Solids Content Research Articles

Assessment of different energy-based breakage distribution functions in population balance model of an industrial scale continuously operated wet stirred media mill

This study aimed at assessing various energy-based breakage distribution functions Bij within the context of a population balance model (PBM) of copper ore milling in a wet stirred media mill (WSMM). First, drop weight impact tests were performed to determine the size distribution parameters, tn. Second, various tn models called tn-fitted and tn-regenerated approaches were used to fit experimental tn, and their goodness-of-fits were compared. They were then used to construct the matrices of the cumulative breakage distributions, Bij, of the PBM, while a power-law form of the specific breakage rate function, Si, was assumed. By fitting the PBM to the product particle size distributions (PSDs) obtained under various rotor speeds, suspension volumetric flow rate, and solids content, we estimated the Si parameters. Results suggest that except the Napier-Munn model, all tn models fitted the experimental drop weight data reasonably well, which was reflected in the PBM fitting of the product PSDs. The PBM fits with Bij constructed with the tn-regenerated approach were more accurate than those with the tn-fitted approach. The PBM was validated with additional tests that were not considered in the parameter estimation. Overall, we have established that the choice of tn function and the methodology to determine Bij can affect the PBM predictions of the WSMM process significantly.

Innovative process for improving functional and sensory quality of black garlic

Black garlic (BG) is an aged product high in brown melanoidin pigment and functional quality, however, the long aging process limits its commercial production. The present investigation was undertaken to develop an innovative process for improving the functional quality of BG as well as shortening the aging duration. Peeled garlic was subjected to two pre-treatment steps viz. Freeze-thaw (FT) and blanching (BL) followed by ascorbic acid (AA) infusion and effects were monitored during aging. Non-enzymatic browning, the main visible indicator of MR was significantly (p < 0.05) high in FT garlic due to high infused AA content. The pre-treated garlic showed significantly (p< 0.05) high fructose content (6-7-fold) over the control on the 6th day of aging. The treatment also enhanced the total phenolic content (2.5–3.0-fold) and antioxidant activity (14-fold) while reducing the processing time from 18 to 12 days. The soluble solid content (58.7 °B) and Fast index (fluorescent of advanced Maillard reaction products and soluble tryptophan) was maximum (305.2) in FT garlic on the 12th day. FTIR confirmed a strong peak at 1515 cm−1 depicting the dark nature of the BG subjected to FT. The innovative short process saved 50% of energy in production and was 43% more economical compared to its control counterpart. Overall sensory quality of FT garlic in terms of color, flavour and texture was on par with control except BL sample which showed high stickiness and low score values. Overall results suggest that FT treatment followed by infusion of ascorbic acid accelerated the Maillard reaction (MR), and improved the functional quality of BG.

Photo‐cationic polymerizable ceramic slurry for the fabrication of ceramic structures in three‐dimensional printing

AbstractCycloaliphatic epoxides exhibit post‐light irradiation heat‐induced polymerization, creating warp‐resistant green bodies during sintering. However, their use in light polymerization three‐dimensional (3D) printing is limited by slow photo‐curing speeds. In this study, a photo‐cationic polymerizable ceramic slurry was developed for 3D printing by mixing oxetane with cyclo‐aliphatic epoxide. This mixture improved photo‐curing speed, reduced resin viscosity, and enhanced the ceramic slurry's solid content. Additionally, we optimized the slurry by considering the specific and content ratio of photosensitizers and light absorbers. The optimized slurry polymerized unreacted functional groups in the polymer, improving the fracture strength of the green bodies through enhanced crosslinking density and uniformity in each layer. Ultimately, a sintered body without warpage was produced by the improved green bodies. This approach provides a solution related to controlling the photocuring speed and expands the potential applications of 3D printing in areas where the precision and stability of the printing material are required.

