Total Fiber Content Research Articles

EFFECT OF ALGAE AND YEAST EXTRACTS AS FOLIAR APPLICATION ON THE PRODUCTIVITY OF SNAP BEAN GROWN UNDER SANDY SOIL CONDITIONS

A field experiment was carried out during the two successive summer seasons of 2017 and 2018 under sandy soil conditions at El-Khattara Experimental Farm, Fac. Agric., Zagazig University, to study the effect of algae extract at 0, 1 and 2 ml/l, and yeast extract at 0, 5 and 10 g/l as foliar application and their interactions on growth, chemical constituents, yield and pod quality of snap bean cv, Bronco. The most important findings could be summarized as follows: The interaction treatment between spraying snap bean with algae extract at 2 ml/l, and yeast extract at 10 g/l increased plant height, number of leaves, number of branches, shoot dry weight , chlorophyll a, b and total chlorophyll (a+b) in leaf tissues, N,P and K contents in shoots and its uptake by shoots, average pod length , pod weight , yield / plant, and total pods yield/fed., total carbohydrates, TSS and total protein in green pods and lowest total fiber content in green pods. However, this treatment recorded a high relative increases in total yield/fed. were about 69.5 % over the control as average of two seasons.

Characterization, Bioactive Compounds and Antioxidant Potential of Açaí (Euterpe oleracea) Genotypes

Background: Açaí (Euterpe oleracea), a “superfruit” consumed worldwide, is a Brazilian Amazon native fruit, with high nutritive value due to its high content of lipids, proteins, and fibers, besides bioactive compounds, such as anthocyanins, carotenoids and phenolic compounds in its composition associated with biological action beneficial to health. The increased consumption of this fruit has stimulated breeding programs in the search of plants and fruits with higher productivity and bioactive compounds, generating information for the development of new cultivars with improved attributes. This work aimed to study six different genotypes of açaí, developed by the breeding program, evaluating their physicochemical characteristics and proximate composition, bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity. Methods: The genotypes were analyzed for titratable acidity, pH, total soluble solids and proximate composition, such as moisture, protein, lipids, total fiber, carbohydrates and ashes contents. A spectrophotometric method using Folin-Ciocalteau reagent performed the phenolic compounds analysis and HPLC evaluated carotenoids and anthocyanins extracted exhaustively. The ABTS assay evaluated the antioxidant activity. Results: The L06P13 and L09P09 genotype presented higher content of total fiber, carbohydrates, and ashes when compared to the commercial sample used as a standard. Furthermore, L22P13 genotype showed the highest content of total anthocyanins (6745.81 mg/100g), total carotenoids (118 μg/g) and antioxidant activity (674.83 μM Trolox/g) when compared to commercial sample. Conclusion: The results revealed promising açaí genotypes and support the importance of advances in the area of functional foods and breeding programs.

Yield and technological performance of sugarcane cultivars grown under Af climate conditions

Sugarcane crops are grown in almost all regions of Brazil, in various types of soil and under the influence of different climate conditions, which results in diverse production environments as climate factors directly influence the yield and technological quality of a sugarcane crop. The present study evaluated the agronomic and technological characteristics of sugarcane cultivars grown in Af climate conditions. The agronomic traits (natural matter production and the number, length, and diameter of stalks) and technological attributes (Brix, purity, Pol, reducing sugars, total reducing sugars, moisture, and fiber content) of three sugarcane cultivars, IACSP93-6006, RB83-5486, and SP79-1011, were determined in a three-year experiment with a randomized block design using four blocks and two repetitions per block. The cultivars IACSP93-6006 and SP79-1011 exhibited superior agronomic traits compared to RB83-5486, showing better adaptation to the soil and climate conditions of the study area. However, the technological attributes, which were below the minimum standard levels required by the sugar and ethanol industry, were not statistically different among the studied cultivars. The abundant rainfall and high temperatures, characteristics of an Af climate, were not favorable for sucrose accumulation in the IACSP93-6006, RB83-5486, and SP79-1011 cultivars. Therefore, despite the high yield, sugarcane intended for industrial purposes should not be grown under Af climate conditions, owing to the insufficient technological parameters.

