Physicochemical Quality Parameters Research Articles

Viability and Profitability of Cage Fish Farming on Lake Victoria: A Case of Bugiri-Kiwuulwe Cage Fish Farms in Wakiso District, Uganda

Fisheries and aquaculture have crucial contributions to world’s wellbeing and prosperity. Among aquaculture practices, cage fish farming ranks highest in fish production. This study was set out to assess viability and profitability of cage fish farming on Lake Victoria, a case of Bugiri-Kiwuulwe cage fish farms in Katabi Town Council, Wakiso District, Uganda. The study sought to assess water quality physico-chemical parameters within and around fish cages, investigates costs of materials used in fish cage fabrications and production, and to find profitability of cage fish farm units. A case study design with quantitative and qualitative approaches were employed to obtain data for the stated objectives. A total of 66 respondents from a target population of 79 study participants were used to generate data, which were entered into SPSS version 23 for analysis. Both male and females, including a few youths participated in the study. Their education levels ranged from primary to university. Majority were single, while others were married and a few were widows and widowers. Most of the water parameters tested were in the recommended ranges by WHO and supported aquatic life, hence promoted cage fish farming apart from total hardness, calcium and magnesium hardness, calcium, chemical oxygen demand and potassium which were slightly below the recommended ranges. Majority of the farmers had participated in the business for less than 5 years and the activity brought profits to the farmers an equivalent of UGX 8,943,200 ($ 2,354) to the farmers per season, an indicator that the business venture is very profitable and viable. Hence, it can easily be adopted by members of the community for improvement of their livelihoods. It is recommended that more research be undertaken such that there is formulation of the fish feeds at the local level aimed at the reduction of the higher costs incurred on the imported fish feeds. The government is also encouraged to subsidize on the taxes imposed on implements used in cage fish farming for encouraging more and more farmers to join in the business venture.

Study of Ancient and Modern Wheat Grain Textures, Physiochemical Properties, and Biscuit Quality

We conducted a comprehensive study to investigate how different types of wheat affect the quality of biscuits. Our research included an ancient wheat variety called T. spherococcum, as well as present-day cultivated hard wheat varieties and soft wheat varieties (T. aestivum). We compared three hard wheat varieties (MACS6478, MACS2496, NI5439) and two soft wheat varieties (HS 490, NIAW3170) with ancient wheat (T. spherococcum) to analyze various aspects such as agronomic, grain and flour physicochemical, dough mixing, and biscuit quality parameters. Our results showed that soft wheat has a weaker association between starch and the protein matrix in the grain, leading to less starch damage, a lower particle size index (PSI), and higher flour recovery than hard wheat. Soft wheat flour also has lower gluten strength, a higher gliadin fraction, and decreased mixing resistance. Additionally, soft wheat flour has lower starch damage, which results in lower alkaline water retention capacity (AWRC) than hard wheat flour. These physiochemical findings helped us better understand how these traits related to biscuit quality. The study concluded that simple and fast physiochemical tests such as PSI, MST, AWRC, and flour protein content would help to select the best biscuit-quality wheat. These tests are quick and simple and do not need high-end sophisticated instruments. We also concluded that T. spherococcum was a hard wheat, and its flour physicochemical dough mixing properties were similar to that of hard wheat. It also produced inferior quality biscuits like hard wheat.

Effect of marination process with different formulation applied to beef on physio-chemical quality parameters and sensory properties of meat themed thesis

Marinating is a technique applied to soften, flavor and extend the shelf life of meat before cooking. In this study, it was aimed to determine the changes in physico-chemical quality parameters of beef marinated with juice and powder forms of red beet, black carrot and purple onion vegetables, which are rich in antioxidants, and to determine the level of consumer appreciation. Meat samples were marinated for 24 h at +4 °C using 1:1 immersion technique for vegetable juices and 10% massage technique for powder forms. Experimental and mixed methods were used in the study. As a result of the marinating process applied in the study, the interactions of color, cooking loss, texture (TPA), pH, dry matter, total phenolic matter and antioxidant activity content of meat samples in different forms of different materials (juice-powder), physico-chemical analyzes in different applications (raw-cooked) were examined. In addition, sensory analysis was carried out with a group of 28 semi-trained panelists for cooked meat samples. SPSS (26.0) statistical package program was used to analyze the data obtained. As a result of the research, all of the materials used in the marination process (red beet, black carrot and purple onion) showed acidic properties. In terms of total phenolic matter content, it was measured that the powder forms of the vegetables contained more total phenolic matter compared to the juice forms. The antioxidant activity content of the powdered vegetables was found to be higher than the juice formed ones.