Quantifying the Impact of Nitrogen Concentration Variations on Quality Characteristics of Soilless Cultivated Cherry Tomato

Within the domain of macronutrients, nitrogen has garnered significant recognition as a pivotal element due to its profound influence on both the vegetative growth and quality attributes of a crop. An abundance of scientific research has consistently demonstrated that attaining optimal productivity necessitates the meticulous management of soil moisture availability, complemented by the timely provision of nitrogen during critical growth stage intervals. The study aimed to optimize the nitrogen concentration in a hydroponic solution by testing a range of concentrations. The objective was to systematically examine the effects of different nitrogen levels and determine the optimal concentration for the desired outcomes. The assessment was carried out in a meticulously controlled greenhouse environment from October 2019 to April 2021, with the primary objective of systematically investigating the impact on quality characteristics specific to the rosa variety of cherry tomato. To investigate the effects of different nitrogen concentrations, four distinct levels of 4 mM, 6 mM, 8 mM, and 10 mM per litre of nutrient solution were employed. The nitrogen source consisted of a combination of NO3- and NH4+, with a ratio of 40:60, respectively. The nutrient solution with an 8 mM nitrogen concentration exhibited a significantly augmented effect on increasing the equatorial and polar diameter of fruits, average fruit weight, pericarp thickness, as well as the accumulation of total chlorophyll, ascorbic acid, lycopene, β-carotene, and total soluble solids (TSS) content. These findings demonstrate the pronounced and positive influence of the 8 mM nitrogen concentration on the aforementioned quality characteristics.

Influence of Grape Heterogeneity on Berry Quality Traits in Table Grapes A Study on the ‘Alphonse Lavallée’ Variety

The study, conducted in 2023 at the vineyard of the Agricultural Research and Application Center of Tokat Gaziosmanpaşa University, focused on the Alphonse Lavallée grape variety, a significant cultivar among table grapes. The research aimed to assess the impact of berry density on various quality parameters. Grape berries were selected across five different density categories (Y0-Y4), including a control group, to evaluate their physical characteristics (including width, length, weight, firmness, and skin color), chemical properties (pH, total titratable acidity, and soluble solids content), and phytochemical attributes (encompassing total phenol content, total antioxidant capacity, and total monomeric anthocyanin levels). The findings revealed that critical quality indicators—namely, soluble solids content, pH, total antioxidant capacity, and total monomeric anthocyanin—were maximized under the Y4 treatment. In contrast, the highest total phenol content was recorded in the Y2 and Y3 treatments. These results underscore the importance of berry density and berry/skin volume as key determinants of grape berry quality. The study contributes valuable insights into the role of these factors in enhancing the overall quality of table grapes, particularly in the context of the Alphonse Lavallée variety.

Thermal performance and characterization of phase change material composites reinforced with nano-particles in thermal energy storage systems: a review

Abstract The energy storage now a days is a cumbersome process to exploit its best use. This review paper discusses the challenges of efficiently utilizing energy storage and proposes phase-change materials (PCMs) with Nano-particle&amp;#xD;reinforcement as a solution, particularly for storing solar thermal energy. Various synthesis methods for PCM, including impregnation and encapsulation, are examined, with emphasis on factors like particle size, shape, and solid content. Carbon-based materials, including carbon nanotubes and graphene oxide, emerge as superior options due to their reliability, cost-effectiveness, lightweight nature, and high heat transfer efficiency, with minimal environmental impact. This review highlights the enhanced thermal conductivity of Nano-particle-reinforced PCM composites, emphasizing their thermally stable, durable, and conductive properties. Additionally, it discusses thermal performance through techniques like DSC, TGA, and DTG, along with material characterization methods such as FTIR, SEM, XRD, EDX, and XPS analysis. Overall, the research underscores the promising potential of Nano-particle-reinforced PCM composites for efficient energy storage and thermal management applications.&amp;#xD;

The Functional Carbonated Beverage Properties of Guabiroba Juice Using the Ice Fraction from Gravitational Block Freeze Concentration

