Food waste compost has a high Na content, which interferes with plant growth when used as a soil enhancer and therefore makes it difficult to use. And, compared to the amount of compost produced every day, the amount of consumption required in farms is smaller, and the rest is buried underground, which releases greenhouse gases and pollutes underground water. This research compared and analyzed thermal degradation behavior, calorific value, and gas spectrometry during the pyrolysis between food waste compost and sawdust to suggest producing food waste compost biochar by pyrolysis as a new alternative solution to utilize the massive amount of food waste compost. Biochar from pyrolysis of food waste compost had a high carbon content of 51% at 300 °C, and the carbon content decreased as the pyrolysis temperature increased. According to the thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and derivative thermo-gravimetric (DTG) analysis results, compost showed the largest weight reduction from 240 °C to 3... [more]

In the industrial food supply chain, cold storage is one of the most important processes where there is a huge but still unused potential for employing renewable energy technologies. This paper analyses how the integration of rooftop photovoltaics affects the design and performance of refrigerated automated warehouses, which are becoming the preferred choice for frozen food storage facilities. The problem is modelled and solved by means of Constraint Programming. Results for the reference case in north-eastern Italy show that photovoltaic installation can lead to both yearly total cost and energy savings. Simulations highlight how design and performance of the refrigerated automated warehouse strictly depend on supply chain decision variables. PV integration offers supply chain managers more opportunities to act on the storage temperature and the incoming product temperatures strictly related to upstream and downstream stages of the whole cold chain. Attention should be paid to system... [more]

Hazelnut fruit samples were collected over 2 years (2020 and 2021) and subjected to four different drying temperatures (100, 120, 140, and 160 °C) and four different drying times of 15, 30, 45, and 60 min using conduction drying. The analyses performed showed that conduction drying at different temperatures and different drying times had a significant effect on the change in the composition of the hazelnut shell fuel and its mass properties. Comparing the untreated samples over two years and the samples after drying, it can be seen that in 2020, the drying treatment causes a decrease in the percentage of C and H, while in 2021, drying at 160 °C and 45 min causes an increase in C and H values. After treatment, the S content decreased on average, while the value of O increased or remained the same. The greatest increase in heating values (HHV and LHV) was observed at temperatures of 140 °C and 120 °C and the duration of 45 min. When drying was applied, a significant difference in mass ch... [more]

Under the background of “dual carbon”, the coupled power generation of agricultural and forestry biomass (AFB) and coal, as a new path of coal-power transformation, is key to achieving energy conservation and reducing emissions in the power sector. Timely and effective government subsidies as well as regulation policies will play important roles in the development of the coupled power generation industry. Previous studies usually assumed government policy as singular and static, rarely considering the dynamic changes in government policies. In this study, evolutionary game theory and systematic dynamics research methods were combined. The game relationship and the dynamic evolution process of the behavioral strategies of both sides are analyzed through the construction of a mixed-strategies game model of the government and power plants. A system dynamics model is built for simulations based on the results of the dynamic game evolution, and the influence paths of key factors on the beha... [more]

The industrial sector accounts for a significant proportion of total energy consumption. Factory Energy Management Systems (FEMSs) can be a measure to reduce energy consumption in the industrial sector. Therefore, machine learning (ML)-based electricity and liquefied natural gas (LNG) consumption prediction models were developed using data from a food factory. By applying these models to FEMSs, energy consumption can be reduced in the industrial sector. In this study, the multilayer perceptron (MLP) algorithm was used for the artificial neural network (ANN), while linear, radial basis function networks and polynomial kernels were used for support vector regression (SVR). Variables were selected through correlation analysis with electricity and LNG consumption data. The coefficient of variation of root mean square error (CvRMSE) and coefficient of determination (R2) were examined to verify the prediction performance of the implemented models and validated using the criteria of the Ameri... [more]

