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This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of nisin, potassium sorbate and sodium lactate and their interactions as preservatives in fat oxidation, some quality and microbial characteristics of chilled ground beef meat stored at 4C˚ for 0,4,8 and 12 days. The study included nine different treatments: T1 (control treatment without addition), T2 (nisin at a concentration of 150 mg/kg), T3 (potassium sorbate 0.075 g/kg), T4 (sodium lactate 3%), T5 (nisin 150 mg/kg + potassium sorbate 0.075 g/kg), T6 (nisin 150 mg/kg + sodium lactate 3%), T7 (Sodium Lactate 3% + Potassium Sorbate 0.075 g/kg), T8 (Nisin 150 mg/kg + Sodium Lactate 3% + Potassium Sorbate 0.075 g/kg) and T9 (Addition of Butylated hydroxyanisole(BHA 0.01%)). All treatments showed significant (p<0.01) decreases in dry matter percentage of (fat and ash) and increase in protein and moisture and water holding capacity (WHC) percentage as compared with the control treatment at any refrigerated storage time. Thiobarbituric acid (TBA) were lower (P<0.01) in nisin, potassium sorbate and sodium lactate treatments when compared with the control treatment at any refrigerated storage time. Nisin, potassium sorbate and sodium lactate treated samples reduced (P<0.01) the total plate count of bacteria during refrigerated storage times. It can be concluded that nisin, potassium sorbate and sodium lactate had positive significant influence on quality characteristics and microbial safety of ground beef meat when stored under refrigeration at 4C° up to 12 days. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dietary calcium intake below the recommended levels is widespread worldwide. Therefore, there is an urgent need to identify and implement new sources of this nutrient. Fish bones are rich in calcium and bioactive peptides and can be used as ingredients for the manufacture of functional foods or to improve the technological properties of food. Thus, fish bones may be an interesting alternative to traditional sources of calcium, such as dairy products. This review analyzes the available information on processes related to the derivation of calcium from fish bones, including solubilization of hydroxyapatite, reduction of particle size to nanometer range, and addition of calcium-chelating peptides. These processes are highly relevant for obtaining ingredients with a high calcium content, high availability, and adequate sensory properties when added to foods. Thus, fish bone powder has immense potential as a source of bioavailable calcium for food fortification. In addition to the biological and technological considerations, the use of a usually discarded part of fish as a source of bioactive ingredients not only represents an advantage in terms of contributing to waste reduction in food processing but also provides an economic reward. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The determinant variables of the carcass and meat traits from livestock sheep are important to evaluate because they are related to the acceptability of the meat in the market. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to evaluate the carcass and physicochemical meat traits from five racial biotypes; Katahdin (n=9), Dorper (n=12), Pelibuey (n=18), Blackbelly (n=14) and Suffolk (n=7) of different age range (≤ 12 months old; n=42) and (> 13 months old; n=18), males (n=53) and females (7). The data were analyzed by descriptive statistics, general linear model, and Pearson correlation. Hot carcass weight (HCW) was higher in Katahdin (23.76 kg), Dorper (24.49 kg), and Pelibuey (22.91 kg) lambs. Males were 23.08% higher (P<0.05) in HCW than females. The water holding capacity was higher in young sheep (61.59%) (P<0.05) than in the old sheep (59%). The intramuscular fat was higher in Katahdin (4.12%) and Pelibuey (3.27%). The protein was higher in Suffolk (16.50%) and Katahdin (15.85%). The carcass compactness index had a high correlation with slaughter weight (r=0.819), HCW (r=0.954), carcass yield (r=0.618), thorax perimeter (r=0.773) and rump perimeter (r=0.734). In conclusion, the carcass and meat traits of the young male racial biotypes presented better values than those of old and female's sheep, and possibly with greater acceptance in the market. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Six Hydrophilic polymers Xanthan Gum, Iota Carrageenan, Kappa Carrageenan, Agar Agar, Food grade Agar and Gellan Gum were studied for polymerization potential and water holding capacities. Among the six polymers, Xanthan gum and Iota Carageenan recorded the maximum values for water holding capacities of 38.27 ml/g and 34.17 ml/g and were forwarded for the Seed coating experiment. Coating experiments consist of twodosages of polymer powders (10g, and 20g /kg) and two concentrations of sticking agent (water 5ml and 10 ml). Coated seeds exposed to seed germination studies against untreated seeds. Results revealed that Finger millet seeds coated with 20 g Xanthan gum + 10 ml water as sticker recorded the maximum values for seed germination (87%), seedling length (26.23cm), dry matter production (12.47mg 10 seedlings-1)and Vigour Index I (2282) and II (1084).The % increase over the control was 7 for seed germination, 56 for seedling length (cm), 21 for dry matter production (mg),69 for seedling vigour index I and 31for seedling vigour index II. From the studies it could be concluded that Finger millet seeds coated with the Xanthangum @20 g can be recommended as pre sowing seed treatment for improving the Seed Germination and seedling vigour. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the impact of Aging on muscle-specific meat quality in various muscle types, including Vastus lateralis (VL), Gluteo biceps femoris (GBF), Gluteomedius (GM), Longissimus dorsi et lumborum (LL), Psoas major (PM), and Semitendinosus (ST) in sheep. Meat quality parameters such as water holding capacity (WHC), thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS), drip loss, and color stability myoglobin (Mb), met-myoglobin (met-Mb), instrumental color [L, a* and b*]) were assessed under refrigeration conditions (4±1 ° C) on the 0th, 5th, 10th, and 15th day post-mortem. The findings of this study indicated a significant decrease (P<0.05) in myoglobin concentration on the 10th day for VL and GBF muscles, while GM, LD, and ST muscles exhibited this decrease on the 15th day. Notably, met-Mb percentage showed considerable variation (P<0.05) during different post-mortem aging periods among the muscles. TBARS values were significantly higher (P<0.05) on the 5th and 10th days, while water holding capacity and drip loss exhibited a substantial increase (P<0.05), reaching their highest (P<0.05) values on the 15th day post-mortem. Furthermore, the lightness value (L) increased significantly (P<0.05) in VL, GBF, LL, PM, and ST as the postmortem aging period progressed. The redness (a*) and yellowness (b*) also increased significantly (P<0.05) with advancing post-mortem aging period. These results provide valuable insights into the effect of Aging on the meat quality of different muscle types in sheep, shedding light on changes in color stability, myoglobin content, lipid oxidation, and water holding capacity during the post-mortem aging process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The substrate is one of the main inputs for the production of Yerba Mate (YM) seedlings (Ilex paraguariensis A. St.-Hil.) and its properties must be adequate according to the cultivation system. The objective of this work was to analyze physical properties of substrates made with pine bark compost (CCP) and Sphagnum peat (T) and to evaluate their effects on the morphological quality of YM seedlings produced in alveolar plastic trays. The trial consisted of five treatments: 100% T; 75% T + 25% CCP; 50% T + 50% CCP; 25% T + 75% CCP and 100% CCP. The following variables were analyzed for each substrate: pH, electrical conductivity (EC), bulk density (Dap), total pore space (EPT), water retention capacity (CRA), aeration porosity (PA) and granulometry. Stem length and diameter, aerial dry mass (MSA) and root dry mass (MSR) were measured on 45 seedlings per treatment and the robustness index (IR) and Dickson quality index (ICD) were calculated. The statistical analyses used were principal component analysis, analysis of variance and Tukey's test (P < 0.05). All the substrates had pH and EC values within an adequate range (5.5 to 6.8 and < 1 dS m-1). The CRA increased and the PA decreased in response to increasing amounts of T, with significant differences among treatments (P < 0.0001). Seedlings grown under 75% T + 25% CCP, 50% T + 50% CCP and 25% T + 75% CCP had higher MSA while those under 100% T had lower MSR. The lowest IR was identified in seedlings under 25% T + 75% CCP and 100% CCP. The seedlings under 75% T + 25% CCP, 50% T + 50% CCP and 25% T + 75% CCP showed higher ICD. In conclusion, YM seedlings with the highest quality and robustness were obtained in substrates with EPT > 85%, CRA = 55%, PA = 35% and Dap = 200 kg m-3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Proline is an integral osmoprotectant produced in plants under stressed conditions to reduce the adverse effects of any abiotic stress. For the induction of drought stress tolerance exogenously applied proline could be an effective strategy. To evaluate this, a pot experiment was designed to mitigate drought stress on wheat through exogenous application of proline. Two water stress levels i.e., 70% and 30% (applied after 4 weeks) and 30mM proline was either applied in soil (after one week of water stress) or as foliar application (after 1 and 2 week of drought stress. In, another treatment double spray of proline was applied after 1 and 2 weeks of drought stress. When compared with control the proline application has a considerable share in improving plant growth attributes under drought stress. Maximum improvement in plant height (53.99 cm), count of tillers plant-1 (3.33), root fresh weight (7.15 g), root dry weight (1.28 g), shoot fresh weight (32.75 g), shoot dry weight (3.03 g), chlorophyll contents (37.13 mg kg-1), N (31%) and P concentration (0.23%) in plants was observed when proline was applied at 1st week and repeated after 2nd week of drought stress. In addition, 46% reduction in Na+\K+ ratio (0.28) in plant leaves was also observed in proline foliar application. The foliar application of proline showed better response than that of soil application. Proline application as foliar spray in two splits during drought stress sounds stronger effects to improve growth and physiology of wheat crop. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drought stress causes negative effects on soil nutrients dynamics as well as their mutual interactions. Negative interaction between phosphorus (P) and zinc (Zn) vis-à-vis plant uptake exists under adequate moisture availability but this phenomenon is still unclear under drought condition. A pot study was conducted to investigate the effect of this interaction on maize plants (var. FH-1046) at three moisture levels, viz., optimum (80% of water holding capacity-WHC), moderate drought (50% of WHC) and severe drought (30% of WHC). The P and Zn were added alone (only-P and only-Zn) or in combination (P + Zn) at the rate of 57 and 6 mg kg-1 soil at three moisture levels with complete randomization. Soil moisture levels were introduced after two weeks of plant growth and maintained after every three days by weighing. After 60 days of plant growth, plants were harvested and analyzed for their growth and nutrients contents, viz., P, Zn, nitrogen (N), and potassium (K). The findings showed that combined P and Zn caused a significant reduction in P and Zn contents at the root and shoot levels at higher moisture (80% and 50% of WHC) relative to alone P and Zn additions, but the extent of this reduction reduced with increasing drought intensity, showing the negative effect of drought on plant nutrients uptake. The effect of combined nutrients addition was positive on plant growth and the absence of P (only Zn addition) reduced plant height by 14% and 28% at 80% and 30% of WHC levels. Shoot and root dry weights increased significantly by 41% and 43% with combined P and Zn applications. The plant growth also declined with the increasing drought levels. Under severe drought (30% of WHC), the extent of the negative interaction of P and Zn diminished considerably but there was an overall negative effect on plant growth and nutrient contents at 30% of WHC. The findings suggest that increasing drought intensity can reduce the negative effect of P and Zn on each other's uptake and accumulation in plants but with concurrent reductions in absolute nutrients contents and plant growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of dietary Bacillus protease on broiler performance were examined. Three hundred 'Cobb 500' day-old broilers were randomly assigned to five dietary groups with five replicates of 12 birds each. Treatments include: PROT0; without protease addition (0 g/kg; control), PROT10, PROT15, PROT20 and PROT25 diets supplemented with Bacillus protease at the level of 1, 1.5, 2 and 2.5 g/kg, respectively. Birds fed PROT25 had the highest (p < 0.05) villi height and villi height to crypt depth ratio, as well as crypt depth at the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum of intestine. At starter and finisher phases, BWG was the highest (p < 0.05), whereas FI and FCR had their lowest values in PROT25 group (p < 0.05). PROT25 broilers had the best (p < 0.05) energy efficiency ratio. Crude protein, dry matter, and crude fibre digestibility were improved (p < 0.05) with increased inclusion levels of Bacillus protease. Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria count increased (p < 0.05) as the inclusion levels of Bacillus protease increased in both ileum and caecum, while E. coli population decreased. Chickens fed with the PROT25 diets had the highest (p < 0.05) values for carcass, thigh, breast and drumstick weight. Cooking loss decreased (p < 0.05) as the inclusion levels of Bacillus protease increased, while water holding capacity increased (p < 0.05). Highest Bacillus protease (2.5 g/kg) inclusion improved digestibility, gut integrity, and health status with a better FCR, body weight gain, and retail cut yields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Seaweeds are important sources of macro- and micronutrients used as food, minerals, and as important sources of many bioactive compounds. Due to high water content, seaweeds are highly perishable and should be immediately subjected to drying process to increase their shelf-life. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of ovendrying in comparison with conventional sun/open-air drying on the chemical composition, functional properties and fatty acid profile of Ulva intestinalis. The results showed significantly lower water holding capacity in sun/open-air dried samples (8.83 mL g-1) compared to oven-dried ones (10.83 mL g-1; p > 0.05). There was no significant difference between oil holding capacity, emulsifying activity and swelling capacity of dried U. intestinalis and two different drying methods (p > 0.05). The EPA and DHA contents in sun/open-air and ovendried samples were 1.282 and 0.806 (g/100g for EPA), while 2.377 and 1.972 (g/100g for DHA), respectively. N-3/n-6 ratio in the above-mentioned samples were 0.959 and 0.340, respectively. Based on the results, oven-drying method is suggested for drying this algae regarding to higher water holding capacity and higher content of highly unsaturated fatty acids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biological soil crusts (biocrusts) are a prevalent form of organic cover in drylands across the world, and they play a crucial role in shaping the ecohydrological processes and functioning of dryland ecosystems. However, in desert steppe ecosystems, the ecohydrological influences of biocrusts and their pathways have not yet been thoroughly understood. Here, we examined the influences of three types of biocrusts (cyanobacterial, cyanobacterial‐moss mixed, and moss biocrusts) on soil water retention and infiltration in a typical desert steppe of northwestern China, and we also analysed the possible pathways through which biocrusts affect them. Accordingly, the field capacity (θf, indicating soil water‐holding capacity) and saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ks, indicating soil infiltrability) of each biocrust‐covered soil and bare soil were measured both at 0–5 and 5–10 cm depths, on Arenosols (loamy sand texture) and Calcisols (silty loamy texture), respectively. Our results showed that the presence of biocrusts increased surface soil (0–5 cm) water‐holding capacity while decreased soil infiltrability, creating a remarkable impact on soil water retention and infiltration. As compared to bare soil, the θf of cyanobacterial, cyanobacterial‐moss mixed, and moss biocrusts were increased by 16.5%, 21.4%, and 21.7% on Arenosols and by 9.6%, 18.9%, and 22.8% on Calcisols, while their Ks were reduced by 43.2%, 56.2%, and 38.2% on Arenosols, and by 49.0%, 68.7%, and 36.0% on Calcisols, respectively. The development of biocrusts on sandy textured soil had a more pronounced impact on both soil water retention and infiltration than loamy textured soil. We found that biocrusts mainly changed soil water retention and infiltration by increasing the contents of clay and organic matter. More specifically, the increase in clay content led to a more significant effect compared to the increase in organic matter content on Arenosols, while the opposite influence was observed on Calcisols. Among the three types of biocrusts, the soil infiltrability of the mixed biocrusts was the lowest, perhaps due to the interaction between the accumulation of clay particles by moss and the secretion of extracellular polymeric substances by cyanobacteria. Our study highlights the remarkable ecohydrological impacts of biocrusts on desert steppe ecosystems, and the results imply that it is of great necessary to integrate biocrusts and their influences into our understanding of ecohydrological processes in global drylands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT: In the current scientific literature, one can find >100 different methods to evaluate water-holding capacity in fresh and cooked meat. The main concepts are based on removing some of the water by either gravity, application of pressure (e.g., centrifugal force), and heating while measuring water exudate to predict the water holding capacity (WHC) during storage, processing, cooking, and/or distribution. More sophisticated methods include nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) in which the relaxation of water molecules within a meat protein/gel system is measured to predict how the water (75% in lean meat) will behave during processing. Overall, the number of tests reported is also so high because there are quite big variations in test conditions (e.g., 750–30,000 g for centrifugal testing). The aim of this article (outcome of a symposium on methods for poultry meat characterization) is to help the reader navigate through the different setups and suggest standardized testing based on scientific principles. The recommended WHC test is the application of low centrifugal force (750 g so sample is not permanently deformed) to a protein gel, while the sample is placed on a screen platform to avoid reabsorbing the liquid separating during the slowing down of the centrifuge. It is also recognized that some meat samples (e.g., high in fat) might require a different g-force, so it is recommended to employ both the conditions mentioned above and the lab-specific conditions. Our overall goal should always be to increase uniformity in test procedures, which will enhance our capabilities to compare results among research groups.

