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In the present study, 30 potential germplasm of oat (Avena sativa L.) were subjected to proximate, elemental, and HPLC analysis to provide a scientific basis to genetic diversity present among them. The extracts of the selected germplasms were also evaluated for their antioxidant potentials through DPPH and ABTS assays. Proximate analysis showed protein contents to be in the range 8.35 to 17.72% with the highest protein contents in the accession line 22365 (17.72±0.38%). The genotype-725 showed the highest carbohydrate, and dry matter (53.35±0.01 and 93.50±0.07% respectively) contents whereas, the germplasm-830 contained the highest fat (7.88±0.12%) contents while the highest moisture contents were there in germplasm-22348 (11.95±0.06%). The crude fiber contents (19.67±0.19%) were found high in germplasm-832. The mentioned contents were also correlated to each other where a negative (-0.431*) correlation was noted for crude protein and carbohydrate while ash content to crude protein has a positive (0.38*) correlation. A positive and a negative correlation were there in Crude fats/crude protein (0.30*) and crude fats/moisture contents (-0.39*) respectively. Principal component analysis showed an Eigenvalue of 0.76 with a total variation of 85.01% when applied to proximate components. Based on cluster analysis to proximate composition all the oat germplasms were divided into 5 sub-clusters, where accession numbers 769 and 817 were found to be the most diverse genotypes. The elemental analysis confirmed the presence of magnesium (2.89-7.62 mg/L), sodium (3.71-8.03 mg/L), manganese (0.93-3.71 mg/L), copper (0.35-3.36 mg/L), iron (2.15-6.82 mg/L), zinc (1.30-3.37 mg/L), chromium (0.37-3.34 mg/L), and potassium (50.70-59.60 mg/L) in the selected germplasms. Principal component analysis for elemental composition showed the total variation of 73.75% with the Eigenvalue of 0.97. Cluster analysis on an elemental basis divided all the oat germplasms into 7 sub-clusters where accession numbers 769 and 22350 were found to be the most diverse germplasm. Phytochemical analysis performed through HPLC resulted in the identification of nine possible compounds (malic acid, epigallocatechin gallate, quercetin, morin, ellagic acid, catechin hydrate, rutin, pyrogallol, and mandelic acid) in various germplasm of oat. A concentration-dependent antioxidant response was recorded when extracts were tested as an inhibitor of DPPH and ABTS free radicals. The results revealed that oat grains are a good source of nutrients, minerals, and phytochemicals that can be used as nutraceuticals and as food. The genetic differences revealed that this plant can be grown under varied environmental conditions.

In this study, we conducted a 56-d feeding trial to investigate the effects of replacing the fish oil (FO) with palm oil (PO) on the performance, tissue fatty acid (FA) composition, and mRNA levels of genes related to hepatic lipid metabolism in grouper (Epinephelus coioides). Five isolipidic (13% crude lipid) and isonitrogenous (48% CP) diets were formulated by incrementally adding PO to the control diet (25% fish meal and 9% added FO) to replace FO in the control diets. Triplicate groups of 30 groupers (initial weight: 12.6 ± 0.1 g) were fed one of the diets twice daily, to apparent satiety. The replacement of FO with 50% PO revealed maximum growth without affecting the performance and whole-body proximate compositions, and replacing FO with 100% PO revealed a comparable (P > 0.05) growth with that of the control diet, suggesting PO as a suitable alternative to FO. The analysis of FA profiles in the dorsal muscle and liver though reflected the FA profile of the diet, PO substitutions above 50% could compromise (P

The present study was conducted to investigate the changes of the nutritive value of yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) fermented De-oiled rice bran (DORB) and its impact on broiler growth and mineralization in bone. DORB was fermented using 2.0% yeast at 60% moisture content for 24 h in an anaerobic condition. Except control (C), only yeast fermented group (F), for the fortification of nutrient in the fermentation medium 2% urea, 10% flour, 2% urea and 10% wheat flour were supplied in FU, FF, FFU respectively. After 24 h anaerobic fermentation pH, proximate components and amino acid profile were determined. A number of 150 day old broiler chicks (Cobb 500) were distributed into five dietary groups eg, Control (unfermented DORB), Fermented DORB added groups (F, FU, FF, FFU). 8% Fermented or unfermented DORB was added in each dietary groups. Each dietary group had 5 replications (having 6 birds in each replication). After 28 days of feeding trial birds from each replication were slaughtered to collect blood sample and tibia. Highest pᴴ (P

Background Polysaccharides derived from plant seeds such as Chia (Salvia hispanica) have garnered significant interest within the food industry in recent years due to their unique functional properties. Known as chia mucilage (CM), it is a functional ingredient with a high amount of dietary fibre and macro- and micro-nutrients. CM also contains an abundance of health-promoting oligosaccharides that can be incorporated into foods for good gut health. Scope and approach This review aims to provide an overview of the isolation process of CM regarding the parameters used and yields obtained. Examples of parameters adapted in the extraction of CM include hydration conditions (temperature, time, water/seed ratio and pH), extraction and purification methods, and recovery parameters. Applications of CM as ingredient replacers, namely fat/oil, egg, gluten, emulsifier/stabiliser, and phosphate replacers, in various foods such as baked, cereal, dairy, and meat products are also discussed. Key findings and conclusions The effects of the isolation process and processing parameters on the experimental yield and proximate compositions of CM produced are summarised. The application of CM as ingredient replacers is also discussed, which further places importance on understanding the unique functional properties of CM for it to be utilised in other food products. It was concluded that CM is a valuable food ingredient that has been shown to impart functionality in a variety of food products, and the potential of using CM could be increased in the future.

Composition and apparent digestibility coefficients (ADCs) were determined for whole-cell Spirulina meal produced from Arthrospira platensis (UTEX LB 2340). Spirulina meal contained 60 % crude protein, 20 MJ kg⁻¹ gross energy, 16 % nitrogen-free extract (NFE), 10 % ash, 5 % moisture and 4 % crude lipid. Its protein was comprised of 25 % essential (EAAs) and 25 % non-EAAs. Spirulina meal protein demonstrated high EAA indices (1.0–1.3) relative to egg albumin and premium fishmeal. Spirulina meal was rich (mg 100 g⁻¹) in chlorophyll a (1803) and c (369), β-carotene (141) and zeaxanthin (88) with low concentrations of antinutritional compounds crude fibre (4 %), trypsin inhibition activity (7 TUI mg⁻¹) and phytate (17 mg g⁻¹/ g) and undetectable heavy metal contaminants. A substitution digestion assay using cylindro-circular tanks (100L) equipped with faecal settlement columns was conducted with 164 juvenile (25 g) freshwater Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) at 13 °C fed to apparent satiation with a reference diet (100 % basal mixture) or a test diet (80 % basal mixture and 20 % test ingredient) for 7 weeks. Single-ingredient ADCs for Spirulina meal were dry matter (75 %), ash (61 %), protein (81 %), lipid (73 %), NFE (63 %), energy (77 %), EAAs (average 91 %) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs, 96 %). Digestible indispensable AA scores (DIAAS) for Spirulina meal were equal to or higher than 1 (range 1.0–4.6) showing Spirulina meal to be a high-quality protein for Atlantic salmon. Diet ADCs for the 20 % Spirulina meal diet were statistically the same as the reference diet for dry matter (73–74 %), ash (36–41 %), crude lipid (93–94 %), NFE (23–32 %) and energy (82–83 %), while crude protein ADC was slightly reduced from 92 to 90 %. Inclusion of 20 % Spirulina meal had no significant effects on diet ADC for the required EAAs (93–98 %), n-6 PUFA (96 %), n-3 PUFA (100 %) or essential n-3 long-chain PUFAs eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid (100 %).

