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Borax as a food additive chemical is very dangerous. Borax is prohibited from being used in food because it can cause various diseases such as cancer, kidney damage, and even death. This study aims to identify the borax content in the meatballs sold in Meulaboh City. The study design uses purposive sampling with a total of 20 meatball samples from each seller collected and continued by a qualitative test using turmeric paper and shallot extract. The study results show that all samples tested were free of borax. This can be seen from the absence of changes in turmeric paper and shallot extract. Therefore, it can be concluded that the meatballs sold in Meulaboh do not contain borax and are safe to consume.

Strawberry is a popular and nutritious fruit. However, its improper post-harvest handling leads to quality degradation. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of active paper packaging placements methods on strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa) quality during refrigerated storage. Strawberry quality was determined based on the physical (weight loss, hardness, color), chemical (pH, total titratable acid, total soluble solids and vitamin C content) and microbiological (total plate count) properties. The results of this study indicated that different placement methods of active paper packaging had no significant effect on the physical and chemical qualities; but it did affect the microbiological quality of the strawberries. At the end of the experiment (12 days), the microbial content of C (the bottom and walls), D (covering all surfaces) and E (cut into pieces) samples were significantly lower than the A (without active paper packaging) and B (the bottom) samples. The Total Plate Count (TPC) values of the control and B samples were higher than the maximum acceptable limit of 6 log10 colony-forming units (CFU) g-1, while the other samples remained below the limit. These results indicated that a larger surface area of active paper that had contact with the strawberries provided better protection against microbes. Due to their microbial properties, C, D and E treatments maintained the strawberry quality for up to 12 days, compared with 9 days for control and B treatments. Active paper packaging containing oleoresin from solid waste of pressed Curcuma xanthorrhiza Roxb. can be applied to extend the shelf life of strawberries during refrigerated storage.

First paragraph: The cover of this open call issue of JAFSCD is a Google Earth shot of the Schrebergartens outside Mann­heim, Germany. Schrebergartens are named for Dr. Moritz Schreber, a Leipzig University professor who specialized in pediatric health. He is infamous for advocating that children strictly obey adults, but he also suggested that city children should have access to fresh air and green space. Schrebergartens are similar in some respects to the Russian dacha, often including “tiny houses,” raised beds, perennials—and lots of garden gnomes. Entire colonies of Schrebergartens have been established since WWII. . . .

The fungus Magnaporthe oryzae is the causal agent of a wide range of cereal diseases. For long-term preservation, the fungus is grown and stored desiccated on filter papers at –20 °C. Inoculated filter papers are cut into pieces of 0.5–1.0 cm diameter prior to storage. In the present study, a fast (11 min) and simple method of preparing DNA suitable for amplifying avirulence genes of M. oryzae by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was developed. A piece of filter paper containing the fungus was removed from a glass bottle and placed in a 0.2 mL Eppendorf tube containing 100 μL 10 × TE. The suspension was heated for 10 min at 95 °C in a PCR machine. The tube was then centrifuged for 1 min at 3000 r min − 1 . One μL of 10 × TE solution containing DNA was used for PCR. A total of 28 samples were PCR tested. As a positive control, fungal DNA was extracted using a conventional DNA preparation method. DNA samples obtained from both methods were stored at 4 °C. PCR was performed with DNA on the preparation day and after 4, 8, 10, and 18 days of refrigerated storage. In four samples, samples 12, 13, 14, and 28, AVR-Pi9 failed to be amplified. These four samples were tested with a different set of primers for AVR-Pi9 , and for AVR-Pita1 , confirming that the quality of the samples was insufficient for PCR. Overall, for nearly 90% (24/28) of the samples, the quality of the DNA prepared directly from the fungus on filter paper appeared suitable for a rapid survey of genetic identity of the rice blast fungus by PCR. This method will be useful and effective for reducing cost and time and could readily be adopted worldwide for analysis of M. oryzae and possibly other fungi.

The Enhancing Food Security in the Northeast (EFSNE) project started in 2011 to explore the potential for regional food systems to improve food security in the Northeastern U.S. Building on the nationwide interest in local food systems, EFSNE researchers have been motivated by a desire to understand whether regional food systems, which have a larger geographic scope, might have some of the perceived sustainability benefits attributed to local food while providing food accessible to all consumers. To this end, an interdisciplinary team drawn from academic institu­tions, federal government research organizations, and nonprofits has spent seven years trying to understand food consumption, distribution, pro­cessing, and production in the Northeast. Through studying the actual supply chains in nine locations around the Northeast region and doing extensive modeling and analysis of secondary data on food systems, we have attempted to understand the extent to which the region can rely on its own food production and can meet the needs of low-income populations. This issue of JAFSCD presents an initial set of three papers that summarize key insights gathered so far. These papers explore (1) the food system as viewed through an eight-product market basket, (2) our experience engaging and informing stakeholders, and (3) consumers’ perceptions of regional food. Papers to be pub­lished in a later issue are likely to cover (4) our educational activities and their impact on students and trainees, (5) the distribution of products in the Northeast food system, and (6) the capacity of the region to produce food.

Cellulose from abundant newspaper waste could be transformed into methane through anaerobic fermentation. This research was carried out to compare the gas production including methane between samples containing feces and waste paper mixture as inoculum and substrate, respectively and added with and without BS4 enzyme. The enzyme was produced in Indonesian Research Institute of Animal Produce (IRIAP) by growing Eupenicillium javanicum BS4 in coconut meals. There were three treatments, i.e., 30% manure (M30); 15 % manure + 15 % paper waste (MP 30); MP30 + 3 mL BS4 enzyme equal to 0.42 U/g dry matter (MPE30) The percentage of waste papers addition in feces was calculated on dry matter (DM) basis and every treatment had five replications. Total gas and methane productions were measured weekly, while dry matter losses were determined during 5 week fermentation. Interactions between treatments and incubation time were analyzed using completely randomized design each week. Kind of substrates influenced both total gas and methane productions during incubation time. Both waste papers and enzyme addition enhanced gas production. The highest total gas and methane productions for five weeks incubation were highly significantly observed (PKey Words: Methane, Fibrenolytic-Enzyme, Waste Papers, Cattle Manures

The cancerous process is result of disturbed cell function. This is due to the accumulation of many genetic and epigenetic changes within the cell, expressed in the accumulation of chromosomal or molecular aberrations, which leads to genetic instability. It is difficult to assess the validity of individual aetiological factors, but it can be concluded that interaction of various risk factors has the largest contribution to the cancer development. Environmental, exogenous and endogenous factors as well as individual factors, including genetic predisposition contribute to the development of cancer. Epidemiological research on the development of malignant tumors has focused over the years on the determinants of environmental and genetic factors of cancer incidence and mortality rate. According to current state of knowledge, 80–90% of malignant tumors are caused by external environmental factors (carcinogens). Epidemiological studies have proved that the main factors responsible for the development of malignant neoplasia among humans are environmental factors arising from human behaviour. It has been confirmed that smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, diet, and reproductive behaviour are important for the development of malignant neoplasia in the human population. According to the World Health Organization, in 2020 we may expect about 10 million deaths, including 7–8 million in the developing countries, while this number in the developed countries will not change and will be 2–3 million. The aim this study was systematization of knowledge concerning the risk factors of malignant tumours and supplementing them with the latest research results.

Six energycanes viz., SBIEC 14001, SBIEC 14002, SBIEC 14003, SBIEC 14004, SBIEC 14005 and SBIEC 14006 developed at ICAR-Sugarcane Breeding Institute were evaluated along with a registered genetic stock SBIEC 11002 for biomass production under suboptimal management condition with limited irrigation and fertigation during 2013-14 and 2014-15 and under normal irrigation during 2015-16 (Plant crop) and 2016-17 (Ratoon crop). Among the six clones evaluated, SBIEC 14006, a selection from open pollinated fluff of Erianthus arundinaceus clone IK 76-75 was identified as promising clone based on high harvestable biomass and fibre content in cane. This clone recorded the highest mean harvestable biomass of 265.28 t/ha compared to the SBIEC 11002 (219.22) across four environments and showed 21.01 % improvement. The mean harvestable biomass yield under limited irrigation condition was 241.47 t/ha while under normal irrigation condition the yield was 289.08 t/ha. For fibre % cane also SBIEC 14006 recorded the highest value of 27.54 % compared to SBIEC 11002 (20.90 %). The clone recorded an average of 8.94 % juice brix and 4.72 % juice sucrose. It also recorded 2.18 cm cane diameter and 1.24 kg of single cane weight. Tall and non-lodging nature of canes makes the clone amenable for mechanical harvesting. This clone can be ratooned for at least 7-8 years hence no need for replanting every year. This promising clone is identified as an ideal energycane due to more biomass yield per unit area and requires low input, low production cost and low nutrient requirement which are the characteristics of energycanes.

