Reduction In Moisture Content Research Articles

Hydrophobic treatments and their application with internal wall insulation

Hydrophobic (or water repellent) treatments have been proposed to mitigate moisture risks associated with internal wall insulation when applied to solid masonry walls. This can reduce risks associated with moisture accumulation within the structure such as mould growth or the deterioration of joist ends and other embedded timber. Where treatments perform well there is a net reduction of moisture content and risk. However, such treatments slow down drying processes, and therefore may result in a net increase in moisture if the treatment is bypassed by, for example, cracks. Some treatments may lead to damage to external masonry surfaces in some situations. Freeze–thaw and salt crystallisation are the two main causes. Hygrothermal simulations may give some indication of risks but techniques to assess the risk of surface damage are either simplistic, impractical outside of the research environment or both. This paper reviews the current field of assessing and predicting the risk of surface damage associated with surface treatments.

Process optimization of vacuum concentration of Karonda fruit juice using response surface methodology: effects on antioxidant activity, iron content and GCMS profile

In the realm of fruit processing, karonda juice stands out for its elevated moisture levels, posing challenges in storage and transportation. This study presents a pioneer effort for concentration of karonda juice through optimizing the process parameters viz., temperature and time using central composite design (CCD) of response surface methodology (RSM) within rotary evaporator setup. Through ten experimental runs, variations were introduced, adjusting temperatures from 45 to 55 °C and duration from 90 to 210 min. The results showcased the efficacy of vacuum concentration, reducing moisture content to 16.43% and significantly elevating total soluble solids (TSS) from 9.02 to 89˚B. Moreover, key nutrients experienced substantial increase: ascorbic acid surged from 3.79 to 14.66 mg per 100 g, total phenolic content (TPC) soared from 100.74 to 386.97 mg GAE per 100 g, total antioxidant activity (mg AAE/100 g) escalated from 76.74 to 328.10 mg AAE per 100 g, anthocyanin content (mg/100 g) increased from 10.9 to 129.34 mg per 100 g, and iron content rose from 39 to 150.54 mg per 100 g. GC–MS profile elucidated compounds like Tetrahydrofuran, 3-Hydroxy-3-methylvaleric acid, 3-Hexen-2-one, Hydroperoxide and Octane. The optimization process, guided by RSM revealed the ideal parameters: 55 °C for 150 min, marking a significant advancement in karonda concentration techniques.

The effect of the carcass fat thickness on the qualitative technological and sensory attributes of beef

The established correlations between subcutaneous fat thickness and the quality attributes of carcasses and beef are relevant for producers and the processing industry. The purpose of the study is to establish the characteristics of slaughter, chemical composition, sensory physical, and technological properties of beef made of young bulls belonging to the Ukrainian black-and-white dairy breed aged 18 to 24 months, depending on the thickness of the fat on the carcass. The colour of muscle and adipose tissue, the conformation of carcasses, the development of subcutaneous fat, marbling, chemical composition, and sensory attributes of beef and broth made of it were determined in the context of different fat thicknesses on the carcass. With an increase in the thickness of subcutaneous fat, the fleshiness (conformation) of carcasses increases by 55.2% (P>0.95), the cover of carcasses with fat increases by 43.5 (P>0.99), and muscle penetration improves by 45.8% (P>0.95). With the thickening of subcutaneous fat from 0.5 to 1.1 cm or more, there is a tendency of tendons and ligaments in carcasses to increase by 53.6%, with adipose tissue increasing by 25.6%, points for the juiciness of boiled beef increasing by 20.8%, its tenderness increasing by 12.5%, and the reduction in the m. longissimus dorsi 'loin eye' area increased by 7.3%, marbling increased by 19.0%, reduction of moisture content in meat increased by 27.8%, and its boiling properties increased by 7.9%. With an increase in the thickness of subcutaneous fat in beef, there was a tendency for the reduction of its acidity (pH), the amount of dry matter, the total content of fat and minerals, deterioration of taste, aroma, residue after chewing boiled meat, flavour, and aroma, concentration, and transparency of broth made of it. The practical significance of these studies is to obtain knowledge that allows the assessment of the quality characteristics of carcasses and beef by the thickness of subcutaneous fat for their further use by producers and processing industries.

