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A numerical investigation for a solar air heater integrated with a multi-section solar distiller has been conducted with a novel design of solar distiller with interior sections. A mathematical description of the solar distiller is made and solved with a MATLAB code. The air flow in the solar air heater, the water height in the solar distiller, and the number of interior sections have all been studied. To validate the numerical system, an experimental system was built. The theoretical model and the experiment performed appear to be in satisfactory correlation. The best working conditions occur when the system is run with a lower air flow rate, a lower saline water height, and a greater number of interior sections with productivity reaching 1242.6 ml/m2 per day, a gain output ratio (GOR) about 0.622 and air heater efficiency about 35%. In the normal case of output salinity between 0 and 500 ppm, the cost was reduced by 96.7%, and by 96.3% in the case of four interior sections. Water cost reduction is also observable at the same output salinity, with 54.1% at 0 ppm and 62.4% at 200 ppm between number of interior sections = 0 and 4. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Rice‐based distillers' spent cake (RDSC), a by‐product of the Chinese liquor (Baijiu) industry, is a potential source of angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory peptide. Since ACE plays a crucial role in controlling hypertension, inhibition of ACE has been widely emphasized. The ACE inhibitory active peptide derived from by‐products of food has been recognized as a safer and cheaper inhibitor. RESULTS: Aimed to discover ACE‐inhibiting active peptides in RDSC. Hydrolysis of RDSC by alcalase for 4 h followed by ultrafiltration yielded low‐molecular‐weight (< 3 kDa) fractions. Subsequently, a comprehensive method using a combination of liquid chromatography quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (LC‐Q‐TOF‐MS) and LC‐Q‐Exactive‐MS to identify the novel short peptides (3–5 amino acids residues; n = 7) and medium‐sized peptides (more than 6 amino acids residues; n = 6). In vitro activity assay showed that the peptides KPFFPGL, GFPRPLL, GPPGVF, and VGK exhibited the highest activity with inhibitory concentration of 50% (IC50) of 11.63, 12.34, 19.55, and 33.54 μmol L−1. Molecular docking reveal that the active and inactive sites (Glu123, Asp121, Arg522, and Lys118) play important roles in enhancing the ACE inhibitory activity of peptides. CONCLUSION: Here we report a comprehensive method that effectively extracted and identified the bioactive peptides from RDSC. Four highly active novel peptides may be the most promising candidates for functional foods against hypertension, provide significant information for enhancing value of rice‐based distilled by‐products. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The current work aims to achieve the highest performance of hemispherical solar distillers, which are characterized by having a large condensation surface area. This requires increasing the evaporation rates inside the hemispherical stills by installing the sinusoidal and semi-circular linings in the hemispherical distiller basin to increase the heat transfer area between the basin water and the absorption surface. Also, these basin liners were incorporated with an inverted solar collector to speed up the evaporation process. To obtain the optimal basin liners that achieved the highest productivity, three hemispherical distillers were designed and fabricated, the first is traditional hemispherical solar still (THSS), the second is hemispherical solar still with a sinusoidal liner combined with an inverted solar collector (SHSS-ISC), and third is hemispherical solar still with a half-circle liner combined with an inverted solar collector (HCHSS-ISC). The results showed that compared with THSS (5.05 L/m2/day), the daily yield of modified distillers HCHSS-ISC and SHSS-ISC improved to 8.25 and 7.7 L/m2/day, with an improvement of 63.40 and 54.00%, respectively. Additionally, the daily efficiency of HCHSS-ISC, SHSS-ISC, and THSS reached 66.9, 62.45, and 41.20%, respectively. The economic feasibility indicated that using half-circle liners incorporated with an inverted solar collector reduced the cost of the distillate water produced from HCHSS-ISC by 30% compared to the THSS. These results showed that using half-circle liners incorporated with an inverted solar collector represents the optimal design that achieves the highest performance of hemispherical solar distillers with the lowest cost of producing distillate water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study seeks to find the ideal size of aluminum balls to improve the effectiveness of conical solar stills for storing energy, due to the increasing demand for drinking water and the high costs of getting portable drinking water. To achieve this, three comparable conical solar distillers were made using