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The high irrigation water demand of coconut trees in semiarid regions makes rational use crucial for crop sustainability. Additionally, it produces residues that could improve the soil water holding capacity. This research aimed to evaluate the application of coconut shell biochar to an irrigated dwarf green coconut palm orchard. The study was carried out from January 2019 to December 2021 at Campo Experimental do Curu, Paraipaba, Brazil, belonging to Embrapa Agroindústria Tropical. The experiment consisted of a completely randomized design with five treatments and four replications and included the application of 0, 5, 10, 20, or 40 g of biochar per kg of soil, equivalent to 0.0 kg, 0.5 kg, 1.0 kg, 2.0 kg or 4.0 kg of biochar per plant, respectively. The following biometric variables were evaluated: number of leaves per plant (NL), plant height (PH), number of leaflets per leaf (LFT), canopy diameter (CD) and fruit production: number of bunches per plant (NB), number of fruits per plant (NF), volume of coconut water per fruit (CWF) and total soluble solids (TSS) (°Brix), as well as the daily soil moisture average. The results showed beneficial effects on the number of leaves per plant, fruits per plant, soil moisture and irrigation water productivity in terms of liters per fruit, liters per coconut water and fruits per cubic meter (m3) applied with ideal biochar doses estimated to be 1.40 kg, 1.72 kg, 1.79 kg, 1.56 kg, 1.48 and 1.68 kg of biochar per plant, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Arthropods play vital roles in ecosystem functions, yet their distribution is subjected to environmental factors. Hence, this study investigates the impact of habitat features on arthropod communities within cocoa smallholdings under different farming practices: agroforestry and monoculture systems. We conducted arthropod sampling using yellow sticky traps and assessed the habitat features at each plantation twice to capture temporal variations in arthropod populations. The study recorded 2945 individual arthropods belonging to eight different functional groups. The most abundant functional group was saprophagous, followed by phytophagous, parasitoid, predator, mycetophagous, frugivorous, palynivore, and nectarivorous group. Using Generalized Linear Mixed Models (GLMMs), we found that the abundance of phytophagous and predatory arthropods increases with leaf litter, while it decreases with saprophagous arthropods. Our findings suggest that tree-crop diversification within cocoa smallholdings can play a significant role in preserving higher arthropod biodiversity, particularly when these smallholdings remain free from chemical insecticide use. Canopy cover was also found to positively affect the variability of arthropods indicating that it is a crucial factor affecting arthropod biodiversity. This study underscores the significance of integrating agroforestry systems into cocoa production landscapes, particularly those utilizing agrochemicals, to support diverse arthropod communities and promote sustainable cocoa production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Papaya (Carica papaya L.) is a widely cultivated and consumed fruit. When forming papaya seedlings, the combination of the ideal substrate to obtain quality seedlings is essential. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of a combination of substrates formulated with coconut fiber and doses of calcareous algae on the initial growth of papaya seedlings (Carica papaya L.). The experimental design was completely randomized in a 3 × 5 factorial arrangement, with five replications. The treatments consisted of the following substrate formulations: full coconut fiber + Gypsum; coconut fiber powder + NPK (15-10-10); coconut fiber powder + Gypsum; and doses of calcareous algae (0, 15, 30, 45 and 60 mg dm−3) applied as cover. The plant height, stem diameter, leaf area, number of leaves, shoot dry mass, root length and dry mass, and relative chlorophyll content (Chlorophyll A and Chlorophyll B) at 40 days of application of calcareous algae were evaluated. Substrates formulated with coconut fiber powder plus gypsum associated with calcareous algae doses are a great alternative in the production of papaya seedlings, stimulating plant height, stem diameter, number of leaves, and root dry mass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: In recent years, natural dyes have attracted significant attention globally because of growing public awareness of the environment and health hazards associated with synthetic dyes. Natural dyes can provide special aesthetic qualities as well as the ethical significance of a product which is environmentally friendly. By keeping this burning issue in mind, this study aims to explore the dyeing properties of various unexplored environmentally friendly natural dyes. Design/methodology/approach: In this study, the aqueous extract of coconut leaves is used for dyeing purpose. The silk and jute fabrics were dyed with the extract alone as well as in combination with metal salts as mordants by employing pre-, meta- and postmordanting techniques. The dyeing properties of the colored samples were evaluated by measuring their color strength; CIEL*a*b* values; and color fastness to washing, light and rubbing. Findings: A yellow shade was achieved when the fabric samples were dyed solely with the extract. However, shade variations were observed when different mordants and mordanting techniques were applied. In all the cases, metallic salts improved the color fastness properties of dyed samples to washing, light and rubbing especially for the silk fabric. Originality/value: To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first report on a natural dye extracted from the leaves of coconut. Leaf as the source of dye has added an extra advantage, as it is reproducible and can be collected easily without harming the plants. The reported dye could be an attractive choice for sustainable and eco-friendly dyeing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