Process cooling for food production is an energy-intensive industry with complex interactions and restrictions that complicate the ability to utilize energy-flexibility due to unforeseen consequences in production. Therefore, methods for assessing the potential flexibility in individual facilities to enable the active participation of process-cooling facilities in the electricity system are essential, but not yet well discussed in the literature. Therefore, this paper introduces an assessment method based on multi-method simulation and multi-objective optimization for investigating energy flexibility in process cooling, with a case study of a Danish process-cooling facility for canned-meat food production. Multi-method simulation is used in this paper: multi-agent-based simulation to investigate individual entities within the process-cooling system and the system’s behavior; discrete-event simulation to explore the entire process-cooling flow; and system dynamics to capture the thermop... [more]

Climate change primarily caused by the greenhouse gases emitted as a result of the consumption of carbon-based fossil fuels is considered one of the biggest challenges that humanity has ever faced. Moreover, the Ukrainian crisis in 2022 has complicated the global energy and food status quo more than ever. The permanency of this multifaceted fragility implies the need for increased efforts to have energy independence and requires long-term solutions without fossil fuels through the use of clean, zero-carbon renewables energies. Hydrogen technologies have a strong potential to emerge as an energy eco-system in its production-storage-distribution-utilization stages, with its synergistic integration with solar-wind-hydraulic-nuclear and other zero-carbon, clean renewable energy resources, and with the existing energy infrastructure. In this paper, we provide a global review of hydrogen energy need, related policies, practices, and state of the art for hydrogen production, transportation, s... [more]

Today, an energy transition is underway to tackle the problems of climate change and energy sufficiency. For this transition to succeed, it is essential to use all available renewable energy resources most efficiently. However, renewable energies often bring a high level of volatility that needs to be balanced. One solution is combining the use of different renewable sources to increase the overall energy output or reduce its environmental impact. Here, we estimate the agricultural solar and biomass resources at the local level in Switzerland, considering their spatial and temporal variability using geographic information systems. We then identify the technologies that could allow for synergies or complementarities. Overall, the technical agricultural resources potential is a ~15 PJ/annum biogas yield from residual biomass and ~10 TWh/a in terms of electricity from solar photovoltaic tiles installed on roofs (the equivalent to ~36 PJ/a). Biomethane upgrading, power to X, electrolysis,... [more]

Part of the widely discussed problem in electrical power systems is the optimal reactive power dispatch (ORPD) due to its reliability and economical operation of electrical power systems. The ORPD is a complex and nonlinear optimization problem. The pathfinder algorithm (PFA) is a newly developed algorithm that inspires the group movement of prey with a leader called a pathfinder when hunting for food. The inertia weight is added to the PFA and is called an improved pathfinder algorithm (IPFA) to support the proper random work of the swarm to avoid the decrease in searchability of the PFA. The IPFA was proposed in this work to diminish the active power loss while improving the voltage profile. The IPFA was validated on the IEEE 30 and 118 bus systems along with particle swarm optimization (PSO) and the teaching−learning-based optimizer (TLBO). The proposed IPFA provides the best result as the losses of the IEEE 30 and 118 test systems were reduced to 16.035 and 115.048 MW from the init... [more]

To produce a valuable final product from anaerobic digestion (AD), one of the preferred methods of organic recycling, high quality feedstock must be ensured. In this study, separately collected real biowaste (B) was used, consisting of 90% food waste and 10% green waste. The priority issues of AD are both high methane production (MP) and high organics removal efficiency (as organic matter, OM and dissolved organics, and DCOD), which may be improved after pre-treatment. In this study, the effect of hydrothermal pre-treatment (BHT) and enzymatic additives (BE) on MP and organics removal from biowaste in mesophilic (37 °C) conditions was analyzed. To assess the adequacy of pre-treatment application, biowaste without treatment (BWT) was used. Pre-treatment of biowaste prior to AD affected the maximal MP, the removal effectiveness of both OM and DCOD, and the kinetic parameters of these processes. For BWT, the maximal cumulative MP reached 239.40 ± 1.27 NL/kg OM; the kinetic coefficient of... [more]