A dose-response assay was carried out to investigate the effects of graded levels of dietary tryptophan (Trp) on blood variables, immunity, and meat quality in quail chicks during the last two weeks of the growing period. A total of 420 21-day-old quail chicks were randomly distributed across the seven experimental groups (i.e., 2.12, 2.25, 2.38, 2.51, 2.64, 2.77, and 2.90 g Trp/kg of diet) with four pen replicates of 15 birds each. Blood variables, including uric acid (UA), albumin (ALB), and triglycerides (TG), responded inversely to increasing dietary Trp (P

Energy cane (Saccharum spp.) bagasse, a type of biomass waste, is often underutilized, burned, or left to dispose of itself. This research aimed to evaluate the potential of converting this bagasse into high-value cellulosic microfiber hydrogels (CMH) for water conservation and potted chili (Capsicum annuum) plant growth. CMH offers a biodegradable alternative to synthetic polyacrylamide (PA) hydrogels and provides the dual benefit of improved water use efficiency and reduced environmental impact due to their ability to naturally break down in the soil. In this study, CMH and PA hydrogels were compared for water retention value (WRV), and reswelling kinetics (RK), as well as their effects on plant height, leaf count, root-to-shoot ratios (R:S ratio), and soil moisture retention. Two versions of CMH, CMH65 and CMH60, were prepared with varying cellulose-chitosan ratios: 65:35 and 60:40, respectively. The hydrogels were tested at four concentrations (0, 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0% w/w) by being mixed in Promix® soil. Observations were recorded over a 16-day period without additional water. Also, the WRV of hydrogels at 240 min and RK (10–180 min) were compared over three swelling-deswelling cycles. The PA hydrogel exhibited higher WRV (exceeding 450%) compared to CMH (45%). However, PA led to reduced plant height, leaf count, and R:S ratio when compared to higher concentrations of CMH65 and CMH60. In general, CMH60 (0.5% and 2%) exhibited superior plant growth. All hydrogels exhibited a significant decrease (p

Physical properties of peat are widely applied to detect the quality of peatland ecosystem. A comprehensive dataset on the peat properties is the foundation for the development tool and model of peat ecosystem, especially in region with frequent wildfire. Here we established a tabular dataset for physical properties of lowland tropical peatland in Indonesia. The data were obtained in dry season 2019 and 2023, respectively, at Jambi and Central Kalimantan peatlands. The dataset comprises of 66 peat samples from two land-uses namely secondary forest and ex-burned lowly vegetation. The physical properties are bulk density, porosity, water retention at four pressures (-1, -10, -25, and -1500 kPa), and water holding capacity. In addition, a set parameter of van Genuchten for water retention curve is available. The field-observed dataset provides a solid base for a better understanding of physical peat properties and can be used as a first step to develop peat water retention database in lowland tropical peatlands.

