Brown algae Fucus virsoides and Cystoseira barbata are an abundant source of sulfated polysaccharide fucoidan, which has shown a wide range of biological activities. These activities are significantly dependent on the fucoidan chemical composition, which is closely linked with the applied extraction technique and process parameters. In order to overcome the drawbacks of lengthy conventional extraction (CE), advanced extraction techniques, such as ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) and non-thermal plasma (NTP), were applied. Furthermore, this study also investigated the efficiency of different solvents as well as UAE and NTP as 5 min pre-treatments prior to CE as a more effective course of cell wall breakage and, consequently, a higher polysaccharide yield (%PS). Apart from %PS, the effect of this procedure on the chemical composition and antioxidant capacity of the extracted polysaccharides was also monitored. When comparing the extraction solvent, the application of 0.1 M H2SO4, ins... [more]

In this work, Al-1Zn-0.1In-0.1Sn-0.5Mg-xMn (x = 0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3) alloys are prepared and used as the anode of an Al-air battery (AAB). We use scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and optical microscopy (OM) to analyze the microstructures of the alloys. The hydrogen evolution rate, electrochemical performance (including polarization curves), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and battery performance of the samples are examined in the 4 M NaOH electrolyte. The experimental data display that the average grain size is significantly refined after adding manganese into the Al-1Zn-0.1In-0.1Sn-0.5Mg alloy, with a decrease in grain size from over 100 μm to about 10 μm. The improved activity of the aluminum anode in the AAB can be attributed to the introduction of manganese. The Al-1Zn-0.1In-0.1Sn-0.5Mg-0.1Mn alloy possesses the optimal overall performance with a lower self-corrosion rate (0.128 mL∙cm−2∙min−1), the highest working potenti... [more]

Cranberry seed oil (CSO) can be used in various skin diseases, perhaps due to the presence of ω-3, ω-6, and ω-9 fatty acids. In addition, tocotrienols (vitamin E) has demonstrated powerful antioxidant activity. The combined application of CSO nanoemulsions open a promising avenue for skin conditions. The goal of this work was to create a nanoemulsion (NE) containing CSO and test its stability and in vitro release. To make NE formulations (CNE1-CNE6), the aqueous titration method was used. Following the creation of NE formulations, we selected the CNE4 formulation, which had a mean droplet size of around 110 nm, a narrow size distribution (PDI < 0.2), a steady zeta potential (−34.21 mV), and a high percentage transmittance (>99%). Furthermore, electron microscopy imaging revealed nanosized spherical droplets without any aggregation in the CNE4 formulation, which showed high entrapment efficiency (>80%). Densitometry analysis confirmed linoleic acid (R 0.62) as a major component of CSO u... [more]

The electrochemical properties of cytochrome P450 2C9 (CYP2C9) and polymorphic modifications P450 2C9*2 (CYP2C9*2) and P450 2C9*3 (CYP2C9*3) were studied. To analyze the comparative electrochemical and electrocatalytic activity, the enzymes were immobilized on electrodes modified with a membrane-like synthetic surfactant (didodecyldimethylammonium bromide (DDAB)). An adequate choice of the type of modified electrode was confirmed by cyclic voltammetry of cytochromes P450 under anaerobic conditions, demonstrating well-defined peaks of reduction and oxidation of the heme iron. The midpoint potential, Emid, of cytochrome P450 2C9 is −0.318 ± 0.01 V, and Emid = −0.324 ± 0.01 V, and Emid = −0.318 ± 0.03 V for allelic variant 2C9*2 and allelic variant 2C9*3, respectively. In the presence of substrate diclofenac under aerobic conditions, cytochrome P450 2C9 and its polymorphic modifications P450 2C9*2 and P450 2C9*3 exhibit catalytic properties. Stimulation of the metabolism of diclofenac by... [more]

Recycling of different products and waste materials plays a crucial role in circular economy, where the anaerobic digestion (AD) constitutes an important pillar since it reuses nutrients in the form of organic fertilizers. Knowledge about the digestate and compost microbial community structure and its variations over time is important. The aim of the current study was to investigate the microbiome of a slurry cow digestate produced on a farm (ADG) and of a more stabilized digestate-derived compost (DdC) in order to ascertain their potential uses as organic amendments in agriculture. The results from this study, based on a partial fragment of 16S bacterial rRNA NGS sequencing, showed that there is a greater microbial diversity in the DdC originated from agricultural waste compared to the ADG. Overall, the existence of a higher microbial diversity in the DdC was confirmed by an elevated number (1115) of OTUs identified, compared with the ADG (494 OTUs identified). In the DdC, 74 bacteria... [more]