This study examined the nexus between economic growth, energy consumption, and the environment with the moderating role of agricultural value addition and forest in Africa based on data sourced from 1980 to 2019. We employed both the time domain and frequency domain panel Granger causality estimation techniques to compare results across the different horizons. Extant literature suggests the inability of time domain estimation techniques to account for causality at different frequencies. The study also accounts for the nexus among our variables both at the single-country and multi-country levels. The results at the single-country level are at best mixed. The results of the panel Granger causality at the frequencies domain suggest that a bi-directional relationship exists between energy consumption and economic growth, and that energy consumption Granger causes carbon emissions in Africa. The results align with the feedback hypothesis on the one hand but contradict the conservation hypot... [more]

Due to the high nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations in wastewater from soilless cultivation of tomatoes, the sludge formed during wastewater treatment can be used as a source of nutrients in agriculture. The effect of electrical direct current (DC) density (J) and hydraulic retention time (HRT) in a rotating electrobiological contactor (REBDC) on the quantity and quality of sludge generated in the process of tomato soilless cultivation wastewater treatment was determined. The cathode consisted of discs immobilized with biomass, while the anode was an aluminum electrode. HRTs of 4 h, 8 h, 12 h, 24 h and (J) of 0.63, 1.25, 2.50, 5.00, and 10.00 A/m2 were applied. The study showed that the increase in (J) caused an increase in the amount of sludge generated. The increase of (J) contributed to increased concentrations of biogenes in the sludge, whereas extension of HRT at a given current density contributed to increased concentrations of nitrogen and phosphorus (up to 6.2% and 0.8% resp... [more]

This study aimed to compare the performance and economic efficiency of greenhouse solar and hot air drying. These are widely used and inexpensive techniques for preserved fruit production in Thailand. Two drying methods were used to dry mango fruit, var. Nam Dok Mai. During the process of both drying methods, the moisture content of mango slices was reduced from an average 85.6% to 12.5% wet basis. To determine the most profitable dryer system for investment, economic analyses of greenhouse solar and hot air drying, involving the main variables affecting their profitability, were investigated, including production and maintenance cost, capital costs, revenue, and drying capacities. The internal rate of return (IRR), net present value (NPV), benefit to cost ratio (BCR) and payback period (PBP) were all evaluated. The results of economic evaluation revealed that high values of IRR, NPV, and BCR, and low value of PBP made the two drying systems cost efficient. However, when the incrementa... [more]

This study investigated the effect of gum Arabic and starch-based coating and two polyliners (Liner 1-micro-perforated Xtend® and Liner 2-macro-perforated high-density polyethylene) on whole ‘Wonderful’ pomegranate fruit during cold storage (5 ± 1 °C and 95 ± 2% RH). Uncoated (UC) and coated (GAMS) fruit were packaged into standard open top ventilated cartons (dimensions: 0.40 m long, 0.30 m wide and 0.12 m high) with (GAMS + Liner 1, GAMS + Liner 2, UC + Liner 1 and UC + Liner 2) or without (UC and GAMS) polyliners. After 42 d, treatment GAMS + Liner 1 recorded the least weight loss (4.82%), whilst GAMS recorded lower (8.77%) weight loss than UC + Liner 2 (10.07%). The highest (24.74 mLCO2 kg−1h−1) and lowest (13.14 mLCO2 kg−1h−1) respiration rates were detected in UC and GAMS + Liner 1, respectively. The highest and lowest total soluble solids were recorded for GAMS (16.87 °Brix), and GAMS + Liner 1 (15.60 °Brix) and UC + Liner 1 (15.60 °Brix), respectively. Overall, no decay was det... [more]

