Storage Treatment Research Articles

Effect of Natural Extracts during Storage Conditions on Seed Quality and Yield Performance of Soybean Cultivar Giza 22

Aims: The present study aimed to investigate the effects of Diatomaceous Earth (DE) at 20 g/kg, Neem seed extract (NSE) at 25 g/kg, and Silica gel (SG) at 25 g/kg on seed quality, field performance, and seed yield of Giza 22 soybean seeds during various of storage durations and environmental conditions. Study Design: Three experiments investigated storage, germinability, and field performance of seeds using a FCRD with four replicates. The seed storage trial assessed open and cool storages conditions across durations of 1, 4, 8, and 12 months, with seed treatments of DE, NSE, and SG. Germinability and field performance were evaluated under the same storage conditions and treatments. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) at P = 0.05. Place and Duration of Study: The storage and germination trials were conducted at the preservation labs of the Seed Technology Research Unit, Mansoura City, FCRI, ARC, Egypt. While, the field experiment took place on a private farm in the village at geoical location 30°53'39"N 31°20'51"E. Methodology: The seeds were tested under open storage at ambient room conditions and cool storage at 5°C and 30% RH, and storage periods at four levels with two months interval. Results: Isolated data clarify applying cool storage or seed treatments (DE, NSE, and SG) over all storage periods significantly (P = 0.05) exceed open storage or the untreated control seeds, respectively. Cool storage combined with DE, NSE, and SG seed treatments significantly yielded the highest stored seed quality indices, field performance and seed yield compared to the untreated control seeds stored at open or cool storage conditions. Conclusion: It could be concluded that, the application of diatomaceous earth, neem seed extract, and silica gel on soybean seeds during storage has been shown to provide several benefits i.e., extend seed storability, reduce insect damage, improve seed germination and seedling vigor, and increasing seed yield.

Comparative transcriptome analysis provides novel insights into the seed germination of Panax japonicus, an endangered species in China

Panax japonicus, an endangered species in China, is usually used as a traditional medicine with functions of hemostasis, pain relief, and detoxify. However, the seeds of P. japonicus are hard to germinate in natural conditions, and the molecular events and systematic changes occurring in seed germination are still largely unknown. In this study, we compared the seeds in different germination stages in terms of morphological features, antioxidant enzyme activities, and transcriptomics. The results indicated that sand storage at 25℃ for 120 d effectively released the seed dormancy of P. japonicus and promoted the seed germination. Moreover, sand storage treatment increased the antioxidant capacity of P. japonicus seeds through increasing the activities of SOD, POD, and CAT. The RNA-seq identified 28,908 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between different germination stages, of which 1697 DEGs significantly changed throughout the whole germination process. Functional annotations showed that the seed germination of P. japonicus was mainly regulated by the DEGs related to pathways of ROS-scavenging metabolism, plant hormonal signal transduction, starch and sucrose metabolism, energy supply (glycolysis, pyruvate metabolism, and oxidative phosphorylation), and phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, as well as the transcription factors such as bHLHs, MYBs, WRKYs, and bZIPs. This study provides a foundation for unveiling molecular mechanisms underlying the seed germination and is beneficial for accelerating the development of P. japonicus industry.

Effects of Different Frozen Storage Treatments on Microbial Diversity and Volatile Components of Ice Bayberry Wine

In this study, frozen bayberries (HF group) and liquid nitrogen–frozen bayberries (SF group) were used as raw materials to ferment ice bayberry wine and NGS was used to analyze the microbial community of ice wine. In addition, the volatile compounds in ice wine were determined using HS-SPME–GC–MS. The effects of different frozen storage treatments on the microbial community structure and flavor components of ice wine were analyzed. The experimental results showed that the dominant bacterial genera of the two groups of ice wine were mainly Rothia and Rhizobium, and the dominant fungal genera were Fusarium, Basidiomycetes, Aspergillus, and Saccharomyces. There were 178 volatile components in both the HF and SF groups, and the differential flavor components were mainly esters and ketones. Compared with the HF group, the ethyl 3-hexenoate (pineapple flavor), terpinene (rosin flavor), and 3-hydroxyacetophenone (floral flavor) contents in the SF group were significantly increased (p ˂ 0.05) and the methyl 14-methylpentadecanoate (oil flavor) content was significantly decreased (p ˂ 0.05). Rhizobium, Bacteroides, Saccharomyces, Basidiomycetes, and 14 other genera were significantly correlated with the differential volatile substances (|R| > 0.8, p ˂ 0.05). Therefore, the SF group of ice bayberry wine has richer microbial diversity and better flavor components.