At present, graphite is commonly used as the carbon source in Al2O3‐C refractory. However, graphite resources are limited and belong to the category of nonrenewable resources. Coconut shell is a biomass material with low cost, low impurity, and high reactivity, and also belongs to renewable resources. Therefore, the research for using coconut shell carbon as a substitution for graphite in Al2O3‐C refractory has great significance. In this work, the coconut shell was firstly carbonized at 200–1000°C in flowing argon, and the microstructure of the carbonized coconut shells was investigated. Then the carbonized coconut shell powder was introduced into Al2O3‐C refractory instead of graphite, and the effect of carbonized coconut shell on mechanical properties and microstructure evolution of materials was investigated. The results show that the carbonized coconut shell has porous structures, composed of amorphous carbon and disordered micro‐graphite with many defects, endowing its high reactivity. Compared with graphite, the carbonized coconut shell promotes the Si and Al to in situ formation of nonoxide ceramic whiskers (SiC, Al4C3, and AlN), which play a strengthening and toughening role in the materials. When graphite is replaced by 1 wt% carbonized coconut shell, the residual strength ratio of samples increased from 81.8% to 90.2%, and that of the hot modulus of rupture increased from 17.53 MPa to 18.47 MPa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Species experience a variety of environmental and anthropogenic conditions across their ranges leading to spatial variation in population dynamics. Understanding population dynamics under different conditions is important but it is challenging to allocate limited effort to spatial and temporal subpopulation monitoring. Using GLMMs, we analyze survey data of a metapopulation of coconut crabs spanning 7 years and 15 sites in and near the Pemba archipelago, Zanzibar, to estimate trends in population size (based on catch per unit effort), weight and sex ratio at the meta‐ and subpopulation level and investigate anthropogenic drivers of these trends. We found that the overall metapopulation has remained stable in terms of size and composition over the survey period, but observed diverging trends in population size and sex ratio at some subpopulations. Formal protection of sites was associated with positive population trends. Of nine sites for which we could estimate site‐specific trends, three showed increasing and two decreasing trends, whereas four sites had stable subpopulations. Although anthropogenic factors affected the average weight, and the incidence of small and large individuals, we found no temporal trends in any weight‐related measures. Furthermore, there were no apparent patterns between weight‐related measures and subpopulation trends. The metapopulation was biased toward males, and exploitation appeared to be associated with declining trends in the proportion of females, likely an artifact of a strong decline in the proportion of females in one of only two exploited sites in the dataset. Educational campaigns implemented in 2020 at six sites were not related to higher population sizes in later surveys. The variable trends in subpopulation sizes and composition highlight the need for spatially replicated monitoring in metapopulations. The analyses further provide a detailed baseline for future subpopulation studies of this vulnerable species in one of its last remaining metapopulations in the Western Indian Ocean. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exploration has been made into 2-nitro-4-methylsulfonyltoluene (NMST) adsorption on coconut activated carbon from acetic acid. The results demonstrate that the adsorption of NMST on activated carbon augments with its concentration in acetic acid. NMST adsorption on activated carbon is also improved with temperature. Though NMST adsorption on per gram of carbon will decrease with carbon dosage, more NMST will be adsorbed. The kinetic study depicts that NMST adsorption on activated carbon is in good agreement with the pseudo-second-order kinetic equation. Both of the Langmuir and Freundlich equilibrium isotherm models are well fit for the experimental results, with R2 = 0.9994 and 0.9979, respectively. The adsorption thermodynamic parameters (ΔH, ΔG, ΔS) calculated with Van't Hoff equations indicate that NMST adsorption on carbon is spontaneous and endothermic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The family Tarsonemidae comprises 51 genera, some of which have been reported on coconut palms, including Fungitarsonemus De Leon, Nasutitarsonemus Beer & Nucifora, Steneotarsonemus Beer and Tarsonemus Canestrini & Fanzago. The genus Tarsonemus consists of approximately 280 species, with only 11 reported in Brazil. During collections of Cocos nucifera L. fruit on the Brazilian coast, four Tarsonemus species were found associated with the perianth of these fruits. Two new species are described, Tarsonemus arrudai França, Araújo & Lofego sp. nov., and T. litoralis França, Araújo & Lofego sp. nov. while the other two species, Tarsonemus pseudokennedyi Ochoa and T. lenticulatus Gheblealivand, Haddad & Magowski, were found for the first time in Brazil, and both are redescribed based on males and females. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The robustness and longevity of agricultural robots, specifically those utilizing caterpillar tracks for coconut harvesting, are based on understanding their strain, stress, and load thresholds. This study delves into the deformation characteristics of caterpillar track systems, pinpointing critical structural vulnerabilities and potential points of failure. Through a meticulous analysis of the maximum allowed strain and stress thresholds, this study unravels crucial insights to enhance performance and reliability in coconut field operations. Leveraging the power of ANSYS for structural analysis and simulation under varied constraints, this study aims to fortify the structural integrity of agricultural robots. By offering valuable insights and solutions, this study paves the way for advancements in agricultural robotics technology, ensuring that these machines can endure rigorous tasks while maintaining peak functionality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research examined the influence of pyrolysis temperature on a large-size feedstock of coconut shell waste for producing biochar and liquid smoke using slow pyrolysis. The temperature used was varied between 250 °C to 450 °C at a constant heating rate of 10 °C/min and at a holding time of about 120 minutes. Gravimetry, spectro, and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) methods are used to identify the liquid smoke for density, phenol, and acetic acid content respectively. The results indicated that increased pyrolysis temperatures caused a reduced biochar yield. However, the liquid smoke yield was found to increase with the temperature. The obtained liquid smoke has a density of 1.054 g/mL and has a content of phenol of about 4717.91 mg GAE/100 mg, and acetic acid of 11.36%. Results inferred that the liquid smoke can be generated from a large size of coconut shell through pyrolysis at medium temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Natural compounds are becoming increasingly popular in the fields of pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. One such compound is lignin, a plant-derived aromatic polymer that serves as a natural anti-ultraviolet agent. Conventional methods for extracting lignin from plant materials typically involve performing procedures in harsh environments, such as dissolving it in highly alkaline solutions or subjecting it to treatment in acidic conditions. In this study, lignin was extracted from coconut husk under milder conditions, using neutral solvents and ultrasonic treatment, which allowed us to obtain lignin with significantly improved properties. The developed method facilitated the creation of light-colored lignin, which was employed as a natural ingredient in sunblock cream. Furthermore, for the sake of comparison, lignin was extracted under more rigorous conditions using the traditional method. The research findings confirm that the light-colored lignin sample exhibits a higher level of UV absorption. Furthermore, light-colored lignin demonstrates a synergistic effect when combined with commercial moisturizing creams and sunscreens, leading to a significant enhancement in their SPF performance against both UVA and direct sunlight exposure. This study highlights the potential value of incorporating lignin as a valuable natural ingredient in sunblock and cosmetic products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The abscission of fruits has a significant impact on yield, which in turn has a corresponding effect on economic benefits. In order to better understand the molecular mechanism of early coconut fruit abscission, the morphological and structural characteristics, cell wall hydrolysis and oxidase activities, phytohormones, and transcriptomes were analyzed in the abscission zone (AZ) from early-abscised coconut fruits (AFs) and non-abscised coconut fruits (CFs). These results indicated that the weight and water content of AFs are significantly lower than those of CFs, and the color of AFs is a grayish dark red, with an abnormal AZ structure. Cellulase (CEL), polygalacturonase (PG), pectinesterase (PE), and peroxidase (POD) activities were significantly lower than those of CFs. The levels of auxin (IAA), gibberellin (GA), cytokinins (CKs), and brassinosteroid (BR) in AFs were significantly lower than those in CFs. However, the content of abscisic acid (ABA), ethylene (ETH), jasmonic acid (JA), and salicylic acid (SA) in AFs was significantly higher than in CFs. The transcriptome analysis results showed that 3601 DEGs were functionally annotated, with 1813 DEGs upregulated and 1788 DEGs downregulated. Among these DEGs, many genes were enriched in pathways such as plant hormone signal transduction, carbon metabolism, peroxisome, pentose and gluconate interconversion, MAPK signaling pathway—plant, and starch and sucrose metabolism. Regarding cell wall remodeling-related genes (PG, CEL, PE, POD, xyloglucan endoglucosidase/hydrogenase (XTH), expansin (EXP), endoglucanase, chitinase, and beta-galactosidase) and phytohormone-related genes (IAA, GA, CKs, BR, ABA, JA, SA, and ETH) were significantly differentially expressed in the AZ of AFs. Additionally, BHLH, ERF/AP2, WRKY, bZIP, and NAC transcription factors (TFs) were significantly differently expressed, reflecting their crucial role in regulating the abscission process. This study's results revealed the molecular mechanism of early fruit abscission in coconuts. This provided a new reference point for further research on coconut organ development and abscission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we compared the physical properties of coconut fiber/polypropylene (PP) composite materials with coconut fiber as a reinforcing agent, produced through a hybrid injection molding process and a layered hot-pressing process. Through comparative experiments, the mechanical properties of both the hybrid injection-molded and layered hot-pressed materials were validated. The results indicated that, when using a coconut fiber content of 5%, the layered hot-pressed composite material exhibited optimal comprehensive performance. Specifically, its tensile strength reached 25.12 MPa, showing a 37.6% increase over that of pure PP materials of the same brand and batch. Its tensile modulus was 1.17 GPa, representing an 11.4% decrease. Additionally, its bending strength was 35.94 MPa, marking a 49.8% increase, and its bending modulus was 2.69 GPa, which is nearly double that of pure PP materials. Furthermore, through Creo modeling and an ANSYS simulation analysis, it was verified that