The freeze concentration of liquid foods generates a by-product that has few academic studies and no industrial application: the ice fraction of each concentration stage. Sugar-free carbonated beverages were produced from the addition of 20% residual ice fraction (stage 1—I120 and stage 2—I220) of the gravitational block freeze concentration process, and the result was compared with a control beverage produced with 20% guabiroba juice (J20). The physicochemical properties, carotenoid content, total phenolic content (TPC), vitamin C, and antioxidant activity were analyzed for all samples. There was no significant difference between J20 and I220 for the total solid content and total soluble solids. For the total phenolic compounds (TPC), the I220 content was 151.3% higher than that of the original juice J20 and, for antioxidant activity, 295.8% higher for ABTS and 130.2% higher for DPPH. The I220 beverage presented 159% more vitamin C content than the beverage containing juice (J20). The same behavior was observed for each carotenoid content, with 168% more for the I220 sample. The total color difference revealed no difference visible to the naked eye for the three formulated beverages (∆E &lt; 3.0; p &lt; 0.05). The promising results of the bioactive compounds from guabiroba juice retained in the ice fraction can add value to this process waste in the formulation of new products due to the remaining functional appeal of the original fruit matrix.

Assessing the Physicochemical Characteristics: A Comparative Analysis of Various Drying Methods in Osmotic Treated Fruit Slices

Background: Due to their high perishability, we cannot store fruits in their fresh form for long. The different drying techniques have affected the physical and nutritional qualities of the dried fruit pieces. Adoption of osmotic dehydration will help to protect and improve the quality characteristics of the final products. Methods: Selected fruit slices, viz., apple, pineapple, guava, mango and banana, were subjected to sugar osmosis (60°Bx for up to 48 hours), followed by drying in different drying methods, viz., open sun (ODT), solar tunnel (SDT) and hot air drying (CDT) and the physical and chemical characteristics of the end products were analysed. Result: The osmosis process improved the total soluble solids content, while CDT and SDT improved both the rehydration of the dried fruit slices and the percentage of weight loss. The desirable physical attributes of the dried products significantly varied among the different drying methods and within the fruit slices. The CDT-dried samples had better nutritional properties in terms of total phenol content and antioxidant activity than did the other drying methods and fresh samples, except for vitamin C content, which was greater in fresh fruit slices. The results recommended using CDT techniques in osmosis-treated fruit slices, which could improve fruit's physical and nutritional properties and be useful as good functional foods for a long time.

Comparative Evaluation of Conventional and Emerging Maceration Techniques for Enhancing Bioactive Compounds in Aronia Juice.

Ultrasound and microwave maceration techniques have been utilised to lower production costs and reduce processing time, while also preventing the degradation of nutrients like phenolics and vitamin C and preserving physical properties such as colour and viscosity. In this study, the effects of several traditional (cold, enzymatic, and thermal) and innovative (ultrasonic and microwave) maceration methods on some quality parameters of aronia juice were investigated. Microwave maceration significantly impacted the soluble solids content of the analysed juices and resulted in noticeably darker juice samples compared to the controls, with lower L*/lightness (20.1) and b*/blue-yellowness (-3.2) values and an increased a*/redness value (1.7). Different maceration methods also significantly impacted the rheological properties of the treated juices, among which MW treatment consistently showed a higher viscosity. Sorbitol and fructose were the main sugars identified, while malic acid and quinic acid accounted for 85% of the total acid content. Significant increases in the total sugar and acid concentrations were obtained in the juice samples from ultrasonic, microwave, and enzymatic maceration, while thermomaceration had no significant effect. The concentration of total phenolics ranged from 6.45 g/L in the thermomaceration samples to 9.86 and 14.07 g/L in the ultrasonic and microwave samples, respectively. The obtained results suggest that ultrasonic and microwave technologies were superior in terms of colour improvement and the extraction of sugars, acids, and phenolic compounds compared to traditional maceration methods. Ultrasound and microwave technologies present possible approaches to the improvement of aronia juice production in comparison to traditional methods.