Enhancement of Mechanical Property of Concrete Structure Using the Macro and Micro Steel Fibers

Hybrid fiber reinforcement with both macro and micro steel fibers in the concrete matrix is applied in order to evaluate its effectiveness for crack arresting. One of the main objectives of this research is to establish a crack-free high performance concrete. In severe conditions, which may require high water tightness, such as a storage structure for low-level radioactive waste, crack-free high performance concrete structures could be applied. Hybrid fiber reinforcement is well known because it can show excellent performance with a suitable combination of fibers. In this study which deals with hybrid fiber reinforced concrete made with different fiber lengths and fiber contents, the factors which quantify crack resistance of concrete, mainly the first crack strength, flexural strength and strain energy release rate are examined. In this research, the crack resistance of concrete was investigated using the notched specimen by the 4-point bending test for the fiber reinforced concrete and hybrid fiber reinforced concrete (adding the macro and micro fibers). The general conclusions obtained are as follows. To the investigation of the crack resistance of concrete, we obtained the new theoretical equation of the critical strain energy release rate for the hybrid fiber reinforced concrete, and a deep correlation between experimental value and theoretical value was shown. Though in this research, total fiber contents 2.5% showed the maximum values in the strength and crack resistance, an investigation of the totally mechanical behavior needs more widely range of experiment.

Биотехнологические аспекты получения функциональных ингредиентов на основе конверсии биомассы Saccharomyces cerevisiae 985-Т

An algorithm for the biocatalytic conversion of polymers of subcellular structures of Saccharomyces cerevisiae 985-T has been developed. It was shown that the action of enzymes on cell wall mannoproteins and (3-glucans led to deformation of their structure and the transfer of more than 50% of polysaccharides to a soluble state with the formation of 13.4% reducing carbohydrates, 1.8% amine nitrogen and 7.7% free amino acids (biological-1). Biological-2 had an increased content of total carbohydrates (32.2%) and fiber (10.5%). It was found that the combined action of the complex of proteinases and peptidases contributed to an increase in the degree of hydrolysis of subcellular structures, which was accompanied by a growth of the content of amino nitrogen by 2.7 times, free amino acids by 3.1 times, and low-molecular peptides (up to 500 Da) by 3.5 times (biological-3). The obtained biologicals were characterized by a high content of phosphorus and potassium. It was shown that the use of enzyme systems that catalyze the hydrolysis of intracellular polymers in yeast biomass allows us to obtain products with different biochemical and structural-fractional composition, which determines their properties. Saccharomyces cerevisiae, enzymes, structural-fractional composition, functional ingredients The work was carried out at the expense of the subsidy for the implementation of the State Task.

Ethnobotany, nutritional composition and sensory evaluation of Garcinia from Aceh, Indonesia

Garcinia species have various benefits, such as the production of edible fruit, oil, and medicine. This study aimed to evaluating ethnobotanical knowledge and nutritional composition and sensory characteristics of Garcinia species from Aceh, Indonesia. Eight of the Garcinia fruits collected from three regencies in the province of Aceh. Analyzed the composition of Garcinia nutrition was conducted in laboratory of Universitas Samudra. The ethnobotanical data were obtained using a semi-structured interview involved sixty respondents. The sensorial evaluation of various Garcinia was performed by using 9 points hedonic scale. Ethnobotanical data and sensory evaluation were evaluated using descriptive statistics. The findings showed that Garcinia was used by local people in the province of Aceh as a source of food and traditional medicines. Garcinia xanthochymus Hook. f. ex T. Anderson was higher in total carbohydrate and crude fiber content, while the highest crude protein was found in Garcinia celebica L. Furthermore, G. mangostana was superior in flavour and color, while the highest value for flavour attributes was found in G. celebica. In general, the highest overall acceptance score was found in G. mangostana.