Microcellular nanocomposite foams functionalized with cinnamaldehyde (Ci) were obtained through two-step supercritical foaming and impregnation processing. PLA nanocomposite foams with different C30B concentrations (1, 2, and 3 wt.%) were obtained by foaming with scCO2 at 25 MPa and 135 °C and impregnated with Ci at 12 MPa and 40 °C. The effect of the C30B content and Ci incorporation on the morphological, structural, thermal, and release properties of the developed foams were investigated. The incorporation of Ci was not influenced by C30B’s addition. The presence of C30B and Ci incorporation reduced the average pore diameter slightly and the crystallinity degree of the foams extensively. Simultaneously, the experimental and theoretical characterization of the Ci release from the PLA nanocomposite foams in EtOH 50% was analyzed. The mechanism of Ci release from the foams was defined as a quasi-Fickian diffusion process that could be successfully described using the Korsmeyer−Peppas mo... [more]

The purpose of the research was to investigate the carcass composition, meat quality and chemical composition of pigs from two pork chains for the production of traditional dry/cured products in Croatia. The trial involved 24 Black Slavonian barrows reared outdoors (NAT chain) and 24 PIC hybrid barrows kept under industrial conditions (INT chain); all animals were raised to 160 kg of live weight. After slaughter, carcass and meat quality traits were measured and samples for chemical composition were taken. After that, a full dissection of the carcasses was performed. The pigs from the INT pork chain had leaner carcasses, higher bone percentages, and lower fatness levels than the NAT carcasses. Pigs from the NAT chain exhibited a more desirable meat quality. No differences were found in moisture, and samples from the INT chain exhibited higher collagen and protein percentage. Muscles from the NAT chain had higher IMF and MUFA levels, and the SFA content was lower than in INT pork. Despi... [more]

To reduce the missing rate caused by the arching phenomenon of seed potatoes in the traditional seed boxes of cup-belt potato planters, a conical-shaped seed box comprising a seed-metering box and a reseeding box connected together was proposed. The method in this paper combined the discrete-element-analysis method and response-surface method and took the movement of the seed-potato group in the seed box as the research object. First, by analyzing the force and speed of seed potatoes, the main structural parameters affecting the seed-box seed-metering performance were determined, and the indices for evaluating the seed-box seed-metering performance were established. Additionally, a single-factor simulation test and orthogonal test were carried out for the main structural parameters of the seed box. Using the optimized structural parameters of the seed box, a trial conical seed box was produced, and bench-verification tests were carried out. The results showed that the multiple rate, mi... [more]

This study investigated the effects of novel extraction technologies, including ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), microwave-assisted extraction (MAE), pulsed electric field (PEF), high-pressure processing (HPP), enzyme-assisted extraction (EAE), and conventional extraction, on the recovery of phenolic compounds and associated antioxidant properties from buckwheat hull (Fagopyrum esculentum). Initially, twenty-four extraction strategies were investigated. Based on the results of the total phenolic content and antioxidant properties (DPPH and FRAP), twelve strategies (i.e., US (n = 2), PEF (n = 1), MW (n = 4), HPP (n = 4), and a control method) were selected for phenolic profiling carried out using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Forty-one phenolic compounds were identified in the extracts, and a scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis was also carried out on the treated residues to analyze the surface damage post-treatments. The results showed that samples treat... [more]

The aim of this study was to investigate the aqueous two-phase extraction (ATPE), in vitro antioxidant, and in vivo renal protective effects of polysaccharides from spores of Cordyceps cicadae (CCSPs). The optimal ATPE parameters were as follows: an extraction temperature of 61 °C, an ammonium sulfate concentration of 18%, an ethanol concentration of 40%, a liquid-to-material ratio of 33 mL/g, and an extraction time of 60 min. Under these parameters, the CCSPs yield was 6.96 ± 0.11% (n = 3), which was consistent with the predicted yield (6.92%). Among the three purified polysaccharide fractions, CCSP-2 displayed stronger scavenging activities against DPPH radicals and hydroxyl radicals, reducing power and ferrous-ion-chelating ability to a greater extent than CCSP-1 and CCSP-3. CCSP-2 exhibited its protective effect in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced septic acute kidney injury (AKI) mice by significantly alleviating renal edema; reducing 24 h urine protein, blood urea nitrogen (BUN),... [more]