ABSTRACT Land-use changes from native pastures to forest plantations in humid temperate areas have raised concerns about their potential impact on the environment. This study aimed to assess the effects of such changes on soil water properties, focusing on the impact of the forest species planted and their relationship with changes in soil C content. Specifically, we aimed to identify the development of surficial soil hydrophobicity and changes in soil water holding capacity. A long-term forest experiment with variable planting densities (816, 1111, and 2066 trees ha-1) of Eucalyptus grandis Hill ex Maiden and Pinus taeda L. was established in 2004 on native pasture vegetation. Undisturbed soil samples (0.00-0.03 m soil layer) were extracted from the experiment and surrounding pastures and soil water repellency was determined by the water drop penetration time (WDPT) method at three soil matric potential levels (SMP). Bootstrapping was used to test if the sample size was sufficient to obtain robust results. Replacing native pastures with forest plantations significantly increased surficial soil hydrophobicity, which was more pronounced under Eucalyptus grandis than under Pinus taeda. Soil water repellency increased with decreasing SMP, particularly in land-uses that generated higher initial hydrophobicity. Additionally, the soils under forest cover had less water retention capacity than those under pastures at each SMP, with larger differences when the soil was dried to more negative SMP. More research is necessary to determine if soil alterations from converting native pastures to forest plantations in temperate climates will lead to a significant decrease in soil water holding capacity and an increase in hydrophobicity at deeper depths.

ABSTRACT: A study was conducted to evaluate the nutritional benefits of milk thistle (Silybum marianum) in quail nutrition as an additive containing antioxidant compounds such as silymarin. A total of 300, 14-d old Japanese quail chicks were randomly allotted to 5 treatments with 6 replicates and 10 birds each. The experimental diets, including a basal diet and 4 diets containing 10, 20, 30, and 40 g/kg milk thistle, were used from d 14 to 35 and spline and segmented models were applied to fit data. The optimized values of dietary milk thistle (breakpoints) for optimum amounts of serum albumin (ALB), total protein (TP), glucose (Glu), magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), iron (Fe), and water holding capacity (WHC) in meat samples, as predicted by the regression models, were 24.14, 20.00, 20.00, 24.50, 20.00, 10.43, 23.75, and 25.85 g/kg of diet, respectively, based on maximum R2 and minimum Sy.x. While the breakpoints for minimum cooking loss, drip loss, malondialdehyde after 10 and 30 d (MDA10 and MDA30), triglyceride (TG), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), cholesterol (CHOL), uric acid (UA), and creatinine (CRT) were 27.00, 15.82, 15.78, 33.09, 27.39, 17.99, 20.00, 20.00, 20.90, and 32.57 g/kg of diet, respectively. The use of spline models revealed an objective estimate of the optimal amounts of milk thistle for optimizing physiological responses in growing quails. The present analysis showed that higher dietary levels of milk thistle were needed for optimizing meat quality compared to other physiological responses.

The effects of deionized water thawing (DT), plasma-activated water thawing (PT), ultrasound (150 W, 40 kHz) combined with deionized water thawing (UDT), and ultrasound combined with plasma-activated water thawing (UPT) on the thawing characteristics and the physicochemical properties of the beef were investigated. The results showed that the UPT group had a faster thawing rate (38 % higher compared to the PT group) and good bactericidal ability (75 % higher compared to the UDT group), and had no adverse effect on the color and pH value of the beef. Plasma-activated water (PAW) can maintain the stability of the beef fiber, improve the water holding capacity (WHC), inhibit lipid oxidation, and reduce the loss of soluble substances such as protein. Therefore, UPT thawing is a promising meat thawing technology, which provides practical guidance and methods for the wide application of UPT in the field of meat thawing.

To explore the effects of crushing processes on the rheological properties and edible quality of minced meat, blunt cutting tool and sharp cutting tool on two devices of beating machine and chopping machine were used to prepare minced meat. The pH value, salt soluble protein content, protein secondary structure, particle size distribution, color, stability and cooking loss, water holding capacity, texture characteristics and microstructure of minced meat gel were investigated. The results showed that the four crushing processes had different degrees of muscle fiber fragmentation, resulting in different properties of the low-fat minced meat and the resulting gel. Compared with the beater, the low-fat minced meat treated by the chopper had a higher G′ value in the temperature scanning. The low-fat minced meat beaten with blunt knife had the lowest viscosity and showed poor stability in frequency scanning. The high intensity cutting action of the chopper resulted in a lower end temperature and smaller particle size of the broken low-fat minced meat, and higher water holding capacity of the low-fat minced meat gel. Compared with the other three processes, the blunt knife chopped low-fat minced meat had the highest redness value (15.95), pH value (6.66), salt-soluble protein content (77.05 mg/mL), relative content of β-fold (43.71%), and the low-fat minced meat gel had the lowest cooking loss (17.48%), the highest hardness (4147.72 g), gumminess (2883.72), chewiness (2496.02 g), sensory scores, which may be attributed to the tighter microstructure of low-fat minced meat gel formed by this treatment with moderate muscle fragmentation. Therefore, the blunt chopping is suitable for the crushing production of low-fat minced meat, which can improve its salt-soluble protein content, relative content of β-sheet, redness, water holding capacity and texture properties.

This research scrutinised the opportunity of upcycling waste from the food industry by extracting dietary fibre from purple aubergine. One of the challenges addressed was enzymatic browning, which negatively influenced the quality of the fibre extracted from fresh aubergine. Various pre-treatment procedures were assessed, including using citric acid, sulphite immersion, peeling and thermal processing, to determine their effects on extraction yield, colour, and the functionality of the resultant dietary fibre. Findings indicated that a pre-treatment method involving aubergine peeling, sulphite solution immersion, and subsequent steaming before extraction produced optimal results, enhancing both whiteness index and water-holding capacity. Experiments were conducted with traditional enzymes supplemented with cellulase, xylanase, and lipase for enzymatic extraction. The addition of lipase notably elevated the extraction yield and water-holding capacity, albeit with an undesired darkening effect on the dietary fibre. In contrast, the application of xylanase emerged as the most effective treatment, delivering the highest overall quality for the derived dietary fibre.