This research was put to the demand functions for different kinds of paper and paper board in china, aiming to locate the factors which affect the quality demand of these commodities using linear and non linear functions. The results of the application illustrated that the 1/2 logarithm function for the base 10 on the right side was the best perfect state for writing and reading paper, and the logarithm function for the base 10 for both sides was the perfect state of news paper, and the multiple linear regression was the best state for other kinds of paper and paper boards, while the logarithm function for the base 10 for both sides was represent the state of gross paper and paper boards. With regard to import functions, the results indicated that the 1/2 logarithm function for the base 10 on the right side was represented the best perfect state for writing and reading paper, while the logarithm function for the base 10 for both sides was represented the perfect state for news paper, other kinds of paper and paper board and for the gross paper and paper board.

Ethiopia is believed to have the largest livestock population in Africa. Livestock subsector makes the major contribution to the overall economy. The livestock sector accounts for 19% of the GDP and generates 16–19% of the foreign exchange earnings of the country. It constitutes around 35% of the agricultural GDP, or 45% if indirect contributions are taken into account. With the rapidly growing population, increasing urbanization, and rising incomes, the domestic demand for meat, milk, and eggs is expected to increase significantly in the foreseeable future. The livestock production system in Ethiopia is traditional and contributes to both subsistence and cash generation. Hide is the raw skin of mature animals of larger kinds, example cattle, horse, and also other large animals. Skin is the skin of fully grown animals of smaller kinds. Hide and skin in the subsector is constrained by various structural, production, information exchange, and quality problems, as well as financial constraints. The opportunities of hides and skins sector in Ethiopia are raw material availability due to the large livestock base in pastoral areas, ready market, there is a growing national and international market for hides. To improve the hide and skin sector situation in Ethiopia, training needs to be provided for producers and collectors, collection and marketing of hide and skin should be done immediately after slaughtering, and household, government, and national and international organizations need to work together.

Declines of seed viability in storage and losses of stored commodities due to fungal spoilage and insect pests are promoted by high moisture content. However, measuring seed or grain moisture content in the field can be difficult, particularly in rural locations in developing countries. Because seed/commodity moisture content is uniquely related to equilibrium relative humidity at a given temperature, moisture content can be estimated by measuring the relative humidity of a sample enclosed in a sealed container. Relative humidity can be measured using electronic meters, or even more inexpensively using indicator paper that changes color in response to relative humidity. We describe this method and provide a spreadsheet to convert relative humidity to moisture content for many common seeds and commodities. This simple method can be used in the field for quickly estimating seed or commodity moisture content to determine whether further drying is needed or is suitable for storage, milling or other uses.

First paragraph: Sometimes you just have to improvise. We received such a strong response to our call for manuscripts on food system planning that we decided to squeeze a group of excellent additional papers on the topic into this winter issue. Starting out the issue, however, are a number of exceptional open-call papers. We begin with Assessing the Growth Potential and Economic Impact of the U.S. Maple Syrup Industry, by Michael Farrell and Brian Chabot. In honor of one of North America's unique seasonal foodways, this paper will remain open access (freely accessible even without a subscription) through April 2012....

The objective of this work was to evaluate the effects of different storage conditions on the physiological and sanitary quality and oil content of castor bean (Ricinus communis) seeds. Seeds of castor bean plants of the Guarani, and IAC-80 cultivars were stored in two environments (cold room, and room conditions), using three package types (multifoliate Kraft paper bag, and polyethylene bag, and polyethylene bag with vacuum at 1 atm). In addition, another storage condition was evaluated: cryopreservation (-196 °C) in foil paper bags. Seed quality was evaluated before storage and at 4, 8, and 12 months after storage by testing their 7-day and 14-day germination, emergence, health, water content, and oil content. The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design, with 7×4 factorial arrangement consisting of seven storage conditions and four evaluation times. Cryopreservation is the ideal condition for maintaining the seed physiological quality of the Ricinus communis cultivars used throughout storage. The oil content of the R. communis seeds decreases, and the incidence of Aspergillus spp. and Fusarium spp. fungi increases throughout storage, regardless of the storage conditions. Para investigar se diferentes condições de armazenamento interferem no potencial fisiológico, sanitário e no teor de óleo de sementes de mamona (Ricinus communis) foram utilizadas sementes de duas cultivares, Guarani e IAC-80, armazenadas em dois ambientes (câmara fria e armazém convencional) em duas embalagens (saco de papel Kraft multifoliado e saco plástico - com e sem acondicionamento a vácuo a 1 atm). Testou-se ainda outro tipo de acondicionamento, utilizando-se papel aluminizado para criopreservação das sementes (-196 °C). A qualidade das sementes foi avaliada antes do armazenamento e após 4, 8 e 12 meses por meio dos testes de geminação (contagem aos 7 e 14 dias), emergência, sanidade, teor de água e teor de óleo. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi o inteiramente casualizado, em esquema fatorial 7x4, sendo sete condições de armazenamento e quatro épocas. A criopreservação (-196 °C) é a condição ideal para manutenção do potencial fisiológico de sementes de Ricinus communis, cultivares IAC-80 e Guarani, ao longo do armazenamento. Independente das condições de armazenamento de sementes de R. communis, o teor de óleo decresce e a incidência dos fungos Aspergillus spp. e Fusarium spp. aumenta ao longo do armazenamento.

Aim of study: A common procedure when evaluating scientists is considering the journal’s quartile of impact factors (within a category), many times considering the quartile in the year of publication instead of the last available ranking. We tested whether the extra work involved in considering the quartiles of each particular year is justifiedArea of study: EuropeMaterial and methods: we retrieved information from all papers published in 2008-2012 by researchers of AGROTECNIO, a centre focused in a range of agri-food subjects. Then, we validated the results observed for AGROTECNIO against five other European independent research centres: Technical University of Madrid (UPM) and the Universities of Nottingham (UK), Copenhagen (Denmark), Helsinki (Finland), and Bologna (Italy).Main results: The relationship between the actual impact of the papers and the impact factor quartile of a journal within its category was not clear, although for evaluations based on recently published papers there might not be much better indicators. We found unnecessary to determine the rank of the journal for the year of publication as the outcome of the evaluation using the last available rank was virtually the same.Research highlights: We confirmed that the journal quality reflects only vaguely the quality of the papers, and reported for the first time evidences that using the journal rank from the particular year that papers were published represents an unnecessary effort and therefore evaluation should be done simply considering the last available rank.

The influence of low-intensity electromagnetic radiation (EMR) on the content of phenolic compounds (PC) in plants on different stages of ontogeny is discussed. A medicinal plant (Calendula officinalis L.) and agricultural crop Fagopyrum sagittatum G., diploid varieties and tetraploid varieties were chosen as objects of study. Microwave EMR in two frequency bands, 53.57-78.33 GHz (wide range mode) and 64.00-66.00 GHz (narrow range mode), has been selected to learn the physical effects on seeds, with a treatment exposure time of 20, 12, or 8 min. The experiments were conducted under laboratory and field conditions. Treated and control seeds were germinated by 100 pcs in a growth chamber on moistened filter paper at 22–24˚C in the dark and placed on the daylight from the third day. The level of PC in the seedlings was measured with the Folin-Ciocalteu reagent. It was found that in the EMR pretreated C. officinalis seedlings the level of PC is maximal on 14th day of germination. The wide mode treatment for 12 min results in a two-fold increase in the level of PC in juvenile shoots with respect to control. Different constitutional levels of phenolic compounds in the leaves of diploid and tetraploid varieties of F. sagittatum in the most critical phases of ontogeny were found. It is recommended to use EMR with a 12 min exposure time for C. officinalis. The narrow frequency mode with an exposure time of 20 min is preferable to use for most varieties of F. sagittatum., Theinfluence of low-intensity electromagnetic radiation (EMR) on the content ofphenolic compounds (PC) in plants on different stages of ontogeny is discussed.A medicinal plant (Calendula officinalis L.) and agricultural crop Fagopyrumsagittatum G., diploid varieties and tetraploid varieties were chosen as objects of study. MicrowaveEMR in two frequency bands, 53.57-78.33 GHz (wide range mode) and 64.00-66.00GHz (narrow range mode), has been selected to learn the physical effects onseeds, with a treatment exposure time of 20, 12, or 8 min. The experiments wereconducted under laboratory and field conditions. Treated and control seeds weregerminated by 100 pcs in a growth chamber on moistened filter paper at 22–24˚Cin the dark and placed on the daylight from the third day. The level of PC inthe seedlings was measured with the Folin-Ciocalteu reagent. It was found thatin the EMR pretreated C. officinalis seedlings the level of PC is maximal on14th day of germination. The wide mode treatment for 12 min results in atwo-fold increase in the level of PC in juvenile shoots with respect tocontrol. Different constitutional levels of phenolic compounds in the leaves ofdiploid and tetraploid varieties of F. sagittatum in the most critical phasesof ontogeny were found. It is recommended to use EMR with a 12 min exposuretime for C. officinalis. The narrow frequency mode with an exposure time of 20 minis preferable to use for most varieties of F. sagittatum.