Enhancing the quality of wholemeal bread with chia, sesame, and rosehip: mathematical modelling and organoleptic analysis

In this paper, the research was conducted using mathematical modelling methods to improve the quality of the product. This study aimed to determine the optimum composite mixture for producing whole wheat flour by adding sesame seeds, chia seeds, and crushed rosehip. Following the mathematical matrix, 20 different samples have been baked. The basic criteria were porosity and specific volume. The results were entered into Exel to draw up a graph. According to the graphic analysis, the most optimal mixture in terms of the dry matter mass in the dough was as follows in %: rosehip - 1.1%, chia seeds - 1.5%, and sesame - 2.2%. The organoleptic and physicochemical properties of the resulting samples were later analysed according to the recipes based on the selected composition of seeds. By swelling the protein shells of chia and sesame in a humid environment, amino acids in the flour combine into a chain to form a skeleton. At the same time, the ascorbic acid in the rosehip binds with the carbon atoms in the chain, strengthening the framework. As a result, large amounts of gases formed in whole grain flours are trapped in these frames, increasing the porosity of bread by 21.8%, increasing the volume of production by 29.5%, absorbing proteolytic enzymes under the influence of globulins in chia grain, slowing down amino acid degradation, reducing moisture content by 3%.

Enhancing Indian Onion (Allium Cepa L. var. aggregatum) Extraction by Microwave Hydrodiffusion and Gravity (MHG) Method: Parametric Study and Optimization using FCCD Design

The aim of this study is to extract essential oil from Indian onion bulbs (Allium cepa L. var. aggregatum) using the microwave hydrodiffusion-gravity (MHG) method. The operating parameters considered include drying pre-treatment, material size (1-3 cm), microwave power (300-600 W), and extraction time (15-75 minutes). Optimal extraction conditions were identified through a two-stage process: initially screening data using a full factorial design, followed by process optimization using a face-centred central composite design (FCCD). The oil yield increased with extraction time up to a certain point, after which it plateaued, indicating no further yield improvements. The size of the material had an impact on how well microwave energy transferred; smaller particles provided larger surface areas, which improved extraction efficiency. Furthermore, the reduction in moisture content due to drying directly affected essential oil production, leading to higher yields. Sudden temperature increases could negatively impact oil quality, making temperature control during extraction critical. The microwave power level also played a significant role in the extraction process. The highest oil yield, 2.78%, was obtained with an extraction time of 75 minutes, a microwave power of 600 W, and a material size of 1 cm. Additionally, the extracted onion oil contained cyclohexanol, 5-methyl-2-(1-methylethenyl), and Z-citral.

Physico-mechanical properties and decay fungi resistance of Dendrocalamus asper and Bambusa spinosa thermally modified in spent engine oil medium

This study examined the effects of thermal modification (TM) using spent engine oil as the heat transfer medium on the physico-mechanical properties and decay resistance of Bambusa spinosa Roxb. and Dendrocalamus asper (Schult. & Schult.f.) Backer. The TM process was conducted at three temperatures (140, 160 and 180 °C) and three durations (30, 60 and 90 minutes), coded as T1 to T9. The tests followed ASTM D 143–94 and ASTM D 2017–05 standards. The results revealed that thermally modified bamboo samples exhibited noticeable aesthetic colour changes, with a gradual darkening towards brown, and significantly improved dimensional stability, demonstrated by reductions in water absorption (27–75 %), thickness swelling (25–89 %), and equilibrium moisture content (31–64 %) compared with control samples. However, a decrease in flexural strength was observed at the highest temperature and longest duration (T9: 180 °C for 90 min), with reductions of 54–56 %. Despite this decrease in mechanical strength, the decay resistance of the T9-treated samples was comparable to chemically preserved bamboo, classifying them as highly resistant to decay fungi. Overall, the study demonstrated that spent engine oil is an effective medium for the thermal modification of bamboo when conducted in a controlled temperature setting.