Do We Need to Re-Focus on Functional Female Urethral Disorders in Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction? ICI-RS 2024.

Insights into the role of the urethra in maintaining continence and in normal voiding have been provided with advances in imaging techniques. Also, functional urethral testing is used to understand which treatments are optimal for women with functional bladder outlet obstruction (BOO), but which testing is better for which treatment? This review aims to describe our current understanding of female urethral function and dysfunction and to provide future research directions for treating functional female urethral disorders. This is a consensus report of the proceedings of a research proposal discussed at the annual International Consultation on Incontinence-Research Society (ICI-RS), 6th-8th June 2024 (Bristol, UK): "Do we need to re-focus on functional female urethral disorders in lower urinary tract dysfunction? ICI-RS 2024". Regarding female urethral nomenclature, it was agreed that the same terminology should be used in the orientation of the female urethra as in the male. Also, functional MRI and computer modeling could aid further understanding of urethral function in women with voiding dysfunction and OAB symptoms. As for functional urethral assessment, options include video-urodynamics with leak point pressure (LPP) testing, urethral pressure profilometry (UPP), and striated urethral sphincter electromyography (EMG). Future testing may include the use of modalities (borrowed from cardiologic assessment of vascular structures such as resistive measures obtained with ultrasound) for the purpose of assessing urethral closure. UPP testing has limitations in measurement and reproducibility in assessing urethral pressure. Urethral sphincter EMG is difficult to perform and reproduce. LPP also has limitations related to testing and to patient effort, in addition to being influenced by factors such as bladder volume and compliance. When performing urethral surgery, it is imperative to dissect in tissue planes that preserve urethral function. Regarding therapeutic modalities for the treatment of functional female urethral dysfunction, conservative management includes pelvic floor muscle training with or without biofeedback, electrical stimulation, and extracorporeal magnetic stimulation. Furthermore, there was a robust discussion on the use of cognitive-behavioral therapy to address psychological comorbidities, thereby improving female LUTD. The evidence supporting long-term pharmacologic treatment of female urethral LUTD remains scarce. As for invasive management options, the evidence supporting the use of botulinum toxin in female LUTD is limited. Finally, the very existence of BNO and the validity of its diagnosis was discussed. Furthermore, bladder neck incision as a treatment of BNO was debated, and the indications for this procedure include a therapeutic decision balancing benefit to complications. Improving the treatment of female functional storage and voiding disorders depends on optimal urethral function assessment. Functional MRI to better understand urethral function, expanding the use of UPP testing, LPP testing, and emerging modalities while maintaining urethral function during female urethral surgery, and addressing psychological comorbidities whilst pursuing both conservative and invasive options (for refractory symptoms) are all important considerations in treating functional female urethral disorders.

Technical note: Effects of chemical, radiational, and thermal treatment of bone tissue on material stiffness and anisotropy.