aluminum balls of various diameters (1 cm, 1.5 cm, 2 cm, and 2.5 cm) at a 4 cm center spacing. Two days were spent on the experiments. The first distiller had no metal balls on the first day, whereas the second and third had 41 1 cm and 1.5 cm aluminum balls uniformly dispersed at the bottom. On the second day, the first distiller had no metal balls, but the second and third had 41 2 cm and 2.5 cm balls. The water basin depth was consistently maintained at 2.5 cm. The results revealed that the distiller with 2 cm diameter aluminum balls achieved the highest productivity, yielding 840 mL/m², compared to the distillers with aluminum balls of 1 cm, 1.5 cm, and 2.5 cm diameter, as well as the conventional distiller without any storage materials, which yielded 645 mL/m², 695 mL/m², 755 mL/ m², and 570 mL/m², respectively. The ideal diameter for the aluminum balls was found to be 2 cm, leading to a significant 47.37 % enhancement in water productivity. Conical solar stills using 2 cm diameter aluminum balls as an economical energy storage material provide the best answer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pressing issue of water scarcity in remote regions has stimulated the search for simple desalination techniques. Solar distillers represent one of the most important solutions in remote regions for producing freshwater, but they have low productivity. The efficient iron fins represent an effective solution to improve their freshwater productivity. However, due to the negative effect of the shadow resulting from the metal fins, the present study aims to obtain the optimal orientation of efficacy metal fins that achieves the highest productivity for solar stills. To achieve this, three solar distillers were designed and built with identical dimensions. The first distiller has vertically oriented iron fins incorporated with its basin. The second distiller has 45° inclined iron fins incorporated with its basin. But the third distiller is devoid of any iron fins and represents the reference case. Our findings revealed that the inclusion of iron fins, particularly inclined ones, significantly enhanced the yield of the solar still by 48.94 %. In contrast, the enhanced distiller with vertical fins showcased a 33.84 % increase in productivity compared to the reference distiller. Based on these results, we recommend adopting the 45° inclined metal fins to mitigate shading effects and achieve the highest productivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study focuses on optimizing the solar distiller and provides a foundation for future research and development in solar distillation technologies. This paper does an exergoeconomic analysis of a multi-section solar distiller (MS-SS) system that is combined with a solar air heater (SAH). Therefore, its objective is to determine the most effective operational and design parameters while taking into account the system's lifespan and interest rate. This will offer significant knowledge for improving the MS-SS. Key parameters examined in the study include exergoeconomic indicators, exergy production factor (EPF), exergy-based loss rate, exergy efficiency, and water cost. Variations in exergy loss rate across different seasons were observed, with implications for system efficiency. The exergoeconomic analysis demonstrates the impact of interest rates on the system's economic viability, with corresponding effects on water costs. The key findings suggest varying daily output and exergy efficiency, with the lowest values recorded in winter and the highest in summer. Summer demonstrates superior output exergy, averaging of 145 × 10³ Wh per month. In the normal case of output salinity between 0 and 500 ppm, the cost was reduced by 96.7 %, and by 96.3 % in the case of four interior sections. Water cost reduction is also observable at the same output salinity, with 54.1 % at 0 ppm and 62.4 % at 200 ppm between number of interior sections = 0 and 4. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Distillers corn oil (DCO), a byproduct of corn ethanol production, offers an alternative glyceride source for biodiesel production. Nonetheless, its higher free fatty acids (FFA) content compared to other vegetable oils hampers its direct conversion into fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) due to soap formation, catalysts' activity decreasing, and emulsions generation (thus reducing FAME yield), which compromise the quality and stability of the biodiesel produced. Thus, pretreatment steps such as esterification may reduce the FFA to mitigate these issues. In this context, by utilizing glycerine, a solution emerges: esterifying these high‐acidity oils to convert FFA into triglycerides (TAG) before transesterification. However, little is known about how integrated reaction conditions can affect the process in a catalyst‐free system. Thus, our study was guided by a clear‐cut objective: transforming DCO into a raw material ideally suited for biodiesel production, which involved