Soft soil stabilization using co-pyrolytic biochars from sewage sludge and Nymphaeale, an invasive plant biomass

This research addresses a significant gap in current literature by proposing an alternative to traditional carbon positive soil stabilizers by utilizing sewage sludge in conjugation with Nymphaeale, an invasive plant biomass derived co-pyrolytic biochars to stabilize the soft soil, with a focus on understanding strength gaining mechanism. Various combinations of sewage sludge and Nymphaeale biomass underwent thermogravimetric analysis in a nitrogen environment, suggesting 450°C as pyrolysis temperature for biochar synthesis. Soft soil, which is considered problematic for construction, was blended with five distinct dosages (0%, 5%, 7.5%, 10%, and 12.5%) of biochars (BC75:25, BC50:50, BC25:75) by weight and unconfined compressive strength values were examined over curing periods of 1, 7, 14, and 28 days. The stress-strain and failure behaviour of soil-biochar mixes varied depending on the type of biochar used. SBC25:75 mixes exhibited ductile behaviour, whereas SBC75:25 mixes showed comparatively brittle failure. Furthermore, unconfined compressive strength values of soil-biochar mixes increased 4–5 times with maximum strength achieved at 10% dosage of BC50:50. Biochar dosages led to a reduction in moisture content and an increase in alkalinity and conductivity of the mixes, facilitating the initiation of pozzolanic reactions. The combined findings from the various analyses suggested that the presence of free oxides of calcium in biochars disrupted the laminated structure of the soil and reacted with silica and other aluminum silicates, resulting in the densification of the structure and the formation of cementing mineral phases in the mixes. Overall, the research-work emphasizes the idea of creating novel environmentally friendly binders for soil stabilization through the utilization of waste materials.

Smart next-gen drying solution: A study of design, development and performance evaluation of IoT-enabled IR-assisted refractance window dryer

Refractance window drying is a technique that has great potential to dry commodities, with better quality at an affordable cost. However, there is still a lack of awareness regarding its use and implementation in academic curricula as well as in industry. This study aims to design and develop a low-cost and effective Internet of Things (IoT) enabled Infrared (IR) assisted refractance window dryer. The effect of different flexible materials used as membranes with the same thickness was also investigated. Then, experiments were conducted on papaya pulp to study the performance of the developed dryer. The drying time (reduced moisture content up to 4%) was observed for the papaya pulp sample by employing Low-density polyethylene (LDPE), Polypropylene (PP), Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), White Polyethylene Terephthalate (W-PET) and Transparent polyethylene terephthalate (T-PET) material as a membrane were 300, 330, 360, 330, and 300 min respectively. After thoroughly testing membrane materials properties, it is concluded that the T-PET membrane has superior thermal, mechanical, and optical properties. After an exhaustive examination of the marketplace scrutiny, the payback period was found to be 0.55 years.

Assessing the Synergistic Effects of Deficit Irrigation and Growth Retardants on Insitu Sprouting and Quality Parameters of Groundnut VRI 8

Background: Groundnut is a crucial oilseed crop cultivated year-round, with seed dormancy controlled by genetic and environmental factors. Preventing pre-harvest sprouting is essential, as it is a common issue. To study the effect of deficit irrigation management and foliar application of growth retardant chemicals on pre-harvest sprouting control efficiency to achieve higher yield of groundnut. Methodology: In a field experiment conducted during early summer 2024 at the Agricultural College and Research Institute, Madurai, the effectiveness of different growth retardant chemicals and deficit irrigation management on reducing in-situ sprouting of groundnut kernels was investigated. The experiment included three irrigation management strategies: conventional irrigation and two deficit irrigation treatments where irrigation was withheld from 90 to 105 DAS (Days After Sowing) and 85 to 100 DAS. Additionally, foliar sprays of growth retardant chemicals were applied at 75 and 90 DAS. The chemicals tested were maleic hydrazide (MH) @ 1250 ppm, cycocel (CCC) @ 1000 ppm, abscisic acid (ABA) @ 750 ppm, and salicylic acid (SA) @ 750 ppm. Proper agronomic practices were followed throughout the crop growth cycle. Results: Among the growth retardant chemicals tested, MH @ 1250 ppm proved effective in inducing dormancy. Withdrawal of irrigation from 90 to 105 DAS also significantly contributed to dormancy induction, extending dormancy by more than 5 days post-harvest as well as reduced the pod loss which significantly increased pod yield. It was because of the reduction in soil moisture content during harvest stage and alteration in the hormonal activities. Specifically, the combined treatment of foliar application of MH @ 1250 ppm and no irrigation from 90 to 105 DAS reduced germination percentage by 12.6%, 36.8% and 60.5% immediately 5, 10 and 15 days after harvest respectively. Conclusion: The reduction in soil moisture content during the harvest stage, coupled with changes in hormonal activities, significantly impacts seed sprouting. These factors can lead to stress conditions that hinder germination, ultimately affecting crop yields. Addressing these issues is crucial for ensuring optimal seed development and enhancing agricultural productivity.