Medicinal plants and traditional herbal treatments have been emerging as a source of highly recommended yet scientific method of disease management. Mimosa pudica Linn, the chosen plant is a commonly seen, ornamental plant also known as shy plant, touch me not, etc. Heavy metals are naturally occurring in the environment. Heavy metals exposure can cause severe health issues sometimes even lead to death in human beings. The prime aim of this work was to evaluate the presence of trace elements and heavy metals in the plant. ICP-MS was the technique employed in elemental analysis. The soil where the plant grew was also tested for mineral quantification. Flower extract of the M. pudica was also used for phytochemical analysis, proximate analysis, antibacterial activity and antioxidant activity. Elemental analysis showed that the concentration of elements in the plant was found to be in the increasing order of Cu > K > Ca > Mg > Fe > Mn > Zn > Ni > Pb > Cr > Co > As > Cd. The values of Ni, K, Pb and Cu were slightly beyond the permissible limit. Phytochemical analysis confirmed the major classes of phytochemicals which includes, glycosides, phenols, terpenoids, flavonoids, steroids, proteins, alkaloids etc. Proximate analysis expresses the physicochemical nature of the sample. The results of antioxidant activity showed a positive result. Hence the study emerges with good results suggesting that Mimosa pudica is a strong candidate in the herbal medicinal field.

Allium cepa Linn (Onion) Organosulfuric compounds and phytonutrients have medicinal benefits. The study estimated the antioxidant effect of Allium cepa in fortified feed against oxidative damage caused by potassium bromate. Commercial feed was fortified by substituting 10 %, 20 %, and 30 % of rat's daily ration with the respective portion of pulverized Allium cepa. Potassium bromate was administered orally to the rats in all the groups except rats in the normal control. The rats in the test groups were allowed access to the fortified feed ad libitum. The animals were sacrificed; consequently, the serum, liver, and kidney were obtained for biochemical assay and histological assessment. The percentage composition of some amino acids and some proximate were higher in the fortified feed. Furthermore, Malondialdehyde (MDA) level in the liver, kidney, and serum decreased significantly (P ≤ 0.05) in rats fed with fortified feed compared to administered only Potassium bromate. Similarly, the concentration of total protein increased significantly (P ≤ 0.05) in the liver, kidney, and serum of the animals fed with fortified feed. The hematology result was normal in rats fed with fortified feed. The liver and kidney cell architecture was normal in animals fed with fortified feed. Allium cepa may have conferred protection and amelioration to oxidative damage by potassium bromate in rats.

To effectively operate burning system of lignin residues from bamboo papermaking factories to provide heating, the calorific value, proximate and ultimate analysis of lignin samples with different washing processes were determined. Their combustion properties were also investigated by TGA Q500 at different heating rates. The results showed that washing processes changed fuel properties of lignin samples. The ash content decreased and the volatile content increased during washing process. They had a different content of C, H, O, N, S and calorific value. The effect of acid-soluble and acid-insoluble lignin on calorific value was not significant. Even though combustion process of all lignin samples included four stages, about 41–65% of weight loss occurred at the IV stage. The combustion characteristics and kinetics of lignin samples also varied at different heating rates. This research will provide scientific guideline for utilization of lignin residues from the bamboo papermaking industry as a biofuel.

Humic acid (HA) is natural product obtained by plant decomposition. It improves systematic resistance in plants and the shelf life of food products. Oyster mushrooms occupy important place in human food due to their palatability and nutritional enrichment. Little is known about the impacts of HA on mushrooms yield. Therefore, a trial was conducted to study the role of HA improving growth, nutritional and chemical composition of two oyster mushroom strains (Pleurotus ostreatus, Lentinus sajor-caju). Pure cotton waste amalgamated with five levels of HA, i.e., 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 mM/L was used as growth media. The responses of oyster mushroom to HA were recorded in various traits i.e. time to spawn initiation, time to mycelium growth initiation, time to maturity of flushes, time to initiation of pinheads, yield, biological efficiency (BE), minerals (N, P, K, and ascorbic acid, Zn, Cu, Mg, Mn, Fe, Na and Ca), sugars (total sugars, reducing and non-reducing sugars), proximate, total soluble solids (TSS), acidity, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The HA amalgation notably improved the growth, nutritional and chemical composition of oyster mushroom; however, strains differences were non-significant (>0.05) to various level of HA on dry weight basis TSS ranged from 6 to 6.8 °Brix, total sugar was 5.8–11.9%, reducing sugar was 2.6–3%, non-reducing sugar was 9.2–9.6%, ascorbic acid was 35.9–43 mg/100 g, carbohydrates were 68–74%, crude protein was 62–69%, crude fiber was 22–37%, fat contents were 2.5–17%, ash content was 9–11%. These results suggest that HA is an innovative substrate for valuable and high-quality production of the oyster mushroom.

The present work aimed to determine the physicochemical and thermal properties of sugarcane Dry Cleaning System Residue(DCR) and Bagasse from milling A(BMA) and B(BMB), aiming the cogeneration system application. The DCR and BMB are obtained after the Dry Cleaning System, currently used during the mechanized harvesting implemented in Brazil. The DCR under treatment is obtained as chopped sugarcane Straw (CSS), which together with the BMA and BMB are brought to the boiler, without considering yet the alterations that can have on that system. Accordingly, CSS, BMA and BMB were undergone analysis to determine their particle size, ultimate, proximate and elemental ash composition, bulk density and Higher Heating Value (HHV). The results indicate that CSS, BMA and BMB have a higher ash content 11.19 wt%, 2.08 wt% and 1.06 wt%, and lower fixed carbon content 11.54 wt%, 10.29 wt% and 8.92 wt%, respectively, in relation to the bagasse. HHV for CSS was 6.67 MJ kg−1, 18.59 MJ.kg-1 for BMA and 18.43 MJ kg−1 for BMB, being close to the 18.89 MJ.kg-1 of the bagasse. This, enables the addition of DCR along with BMA and BMB in bagasse cogeneration plants, but it can cause a fouling and slagging effects due of the presence of ashes with high content of alkali minerals.

Ultrasound-assisted-extraction (UAE) and statistical optimization of significant process parameters for high methoxy pectin (HMP) from Hylocereus polyrhizus peels (HPP) were examined and functional properties and proximate chemical characteristics were evaluated in the present study. Statistically, the maximum yield of HMP of 31.4% with a 56.10% degree of esterification (DE) was achieved by a quadratic polynomial equation and regression analysis of 88% and 86%, respectively. The optimal observed conditions for UAE of HMP were; agitation 250 rpm, extraction temperature 65ᵒC, extraction time at 70 min, extraction solvent with pH value of 2 and LSR of 12:1 (v/w). The proximate characteristics showed 17.93% of mannose, 7.65% of rhamnose, 44.34% of galacturonic acid, 2.8% of glucose, 27.32% of galactose with 79.8% purity of the total sugar extracted from HPP. Conclusively, that the extracted HMP from HPP using UAE possesses a high yield of pectin with a significant lower extraction temperature.