Alginate coatings applied on apple cubes as a vehicle for Lacticaseibacillus casei: probiotic viability and overall quality of a new functional product.

Worldwide, vegan and vegetarian lifestyles, as well as food allergies and intolerance (e.g. lactose intolerance and milk protein allergy) demand the development of alternatives to dairy-based probiotic foods. In the present study, probiotic Lacticaseibacillus casei CECT 9104 was added to alginate-based edible coatings enriched with inulin and oligofructose and applied to fresh-cut apple. Microbiological, physicochemical and sensory quality parameters of the apple cubes were monitored during 8 days of refrigerated storage. Lacticaseibacillus casei was tested for its antagonistic effect against inoculated Listeria innocua and Escherichia coli O157:H7. The viability of the probiotic strain during refrigerated storage and after simulated gastrointestinal digestion (GID) was evaluated. After 8 days of storage, 9.52-9.64 log colony-forming units (CFU) g-1 of L. casei were detected in apple samples. The functional apple cubes retained 8.31-8.43 log CFU g-1 of the probiotic after GID, without a significant effect of prebiotic addition. The microbiological quality and nutritional properties were maintained by the use of active coatings, whereas the sensory quality decreased after 8 days of storage. A bactericidal effect was exerted by the probiotic strain loaded in the coating against L. innocua artificially inoculated on apple cubes. Escherichia coli O157:H7 counts were reduced by 2.5 log after 8 days. This study has demonstrated the suitability of apple cubes as an alternative matrix to milk for carrying probiotic L. casei CECT 9104 and prebiotics, offering a promising alternative for the development of plant-based functional foods. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Post-marketing quality surveillance of selected antibacterial agents marketed in porous borders; the case of Ethiopia-Sudan-Eritrea border.

The presence of poor-quality medicines is becoming a public health threat in many parts of the world, particularly in developing countries. Antibiotics are among the most common anti-infective medicines that are highly prone to this problem. The purpose of this study was to assess the quality of selected antibacterials that are marketed in Setit Humera and West Gondar Zones, North West Ethiopia, which are located on the Ethiopian side of the Ethiopia-Sudan-Eritrea border. Seventy-one samples of the four antibacterial medicines (Ciprofloxacin, Norfloxacin, Amoxycillin, and Amoxycillin clavullanate combination) were collected from six sites in Setit Humera and West Gondar Zones, North West Ethiopia. A mystery shopping system was used for sample collection. Visual inspections and confirmation of the registration status were carried out using the joint WHO/FIP/USP checklist and the Ethiopian Food and Drug Authority's (EFDA's) Electronic Regulatory Information System (eRIS), respectively. Then Pharmacopeial methods (USP, BP) were employed to assess the physicochemical quality parameters. During the period of our data collection, the application status for registration in the eRIS system was checked. From 71 samples, 25.35% (18/71) were not registered, and 15.49% (11/71) were registered, but the license period had expired. Some samples (12.06% (17/71)) did not meet the visual inspection criteria. The physicochemical evaluation showed that all the samples studied met the quality specifications for the identification and hardness tests. However, concerning assay, dissolution, uniformity of dosage units, disintegration, and friability test parameters, 27.49% (23/71), 16.9% (12/71), and 14.08% (10/71), 2.82% (2/71) and 8.57% (3/35) of samples were found to be substandard, respectively. Overall, 56.33% (40/71) of the samples tested were of poor quality, failing to meet any one or more of the assessed parameters in this study. The study indicated that poor-quality antibacterial medicines are circulating in the study sites. Therefore, even if the area was affected by conflict at the time of the study, the regulatory bodies should focus on enforcing the necessary measures by collaborating with the regional and national regulatory medicine agencies to ensure that the antibacterial medicines available meet the required mandatory minimum standards.