We evaluated the effects of four treatments for pathogen inactivation in bone tissue (ethanol storage, formalin fixation, gamma irradiation, and heat treatment via autoclave) on stiffness and anisotropy values in bone samples. Cortical bone samples from the humerus of 14 bovine specimens were subjected to Knoop microindentation analysis in longitudinal and transverse planes of section and four indenter orientations within each section. From each specimen, individual samples were assigned to one of five treatment conditions: 50% ethanol-saline solution, formalin immersion, gamma irradiation, autoclave, and buffered saline (controls). Each sample was microindented 100 times and the resultant stiffness data were analyzed by a resampled factorial analysis of variance. First- and second-order interactions as well as main effects of indenter orientation, treatment, and specimen were significant for both transverse and longitudinal sections, with the sole exception that indenter orientation-treatment interaction was nonsignificant for longitudinal sections. Interaction plots reveal that thermal (autoclave) and irradiation treatments depress stiffness values the most, while patterns of indentation stiffness at different orientations are relatively unaffected. Patterns of anisotropy are relatively unaffected by preservative treatments, but elastic modulus changes are consistent and unambiguous. Formalin and ethanol treatments are most comparable to controls and represent the best preservative media for mechanical testing. These options, however, are likely to be the least effective for ensuring the inactivation or sterilization of potentially contaminated samples.

Diaspore Dimorphism, Awn Hygroscopicity and Adaptive Significance in a Winter Annual Bromus tectorum (Poaceae).

Bromus tectorum, a winter annual plant, produces dimorphic diaspores: complex diaspores with multi-awns and simple diaspores with one awn. However, there is no information available about the role of awns and the germination characteristics of dimorphic diaspores. Dispersal germination and awns hygroscopicity of the dimorphic diaspores were assessed. The complex diaspore with multi-awns can easily be dispersed long distances from the mother plant by mammals. The simple diaspores with one awn are tightly attached to the mother plant. Caryopses from the two types of diaspores exhibited non-deep physiological dormancy at maturity, which can be released by dry storage and GA3 treatment. The awns have hygroscopic activity and can move in response to changes in moisture, moving the complex diaspore (the seed) into the soil. The seedling emergence from complex diaspores was significantly higher than those from simple diaspores at all burial depths. Germination of caryopses on the soil surface was poor. The optimal planting depth for both types of diaspores' emergence is 1-2 cm. The distinct characteristics of dimorphic diaspores and the beneficial influence of hygroscopic awns on dispersal, germination, and seedling establishment have significant ecological implications for B. tectorum's successful reproduction in unpredictable cold deserts.

Effect of individual quick freezing treatment and cold storage on the host egg (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae) quality for the production of the parasitoid Anastatus japonicus Ashmead (Hymenoptera: Eupelmidae)

BackgroundThe augmentative release of the parasitoid species Anastatus japonicus Ashmead (Hymenoptera: Eupelmidae) is essential for managing the recent invasion of litchi stink bugs (Tessaratoma papillosa (Drury)) (Hemiptera: Tessaratomidae) in Taiwan. The mass release program in the spring targets this univoltine pest’s reproduction cycle. Low-temperature storage for the host eggs and parasitoids is required to maximize the production for the annual release program. This study aimed to enhance the shelf life of Samia cynthia (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae) eggs using the combination of refrigeration and individual quick freezing (IQF) as a storage treatment. Storage of A. japonicus in the IQF-treated S. cynthia eggs was evaluated to determine the optimal production process during the short preparation window before the release.ResultsThe influences of cold storage and IQF treatment on the host eggs were evaluated for different storage durations. The host quality was determined according to the emergence rate and female ratio of A. japonicus. The study’s results demonstrated that the host quality of S. cynthia eggs did not change significantly compared to the control group after 28 d of refrigeration at 7 °C. IQF treatment extended S. cyathia’s shelf life to 5 months without significantly affecting the host quality. Applying IQF at different developmental stages of the host eggs affected the parasitism rates of A. japonicus. Significantly higher emergence rates of A. japonicus were recorded in the eggs treated during the initial development (D0 to D2). However, storing parasitoids in the IQF-treated eggs under the current storage condition for one month at 12 °C significantly impacted the parasitoid’s emergence rate.ConclusionsThe results of this study highlight the potential benefits of the individual quick freezing technique. This technique didn’t alter the egg quality of S. cynthia, a crucial factor for the mass production of A. japonicus. The IQF treatment extends the shelf life of the host eggs to 5 months when stored at − 20 °C, a significant improvement compared to the 4-week shelf life without IQF treatment. This technology offers a promising and efficient approach for the mass production of A. japonicus and supports field releases. The treatment allowed for the stockpiling of host eggs during the off-season, which can help expedite the mass production of A. japonicus to fit an eight-week production window.