this material could be applied to airbag covers in the field of automotive safety. This study confirmed that layered hot-pressed coconut fiber/PP composite materials exhibit superior mechanical properties to traditional materials and injection-molded composite materials, making them more suitable for airbag covers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coconut palm (Cocos nucifera) is a treasured tree of the tropics, with every part put to use. The edible portions are loaded with diverse nutrients and nutraceutical ingredients. While the unique mineral profile of the liquid endosperm, the low‐glycemic inflorescence sap (neera) and the medium‐chain triglyceride fraction of coconut oil are better recognized, other fractions such as the haustorium remain underexplored. Overall, it is evident that, globally, the present status of coconut value addition is conventional, limited to a handful of products, and novel products hold a promising scope. A massive fraction of global coconut production goes for culinary and religious purposes. In the article, value‐added products from coconut are classified into conventional and non‐conventional products, with the latter in focus. Based on the part from which it is collected, all products have been categorized as haustorium‐based, inflorescence‐based, kernel‐based and water‐based products. For each non‐conventional product introduced, its production approach and unique application range are highlighted. Given its health‐promoting capabilities, characteristic sensorial attributes, wide application range and technological advancements, coconuts are increasingly being recognized around the world, even in regions that do not cultivate them; this applies to non‐food products as well. In the context of value‐added products from coconuts, this decade has witnessed a surge in research and commercial interest considering the inclusion of coconut as an ingredient in several food and nutraceutical products. The future will certainly consider regulatory protocols and standards, better documentation of the health impact of coconut‐based diets, and the sustainability of coconut production, processing and consumption. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) is one of the important cellulose derivatives, and it can be developed as a host polymer for solid polymer electrolyte (SPE) membrane. This study aimed to synthesis of CMC from coconut fiber cellulose and it was applied to prepare the SPE membranes. Cellulose isolation was conducted through the delignification and bleaching process, while the CMC synthesis was conducted through alkalization and carboxymethylation treatments. SPE membranes were prepared by blending CMC with carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCh) (80/20) and mixed with various weight percentages of LiOAc at room temperature. SPE membranes characterizations were conducted using FTIR, EIS, XRD, SEM, and tensile testing. Cellulose and CMC yields were 23.1% and 65.44%, respectively. Incorporating 20 wt% LiOAc into the CMC/CMCh (80/20) SPE membrane yielded the highest ionic conductivity of 1.37 × 10−3 S/cm. Based on the results, CMC obtained from coconut fibers has the potential to produce solid polymer electrolyte membranes with some modification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: The inherent properties of coconut oil (CO), including its elevated saturated fatty acid content and low melting point, make it suitable for application in plastic fat processing. The present study explores the physicochemical characteristics, micromorphology and oxidative stability of oleogels produced from CO using various gelators [ethylcellulose (EC), β‐sitosterol/γ‐oryzanol (PS) and glyceryl monostearate (MG)] to elucidate the formation mechanisms of coconut oleogels (EC‐COO, PS‐COO and MG‐COO). RESULTS: Three oleogel systems exhibited a solid‐like behavior, with the formation of crystalline forms dominated by β and β′. Among them, PS‐COO exhibited enhanced capability with respect to immobilizing liquid oils, resulting in solidification with high oil‐binding capacity, moderate hardness and good elasticity. By contrast, MG‐COO demonstrated inferior stability compared to PS‐COO and EC‐COO. Furthermore, MG‐COO and PS‐COO demonstrated antioxidant properties against CO oxidation, whereas EC‐COO exhibited the opposite effect. PS‐COO and EC‐COO exhibited superior thermodynamic behavior compared to MG‐COO. CONCLUSION: Three oleogels based on CO were successfully prepared. The mechanical strength, storage modulus and thermodynamic stability of the CO oleogel exhibited concentration dependence with increasing gelling agent addition. PS‐COO demonstrated relatively robust oil‐binding capacity and oxidative stability, particularly with a 15% PS addition. This information contributes to a deeper understanding of CO‐based oleogels and offers theoretical insights for their application in food products. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to determine the nutrient content, sensory profile, and shelf life of powdered coconut drink processed with freeze-drying method. The drink was made from a mixture of young coconut water and young coconut meat from freshly harvested fruit. The freeze-dried powdered coconut drink has high Mg and Fe but low Na content. The amino acid profile was dominated by lysine, leucine, valine, and arginine, while fatty acid profile contained mostly lauric, myristic, and oleic acids. The development of powdered coconut drink through freeze-drying showed that the process could maintain its sensory characteristics with a slight reduction in sweetness and loss of fermented aroma. It also could prolong the shelf life of the product to 59, 44, and 30 days at 25°C, 35°C, and 45°C, respectively. In conclusion, powdered coconut drink had nutritional content and sensory characteristics not significantly different to fresh products while having longer shelf life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kopyor is a coconut