Physicochemical, structural, and thermal properties of “batata-de-teiú” starch

Jatropha elliptica (Pohl) Muell Arg is a sub-shrub herbaceous plant native to the Brazilian Cerrado, and popularly known as “batata-de-teiú”. There is lack of scientific knowledge about the structural characterization, physicochemical and technological aspects of the carbohydrate content present in Jatropha elliptica roots. Thus, this work aim contributes with new data about the evaluation of chemical-structural, thermal and technological properties of starch extracted from “batata-de-teiú”. The starch presented low levels of ash, protein and total fiber and amylose content of 32.82%. The initial gelatinization temperature of “batata-de-teiú” starch was 70.1 °C, peak temperature was 73.84 °C and final 85.52 °C, and starch had low trend to retrogradation. The results of x-ray and 13C cpmass show a A-type structure with high crystallinity degree. Finally, this results suggested that the “batata-de-teiú” starch is a macromolecular structure with high branching degree, favoring intermolecular Coulomb, Van der Waals forces and hydrophobic interactions, which directly corroborated with the low solubility observed (maximum of 6.44 g·100 g−1 at 80 °C). The extraction of “batata-de-teiú” starch can be viable, and it has technological characteristics suitable for use in the food industry or pharmaceuticals, since “batata-de-teiú” starch has good thermal stability and low trend to retrogradation.

ANALISIS ORGANOLEPTIK DAN KADAR SERAT NORI ANALOG DAUN KOLESOM (Talinum Triangulare (Jacq.) Willd)

Nori is a food product from seaweed in the form of sheet. Seaweed is usually consumed as snacks or used as a coating material for sushi products. The purpose of this study was to determine the best formulation of nori analogue made from water leaf through hedonic test and analyze the fiber content in nori analogue. The reason of using water leaf as an analogue raw material is beacuse it contains flavonoid compounds, phenolic acids, and anthocyanins that have function as antioxidants. Making nori analogue is being done by utilizing water leaf and hydrocolloids in the form of corn starch, potato starch, or sago as thickener, which is then added by glycerin and lecithin. After the gelatine is formed, the dough of the edible film is dried. The two final formulation, namely F4 and F6, are picked out of nine formulations through the hedonic test. The composition of F4 is 85 g of water leaf components and 15 g of corn starch, meanwhile the composition of F6 is 85 g of water leaf components and 15 g of sago. Water leaf plays a big role in donating dietary fiber content to nori analogue. Total fiber content from nori analogue for formulation F4 was 7.05% and F6 was 7.99%, meanwhile the highest crude fiber content was obtained from formulation F4 by 3.26% and F6 by 3.11%. Keywords: food fiber, gelatinization, hedonic test, hydrocolloid

Use of eggfruit on the making of toast bread

Eggfruit has high nutritional value and good function for health but their consumption still low and the fruit is unfamiliar for most of the Indonesian citizen. This study aims to determine the acceptance of panelists on the eggfruit toast bread produced. This experiment was used experimental method by using Block Randomized Design which was repeated two times with nine eggfruit substitution treatments, namely A = 0%, B = Puree 10%, C = Puree 20%, D = Puree 30%, E = Puree 40%, F = Flour 5%, G = Flour 10%, H = Flour 15%, dan I = Flour 20%. Tests conducted include physical analysis that is color and texture; chemical analysis that is water content, total ash content, protein content, fat content, fiber content, salt content, carotene content, and vitamin C content; and organoleptic tests by hedonic methods on overall appearance, crust color, crumb color, uniformity of pores, tenderness, weakness, flavor, and taste. The results showed that panelists acceptance of eggfruit toast bread produced has the criteria of dislike-like for overall appearance, crust color, crumb color, uniformity of pores, tenderness, weakness, and flavor, while for taste is ordinary-like.