Abstract Background Currently, using unconventional water sources in agriculture has become necessary to face overpopulation worldwide. Therefore, a pot experiment was carried out to evaluate the effects of irrigation with saline water in the presence of co-applied wood chips biochar (WCB) with chemical fertilizers on physicochemical properties and nutrient availability as well as growth parameters, and yield of red radish (Raphanus sativus L.) grown in the saline sandy soil. Methods The WCB was added to the saline sandy soil at levels of 0 (control), 2.5, and 5% w/w. Then, this soil was cultivated by red radish plants and irrigated with saline water (5 dS m− 1). This experiment was performed in a randomized complete block design with three replicates. Results Compared with the control treatment, WCB treatments increased significantly soil water holding capacity by 34.8% and 73.2% for levels of 2.5 and 5%, respectively. Soil pH decreased significantly in all WCB treatments. The relative increase in the total available nitrogen over the control was 30.1 and 103.5% for 2.5 and 5% wood chips biochar, respectively. Compared to the control, applying WCB at 2.5% led to an increase in the fresh root weight of red radish plants by 142.7%, while 5% caused a decrease in the fresh root weight of red radish plants by 29.4%. Conclusion Recently, WCB represents an interesting approach to the rehabilitation of saline soils and the management of using saline water sources. It is recommended that combined application of WCB at a level of 2.5% with chemical fertilizers in order to improve red radish growth and nutrient retention in the saline sandy soil which preserves the ecosystem as well as increases productivity leading to the reduction of costs.

With low gluten wheat flour as main raw material, Cordyceps militaris egg rolls were made by adding C. militaris powder, egg liquid, yellow cream and white granulated sugar, etc. Methods: Box-Behnken multiple regression model was constructed through single factor test and response surface methodology to optimize the formula of C. militaris egg rolls. Texture parameters were determined by TMS-PRO texture analyzer, and product performance indexes were determined according to the national food safety standards. Results：The optimum formula for egg rolls was as follows, C. militaris powder 6%, egg liquid 25%, white granulated sugar 30%, and yellow cream 37% based on the total amount of low gluten wheat flour. Under the optimal conditions, the sensory score of C. militaris egg rolls was up to 91.0 points. All the performance indexes were in line with the national safety standards, and had good water and oil retention. The hardness of C. militaris egg rolls was 34.03±0.49 N, adhesion was −1.34±0.01 N·s, the cohesiveness was 0.13±0.01 mJ, mastication was 3.36±0.23 N, the elasticity was 0.76±0.01 mm. Conclusion：Compared with the whole powder egg rolls, C. militaris egg rolls had better nutritional values with characteristics of high protein, high fat, high cordycepin, high water holding capacity and low oil holding capacity.

In order to study the effects of animal liver addition on the gel properties of surimi, homogenized pig liver or duck liver was added to silver carp surimi at a level of 5% or 10%, respectively. The texture profile analysis, rheological properties, water distribution and intermolecular force of mixed surimi gel were determined. Results showed that with the addition of liver homogenates, the hardness, storage modulus (G') and loss modulus (G'') of surimi gel increased. And the whiteness, resilience and cohesiveness decreased, while water distribution was not greatly affected. When the content of liver homogenate increased from 5% to 10%, hardness did not change while whiteness, resilience and cohesiveness decreased further. The crude enzyme activity of transglutaminase (TGase) in duck liver homogenate was significantly higher than that of pig liver. At 5% addition level, protein resolubility of duck liver mixed surimi gel was higher than that of pig liver gel after breaking ionic, hydrogen, hydrophobic and disulfide bonds in the system. SDS-PAGE analysis showed that the myosin heavy chain in the duck liver group was less dense than that in the pig liver group, which might due to a greater involvement of myosin in TGase-mediated intermolecular cross-linking. Compared with the control group, the gel strength and the proportion of immobilized water in the pig liver group decreased significantly, while there was no difference in the duck liver group. The preliminary results showed that the addition of 5% pig liver homogenate had a significant effect on the gel properties of frozen silver carp surimi, which might be related to the endogenous TGase in the liver. However, this requires further investigation.

To investigate the effect of low voltage electrostatic field combined with high humidity thawing on the water-holding capacity of frozen lamb meat, lamb hindleg meat after 24 h of postmortem aging was frozen in a refrigerator at −18 ℃ for 24 h and then thawed. The effects of low voltage electrostatic field combined with high humidity thawing (current of 0.2 mA, voltage of 2 500 V, 4 ℃, and relative humidity of 98%) on the thawing rate, water retention, moisture distribution, carbonyl content, total sulfhydryl content, solubility, surface hydrophobicity, protein secondary structure and protein tertiary structure of lamb meat were evaluated in comparison with those of another three thawing methods: refrigerator thawing (4 ℃, and relative humidity of 55%), low voltage electrostatic field assisted thawing (current of 0.2 mA, voltage of 2 500 V, 4 ℃, relative humidity of 55%), and high humidity thawing (4 ℃, and relative humidity 98%). The results showed that among the four thawing methods, low voltage electrostatic field combined with high humidity thawing had the shortest thawing time (519 min), the lowest thawing loss (3.37%), cooking loss (30.60%), carbonyl content (3.85 nmol/mg) and surface hydrophobicity (21.90 μg), relative content of immobilized water (97.96%) closest to that of fresh meat (98.44%), the highest total sulfhydryl content (28.55 nmol/mg) and solubility (29.98%), and the most stable protein secondary and tertiary structures, indicating that this thawing method shortened the thawing time, effectively inhibited protein oxidative denaturation, and reduced the juice loss, and myofibrillar proteins from the treated lamb meat had the highest water hydration capacity and the best water-holding capacity.

For centuries, game meat has been an important source of proteins, vitamins and minerals in the human diet. Interest for game meat during last few decades is increasing, mainly due to lower ecological footprint and a preferred chemical composition in comparison to the meat of domestic animals. In recent years, Europe has been facing an overpopulation of wild boars, which affects the availability of game meat to a wider niche of consumers. Therefore, wild game meat is a great alternative to others red meats and it has a great advantage on the world meat market. Regarding physical parameters of wild boar meat wide range of values can be found depending on analysed muscle type, sex, age, season and/or hunting technique. In general, same as meat of other large game species, wild boar meat is darker (lower L*), more red (higher a*) and colour parameter values can highly vary depending on previously mentioned factors. pH value usually ranges between 5.5 to 5.8, but also variations are often as wild boars have different post-mortem pH decline than domestic pigs. Expected cooking loss of wild boar meat is about 30% and higher, while meat tenderness measured as Warner-Bratzler shear force is usually higher than 40 N.