This study was designed to examine broken riceberry (BR) powder production through the use of a double drum dryer. There were two stages involved: (1) to study the optimized drum drying conditions for BR powder using response surface methodology (RSM), and (2) to utilize BR powder for the development of instant beverages. According to the results, the optimum drum drying condition was a drum temperature of 125 °C and drum speed of 1.0 rpm. Under these conditions, BR powder contained moisture = 5.81%, water activity = 0.494, total color difference 15.45, DPPH scavenging activity = 73.93%, water solubility index (WSI) = 52.33%, and water absorption index (WAI) = 10.52. For the utilization of BR powder for developing instant beverages, the product quality was light purple in color, water activity = 0.354, DPPH scavenging activity = 45%, WSI = 65.75%, and WAI = 12.25. The developed instant beverage contained 4.28% moisture, 13.89% protein, 12.42% fat, 4.23% fiber, and 2.23% ash. The microb... [more]

Spent mushroom substrate (SMS) is the organic residue generated during mushroom cultivation, and it is being produced in ever-greater quantities around the world. Different applications for this residue have been proposed for its valorization, but its application as a soil amendment could be one of the most sustainable. SMS improves soil quality by increasing its organic matter (OM), thereby enhancing the sustainability of agricultural systems. The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of the application of two doses of SMS on the chemical, biochemical, and microbiological characteristics of two degraded vineyard soils in La Rioja (Spain) with different textures, as a new regenerative agricultural practice. The variations in organic carbon (OC), micro- and macronutrients, soil microbial biomass (BIO), respiration (RES), dehydrogenase activity (DHA), and the profile of phospholipid fatty acids (PLFAs) extracted from the soils were evaluated over two years. An initial increas... [more]

, a basidiomycete belonging to the family Polyporaceae, is a medicinal basidiomycetous fungus belonging to the Hymenochaetaceae and is an excellent remedy with anticancer and antioxidant qualities. The mushroom has been used as traditional medicines for the treatment of cardiovascular disease, tuberculosis, liver or heart diseases, bellyache, bloody gonorrhea, and diabetes. However, the limited production and market shortage have been attributed to the slow growth and the difficult collection of the fruiting body as well as the rare natural resources. The problem can be solved through the effective approach of submerged culture to produce a high bioactivity polysaccharide of P. igniarius. The project was proposed to investigate the effect of a surfactant on the production of polysaccharide in submerged culture of P. igniarius and their insulinotropic properties. Eight different surfactants including PEG series (4000, 6000), Tween series (20, 40, 80, 85), and Span series (20, 80) all at... [more]

Bambara groundnut (BGN) starch-soluble dietary fibre nanocomposite (STASOL) was manufactured by grafting 1.95 g BGN soluble dietary fibre (BGN-SDF) onto 15 g BGN starch (BGNS). The particle sizes, functional groups, crystallinity, morphology and thermal properties of BGNS, BGN-SDF and STASOL were studied using a Zetasizer, Fourier transform infrared, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope and differential scanning calorimetry, respectively. STASOL had a particle size and conductivity of 74.01 nm and −57.3 mV, respectively. BGN-SDF and STASOL were amorphous and BGNS was classified as type C starch, typical of legumes. The biopolymers had functional groups in the regions 2900−3600, 1600−1642, 900−1200 and 800−1300 cm−1, which could be attributed to the vibrational stretching of OH groups, vibration of OH groups in the non-crystalline region of starch, vibration of C-O, C-C and C-H-O bonds and the vibration of C-O and C-C bonds, respectively. BGNS had smooth, oval structures whil... [more]