The study aimed to minimize defective products to improve the production process quality of PT BI by identifying the most types of defects, calculating Defect per Million Opportunities (DPMO) value, suggesting the quality improvement of the Semi Refined Carrageenan (SRC) production process, and calculating Cost of Poor Quality (COPQ) value. The methods used in this research were Six Sigma and the COPQ. The priority improvement based on the Pareto chart was moisture defects with the percentage of damage of 36.9%. The Sigma level of the production process of PT BI was 3.42 with a defect rate of 27,429 DPMO. The analysis on the cause and effect diagram showed that factors affected the occurrence of defective products were error in reading on moisture content, diverse raw material, the wrong method of mixing raw materials prior to production process, and the lack of inspectors of production process. The most influential-dominant factor was the obsolete machine which causes error in reading on moisture content. The company can take preventive and corrective actions to suppress defective products and improve product quality. Based on the calculation of the COPQ, the costs that must be incurred by the company due to defective products was IDR 1,007,690,694. Keywords: Cost of Poor Quality (COPQ), quality control, seaweed, Six Sigma Abstrak Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk meminimalkan jumlah produk cacat sehingga meningkatkan kualitas proses produksi PT BI dengan mengidentifikasi jenis cacat terbanyak, menghitung nilai Defect per Million Opportunities (DPMO), menyarankan perbaikan kualitas proses produksi Semi Refined Carragenan (SRC) serta menghitung nilai Cost of Poor Quality (COPQ). Metode yang digunakan adalah Six Sigma dan COPQ. Perbaikan yang diprioritaskan berdasarkan diagram Pareto adalah cacat moisture dengan persentase 36,9%. Tingkat Sigma dari proses produksi PT BI adalah 3,42 dengan tingkat kecacatan 27,429 DPMO. Analisis diagram sebab akibat menunjukkan bahwa faktor-faktor yang memengaruhi terjadinya produk cacat adalah kesalahan pada pembacaan kadar air, keragaman bahan baku, metode pencampuran bahan baku yang salah sebelum proses produksi serta kurangnya pengawas proses produksi. Faktor dominan yang paling berpengaruh adalah mesin usang yang menyebabkan kesalahan pembacaan kadar air. Perusahaan dapat mengambil tindakan preventif dan korektif untuk menekan jumlah produk cacat dan meningkatkan kualitas produk. Berdasarkan perhitungan COPQ, biaya yang harus dikeluarkan perusahaan akibat produk cacat adalah sebesar Rp1.007.690.694. Kata kunci: Cost of Poor Quality (COPQ),, pengendalian kualitas, rumput laut, Six Sigma

Olive mill wastewater (OMW) is a compound originating from oil mills during oil extraction processes. In the Mediterranean area, more than 30 million m3 of OMW are produced each year, which represents 95-97% of the world production. Such volumes of untreated OMW are usually directly disposed of into drainage systems, water bodies (such as streams, lagoons and ponds) or are sprinkled on soils, causing potentially severe environmental problems to soils and groundwater. Consequently, there is a serious waste management problem related to the olive oil industry, because these practices no longer being acceptable. In the case of on-land OMW disposal, the characterization and the identification of this contaminant in soils is a fundamental task especially with a view to maintaining the integrity and quality of agroecosystems. In recent years, soils have been extensively studied to detect contaminants by using various geophysical methods. Among such techniques, time domain reflectometry (TDR) has shown, in different contexts, evident sensitivity and resolution capability for the characterization of contaminated soil sites. In order to further exploit the potential of the TDR technique, in this study we conducted a series of laboratory-controlled tests to explore how OMW influences the dielectric response of contaminated soils. This investigation led to the development of an empirical dielectric model to estimate the presence of OMW in variably saturated-contaminated soils with different textures and pedological features. In particular, the soils selected belong to two typical pedological units in southern Italy which account for approximately 90% of the Italian olive plantations and one of the highest concentrations of the olive oil industry in Italy. In these districts, as well as in other European and Mediterranean countries, there is the controversial habit to spread OMW on soils.

The aim of the study was to characterize the pulp oil of bacuri Attalea phalerata Mart. ex Spreng. (Arecaceae) according to official analytical methods. Total phenolic and carotenoids contents were evaluated by spectrophotometry, and tocopherols composition by high-performance liquid chromatography. The fatty acid profile was obtained through gas chromatography from samples transesterified with potassium hydroxide in methanol and n-hexane. According to the proximate composition, bacuri pulp contained 41.5 % carbohydrates and 39.2 % lipids. Regarding its physicochemical properties, the oil showed a free fatty acids content of 0.7 %, a peroxide value of 1.4 meq/kg, a refractive index of 1.463, an iodine number of 84.3 g I2/100 g, a saponification number of 193.5 mg KOH/g, an unsaponifiable matter of 0.5 %, and 48.7 h of oxidative stability. Total phenolic, carotenoids, and tocopherols contents recorded values of 2.4 mg GAE/g, 243.0 µg/g, and 86.8 mg/kg, respectively. The bacuri oil showed a fatty acid composition similar to olive oil and a high percentage of unsaturation, finding 67.3 % of monounsaturated acids, and 11.3 % of polyunsaturated acids. The main fatty acids were oleic (67.3 %), palmitic (13.3 %), and linoleic (10.5 %). Due to its physicochemical characteristics, bacuri oil has a great potential to be used in food preparations, such as salad oil or in margarine formulation. Resumen El objetivo del estudio fue caracterizar el aceite de pulpa de bacuri Attalea phalerata Mart. ex Spreng. (Arecaceae) de acuerdo con métodos analíticos oficiales. Los contenidos totales de fenólicos y carotenoides se evaluaron mediante espectrofotometría y la composición de tocoferoles, mediante cromatografía líquida de alta resolución. El perfil de ácidos grasos se realizó por cromatografía de gases a partir de las muestras transesterificadas con hidróxido de potasio en metanol y n-hexano. Según la composición proximal, la pulpa de bacuri registró un 41,5 % de carbohidratos y un 39,2 % de lípidos. En cuanto a las propiedades fisicoquímicas, el aceite presentó un contenido de ácidos grasos libres de 0,7 %, valor de peróxido de 1,4 meq/kg, índice de refracción de 1,463, índice de yodo de 84,3 g I2/100 g, índice de saponificación de 193,5 mg KOH/g, materia insaponificable de 0,5 % y estabilidad oxidativa de 48,7 h. Los contenidos totales fenólicos, de carotenoides y de tocoferoles fueron de 2,4 mg EAG/g, 243,0 µg/g y 86,8 mg/kg, respectivamente. El aceite de bacuri mostró una composición de ácidos grasos similar a la del aceite de oliva y un alto porcentaje de insaturación, con un 67,3 % de ácidos monoinsaturados y un 11,3 % de poliinsaturados. Los principales ácidos grasos fueron el oleico (67,3 %), el palmítico (13,3 %) y el linoleico (10,5 %). Debido a sus características fisicoquímicas, el aceite de bacuri tiene un gran potencial para ser utilizado en preparaciones alimenticias como aceite de ensaladas o en formulación de margarinas.

In light of recent news reporting the use of banned colorants in Lebanese-made pickled turnips exported to the European Union (EU) by the Rapid Alert System of Food and Feed (RASFF), The Lebanese Consumer Protection Association tested samples of pickled turnips being sold to the public and confirmed the use of rhodamine B. Many products were pulled off the market and were replaced with new products that were supposed to be free of any banned colorants. We selected 5 different brands of pickled turnips and tested them for pH, salinity, nitrites, and colorants. We tested the salinity using two methods: evaporation and titration. The concentration of nitrites was tested by absorbency method. The presence of colorants was determined using TLC and absorbency method. We determined that the newly released pickled turnips comply with the rules and regulations adopted by the Lebanese Standards Institution (LIBNOR) and the international standards according to the Codex Alimentarius.

Sewage sludge management is a problem of growing importance. Anaerobic sewage sludge stabilization is commonly used technology, where organic matter contained in primary and activated sewage sludge is converted into biogas, so both, pollution control and energy recovery can be achieved. The paper deals with the effect of process temperature (36 °C, 42 °C and 50 °C) on biogas production and quality during anaerobic stabilization of primary and activated sewage sludge generated during purifying process in low‑loaded activated sludge process. Primary and activated sewage sludge samples were taken at the wastewater treatment plant Brno, Czech Republic. The characteristics of sludges (dry matter and organic dry matter content, pH, conductivity, redox potential) were dermined. Biogas production and quality was measured using 3 anaerobic systems, each of 8 batch anaerobic fermenters, at the 3 different temperature conditions 36 °C, 42 °C and 50 °C. Hydraulic retention time was 20 days. Hypothesis, which predicts that the fermentation of primary and activated sludge provides dissimilar methane quantity and quality under different temperature conditions (36 °C, 42 °C and 50 °C), was partially confirmed. Temperature 42 °C significantly increased biogas production from primary sewage sludge (by 60 % in comparison with production at 36 °C). For activated sewage sludge samples no significant influence of temperature on the biogas production was observed.