Combined effects of deficit irrigation and mulching on fruit quality and bioactive compounds of VNR Bihi guava (Psidium guajava)

The present study was carried out during 2019–20 and 2020–21 at Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar, Uttarakhand to assess the combined effects of deficit irrigation and mulching on a 5-year- old VNR Bihi guava (Psidium guajava L.) orchard. The experiment consisted of three irrigation regimes, viz. deficit irrigation at 50% ETc (DI50); deficit irrigation at 75% ETc (DI75); and full irrigation at 100% ETc (FI100); and four mulching treatments, viz. silver-black mulch (MSB); black mulch (MB); organic mulch (MOM); and without mulch (MWM) laid out in a factorial randomised block design (F-RBD) with three replications. Results showed that fruit number and yield/tree were recorded highest in trees irrigated with DI75 and mulched with silver-black mulch. Under treatment DI50 fruit had the highest concentration of soluble solids, with Brix levels of 12.35°B and 12.78 °B during the years 2019–20 and 2020–21, respectively. Total sugars content was significantly increased under DI50 by 7.73 and 7.36%, respectively as compared to FI100 during both the years of experimentation. The biochemical properties such as total phenolics, total flavonoids and antioxidant (DPPH) activity also increased as irrigation regimes decreased from FI100 to DI50. The total phenolic and flavonoids content were improved by 19.19 and 33.44%, respectively under DI50 when compared to FI100. Significant differences among different mulch treatments with respect to quality parameters were also observed except DPPH activity. Silver-black mulch followed by black mulch resulted in higher soluble solids content, total sugars, ascorbic acid, total phenolic content, total flavonoids and DPPH activity. These findings demonstrate the positive effect of water deficit practice on bioactive compounds and the appropriateness of deficit irrigation and mulching as irrigation management strategies in the fruit orchards that improve fruit commercial value and conserve water.

The effects of specimens geometry on solidification conditions and microstructure formation in laser powder bed fusion fabricated Ti–6Al–4V alloys

Laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) excels at creating intricately shaped parts, which will result in variations in solidification conditions, microstructure formation and mechanical properties. To address this issue, three distinct shapes: cubic, pyramidal and inversed pyramidal Ti–6Al–4V alloy specimens were fabricated using LPBF technology. The effects of specimen geometry on microstructure formation, transformation as well as its effects on mechanical properties were investigated in the present study. Our results show that specimen geometry significantly affects the thermal gradient, influencing nucleation and growth during fabrication. EBSD (Electron Backscatter Diffraction) characterization reveals that the primary β-phase grows in columnar grains in cubic specimens, coarse columnar grains along lateral faces in pyramidal specimens, and nearly equiaxed grains in inverted pyramidal specimens, leading to a significant reduction in texture. Nanoindentation tests show higher nanohardness in the top parts of cubic and pyramidal specimens compared to the bottom parts, while inverted pyramidal specimens have consistent nanohardness throughout. This variation is due to differences in solid solute concentration, melt pool undercooling, and thermal histories during and post solidification processes respectively. TEM results indicate that the fine lath phase on the top parts has transformed into β-phase, while the bottom parts remain as α′ phase, highlighting a disparity due to different thermal cycling times and temperatures.

Physicochemical, Textural, and Antioxidant Attributes of Yogurts Supplemented with Black Chokeberry: Fruit, Juice, and Pomace.