with unique characteristics from Indonesia, one of the largest coconut producers in the world. Kopyor is an edible mature coconut with soft endosperm. Although this fruit is one of the most popular coconuts in the world, there are limited studies on its properties, including its sensory attributes and metabolite profiles. This study investigates the characteristics of kopyor using sensory evaluation, a widely targeted metabolomics approach, and multivariate analysis. The liquid (water) and solid (flesh) endosperms were collected as the samples. The results showed that kopyor has characteristics that distinguish it from normal mature and young coconuts. Kopyor water has a milky, creamy, nutty, bitter, and astringent taste with an oily aftertaste and mouthfeel. Kopyor flesh is soft and moist and gives a sandy mouth feel. This study analyzed the sensory attributes of the kopyor endosperm for the first time and compared it with those of normal mature and young coconuts. A gas chromatography mass spectrometry analysis showed that kopyor contained wider variety of metabolites than normal coconuts of the same age. Based on the differential analysis and orthogonal projections to latent structures-regression, kopyor water was characterized by the accumulation of flavor-related metabolites, such as amino acids and organic acids, which contributed to its sensory complexity. This study solidified the effects of maturation and endosperm type on metabolite accumulation in kopyor endosperm. This pioneering information will lead to the future use of kopyor and other unique coconuts worldwide for food, contributing to the sustainability of the coconut industry. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to stabilize and mask the bitterness of peptides obtained from the enzymatic hydrolysis of coconut‐meal protein with maltodextrin (MD) and maltodextrin‐pectin (MD‐P) as carriers via spray‐drying. Essential (~35%), hydrophobic (~32%), antioxidant (~15%), and bitter (~45%) amino acids comprised a significant fraction of the peptide composition (with a degree of hydrolysis of 33%). The results indicated that the peptide's production efficiency, physical and functional properties, and hygroscopicity improved after spray‐drying. Morphological features of free peptides (fragile and porous structures), spray‐dried with MD (wrinkled with indented structures), and MD‐P combination (relatively spherical particles with smooth surfaces) were influenced by the process type and feed composition. Adding free and microencapsulated peptides to the bread formula (2% W/W) caused changes in moisture content (35%–43%), water activity (0.89–0.94), textural properties (1–1.6 N), specific volume (5.5–6 cm3/g), porosity (18%–27%), and color indices of the fortified product. MD‐P encapsulated peptides in bread fortification resulted in thermal stability and increased antioxidant activity (DPPH and ABTS+ radical scavenging: 4.5%–39.4% and 31.6%–46.8%, respectively). MD‐P (as a carrier) could maintain sensory characteristics and mask the bitterness of peptides in the fortified bread. The results of this research can be used to produce functional food and diet formulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traditional Indian literature have evidenced the usage of Oak gall and Triphala for common ailments to oral malignancies and other lifestyle disorders. The objective of the study is to examine the antioxidant activity of oak gall oil (OGO) & Triphala oil (TPO). Oak gall oil (OGO)) and Triphala oil (TPO) were produced with purified oil from coconut in a proportion of 1:5, with one portion of gall of Oak / Triphala added to five parts of the oil of coconut. Oak gall & Triphala oil were evaluated for antioxidant capabilities using the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay, the Hydroxyl radical scavenging activity and the Nitric oxide radical scavenge action. In the DPPH experiment, ascorbic acid served as the comparison standard, while gallic acid was utilized to measure nitric oxide activity in reducing radicals and the hydroxyl radical scavenge activity. The percentage inhibition of Oak gall oil (OGO) & Triphala oil (TPO) was 75.2%, and 67.4% for DPPH assay,48.4% and 63.3% for Hydroxyl radical scavenging assay, 51.2% and 52.7% for Nitric oxide radical scavenging assay respectively with ascorbic acid (89.1%) and Gallic acid standard (62.9% and 70.4%) used as comparative respectively. The study results show that Oak gall oil (OGO)and Triphala oil (TPO) possess antioxidant properties comparable to reference standards. Products derived from native plants, such as oak gall & Triphala, if proven to be effective in-vivo, can serve as a simple, safe, cost-effective and culturally acceptable adjuvant in anticancer management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) is an important palm species that serves as the mainstay of several industries and contributes to the livelihoods of millions of smallholder farmers. International exchange of coconut germplasm has been undertaken for several decades to facilitate the conservation of selected varieties within global genebanks and for the distribution to farmers and scientists. In vitro systems are a convenient and an efficient method for the exchange of coconut germplasm. However, it is possible that these tissue culture systems can transfer lethal pathogens causing a threat to the importing countries. In this review, the following topics are discussed: the major disease-causing agents of concern, the various tissues that could be used for coconut germplasm exchange, and the techniques available for the detection and elimination of disease-causing agents from various transmission systems. Additionally, the lack of clear, science-backed guidelines to facilitate the exchange of in vitro coconut materials is raised, along with recommendations for future studies to ensure the safe movement of coconut germplasm without biosecurity risks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Various