Algae have been considered as a source of high value bioactive compounds including pigments, lipids, fatty acids, polysaccharides, antioxidants and minerals. These compounds serve as a source of nutrition for both humans and animals and as additives in food production. Conventional solvent and/or green extraction techniques are mostly applied to extract these compounds from algae biomass. In this review, paper the most frequently used green extraction techniques such as supercritical fluid extraction, microwave assisted extraction, ultrasound-assisted extraction, pressurized liquid extraction, subcritical water extraction and pulsed electric field extraction were investigated in terms of their process conditions, applications, advantages and disadvantages.

Pequi ( Caryocar brasiliense subsp. brasiliense , Cambess), has relevant levels of lipids, fibers, and carotenoids, and can thus have a relevant effect on lipid metabolism and as an antioxidant agent. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to describe the physical and chemical characteristics of the pulp of C. brasiliense Cambess collected in two cities of Minas Gerais, as well as its content of phenolic compounds. The fruits of C. brasiliense Cambess were collected in two cities in Minas Gerais: the Ponto Chique and the Jequitai on the ground after a natural fall, being submitted to hygiene and manually pulped. Then, the fruits underwent physical and chemical analyzes. To determine the nutritional composition of the fruits, moisture, ash, lipids, proteins, and total carbohydrates were analyzed. In order to prove the bioactive potential of the pequi pulp, an analysis of total phenolic compounds was carried out. The evaluation of the physical and chemical composition of the pulp of C. brasiliense Cambess from different cities in the north of Minas Gerais showed only physical differences and in the contents of phenolic compounds, possibly due to the great geographical proximity. However, further study is needed to determine the viability of pequi pulp as well as the fruits native to different regions of Minas Gerais. Both pulps stood out because of their considerable lipid and ash concentrations. Through the results, the potential of C. brasiliense Cambess was determined. There is evidence for significant antioxidant potential because of natural bioactive compounds present in the pulps.

The method and temperature of storage of a product are the basic agents that make it possible to prolong the post-harvest life of strawberries. In this context, this study aimed to evaluate the use of different packages with the passive modified atmosphere in the post-harvest quality of strawberry (cv. Camarosa). The strawberries were harvested and subsequently transported to the Laboratory of Drying and Post-harvest Storage of Agricultural Products, where they were stored in BOD, at 0ºC, and 90±5% relative air humidity. A completely randomized design was used, in a 3 x 5 factorial scheme (three packages: expanded polystyrene (EPS) packaging + polyvinyl chloride (PVC) film at 0 °C; polyethylene terephthalate (PET) packaging at 0 °C; and without packaging at 0 °C (control) x five analysis: at 0, 2, 4, 6, and 8 days of storage), with four replications per day for each treatment. Averages were compared by Tukey test at 5% probability. The variables, fresh mass loss, pulp firmness, pH, soluble solids (SS), titratable acidity (TA) and SS/TA ratio were analyzed. The tested packages had better results when compared to the control treatment. The use of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) packages at 0ºC had a less fresh mass loss during storage days, lower acidity reduction, and no significant decrease in pulp firmness.

The machines used in the winemaking process directly affect the quality of wine and its nutraceutical properties. Grapes-pressing is a very important step in winemaking as it may promote the presence and/or absence of enzymatic processes on the must, leading to the creation of different products in terms of chemical composition, starting from the same grapes. The aim of the study was to compare two different pressing systems of Sauvignon Blanc grapes using an innovative pneumatic discontinuous closed tank press in two operating modes: the traditional pressing mode in presence of oxygen and the inert pressing mode, performed through grapes pressing under inert gas with nitrogen recovery. Chemical composition of musts and wines was analysed. Pressing under inert atmosphere caused an increase in total polyphenols; total acidity values in musts raised up denoting a very favourable environment for the development of the aromatic component of the future wine. The absorbance measured at 420 nm, an index of total browning reaction of foods, was significantly lower in the wine coming from inert pressing. Principal component analysis application allowed extracting composite quality indicators of must for evaluating the effectiveness of the inert pressing procedure. Results are encouraging and open up new research prospective with the aim of applying innovative techniques to improve the quality of the final product.

The quality of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) is strongly correlated to storage temperature, in fact the storage conditions (packaging material, oxygen, temperature, and light) alters not only the fatty acid alkyl esters (FAEE) of the olive oil but also other quality parameters such as peroxide, making the oil incompatible to the high quality EVOO. During storage of EVOO the polyphenols tend to decrease and compromise the dietetic and nutritional qualities and taste and produce harmful substances. The storage temperature, more than 24°C, influences quite a lot FAEE especially for long-term conservation. High storage temperature leads to degradation of oil quality in the long term while low temperature develops rancidity quickly, reducing the consumer’s demand. Low storage temperature also affects the EVOO quality but in a lesser way than high storage temperature. The present study proposes the use of a control temperature system based on the application of phase change materials (PCM) on the buildings envelope. A specific case study was considered to evaluate the effect on use of PCM. The building analysed was an olive mill building situated in Scido a small town in the province of Reggio Calabria located in southern Italy. The intervention on the EVOO storage room to improve the energy savings for temperature control was based on the insulation of the partitions and the installation of a false ceiling to limit the air volume, with a two layer panel sandwich, one of PCM and the other of a rigid polyurethane foam with a 4 cm thick metal cladding. A thermal analysis simulation, by means of DesignBuilder software, was conducted. To calculate the electric energy spent in a year to control air temperature in a range of 8- 22°C. The results were of 3590. 67 kWh/year for existing building and 2539.52 kWh/year for building with PCM, energy save of about 30%. A temperature decrease of about 3°C was measured inside the storage room without a cooling system during the hottest year period but the most important result was a thermal indoor air stabilisation in the storage room. This condition avoids a thermal fluctuation to the EVOO and it is the best storage condition.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the chemical composition and mineral bioavailability of T. tetraptera fruit pulp, an aromatic wild edible plant, using standard methods. The pulp were extracted from mature dried fruits obtained from plants at Awabo (5°30‘14.2”N and 4°01‘30.6”W) and Loviguié villages (5°48‘24.5‘‘N and 4°20‘15.8”W), all in south-eastern Côte d‘Ivoire. The results of chemical analysis revealed that T. tetraptera fruit pulp contains carbohydrates (63.73±0.51%), crude protein (7.01±0.66%), crude fat (1.18±0.01%), ash (5.38±0.18%), fibre (11.78±0.02%), moisture (40.52±0.18%) and an energy value of 254.74±0.15 kcal/100g. Besides, the results showed a relative high amount of vitamin A (2.11±0.02%) and vitamin B9 (261.78±0.01 µg/100g) while vitamin E, B1 and B2 in trace concentration. Otherwise, the phytochemical analysis (mg/100g) based on dry weight revealed an appreciable amount of total phenol (2407.10±8.36), flavonoids (14.29±0.56), tannins (55.11±0.44), catechin (392.93±1.01) and also carotenoids (108.19±7.42 µg/100g). Organic acids profile (mg/100mL) showed citric acid (175.06±0.02) and salicylic acid (109.85±0.01) as major organic acids. Mineral composition (mg/100g) on dry weight basis revealed that potassium (1303.67±0.58) is the most abundant followed by phosphorus (303.33±5.77), calcium (187.33±0.58) and magnesium (141.33±0.57). Furthermore, the Phytates:Zn, Phytates:Ca, Oxalates:Ca and Phytates*Ca:Zn molar ratios recorded were all below than recommended threshold values, implying a bioavailability of zinc and calcium. These data indicate that the pulp of this fruit could be a good source of ingredient for both medicine and food industries in production.