Animals can transfer food between each other through both competition (theft) and cooperation (sharing). Analysing patterns of food transfers can thus yield valuable insights into animals’ social dynamics, e.g. intragroup competition and cooperation. Previous studies on food transfers in our closest living relatives, the great apes, have mainly focused on ultimate explanations for food sharing and analysed food transfers as independent events with a focus on frequencies and types of transfers. In this study, we focus on the influence of contextual variables and the directly preceding interaction on food transfer attempts. We provided one monopolizable food bag per session (10 sessions each in 2010, 2012, 2014 and 2016) to orang-utans housed in the same enclosure (N = 12) and coded the subsequent transfers and transfer attempts of food items from the bag (N = 3207). We divided transfer attempts into four different categories (taking, co-feeding, requests, offers) and found comparable frequencies as in previous studies on food sharing in great apes. We present four models that investigate to what extent food transfer attempts influence the subsequent transfer attempt within a dyad with regards to probability of a successful transfer, choice of transfer strategy, time between two transfer attempts and probability of resistance by the food possessor. Our analyses show that characteristics of the previous interactions (e.g. success, resistance by the food possessor) and the current interaction (e.g. being in view of the food possessor, food location) affected both the behaviour of the initiator of a transfer attempt and of the food possessor. These results highlight how the behaviour of orang-utans is influenced by the preceding interaction within a dyad and by several other context-specific cues. This shows that orang-utans keep track of their most recent interaction with the same partner and take that into account towards calibrating their next interactional moves.

This experiment was conducted to evaluate the chemical composition and standardized ileal amino acid digestibility of corn grain and to use these data to develop prediction equations for estimating total amino acids (TAAs) and standardized ileal digestible amino acids (SIDAAs) for broiler chickens. Four types of corn grains were obtained from different origins (Brazil, Ukraine, Russia, and Iran). Eighty-day-old Ross 308 male broiler chicks were fed a standard diet until day 18, and experimental diets were fed from 19 to 24 D of age. Five dietary treatments consisted of 4 semi-purified diets containing corn from each origin as the only source of amino acid (AA) and a N-free diet for determination of basal endogenous AA losses. Assay diets contained 939 g of test corn/kg. The concentration of crude protein and gross energy ranged from 7.58 to 8.39% (coefficient of variation [CV] = 4.72%) and 4,121 to 4,621 kcal/kg (CV = 5.09%), respectively. There was significant variation among the 4 corn grains in standardized ileal digestibility (SID) for CP, Phe, Leu, Asp, Glu, Ser, Gly, Ala, and Tyr (P ≤ 0.05). The results of linear regression showed that linear prediction equations based on protein content can be used to predict the TAA and SIDAA contents (e.g., TLys = 0.041 × CP, adj R2 = 95.9, standard error of prediction [SEP] = 0.05; SIDLys = 0.0356 × CP, adj R2 = 96, SEP = 0.051). Inclusion of other proximate components of test samples into the regression equation increased the R2 value and decreased the SEP value (e.g., TLys = 0.329 × crude fiber [CF] ‒ 0.209 × Ash, adj R2 = 99.9, SEP = 0.005; SIDLys = ‒1.1591 + 0.836 × CF ‒ 0.055 × Ash, adj R2 = 99.9, SEP = 0.001). The concentration of TAA and SIDAA was highly correlated (adj R2 > 89%) for most AA and showed that the amount of SIDAA could be predicted from its total concentration with a high degree of accuracy (e.g., SIDLys = 0.0023 + 0.861 × TLys, adj R2 = 99.9, SEP = 0.0001). In conclusion, this in vitro assays and equations accurately predicted TAA and SIDAA corn grain samples for broiler chickens and can serve as a reference analysis to develop calibration equations for rapid feed quality evaluation methods such as near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy. info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

This study explored the possibility of replacing skimmed milk – a core ingredient of High-energy biscuit (HEB), with edible-insects as inexpensive and sustainable alternative sources. HEB was formulated to meet the USAID 2016 (STD) nutritional standards and powdered locust and mulberry silkworm pupae (LP and SWP) at 15% inclusion, were used as alternative protein sources. Preliminary nutrients composition of the insect powders were examined. Physicochemical, sensory and microbial qualities of insect-enriched biscuits (LPB and SWPB) were evaluated and compared with that of skimmed milk (SMB) and STD. Spread ratios of the biscuits were between 7.8 and 11.6 – a technically acceptable range for biscuits. SWP possessed impressive amounts of protein (60.7 g/100 g), fat (23.5 g/100 g) and energy contents (498.93 kcal/100 g), while LP had slightly more fibre (1.4 g/100 g), ash (2.1 g/100 g) and carbohydrate (31.5 g/100 g). LPB and SWPB had relatively similar proximate compositions as SMB with slight variations, and all the HEBs were above USAID minimum standard. SWPB was marginally below requirements for Ca and Mg minerals, but both (SWPB and LPB) had more than twice the recommended pro-vitamin A (918.44 and 957.65 µg/100 g) and vitamin C contents (102.17 and 98.51 mg/100 g). All the samples received reasonably good sensorial rankings; but SMB’s aroma was preferred. Similarly, microbial quality assessment of the products reflected remarkable hygienic sample preparation. These results demonstrated that HEB of significant nutritional, sensorial and microbial qualities could be developed using edible-insects as alternative protein sources.

This study aimed to investigate the characteristics and composition of MSW generated in one of the biggest districts (Urta-Chirchik) of the Tashkent Region. The results indicated that the wood waste level was the highest among other components of MSW. Hence, the MSW samples were divided into two groups: a) mixed MSW and b) wood waste. Proximate and ultimate analyses of the samples were investigated following the ASTM and European Pn-En international standards. A study of energy recovery was conducted using a bomb calorimeter (model: V-08 MA) and ASTM standards. The energy content or calorific value of the mixed MSW was 2479.34 kcal/kg and 2190.02 kcal/kg for wood waste respectively. The elemental analysis of the samples was performed by CHNS/O elemental analyzer. The XRF results showed that MSW and wood wastes contain mainly CaO, SiO2, Fe2O3 and other 15 combining oxides. It has been observed that MSW is less reactive to combustion as compared to coal, but its reactivity can be improved through the pre-treating process so as to reduce noncombustible materials such as oxygen and ash content. In addition, an introduction of updated thermochemical conversion of MSW to value-added products and robust Waste-to-Energy technological project development is recommended.

The kinetic studies of the treatment of wastewater from brewery industry using powdered snail shell was carried out. Three kinetic models (Pseudo-first order, pseudo- second order and intraparticle diffusion) models were used to study the kinetics. Results shows that the treatment fit the Pseudo- second order kinetics. Since the r2 values of most of the parameters were ≥ 0.9. The r2 values for pH, temperature, alkalinity, turbidity, electrical conductivity were 0.999, 0.977, 0.989, 0.995, and 0.999 respectively. TS, TSS, TDS, BOD, COD and DO also have r2 values of 0.992, 0.998, 0.992, 0.995, 0.999, and 0.999 respectively. Also NO3-N, Phosphate and Sulphate have values of 0.964, 0.956 and 0.996. However the physicochemical parameters of the untreated and treated wastewater at different time intervals were also carried out and the results presented accordingly. The proximate and mineral composition of the powdered snail shell were also determined. The stability studies of the snail shell were done using different concentrations of CH3COOH and NaOH. It was observed that the powdered snail shell was insoluble in these acidic and alkaline solution.