Physico-chemical and chemometric analysis of milk chocolate sold in Ghana using NIR spectroscopy

Chocolates sold in Ghana are stored under different conditions that are suspected to affect their appearance, flavour and texture. Rapid and non-invasive techniques such as near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) have been lauded for their reliability and cost-effectiveness that can be very useful for chocolate monitoring. This study developed a rapid and non-destructive method to predict the quality of chocolate obtained from three different sales outlets based on the location and conditions of retail. Data for physicochemical analysis (total color change, total phenolics, free fatty acid, peroxide value, moisture, hardness, and aluminum content) and mold count of chocolate were collected using standard protocols. These data and results obtained from NIRS in the wavelength range 900–1700 nm, were used to develop chemometric models to predict the parameters measured and classified the chocolate samples. Chocolate from the street recorded the highest mold count of 10.00 ± 18.92 cfu/g. Although the physicochemical analysis showed that different retail conditions had no significant effect on the chocolate quality parameters, the NIRS models could classify the chocolates based on retail conditions, with an average recognition and prediction accuracy of 75.41 % and 71.59 %, respectively. The regression model could predict the total color change with R2CV of 0.503 and RMSECV of 4.96 w/w. The findings suggest that NIRS combined with chemometrics could be used to classify chocolate sold under different conditions at different retail locations. However, the models could not predict other physicochemical quality parameters.

Influence of Treatment with Natural Phytoregulators on Purple Carrots (Daucus carota L.) during Cold Storage

In this work, we investigated the effect of natural phytoregulators (i.e., methyl jasmonate and abscisic acid) on quality physicochemical parameters, carotenoid and anthocyanin content and antioxidant activity of purple carrots in storage at 5 °C for 21 days. As a result, study of the natural evolution of fresh-untreated purple carrots in storage exhibited increase in carotenoids (from 1.41 to 3.79 mg EβC g−1 DW) and stability of anthocyanins (2.18 vs. 2.23 mg ECGg−1 DW) but significant loss of organoleptic quality. Treatment with methyl jasmonate and abscisic acid resulted in similar or even higher carotenoid content (1.61 and 2.15 mg EβC g−1 DW for methyl jasmonate and abscisic acid, respectively) as compared with the value measured in fresh-untreated carrots before storage (1.41 mg EβC g−1 DW). In contrast to carotenoids, anthocyanins and antioxidant activity mostly decreased with the treatments. However, physicochemical parameters indicating organoleptic quality improved considerably, which was meaningful considering their importance in terms of consumer acceptance. These results reflect the slowing-down effect of natural phytoregulators on spoilage of purple carrots over storage. Optimization of this approach is scheduled to minimize anthocyanin losses. It can therefore be an interesting approach to extending purple carrot shelf-life with no need for artificial preservatives.

Chlorine dioxide may be an alternative to acidification and chlorination for drinking water chemical disinfection in dairy beef bulls

Alternative water disinfectants to chlorination need to be identified because its effectiveness is limited by water pH and potentially carcinogen by−products resulted from chlorination and organic compound reaction. The first study aimed to evaluate the effect of different drinking water chemical disinfection treatments on water quality, its potential hazard effects on animal health, water and feed consumption, and apparent total tract digestibility in dairy beef bulls fed high-concentrate diets. For 224 days, 24 Holstein bulls (176 ± 16.3 kg BW, and 149 ± 5.8 days of age) were individually assigned to one of four treatments with different drinking water chemical disinfectants: without disinfection (CTR); acidification and chlorination (ACCHL; 0.65 mL/L H3PO4 and 0.14 mL/L NaClO 15%); hydrogen peroxide (PER; 0.15 mL/L); and chlorine dioxide (DIO; 2.50 mL/L). Data were analysed with a mixed-effects model. Treatments affected the chemical characteristics of the water: in ACCHL, pH was 6.60 and free residual chlorine was 0.75 mg/L; in PER, H2O2 was 10.6 mg/L; and in DIO, ClO2 was 0.52 mg/L. Water physicochemical quality parameters in all treatments were below maximal thresholds established for safe water consumption by the Water Safety Royal Decree (RD 140/2003). In addition, the total coliform count of treated waters was reduced (P = 0.01) compared with CTR; moreover, ACCHL and DIO treatments were more effective in reducing total coliform count than PER. Dry matter intake tended (P = 0.07) to increase in DIO compared with CTR. Treatments did not affect blood parameters nor apparent total tract digestibility. The second study aimed to evaluate the potential benefit on animal performance of two drinking water disinfectants under commercial conditions in dairy beef crossbred Holstein bulls fed high-concentrate diets. Ninety-six animals (307 ± 4.4 kg BW, and 224 ± 1.8 days of age) were allocated to six pens for 140 days and assigned to one of two treatments: ACCHL, most common water disinfectant, and DIO. Data were analysed with a mixed-effects model. Water total coliform count and water consumption were similar between treatments. Concentrate intake was greater (P = 0.02) in ACCHL for the last 14 study days. Growth performance and carcass quality were similar between treatments. In summary, acidification and chlorination, H2O2, and ClO2 as drinking water disinfectants in dairy beef bulls had good disinfecting activity without detrimental effects on health and nutrient digestibility, and performance.