In the present investigation, the effects of the substrate composition, organic load, medium acidification time, operation pH, and temperature on the production of hydrogen by anaerobic fermentation with fruits and vegetable waste, and fresh mucilage of coffee was evaluated. For this purpose, tests were carried out in a 20-liter bioreactor operated in batch mode, under a central composite experimental design (CCD). The fermentations were conducted under mesophilic conditions, without adding inoculum, and without sterilizing the substrate. The results for maximum daily hydrogen production (MDP), the maximum hydrogen content in the gas (MHC) and cumulative production (CHP) showed an acceptable fit to second-order polynomial models. All the independent variables were significant, especially the operation pH and the acidification time. Also, the premises for a model obtained by regression, according to an error analysis, were fulfilled. In the same way, it was possible to optimize the response variables. The maximum specific production concerning the organic load was 5511 mL H2 gCODremoved -1, and regarding the volatile solids was of 670 mL H2 gVSadded -1. These values are higher than those reported with similar substrates in continuous fermentation, with cell retention, use of inoculum, and substrate pretreatment. RESUMEN En la presente investigación se evaluó el efecto de la composición del sustrato, carga orgánica, tiempo de acidificación del medio, pH de operación y temperatura sobre la producción de hidrógeno por fermentación anaerobia de residuos de frutas, verduras y mucílago fresco de café. Para ello se realizaron pruebas en un bioreactor de 20 L operado en modo batch, bajo un diseño experimental de composición central (CCD). Las fermentaciones fueron realizadas en condiciones mesofílicas, sin adición de inóculo y sin esterilizar el sustrato. Los resultados en la producción diaria máxima de hidrógeno (MDP), contenido máximo de hidrógeno en el gas (MHC) y producción acumulada (CHP), presentaron ajuste aceptable a modelos polinomiales de orden dos. Todas las variables independientes fueron significativas, destacándose el pH de operación y el tiempo bajo condiciones ácidas, además se cumplieron las premisas para un modelo obtenido por regresión, según un análisis del error. De igual manera fue posible optimizar las variables de respuesta. La máxima producción específica respecto a la carga orgánica fue 5511 mLH2 gDQOremovido -1 y frente a los sólidos volátiles fue 670 mL H2 gVSadicionado -1, valores superiores a los reportados con sustratos similares en fermentaciones continuas, con retención de células, uso de inóculo y pretratamiento del sustrato.

Authors of the article are evaluating characteristics of half‑operational experimental agro‑pellets production. The problems of production and use of agro‑pellets is the current issue. It’s a way to apply part of the agricultural production in the market. It is also an opportunity to replace part of the fossil fuels and increase the share of renewables. But the use of phytomass is bringing many problems. First, it is important that the manufactured products will be succeeded on the raw materials market. Agro‑pellets therefore must have characteristics that support their competitiveness and allow their classification. The advantage comes if the agro‑pellets properties are comparable with traditional fuels and their combustion is possible in standard boilers. This objective can be achieved in several ways. The production of mixed fuels is one from the possible ways. Phytomass is pressed into pellet form in a mixture with other raw materials, usually based on powder coal or wood. The advantage of mixed fuels production is the ability to influence the final properties according to market demands and requirements of legislation. The research activity results, which are given in the text, were aimed at the possibility of Reed Canary Grass applying as part of a mixed fuel in various concentrations. The pellets are based on Reed Canary Grass and wooden biomass in the form of saw‑dust. Addition of sawdust has negative influence on the presser productivity, but has a positive impact on mechanical and burning qualities of final products. Mechanical durability values of pellets were increased by 4.8 and 3.0% with the sawdust addition. The specific weight of pellets was increased even by 31.9%. Hand in hand with the raising amount of sawdust in pellets, the decline of CO emissions in exhaust gas was proven.

Particularly in the fruit juice industry, the remaining peels and pulp parts are not available for human consumption after the juices are used. It is possible to evaluate these wastes by adding them to poultry feeds. A number of studies have been conducted by researchers on the nutritional value of many fruit wastes and on the performance of poultry. Natural antioxidant content has been reported to have a positive effect on growth, microbial and immunological parameters when high fruit peels are used as feed additive in poultry feeding.

Organic waste is considered a substrate of great interest to produce biohydrogen. In the present work, the influence of some physical and chemical parameters in the operation of a bioreactor for biohydrogen generation were studied, taking as a substrate organic residue from a wholesale food market without adding inoculum. Therefore, an experimental design of central composition was made, with four factors and two levels. The dependent variables were maximum hydrogen content (% of H2), daily production of hydrogen (L H2 d-1) and its cumulative production (L H2). The independent variables were operation pH (pHo), pH of acidification (pHa), the duration time of the acidification stage, and stirring. A numerical optimization was carried out, allowing the prioritization of the factors, and maximizing the response variables. Resulting in a yield of up to 14.9 L H2 d-1, a hydrogen content of 49.2% and a cumulative production of 21.6 L H2, for pHa values of 4.9; pHo between 6 and 6.1; acidification time of 2 d and stirring of 41.4 rpm. Likewise, a graphical optimization was carried out, reaching 14.9 L H2 d-1, a hydrogen content of 44.2% and an accumulated 22.8 L H2, for pHa values between 4.5 and 4.95; pHo between 5.6 and 6.3; acidification time of 2 d, and stirring of 37.1 rpm. Maximum yields were 1.9 L H2 Lwaste.day -1, 4800 mL H2 gCOD -1, and 608.6 m L H2 gTVSadded -1, values similar to those reported by other authors using organic waste in the production of hydrogen, using inoculum. RESUMEN Los residuos orgánicos son considerados sustratos de gran interés para la producción de biohidrógeno. En el presente trabajo se estudió la influencia de algunos parámetros físicos y químicos en la operación de un bioreactor para la generación de biohidrógeno, tomando como sustrato residuos orgánicos provenientes de una central de abasto sin adicionar inóculo. Para ello se realizó un diseño experimental de composición central, con cuatro factores y dos niveles. Las variables dependientes fueron el contenido máximo de hidrógeno (% de H2), la producción diaria de hidrógeno (L H2 d-1) y su producción acumulada (L H2). Las variables independientes fueron, pH de operación (pHo), pH de acidificación (pHa), tiempo de duración de la etapa de acidificación y agitación. Se realizó una optimización numérica que permitió priorizar los factores y maximizar las variables de respuesta, obteniéndose hasta 14,9 L H2 d-1, contenido de hidrógeno de 49,2% y una producción acumulada de 21,6 L H2, para valores de pHa de 4,9; pHo entre 6 y 6,1; tiempo de acidificación de 2 d y agitación de 41,4 rpm. De igual forma se realizó una optimización gráfica alcanzándose 14,9 L H2 d-1, un contenido de hidrógeno de 44,2% y 22,8 L H2 acumulado, para valores de pHa entre 4,5 y 4,95; pHo entre 5,6 y 6,3; tiempo de acidificación de 2 d y agitación de 37,1 rpm. Los rendimientos máximos fueron de 1,9 L H2 Lresiduo.día -1, 4800 mL H2 gDQO -1 y 608,6 mL H2 gSVadicionado -1, valores similares a los reportados por otros autores empleando residuos orgánicos en la producción de hidrógeno usando inóculo.

This study investigated the effect of air temperature, microwave power, and pomace thickness on the drying kinetics and quality of dried carrot pomace. The study established that the drying of carrot pomace occurs in the falling rate period, suggesting that drying was driven by molecular diffusion. The microwave-drying moisture diffusivity increased with microwave power and ranged between 1.57×10–8 and 2.61×10–8 m2/s. As regards convective air-drying, the moisture diffusivity values were between 3.38×10–10 and 8.27×10–10 m2/s. The microwave powerto-mass activation energy was 15.079 W/g for 5 mm, 7.599 W/g for 10 mm and 9.542 W/g for 15 mm dried samples. Meanwhile, the temperature-dependent activation energy for carrot pomace was found to be 27.637 kJ/mol for 5 mm, 17.92 kJ/mol for 10 mm and 38.76 kJ/mol for 15 mm thickness pomace. Generally, drying time decreased with increasing microwave power or air temperature. The ascorbic acid content of the fresh carrot pomace reduced after both microwave and convective air-drying. However, microwave power, and sample thickness had significant effect on the β-carotene content of dried products but air temperature did not have a significant effect. The effect of temperature and sample thickness on brown pigment formation was substantial with air temperature compared to microwave. The study has demonstrated that microwave drying, compared to conventional drying, enhances moisture removal, drying time, and preservation of carotenoids and ascorbic acid. Therefore, microwave drying can be considered as an alternative method for obtaining quality dried carrot pomace.