a dramatic reduction in FFA content, reducing it from 18% to a mere 2% while preserving a high concentration of TAG. For that, we systematically employed a response surface methodology with a three‐factorial central composite design to investigate the complex interactions among key parameters: temperature, vacuum pressure, and the glycerol/oil mass ratio. Elevated temperatures and a 2:1 glycerol/oil mass ratio were beneficial for FFA reduction, increased TAG content, and improved oil color. Interaction analysis identified synergistic temperature and vacuum pressure effects on FFA reduction, TAG production, and photometric color index reduction, revealing optimal conditions. Hence, the statistical model highlights DCO as a viable oil for future transesterification processes, laying the foundation for an eco‐friendly and economically efficient biodiesel production network. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water purification via interfacial solar steam generation exhibits promising potential. However, salt crystallization on evaporators reduces solar absorption and obstructs water supply. To address it, a waffle-shaped solar evaporator (WSE) has been designed. WSE is fabricated via a zinc-assisted pyrolysis route, combining low-cost biomass carbon sources, recyclable zinc, and die-stamping process. This route enables cost-effective production without the need of sophisticated processing. As compared to conventional plane-shaped evaporators, WSE is featured by extra sidewalls for triggering the convection with the synergistic solute and thermal Marangoni effects. Consequently, WSE achieves spontaneous salt rejection and durable evaporation stability. It has demonstrated continuous operation for more than 60 days in brine without fouling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current article investigated the possibility of enhancing the solar distiller performance joined with the photovoltaic/thermal solar collector by increasing the absorption of solar radiation through the use of black dye. Two identical systems were built, the first system is a conventional double-slope solar distiller, while the other is a modified version that combines a PV/thermal solar collector with a double-slope solar distiller. The effect of the black dye and the water depth in the basin on the solar distiller's performance has been studied. The results showed that the modified system works well in cold winter conditions in comparison with hot summer conditions. The results also showed that the water depth inside the distiller basin effectively affects the output of the system. The system achieved better performance when the water depth was 3 cm in the still basin than when the water depth was 5 cm. The total production and efficiency of the improved distiller at the water height of 3 cm at the basin with adding the black dye in February were 1.378%, and 22.02% respectively. while for the conventional model, the total productivity and efficiency were 0.348 liter/day and 5.31% respectively for the same conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) are rich in nutrition, and they are potential protein feed raw material. However, the existence of cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin hinders animals' digestion and absorption of DDGS. Making full use of unconventional feed resources such as DDGS can alleviate the shortage of feed resources to a certain extent. This research investigated the effects of twin-screw extrusion on the macromolecular composition, physical and chemical properties, surface structure and in vitro protein digestibility (IVPD) of DDGS. RESULTS: The findings showed that extrusion puffing significantly increased the protein solubility, bulk density, water holding capacity, and swelling capacity, while significantly decreased hemicellulose and crude protein content, particle size and zeta potential of DDGS. The structure damage of DDGS induced by the extrusion was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared (FITR) spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. Interestingly, no random coil was observed in the analysis of the secondary structure, and extrusion promoted the transformation of α-helix and β-turn to β-sheet, which led to significant increases in protein solubility and IVPD of DDGS (P < 0.05). Additionally, correlation analysis revealed that IVPD and PS had a positive relationship. CONCLUSION: Extrusion puffing was an ideal pretreatment method for DDGS modification to improve in vitro protein digestibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes a novel design for the Hybrid single slope Solar distiller with PV powered Thermoelectric, which is a sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to provide purified water without burning fuel. The use of thermoelectric modules enhances the productivity of distilled water significantly. The design recovers part of the vapor latent heat and pumps it back to the saline water, which makes