Integração de dados físico-químicos e instrumental para estimar a textura de arroz polido

ABSTRACT: This research evaluated different rice genotypes regarding physicochemical and instrumental parameters of grain quality and associated the data with sensory analysis to support the creation of rules for classification of the culinary quality of rice (texture), based on isolated or combined parameters. The combination of amylose content and gelatinization temperature was able to predict the rice quality. According to the sensorial panel, the instrumental stickiness was able to segregate rice with very low amylose content or waxy to the other ones. Regarding pasting properties, rice that presented high final viscosity (310-480 RVU), setback (165-245 RVU), and pasting temperature (78 - 88 °C), and low values for breakdown (15-120 RVU), associated with a high stickiness (>-5N) was desirable by the Brazilian consumers. The classification rules created through the relationship between the physicochemical parameters and the texture profile evaluated by the sensory panel will help to verify the culinary profile of the rice samples (through free software), which makes it easier to predict the probability of rice meeting the desired quality standards.

Physico-Chemical Quality Parameters and Metals in Different Types of Flours

Physico-Chemical Quality Parameters and Metals in Different Types of Flours

Development of recombinant adeno-associated virus empty capsids as a reference standard for quality control of gene therapy products

INTRODUCTION. The development of adeno-associated virus (AAV)-based gene therapy products in Russia requires establishing reference standards, which are used throughout the pharmaceutical development cycle, and monitoring their stability during the storage period. A preparation of empty capsids of AAV serotype 9 (AAV9) is an appropriate material for a reference standard for empty AAV9 capsids (AAV9 RS).AIM. This study aimed to develop analytical procedures to evaluate the AAV9 RS physicochemical quality parameters for its characterisation and to study its storage stability.MATERIALS AND METHODS. Empty AAV9 capsids were produced in HEK293 suspension culture using serum-free medium and optimised transfection parameters. The next steps involved AAV9 clarification, concentration, and purification by affinity chromatography with AAVx resin and diafiltration. The analysis of AAV9 samples used electrophoresis, transmission electron microscopy, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), size-exclusion chromatography, dynamic light scattering, spectrophotometry, and bio-layer interferometry. The concentration of capsids was measured by ELISA. Analytical procedures for physical titre determination were developed using an AAV9 standard with a known physical titre. The stability study of the AAV9 RS involved storage at –80 °C for 9 months.RESULTS. Size-exclusion chromatography demonstrated the high purity of the established AAV9 RS, with at least 98% content of the viral capsid monomer. Dynamic light scattering, size-exclusion chromatography, and electron microscopy confirmed that the AAV9 RS was free of aggregates. The stability study showed that the AAV9 RS remained stable for 9 months. Dynamic light scattering and spectrophotometry were deemed optimal methods for routine quality analysis measuring the AAV9 RS physical titre, and bio-layer interferometry was recommended for regular analysis. The viral particle titres determined by these methods ranged from 1.48×1013 to 5.6×1013.CONCLUSIONS. The AAV9 RS established in this study is suitable for quality control of AAV9-based gene therapy products.

Response of Potassium Humate Extracted from Different Organic Sources on Yield and Quality of Green Chilli