The presence of microorganisms, especially during storage, can lead to the rapid deterioration of macauba fruits (Acrocomia aculeata) and reduce the quality of extracted oil for biodiesel production. An alternative to ensure the quality of the oil is the use of ozone gas, a oxidizing agent that has high antimicrobial and sanitizing power. The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of high concentrations of ozone gas on macaúba fruit and its effect on the quality of the oil throughout storage for the production of biodiesel. Ozonation was performed 20 days after harvest using fruits with and without the epicarp. Ozone was applied at a concentration of 18.0 mg L-1 and a flow of 1.5 L min-1 for 10 h. After ozonation, the fruits were stored for different periods, and the physical-chemical parameters of the oil were evaluated. The ozonation of fruits without the epicarp visually reduced microorganism attack. In general, the ozonation process of macauba fruits maintained the visual characteristics of the fruits and the physical-chemical characteristics of the oil for biodiesel production compared to untreated fruits. The average acidity values of the oil were lower in the treatments with the ozone gas. Removal of the epicarp tends to facilitate the ozonation process, potentially by improving gas penetration into the fruit. RESUMO A presença de micro-organismo, especialmente durante o armazenamento, pode levar à deterioração rápida dos frutos de macaúba (Acrocomia aculeata) e reduzir a qualidade do óleo extraído para a produção de biodiesel. Uma alternativa para garantir a qualidade do óleo é o uso de gás ozônio, um poderoso agente oxidante que possui alto poder antimicrobiano e sanitizante. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a influência do ozônio gasoso em alta concentração (18,0 mg L-1) em frutos de macaúba (com e sem epicarpo) e seu efeito sobre a qualidade do óleo durante todo o armazenamento para a produção de biodiesel. A ozonização foi realizada 20 dias após a colheita, utilizando frutas com e sem epicarpo. O ozônio foi aplicado na concentração de 18,0 mg L-1 e fluxo de 1,5 L min-1 durante 10 h. Após a ozonização, os frutos foram armazenados por diferentes períodos e foram avaliados os parâmetros físico-químicos do óleo. A ozonização de frutos sem epicarpo reduziu visualmente o ataque de micro-organismos. Em geral, o processo de ozonização de frutos de macauba manteve as características visuais dos frutos e físico-químicas do óleo para produção de biodiesel em relação ao controle não tratado. Os valores médios de acidez do óleo foram menores nos tratamentos com o gás ozônio. A remoção do epicarpo tende a facilitar o processo de ozonização, já que a retirada pode facilitar a penetração do gás no fruto.

High-energy demand of convective crop dryers has prompted study on optimization of dryer energy consumption for optimal and cost effective drying operation. This paper presents response surface optimization of energy consumption of a solar-electric dryer during hot air drying of tomato slices. Drying experiments were conducted with 1kg batch of tomato samples using a 33Central Composite Design (CCD) of Design Expert 7.0 Statistical Package. Three levels of air velocity (1.0, 1.5 and 2.0ms–1), slice thickness (10, 15 and 20mm) and air temperature (50, 60 and 70oC) were used to investigate their effects on energy consumption. A quadratic model was obtained with a high coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.9825. The model was validated using the statistical analysis of the experimental parameters and normal probability plot of the energy consumption residuals. Results obtained indicate that the process parameters had significant quadratic effects (p < 0.05) on the energy consumption. The energy consumption varied between 5.42kWh and 99.78kWh; whereas the specific energy consumption varied between 5.53kWhkg–1and 150.61kWhkg–1. The desirability index method was applied in predicting the ideal energy consumption and drying conditions for tomato slices in a solar-electric dryer. At optimum drying conditions of 1.94ms–1air velocity, 10.36mm slice thickness and 68.4oC drying air temperature, the corresponding energy consumption was 5.68kWh for maximum desirability index of 0.989. Thermal utilization efficiency (TUE) of the sliced tomato samples ranged between 15 ≤ TUE ≤ 58%. The maximum TUE value was obtained at 70oC air temperature, 1.0ms–1air velocity and 10mm slice thickness treatment combination, whereas the minimum TUE was obtained at 50oC air temperature, 2.0ms–1air velocity and 20mm slice thickness. Recommendation and prospect for further improvement of the dryer system were stated.

There is a great need for sustainable fertilisers and soil amendments, as current fertilisation practices negativelyaffect the environment. Pulp mill sludges (PMS) could provide a means to replace fertilisers made using non-renewable resources while adding slowly decomposing organic material to the soil and utilising nutrients from the forest industry. This study tested the effects of composted and lime-stabilised mixed PMS (CPMS and LPMS) on wheat (Triticum aestivum) yields and residual effect on oat (Avena sativa) yields in the boreal region. A two-year field experiment included two CPMS and two LPMS treatments all with additional mineral fertilisation, a mineral fertiliser treatment, and a zero-control treatment. All the fertilisers increased yields. There were no differences in crop yields between CPMS, LPMS and mineral fertiliser treatments. However, some quality characteristics and nitrogen (N) uptake were lower with all or some PMS compared with mineral fertilisation. This result suggests that part of the mineral fertilisation for cereals could be replaced by using PMS, but more information on N mineralisation from sludges is needed.

Comparative tests on the removal of doxycycline hydrochloride, the tetracycline series antibiotic, from the body of broiler chickens using Belvetsorb and Ultrasorb enterosorbents after oral application for 5 days in a therapeutic and prophylactic dose were carried out. Already on the 4th day after cessation of antibiotic feeding was observed across more intense decreasing of the concentration of doxycycline in the meat of chickens treated with Belvetsorb food, Ultrasorb food and Ultrasorb with water (65.6 % to 80% and 81 %, respectively). This trend continued in the subsequent period after the end of the use of doxycycline hydrochloride (from 10 to 13 days). On the 14th day after stopping the drinking of doxycycline hydro-chloride, there was a significantly more intense decrease in the antibiotic content in the meat of chickens receiving Belvetsorb with feed, Ultrasorb with feed and especially, Ultrasorb with water (15.7%, 19.4% and 76.3%, respectively). Limit content in meat and meat products doxycycline should be less than 0.1 mg/kg. The tests identified the most rapid excretion of doxycycline when administered to chickens sorbent "Ultrasorb" method of feeding. The use of the sorbent "Ultrasorb" by the method of drinking leads to the content of residual amounts of doxycycline in the meat of broiler chickens to an acceptable level for 10 days after the end of antibiotic use, the use of Ultrasorb and Belvetsorb with feed – for 12 days and 13 days, respectively. In the control group without the use of drugs, the permissible level of doxycycline in broiler meat was achieved only on day 14. Thus, the use of these drugs and, first of all, Ultrasorb with water can be recommended to reduce the waiting period after the use of tetracycline antibiotics in poultry farming. Further research will be aimed at studying the effect of sorbents on reducing the waiting period after the use of other tetracycline antibiotics, as well as other classes of antibiotics that are removed from the body mainly unchanged with faeces and urine.

Improving the quality of short flax fiber produced by domestic flax processing enterprises is an urgent scientific and technical task for the entire flax industry of the country. The aim of the article is to study and improve existing processes of scrapping waste processing by quantifying the influence of technological factors on the quality indicators of short flax fiber. The main tasks are to intensify the scrapping waste treatment process to develop an optimal technological scheme for producing short flax fiber. The methods of mathematical planning of the experiment were used to determine the influence of the main process parameters on the quality of the resulting short fiber. To control the percentage of scutch, the processed material, in the shaking part of the tow scutcher flax unit, the rotation speed of the scutching drums was changed using a variation, as well as by setting pulleys of different sizes. At the same time, the rotation frequency of the drive shaft of the feed conveyor was changed by replacing the sprockets. The mathematical models have been obtained of the dependence of the content of the scutch in the short fiber and the breaking load of the twisted tape on the number of repeated treatments of the scrapping wastes of the tow scutcher flax unit, the departure of the needles and their magnitude on the shaking machine, the number of needle vibrations, the moisture content of the raw materials after the drying machine and the speed of the scutching drums. To increase the strength of the twisted ribbon of short flax fiber, you need to strive to reduce the sweep angle of the needles and higher rotational speeds of the scutching drums. The degree of removal of weed impurities and scutch is growing, which improves the grinding of fibers, which means that in per unit section of the tape there will be more pure flax fibers. In order to achieve the smallest value of the content of the scutch in the short fiber, which is produced, it is necessary to choose large values of the number of oscillations of the needles of the shaker machines, the departure of the needles above the surface of the grate, the number of revolutions of the scutching drums and the moisture content of the raw materials should be minimal. The number of repeated treatments of scrapping wastes has a positive effect on reducing the content of scutch in short flax fiber. An increase in the rotation speed of scutching drums and the number of repeated processing of the material adversely affects the breakage of the yarn obtained from short fiber. The resulting flax fiber can be in its pure form processed into bulk insulation, cellulose, technical wool or composites with their corresponding physical and mechanical properties. The prospects for further research include the modernization of technological equipment with differentiation of scrapping waste by the content of the scutch when they are received and pneumatically transported to the next processing stage.