Jet impingement has been effective in reducing the process time and improvement of product quality in various industrial applications, such as textile and paper drying, electronic cooling, glass quenching and food processing. The current work applied innovative steam injection to liquid food continuous sterilization. The multiple impingement jets of steam and product came together in the impingement tank. The effects were investigated on the Reynolds number, steam temperature and jet-to-target spacing (H/d), sterilization temperature and heat transfer efficiency in water and pineapple juice tests. The Reynolds number was based on the nozzle configuration and liquid flow rate. The study investigated product injection plates formed using two, three or four circular holes (diameter 2 mm), steam injection plates with six, nine or twenty circular holes (diameter 1 mm), steam temperatures of 120, 125 or 130 °C and H/d values of 1, 3, 5 or 7. The different options were tested with water to de... [more]

Ensuring microbiological safety in the food (of animal origin) chain is a challenging task due to the complex interactions among animals, humans and the environment [...]

Heavy metals are essential for a wide range of biological processes, including the growth and reproduction of cells, synthesis of biomolecules, many enzymatic reactions, and the body’s immunity, but their excessive intake is harmful. Specifically, they cause oxidative stress (OS) and generate free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in metabolism. In addition, the accumulation of heavy metals in humans can cause serious damage to different organs, especially respiratory, nervous and reproductive and digestive systems. Biologically, metal chelation therapy is often used to treat metal toxicity. This process occurs through the interaction between the ligand and a central metal atom, forming a complex ring-like structure. After metals are chelated with appropriate chelating agents, their damage in metabolism can be prevented and efficiently removed from the body. On the other hand, heavy metals, including Zn, Fe and Cu, are necessary for the suitable functioning of different protei... [more]

The optimal process conditions when examining the antioxidant potential, total polyphenol content, and attribute liking in roasted rice germ flavored herbal tea were investigated using response surface methodology (RSM). The influence upon the extraction process of time and temperature was assessed using a full factorial design on three levels with two variables (32), involving five central point replicates. Extraction temperature (70 °C, 80 °C, and 90 °C) and extraction time (3 min, 4.5 min, and 6 min) served as independent variables, while the dependent variables were allocated to the regression equation to determine antioxidant activity (R2 = 0.941) along with total polyphenol content (R2 = 0.849), flavor liking score (R2 = 0.758), and overall liking score (R2 = 0.816). Following experimentation, it was determined that the optimal time and temperature conditions to maximize total polyphenol content, antioxidant activity, flavor, and overall liking score were in a range of 86 °C to 9... [more]

Modeling the thin-layer drying of foods is based on describing the moisture ratio versus time data by using a suitable mathematical model or models. Several models were proposed for this purpose and almost all studies were related to the application of these models to the data, a comparison and selecting the best-fitted model. A careful inspection of the existing drying data in literature revealed that there are only a limited number of curves and, therefore, the use of some models, especially the complex ones and the ones that require a transformation of the data, should be avoided. These were listed based on evidence with the use of both synthetic and published drying data. Moreover, the use of some models were encouraged, again based on evidence. Eventually, some suggestions were given to the researchers who plan to use mathematical models for their drying studies. These will help to reduce the time of the analyses and will also avoid the arbitrary usage of the models.

The aim of cheese manufacturers is to produce high quality and safe products. Along the food chain of “milk to cheese and food products”, milk is collected, transferred, and managed in a standardized manner; processing results in safe, ready-to-eat products, of high nutritional quality. Soft, acid cheeses are prepared in various regions of Greece, mainly from ewe milk, goat milk, or their mixtures. They are produced from the rennet and/or acid coagulation of thermally-treated, full-fat milk undergoing acidification/curdling and ripening. Xygalo Siteias is a Greek soft cheese, produced in the area of Siteia, Crete, where it was recognized as PDO in 2011. It is close—more in texture and less in taste—with other cream cheeses PDO of Greece, such as Pichtogalo of Chania, and Katiki Domokou, still it differs in the preparation technique as well as in its physicochemical, biochemical, microbiological, and organoleptic characteristics. In this review, we focus on the processing and characteri... [more]