methods for the effective modification of urea–formaldehyde (UF) adhesives, aimed at enhancing the performance of wood-based materials, have been continually explored worldwide. The aim of this work was to investigate and evaluate the effect of introducing small amounts (0.25–1.5%) of activated carbon from coconut shells (ACCS) in UF adhesive on the properties of particleboard. The performed investigations of the adhesive mixture's properties showed an increase in both viscosity and reactivity. Moreover, the use of loadings of 0.75% and 1% had a positive effect on mechanical properties such as bending strength, modulus of elasticity, and internal bond. In these variants, a delay in the degradation of the adhesive bonds by water was also observed, as indicated by the lower thickness swelling values measured after 2 h. However, under long-term exposure to water, the modification had no considerable effect on the dimensional stability of the boards. Markedly, the addition of 1 and 1.5% of ACCS resulted in a reduction in formaldehyde content, which can be attributed to the excellent adsorption capacity of activated carbon. Overall, a loading of 1% was found to be optimal, resulting in improved strength, enhanced water resistance, and reduced formaldehyde content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The export of trimmed coconuts necessitates controlling microbial growth and browning, often achieved through the use of sodium metabisulfite (SMS). However, SMS can elicit allergic reactions in operators. To address this concern, ultrafine bubble (UFBs) technology was applied to reduce the SMS concentration. Trimmed coconuts were dipped in either a 1.5% SMS solution or a combination of 1.5% SMS with UFBs (1.5% SMS-UFBs) and compared to coconuts dipped or not dipped in a 3% SMS solution. All treated coconuts were then wrapped with polyvinyl chloride (PVC) film and stored at 2–4 °C for 2 months, followed by transfer to storage at 8–10 °C for an additional 14 days. The results indicated that halving the SMS concentration, with or without UFB application, effectively controlled microbial growth and browning, comparable to using 3% SMS. No contamination of E. coli or Salmonella spp. was detected. The mesocarp whiteness, browning index, polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activity, and total phenolic content of coconuts treated with 1.5% SMS or 1.5% SMS-UFBs did not differ significantly from those dipped in 3% SMS solution (p > 0.05). Similarly, the quality of coconut water and coconut meat in SMS or SMS-UFB treatments did not show significant differences. In dry seasons, using 1.5% SMS with or without UFBs yielded comparable results to those obtained using 3% SMS. However, in wet seasons, the synergistic effects of UFBs on reducing microbial growth incidence were observed, similar to the impact achieved with 3% SMS, whereas 1.5% SMS alone did not inhibit microbial growth. Overall, UFB technology shows promise in reducing SMS concentration by 50% for trimmed young coconuts throughout the year. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Car wash services generate wastewater that consists of many contaminants. The discharge of raw car wash wastewater would bring adverse impacts to the environment. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the use of activated carbon derived from coconut shells to treat car wash wastewater. In this study, activated carbon (AC) prepared from coconut shells shows a good microporosity structure with functional groups on the surface. The performance of activated carbon prepared is evaluated by determining the removal efficiency of the parameter including COD, BOD, and heavy metals concentration (zinc and iron) from car wash wastewater. The operating parameters are dosage (0.2 - 1.0 g/100 mL), contact time of 30 min-150 min and pH adjustment (pH 3 - pH 9). Throughout the research, the highest removal efficiencies of COD, BOD, zinc, and iron from automatic car wash wastewater are 91.03 %, 88.51 %, 68.25 %, and 86.09 % respectively achieved by 0.8 g of carbon dosage under 90 rpm agitation speed for 60 min. Under the same operational condition, CSAC removed 84.43 % COD, 81.80 % BOD, 59.78 % zinc, and 78.58 % iron from manual car wash wastewater. Therefore, the removal of pollutants from car wash water by using activated carbon derived from coconut shells has been proven to be an effective method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated coconut shells, an abundant and low-cost raw material, as the precursor for activated carbon preparation, and applied a carbonization activation method to prepare carbon materials under different activation conditions. The differences in the performance of biomass derived carbon materials as capacitive deionization (CDI) electrodes were studied under conditions of different activators, activator doses, and activation temperatures. Compared with commercial coconut shell activated carbon, studies have shown that biomass derived carbon electrodes obtained under the optimal preparation conditions of NaOH as the activator, a carbonizer to activator ratio of 1:3, and an activation temperature of 800 ℃ have an excellent electro adsorption performance and the potential to be used as a CDI electrode material. The salt adsorption capacity (SAC) of activated carbon made with coconut shell derived carbon materials after 20 min of electro adsorption reached a maximum of 11.47 mg/g. After 10 repeated uses, its SAC remained at the original 90.58%, demonstrating an excellent cycling stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction1: Sperm cryopreservation is a highly effective technique utilized in reproductive procedures, particularly in artificial insemination, as it enables the transfer of superior genes to the subsequent generation of animals. However, the exposure of sperm cells to low temperatures during the freezing process can have detrimental effects on their integrity, morphology, and viability (Gangwar et