Six Hydrophilic polymers Xanthan Gum, Iota Carrageenan, Kappa Carrageenan, Agar Agar, Food grade Agar and Gellan Gum were studied for polymerization potential and water holding capacities. Among the six polymers, Xanthan gum and Iota Carageenan recorded the maximum values for water holding capacities of 38.27 ml/g and 34.17 ml/g and were forwarded for the Seed coating experiment. Coating experiments consist of twodosages of polymer powders (10g, and 20g /kg) and two concentrations of sticking agent (water 5ml and 10 ml). Coated seeds exposed to seed germination studies against untreated seeds. Results revealed that Finger millet seeds coated with 20 g Xanthan gum + 10 ml water as sticker recorded the maximum values for seed germination (87%), seedling length (26.23cm), dry matter production (12.47mg 10 seedlings-1)and Vigour Index I (2282) and II (1084).The % increase over the control was 7 for seed germination, 56 for seedling length (cm), 21 for dry matter production (mg) ,69 for seedling vigour index I and 31for seedling vigour index II. From the studies it could be concluded that Finger millet seeds coated with the Xanthangum @20 g can be recommended as pre sowing seed treatment for improving the Seed Germination and seedling vigour.

This work evaluated the buffalo milk acidification kinetics using partially or fully ultrasound-assisted fermentation and yogurt characteristics without or with sugar (5%). The results showed that assisted fermentation in an ultrasonic bath (25 kHz, 38 W/L) accelerates the fermentation rate (up to 41% increase), reducing the fermentation time (up to 2 h), and, in some conditions, improved the yogurt quality. Samples produced by US-assisted fermentation under 1 or 2 h had higher water holding capacity (up to 35%), consistency index (up to 423%), and apparent viscosity (up to 246%), explained by the formation of a stronger gel, as elucidated by microscopy images. In contrast, no differences in pH, acidity, and lactic acid bacteria viability were observed. Additionally, sucrose contributed positively to the yogurt quality, improving gel formation. Therefore, buffalo milk fermentation under US (up to 2 h) is an interesting strategy that accelerates fermentation and improves the buffalo yogurt quality.

The study investigated the effect of material temperatures (15°C, 20°C, 25°C, 30°C, 35°C, and 40°C) on the quality of fish vermicelli (FV) in terms of morphological, cooking, textural, microstructural, and water distribution properties. Results showed that as the material temperatures increased, the surface smoothness, cooking characteristics, and textural properties of FV significantly increased, followed by a decrease. Especially, when the material temperatures were 25°C and 30°C, the FV samples exhibited denser and more continuous gel networks with more embedded starch particles, resulting in decreased cooking loss and improved tensile strength. However, at material temperatures above 35°C, the continuity of the protein phase was disrupted by overswelling starch granules, leading to the worst cooking characteristics and textural properties. Especially at material temperatures of 40°C, the water holding capacity, hardness, and springiness of FV decreased by 25.59%, 73.48%, and 47.98%, respectively, compared to the samples at 25°C. Additionally, the cooking loss increased by 91.40%. In conclusion, the critical material temperature for the quality deterioration of FV was 35°C, and it was recommended to produce FV below this temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Physical and chemical characteristics of organic bedding materials determine how well they will absorb and retain moisture and may influence the environment in livestock facilities where bedding is used. The objective of this study was to determine water holding capacity (WHC) and rate of evaporative water loss (EWL) of organic materials used as bedding in livestock facilities. Corn stover, soybean stover, wheat straw, switch grass, paper, corn cobs, and wood (pine and cedar) were evaluated; coarse, medium, and fine particle sizes of each bedding material were measured. The WHC was determined by submerging bedding materials in permeable nylon bags for 1, 3, 5, 10, 20, and 30 min, and 1, 3, 6, 9, 12, 24, 48, and 72 h. Generally, finely ground particles had higher WHC (P < 0.05) than the medium or coarsely ground particles of the same material. Corn stover (3.2 g g-1) and wheat straw (3.3 g g-1) had the highest WHC. Switch grass, dry cedar, green cedar, and corn cobs (1.4, 1.5, 1.6 and 1.9 g g-1, respectively) absorbed the least amount of water. Corn cobs retained water the longest when EWL was measured at 100 °C, 25 °C, and 15 °C (6.0, 33.0, and 38.1 days, respectively). Based on N, P, and K content, corn stover, wheat straw, and soybean stover bedding had the highest fertilizer value of the bedding materials studied. Considering all characteristics, wheat straw, corn stover, and soybean stover are the most favorable bedding materials to use in livestock housing systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The high prevalence of protein energy malnutrition (PEM) is a major concern in Africa. This problem could be resolved through the nutritional use of locally available underutilized tree seeds such as those from Trichilia species. This study determined and compared the amino acid profile, functional properties, and secondary structure of the proteins from Trichilia emetica and Trichilia dregeana oilseeds. The results showed that the essential amino acid levels of the two Trichilia seed proteins were above the recommended Food and Agricultural Organisation standard for adults, with essential‐to‐total (E/T) amino acid ratios (T. dregeana 52.8%; T. emetica 53.4%) and chemical scores of 100% for both species, which were not significantly different (P > 0.05) from those of soy proteins (53.0% and 100%, respectively). The amino acid profile results indicated that Trichilia oilseeds can serve as candidates for addressing protein malnutrition in economically disadvantaged communities of sub‐Saharan Africa. The secondary structure showed that the Trichilia oilseed proteins had significantly (P < 0.05) more β‐conformations compared to soybean proteins. Further, the functional properties suggested that Trichilia oilseed proteins can be used as ingredients in food and feed formulations due to their versatile functional properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Copyright of Journal of Northwest A & F University - Natural Science Edition is the property of Editorial Department of Journal of Northwest A&F University (Natural Science Edition) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