Pilot Study on the Possibility of Improving Water Treatment Sludge Management in Almaty

This article presents the results of a pilot study on the treatment of sludge from a water treatment plant in the city of Almaty, Republic of Kazakhstan, to ensure further disposal. The main objective of the study was to compare the efficiency of sludge drying by natural and artificial methods. The qualitative characteristics of the leachate from the dewatering unit, the chemical composition of the dried sludge and the granulometric analysis of the dried sludge were also studied. The greatest reduction in moisture content was recorded for drying in natural conditions (2.1%), but this process required the longest drying time. The leachate obtained from sludge dewatering was characterized by significant contamination (e.g., turbidity—55.65 on average, color—67.7, total Fe—5.15 mg/L, total N—79.6 mg/L, COD—311 mg/L, BOD—336.15 mg/L), which indicates the need for its pretreatment before further management in the technological system of the treatment station. The content of chemical substances contained in the dry residue of the sludge was also determined, of which aluminum was 0.94–13.8 mg/kg, silicon was 50.24–146.3 mg/kg, potassium was 1.72–5.51. mg/kg, calcium was 71.8–79.1 mg/kg, iron was 2.0–7.54 mg/kg and nickel was 0.9–4.4 mg/kg. A particle size analysis of the dried sludge showed that the majority fractions were fine and very fine sand, with a total of 20.2%, and silt and clay, with a total of 78.3%. Such properties justify the rationality of considering the reuse of dried sludge as a raw material for making, for example, construction materials or soil remediation material.

Synergistic enhancement for energy-saving, emission reduction and profit improvement in iron and steel manufacturing system: Strategies for parameter regulation and technologies integration

The steel industry, characterized by high energy consumption and carbon emission, poses a significant threat to global energy and environmental security. In response to the energy conservation and dual-carbon targets, the steel industry must urgently find sustainable pathways for transformation and development. Steel production structure optimization and the application of cutting-edge technologies have been proven to be highly effective. However, the complexity and variability of actual production conditions highlight the absence of a methodology capable of adapting to real production scenarios, elucidating influencing principles across multiple factors, analyzing synergistic mechanisms of multiple indicators, and proposing collaborative control strategies. Furthermore, the potential for technology applications that are closely integrated with the company’s resource endowment remains uncertain, leading to an unclear overall strategy for energy saving and carbon reduction. This study develops a multi-scale optimization and evaluation model for ISMP, incorporating interconnected and matching processes, as well as nested multi-indicators, in response to the context. Subsequently, the disturbance mechanisms of various factors are accurately identified and a multi-indicator synergistic control strategy and framework are proposed. Following optimization, the exergy loss, energy consumption, carbon emission intensity, cost, and pollutant emissions of ISMP per tonne of steel are reduced by 1418.70 MJ, 42.93 kgce, 154.79 kg, 171.21 CNY, and 0.0168 kg, respectively. Additionally, measures such as reducing moisture content in coking coal can effectively regulate multiple indicators. Based on the proposed sensitivity quantification method, the temperature of hot blast is identified as the most effective controllable factor. Technologies like hydrogen-rich fuel injection, integrated waste heat recovery, and solar photovoltaic & energy storage have shown favorable prospects, according to analysis conducted from various angles regarding economic viability and potential for energy-saving and carbon reduction. However, the application of aforementioned technologies may be limited by financial consideration, necessitating cautious and judicious investment choices.