Capsella bursa-pastoris has been analyzed for nutritional composition, antioxidant and cytotoxic potential to reveal its nutraceutical and medicinal importance. Methanol and chloroform extracts were used for preliminary phytochemical analysis following quantification of total phenolic, flavonoid, tannins, saponins, and alkaloids. Antioxidant activity was determined by using DPPH, phosphomolybdate, and reducing power assays. Proximate and elemental analysis was performed by using standard methods. Brine shrimp larvae assay was used to determine the cytotoxicity of chloroform and methanol extract. Chloroform and methanol extract of the plant indicated the presence of 1.56×10-4 mg g-1 and 1.28×10-4 mg g-1 phenolic, respectively. The plant was found to have high carbohydrate and protein contents. The high-level mineral composition was determined containing Potassium, Sodium, Iron, Zinc, and Copper. Results of antioxidant activity by the DPPH method indicated IC50 of 235.37 μg ml-1 and 552.01 μg ml-1 for chloroform and methanol extract, respectively. Brine shrimp larvae assay was used to determine the cytotoxicity resulting LD50 of 246.4469 μg ml-1 and 169.85 μg ml-1 of methanol and chloroform extract, respectively. The study inferred that C. bursa-pastoris could serve as a good source of protein and energy as well as micronutrients in the form of a leafy vegetable for human consumption.

In this study, the potential of indigenous egg as functional ingredient in cake and chin chin was investigated. The proximate, colour and sensory characteristics of the pastries evaluated using standard methods. Indigenous eggs showed higher protein content (14.83%) than the exotic (13.61%) eggs. The same trend was observed for their fat contents. Ash and fibre contents of wheat flour and the eggs were generally low. The protein contents of cake (15.53%) and chin chin (10.75%) produced using indigenous chicken eggs were significantly (p ≤ .05) higher than samples produced using exotic eggs (Cake: 14.12%; Chin chin: 9.47%). In general, as exotic chicken eggs were replaced with indigenous eggs, the crust colour became lighter as measured by their L values. Overall acceptability of the cake samples were very similar for cakes produced from exotic (7.52) and indigenous chicken eggs (7.46) indicating that these two samples of cakes were moderately acceptable. Values obtained for sensory characteristics showed that indigenous eggs may only be suitable for making cakes with comparable quality to those made from exotic eggs. Future studies should make use of food additives to improve the taste of the chin-chin made using indigenous eggs. Keywords: Pastry, Indigenous, Exotic, Egg, Sensory properties

This study explored the optimization of pretreatment of pineapple peel for biogas generation. Pretreatments were carried out sulfuric acid and alkaline hydrogen peroxide prior to anaerobic digestion while the response surface methodology (RSM) was used for optimization of the pretreatment procedures. The physical, chemical, proximate and structural compositions of the peels were determined prior to and at the end of the pretreatment procedures. The dynamics of microorganisms in the reactors were also evaluated by rapid molecular methods while the Fourier Transform Infra-red (FTIR) spectroscopy was employed in the identification of the chemical changes as a result of pretreatments. The use of H2O2 pretreatment caused enormous lignin solubilization in the pineapple peel. In comparison, biogas production was 67% more in the alkaline pretreated pineapple peel than the biomass treated with acid and also 51% over the untreated samples. The total biogas volume produced from the acidic pretreated, alkaline pretreated, not sifted untreated and sifted untreated samples are 194.2 ± 3.0, 587.5 ± 5.2, 287.8 ± 2.1 and 245.4 ± 3.1 respectively. Thus, the alkaline pretreated experiment used lower retention time to achieve maximum gas production in this study. The use of alkaline H2O2 on lignocelluloses has remained unpopular prior to this study. However, its usage in this study yielded better result than all the conventional treatments in terms of lignin solubilization and improvement in methane yield. Economically, the use of H2O2 for pretreatment is adjudged feasible because the 1504 kWh t−1 TS thermal energy gain obtained from the biogas produced by the alkaline treated peel exceeded the 921 kWh t−1 TS used in the pretreatment. This gives a net thermal energy of 583 kWh t−1 TS. Whereas, the investment into acidic pretreatment of pineapple peel may not be economically justified because the total thermal energy gain of −200 kWh t−1 TS was far lower than the 1236 kWh t−1 TS thermal energy that was consumed during the pretreatment giving a net thermal energy of −1436 kWh t−1 TS. Therefore, the use of mild alkaline pretreatment is advocated in biogas generation from pineapple peel and also for biofertilizer production mostly in localities of mass production.

To investigate the characteristics of coal dust generation when cut by a roadheader, a system was designed for performing cutting experiments. The aerodynamic diameter distribution of dust was tested by a laser particle size analyzer. Correlations between the coal proximate compositions and the characteristics of dust generation were studied. Results showed that fixed carbon had significantly positive correlations with the cumulative proportion of respirable dust and the rate of dust generation. The bonded high-density pulverized core could be responsible for reducing the correlation with fine particulate matter. The presence of moisture had inhibitory effects on dust generation. Volatile matter had a slightly negative influence on dust generation, and ash was considered to have no effect. More attention should be focused on heading faces with high fixed carbon and low moisture. This study provides essential guidance for understanding the characteristics of dust generation and improving dust reduction technologies.

The extracted marine Chlorella sp. residue (EMCR) was used as a feedstock for biochar and bio-oil production. The biochar was prepared by slow pyrolysis at 450 °C for 60 min in a tube furnace and employed as a microwave absorber (MA). The bio-oil was produced by microwave pyrolysis (MWP) with investigation of temperature (350–450 °C), time (20–40 min) and MA loading (10–30 wt%) at fixed microwave power of 850 W. The pyrolysis condition was optimized to obtain maximum bio-oil yield using the Response Surface Methodology (RSM) based on Central Composite Design (CCD). The optimum condition was 350 °C, 15% MA loading and 40 min, which yielded 46% bio-oil. Characterization of Chlorella sp. biomass, EMCR, biochar and bio-oil was performed by proximate and ultimate analysis, FTIR, TGA and GC-MS. The higher heating values of biomass, EMCR and biochar were 22.43, 15.49 and 10.79 MJ/kg, respectively. The results showed a high feasibility of applying EMCR as the feedstock for biochar and bio-oil production. The EMCR derived biochar presented great efficiency as the MA with high surface area of 266 m2/g. The bio-oil consisted of a mixture of chemicals, which requires further processes before using in many applications.