Propolis has given rise to refreshing interest in recent years in the field of conventional medicine. Its extraction represents an important process that requires optimal conditions, which strongly affect the yield of extraction, total polyphenols, flavonoid content, and radical scavenging capacity markers. The objective of the present study was to optimize the ultrasound-assisted extraction conditions of Moroccan propolis. The studied responses were the extraction yield, total polyphenols, flavonoid contents (TPC, TFC), and antioxidant activity of the extract evaluated by DPPH-IC50 and FRAP-EC50 assays. The response surface methodology (RSM) and specifically the Box−Behnken design (BBD) were used, taking into account three variables: sonication time (min), solvent/propolis ratio (mL/g), and ethanol concentration (%). After the realization of experiments and data analysis, optimal response values were 15.39%, 192 mg GAE/g of propolis,45.15 mg QEq/g, 29.8 µg/mL, and 128.3 µmol Fe2+/g fo... [more]

Rye (Secale cereale L.) is abundantly cultivated in countries like Europe and North America, particularly in regions where soil and climate conditions are unfavorable for the growth of other cereals. Among all the cereals generally consumed by human beings, rye grains are characterized by the presence of the highest content of fiber. They are also a rich source of many phytochemical compounds, which are mainly distributed in the outer parts of the grain. This review focuses on the current knowledge regarding the characteristics of rye bran and wholemeal rye flour, as well as their applications in the production of both food and nonfood products. Previous studies have shown that the physicochemical properties of ground rye products are determined by the type of milling technique used to grind the grains. In addition, the essential biologically active compounds found in rye grains were isolated and characterized. Subsequently, the possibility of incorporating wholemeal rye flour, rye bra... [more]

In order to study the effect of interlayer thickness on the deformation and strength characteristics of interbedded sandstone under load, uniaxial compression and conventional triaxial compression tests were carried out on four interbedded medium-grained sandstone samples with different interlayer thickness, accounting for different proportions of the total height of the sample (5%, 10%, 15%, and 20%). The samples were from the Shendong Mining Area and investigated using an RMT-150C rock mechanics test system. Then the stress−strain curve characteristics, strength characteristics, and failure characteristics of the interbedded medium-grained sandstone with different interlayer thickness were analyzed, and the applicability of Mohr−Coulomb strength criterion and Rocker criterion to interbedded medium-grained sandstone with different interlayer thickness was evaluated. The research results show that, as the thickness of the interlayer gradually increases, the uniaxial compressive strengt... [more]

The mixture of water extracts from Tanacetum parthenium and Salix alba was studied in an ex vivo assessment of neurotoxicity constituted by isolated mouse cortex specimens challenged with K+ 60 mM Krebs−Ringer buffer (neurotoxicity stimulus). The effects of the mixture on lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), nitrite and serotonin levels were investigated. The phytochemical profile of the mixture was also evaluated. A docking approach was conducted to predict, albeit partially, the putative mechanism underlying the observed effects. The extracts displayed a good profile of polyphenolic compounds (22 chromatographic peaks detected), with caftaric acid and epicatechin being the prominent phenols. In isolated cortex, the association of T. parthenium and S. alba extracts was effective in reducing the K+ 60 mM-induced levels of LDH and nitrites, whereas the neurotoxicity stimulus-induced serotonin depletion was prevented by the treatment. Regarding the inhibition of serotonin catabolism, epicatechin... [more]

The aim of this study was to explore the impact of aqueous ozone technology on maintaining grapefruit flavor and freshness by minimizing the occurrence of postharvest deterioration. During the 2018 and 2019 seasons, Star Ruby grapefruit fruits were treated with 0.3 and 0.6 ppm aqueous ozone for 5 and 10 min after harvest at water temperatures of 5 °C and 15 °C, respectively. The fruits were stored for 40 days at 8 ± 1 °C with 85−90% relative humidity. The results revealed that all the ozonated water treatments reduced physiological weight loss, disease infection, and decay, as well as providing long-term protection to the fruits throughout storage. The best treatment for preserving the postharvest quality was 0.6 ppm ozonated water at 5 °C for 5 min, which successfully delayed ripening while concurrently preserving the TSS/acid ratios, total phenolics, and antioxidant activity. Overall, aqueous ozone treatment is a promising example of a treatment that is beginning to be utilized on a... [more]