Analysis of the effect of fermentation duration on the organoleptic properties of dried cocoa beans (Theobroma cacao L.) at Nglanggeran Agricultural Technology Park

The post-harvest process of cocoa fruits includes fruit harvesting, cracking, wet bean sorting, fermentation, drying, dry bean sorting, and packaging. One of the post-harvest processes that significantly affects the quality of cocoa beans is fermentation. The fermentation process, facilitated by acetic acid and lactic acid bacteria, aims to reduce moisture content, enhance aroma and flavor, and improve the quality of cocoa beans. Acetic acid bacteria, such as Acetobacter and Gluconobacter, contribute to acetic acid production, giving cocoa beans their characteristic flavor. These bacteria convert alcohol into acetic acid, a process crucial for developing the beans' flavor. On the other hand, lactic acid bacteria, like Lactobacillus and Pediococcus, play a role in the breakdown of complex compounds, enhancing the aroma. These bacteria produce lactic acid, which contributes to the beans' aroma. One factor that influences the success of cocoa fruit fermentation is the duration of fermentation. The optimal fermentation time for cocoa fruits is 5 – 6 days. If it is less or exceeds the optimal time, the fermentation of cocoa fruits will not be perfect. The duration of cocoa fruit fermentation has been proven to affect the aroma, taste, texture, and color of dried cocoa beans. Keywords: Cocoa, Fermentation, Post-harvest process of cocoa, Organoleptic

Characterization of alkali treated and untreated Abutilon indicum FIBERS

The primary objective of this study is to characterize Abutilon indicum stem Fibres (AIF) obtained through the water retting method. The fundamental attributes were investigated for untreated and alkali-treated AIFs, including physical and chemical properties, thermal stability as determined by thermogravimetric analysis, functional groups as identified by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), crystalline properties as determined by X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, surface roughness as assessed by atomic force microscopy (AFM), and surface textures as determined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images. Results convey that, the surface-modified fibers upon alkali treatment exhibit an increase in cellulose composition from 56.12 % to 65.43 % and a reduction in hemi-cellulose, lignin, moisture and wax content. Such a higher composition of cellulose content in the fibers influenced the surface roughness, crystalline size and crystalline index (CI) which thereby indicates the presence of Cellulose III1 and other crystallites arranged in order over the alkali-treated AIFs. Alkali treatment increased the degradation temperature and thermal stability from 1750 C to 2020 C and 302.60 C to 3400 C, respectively. From the above-mentioned test results, it is evident that the surface-modified AIFs from alkali treatment provided more desired results than the untreated counterparts.

The flavor enhancement mechanism of ultrasound-assisted curing and UV-assisted drying in semi-dried tilapia fillets based on flavoromics, lipidomics, and metabolomics

This study aimed to investigate the effects of ultrasound-assisted curing and UV-assisted drying on the quality of semi-dried tilapia fillets through flavoromics, lipidomics, and metabolomics. Both treatments enhanced myofibril pore space and reduced moisture content (−14.84 %, P < 0.05), with ultrasound demonstrating greater effectiveness. Additionally, they also facilitated lipid oxidation (P < 0.05), which altered the flavor profile. UV treatment enhancing key aroma compounds (ROAV >1), especially octanal, 1-octen-3-one, ethyl-isovalerate, and 2-pentyl-furan, more effectively than ultrasound (P < 0.05). 420 lipid molecules and 213 metabolites were identified, including 162 differential lipids and 69 differential metabolites (VIP > 1). Correlation analysis indicated that triglycerides, fatty acids, organic acids, and nucleosides were key precursors of flavor. The sensory evaluation demonstrated that ultrasound and UV treatments synergistically enhanced fillet quality. This study introduces an innovative processing method aimed at the industrialized and efficient production of high-quality air-dried aquatic products.