it more energy efficient compared to the traditional solar distiller. The experimental results show a remarkable 672% increase in productivity, highlighting the enormous benefits of the Hybrid single slope Solar distiller with PV powered Thermoelectric design compared to traditional distillers. Additionally, a mathematical model is formulated to simulate the proposed distiller behaviour, which shows an acceptable match with the experimental results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aquafeed industry faces many challenges, including reducing the cost of feed by reducing the quantity of fish meal and soybean meal and researching to replace them with other ingredients lower in cost. Furthermore, new low-cost feeds must improve growth and feed utilization while also ensuring fish health. During the past few decades, researchers have shown one of the low-cost and with appropriate nutritional value alternative protein sources to replace fish meal (FM) or soybean meal (SBM) is dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS). Recently, the production of grain-based ethanol as a fuel additive has been increasing as the demand for biofuel has increased, and lessening dependency on fossil fuels has resulted in a dramatic rise in the amount of grains used for ethanol. DDGS are the primary co-product of dry-grind fuel ethanol plants. DDGS has the advantages of having high protein, fat, phosphorus, yield, and low cost. These valuable particles attributed to DDGS have raised controversy amongst feed nutritionists as to how they can proficiently replace fish meal or soybean meal. It has been discovered that DDGS can be replaced with fish meal or soybean meal without affecting growth. Therefore, the present review discusses the effects of dietary DDGS application in the fish feed formulation, the best dietary presence, the possible advantages in fish health, nutrient retention, and the economic benefits of DDGS application in aquafeeds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most regions of the world, including the Algerian desert (southeast of Algeria, the El-Oued region in particular) suffer from pure water scarcity, although there is a huge stockpile of groundwater, it is salty water. Solar stills are one of the best solutions to the problem of freshwater shortages because it depend on solar energy, which is abundant throughout the year in southeastern Algeria. Due to the low productivity of solar stills, the current experimental study aims to create simple and inexpensive solutions to improve the productivity of solar stills. This was done by manufacturing the absorption basin from a concrete layer, with the addition of cement cylindrical fins and which were used as energy storage materials in addition to the use of cylindrical fins helped to increase the heat transfer area between the absorption surface (thermal storage materials) and basin water. To achieve this goal, two single-slope solar distillers were built and tested in this article, the first is Single Slope Solar Distiller with a Cement Layer (2 cm) placed as absorbent at the bottom base of the basin (SSSD-CL) and the second is a Single Slope Solar Distiller with Cement Layer (2 cm) and Cement Cylindrical Fins (SSSD-CL&CCF). Cylindrical fins are made of cement with a diameter of 1.5 cm and a length of 3 cm. The results showed that SSSD-CL&CCF produced drinking water at a rate of 4.52 kg/m²/day while SSSD-CL produced only 3.46 kg/m²/day, which is 30.64% more compared to SSSD-CL&CCF. These results demonstrated that the drinking water produced by SSSD-CL improved by incorporating the cement cylindrical fins with the cement layer as low-cost and available sensible thermal energy storage materials. Also, Cement cylindrical fins were used, which increased the thermal and exergy efficiency by 31% and 56.7%, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Worldwide, drinking water shortages are a major concern. In many parts of the world, fresh water sources are deteriorated and polluted by human activities and population growth. Using fossil fuels to distill water for human consumption requires a large amount of energy. It was suggested that solar energy could be used to distill polluted or salty water without harming the environment. The sun is a free and abundant energy source, especially in swampy and remote regions. However, the design and operation of solar stills limit their efficiency and productivity. Solar freshwater production systems are discussed in this review in terms of the latest developments in production and distillation efficiency. Based on various performance criteria, the study analyzes direct solar desalination processes. Detailed discussions of recent modifications and innovations are also included and highlighted in this paper. It is the goal of all the studies reviewed to achieve maximum productivity and efficiency, low capital costs, and ease of installation. Among the developments reviewed are phase change materials (PCMs), nanoparticles, and solar reflectors with high efficiency. In addition to features of solar stills, current modifications have been evaluated in terms of location, water temperature, solar radiation intensity, production level, inclination angle, productivity, and efficiency. Solar still performance parameters were also studied in relation to modifying the absorption area and using reflectors and condensers. Several improvements were made which resulted in high productivity rates. The distiller’s productivity increases from 10% to 180% when a phase change material is added. When a nanomaterial is added to paraffin in the still, productivity increases by 25% to 320%. Furthermore, Wicks increase the still’s yield by 20%-300%, depending on design. A few recommendations are made regarding future work in solar desalination based on this review at the end of the study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The demand for plant-based proteins is increasing at a rapid rate in the modern era. Hence, finding a new source of plant proteins might fulfill such requirements. Corn distilleries generate various protein-containing by-products, for instance, an undervalued and less explored corn distillers solubles (CDS). The CDS was reviewed to assess its potential as a new source of proteins and bioactive peptides. This review summarizes the current understanding of CDS proteins, with an emphasis on their composition, characteristics, quality, and bioactive peptides for cost-effective applications. Finally, several industrial applications of proteins and protein hydrolysates of CDS have been discussed, as well as the destiny of these products in terms of restrictions, barriers, future research paths, and problems. The literature showed that proteins of CDS were glycated to some extent due to the multiple evaporation steps employed in distilleries. To the best of the author's knowledge, the influence of yeast on the quality and quantity of CDS proteins has not been studied comprehensively. The digestibility of CDS proteins has not been clearly explicated. Enzymatic hydrolysis of protein concentrate from CDS implied its potential as protein hydrolysates comprising antioxidant capacity, dipeptidyl peptidase 4 inhibition and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibition as the prime activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Feedstuff deficiency has forced researchers to find new natural alternatives. Distillers grain (DG) is a high-quality feed alternative due to its rich nutrients. However, the use of DG is limited in livestock diets due to the presence of some antinutritional compounds. The probiotic fermentation of DG can improve its nutritional composition, eliminating the antinutrient composition of DG. In this study, feeding with 15% probiotic-fermented distillers grains (PFDG) improved the antioxidant capacity, immune status, and rumen enzyme activity, without affecting the ADG, of finishing cattle, regulating rumen microbiota abundance and showing a positive effect on rumen phenylalanine metabolism, tryptophan metabolism, and pyrimidine metabolism. The current results indicate that PFDG could be incorporated, at a 15% inclusion rate, into the diet in finishing cattle. A total of 30 Simmental crossbred cattle (6.50 months old, 265.0 ± 22.48 kg) were randomly divided into three groups, with 10 heads per group, and fed for 45 days. The diet treatments consisted of the Control group without PFDG supplementation, the PFDG-15% group with 15% PFDG substituting for 15% concentrate, and PFDG-30% group with 30% PFDG substituting for 30% concentrate. The results showed that compared with the Control group, the average daily gain (ADG) of the cattle in the PFDG-30% group decreased significantly (0.890 vs. 0.768 kg/d, p = 0.005). The serum malondialdehyde content of cattle in the PFDG-15% and PFDG-30% groups decreased significantly (p = 0.047) compared to that of the Control group. However, the serum superoxide dismutase activity of cattle in the PFDG-30% group was significantly higher than that of the Control group (p = 0.047). Meanwhile, both the PFDG-15% and PFDG-30% groups (1758.47 vs. 2061.30 μg/mL) showed higher serum levels of immunoglobulin G, while the interleukin-10 concentration was lower in the PFDG-30% group (p = 0.027). In addition, the PFDG-15% and PFDG-30% groups shifted the rumen microbiota by improving the abundances of F082 (related to propionic acid production) and fiber-degrading bacteria (Lachnospiraceae_UGG-009 and Prevotellaceae_UCG-001) and reducing the abundance of the disease-associated bacteria Selenomonas. A Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) analysis illustrated that three key metabolic pathways, including phenylalanine metabolism, pyrimidine metabolism, and tryptophan metabolism, were enriched in the PFDG-15% group, but eight key metabolic pathways, including arachidonic acid metabolism, were enriched in the PFDG-30% group. Importantly, both the PFDG-15% and