Golden Hull: A Potential Biomarker for Assessing Seed Aging Tolerance in Rice

Seed aging is a complex process that involves various physiological and biochemical changes leading to a decline in seed viability during storage. However, the specific biomarkers for assessing the degree of seed aging in rice remain elusive. In this study, we isolated a golden hull mutant, gh15, from the indica rice Z15 by employing a radiation mutagenesis technique. Compared with the wild type (WT) Z15, the mutant gh15 displayed a golden hue in the hull, stem, and internodes, while no significant differences were observed in the key agronomic traits. A genetic analysis showed that the gh15 phenotype is regulated by a single recessive gene, which possibly encodes cinnamyl alcohol dehydrogenase OsCAD2. Significant differences of seed aging tolerance were observed between gh15 and WT after six months of natural storage and artificial aging treatment, with gh15 exhibiting a markedly lower aging tolerance compared to the WT. Haplotype assays indicated that the Hap2 of OsCAD2 was significantly associated with the dark coloration of the hull and lower seed aging tolerance. The molecular marker of OsCAD2 associated with seed color was explored in rice. These findings demonstrate that the golden hull serves as a potential biomarker for the rapid assessment of seed aging tolerance in rice.

Bioengineered Nickel Oxide Nanofabrication for Energy Storage Systems, Degradation of Refractory Water Toxicity, and Antibacterial Study

AbstractNickel oxide (NiO) nanoparticles were synthesized using a green method involving Pterolobium hexapetalum flower extract as the reducing agent. Synthesized nickel oxide nanoparticles (NiO NPs) were thoroughly characterized using X‐ray diffraction, UV–vis spectroscopy, Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area analysis. The XRD analysis confirmed the pure formation of NiO NPs. TEM and SEM images revealed the size, shape, and surface morphology of the nanoparticles. BET analysis indicated a high surface area, making these nanoparticles suitable for various applications. The NiO NPs were further investigated for their potential in supercapacitor applications, demonstrating excellent electrochemical performance. NiO@rGO electrode with graphene proportion showed a maximum specific capacity of 1266 Fg−1 at 1 Ag−1. Moreover, following the 3000‐cycle assessment, the specific retention of 98.2% confirmed that the electrode had high cyclic stability. Additionally, their effectiveness in dye degradation was evaluated, showing promising results in removing organic dyes from wastewater. The antibacterial activity of the NiO nanoparticles was also assessed, indicating significant inhibition against various bacterial strains. These multifaceted studies suggest that NiO NPs synthesized from plant extract hold great promise for applications in energy storage, environmental remediation, and antimicrobial treatments.

Microbial Quality of Kupang Paste Products from Different Producers

General Background the utilization of local ingredients, such as kupang, is integral to the culinary practices in Balongdowo Village, Sidoarjo Regency. Specific Background shrimp paste, a prominent product derived from kupang, is valued in the market, yet its quality raises concerns among consumers and producers. Knowledge Gap despite its economic significance, limited research has been conducted on the microbiological quality of kupang-based products, particularly during storage. Aims this study aims to evaluate the microbiological analysis of two kupang petis products from different producers in Balongdowo Village during ambient temperature storage. Results employing descriptive analysis across five storage treatments (P0: fresh, P1: 1 week, P2: 2 weeks, P3: 3 weeks, P4: 4 weeks), findings indicated that total plate count (TPC) in P0 treatment met national quality standards (SNI 2718.1: 2013), while yeast mold levels exceeded permissible limits. Notably, the TPC of sample B (1.6 x 10³) was lower than that of sample A (2.2 x 10³) in the fresh condition (P0). Novelty this research provides a comprehensive analysis of the microbiological quality of kupang petis, filling a significant gap in the literature. Implications the results underscore the necessity for rigorous quality control measures in the production and storage of shrimp paste to ensure consumer safety and compliance with health standards. Highlights: Microbiological quality assessment of kupang petis during storage. TPC values in fresh condition meet national standards. Yeast mold levels exceed permissible limits in stored samples. Keywords: Kupang, Shrimp Paste, Microbiological Analysis, Quality Standards, Storage