The crude powder of the leaves and stem bark of Grewia lasiocarpa E.Mey. ex Harv., commonly known as forest raisins were analysed for proximate chemical composition (% ash, % carbohydrate, % moisture, % crude lipid, % crude protein and % crude fibre), using the methods of Association of Official analytical chemist (AOAC) and the energy (Kcal) was derived. The FTIR spectrum in the mid-infrared region (4000–400 cm− 1) was used for the identification of the different functional groups present. An analytical comparison of the Certified Reference Material (CRM) White Clover (BCR 402) gave a significant correlation between the certified values of the analyte elements (mg Kg− 1) and the data obtained using Energy Dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) microscopy. The fluorescence characters of the leaves and stem powder were done after treatment with different chemicals. The proximate composition of the ash, carbohydrate, moisture, crude lipid, crude protein and crude fibre (leaves/stem bark) were 33.67 ± 1.04%/24.17 ± 4.25%, 18.75 ± 8.47%/6.74 ± 1.08%, 6.84 ± 3.46%/6.04 ± 0.44%, 2.67 ± 1.15%/2.00 ± 0.00%, 11.93 ± 4.62%/4.25 ± 0.65% and 25.81 ± 2.31%/ 55.59 ± 5.55% while the derived energy values were 146.75 ± 33.56 KCal 100 g− 1/61.96 ± 4.07 KCal 100 g− 1, respectively. FTIR analysis revealed the presence of functional groups such as C = O, C–H, = C–H, C–O in the leaves and stem bark of G. lasiocarpa, which are responsible for of hemicellulose, alkanes, aromatics, alkynes and carboxylic acid. The EDXRF analysis revealed the presence of elements, including the essential elements such as Calcium (Ca), Iron (Fe), Molybdenum (Mo), Zinc (Zn), Copper (Cu) and Chromium (Cr) in various proportions. The fluorescent analysis revealed varied colours of brown, green, red and purple in the crude powder of G. lasiocarpa E. leaves and stem bark. The results obtained validate the potential use of G. lasiocarpa as a plant with appreciable medicinal and functional food properties although documentation on its ethnobotany is relatively limited.

Bioactive edible packaging films were developed by incorporating different concentrations (5%, 10%, 15, and 20%) of tea polyphenol (TP) into the pomelo peel flour (PPF) in order to modify the functional properties of the films. The proximate chemical composition of PPF was firstly determined. The PPF based films were characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), together with the determination of physical, optical, mechanical, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of the films. The incorporation of TP significantly improved the antioxidant activity and antimicrobial activity of the films, while induced a decrease in the transmittance, moisture content and elongation at break. Addition of TP at an appropriate level (10% TP) led to stronger intermolecular interactions and more compact microstructure, and thus enhanced the water barrier properties and tensile strength of the films. Potential packaging application was evaluated using soybean oil in an oven at 50 °C for 30 days. The PPF/TP composite film significantly decreased peroxide value (POV) to delay oil oxidation during storage. These results revealed that pomelo peel is a good film-forming substrate and tea polyphenol has a good potential to be incorporated into pomelo peel to prepare biodegradable/edible active films for food applications.

Bambara groundnut is an underutilized pulse that can make a positive contribution to food and nutritional security at the regional and global level, particularly in tropical developing countries where the crop is currently grown. Improvement of the crop is constrained by limited understanding of variation in its nutritional composition compared with other pulses. We analysed available nutritional data for bambara groundnut in comparison with four related commodity pulses. This included comparison of concentrations of proximate components and detailed composition of carbohydrate, fibre, seed storage protein and amino acids, fatty acid, phytosterols, minerals, and anti-nutritional factors. The levels of starch (up to 53% of seed), the amylose content of its starch (15.7–35.3% of starch), and dietary fibre content (up to 10.3% of seed), make this crop a desirable food for inclusion into diets for management of diabetes and high cholesterol. There is also potential to develop high protein cultivars, as there exists a large variation for crude protein concentration within the species genepool, reported as 9.6–30.7% of seed. With a more comprehensive base of nutritional information, breeding strategies that have proven successful for crops such as chickpea and soybean can be established for bambara groundnut.

Rice bran, a resource-rich and nutritionally valuable by-product of rice milling, was contaminated seriously by cadmium in many parts of the world. An efficient and economical method to reduce Cd from Cd-contaminated rice bran, citric acid treatment, was developed in this study. Evaluations the effect of this method on physicochemical and structure properties of rice bran were performed. The results showed that a significant decrease of Cd was reached by 0.15 M of citric acid with 60 min incubation at 40 °C. The optimal liquid–solid ratio was 15 mL/g. The Cd removal efficiency was more than 94%. Citric acid treatment had a significantly effect on the proximate compositions of rice bran. Moreover, the oil yield, total tocopherol and γ-oryzanol contents of citric acid treated rice bran were higher than the native rice bran whereas fatty acids compositions were not changed by citric acid treatment. FT-TR data showed the chemical structure of rice bran was not significantly changed. Although X-ray diffraction results indicated that citric acid treatment increased the cellulose crystallinity, it did not affect RB downstream utilization.

European consumers generally still have a reluctant attitude towards the consumption of insects. One strategy to trigger the willingness to consume edible insects is to process them invisibly in familiar foodstuffs. To facilitate this, insects need to be processed to intermediates that can be incorporated readily in products by the food industry. To this end, a mealworm paste that was free of tastable exoskeleton particles was manufactured successfully using industrial equipment. Of this novel intermediate the proximate and fatty acid composition, moisture content, water activity, pH, viscosity, peroxide and p-anisidine values and colour was analysed. Next, the impact of storage temperature (4 °C and −21 °C) and presence of preservatives (sodium nitrite and sodium lactate) on the chemical and microbial stability of the paste were evaluated, as well as its fermentability to assess the most suited preservation strategy. During storage at −21 °C, all tested parameters remained constant for three months, except for some fat oxidation. At 4 °C, substantial microbial growth was observed during three weeks of storage, regardless of the use of preservatives. Finally, the paste was also shown to be suited for fermentation. Future research should assess whether fermentation can extend the storage time and/or improve the product quality. ispartof: LWT-FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY vol:102 pages:113-121 status: published

Palm kernel shells (PKS), empty fruit bunches (EFB), and trunks are by-products of the palm oil industry and form approximately 50 wt % of fresh fruit bunch (FFB). In particular, EFB accounts for approximately 20 wt % of FFB. Although large amounts of EFB are generated from palm oil mills every year in Indonesia and Malaysia, EFB is treated as waste because commercial technologies for thermo-chemical conversion of EFB into renewable energy are still under development. A robust conversion method can transform EFB into an appealing renewable energy source. In order to secure this renewable energy source, Korea can import EFB as biomass. This paper investigates literature on the status of utilization of EFB, by-products from palm oil mills in order to identify the best available technological process to use EFB as bio-solid refuse fuels (SRF). Meanwhile, physico-chemical analyses (proximate, elemental, and calorific value analyses), biomass and heavy metal content were measured in order to assess whether EFB would be suitable for use as a bio-SRF, in accordance with the Korean quality standard for SRF. According to the analysis results, EFB showed applicability to use as bio-SRF; main analysis results - moisture (9.63 wt %), ash (5.94 wt %), biomass content (97.82 wt %) and calorific value (3668 kcal kg).

Nutrition research continues to be important for consumers to make informed food purchasing decisions and is used in nutrition policy decisions. The objective of this study was to analyze the nutrient concentration of raw and cooked cuts from special-fed veal calves to update nutrient data in the USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference (SR) Release 27. Packages of wholesale (whole loin roasts, center-cut hindshanks and ground veal) and retail veal cuts (osso buco foreshanks, loin chops, leg cutlets and shoulder blade chops) were randomly collected in original vacuum packaging from six U.S. suppliers. Packages were shipped to the Colorado State University Meat Laboratory for cut dissection, cooking, and nutrient analysis. Composites of lean, external fat and seam fat were formed for analysis of proximate, fatty acid, vitamin and mineral composition. Results from this study identified additional fatty acids, established choline concentration, and provided updated veal nutrient composition information for inclusion in USDA SR 27.