PFDG-30% groups increased (p < 0.01) the activities of cellulase, lipase, and protease in the rumen. Finally, the different bacterial abundance in the rumen was associated with changes in the ADG, serum antioxidant capacity, immune status, rumen enzyme activity, and metabolites. These results suggest that PFDG alters rumen microbiome abundance, metabolome, and enzyme activity for enhancing serum antioxidant capacity and the immune status, but when the supplemental level reaches 30%, it has a negative effect on ADG and the anti-inflammatory factors in finishing cattle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The shortage of safe drinking water is among the issues that the globe is experiencing more and more. One of the best options for remote locations lacking in civilian infrastructure is solar stills. The primary goal of the current study was to determine how using different designs of longitudinal and square baffles in the basin of the cords pyramid solar still (CPSS) affects its performance with and without silver nanoparticles. In addition, raising the levels of evaporation and condensation was achieved by introducing reflectors and vapor extraction with CPSS. Also, the thermo-enviro-economic analyses were tested to obtain the profitability of the proposed system. The results reported that the distillation of CPSS with lined baffles (CPSS-LB) and PSS was 9150 and 3500 mL m−2 day, correspondingly, with improvement of 162%. Moreover, the distillation of CPSS with square baffles (CPSS-SB) was 193% greater than PSS, with the aggregated distillation of CPSS-SB and PSS being 9800 and 3350 mL m−2 day, accordingly. Also, utilizing reflectors with CPSS-SB increased the output over the PSS by almost 233% (3600 mL m−2 day for PSS versus 12,000 mL m−2 day for CPSS-SB), while the fan and reflectors increased production of CPSS by roughly 257% (3550 mL m−2 day for PSS and 12,650 mL m−2 day for CPSS with fan and reflectors). Besides, the CPSS-SB with Ag increased productivity over PSS by 274% (3200 mL m−2 day for PSS vs 11,970 mL m−2 day for CPSS-SB with Ag). Moreover, with the use of Ag nanoparticles, the productivity increase of CPSS with reflectors and fan was 274%, with a thermal efficiency of approximately 68.8% at 25 cords, while with 35 cords, with the use of Ag nanoparticles, the productivity increase of CPSS with reflectors and fan was 282% (3100 mL m−2 day for PSS and 11,850 mL m−2 day for CPSS), with a thermal efficiency of approximately 70%. For PSS and CPSS-SB-Ag, the reported expenses of the treated water were 0.0141 and 0.01 $L−1, correspondingly. The environmental parameter of CPSS-SB-Ag was annual CO2 emissions of 28.7 tons. Additionally, the enviroeconomic parameter (Z′) for CPSS and CPSS-SB-Ag was 370 and 420 per year for 340 operating days and two decades, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study was to evaluate the effects of individual or combinational use of phytase, protease, and xylanase on total tract digestibility of corn, soybean meal, and distillers dried grains with soluble (DDGS) fed to pigs. Methods: Each experiment had four 4×4 Latin squares using 16 barrows. Each period had 5-d adaptation and 3-d collection. All experiments had: CON (no enzyme); Phy (CON+phytase); Xyl (CON+xylanase); Pro (CON+protease); Phy+Xyl; Phy+Pro, Xyl+Pro, Phy+Xyl+Pro. Each Latin square had 'CON, Phy, Xyl, and Phy+Xyl'; 'CON, Phy, Pro, and Phy+Pro'; 'CON, Pro, Xyl, and Xyl+Pro'; and 'Phy+Xyl, Phy+Pro, Xyl+Pro, Phy+Xyl+Pro'. Results: The digestible energy (DE), metabolizable energy (ME), and nitrogen retention (NR) of corn were not affected by enzymes but the apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of phosphorus (P) was improved (p<0.01) by Phy. The DE and ATTD dry matter (DM) in soybean meal were increased (p<0.05) by Phy+Pro and the ATTD P was improved (p<0.01) by Phy, Phy+Pro, and Phy+Xyl. The DE, ME, and ATTD DM in DDGS were improved (p<0.05) by Phy+Xyl and the ATTD P was improved (p<0.01) by Phy, Phy+Pro, and Phy+Xyl. Conclusion: Phytase individually or in combination with xylanase and protease improved the Ca and P digestibility of corn, soybean meal, and DDGS, from the hydrolysis of phytic acid. The supplementation of protease was more effective when combined with phytase and xylanase in the soybean meal and DDGS possibly due to a higher protein content in these feedstuffs. Xylanase was more effective in DDGS diets due to the elevated levels of non-starch polysaccharides in these feedstuffs. However, when xylanase was combined with phytase, it demonstrated a higher efficacy improving the nutrient digestibility of pigs. Overall, combinational uses of feed enzymes can be more efficient for nutrient utilization in soybean meal and DDGS than single enzymes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Arabinoxylans (AXs) extracted from distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGSs) were treated with amylase, amyloglucosidase, and protease, to evaluate their effect on the