In this study, a numerical model of grouting penetration in a porous medium is established. The fluid flow in the interstices of the porous medium is directly modeled by Navier−Stokes equations. The grouting process is considered as a two-phase flow problem, and the level set method is used to characterize the interaction between grout and groundwater. The proposed model has considered the nuances for each grain during grouting penetration, instead of representing the fluid flow as a continuum process. In the simulation, three kinds of porosity (0.3; 0.4; 0.5) and two kinds of grain size distribution (0.5~1 mm; 1~2 mm) are used. Results show that: the pressure drop along penetration distance is approximately in a linear trend. The variation of filling degree along grouting distance approximately obeys a quadratic polynomial function. The injection pressure is influenced by the porosity and grain size of the porous medium, especially by the former. A theoretical analysis is carried out... [more]

This study aims to investigate the barriers that exist when implementing continuous improvement methodologies, such as Lean Six Sigma (LSS), within the Irish Pharma industry. The main finding of this study is that 45% of participants perceived that a highly regulated environment could be a barrier to continuous improvement implementation, while 97% of respondents utilised Continuous improvement (CI) methods, such as Lean, Six Sigma, and LSS, within their organisations. While the International Conference of Harmonisation integrates CI into its Pharmaceutical Quality Systems (PQS) regulations, the highest motivation for CI implementation amongst the Irish Pharma industry is to improve Productivity and Quality. The main obstacles highlighted for CI implementation in Pharma attributed to stringent regulatory regimes were fear of extra validation activity, a compliance versus quality culture, and a regulatory culture of being “safe”. Another relevant finding presented in this paper is that... [more]

In machines and devices used for separating and cleaning seed mixtures, the components of such mixtures can be separated in a stream of air. The efficiency of separation of a two-component (model) mixture containing wheat kernels and buckwheat nutlets was investigated. The main crop seeds and other crop seeds imitating impurities accounted for 80% and 20% (w/w), respectively. The experiment involved a pneumatic cleaning device with an immobile conical surface, designed by the authors, where mixture components are separated in a stream of air. The seed mixture was separated in a separator with the shape of an inverted cone, where the seeds were set into motion by a stream of air. The separation efficiency of the analyzed two-component mixture in the designed separator exceeded 78%. Regression equations describing the separation efficiency index of the entire seed mixture (ε) and the separation efficiency of the main crop seeds (ηp) and seeds imitating impurities (η) were derived. The co... [more]

The protective effects of chlorogenic acid (CGA) against liver injury were evaluated by its reduction in carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced hepatic damage in ICR mice. The animals were orally given CGA (60, 100, and 200 mg/kg, respectively) or silymairn (200 mg/kg) daily with 0.3% CCl4 administration (3 mL/kg, dissolved in olive oil) after medicament treatment on the 7th day. Compared with the normal group, CCl4 caused severe impairment in liver according to the evidence of significant reduction in the level of total albumin and expansion (p < 0.05) of the activities in aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT), cholesterol, triglyceride (TG), and total albumin in serum, decreased the level of glutathione (GSH), and diminished the activities of catalase, superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione reductase (GSH-Rd), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) in liver while increasing the level of hepatic thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS). However, oral... [more]

Permeation enhancers (PEs) can increase the bioavailability of drugs. The mechanisms of action of these PEs are complex, but, typically, when used for oral administration, they can transiently induce the alteration of trans- and paracellular pathways, including increased solubilization and membrane fluidity, or the opening of the tight junctions. To elucidate these mechanistic details, it is important to understand the aggregation behavior of not only the PEs themselves but also other molecules already present in the intestine. Aggregation processes depend critically on, among other factors, the charge state of ionizable chemical groups, which is affected by the pH of the system. In this study, we used explicit-pH coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations to investigate the aggregation behavior and pH dependence of two commonly used PEs—caprate and SNAC—together with other components of fasted- and fed-state simulated intestinal fluids. We also present and validate a coarse-grained... [more]