Nano-calcium and its potential to improve ‘Red Delicious’ apple fruit characteristics

This study evaluated the effects of preharvest nano-calcium fertilization on quantitative and qualitative characteristics of apple (Malus domestica Borkh. ‘Red Delicious’) fruit. From 70 days after full bloom to 30 days before commercial maturity, calcium chloride (0, 1.5, and 2.0%) and nano-calcium (0, 1.5, and 2.0%) solutions were sprayed on apple trees. This was performed five times during the growing season at 2-week intervals. Fruit weight, density, length (L), diameter (D), and L/D were evaluated at harvest. Additionally, several quality characteristics were measured: fruit firmness, total soluble solids (TSS), titratable acidity (TA), total phenolic content (TPC), total antioxidant activity (TAA), total anthocyanins content, starch content, fiber content, total sugars, and calcium content. The effects of nano-calcium treatment on fruit quality and quantity were more significant than that of conventional calcium chloride. The greatest improvements were obtained using 2.0% nano-calcium. TA, TPC, TAA, fiber, and starch content were significantly increased under the nano-calcium treatment. Compared to the control, TSS, total sugars, and anthocyanin content decreased under the calcium chloride and nano- calcium treatment. Our results support the use of nano-calcium as a promising fertilizer for improving the overall characteristics of apple fruit.

MANUFACTURE OF YOGHURT DRINK SUPPLEMENTED WITH CARROT AND GUAVA PULPS

This study was designed to evaluate some properties of fruit yoghurts made with adding carrot and guava pulp during storage. The obtained results revealed that, the pH was decreased by time of storage while acidity was increased in all types of drinking yoghurt. Adding of 10, 15 and 20% guava pulp in yoghurt increased significantly (p<0.05) the total phenolic compounds (TPC), antioxidant activity (AA), fiber content and ascorbic acid (Vitamin c). The rheological and sensory properties of yoghurt were improved comparing to the control samples, While the protein content, pH value and syneresis decreased significantly (p<0.05) than control samples. On the other hand, Addition of 10, 15 and 20% carrot pulp to yoghurt increased (TPC), (AA), ascorbic acid and fiber content, while the protein content, pH value decreased. Along the storage period of all treatments, the TS, acidity, synersis and viscosity increased significantly, while the pH value, ascorbic acid, acetaldehyde content, AA,TPC were decreased significantly.

Legacy of Summer Drought on Autumnal Leaf Litter Processing in a Temporary Mediterranean Stream

Temporary Mediterranean streams dry out in summer due to low precipitation and high temperatures, thus affecting biota and ecosystem functioning. The consequences of exposing leaf litter to an extreme summer drought, that is, high solar radiation, low humidity, and high temperatures, were evaluated. It was hypothesised that litter exposure to summer drought conditions in a dry streambed would change litter chemical composition, affecting decomposition and associated benthic communities after autumnal flow resumption. Recently fallen black poplar leaves were enclosed in litterbags and separated into two sets: (1) control leaves, kept air-dry in the dark, and (2) drought leaves, exposed to harsh summer conditions in a simulated dry streambed. Both sets were then immersed in a temporary Mediterranean stream in autumn, and leaf litter decomposition monitored. As expected, summer drought exposure increased nitrogen, total fibre, lignin, and cellulose content in drought leaves. After litterbag immersion, higher cellulose-degrading enzyme activity was observed in drought leaves while lignin-degrading enzyme activity was greater in the control leaves. Fungal and bacterial assemblages clearly differed between treatments. Inter-replicate variability was lower in drought leaves for most of the measured variables, suggesting that drought homogenised decomposer and detritivore communities. Despite these drought-related effects, decomposition rates did not vary, apparently due to counterbalancing effects (that is, drought treatment enhanced recalcitrant compounds and nutrient content in leaf litter) probably related to terrestrial microbial colonisation and photodegradation. Our study demonstrates that summer drought has bottom-up critical legacy effects in temporary Mediterranean streams, affecting the structure and function of decomposer communities.