With the gradual expansion of the protected vegetable planting area, dense planting stubbles and increasing labor cost, the treatment of vegetable residues has become an urgent problem to be solved. Soil bacterial community structure plays an important role in vegetable residue return and is susceptible to environmental changes. Therefore, understanding the influences of different soil water holding capacities on plant residue decomposition and soil bacterial communities is important for biodegradation. During the whole incubation period, the weight loss ratio of plant residue with 100% water holding capacity was 69.60 to 75.27%, which was significantly higher than that with 60% water holding capacity in clay and sandy soil, indicating that high water holding capacity promoted the decomposition of plant residue. The degradation of lignin and cellulose was also promoted within 14 days. Furthermore, with the increase in soil water holding capacity, the contents of NH4+ increased to 5.36 and 4.54 times the initial value in the clay and sandy soil, respectively. The increase in napA and nrfA resulted in the conversion of ... into NH4+. The increase in water holding capacity made the bacterial network structure more compact and changed the keystone bacteria. The increase in water holding capacity also increased the relative abundance of Firmicutes at the phylum level and Symbiobacterium, Clostridium at the genus level, which are all involved in lignin and cellulose degradation and might promote their degradation. Overall, these findings provide new insight into the effects of different soil water holding capacities on the degradation of plant residues in situ and the corresponding bacterial mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ultrasound is an acoustic mechanical wave that, at intensities above 20 kHz, can cause cavitation, a phenomenon responsible for accelerating chemical reactions and/or causing changes in the microstructure of food. This technology has been studied in meat salting, as well as in products such as bacon, sausage, cooked ham, salami and bologna. The water holding capacity, color and instrumental texture and sensory acceptance of these products can be improved with the introduction of this technology. Thus, the objective of this review is to present an overview of the effects of ultrasound on the physicochemical and sensory properties of meat and meat products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In aquatic products companies, saccharides and phosphates are often used to impregnate products to improve their quality. Insignificant impregnation effect is a main problem met in the impregnation process. The effect of ultrasonic-assisted impregnation on the storage quality of snakehead fish fillets at −18 °C was studied. For all samples, such parameters as water holding capacity, pH value, salt-soluble protein content, whiteness and cooking loss rate were examined periodically. Furthermore, the changes of moisture distribution and migration in snakehead fish fillets during storage were investigated using low-field nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The results demonstrated that ultrasonic-assisted impregnation showed better anti-freeze and water holding capacity effects than that of cryoprotectant impregnation alone. Therefore, ultrasonic treatment could be used as an effective way to improve the quality of snakehead fish fillets during the frozen process. This study could provide a broad application prospect in aquatic product processing industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Methods of soil and water conservation in tropical wetlands have been carried out is using chemicals to increase the stability of soil aggregates and water-holding capacity. The experiment aims to improve soil stability using Polyacrylamide (PAM) and Super Absorbent Polymer (SAP) materials. Experiment was carried out in R&D Dept. PT. Great Giant Pineapple (PT. GGP), Lampung. The treatment was to mix ingredients into the water with variations the ratio of ingredients (g): water (ml), among others, 1:100, 1:200, 1:300, and 1:400. Next, the SAP/PAM material is mixed into 100 g of soil with a dose of 0 g, 4 g, 8.5 g and 10 g of SAP. After the soil was mixed with the SAP, take as much as 15 g and place it in a pot containing 1 kg of soil. Results experiment show the SAP is a polymer capable of increasing water availability in ultisols and sand used in the experiment and can increase the water content by 18% if compared control. Meanwhile, PAM is a more dominant polymer in its function as an aggregate adhesive instead of a water binder. Super Absorbent Polymer (SAP) and Polyacrylamide (PAM) can chemically function as chemicals for soil conservation.

[Objective] The effects of different vegetation restoration types on the permeability and water holding capacity of degraded granite red soil were studied in order to provide a theoretical basis for soil and water conservation and accurate restoration of degraded red soil in this area. [Methods] With seriously degraded granite red soil and natural forest (NV) as the control treatment, we determined the soil permeability and soil water holding capacity of degraded granite red soil under different vegetation restoration types using field investigation, laboratory analysis, and the ring knife method. [Results] Soil permeability decreased with increasing soil depth for different vegetation restoration types. The characteristic values of soil infiltration followed the order of initial infiltration rate > average infiltration rate > stable infiltration rate. The soil permeability and the total amount of soil permeability in the first 30 min for the different vegetation types were compared with that of NV. Soil permeability and total soil permeability in the first 30 min followed the order of NV > arbor, shrub, grass (ASG) > grass in irrigation ditches (GGH) > closed canopy (CC) > low-efficiency forest transformation (IFT) > grass sown in the whole slope (FSG) > severely degraded land (HDL). The sequence of saturated water storage in the 0—40 cm soil layer followed the order of NV > ASG > GGH > CC > IFT > FSG > HDL. Redundancy analysis of soil permeability indexes and soil physical and chemical properties from the 0—5 cm soil layer showed that soil hardness, soil bulk density, silt content, and sand content were the factors that restricted soil permeability, and soil organic carbon, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, available phosphorus, total potassium, available potassium, pH value, and clay content were the important factors that could increase soil permeability. [Conclusion] ASG was the best vegetation restoration type to increase soil permeability and water holding capacity.