Comparative Study of the Proximate Composition and Sensory Evaluation of Fresh and Smoke-dried Fish Species from Omambala River, Anambra State, Nigeria

This study investigates the proximate composition and organoleptic properties of fish species from the Omambala River in Anambra State. A total of 40 fresh fish samples, specifically Clarias gariepinus and Heterotis niloticus, with a mean length of 25 cm and mean weight of 380 g, were analyzed. The fish samples, initially scaled, had their viscera removed and were washed in clean water before undergoing brining. This involved immersing the fish in a 75% saturated brine solution, prepared by dissolving 27 g of NaCl in 100 ml of water for 30 seconds. The samples were then smoke-dried in a smoking kiln. Proximate composition was assessed using standard methods from the Association of Analytical Chemists (AOAC), while organoleptic properties were evaluated using a 9-point hedonic scale. Data were collated and analyzed using a two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with GENSTAT version 4 software, and mean separation was performed using the Least Significant Difference at a 5% probability level. Results indicated that the proximate analyses revealed an increase in all nutrient compositions after smoke-drying, except for moisture and carbohydrates, which significantly decreased from 44.58% to 14.15% and from 37.10% to 7.88%, respectively, for C. gariepinus. In the case of H. niloticus, increases were noted in ash, fiber, fat, and protein, while moisture decreased significantly (p&lt;0.05) from 44.87% to 17.89%. Organoleptic evaluation showed a preference for C. gariepinus, which had a significantly higher overall acceptability mean score of 8.40±0.66 compared to 6.70±2.26 for H. niloticus. This research demonstrates that smoke-drying fish effectively reduces moisture content, enhances nutrient composition, and improves organoleptic properties, thereby increasing shelf life. It is recommended that both C. gariepinus and H. niloticus be hygienically smoke-dried to maximize organoleptic qualities, nutrient composition, and shelf life, ultimately yielding better economic returns. Keywords: Nutrient composition, organoleptic properties, Smoking kiln, Fish species

Application of scoby bacterial cellulose as hydrocolloids on physicochemical, textural and sensory characteristics of mango jam.

The scoby pellicle of symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast is a by-product from kombucha fermentation. While a portion is used as starter culture, the remainder is often discarded, yet it can be a valuable source of bacterial cellulose. Scoby from black, green and oolong tea kombucha fermentation was assessed for its hydrocolloid effects in mango jam-making through evaluation of physicochemical, textural and sensory characteristics. Quality of jam was significantly improved with water activity reduction up to 22.22% to 0.679, moisture content reduction up to 37.06% to 19.92%, and a pH drop up to 5.9% to 3.19 with the use of 20 to 100 g kg-1 scoby. In colour analysis, presence of scoby led to a brighter jam due to higher values from 30.98 to a range of 31.82 to 40.83. Texture of jam with scoby gave higher gel strength and adhesiveness, with the most prominent effects from the black tea kombucha. Overall acceptability in sensory test scoring was above 70% on a nine-point hedonic scale with the 40 g kg-1 green tea kombucha scoby jam chosen as the most preferred. Scoby gave significant contributions to jam stability, appearance and texture, showing potential as a clean-label food ingredient. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Impact of Calcium Chloride Addition on the Microstructural and Physicochemical Properties of Pea Protein Isolate-Based Films Plasticized with Glycerol and Sorbitol

Ca2+ can boost protein-protein interactions and, if present at an appropriate level, can potentially improve some physicochemical properties of protein-based gels and films. This study aimed to determine the effects of CaCl2 (0%–0.05% w/w) on the microstructural, optical, water affinity, and mechanical characteristics of glycerol (Gly)- and sorbitol (Sor)-plasticized pea protein isolate (PPI)-based films. CaCl2 caused darkening and a color shift of the films from yellow to yellow-green. Additionally, decreased light transmission, particularly in the UV range, acidification, and reduced moisture content were observed. CaCl2 decreased the water vapor permeability of the Gly plasticized film by an average of 20% with no effect on the Sor-plasticized film. All films were completely soluble in water. CaCl2 negatively impacted the mechanical integrity of the films, reducing the tensile strength of the Gly- and Sor-plasticized films by ~16% and 14%–37%, respectively. Further increases in CaCl2 content (0.1% and 0.2% w/w) led to concentration-dependent microvoids resulting from protein over-crosslinking and/or coagulation. In summary, the incorporation of CaCl2 into PPI-based films did not provide significant benefits and actually worsened key properties, such as transparency and mechanical strength. The type of plasticizer influenced how CaCl2 affected some properties of the PPI-based film.