The fruit, juice, and pomace of black chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa) are a rich source of phenolic compounds and can be used to obtain enriched dairy products. Chokeberry fruit, due to its astringent taste, is less favorable or even unacceptable to consumers and is usually processed into juice, resulting in large quantities of pomace, which is often discarded as waste. The aim of this study is to valorize chokeberry fruit, juice, and pomace by incorporating them in different percentages (1, 2, and 3%) into yogurt as functional ingredients. The physicochemical (total solids content, fat, protein, titratable acidity, pH, color), textural (hardness, adhesion, cohesiveness, springiness, gumminess, and chewiness), antioxidant (DPPH scavenging activity and total phenolic content), and sensory characteristics of supplemented yogurts were investigated. The results showed that the addition of chokeberry pomace in yogurt increased their total solids content (from 11.46 ± 0.18% for the plain yogurt sample to 13.71 ± 0.18% for the yogurt sample with 3% chokeberry pomace), while the addition of fruit and juice decreased the protein content of the yogurt samples (from 4.35 ± 0.11% for the plain yogurt sample to 3.69 ± 0.15% for the yogurt sample with 3% chokeberry fruit and to 3.84 ± 0.1% for the yogurt sample with 3% chokeberry juice). There was no statistically significant change in the fat content of all samples of chokeberry-supplemented yogurt compared to plain yogurt. The pH of the yogurt samples decreased with the increase in the percentage of chokeberry fruit, juice, and pomace added to the yogurt (from 4.50 for the plain yogurt samples to 4.35, 4.30, and 4.20 for the yogurt samples supplemented with 1, 2, and 3% black chokeberry pomace). Inhibition of DPPH radical formation was higher in the yogurt samples with chokeberry fruit (57.84 ± 0.05%, 73.57 ± 0.11%, and 75.38 ± 0.05% inhibition for the samples with 1, 2, and 3% fruit) and pomace (up to 64.8 ± 0.11% inhibition for the sample with 3%), while total phenolic content decreased (from 392.14 ± 2.06 to 104.45 ± 2.63 µg/g) as follows: yogurt with chokeberry pomace > yogurt with chokeberry fruit > yogurt with chokeberry juice. The yogurt samples with the highest acceptance scores were the samples with 3% and 2% black chokeberry fruit, while the lowest acceptance score was obtained for the yogurt sample with 3% black chokeberry pomace. Chokeberry fruit, juice, and pomace can improve the physicochemical, textural, and antioxidant characteristics of yogurt, emphasizing that the antioxidant effect of yogurt could be substantially improved by the addition of chokeberry pomace due to its high phenolic content, while incorporation into yogurt is another way to valorize this by-product.

Niger Delta Oilfields Produced Water Characteristics and Treatment Technologies: Challenges and Solutions

The Nigerian Niger Delta oilfields have high water-to-oil ratio ranging from 50% to 95% water content, due to its secondary and tertiary production phases. Oil and gas producers could shut-in such wells, or develop cost effective approach for Produced Water, PW handling to meet reinjection or environmental permissibility. Thus, the study investigated the compositions and treatment techniques of Niger Delta oil and gas fields PW, and proffered solutions for actualizing minimal hazardous contaminants in PW. Characterization of PW from a Flow Station, an Oil processing and a Gas processing facilities showed biogeochemical homogeneity in the PW compositions with high organic and inorganic constituents, which are above injection and disposal specifications. The results of treated PW from the extant PW treatment (PWT) techniques showed that the total dissolved solids (TDS) concentration (6105.9 mg/l) from the Flow Station PW treatment facility did not meet the required specifications for injection into depleted wells or disposal into the environment (2,000.00 mg/l for inland, and 5,000.00 mg/l for nearshore). The salinity contents in the treated PW from the three PWT configurations were 2411.0 mg/l, 2218.6 mg/l, and 2165.4 mg/l, respectively, which were slightly above Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) specification (2000.0 mg/l) for nearshore disposal. The chemical oxygen demand (COD) concentration in the treated PW from the three PWT configurations were 153.0 mg/l, 148.1 mg/l, and 141.2 mg/l, respectively, which were above the NUPRC standard (125.0 mg/l). The oil and grease (O&amp;G) concentration in the treated PW were 84.7 mg/l, 51.5 mg/l, and 58.0 mg/l, respectively, which also were above regulatory stipulation (30.0 mg/l) for nearshore disposal. The modular Bio-Unit + Ultra/Nanofiltration achieved more than 95% removal of both organic and inorganic constituents in the PW. Therefore, this study suggests that reconfiguring the extant PW treatment equipment with this cost-effective innovation would be the solution to PW treatment challenges in the Niger Delta oil and gas operations.