al., 2020). To counteract these negative impacts, cryoprotectants are added to the sperm extender. The primary purpose of incorporating cryoprotectants is to fulfill the energy requirements of the sperm, shield them from the adverse consequences of temperature fluctuations, mitigate the physical and chemical stresses associated with cooling, freezing, and thawing, and create an environment conducive to enhancing sperm survival (Barbas and Mascarenhas, 2009). In recent years, plant-based extenders have emerged as a viable alternative to animal-based extenders for semen preservation in various species. Coconut milk, in particular, has garnered attention due to its rich composition of fatty acids (including polyunsaturated fatty acids), amino acids, sugars, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. These components not only provide essential nutrients for maintaining cell function but also serve as a suitable medium for sperm extension and culture (dos Reis et al., 2023; Vasconcelos et al., 2009; Yong et al., 2009). Consequently, this research aims to explore the impact of coconut milk on the quality of ram sperm following cryopreservation. Materials and Methods: Twice a week, semen samples were obtained from five Lori-Bakhtiari rams using an artificial vagina. The collected semen from these five rams was then combined and divided into six different treatments. These treatments consisted of five variations with varying levels of coconut milk (5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, and 25%) and one treatment with egg yolk (15%). Various parameters such as sperm velocity, membrane integrity and activity, morphology, lipid peroxidation rate, and sperm DNA fragmentation were assessed both before and after the process of cryopreservation. The obtained data was subsequently analyzed using the SAS statistical software. Results and Discussion: Prior to cryopreservation, the results indicated that, with the exception of the BCF parameter, there were no disparities in the various aspects of sperm kinetics, viability, functionality, and morphology. However, a notable decline in sperm motility parameters was observed after thawing across all treatments. This detrimental impact following the freezing process was more pronounced (P<0.05) when using the extender containing coconut milk compared to the extender containing egg yolk. Consequently, in terms of other motility parameters, the egg yolk treatment exhibited significantly higher values (P<0.05) than the other treatments, except for VCL (94.36±10.41%) and BCF (5.83±0.70 Hz). The findings of Wojtusik et al. (2018) were consistent with the results obtained in this study. It was observed that using coconut water and coconut milk as substitutes for egg yolk in rhinoceros sperm extenders led to a decrease in both sperm motility and viability. Similarly, the use of powdered coconut water as an extender for cryopreservation of cat sperm resulted in a significant reduction in sperm movement quality compared to a tris extender (de Sousa Barbosa et al. 2020). Furthermore, when comparing different alternatives to egg yolk in the extender of rhinoceros sperm, such as soy lecithin (1 and 2%), coconut water (20%), and coconut milk (20%), it was found that the extenders containing coconut milk or water led to a loss of sperm mobility and viability. However, the extenders containing soy lecithin showed more promise as substitutes for egg yolk, as they maintained sperm viability, morphology, and acrosome integrity better than coconut milk and water (Wojtusik et al., 2018). In contrast to the findings of this investigation, the utilization of extenders comprising powdered coconut water for the cryopreservation of sperm in various animal species, including dogs, boars, horses, goats, and fish, resulted in well-preserved sperm morphological and motility parameters following the freeze-thaw process. Furthermore, studies have demonstrated that freezing goat sperm with coconut milk, bull sperm with coconut oil, and equine and boar sperm with coconut water led to enhanced sperm viability and quality compared to control groups. The ineffectiveness of the extender may be attributed to the presence of salts and ions, such as calcium, potassium, and sodium, in coconut water, which could potentially interact with the channel proteins of the sperm cell plasma membrane. It is important to note that the precise mechanism by which coconut products in the extender maintain sperm characteristics remains unknown. Previous research by Toniolli et al. (1996) suggested that coconut water may serve as a protective agent for sperm due to its content of 3-indoleacetic acid. Furthermore, the replacement of glycerol with dimethylformamide in the boar sperm extender resulted in better preservation of sperm quality after the freezing and thawing process compared to other treatments (Silva et al. 2015). This suggests that each ingredient present in an extender could have a significant impact on enhancing extender efficiency. It is worth noting that coconut milk contains high levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids, which can make sperm more vulnerable to oxidative stress (dos Reis et al., 2023; Vasconcelos et al., 2009). However, no significant differences were observed in the lipid peroxidation indicator and the DNA fragmentation index among the various extenders used in this study. This could indicate that the extenders had similar antioxidant properties. The variations in the reported findings may be attributed to differences in the combinations and quantities of products used in the extenders, the type of base extender employed, variations in semen combinations and the sensitivity of sperm in different animal species, or discrepancies in the coconut combinations utilized (dos Reis et al., 2023). Conclusion: This research suggests that substituting egg yolk with coconut milk entirely in a ram sperm extender does not mitigate the negative consequences of cryopreservation. Additional