Effect of different solvents and extraction conditions on fiber contents of local corns silk powders

The aim of this study was to optimize the different solvents and extraction conditions on fiber contents of local corn silk powders. Each sample of corn silk powder extract was analyzed by enzymatic method for fiber content including soluble fiber, insoluble fiber and total fiber. Design using Factorial Randomized Block Design (RBD) with 4 factors are local varieties of cornsilk (Bisma, Arjuna and Srikandi Putih), different solvents (water, methanol, ethanol and ethyl acetate), different concentration of solvents ( methanol (60%, 70% and 80%), ethanol (60%, 70% and 80%), ethyl acetate (60%, 70% and 80%) and water), and ratio of material and solvent (1:5 (w/v), 1:10 (w/v), 1:15 (w/v) and 1:20 (w/v)). Response Surface Methodology (RSM) technique for optimum condition determination was used. Results showed that the difference in experimental conditions affects the content of soluble fiber, insoluble fiber, and total fiber produced by optimization analysis using the DX11.0® Program with RSM-Central Composite Design (CCD). In conclusion, Bisma variety, solvent of methanol, concentration of 80% solvent and ratio of (1:20) was selected as the optimum condition of which resulted in soluble fiber content of 0.85%, insoluble fiber of 0.60% and total fiber of 1.45%.

PRODUCTION AND STORAGE STABILITY OF ANTIOXIDANT FIBER FROM PIGEON PEA (CAJANUS CAJAN) POD

Pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan) pods were considered byproducts obtained from food industry which was raw material for the production of antioxidant fiber powder in this investigation. The effects of pretreatment (washing and blanching) and drying temperatures (60, 70, and 80C) on total crude fiber contents, total phenolic concentration and antioxidant activity by the method of DPPH radical scavenging activity and FRAP were evaluated. The results showed that blanched (60C) samples had the shortest drying times of 9.03 h. However, blanching significantly (p≤0.05) reduced antioxidant capacity of dried pigeon pea pod powders when compared to washing with tap water and fresh sample. Higher drying temperature tended to decrease fiber contents and antioxidant activity of dried powder. The pigeon pea pod powders were stored in ziplock bags or vacuum packaging at room temperature for 8 weeks. The moisture content of the powder kept in both packaging increased over time, which correlated with the water activity during 8 weeks of storage. In addition, storage times caused a decline in the levels of total phenolic concentration, DPPH, and FRAP values. The amount of total phenolic concentration, DPPH and FRAP of vacuum-packed samples were significantly higher than those stored in ziplock bags during storage. It could be concluded that washing with tap water and drying temperature of 60C was the most suitable condition for the process of fiber powder with antioxidant activity preparation from pigeon pea pod. Moreover, vacuum packaging method was sufficient to maintain the antioxidant capacity of the sample for 8 weeks.

Camelina: Yield and quality response to nitrogen and sulfur fertilization in Poland

Camelina [Camelina sativa (L.) Crantz] is an ancient and underutilized crop species with various potential applications in the food and feed industries due to the high nutritional quality of its oil and high protein content. Camelina has a short life cycle, therefore it can be included in rotation systems to promote more sustainable crop production. The effects of nitrogen (N) and sulfur (S) fertilization on the morphometric parameters of spring camelina plants (cv. Omega), seed yield components, biomass yield, N fertilizer use efficiency (NFUE) and the processing suitability of seeds (crude fat content, total protein content, crude fiber content, fatty acid content and composition) were evaluated in a field experiment in Bałcyny (north-eastern Poland) in 2016–2018. The experiment had a randomized complete block design with factorial treatments, including five rates of N fertilizer (0, 40, 80, 120, 160 kg ha−1) and three rates of S fertilizer (0, 15, and 30 kg ha−1). Spring camelina plants fertilized with N produced taller, thicker and more branched shoots. The average seed yield ranged from 1.60 to 2.51 Mg ha−1. In treatments fertilized with N rates up to 120 kg ha−1, seed yield increased by approximately 61% (by 0.89 Mg ha−1), mainly due to a higher number of silicles plant−1. Seed yield increased by 4–5% (by 0.09 Mg ha−1) in response to S rates up to 30 kg ha−1. After the application of 15–30 kg S ha−1, the NFUE of N fertilizer rates higher than 40 kg ha−1 increased by 4–10% (80 kg N ha−1), 9–13% (120 kg N ha−1) and 32% (160 kg N ha−1), respectively. The proportion of camelina seeds in biomass yield (harvest index) ranged from 36 to 48%, and increased with a rise in N rate. Nitrogen decreased the crude fat content of camelina seeds by 5% and increased total fat content and crude fiber content by 9% and 36%, respectively. High N rates (160 kg ha−1) increased the protein content of seeds only in treatments fertilized with S (15 or 30 kg ha−1). Sulfur increased the crude fiber content of seeds only in treatments fertilized with N. In treatments without N fertilization, S decreased the crude fiber content of seeds. Nitrogen fertilization induced a significant increase in the proportion of PUFAs and a decrease in the proportion of MUFAs. Sulfur significantly increased the concentration of eicosanoid acid, but it had no significant effect on the proportions of the remaining fatty acids or the total content of SFAs, PUFAs and MUFAs.