Effect of hot red pepper supplementation and different storage time on hens egg quality

Introduction. Eggs are a food source of protein that easily deteriorates during storage. Supplementation of hot red chilli pepper powder rich in bioactive compounds in diets for laying hens can improve egg quality and prevent egg deterioration during storage. Objective. To determine the effect of hot red pepper powder supplementation and different storage times on the physical egg quality of laying hens. Materials and methods. This study was conducted from January to March 2024 at the Research Barn of PT. Agromix Lestari Group, Kulon Progo, Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Eighty 56-week-old Novogen laying hens (1681 ± 64 g) were assigned into four dietary treatments (4 replications, 5 hens per replication): basal diet as control (P0); basal diet + 0.25 % hot red pepper powder (P1); basal diet + 0.5 % hot red pepper powder (P2); and basal diet + 0.75 % hot red pepperpowder (P3). At the end of week 6, one egg per replicate group was collected and analyzed for physical quality in three storage treatments: fresh condition (S0), one week storage (S1), and two weeks storage (S3). Egg quality data were analyzed with a factorial experimental design (4 x 3) using SPSS 26 software. Results. Supplementation of 0.5 % hot red pepper powder significantly increased egg weight. Hot red pepper addition and treatment duration significantly affected egg yolk colour. The hot red pepper treatment group showed significantly lower pH of albumen and yolk. Conclusions. The supplementation of hot red pepper powder in laying hens diets has been shown to improve the egg yolk color. The inclusion of 0.5 % in the ration was able to keep the pH of yolk and albumen low.

Cold storage conditions affect ‘Shepard’ avocado fruit ripening and quality

ABSTRACT There has been little research into long storage of ‘Shepard’ avocado. Simulated conditions for sea freight of Australian-grown fruit to key Asian markets were investigated. Thirteen storage treatments were applied to fruit of premium quality sourced from two commercial farms. Compared with the generally recommended 7°C, fruit stored at 5.5°C for up to 28 days were firmer at removal, slow to ripen, and had less severe flesh rots at the ripe stage. Compared with regular air storage (Air), controlled atmosphere (CA; 2% O2 and 5% CO2) decreased weight loss at removal, retarded ripening and, after 28 days of storage, reduced discrete patches on the skin of ripe fruit. However, CA storage also resulted in ripe fruit with more severe shrivel, stem end rot, and vascular browning. For 14 or 21 days at 5.5°C, Air resulted in the best overall quality of ‘Shepard’ fruit. CA was comparatively advantageous after a 28-day storage in improving external quality at ripe. There was considerable variation between both farms in storage effects on fruit ripening and quality. Given the high variability in fruit chilling responses apparently dependent on preharvest factors, further research is warranted to elucidate these results and better evaluate risks under commercial sea freight conditions.

Sugar composition of pectin-containing cell wall fractions is altered in ‘Fuji’ apples in response to calcium dips and controlled atmosphere storage

Cell wall changes in untreated and calcium-treated ‘Fuji Kiku-8’ apples harvested at commercial maturity were examined after cold storage during 19 and 31 weeks under either air or ultra-low oxygen atmosphere (ULO), followed by 7 d at 20 ºC to simulate commercial shelf life. Postharvest calcium treatment was applied by immersion in a 2 % (w/v) CaCl2 solution prior to cold storage. Both ULO storage and calcium dips attenuated firmness loss in comparison with untreated fruit stored in air, particularly for the shorter period, in parallel to higher retention of both chelator- and sodium carbonate-soluble fractions. After hydrolysis, the analysis of these fractions revealed higher retention of arabinose and uronic acids in response to ULO storage and calcium treatment. Results indicate that the contents of uronic acids and arabinose in pectin-containing fractions were strongly correlated, suggesting that removal of arabinosyl residues from pectin sidechains be a key event in the process of postharvest pectin solubilization.