investigations are necessary to determine the specific composition of the extender incorporating coconut-based ingredients for the cryopreservation of ram sperm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Current concern over the decrease in the use of fossil fuels has led to the study of various options as an alternative to replace them in the transportation and industrial sectors. Different materials, such as agricultural products, lignocellulosic residues, solid wastewater products, and algae, can be used in the production of biochar and, through a sulfonation process, it can be converted it into a heterogeneous acid catalyst. The purpose of this study was employed coconut mesocarp as lignocellulosic biomass feedstock, obtaining sulfonated biochar (BACS), and evaluates its use in biodiesel production, comparing it with a KOH catalyst. The methodology included the pyrolysis of coconut mesocarp and the activation with H2SO4 for BACS production. BACS was characterized by infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, BET surface area analysis and elemental analysis. The biodiesel obtained by BACS and biodiesel obtained by KOH were compared using international biodiesel standards. An activated sulfonated biochar with a sulfonation percentage of 15.23% was successfully obtained, providing a higher FAME conversion percentage than the KOH catalyst. During the characterization of the biodiesel obtained with both catalysts, it was found that KOH meets the specified standards, while the BACS catalyst requires variations in reaction temperature or blending with diesel to comply with the biodiesel characteristics. Additionally, it was observed that the coconut mesocarp-based catalyst showed a 2.78% reduction after the first working cycle, allowing for its reuse without the need for a new sulfonation process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The major coconut products produced in Fiji are copra and coconut oil. As a consequence, coconut oil is the only product now exported, and price fluctuations have a substantial impact. This study examines the changes in copra and coconut oil prices for Fiji from 2009 to 2019. The present study used secondary data for analysis. Copra pricing information was gathered from Fiji Copra Millers, and coconut oil price information was gathered from the website for palm oil analytics' crude coconut oil price. The price changes for trend, cyclical, seasonal, and irregular fluctuations were computed using a multiplicative model. Both the price of copra and the price of coconut oil displayed poor connections, R2= 0.39 and R2= 0.18, respectively, despite the years' considerable price volatility. The price of copra and coconut oil fluctuated significantly throughout the year and in distinctly diverse ways. Seasonality and erratic price fluctuations were particularly pronounced for coconut oil, which directly affected the price of copra and discouraged farmers from investing in coconut plants, lowering productivity, production, and copra supply.

Thailand is one of the major agricultural production countries in the world. Therefore, large amounts of agricultural waste are generated as by-products of the agroindustry. The wastes are usually discarded or burnt, resulting in environmental pollution. The main goal of this research was to evaluate the use of agricultural waste for mushroom cultivation. A total of 15 mushroom isolates were recovered from mother spawns and basidiocarps. They were screened for their cellulolytic enzyme activity on Czapek agar using carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) as the sole carbon source. Two isolates of the oyster mushrooms, Pleurotus pulmonarius PP6 and Pleurotus ostreatus PO3, produced the best enzyme activities. To observe the mycelial growth on agricultural waste, the two oyster mushroom candidates were cultured in jars containing five different types of agricultural waste: corn husk, rice straw, coconut meal, coconut husk and sugarcane bagasse, and the jars were incubated at 25°C for six weeks. The results show that both isolates grew best on coconut meal, producing very densely packed mycelia. Meanwhile, corn husk and rice straw were also good sources for oyster mushroom cultivation. This study shows that these three substrates have the potential to be utilized in mushroom cultivation on a commercial scale.

Organophosphate poisoning remains a global health crisis without efficacious treatments to prevent neurotoxicity. We examined whether antidotal tiger nut and coconut dietary intervention could ameliorate neurobehavioral deficits from organophosphate dichlorvos-induced gut-brain axis dysregulation in a mouse model. Mice were divided into groups given control diet, dichlorvos-contaminated diets, or dichlorvos plus nut-enriched diets. They were exposed to a DDVP-contaminated diet for 4 weeks before exposure to the treatment diets for another 8 weeks. This was followed by behavioural assessments for cognitive, motor, anxiety-, and depressive-like behaviours. Faecal samples (pre- and post-treatment), as well as blood, brain, and gut tissues, were collected for biochemical assessments following euthanasia. Dichlorvos-exposed mice displayed impairments in cognition, motor function, and mood along with disrupted inflammatory and antioxidant responses, neurotrophic factor levels, and acetylcholinesterase activity in brain and intestinal tissues. Weight loss and altered short-chain fatty acid levels additionally indicated gut dysfunction. However, intervention with tiger nut and/or coconut- enriched diet after dichlorvos exposure attenuated these neurobehavioral, and biochemical alterations. Our findings demonstrate organophosphate-induced communication disruptions between the gut and brain pathways that manifest in neuropsychiatric disturbances. Overall, incorporating fibre-rich nuts may represent an antidotal dietary strategy to reduce neurotoxicity and prevent brain disorders associated with organophosphate poisoning.