Active material utilization and capacity of fiber-based battery electrodes

This study presents a three-dimensional computational model to evaluate effective conductivity and capacity of fiber-based battery electrodes. We employ electrodes composed of conductive and active material nanofibers dispersed in an electrolyte matrix. The effective conductivity is calculated by means of an equivalent resistor network model, while capacity evaluation is based on the identification of active material fibers that are accessible to electrons (i.e., those connected with the electronically conductive network). When a constraint is applied to the total fiber content, an optimal active-conductive material ratio is determined that maximizes the active material utilization and the electrode capacity. We also study fiber orientation effects on the electrode electrochemical properties. It is found that fiber orientation has a strong impact on the percolation threshold, and this impact also reflects on the active material utilization: the more the fiber orientation deviates from the ideal isotropic distribution, the lower the utilization of active material fibers. This is of special interest for practical applications where geometrical constraints on fiber orientation arise, as in the case of electrospun fibers deposited on a substrate. The results of this study are therefore meant to give an insight into how a fibrous electrode architecture performs and suggest effective design solutions.

Inhibition of transglutaminase activity in periodontitis rescues periodontal ligament collagen content and architecture.

Periodontal disease (PD) afflicts approximately 50% of the population in the United States and is characterized by chronic inflammation of the periodontium that can lead to loss of the periodontal ligament through collagen degradation, loss of alveolar bone, and to eventual tooth loss. Previous studies have implicated transglutaminase (TG) activity in promoting thin collagen I fiber morphology and decreased mechanical strength in homeostatic PDL. The aim of this study was to determine whether TG activity influenced collagen assembly in PDL in the setting of periodontal disease. A ligature model was used to induce clinically relevant PD in mice. Mice with ligature were assessed at 5 and 14days to determine PDL collagen morphology, transglutaminase (TG) activity, and bone loss. The effects of inhibition of TG on PDL were assessed by immunohistochemistry and second-harmonic generation (SHG) to visualize collagen fibers in native tissue. Ligature placement around the 2nd molar resulted in significant bone loss and a decrease in total collagen content after 5days of ligature placement. A significant increase in thin over thick fibers was also demonstrated in mice with ligature at 5days associated with apparent increases in immunoreactivity for TG2 and for TG-mediated N-ε-γ-glutamyl cross-links in PDL. Inhibition of TG activity increased total collagen and thick collagen fiber content over vehicle control in mice with ligature for 5days. SHG of PDL was used to visualize and quantify the effects of TG inhibition on enhanced collagen fiber organization in unfixed control and diseased PDL. These studies support a role of TG in regulating collagen fiber assembly and suggest that strategies to inhibit TG activity in disease might contribute to restoration of PDL tissue integrity.