Fingerprinting to trace sources of suspended solids in the transport of heavy metals in urban stormwater runoff

Suspended solids are an important pollutant in urban stormwater runoff. Past studies have mainly focused on a single transport stage of pollutants, constraining source identification of suspended solids at the catchment scale. Therefore, identifying the sources of suspended solids in stormwater runoff for the formulation of effective pollution mitigation measures is an effective way to manage suspended solids pollution in receiving waters. Sediment source fingerprinting is a widely used technique to trace the sources of river sediments, which can accurately identify the source of sediment through widely used tracers. This study used six heavy metals including Cd, Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn and Pb as tracers to quantify the sources of suspended solids in stormwater runoff from urban catchments. The spatial and temporal distribution characteristics of suspended solids during stormwater transport were investigated. The study results showed that the concentration of suspended solids was the highest in road runoff and sewer flow, especially particles <44 μm. In addition, relatively large rainfall depth, high rainfall intensity and long antecedent dry periods can lead to higher concentrations of suspended solids in roof and road runoff whereas longer rainfall duration can result in more suspended solids in sewer runoff. Sediment source fingerprinting and principal component analysis confirmed that coarse (>105 μm) particles primarily originate from road deposited sediments (63.80%), while fine (<105 μm) particles primarily originate from stormwater grate sediments and soil. The outcomes derived can help to comprehensively understand the sources of suspended solids and provide guidance for the management of urban stormwater particulate pollution, as well as being a technical reference for pollutant source traceability in urban stormwater runoff.

Influence of Aloe Vera Gel and Safe Salts on Storage Quality of Minimally Processed Carrot

ABSTRACTThis experiment investigated the impact of aloe vera gel and safe salts on the physical quality and physicochemical properties of minimally processed carrots during storage, aiming to determine the most effective edible coating postharvest treatment. The experiment employed a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with three replications. Results indicated significant (p ≤ 0.01) effects of various treatments on the physical quality and physicochemical properties of carrots compared to untreated ones. Freshly harvested carrots were subjected to different treatments, including a control (T1), 30% aloe vera gel (T2), 1% NaCl (T3), and 1.5% NaHCO3 (T4), combinations thereof, such as 30% aloe vera gel with 1% NaCl (T5) or 1.5% NaHCO3 (T6), and 1% NaCl with 1.5% NaHCO3 (T7), and a combination of 30% aloe vera gel with 1% NaCl and 1.5% NaHCO3 (T8). Among the treatments, the combination of 30% aloe vera gel and 1% NaCl (T5) exhibited the most promising results after nine days of storage, with the lowest weight loss (1.19%), highest firmness (3.80 N), total soluble solids (TSS) content (8.40%), titratable acidity (0.477%), ascorbic acid content (9.02 mg/100 g FW), anthocyanin content (28.84 μg/g FW), phenol content (4.278 mg/100 g FW), and total sugar content (13.32%). This treatment effectively protected carrots from undesirable color, texture, and flavor changes during storage. The utilization of natural‐source‐based edible coatings containing health‐promoting additives presents a viable strategy to enhance both the internal and external qualities of minimally processed carrots. Overall, the edible coating comprising 30% aloe vera gel and 1% NaCl emerges as a promising approach for preserving the quality of minimally processed carrots.