The effects of peeling and cooking processes (boiling, steaming and baking) on the proximate, amino acids, mono, and disaccharides content of Oromo dinich (Plectranthus edulis) tubers from selected landraces were investigated. The effect of peeling on the crude protein, reducing sugars and sucrose content of the tuber was not consistent across the landraces. Crude protein reduced in landraces DHSer, IWsh, DGArr, and DGArw but increased in landrace CWsh. Reducing sugars (fructose, glucose, and maltose) increase in landraces LWsh, CWsh, DGArr, and DOJiw but reduced in landrace DOSu. Sucrose reduced in landraces IWsh and LWsh but increased in landrace CWsh on dry matter basis. Peeling significantly reduced the dry matter, ash and crude fiber content of the tubers. Dry matter reduced in landraces CWsh, DGArr, and DGArw; ash reduced in landraces DHSer and DGArw; crude-fiber reduced in landraces DOSu, DOSer, LWsh, CWsh, DGArr, and DGArw. On contrary, peeling significantly increased the crude fat, sum of total amino acids content and energy density of the tubers. Crude fat increased in landrace DOSu, IWsh, CWsh, DGArr, and DOJiw. Sum of total amino acids increased in landraces DOSu, DOJiw, and DGArw. Energy density (KJ/100 g dm) increased in landraces DOSu, DHSer, IWsh, and DOJiw. Boiling and steaming significantly increased the ash content of the tubers in landrace LWsh. Steaming and baking significantly increased crude fiber in landraces IWch and CWsh, and carbohydrate content of the tubers in landrace LWsh. Boiling, steaming and baking significantly reduced the crude fiber and the energy density of the tubers in landrace LWsh. Baking significantly reduced the moisture content of the tubers in landraces IWch, LWsh and CWsh. Boiling significantly reduced reducing sugars and crude fat content of the tubers in landraces IWch, LWsh and CWsh. The reduction in reducing sugar and crude fat content most likely is due to leaching and the presence of essential oils respectively. Thus to get the best possible nutritional benefits from P.edulis tubers, cooking with their skin under optimized operation recommended.

Two energy crops Miscanthus x giganteus and Sida hermaphrodita were used for a phytoremediation study on two different sites of soil contaminated with heavy metals in Poland and Germany. The energy crops were harvested and characterized with regards to fuel properties and thermal decomposition behaviour. Site influences on the data of proximate and ultimate analyses have been observed. Differences in the thermal decomposition are caused by the differences in pH value and heavy metal content of the soils.

Spirulina subsalsa (MF191711) isolated from the waterlogged area of Punjab, India, was identified by 16S rRNA sequence analysis. The Placket- Burman design and central composite design (CCD) were used to screen and optimize the significant cultural factors. The most desirable results correspond to the optimal conditions: 11.5 pH, 20 °C temperature, 81 μmolm−2 s−1 light intensity, 25 days growth period, 15 mM CaCl2, NaNO3 5 mM and 2 mM K2HPO4, which were very proximate to the CCD predicted optimal values. These optimal conditions resulted in 1.60-fold higher biomass compared to basal conditions (0.987gL−1). Further, co-digestion of 70% paddy straw with 30% microalgal biomass resulted in the highest ultimate biogas yield (P:260.03 mLg−1VS) with reduced lag phase (λ:3.84 d) and increased rate of biogas production (Rm:8.16 mLg−1d −1), compared to paddy straw and microalgal biomass individually. Thus, it can be concluded that co-digestion of Spirulina subsalsa with paddy straw results in enhanced biogas production.

To evaluate the product quality of leg meat from red snow crab (Chionoecetes japonicus) prepared with a novel freeze-thaw-pressing muscle separation (FTPS), the biochemical properties were compared with those of two thermal muscle separations (boiling; BS or steaming; SS). Among the muscle separations, the yield from merus part was the highest with the FTPS (22.0 ± 2.1 g), followed by SS (20.3 ± 1.4 g) and BS (17.5 ± 1.8 g). The proximate compositions in the three leg meats were similar, but the quantitative analyses for the water extractive components (free amino acids, minerals, organic acids and ATP-related compounds) revealed that all the contents were notably higher in the leg meat with FTPS (LM-FTPS) than that with BS or SS. The sensorial acceptability test demonstrated the storable day limits of the LM-FTPS at −20 °C, 0 °C or 10 °C, but it was suggested only in storage either at 0 °C (3 days) or 10 °C (1 day), the day limits corresponded to 30 mg% of the VBN value and 5 log CFU g−1 of the total viable cell count. In the case of −20 °C storage, the storable day limit suggested within 5 days, based on the VBN value.

Chemical quantitative characterization of biomass is relevant for waste to energy recovery technologies. In the present work, selected agroindustry solid residues from coffee crops – parchment and coffee shrub, i.e., stem, branches and leaves – were characterized. Properties such proximate, ultimate and biochemical composition, energy content, and thermogravimetric analysis, were evaluated. Results showed high values of higher heating value and volatile matter content. The silica contents are small for all samples. Additionally, the high content of extractives and lignin, reveal that these residual biomasses are more suitable for charcoal than cellulose pulp production. The extensive residue characterization provided valuable data that helped in outcome of the evaluation of different conversion technologies as being an environmentally friendly alternative, contributing to sustainable, reliable, carbon-neutral form of modern energy and upgrade the large quantity of waste generated by the coffee industry into energetically valued residues, by improving their management.

Rice milling is one of the important factors that determines the physicochemical properties of rice flour. Dry milling is a simple and quick process, though it produces high levels of damaged starch that is not desirable in some application. Since fermentation can change the structure of starch as well as its physicochemical properties, the effect of fermentation on dry-milled rice flour was evaluated with the aim of improving flour quality for use as food ingredient in food industry. After fermentation at 37 °C for 24 h by Lactobacillus amylovorus, the dry-milled rice flour showed similar proximate compositions, physicochemical properties, and surface structures as semi-wet-milled rice products. Thus, the results suggest that it can be applied to produce desirable food materials for preparation of rice-based products.

Sacha inchi is widely used as a raw material in the edible oil industry. The de-oiled pressed cake has high amounts of proteins, which makes it highly desirable for industrial use due to their value-added products. The objectives of this study were to produce and characterize protein concentrate (PC) and its hydrolysates (PH) hydrolyzed by crude papain and Calotropis proteases. The proximate compositions of sacha inchi used in this study included protein 459, carbohydrate 361, fat 67, ash 59, crude fiber 58, and moisture 53 g/kg (wb). PC hydrolyzed by crude papain (PH-P) and Calotropis proteases (PH-C) had a degree of hydrolysis (DH) of 2.7% and 11.2%, respectively. PH-P contained a higher amount of essential amino acids (474 g/kg) than PH-C (410 g/kg). The protein pattern of PC and PHs were determined by SDS-PAGE, and the molecular weights were clearly observable between

To assess the application value of the seeds of the traditional medicine Chishao (Radix Paeonia Rubra, the root of Paeonia veitchii Lynch), the thousand seed weight, oil and kernel contents of the seeds, composition and contents of the main fatty acids, the physical and chemical characteristics of the seeds oil, and proximate composition and phytochemical components of the seeds shell and seeds oil residue were evaluated in this study. In addition, bioactivities such as antitumour and antimicrobial activity of the oligostilbene compound from P. veitchii seeds shell, and the inhibitory activities of the monoterpene glycoside compounds in P. veitchii seeds oil residue were also evaluated using different in vitro biochemical assays. The results showed that the seeds of P. veitchii had high oil content, and the seeds oil was characterized by very high levels of unsaturated fatty acids. The seeds shell contained large amounts of cellulose, lignin, and oligostilbene compounds, and high levels of monoterpene glycosides and crude protein were found in the P. veitchii seeds oil residue. The results of the biological tests showed that total oligostilbene compounds from P. veitchii seeds shell had antibacterial activity and moderate anticancer effects in vitro, and the total monoterpene glycoside compounds in P. veitchii showed strong inhibitory activities against NO production. As a medical plant and industrial crop with broad prospects, P. veitchii can be planted in most regions of China. In the past, it was planted solely because of the medical use of the roots. The above proximate and phytochemical profile, and bioactivity results show that the seeds of P. veitchii have high utilization value with potential in the development of value-added products, representing another valuable part of P. veitchii in the near future.