Reconstituted Bamboo Scrimbers Prepared from Bambusa tulda with Phenol Formaldehyde (PF) Adhesive for Structural Applications

Abstract: This study investigates the physical and mechanical properties of reconstituted bamboo scrimbers prepared from Bambusa tulda bamboo, also known as Indian timber bamboo or Bengal bamboo. The preparation involves varying pressure levels (21.0, 24.5, 28.0, and 31.5 kg/cm2 ) with phenol formaldehyde (PF) adhesive using a hydraulic hot press. The study explores the change in mechanical and physical properties of bamboo scrimbers under varying specific pressures, which significantly reduces moisture content, increases density, and enhances resistance to water absorption and swelling. Mechanically, it improves properties such as modulus of rupture (MOR), modulus of elasticity (MOE), compression parallel to the grain, hardness, and screw-holding capacity. The results position the reconstituted bamboo scrimbers in the super group (IS:3629-1986) in stress grading (MOR &amp; MOE) at all tested specific pressures, surpassing raw bamboo strength properties as well as conventional standard timber, including Teak (Tectona grandis). The results demonstrate remarkable properties comparable to species like Sal (Shorea robusta), Khair (Acacia catechu), and Teak (Tectona grandis) in various mechanical properties. This research highlights the potential of bamboo-based materials over conventional timber in construction and for sustainable development. Future studies on different adhesives and pressure levels could further enhance their economic sustainability.

Reducing moisture content can promote the removal of pathogenic bacteria and viruses from sheep manure compost on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau

Livestock manure contains a high concentration of pathogenic bacteria, viruses, and other harmful microorganisms. The effective elimination of these pathogens is of great significance to the harmless and resource utilization of livestock and poultry manure. Building upon prior research, this study further explored the removal efficiency of pathogenic bacteria and viruses in sheep manure compost on Qinghai-Tibet Plateau under 45 % (M45) and 60 % (M60) moisture content. The results showed that M45 led to a significant increase in the average composting temperature (P＜0.05), a notable reduction in the levels of Salmonella and Coliforms in the compost products, and facilitated the decline in abundance of various pathogens. As composting progressed, the abundance of viruses declined rapidly. Uroviricota was the most dominant viral phylum, and Siphoviridae, Myoviridae, Herpesviridae, and Podoviridae as the predominant viral families. M45 can significantly reduce the diversity and abundance of compost virus community (P＜0.05). The correlation analysis indicated a negative relationship between pathogens and the average temperature and humus content of the compost. In summary, the reduction of moisture content can enhance the biosafety of sheep manure compost products on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. These findings provide theoretical basis and technical support for the harmless and resource utilization of sheep manure waste on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.

Chitosan films tailored with deep eutectic solvent extracts from Hibiscus sabdariffa: Fabrication and characterization

Natural polymers are the most promising alternatives to petroleum-based plastics for developing biodegradable food packaging films. However, the brittleness and lack of active protection of films from most natural polymers pose a challenge to their practical application. The addition of plasticizers and natural extracts to these films is considered an effective solution to address these issues. In this study, the potential for the use of deep eutectic solvents (DESs) and DES extracts derived from Hibiscus sabdariffa in the production of chitosan films and their effects on their mechanical and antioxidant properties were examined. Initially, the extraction efficacy of DESs composed of choline chloride (ChCl) and various carboxylic acids (citric, lactic, tartaric, and oxalic acids) was evaluated in terms of phenolic and anthocyanin contents along with antioxidant activities. Optimal results were achieved with the utilization of ChCl-oxalic acid as the extraction medium. Subsequently, chitosan films were fabricated by introducing DESs and DES extracts as plasticizers and compared with glycerol-plasticized chitosan films. The incorporation of DESs and DES extracts into the film matrix led to a notable reduction (11.78–14.82%) in moisture content compared with glycerol (25.34%). Notably, using ChCl-tartaric acid improved the tensile strength, while ChCl-citric acid enhanced the film flexibility. Films containing ChCl-tartaric acid demonstrated exceptional light barrier properties. SEM analysis revealed an interaction between chitosan and DESs, which was further corroborated by FTIR and XRD. Additionally, DES extracts provided superior antioxidant activity to the films than their pure DESs. These findings suggest a significant potential for DES extracts from Hibiscus sabdariffa as bioactive agents and plasticizers in chitosan films.