Aim: In recent trend of organic farming, use of humic substances plays important role, as it act as biostimulants to boost the yield of crop. Humic substances can be easily obtained by locally available organic sources. Hence, three different organic sources viz. Farm Yard Manure (FYM), vermicompost, lignite were characterized for their physico-chemical properties and quality parameters along with nutrients to judge their quality and maturity to extract humic substances. The potassium salt of humic acid extracted from these three sources were used as foliar application at different concentrations to study their effects on yield and quality of green chilli. Study Design: The pot culture experiment was conducted in Completely Randomized Design comprising eleven treatments with three replications. Place and Duration of the Study: The experiment was conducted in rabi season 2021-22 at College of Agriculture, Karad, Maharashtra, India. Methodology: Three organic sources viz. Farm Yard Manure (FYM), vermicompost and lignite were used to extract humic substances (humic and fulvic acid). These organic sources were studied for their physico-chemical properties and quality parameters along with their nutrient status to compare their quality and maturity for extraction of humic substances. Humic substances obtained from these different sources were studied for their content and characteristics. The potassium humate extracted from these organic sources were used in a pot culture study on green chilli, comprising eleven treatments and three replications. The different levels of potassium humate (200 to 600 ppm) were used as foliar application on transplanted chilli at 30 and 45 days after transplanting (DAT) along with recommended dose of fertilizers (GRDF) for studying its effects on yield and quality of green chilli. Results: Among all the three organic sources, vermicompost was reported as the best organic source to extract humic substances from its physico-chemical properties viz. pH (6.9), EC (0.3 dS m-1), water soluble organic carbon (0.76 %) and C:N ratio (18.0), which are considered as quality and maturity parameters to obtain good quality humic substances. Nutrient status for macro and micronutrients were reported to be higher in vermicompost followed by FYM and least content in lignite. In the pot culture experiment, the foliar application of potassium humate extracted from vermicompost resulted in significant improvement in fresh and dry yield of chilli fruit and stalk as compared to potassium humate application extracted from FYM and lignite. Among the various concentrations used (200-600 ppm) for the foliar application of potassium humate, application @ 400 ppm extracted from vermicompost along with GRDF (T7) was reported as the best treatment resulting in significantly increase in the fresh and dry yield of chilli fruits and stalk. Further, it was noticed that the same treatment was observed to be effective in significant improvement of the ascorbic acid content as quality parameter in fresh green chilli fruits.

Comparative analysis of the chemical quality of fishmeal produced on the Northwest coast of Mexico

Objective: To evaluate the physico-chemical quality of fishmeal produced by four companies in different states of the Republic (Baja California Sur, Jalisco and Sinaloa). Design/methodology/approach: The analyzed fishmeals were from six batches, sardine meal from California pilchard and Pacific thread herring (S. sagax and O. libertate), and skipjack tuna and (K. pelamis) processed by different Mexican companies. Proximal chemical analysis was carried out at the Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas del Noroeste (CIBNOR). Results: The fishmeal’s quality parameters analyzed in this study showed similar values to those reported in the literature. The variations observed in their proximate chemical composition allow them to be classified according to the results of the analyses. Limitations on study/implications: Considering that four of the six flours were produced from the same raw material, S. sagax, the high variability in their physico-chemical quality parameters indicates a lack of standardization in both production methods and quality controls among the producing companies. Findings/conclusions: K. pelamis by-products can produce meals of equal or better physico-chemical quality than those produced from S. sagax. The development of official regulations establishing quality standards to fishmeal production at national level is desirable for competitiveness.

Spatial and seasonal groundwater quality assessment for drinking suitability using index and machine learning approach

Spatial and seasonal evaluation and monitoring of groundwater (GW) quality is essential for the sustainable management of this priceless resource and the provision of safe drinking water. Nevertheless, GW quality appraisal was not given due attention in the current study area (flat terrain part of the Tana sub-basin). This study sought to assess the seasonal and regional physicochemical GW quality parameters for drinking appropriateness using the drinking water quality index (DWQI) and support vector machine (SVM). The main cations in both the dry and wet study seasons were, in decreasing order, Na+, Ca2+, Mg2+, K+, and Fe2+, according to the results. Conversely, the main anions were HCO3−, CO32−, Cl− or NO3−, SO42− and PO43−, ordered from higher to lower. During the two research seasons, Ca–HCO3 and Na–HCO3 were the predominant water types based on Piper diagram results. Reverse ion exchange and evaporation were the principal hydrogeochemical processes that control the hydrogeochemistry identified by Durov and Gibbs diagrams, respectively. Excellent GW quality class for drinking was demonstrated by the majority of geographical and seasonal DWQI readings over the two seasons. Nevertheless, during the rainy season, there was a noticeable decline in the GW quality condition around the northern shores of Lake Tana. Therefore, it is advised to implement comprehensive GW quality protection measures and improve system management to mitigate pollution to reduce health hazards in the examined region.