Soil organic carbon (SOC) is considered a significant contributor to soil water retention. However, generalizations about the role of SOC in available waterholding capacity (AWHC) may have inaccurately portrayed this relationship. We aim to reexamine the relationship between SOC and water retention using the National Cooperative Soil Survey (NCSS) Database. We focus on regional soil groups within the Pacific Northwest wheat production region, including Haploxerolls, Argixerolls, Haplocambids, and Durixerolls. We evaluated 77 sites based on SOC, total nitrogen (TN), pH, texture, bulk density (BD), field capacity (FC), permanent wilting point (PWP), and AWHC. Our findings indicate that texture and BD were the most significant contributors to AWHC variation, while SOC played a secondary role in explaining this variation. Mid-infrared (MIR) spectroscopy coupled with a random forest (RF) algorithm was used to evaluate the importance of spectral bands in determining changes in FC and PWP. This analysis identified mineral bands related to inner-surface hydroxyl groups in kaolinite (3700 cm -1) and Si-O-Si overtones (1870 cm -1) as the most important spectral contributors to PWP. The water retention at FC was associated with organic absorbances relevant to soil aggregation, such as polysaccharide C-O (~1035 cm -1), while mineral bands were relatively less influential. This study highlights the need to reexamine the impact of SOC as well as the interaction between soil texture and compaction on soil water retention to elucidate the underlying mechanisms responsible for AWHC, thus providing insight into future drought adaptation strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Currently, using unconventional water sources in agriculture has become necessary to face overpopulation worldwide. Therefore, a pot experiment was carried out to evaluate the effects of irrigation with saline water in the presence of co-applied wood chips biochar (WCB) with chemical fertilizers on physicochemical properties and nutrient availability as well as growth parameters, and yield of red radish (Raphanus sativus L.) grown in the saline sandy soil. Methods: The WCB was added to the saline sandy soil at levels of 0 (control), 2.5, and 5% w/w. Then, this soil was cultivated by red radish plants and irrigated with saline water (5 dS m− 1). This experiment was performed in a randomized complete block design with three replicates. Results: Compared with the control treatment, WCB treatments increased significantly soil water holding capacity by 34.8% and 73.2% for levels of 2.5 and 5%, respectively. Soil pH decreased significantly in all WCB treatments. The relative increase in the total available nitrogen over the control was 30.1 and 103.5% for 2.5 and 5% wood chips biochar, respectively. Compared to the control, applying WCB at 2.5% led to an increase in the fresh root weight of red radish plants by 142.7%, while 5% caused a decrease in the fresh root weight of red radish plants by 29.4%. Conclusion: Recently, WCB represents an interesting approach to the rehabilitation of saline soils and the management of using saline water sources. It is recommended that combined application of WCB at a level of 2.5% with chemical fertilizers in order to improve red radish growth and nutrient retention in the saline sandy soil which preserves the ecosystem as well as increases productivity leading to the reduction of costs. Highlights: Wood chips biochar applications into saline soil increased water holding capacity. Incorporated wood chips biochar with chemical fertilizers enhanced the availability of nitrogen and potassium in saline soil. Combining wood chips biochar at 2.5% with chemical fertilizers in saline soil improved yield parameters of red radish under saline water irrigation. Wood chips biochar at 2.5% incorporated with chemical fertilizers represents a promising strategy in saline agriculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The green revolution as well as improved seed-based fertilizers and water management have increased food grain production. The planned crop has led to an increase in food grains and biodiversity. Rice farming, wheat production as well as sugarcane crops have also increased the yield and crop waste. This farm waste has also increased the cost of farm management. Many farmers' burn and dispose of this waste, which causes air pollution. For example, the burning of waste from paddy and wheat farms in Punjab has led to an increase in air pollution in and around New Delhi. Also, the burning of farm waste is causing the loss of organic matter. Therefore, the vermicomposting project is the right way to use all such agricultural waste in the same field. This will enable proper drainage of field waste and enable the concerned farmer to produce vermicomposting containing the maximum amount of Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potash in less space. Therefore, while maintaining the balance of the environment, natural air, and water remain clean. Varieties of earthworm species are utilized for making vermicompost, which is useful for the rapid growth of a crop. This reduces the use of chemical fertilizers in the field and enables the farmers to do properly planned farming at a low cost. It takes less time to do vermicomposting. They also make the seedlings grow faster, Increases soil water holding capacity, and Reduce soil BOD. Also, vermicomposting is a boon for the nursery. Stakeholders would be truly intelligent consumers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of the current research was to determine the impact of Sophora koreensis (SKS) on Korean native chickens' (KNC) antioxidant status, meat quality (MQ), and growth performance at various levels (SKS0: basal diet without SKS, SKS1: basal diet + SKS of 10 mg/kg diet, SKS2: basal diet + SKS of 20 mg/kg diet, and SKS3: basal diet + SKS of 30 mg/kg diet). With the addition of SKS, there was a decrease in the level of malondialdehyde and an increase in the levels of catalase, superoxide dismutase, and total antioxidant capacity in the blood and leg muscle. Leg muscles displayed higher 3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonate-reducing activity in the SKS-supplemented groups. The SKS-supplemented treatments demonstrated an increased breast muscle capacity to retain water as well as a decreased cooking loss, improved pH, and increased shear force. Inclusion of SKS in the diet was found to increase spleen and bursa of Fabricius weight and body weight gain, and reduce feed consumption and abdominal fat. The SKS-supplemented groups showed a decrease in corticosterone levels and oxidative stress, and an improved antioxidant status and meet quality. In conclusion, SKS-supplementation can increase the antioxidant potential and performance of KNC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Functional traits are a set of characteristics that are expressed in the phenotype of an individual organism as a response to the environment and their impact on the ecosystem's properties. They are positioned at the crossroads between the response and influence of the organisms, creating a certain interest in functional ecological and evolutionary fields. Due to this unique position, they are divided into two categories: effect functional traits and response functional traits. Effect traits describe the influence of the species on the environment regardless of whether such traits are an adaptive advantage to the individual or not. In Bryophyta, one of the most important effect traits is water holding capacity (WHC), which is their means of regulating ecosystem hydrology. On a global scale, mosses' WHC is manifested in the slowdown of the large water cycle, in the storage of huge volumes of fresh water by peatlands and in the enormous paludification of Western Siberia. The main goal of our research was to obtain the water holding capacity measurements of tundra and taiga moss species to establish the base and foundation for environmental monitoring in the north of Siberia—the region with the most rapidly changing climate. Both the capacity to hold water within the moss tissues (WHC) and the capacity to hold water externally between the morphological structures (leaves, branches, rhizoids, etc.) (WHCe) were measured. In total, 95 samples of 9 Sphagnum and 5 true mosses species were involved to the research; some species were collected at two or three sampling sites within two natural zones/subzones that gave us the opportunity to compare the WHC along the meridional transection. In average, the northern taiga samples showed slightly higher WHC than tundra samples, probably due to the environmental specifics of the habitat—the taiga habitats were more moist, while the tundra was drier. Overall, in the majority of species, the standard deviation calculation revealed that the variability of WHCe is significantly higher than that of WHC. Such high variability in WHCe may be explained in regard to the morphological features of each individual considerably shifting between the samples of the same species while the anatomical features retain more stable results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses research which evaluated the effect of conservation tillage and agricultural land management practices on soil physical properties in different sequence cropping systems under rainfed conditions. The plot field experiment examined soil physical properties including aggregate stability, bulk density, total porosity, maximum water holding capacity and penetration resistance at plough depth. It compared the effectiveness of conventional tillage with and without crop residues.

Yogurt, produced by the lactic fermentation of milk base, is an important dairy product worldwide. One of the essential sensory properties of yogurt is the texture, and some textural defects such as weak gel firmness and syneresis likely occur in various types of yogurts, affecting consumer acceptance. In this regard, various strategies such as enrichment of milk-based with different additives and ingredients such as protein-based components (skimmed milk powder (SMP), whey protein-based powders (WP), casein-based powders (CP), and suitable stabilizers, as well as modification of processing conditions (homogenization, fermentation, and cooling), can be applied in order to reduce syneresis. The most effective proteins and stabilizers in syneresis reduction are CP and gelatin, respectively. Furthermore, yogurt's water holding capacity and syneresis can be affected by the type of starter cultures, the protolithic activity, production of extracellular polysaccharides, and inoculation rate. Moreover, optimizing the heat treatment process (85 °C/30 min and 95 °C/5 min), homogenization (single or dual-stage), incubation temperature (around 40 °C), and two-step cooling process can decrease yogurt syneresis. This review is aimed to investigate the effect of fortification of the milk base with various additives and optimization of process conditions on improving texture and preventing syneresis in yogurt. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]