The Use of Electrochemical Cells to Generate Nanobubbles As Innovative Agents for Alleviating Eutrophication in Aquatic Environments

Eutrophication, characterized by the excessive accumulation of nutrients, notably nitrogen and phosphorus, in aquatic environments, represents a growing concern in contemporary environmental science. Specifically, eutrophication is intricately associated with the proliferation of algae, giving rise to the development of dense populations known as algal blooms. Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs), primarily composed of cyanobacteria and green algae, pose a threat to aquatic ecosystems by diminishing water clarity, depleting oxygen levels, and, in certain instances, generating detrimental toxins. The global incidence of HABs is increasing, and their frequency is anticipated to further rise due to the impacts of climate change.Conventional methods of water management often encounter significant challenges in effectively addressing and mitigating occurrences of algae blooms. HAB present a multifaceted challenge, influenced by nutrient pollution, climate factors, and diverse algal species. The intricate interactions among these elements contribute to the complexity of the issue. Additionally, the varying responses of algae to environmental conditions and the potential toxicity of certain species further complicate mitigation efforts. To address this challenge effectively, a nuanced understanding of these interconnected factors is essential. Implementing targeted strategies for sustainable water management is crucial for mitigating the impact of algae blooms on aquatic ecosystems and human health.Nanobubble technology represents a revolutionary approach to gas exchange, generating ultrafine bubbles with distinctive properties. These bubbles, with diameters smaller than 1000 nm, are non-buoyant, negatively charged, and exhibit remarkable longevity. These attributes allow them to spontaneously form at the interface between solid surfaces and aqueous solutions. Moreover, their small size enhances mass transport at the electrode-electrolyte interface, impacting reaction rates and catalytic activity. These electrochemical properties position nanobubbles as promising candidates for applications in electrosynthesis, energy storage, and water treatment, with ongoing research aiming to further understand their intricate interplay in diverse electrochemical processes. Nanobubbles play a pivotal role in improving water quality by reducing surface tension, preventing the escape of gas molecules into the atmosphere. This action effectively enhances the concentration of dissolved oxygen in bodies of water. By mitigating the adverse effects of HABs, nanobubbles emerge as a transformative technology with the potential to revolutionize water management strategies.Our research entails a thorough investigation into the formation mechanisms and diverse applications of nanobubbles. The work presented here specialized focuses on nanobubble generation using electrochemical cells. We aim to present how nanobubbles are generated using customized and portable electrochemical cells and the unique properties of these generated nanobubbles. Preliminary results will also be presented to compare the nanobubbles generated using electrochemical cells to the nanobubbles generated using conventional approaches currently employed in the industry. By delving into the details of nanobubble formation, we seek to understand their effectiveness at addressing the challenges associated with eutrophication and HABs in aquatic environments. This comparative analysis will shed light on the advantages and limitations of generating nanobubbles using electrochemical cells in the context of restoration of bodies of water, offering valuable insights for future applications and guiding decisions in environmental management practices.

Reusable biochars derived from Camellia oleifera shell via K2CO3 activated for phenol-enhanced adsorption

Porous biochar materials (BC) have shown excellent performance in energy storage and water treatment adsorption. Carbonization of agricultural and forestry solid waste and fixation in the form of stable biochar to form biochar materials can achieve green "waste utilization for treatment wastewater". In this study, BC samples were generated by using Camellia oleifera shell (COS) as raw material and K2CO3 as green activator in-situ pyrolysis. The adsorption behavior of COS biochar in aqueous solution was evaluated using phenol as a pollutant probe. The synergistic effect of pyrolysis temperature and K2CO3 activation promoted the development of the pore structure of BC. The X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy results indicated that K2CO3 activation promoted the formation of C-C defects and promoted phenol adsorption. KBC-900 exhibited superior absorption capacity for phenol (300.15 mg/g). The activation of K2CO3 also promoted the adsorption of oxygen. In addition, using H2O2 for regenerating biochar did not show a significant decrease in the adsorption rate after five cycles (decline rate < 5 %). The strong adsorption capacity of KBC-900 for phenol might be due to the presence of π-π interactions, hydrogen bonds, and van der Waals interactions during the adsorption process.