Guapuriti (Plinia rivularis) é uma espécie de ocorrência natural, em regiões da Argentina, Paraguai, Uruguai e Brasil. Neste país ocorre autóctone desde o Pará até o Rio Grande do Sul. Assim como outras espécies da família Myrtaceae, apresenta potencial para exploração agrícola ou para a arborização urbana. Contudo pouco se conhece sobre as suas características, sendo o objetivo deste trabalho obter informações quanto à morfometria e constituição química de frutos de Guapuriti. Para isso, frutos de um acesso de Guapuriti, separados pelo estádio de maturação (casca predominantemente verde; casca vermelha e casca totalmente preta), foram colhidos manualmente, e encaminhados para laboratório onde foram analisados quanto à morfometria (diâmetro longitudinal -DL- e tranversal -DT-, relação DL/DT, número de sementes por fruto, rendimento de polpa, teor de umidade e cor dos frutos, além da massa de mil sementes) e quanto a sua constituição química (sólidos solúveis - SS, acidez titulável – AT, e teor de vitamina C). As médias observadas foram analisadas pelo teste de Tukey (p < 0,05). Os resultados indicam que os guapuritis são levemente achatados, pretos quando maduros, com alto teor de umidade (80,4 %) e de baixo rendimento de polpa (19,46 %). No ponto máximo de maturação apresentam 12,3 °Brix, acidez quase ausente (0,06 %) e 27,3 mg / 100 g polpa de Vitamina C. Cada fruto possui de 1 a 2 sementes.

This study was carried out to investigate the possibilities of making silage from fruit juice industry waste.For this purpose, orange, lemon and tangerine pulp silage quality have been determined by comparing silage with maize and beet pulp silage.Treatment groups; 1) orange, 2) tangerine, 3) lemon, 4) maize and 5) sugar beet pulp. The silages were evaluated after 2 months from ensiling in the following areas: subjective evaluation, pH, dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, acid detergent fiber, neutral detergent fiber, ether extract and energy values (metabolizable energy) and net energy for lactation were calculated. As a result, it was determined that fruit juice industry residues were lower in terms of dry matter, but they contained higher energy due to their high organic matter content, digestibility and low cellulose content. In addition, it was determined that citrus pulp was evaluated as silage without any contribution.

The paper was aimed at the determination of variability of horizontal resin canal dimension in spruce wood in relation to the position in a spruce stem. Significant changes of dimensions in horizontal resin canal along the stem length and radius were found. On the basis obtained of results 3D models (for CW, OW, SWL and SWP zones) describing changes in resin canal dimensions in spruce in relation to the position in a stem were created. In the models, the resin canal dimension decreases with the height of a stem and on the other hand, with an increasing distance from the stem pith the dimension of resin canal increases. The importance of the paper consists in the enlargement of findings about the structure of spruce with compression wood.

The present study was conducted to explore the role of different types of vermicomposts (VCs) prepared from different substrates to improve soil health (physical and chemical properties) and wheat plant growth under field conditions. Different combinations of vermicompost prepared from different substrates (cow dung, paper waste, and rice straw) and inorganic fertilizers were applied in soil using wheat as a test plant. The impact of three different VCs on physico-chemical characteristics and nutrient availability in soil was evaluated to examine their efficacy in combination with chemical fertilizers. Temporal trends in vermicomposting treatments at various stages showed significant improvement in physico-chemical attributes of the VCs substrates. All the plant physiological attributes showed significant response where N: P: K 100:50:50 kg ha&minus, 1 + 10 t ha&minus, 1 cow dung vermicompost was applied. In addition, post-harvest analysis of soil not only revealed that different combinations of the vermicomposting treatments improved the soil health by improving the physico-chemical attributes of the soil. Conclusively, application of cow dung vermicompost along with recommended NPK not only improved crop yield, soil health, reduced insect (aphid) infestation but also fortified grains with Zn and Fe.

This paper aimed to evaluate the technological properties of particleboards produced with particles of unconventional species, bamboo of the species Phyllostachys edulis, and of the genus traditionally used by the sector for the production of the particulate panels in Brazil, Pinus spp.The bamboo splints of 3 years old were collected in Frei Rogério, Santa Catarina, being transformed into particles in a mill hammer, while the particles of Pinus spp. were collected from the industrial process of MDP production in Bonet Madeiras e Papéis Ltda Company in Santa Cecília, Santa Catarina. The company used eight-year-old logs of P. taeda and P. elliottii from the thinning process, without distinction of the species. The experiment was composed of five compositions with mixing the bamboo and wood particles in different proportions ((T1)100:0%; (T2)75:25%; (T3)50:50%; (T4)25:75%; (T5)0:100%). The panels were produced nominal density of 700 kg / m³ and pressing cycle of 160ºC and 40 kgf/cm² for 8 minutes. Results reporting physical and mechanical properties of panels were evaluated through Analysis of Variance and Tukey´s Test at 95% probability. The results evidenced that bamboo particles presented potential for the production of particleboard. The most promising results were presented with the addition of 50% of bamboo in the panel composition (T3), mainly by means observed for dimensional stability, as for strength and stiffness. Values of internal bond presented significantly lower averages with the addition of more than 25% of bamboo.

The study focuses on looking for answers to the following questions: 1. Is biochar application a suitable solution for reducing CO2 emissions? 2. What application rate significantly reduces CO2 production to the atmosphere? 3. Does have the application of enriched biochar a justification in relation to reducing CO2 production? The experiment was established on Haplic Luvisol at the experimental site of SUA in Nitra (Dolná Malanta), where we measured CO2 emissions from the soil to the atmosphere under the following treatments: different rates (0, 10, 20 t ha-1) of pure biochar (B0, B10 a B20) and enriched biochar (EB10, EB20) combined with different levels of mineral nitrogen at doses of 0, 40 and 80 kg ha-1 (N0, N40, N80). Overall, the average values of CO2 emissions were lower by 19.8 %, 13.3 %, 12.9 %, 9.4 % and 8.7 % in B10N0, B20N40, B20N0, B20N80 and B10N40 treatments as compared to B0N0 (control) during the studied period. On the other hand, the average values of CO2 were higher by 20% in B10N80 treatments as compared to control (B0N0). Application of enriched biochar whether individually (EB10N0, EB20N0) or with additional N (EB10N40, EB20N40, EB10N80, EB20N80) increased average CO2 by 29.7 %, 34.6 %, 36.0 %, 44.9 %, 45.8 % and 53.6 % as compared to control (B0N0). The cumulative CO2 emissions for the whole studied period (2014) were in the following order from the lowest one B10N0 < B20N0 < B20N40 < B20N80 < B10N40 < B0N0 (control) < B10N80 < EB20N40 < EB20N80 < EB10N80 < EB20N0 < EB10N0 < EB10N40.

Increasing number of decentralised biogas plants increases not only the amount of biogas produced, but also the production of digestate. Digestate and fugate are believed to be good fertilizers. However, there is often a tradeoff between other environmental impacts linked to agricultural production like eutrophication or ecotoxicity. Only limited ecotoxicological information is known about the effects of digestate or fugate on terrestrial fauna and flora. This is the first study comparing the survival and reproduction of collembolans as the representative soil fauna and the root growth and photosynthetic activity of Sinapis alba and Panicum miliaceum plants when exposed to digestate and fugate. Comparison of ecotoxicological results with chemical analysis of both digestate and fugate has led to the conclusions that application of digestate and fugate was beneficial neither for tested plants, nor for zooedaphon. Under practically used dosing both digestate and fugate can represent potential ecotoxicological problems, which can affect zooedaphon diversity and reproduction resulting in degradation of soil structure, reduction of microbial activity or water retention capacity of treated soils. That is why we do recommend at least simplified ecotoxicological testing of digestate as presented in this study. Ecotoxicity testing can support decision of direct application on soil, or mixing the digestate with other materials (like compost, manure, pond sediments, or biochar), what will help to utilize nutrients and consequently can prevent degradation of soil fertility.

RESUMO A presente investigação tem como objetivo avaliar o uso da casca de arroz para a fabricação de chapas aglomeradas, coladas com tanino-formaldeído. Para tanto, foram utilizadas cascas de arroz na forma natural ou processadas em moinho de martelo, compactadas a diferentes massas específicas (0,65, 0,95 e 1,15 g/cm3) e aplicando-se teores de adesivos de 7, 10 e 13% (com base no peso seco das partículas), totalizando 54 chapas. A prensagem foi realizada em prensa hidráulica a 30 kgf/cm2, por 8 minutos, a uma temperatura de 1800C. Os ensaios físicos realizados foram teor de umidade, massa específica, absorção d’água e inchamento em espessura; e mecânicos, tais como flexão estática, arrancamento de parafuso e ligação interna. De modo geral, a utilização da casca de arroz proporcionou uma redução na resistência física e mecânica das chapas, em relação às produzidas com partículas de madeira encontradas na literatura. Todos os tratamentos ficaram abaixo dos valores mínimos requeridos pelas normas de comercialização para os ensaios físicos e mecânicos, somente os de 13% de adesivo apresentaram requisitos satisfatórios quanto à estabilidade dimensional. Os resultados indicam que o material não pode ser utilizado em condições que exijam grandes esforços estruturais. ABSTRACT Rice husk, waste produced by processing of rice, has become a problem of environmental, economic and public health. As a result, this research aims to explore the potential of these underutilized resources in Brazil in the development of particleboard glued with tannin-formaldehyde. Therefore, panels were manufactured with rice husk compacted at different density (0.65, 0.95 and 1.15 g/ cm3), levels of adhesives (7, 10 and 13%) and particles types (natural and processed), totaling 54 panels. The pressing was carried in hydraulic press at 30 kgf /cm2 for 8 minutes at 1800C of temperature. The physical tests performed were moisture content, density, water absorption and thickness swelling while mechanical properties evaluated were static bending, screw withdrawal and internal bond. In general, the use of rice hulls prouced a reduction in strength when compared to those made with wood particles. All particleboard were below the minimum standards in physical and mechanical properties; only the panels with 13% resin provided minimum values required by market standards regarding dimensional stability. The results indicate that the material cannot be used in conditions requiring great structural efforts.