Physicochemical Properties and Nutritional Relevance of Rice Beverages Available on the Market

Recently, more consumers have reached for plant-based milk substitutes, mainly for health, dietary, and flavour reasons. This study aimed to evaluate the physicochemical and bioactive properties and sensory profile of 10 selected rice drinks available on the EU market. Assessment of the physicochemical characteristics included measurement of soluble solids, pH, osmolality, foaming properties and colour parameters. Analysis of bioactive compounds involved the determination of polyphenolic compounds and antioxidant activity. Based on the manufacturer’s data, the composition and nutritional value of the above-mentioned beverages were also analysed in this study. The tested beverages were characterised by a low fat content of 0.6–1.3 g/100 mL, derived mainly from added sunflower oil, but are a good source of energy (energy value of 37–55 kcal/100 mL), derived mainly from naturally occurring carbohydrates whose content ranged from 8.0–11.0 g/100 mL. The protein content of all rice drinks was shallow, not exceeding 0.5 g/100 mL. Of the ten rice drinks analysed, in only two were vitamins B12 and D added (0.38 μg/100 mL and 0.75 μg/100 mL, respectively) and in only three was calcium (120 mg/100 mL) added. In evaluating the physicochemical characteristics, the drinks showed a pH close to neutral (mean 6.85 ± 0.01). The average soluble solids content was about 11%, which was determined by the carbohydrate content. The osmolality of the beverages averaged 324.73 ± 70.17 mOsm/kg H2O, with four beverages classifiable as hypertonic ones (osmolality &gt; 330 mOsm/kg H2O), three as isotonic ones (with osmolality between 270–330 mOsm/kg H2O), and three as hypotonic beverages (osmolality &lt; 270 mOsm/kg H2O). Only two rice drinks evaluated in this study showed foaming properties. The high whiteness index (81.79 ± 2.55) indicated high white colour saturation of the tested beverages. The rice drinks were characterised by a relatively diverse sensory quality regarding aroma and flavour notes. The overall sensory quality was rated highest for the beverages with the highest sugar content. The tested beverages were characterised by a low content of total polyphenols (average 1.40 ± 0.62 mg GAE/100 mL) and relatively high antioxidant activity (average 418.33 ± 59.65 µM TEAC/100 mL). Based on the research conducted and the analysis of the manufacturer’s data, it can be concluded that the rice drinks studied in this paper can be included in the daily diet, providing a rehydrating beverage that shows free radical-neutralizing properties and provides carbohydrates. At the same time, it should be highlighted that the studied drinks have a low nutritional value and cannot be recommended as milk substitutes due to low protein levels and lack of milk-specific vitamins and minerals.

Evaluation of Yield and Quality Characteristics of Some Drying Red Pepper Lines in Antakya Conditions

This study aimed to evaluate the yield and quality performance of 12 S4-generation genotypes and 4 registered pepper varieties, developed through selection from the Kahramanmaraş pepper population by the East Mediterranean Transitional Zone Agricultural Research Institute, under the conditions of Antakya. The plant materials used were the genotypes 83, 331, 368, 373, 361, 378, 439, 449, 454, 472, 521, and 69, along with the varieties Sena, Dila, Bozok, and Yesemek. The results revealed that the highest fresh yield was obtained from genotype 83 with 1106 g plant-1, while the highest dry yield was recorded in genotype 472 with 270 g plant-1. The genotype 361 stood out with a total soluble solid content (SSC) of 13.30%, and the highest drying efficiency was observed in genotype 454 at 32.5%. In terms of fruit number, genotype 439 had the highest value with 127.33 fruits plant-1, while genotype 472 showed the highest fruit weight of 10.60 g fruit-1 and genotype 449 had the longest fruit length at 7.82 cm. The highest seed count was observed in genotype 378 with 347 seeds fruit-1, while Dila had the largest fruit width at 23.65 mm. According to the capsaicinoid (pungency) analysis, genotype 472 exhibited the highest pungency level with 147,483 scoville heat units (SHU), highlighting it as a notable quality trait. Furthermore, the lowest fruit flesh thickness was recorded in genotype 378 with 0.75 mm, and the highest 1000-seed weight was observed in genotype 373 with 6.50 g. Overall, considering the key criteria for dried pepper production, particularly dry yield and pungency, genotype 472 demonstrated superior performance due to its high dry yield and pungency levels. These findings suggest that the Antakya region is well-suited for the cultivation of high-yielding and high-quality pepper lines. Additionally, these genotypes hold significant potential for commercial production.