Characterization and application of LDH with chitosan composites investigated by positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy and surface texture for the adsorption of methyl orange

With a rapid increase in industrial growth around the world, the demand for an entirely novel category of nanoparticles and technologies for wastewater treatment has become a key concern for environmental protection. Recently, hybrids of layered double hydroxides (LDH), particularly those containing LDH, have gained attention as potential nanoscale adsorbents for water treatment. Recent research has shown that LDH-containing composites are interesting versatile materials with the ability to be used in energy storage, photocatalysis, nanocomposites, and water treatment. In the current work, LDH-containing composites were utilized as adsorbents for the purpose of purifying water. The adsorbents investigated are Zn–Co–Fe/LDH/Chitosan-in situ sample preparation (LDH/CS1) and Zn–Co–Fe/LDH/Chitosan-ex situ sample preparation (LDH/CS2). Furthermore, LDH/CS1 and LDH/CS2 were investigated for wastewater treatment from methyl orange dye (MO) with various adsorption conditions. When the initial MO concentration was 20 mg/L and the amount of adsorbent was 0.1 g, the removal efficiency reached 72.8 and 91.7% for LDH/CS1 and LDH/CS2, respectively. The MO’s maximum adsorption capabilities are 160.78 and 165.89 mg/g for LDH/CS1 and LDH/CS2, respectively, which is much greater than that of comparable commercial adsorbents. MO adsorption onto LDH/CS1 and LDH/CS2 was best characterized by the pseudo-second-order kinetic model. The equilibrium adsorption data was followed by the Freundlich and Langmuir models. The adsorption is favorable as evidenced by the equilibrium parameter RL values for MO adsorption onto LDH/CS1 and LDH/CS2, which were 0.227 and 0.144, respectively. Using the free volume distribution method and the positron annihilation lifetime technique, the nanostructure of the materials was examined.

Study on the synergistic action of β-cyclodextrin and sodium caseinate to stabilize the seal oil pickering emulsion

In order to explore the synergistic action of β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) and sodium caseinate (SC) to stabilize the seal oil Pickering emulsion. Seal oil emulsions were prepared by β-CD (β-CD-E), SC (SC-E) and hybrid particles (β-CD@SC-E). Appearance and microscopic morphological analysis, particle size, ζ-potential and viscosity were used to characterize the emulsions. Droplets in emulsion stabilized by the hybrid particles were evenly, with smallest particle size (16.31 μm), largest absolute ζ-potential (27.85 mV) and higher apparent viscosity. Then, stability of the emulsions was evaluated by storage stability, centrifugation stability, pasteurization stability and salt stability. The results showed the appearance, microscopic morphology, particle size, creaming index (CI) of β-CD@SC-E were the least affected after storage, centrifugation, pasteurization and different salt concentration treatment. The interaction analysis indicated that blue shift happened in the maximum absorption wavelength, amide I of β-CD@SC. The α-helixes in β-CD@SC transformed to the β-fold and significant changes occurred in the crystal form and microstructure of β-CD@SC. All these results indicated that self-assembly occurred during the binding of β-CD and SC, which changed their original structures and enhanced their emulsification performance. Besides, hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interaction played the vital roles during the self-assembly.