Static analysis of thermoset-thermoplastic-based hybrid composite

PurposeA growing response in the development of hybrid composites to conquer the deficiency of neat composites has provoked doing this work. Thermoplastic Polycarbonate material offers better impact toughness with low structural weight. There is a little/no information available over the selected sandwich hybrid composite prepared from woven E-Glass and polycarbonate sheet. The purpose of this paper is to understand the response of the novel hybrid structure under tensile, flexural, interlaminar shear and impact loading conditions.Design/methodology/approachThe hand-layup technique is used for fabricating the hybrid composites in the laminate configuration. The hybrid composites are prepared with a total fiber content of 70 percent weight fractions. The effect of the percentage of reinforcement on mechanical properties is evaluated experimentally as per American society for testing materials standard test methods. The damaged mechanisms of failed samples and fractured surfaces are well analyzed using vision measuring system and scanning electron microscopy.FindingsA decline in densities of hybrid composites up to 22.5 percent is noticed with reference to neat composite. An increase in impact toughness up to 40.73 percent is marked for hybrid laminates owing to the ductile nature of PC. Delamination is identified to be the major mode of failure apart from fiber fracture/pull-out, matrix cracking in all the static loading conditions.Originality/valueThe response of novel hybrid composite reported has been explored for the first time in this paper. The outcome of experimental work revealed that hybridization offered lightweight structures with improved transverse impact toughness as compared to conventional composite.

Basalt/Wood Hybrid Composites Based on Polypropylene: Morphology, Processing Properties, and Mechanical and Thermal Expansion Performance

The main aim of this study was to investigate the effect of basalt fiber (BF) reinforcement in wood–plastic composites (WPCs). Basalt/wood hybrid composites based on polypropylene (PP) were prepared with different percentages of the reinforcement (the total fiber content was 10 wt%, 15 wt%, and 20 wt%). The BCS17-6.4-KV16 chopped basalt fibers with nominal diameter of 17 μm, cutting length of 6.4 mm, and wood fibers—Lignocel C 120 with the particle size of 70–150 µm—were used as a reinforcement. Composites were produced by the injection molding method. The density of the produced composites and their processing properties such as Vicat softening point and shrinkage were determined. In addition, the thermal expansion behavior of filled plastic composites was investigated. Mechanical tests were subsequently performed to evaluate the tensile, flexural, and impact properties at various temperatures (i.e., at −24 °C, 23 °C, and 80 °C) and after soaking in water. Scanning electron microscopy images were acquired to assess the effects of reinforcement and homogenization of mixtures and to determine the characteristics of the microstructure. The results showed that the hybridization process improved the tensile and flexural properties of reinforced wood composites. Moreover, the incorporation of high-strength basalt fibers into the composite led to increased stiffness. Even a small addition of 10 wt% total fibers led to a significant decrease in shrinkage and coefficient of thermal expansion.

A Comparison between the Grain Quality Parameters of Rice Grown under Organic and Inorganic Production System

India contributes about one-third of the world acreage under rice. Rice is available in over 5000 varieties, of which Basmati rice occupies a prime position on account of its extra long superfine slender grains, pleasant, exquisite aroma, fine cooking quality, sweet taste, soft texture, length-wise elongation with least breadth-wise swelling on cooking and tenderness of cooked rice. The present work was undertaken to compare the effect of an organic and inorganic method of cultivation on the quality of rice. The results revealed higher hardness, true density and percent porosity in inorganic grains of rice. Inorganic rice had better milling quality but cooking quality was found better of organic rice as evident from higher elongation ratio and swelling rate. Organically grown foods were found to be tastier in comparison to inorganic foods as organic samples scored higher for all the parameters of sensory. Moisture content was found higher in inorganic rice. The quantity of protein was less, but the quality was better in organic crops as measured by in-vitro protein digestibility. No definite trend was seen for effect of inorganic and organic mode of cultivation on total ash, crude fiber and carbohydrate content on rice crops. Iron was found to be significantly higher in organic rice (1.32 mg/100 g); phosphorus was significantly higher in inorganic rice (112.80 mg/100 g). No significant difference was observed in manganese, cobalt, zink and copper content of the produced from an organic and inorganic mode of cultivation.