In this research, the graphene was grown directly on the Si(100) surface at 600 °C temperature using an anode layer ion source. The sacrificial catalytic cobalt interlayer assisted hydrocarbon ion beam synthesis was applied. Overall, two synthesis process modifications with a single-step graphene growth at elevated temperature and two-step synthesis, including graphite-like carbon growth on a catalytic Co film and subsequent annealing at elevated temperature, were applied. The growth of the graphene was confirmed by Raman scattering spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The atomic force microscopy and scanning electron microscopy were used to study samples’ surface morphology. The temperature, hydrocarbon ion beam energy, and catalytic Co film thickness effects on the structure and thickness of the graphene were investigated. The graphene growth on Si(100) by two-step synthesis was beneficial due to the continuous and homogeneous graphene film formation. The observed resul... [more]

In view of the problems existing in the process of agricultural machinery selection, such as inadequate decision-making information, strong subjectivity and quantification difficulty of the index weight assignment, and accuracy deficiency of the selection results, a model on the selection of agricultural machinery based on the improved CRITIC-entropy weight and GRA-TOPSIS method was established in this study. Through analysis, based on the construction of a comprehensive evaluation index system for the selection of agricultural machinery, the combined weight value was determined by combining the weights obtained using the improved CRITIC method and the weights obtained using the entropy weight method. The grey relational analysis method was also combined with the TOPSIS method. The power machinery combination with 88.2 and 73.5 kW of the 68th Regiment of the Fourth Division of Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps was used as an example for verification to determine the optimal po... [more]

Growth in the human population and intensive, large-scale farming results in a lowering in the quality of nutrition. An oversupply of food energy is often accompanied with a deficiency in micronutrients. To address this problem, the food industry provides products enriched with bioactive substances. The main challenge of this technology is the even distribution of micronutrients in the matrix of the fortified food. A possible solution to this challenge is to use stable and effective carriers. The aim of this work was to verify the applicability of native potato starch and modified starches (commonly used in the food industry) as carriers for microelements. Adsorptions were carried out in starch suspensions at a temperature below gelatinisation. The native potato starch and the modified starches (E 1404, E 1412, E 1420, and E 1422) were assessed for their effectiveness in adsorbing copper, iron, and zinc sulphates or gluconates. Pasting characteristics were analysed using a Brabender vi... [more]

The agricultural sector and its related production chains are good sources of residual biomass. Olive and vineyard pruning residues are present in high quantities in Italy. The limited bulk and energy densities of these biomass materials affect the harvesting and logistic costs, limiting energy and environmental sustainability. Pelletisation is the most efficient process for increasing bulk and energy densities. This study evaluates the pelletisation process of olive and vineyard prunings, pure, or blended with variable quantities of spruce sawdust. A 15 kW pelletisation system was chosen, in line with production at the farm level. The most important quality parameters of the produced agripellets were analyzed. The results of this investigation suggest that blending could valorize other biomass materials less suitable for pelletisation and reach the pellet quality required by Italian technical standards. The addition of pruning residues to spruce sawdust leads to an improvement in dura... [more]

Beetroot peel is a by-product obtained during the processing of beetroots and is an essential source of bioactive substances beneficial to health. This study used antioxidant-rich beetroot peels powder (BPP) in different concentrations (1.5, 3, 5, and 7%) to obtain value-added mayonnaise. The impact of BPP on the phytochemical composition, sensory characteristics, viscosity, color, and textural properties of the mayonnaises were also investigated. The BPP was characterized by a high betalain content (1.18 ± 0.03 mg/g DW) and rich polyphenolic content (225.36 ± 1.97 mg GAE/g DW) and showed high antioxidant activity. The purple-red colored powders added to the mayonnaise allowed a significant increase in total phenolic content and the antioxidant activity of purple-red colored powders added to the mayonnaise. The total color difference ΔE value in the mayonnaise samples increased with extract concentration. The instrumental texture analysis findings revealed that BPP addition to the mayo... [more]

Meat, fish, coffee, tea, mushroom, and spices are foods that have been acknowledged for their nutritional benefits but are also reportedly targets of fraud and tampering due to their economic value. Conventional methods often take precedence for monitoring these foods, but rapid advanced instruments employing molecular spectroscopic techniques are gradually claiming dominance due to their numerous advantages such as low cost, little to no sample preparation, and, above all, their ability to fingerprint and detect a deviation from quality. This review aims to provide a detailed overview of common molecular spectroscopic techniques and their use for agricultural and food quality management. Using multiple databases including ScienceDirect, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar, 171 research publications including research articles, review papers, and book chapters were thoroughly reviewed and discussed to highlight new trends, accomplishments, challenges, and benefits of using molec... [more]