBF. Exploiting local waste clay material in WBF application leads to the development and sustainability of local resources thus contributing to the circular economy principle.

Optimization of coconut shell ash on the improvement of strength of clayey soil

Due to rapid urbanization and industrialization, there has been gradual increase in the use of land for various constructional activities. This has resulted in the scarcity of the suitable land (soil) for construction. Now a days the structures are frequently build on the problematic soils. In this study, an attempt has been made to explore the possibilities of using Coconut Shell Ash to improve the favourable properties of soil. The experiment is conducted on clayey soil. coconut shell ash is used as a stabilizing agent, in this study. Alternatively, engineers try to utilize these easily available materials in the civil engineering construction based on its feasibility/suitability on their performance. Different tests were conducted on soil with varying percentage of coconut shell ash from 5% to 20%. Stabilizing the soil by adding coconut shell ash improves the soil strength and reduces swell and shrink. Extensive experimental investigations, including compaction, unconfined compression test, are to be conducted on different mix proportions of Coconut shell ash.

Effect of curing strength in lime – coffee husk ash mixture on clay

Coffee husk is a fibrous material obtained from coffee beans. It is a waste from coffee industries. In order to reduce the disposal problem, utilization of waste in civil engineering works is very important. This study has been carried out to explore the utilization of coffee husk ash for improving properties of Kumarakom clay. Kumarakom clay is known to be very problematic in construction field. It is considered neither suitable for building houses nor for construction of roads. Coffee husk is a by-product of coffee roasting process. After removal of coffee beans, a huge amount of coffee husk is generated later, the ash obtained after burning of coffee husk i.e; Coffee Husk Ash (CHA) is used in this study. The Kumarakom clay can be stabilized with different percentages (5, 10, 15, 20, 25) of coffee husk ash and variation in strength can be determined by Unconfined Compression Strength (UCS) test and proctor compaction test. The optimum percentage is obtained at 20% of CHA addition. Finally, the curing strength test is conducted for varying percentages of CHA – clay mix and optimum percentage of CHA – lime mix for about 7, 14, and 28 days.

Study on the performance and reaction mechanism of alkali-activated clay brick with steel slag and fly ash

This study aims to enhance the utilization of clay bricks by maximizing the application of clay brick (CB) powder. The amount of CB was set at 50% and different percentages of steel slag (SS) powder and fly ash (FA) are added. A CB-SS-FA ternary hybrid geopolymer was prepared through alkali activation, and its performance and reaction mechanisms were investigated. The main parameters used to evaluate the performance under different proportions were volume stability and compressive strength. The microstructure and reaction mechanism were analysed using SEM/EDS, ICP, isothermal conduction calorimetry (ICC), FTIR, XRD, and TG-DTG. The experimental results illustrated that SS provided early compressive strength to the CB-SS-FA system. CB has low activity, but Anorthite within can participate in the reaction. CB provides more Si and Al to the system than FA within 1d at room temperature. FA dissolved at a relatively high rate at 80 ℃, and then supplied Al and Si to the system continuously. FA and CB cooperate to promote the dissolution of Ca2+ in steel slag. CB provide adhesion sites for the generated gel. Moreover, its porous microstructure can provide space to release expansion energy from f-CaO. The optimal content of SS is 30% in this ternary geopolymer. C-(A)-S-H and N-A-S-H gels were formed that wrapped the partially hydrated clay brick and provided strength to the system.

Mechanical and Physical Characteristics of Aerated Concrete with Fly Ash Variations

Aerated concrete is a lightweight concrete consisting of sand, cement, water, and air-entraining agent such as aluminum powder. This research uses fly ash as a substitute for cement with a percentage of 0%, 10%, and 15%, and quartz sand as fine aggregates. This study aimed to determine the effect of fly ash percentage on the mechanical and physical properties of aerated concrete. The tests carried out in this research were testing for fresh concrete, namely slump flow and setting time, and testing the characteristics of foam concrete, namely specific gravity, compressive strength, flexural strength, and microstructure. The highest slump flow is found in a mixture of 15% fly ash with a value of 14.5 cm. The higher the percentage of fly ash used, the longer the setting time required. The optimum mixture is found in a mixture with a percentage of 15% fly ash substitution, which had a specific gravity of 1728.46 kg/m3, a compressive strength of 20.24 MPa at the age of 28 days, a flexural strength of 3.819 MPa, and an amorphous percentage of 78.30%.

Effect of a Partially Purified Actinidin Enzyme from Kiwi Fruit on the Chemical Properties of Aged Chicken Meat

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the actinidin enzyme which is partially purified from kiwi fruit, on the chemical properties of aged chicken meat. Thirty-five old laying hens of the Lohmann Brown breed at the age of 64 weeks, with an average weight of 1.700 kg were used. After slaughtering, skin and intestines were removed, cleaned, and breast meat was cut into small pieces. The experiment had ten treatments, one of which was the control, and nine treatments included some concentrations (0.25, 0.75, and 1.00) % of the partially purified actinidin enzyme for three incubation periods (120, 240, and 360) minutes. The obtained results showed that there was a significant decrease in the pH value at the level of probability (p≤0.05) between the treatments when the enzymatic extract of kiwi fruit was added to the aged chicken meat at three different concentrations for three incubation periods. The results also indicated a significant decrease (p≤0.05) in the percentage of ash, fat and protein compared with control samples, and that the percentages of ash in samples treated with concentrations of (0.25, 0.75, and 1.00%) of actinidin enzyme for the three incubation periods (120, 240, and 360) minutes decreased compared to the control sample.

Study of the Chemical Properties of the Meat of some Fish Imported to Iraq

This study was conducted to determine the validity of three species of frozen fish imported to Iraq. A comparison was made between the state of the fish (whole or fillets) for the same species, and then a comparison was made between the different species of fish, which are Seabream Sparus aurata, seabass, Dicentrarchus labrax and tuna, Tunnus alalunga by conducting some chemical tests of frozen fish samples, as the percentage of moisture, protein, fat and ash were estimated. The results showed significant differences (P < 0.05) in the moisture content of whole seabream and fillets amounted to 72.10 and 75.16%, respectively, and in seabass it amounted to 73.05 and 74.48%, while in whole tuna fish and fillets it was 75.63 and 76.16%, respectively. No significant differences were recorded in the percentage of protein for the state of fish among the three species (whole and fillets), as it reached 18.19 and 15.60% in seabream in both whole and fillet states, respectively, in seabass 17.59 and 17.10%, respectively, and in tuna fish 18.40 and 18.47% respectively. As for the percentage of fat in the whole fish and fillets of the three species, no significant differences were recorded for whole seabream and fillets, amounting to 8.23 and 7.36%, respectively, while significant differences were recorded in seabass fish between the state of whole fish and fillets, amounting to 7.72 and 6.57%, respectively, in tuna fish, 4.42 and 2.91%, respectively. The results did not record significant differences in the ash percentage of whole seabream and fillets, which amounted to 1.23 and 1.15%, respectively, 1.03 and 1.26% for seabass, respectively, while it was 1.13 and 1.62% for whole tuna and fillets, respectively. The results of the study concluded that the meat of seabream, seabass and tuna imported to Iraq is considered suitable for human consumption after undergoing standards and comparison with the specifications approved locally and internationally.