Optimization of watermelon waste as a bulking agent for sustainable co-composting of livestock manures using response surface methodology

Global human population growth has resulted in significant intensive agricultural activity, posing substantial challenges to waste management and environmental conservation. Watermelon waste (WW), chicken manure (CM) and horse manure (HM) are among the main contributors to agricultural waste due to their abundant waste production. This study aims to manage the daily production of these wastes by utilizing WW as a bulking agent in the co-composting of CM and HM. Response surface methodology (RSM) was employed to analyze the effects of four independent factors: HM:CM composition, particle size, composting period, and bulking agent amount. Thirty treatments were developed using central composite design and in-vessel composting reactors were employed to study the relationship between the factors involved and compost physicochemical quality parameters. The results demonstrated significant effects on organic matter (OM), nitrogen (N), potassium (K), dry matter, moisture content, bulk density, and pH, while the carbon-to-nitrogen ratio (C/N) and phosphorus level were not affected. The optimized co-composting conditions obtained from RSM were 75:25 for HM:CM composition (%), 0.5 cm for particle size, 40 days for composting period, and 10% of WW, resulting in a compost with 61% OM, 2.5% N, and 2.5% K. These optimal conditions agreed closely with the predicted values; root mean square prediction error (RMSPE) was less than 0.50, revealing the success of RSM in determining optimal process parameters and developing models for predicting responses. Our study demonstrated that WW as a bulking agent in the co-composting of CM and HM has significantly enhanced the organic matter and nutrient levels of the final compost product.

Assessment of the Effect of Transit Time between Harvesting and Processing on the Physicochemical Quality Parameters of Preharvest Burnt Sugarcane

Aim: This study was aimed at assessing the effect of time interval between harvesting and processing on the physical and chemical quality parameters of pre-harvest burnt sugarcane
 Study Design: An experimental research design was carried out that involve random selection of samples and sent to laboratory for analysis
 Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out on July from 26th to 30th 2023 in Kilombero Valley located in the eastern part of Tanzania, between latitude 7 0 42'42'S and longitude 37 0 00'00'E. 
 Methodology: The NCO 376 variety of sugarcane was used, that were cut below ground level, the tops removed, stalks tightened in bundles. The sample size was 15. each sample constituted of 30 burnt sugarcane stalks samples that were randomly collected and sent to laboratory for analysis after 24 ,72 and 120 hours of storage. On every respective storage time, the samples were scratched with knife to remove external contaminants, the stalks were then milled using two roller machines to extract juice. The juice was filled and sealed in sterilized and labelled bottles ready for laboratory analysis. The laboratory analysis data collected were coded and entered in excel sheet and analysed using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 25.
 Results: The result shows the means values for pH, brix , pol, purity and weight decreased with increase in storage time whereas the means values for dextran, yeast and Leuconostoc increased with increase storage time The results revealed that purity values were satisfactory in all storage time levels as compared to SASTA standard purity values (97.0 – 98.0% ), whereas mean values for brix and pol stored for 120 hours of storage time was not satisfactory.as compared to SASTA standard values for brix ( 18 – 23%) and pol (14 – 21%) .Dextran concentration was high as compared to South African Sugar Terminals (SAST) that maximum requirement for dextran is 150 mg/kg, dextran level as the measure of microbial deterioration was high in 72 and 120 storage hours indicating microbial contamination.
 Conclusion: Farmers and processors should be well informed about the consequence of delayed processing burned sugarcane to avoid economic loss for farmers and processors.

A Review of Recent Progresses on Olive Oil Chemical Profiling, Extraction Technology, Shelf-life, and Quality Control.

Olive oil (OO) is widely recognized as a main component in the Mediterranean diet owing to its unique chemical composition and associated health-promoting properties. This review aimed at providing readers with recent results on OO physicochemical profiling, extraction technology, and quality parameters specified by regulations to ensure authentic products for consumers. Recent research progress on OO adulteration were outlined through a bibliometric analysis mapping using Vosviewer software. As revealed by bibliometric analysis, richness in terms of fatty acids, pigments, polar phenolic compounds, tocopherols, squalene, sterols, and triterpenic compounds justify OO health-promoting properties and increasing demand on its global consumption. OO storage is a critical post-processing operation that must be optimized to avoid oxidation. Owing to its great commercial value on markets, OO is a target to adulteration with other vegetable oils. In this context, different chemometric tools were developed to deal with this problem. To conclude, increasing demand and consumption of OO on the global market is justified by its unique composition. Challenges such as oxidation and adulteration stand out as the main issues affecting the OO market.

The impact of overnight lairage on meat quality and storage stability of pork loin.