Pollution resulting from the use of stereotypical fuels for energy generation has been a great menace to the air we breathe. Co-combustion of biomass fuels has proved effective against the deficiencies associated with the burning of individual biomass on its own. This study aimed at investigating the combustion of Palm Kernel Shell (PKS) and Coconut Husk (CH) blend in a grate furnace. The proximate and ultimate analyses of the mix of PKS and CH were determined using ASTM 3174-76 method. Four combustion tests were carried out with a 2 kW grate furnace, where the effects of temperature distribution, flue gas emissions (CO2, CO, and NO2), and combustion efficiency were measured. All the experimental tests were performed using varying primary-secondary air ratio of (40:60). The temperature distribution at different positions (H1, H2, H3, H4, and H5) in the combustion unit using PKS and CH blend (PKS-CH) ratio of 100:00, 70:30, 60:40, and 50:50 was measured. Temperature data were recorded for 50 minutes after a stable bed temperature of 248.7 °C was reached. The results indicated that the highest temperature immediately above the grate (H1) was 720.9 °C for 60:40 fuel proportions. A more significant temperature difference of 356.4 oC between the bed temperature and H1 temperature was recorded for 70:30 fuel proportions. The average deviation from temperatures at H1 to H5 at 50 minutes of the experiment was approximately 122 °C. For each cocombustion fuel option, combustion efficiency increases with time following the same pattern as CO2 emission. The combustion efficiency was maximum (62.11%) at 70:30 PKS-CH ratios, which conversely showed a low CO emission of 302 ppm.

Microalgal biomass has been widely reported as feed, biodiesel, and pigment source. Species with high concentration of protein, easy to commercial culture and faster growth rates are the preliminary considerations for the species to be used as animal feed. In this study marine microalgae were isolated from different coastal aqua-farms of Southern Coast of Bangladesh. A total of four species were isolated from different coastal aqua-farms. Among the four identified species three species were green microalgae ( Chlorella sp., Nannochloropsis sp., and Tetraselmis sp.) and one was brown microalgae ( Chaetoceros sp.). Growth curves, productivity and proximate composition of identified microalgae were determined to observe the growth rates and nutritional profile. It was found that Nannochloropsis sp. is the most potential species considering its complete profile. Moreover, Chlorella sp. and Tetraselmis sp. are also found suitable. These species are potential candidates as animal feedstuffs considering mainly their protein profile.

The nutritional quality of Heteroclarias was examined during frozen storage. 108 Heteroclarias samples (average weight 210 + 15g) were used in this study. For 56 days, proximate, mineral composition (Ca, Na, Fe, and Mg), biochemical, amino acid, and sensory evaluations were performed every two weeks. The proximate, mineral, biochemical, amino acid, and sensory qualities of frozen Heteroclarias decreased significantly (p 0.05) as storage time increased. Glutamic acid was the most concentrated non-essential amino acid (NEEA), while lysine was the most concentrated EAA. The fish had a higher concentration of non-essential amino acids to essential amino acids (EAA/NEAA ratio) ranging from 0.9 to 0.92, with chemical scores ranging from 80.0-85.56 g/100g cp, suggesting excellent protein quality. The amino acid scores declined as the storage period lengthened, with lysine having the greatest score (0.45-0.56g/100g cp) and tryptophan having the lowest value (0.14-0.20 g/100g cp). The good protein quality observed in Heteroclarias during frozen storage showed that it could be a fish of choice to address Africa's malnutrition problem, but needless prolongation of its frozen storage duration should be avoided to maximize its nutritional value.

Korarima, also called Ethiopian cardamom, is cultivated in the forest areas of southwestern part of Ethiopia. It is an underutilized spice crop with minimal research attention in the past. Moreover, no tangible data is available regarding the harvesting stage, form and duration of storage in relation to the quality. Hence, a study was undertaken to determine the appropriate harvesting stage, form, and duration of storage for an optimum quality of korrorima. Fully mature green and mature red capsules were collected from Masha woreda of the southwestern Ethiopia at peak harvesting time, mid-September and October. The capsules were evaluated for different physico-chemical parameters within laboratory of Jimma university college of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine (JUCAVM). Dual harvesting stages (fully mature green and mature red), three forms of storage (capsule, seed and powder) and three storage durations (0/without storing, 3 months storage and 6 months storage time) were arranged in factorial combination in randomized complete block design with three replicates. Results indicated that harvesting korrorima at different harvesting stages showed significant differences on physical and biochemical compositions. Fresh weight of capsules (FWC), dry weight of seeds (DWS), and seed to husk ratio (STHR) were highly significantly affected by harvesting stages (P

First paragraph: In Lee, Sidari, Murphy, Sherlock, and Zietsch (2020), we showed using a large speed dating study that sex differences in misperceptions of sexual interest can be explained by sociosexual orientation and, primarily, the tendency to project one's own interest onto others. We suggested that our results called into question the influential theory that the sex difference in misperception of sexual interest evolved via sex-specific specialized adaptations because it is advantageous for men, relative to women, to overperceive sexual interest (error management theory; EMT). Roth, Samara, and Kret (2020) criticise our interpretation, claiming that 1) our analyses are confounded and 2) we have confused proximate and ultimate levels of explanation. We reject both claims, but the second is an interesting and important issue that has arisen repeatedly in discussions of our paper, as well as in other contexts in the broader literature on evolution and human behavior. We spend some time discussing why proximate explanations are crucial to a healthy evolutionary psychology, and why we believe evolutionary psychologists should pay more attention to them.

The proximate composition and organoleptic attributes of legume- yoghurt fermented by lactic acid bacteria were studied. About 500g of whole legume seeds were sorted, washed, boiled for 30 minutes and then dehulled manually. The dehulled seeds were soaked separately overnight and thoroughly washed. The seeds were blended separately in a blender with hot water (seed: water ratio=1:5) till a very smooth consistency was achieved. The resultant slurry from each seed was filtered through cheesecloth to yield the respective legume-milk. About 100ml of the resultant legume milk was pasteurised at 90oC for 15 minutes in triplicates. The first set had no glucose, the second set had 2% glucose while the third had 5% glucose added. Each legume-milk was inoculated with 0.5g of the starter culture and incubated at 42oC for 48 hours in a water bath. After fermentation, the samples were stored for 0-10 day(s) between 4oC and 28oC. Proximate composition and sensory properties of three legumes-yoghurt samples with 2% glucose were determined. Triplicate data obtained were subjected to statistical analysis using SPSS software of version 21. Mean values were determined using One- Way ANOVA and Fisher’s Least Significant Difference was used to separate the means at (p ≤ 0.05). The proximate compositions of the milk samples showed that soymilk had protein (3.40%), fat (2.26%), ash (0.53%), fibre (0.45%), moisture (92.05%) and carbohydrate (1.31%) which were significantly (p ≤ 0.05) different from Lima milk which had protein (3.00%), fat (0.97)%, ash (0.45%), fibre (1.53%), moisture (91.25%) and carbohydrate (2.80%); and Bambara nut milk had protein (3.06%), fat (0.64%), ash (0.35%), fibre (1.45%), moisture (90.40%) and carbohydrate (4.10%); and cow milk had protein (3.29%), fat (3.61%), ash (0.76%), moisture (88.00%) and carbohydrate (4.34%). The result showed no significant difference in colour and mouthfeel but significant difference existed for taste, aroma and overall acceptability, with Bambara nut yoghurt rated highest.