The objective of this work was to morphologically characterize 15 banana cultivars and assess the physical and chemical characteristics of their fruits at two maturation stages, unripe (pre-climacteric) and ripening. The plants were evaluated regarding their pseudostem height and diameter, petiole length, leaf blade length, width and length-to-width ratio. The cultivar Ouro had fruits with lower diameter, total length, market weight and fresh weight at both stages, and also firmer pulp when they were unripe. The cultivar Caru-Roxa had higher fresh fruit and pulp weights, and the cultivar Terrinha had the highest percentage of pulp dry weight percentage in unripe and ripe fruits. The cultivars Maçã and Ouro had higher pulp-to-peel ratio in unripe fruits. The ripe peels had lower fresh weight and thickness and higher dry weight percentage compared to unripe peels. The fruit peel of the cultivar Marmelo had the highest fresh weight at both stages. The cultivars Marmelo and Maçã had higher percentage of peel dry weight percentage at both stages. The unripe pulp had lower soluble solids. The titratable acidity in the pulp increased with ripening. The average plant height ranged from 2.25 to 6.15 m. The cultivars that had the largest pseudostem diameters had also the highest heights, except the Prata-Anã and Prata-Graúda. The cultivar and maturity stage influenced all the characteristics evaluated in fruits, except the total and market lengths, which did not vary with the ripening of fruits. Objetivou-se caracterizar morfologicamente 15 cultivares de bananeiras em dois estádios de maturação. Determinaram-se as características físicas e químicas dos frutos na fase pré-climatérica e após o amadurecimento. Também avaliou-se as plantas quanto a altura e diâmetro do pseudocaule, comprimento do pecíolo e do limbo, largura do limbo e relação comprimento/largura do limbo. A cultivar Ouro apresentou os frutos com menor diâmetro, comprimento total, comercial e massa fresca nos dois estádios, além da polpa mais firme quando verde. A cultivar Caru-Roxa apresentou maior massa fresca dos frutos e da polpa e a ‘Terrinha’, a maior porcentagem de matéria seca nas polpas verde e madura. As cultivares Maçã e a Ouro proporcionaram maior relação polpa/casca na polpa verde. Houve redução da massa fresca e da espessura da casca e acréscimo da matéria seca da casca madura em relação à casca verde. A casca da ‘Marmelo’ apresentou a maior massa fresca nos dois estádios. As cultivares Marmelo e a Maçã apresentaram maior porcentagem de matéria seca em ambos os estádios de maturação da casca. A polpa verde apresentou baixo teor de sólidos solúveis. Houve acréscimo na acidez titulável na polpa com o amadurecimento. A altura média das plantas variou de 2,25 a 6,15 m. As cultivares com maior diâmetro do pseudocaule foram também os mais altos, com exceção da ‘Prata-Anã’ e da ‘Prata-Graúda’. A cultivar e o estádio de maturação influenciaram todas as características avaliadas nos frutos, com exceção dos comprimentos total e comercial, que não variaram com o amadurecimento dos frutos.

Background The standard method for grain moisture measurement is the conventional air oven-drying technique. This method requires a longer period of time to determine the moisture content (m.c.). Although electric moisture meters are popular in rice industries, it has to be calibrated frequently with the oven-drying method. Therefore, an alternative but fast and reliable method is required, especially, for the grain marketing industries. Results Three different sizes of paddy (Oryza sativa L.) samples (Bg 300-intermediate bold, Bg 358-short round and At 405-long slender) were used for this study. Five different moisture levels (12–20% wet basis) were prepared by adding known amounts of water. Relationship between the microwave oven and hot air oven moisture values were evaluated using Pearson, Spearman and Kendall correlation coefficient methods. The linear regression relationship was also established between hot air oven and microwave oven moisture determination methods. According to the data, except for 870 W of absorbed MW power setting level, the other two MW power setting (265 W and 550 W) showed a significant statistical correlation (r > 0.55, P r2 = 0.94, P Conclusion From the study, it can be concluded that the domestic microwave oven can be successfully used to determine the moisture content of different paddy varieties as an alternative method to the conventional air oven-drying method.

In the world, demand for flax seeds and its processed volumes are increasing. Flax seeds are classified as natural functional food products. This is confirmed by the Ministry of Health of many countries, in particular Canada and the United States of America. Flax germination makes flax seed components biologically available. Each type of plant has its own set of germination requirements consisting of both internal and external factors. This research was aimed at studying the effect of various external factors (temperature, humidity.etc.) affecting flax seed germination energy. The temperature varied in the range 16°C to 30°C, in increments of 2°C, as further increasing the temperature requires additional equipment and, consequently, additional energy consumption. The ambient humidity was maintained at 40, 60, 70, and 95%. The flax seeds were germinated for 36 hours till seedlings, up to 3 mm long, appeared. The germination energy was determined for each combination of the controlled factors. A mathematical model of the flaxseed germination process was constructed using the regression and correlation analysis methods. The model obtained determines the optimum germination modes. In the course of the experimental research, we applied experimental design techniques and mathematical processing of the experimental data. Using the computer programmes MathCad and Microsoft Excel optimized the flax seed germination and set its optimum modes. The constructed mathematical model makes it clear that the maximum germination energy 99.64% is achieved at the temperature 27.5°C and humidity 95%. The experimental and statistical models of germination of flax seeds have been obtained, describing the process with the correlation coefficient R = 0.96–0.99. The data obtained can be used to predict the quality parameters of flax seedlings and the energy consumption to obtain them.

Drying grass fodder in Europe’s Alpine countries is becoming increasingly important due to positive effects on the fatty acid composition of milk. A proper approach and technology of fodder drying can raise its quality to the level of grass silage. In principle, drying fodder means extracting water from fodder by means of ventilation – the air, the key to the speed of drying. Besides low relative air humidity, its flow rate through the fodder is also important. In the literature, the lower- and upper-bound limits of air flow rates can be found, with a difference of 85 % between the two. The article describes a test, measuring energy consumption and the efficiency of drying at a low air flow, often used in practice, and a high air flow. It was found that a high air flow results in 38 % higher energy consumption per kilogramme of extracted water, compared to a low air flow. The executed test has proved that drying at a higher air flow will not have a proportionally greater effect.

© The Author(s)., Current intensive agricultural practices, although highly successful in terms of production, have been found to be environmentally unsustainable. One of the crucial approaches to increase agricultural sustainability is the recycling of organic wastes, since these materials often contain many beneficial nutrients for soil and agriculture. Recently, pyrolytic conversion of biodegradable waste into charred material has gained global attention as an amendment to recycle nutrients while improving soil health. Increasing interest in the beneficial applications of pyrolyzed biomass has expanded multidisciplinary areas for science and engineering. The fertilizers used in this study were prepared by pyrolyzing mixtures of two abundant residues in Mediterranean areas: grape seeds and sewage sludge, in different proportions (100% GS, 75% GS-25% SS, 50% GS-50% SS, 25% GS-75% SS, 100% SS). In addition, fresh sludge was mixed with pyrolyzed grape seeds and included as an additional treatment. In this study, the positives and negatives of the application of biochars on agronomic potential and environmental risk have been addressed, taking into account P, Zn, Cu, Fe, As and Cd. In order to choose the best mixture, it is necessary to find a compromise between maximizing the beneficial elements that are translocated to the plant crop, as well as reducing the elements that are leached. Results of a 6-week greenhouse study indicated that the unpyrolyzed sludge mixture contained the largest amount of available nutrients Fe, Cu and P. In agreement, this treatment mixed with a Chromic Luvisol soil (40 ton/ha) increased the uptake of these elements in corn (Zea mays L.—LG ambitious). The yield also increased by 60% in this treatment. However, this mixture also contained more contaminants (As, Cd) which were extracted with Ammonium Bicarbonate-DTPA. According to our results, the treatments where grape seeds and sewage sludge were mixed at 50% and then pyrolyzed exhibited the optimal compromise between efficiency (nutrients uptake) and tolerable levels of potentially toxic elements in leachates., The authors thank the Project UAM-Santander 2017/ASIA/07 “Applications of modified biochars for agro-environmental management” for funding this research.