Lairage, a part of the animal welfare practices, has been known to mitigate pre-slaughter stress in animals. However, research investigating the relationship between lairage and pork meat quality remains scarce. In this study, we conducted a comparative analysis of the physicochemical quality and storage stability of pork from pigs subjected to immediate slaughter (CON) and those provided with a 24 h lairage before slaughter (LRG) over a 7-day storage period. The loins from 20 castrated pigs in each group, respectively, were collected at 1, 3, 5, and 7 days and used for analysis of meat quality and storage stability, including pH, meat color, moisture, water holding capacity, drip loss, cooking loss, shear force, fatty acid composition, lipid oxidation, antioxidant activity, and electrical resistance. Overall, there were no significant differences in physicochemical meat quality parameters between CON and LRG groups. Similarly, no differences were observed in the storage stability of pork including 2-thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity and electrical resistance. However, the proportion of unsaturated fatty acids was significantly higher in LRG compared to CON. In conclusion, 24 h lairage for castrated pigs had limited impact on meat quality and storage stability but led to an increase in the unsaturated fatty acid proportion.

Environmental impacts of tilapia fish cage aquaculture on water physico-chemical parameters of Lake Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo

In Africa, cage aquaculture has been growing due to its potential to address food insecurity concerns, provide livelihoods, and contribute to local economies. However, there is a need for continued research on the sustainability and potential ecological effects of cage aquaculture in African lakes and reservoirs. Even with an adequate amount of water, lakes and reservoirs cannot provide ecosystem services if their water quality is not properly managed. The current study on Lake Kivu, DRC focuses on understanding the effects of tilapia cage aquaculture on selected water quality physico-chemical parameters in the Bukavu sub-basin, DRC. The research was conducted in both caged and uncaged sampling stations, on the spatial and temporal scale from April to September 2023 at three bays serving as sampling stations: two caged (Ndendere, Honga) and one non-caged (Nyofu). Some physico-chemical parameters were measured in situ, whereas chlorophyll a and nutrients analysis were performed at the Institut Supérieur Pédagogique (I.S.P) laboratory in Bukavu. The parameters were used to calculate three indices water quality indices: the water quality index (WQI) to classify the water quality at the stations, the organic pollution index (OPI) to determine the level of organic pollution, the Carlson's Trophic Status Index (CTSI) to classify the trophic state of the stations. Chlorophyll a concentration was a measure of algal biomass. All physico-chemical parameters, apart from DO, ammonium and temperature showed no significant differences among stations and depths. Interaction between stations and between seasons was only observed on turbidity. The WQI for all the sampling stations ranged from medium to good quality (51–90). The OPI for all stations showed minimal level of pollution (4.6–5.0) hence lake's water still organically unpolluted. CTSI results indicated the sampling stations are in a eutrophic state (50 to 70). Fish cage aquaculture does not yet pose harm to the water quality of the two Lake Kivu stations under consideration, according to the study's findings. However with the anticipated growth of cage fish farming activities to meet the rising fish demand, continuous monitoring of water quality in the Lake should be done to inform management decisions and for sustainable aquaculture.

Performance evaluation of an automated hybrid solar system dryer for drying some aromatic herbs

The hybrid solar smart dryer (HSSD) was established to dry medicinal and aromatic herbs that are sensitive to direct sunlight. This study explores the effectiveness of the HSSD as an indirect solar drying technique in drying lemongrass, thyme, marjoram, and lavender at different temperatures (30, 40, and 50 ± 2 °C), focusing on its ability to retain quality features. The total energy consumption was estimated by values of 27.72 kWh for lemongrass and 43.02 kWh for lavender using HSSD at 50 ± 2 °C. Generally, HSSD showed an improvement in the studied physicochemical quality parameters. The green color retention was with the parameters of 15.60 ± 0.89, −5.28 ± 1.92, −3.89 ± 1.86, and −5.89 ± 2.40 for lemongrass, thyme, marjoram, and lavender samples, respectively. The highest values of the lemon grass, thyme, marjoram, and lavender oil content (1.96, 1.73, 3.40, and 2.76%, respectively) were obtained when the aromatic herbs were dried using the HSSD at 40 °C. This study showcased the effectiveness of solar dryers in preserving the physicochemical properties of lemongrass, thyme, marjoram, and lavender during drying, which could be applied to other food products. HSSD is a promising energy-efficient method that can save 19–36% of energy consumption, reducing the carbon footprint of drying processes and delivering high-quality products.