The edible tissue yield, proximate, fatty acid, and free amino acid composition were examined and compared among Chinese mitten crabs (Eriocheir sinensis) samples from Ya Lake over different months. Regardless of gender, the gonadosomatic index (GSI) was higher in May and June than that in August and September (P

Changes in the nutritive value of forages are imminent under different ensiling conditions. Thus, a study was conducted to assess the effects of ensiling length and storage temperature on the nutritive value, fermentation characteristics and fibre-bound protein of three tropical forage legumes, sorghum and mixtures of sorghum and the legumes. Soybean (Glycine max), jack bean (Cannavalia ensiformis), lablab (Lablab purpureus) and sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) were solely grown and harvested, and the legumes were wilted before ensiling. Mixtures of sorghum and each legume were handmade on a percentage fresh weight basis of 60:40. Each forage and mixtures (400 g) were ensiled in polythene vacuum bags with homofermentative lactic acid bacteria inoculation for 30, 75 and 180 days. A set of mini silos were stored indoors, and another batch was stored outdoors. HOBO Pro v2 data loggers were deployed to monitor the ambient temperature of the storage locations during the entire ensiling period (from day 0 to 180). Measurements included nutrient analysis, fermentation quality and fibre bound protein characteristics. The hourly ambient temperature for outdoor and indoor storage ranged from 16-61°C vs 18-35°C, respectively. Proximate constituents of all silages were influenced by ensiling length. Significant changes were primarily detected in fermentation products of legume silages between 30 and 75 d of ensiling. There were reduced fermentation products for silages stored outdoors. The ensiling length influenced proportions of neutral detergent insoluble nitrogen (NDIN) and acid detergent insoluble nitrogen (ADIN) with outdoor silages resulting in a higher proportion of NDIN and ADIN compared to indoor silages. Overall, a short period of ensiling preserves the nutritional quality of ensiled forages compared to prolonged storage at high ambient temperatures typical of the tropics that increase nutrient losses. Thus, changes in the nutritional composition of forages during ensiling should be considered during ration formulations.

The rapid expansion of the aquaculture industry, the global shortage of fish meal (FM) supplies from fisheries, and the continuous demand for FM as a primary protein source in aquafeed lead to increase the necessity to find new alternatives. Plant protein sources have gained significant importance among aquaculture farmers and nutritionists because of their availability, eco-friendly, sustainability, environmentally safe, and relatively lower prices than FM protein. Extensive studies have been conducted to better assess the efficiency of plant protein sources as a partial or complete substitution of dietary FM in aquafeed. From these sources, Moringa oleifera has been widely used. It is universally known as “the miracle tree” because of its high nutritional values and unique composition of phytochemicals such as phenolic acids, flavonoids, carotenoids, alkaloids, tannins, lectins and terpenoids. These phytochemicals have numerous properties such as antioxidant, hepatoprotective, antimicrobial and immune-stimulant characteristics. This review article describes the nutritional features of M. oleifera with a special emphasis on the current research findings on the possibility of including different forms of M. oleifera to replace FM protein in the diets of several fish species. It also evaluates its effects on the growth parameters, feed utilisation indices, and proximate body composition of fish. The haemato-biochemical parameters, hepato-renal functions, immune responses, and antioxidative capacity of fish fed M. oleifera-based diets are also assessed. The data will help to provide new perceptions and references for future research interests and aquaculture production.

Oily sludge, as a waste containing a large amount of oil within the range of 10–90 wt%, has a potential to be utilized as a source of fuel. Heating value is of utmost importance in the assessment of thermal conversion of waste to energy and/or other valuable products. The aim of the current study is to develop correlations based on proximate and ultimate analysis to predict HHV of oily sludge accurately and easily. The analysis data were collected from previous studies conducted by global researchers. Four correlations were proposed by using the regression analysis method, one based on proximate analysis and three based on ultimate analysis. Among them, the correlations based on ultimate analysis show higher accuracy than the one based on proximate analysis and those established in the literature. Interestingly, the addition of variables has a negative contribution to the accuracy of correlations due to the collinearity between C and H. Thus, the simplest one (i.e. HHV = 0.431C + 1.234) only containing C presents the highest R 2 ¯ and lowest bias error, especially for HHV higher than 20 MJ/kg (more preferable to be used as fuel source). The correlations were then validated with samples collected from local oilfield, showing a similar result with that obtained for the regression analysis.

This study aimed to produce protein hydrolysates from sesame bran using ultrasound-assisted enzymatic extraction followed by spray-drying (SD) and freeze-drying (FD) techniques. Spray drying parameters highly influenced powder yield (22.8–70.5%), protein yield (23.0–70.4%), drying time (41–149 min) and aw value (0.196–0.288). Therefore, the impacts of SD and FD were assessed after an optimization study. Drying techniques significantly affected amino acid, mineral and lignan compositions as well as proximate powder properties. FD revealed significantly improved wettability (2.3 s) and dispersibility (98.6%) values with higher foaming capacity (35%). Protein powders produced by FD had considerably lower bulk and tapped densities which are important parameters for processing and transportation. On the other hand, SD provided higher water holding capacity (0.94 g H2O/g protein) and better color properties (L*: 71.4). The newly developed protein powder as a functional ingredient could offer sustainable options to food industry and may open up new opportunities to be used in various food formulations.

Bio-Oils derived from biomass pyrolysis are promising feedstock for the direct production of valuable platform chemicals, fuels and energy from renewable and sustainable resources. Among the numerous technologies utilized for biomass pyrolysis, fast pyrolysis technologies are chosen for liquid products yield maximization, and characterized by short residence times for solids and vapors, operating temperatures in above ≥500 °C and very high heating rates. Inspired by the vast potential of biomass pyrolysis bio-oils, a thermochemical conversion (fast pyrolysis) and characterization of cocoa pod husks, an abundant agricultural biomass waste from Ghana, West Africa, has been investigated and their potential as renewable feedstock for the production of high-value added chemicals determined by analyzing chemical components of the derived bio-oil. GC–MS analysis of the bio-oil indicated that major constituents were 9, 12-octadecadienoic acid and hexadecanoic acid”. Product distributions revealed 58%wt. of bio-oil, 30%wt. of bio-char and 12%wt. of Non-condensable gas (obtained by difference). Ultimate, proximate, structural composition, calorific value and thermogravimetry analyses were also performed on the cocoa pod husks. Elemental analysis showed that the recovered milled cocoa pod husks contained about 7 elements potentially essential for plant growth.