Environmental Impact of Polyurethane-Based Aerogel Production: Influence of Solvents and Solids Content

This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the environmental impacts associated with the synthesis of polyurethane (PUR) aerogels. The synthesis process incorporates various solvents and solids contents into the formulation, with the primary objective of enhancing the physical properties of the aerogels for broad industrial applications. Nine experimental scenarios were explored, grouped into two sets based on the variables studied. A detailed Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) was conducted to evaluate the environmental impacts of all formulated PUR aerogels. The findings indicate that a solvent solution of 100% ethyl acetate (EtOAc) results in lower environmental impacts compared to other tested formulations. Notably, a solvent solution comprising 75% acetonitrile (ACN) and 25% EtOAc exhibited the highest environmental Key Performance Indicator (εKPI) among the tested material formulations, closely followed by the PUR aerogel obtained using acetone as a solvent. Furthermore, this study underscores the necessity of performing an integrated LCA that considers both environmental and functional aspects. While reducing the solids content is environmentally advantageous, it may present challenges in terms of material functionality. This is illustrated by the PUR aerogel synthesized with the lowest solids content of 3.2 wt.%, which demonstrated high deformability, thereby complicating the determination of a reliable Young’s modulus for analysis.

The potential role of iron-carbon micro-electrolysis materials in curtailing lag-phase stimulates kitchen waste anaerobic digestion at different solid contents: Performance, synergistic effect and microbial response

High-solid anaerobic digestion (HSAD) of kitchen waste was generally faced to the common problems such as systemic acidification, prolonged lag-phase time and low methane production. Iron-carbon micro-electrolysis (ICME) materials exhibited advantages that porous structure, large specific surface area and excellent conductivity. It was beneficial for organic compounds to hydrolysis. Moreover, ICME materials could establish direct interspecies electron transfer (DIET) pathway between bacteria and methanogens. ICME materials were commonly used to enhance the AD of wastewater, but they were rarely applied to HSAD of kitchen waste. In this study, ICME materials were utilized to enhance HSAD of kitchen waste at different solid content conditions. The results showed that the highest cumulative biogas yield (705.23 mL/g VS) was obtained in the experimental group (TS = 10%), which was 94.15% higher than that of the control group. At the same time, the addiction of ICME could shorten lag-phase time. Electrochemical characteristics and XPS analysis showed that ICME materials promoted the release of Fe2+ in the AD system and acceleration of direct interspecies electron transfer between microorganisms. Microbial community analysis showed that ICME materials enriched electroactive bacteria (Proteiniphilum), Methanosarcina, Methanobrevibacter and Methanofollis. Functional gene prediction revealed that ICME materials increased the relative abundance of carbohydrate transport and metabolism and coenzyme transport and metabolism. It provided a potential measure to treat kitchen waste.

Depiction of 2-oleic acid-1,3-saturated fatty acid triacylglycerols intended for cocoa butter equivalents from Rhodosporidium toruloides

Cocoa butter equivalent (CBE) serves as a viable substitute for cocoa butter (CB) in the confectionary industry. In this study, four types of CBE were produced via fermentation of Rhodosporidium toruloides and systematically characterized. Fatty acid analysis revealed similarities in both total and sn-2 fatty acid composition compared to cocoa butter. Specifically, palmitic acid, stearic acid and oleic acid constituted 87 % to 91 % of the total fatty acid, with palmitic acid predominating at the sn-2 position (80 %). Analysis of triacylglycerol species indicated that the combined proportion of POP, POSt, and StOSt was lower (50 %) than that found in cocoa butter. Solid fat content analysis showed that CBE were soft than cocoa butter. X-ray analysis confirmed that both CBE and CB predominantly exhibited the desired β crystal form. Additionally, spherical-shaped crystals were observed in CBE during polarized light microscopy analysis.