Enhancement of engineering properties of cement mortars with masonry construction and demolition fines via carbon dioxide utilization, storage and chemical treatment

Shortage of natural sand is severely affecting the global construction industry. The construction sector also generates a substantial amount of construction and demolition (C&D) waste of which masonry wastes constitute a major fraction. Using a circular economy approach, this article explores the feasibility of using treated masonry waste fines (MWF) to replace 75 % of natural sand in Portland cement-based mortars. The treatment consists of a combination of acid washing and CO2 curing to improve the engineering properties of MWF-cement mortars. 0.1 mol/L and 0.5 mol/L (M) H2SO4 were used for chemical treatment of the MWF followed by CO2 curing at 50,000 ppm for 4 hours. Mortars containing treated MWF (MWF-0.1 M-C and MWF-0.5 M-C) were subject to conventional curing (moist curing followed by dry curing at 30 ◦C and 65 % RH) and carbon sequestration via accelerated carbonation curing. Experimental findings suggest that combined treatment with acid and CO2 reduces the pore volume by 13 – 27 % in the pore size range of 10 – 100 nm in MWF. Consequently, mortars with MWF-0.1 M-C and MWF-0.5 M-C show 29 – 30.50 % higher compressive strength at 28-d age and a 29 – 36 % reduction in total shrinkage compared to mortars with similar dosages of as-received MWF. This ensures statistically similar strength and shrinkage as that of the plain mortar (with 100 % natural sand), demonstrating the potential for 75 % sand replacement using treated MWF. Furthermore, carbon sequestration of 16.40 – 19 % by mass of Portland cement is achieved, which contributes to a 15 % enhancement in early strength and reduces the mesoporous volume and shrinkage by up to 43 % and 15–19 % respectively. In summary, the research offers a pathway to recover a “new sand” from C&D wastes , which could be used to manufacture masonry construction products with reduced demand for natural sand.

Characterization of chili during storage with treatment of packaging type and modification of the atmosphere packaging

Abstract Fresh chilies have a very short shelf life, so maximum post-harvest handling is required so that the chilies do not immediately become deteriorated and experience a higher rate of shrinkage. Several studies have been carried out to extend the shelf life of chilies, but the results are still not optimal. The aim of this research is to determine the effect of packaging type and air modification in the packaging room on the physicochemical characteristics of chili products during storage. Storage treatment uses PP plastic packaging and embossed nylon and modified air in the packaging with 3-5% O2 and control air. The results of the chili storage study for 14 days showed that the activity value of air treatment emboss O2 = 0.9896, emboss control = 0.9909, PP O2 = 0.9899 and PP control = 0.9937. For air content in the emboss O2 treatment = 79.68, emboss control = 81.46, PP O2 = 80.30 and PP control = 80.22. For the pH value in the emboss O2 treatment = 5.16, emboss control = 6.26, PP O2 = 5.11 and PP control = 6.03. For color value a in the emboss O2 treatment = 33.07, emboss control = 29.94, PP O2 = 31.68 and PP control = 30.83. The results of the research show that the values of water activity, water content, treatment and color values in the O2 embossed treatment at room temperature [EOR] and in the Polyethylene/PP treatment at cold temperatures [PPOC] have better chili quality values, this shows that the two treatments can support better chili quality during storage.

Properties regulation and mechanism on ferritin/chitooligosaccharide dual-compartmental emulsions and its application for co-encapsulation of curcumin and quercetin bioactive compounds

Dual-compartmental emulsions, containing multiple chambers, possess great advantages in co-encapsulation of different cargoes. Herein, we reported a stable dual-compartmental emulsion by regulating the ratio of Marsupenaeus japonicus ferritin (MF) and chitooligosaccharide (COS), enabling efficient co-encapsulation of different compounds. The adsorption behavior of MF/COS complex over droplet interface varied at different ratios, thereby exerting an influence on the emulsion properties. Remarkably, emulsions stabilized by MF/COS complex at a ratio of 2:1 exhibited superior stability, as evidenced by no significant creaming or demulsification during storage or heat treatment. The mechanism is that MF/COS2:1 complex can enhance the formation of thicker interfacial layer and dense continuous phase network structure. Additionally, curcumin and quercetin can be co-encapsulated into the emulsions and their retention rates were significantly improved than those in oils, implying the potential of the resulting dual-compartmental emulsions in co-encapsulation and delivery of bioactive compounds.