polysaccharide capability to form covalent electro-sprayed nanoparticles. Enzymatically treated arabinoxylans (AXPPs) presented a significant decrease in protein content and molecular weight (31 and 37%, respectively), while the ferulic acid content and the arabinose-to-xylose ratio (A/X) were not statistically modified. The Fourier transform infrared spectra of the AXPPs showed a diminution in the intensity of amide I and amide II bands concerning AXs. The AXPP gels (1% w/v) induced via laccase registered a slight increase in the dimers of ferulic acid cross-linking content (9%) and the G' value (27%) about the AX gels. The electro-sprayed nanoparticles of AXs and AXPPs (NAXs and NAXPPs, respectively) revealed a spherical and regular morphology via transmission electron microscopy. The nanoparticle diameter was not different for the NAXs and NAXPPs, while the NAXPPs show a significant reduction in Z potential value compared to NAXs. Confocal laser microscopy observations were conducted, to analyze the protein content in the AX network, and a decrease in illuminated areas was observed in the AXPP gels and the NAXPPs. These results indicate that the enzymatical treatment of an AX improves the polysaccharide gelling capability, but does not influence the fabrication of electro-sprayed covalent nanoparticles. NAXs and NAXPPs could be attractive biomaterials for diverse pharmaceutical and biomedical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solar distillation emerges as a viable remedy for addressing water scarcity in both remote and urban locales. However, its operational efficiency remains a limiting factor. Consequently, this study undertakes a comprehensive approach by introducing design modifications to enhance a distiller's overall productivity. The pivotal adjustment involves configuring the distiller into a three-tiered structure, thus designating it as a multi-stage solar still (MSSS). Notably, the solar stills are crafted entirely from glass to optimize consistent solar tracking, eschewing the conventional sun-tracking rotation mechanism. Furthermore, the three-stage distiller undergoes refinement through the incorporation of a thermo-storing material (PCM) comprising paraffin infused with graphene nanocomposites at the base of the solar still (SS). Subsequent to these design enhancements, a comprehensive evaluation encompassing exergy, economic viability, environmental impact, and thermal considerations is conducted for both the conventional solar still (CSS) and MSSS. The outcomes elucidate that the upper stage of the MSSS outperforms its counterparts, producing superior results. Comparative analysis indicates a remarkable 160% enhancement in productivity for the MSSS over the CSS. Cumulative water productivities for the CSS and MSSS with PCM are recorded at 2840 and 7980 mL/m2 during the daytime, reflecting an improvement of 181%. The energy efficiency metrics reveal values of 31%, 49.8%, and 53% for the CSS, MSSS, and MSSS with PCM, respectively. Moreover, the MSSS with PCM demonstrates an exergy efficiency of 5.8%. The environmental implications are quantified at 12 tons of CO2 emissions per year for the MSSS with PCM. Finally, the cost considerations illustrate a reduction in the cost of freshwater for the MSSS with PCM (0.10 $/L) and the MSSS (0.13 $/L), as compared to the conventional SS (0.24 $/L). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents a practical investigation of the effect of two different solar collectors (parabolic concentrator collector and evacuated cylindrical collector) on the solar distiller performance. The experiments were carried out under the climatic conditions of the Iraqi city of Kirkuk (35.46°N, 44.39°E). The results of the testing showed that adding solar collectors raised the temperature of the basin water for the solar distiller. The water in the distiller basin connected to the parabolic concentrator collector reached a maximum temperature of about 71°C. In contrast, the water temperature of the traditional distiller was 67°C. Also, the findings exposed that connecting the conventional solar distiller with different kinds of solar collectors has no significant benefit in enhancing the output of solar distillers. The maximum water production of the solar distiller connected with a parabolic concentrator collector was 1.38 E-04 L/s at 3 p.m. It was also noted that the hybrid solar distillers have higher productivity than the traditional distillers after 3:00 p.m. At a volume flow rate of 1.4 L/min, the daily thermal efficiency of the distiller integrated with the parabolic concentrator collector, the distiller integrated with the evacuated cylindrical collector, and the classical distiller was 27%, 23.64%, and 34.44%, respectively. The results also showed that the solar distiller coupled to an evacuated solar collector operates more efficiently with a higher cooling water flow rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aims to improve the palatable water production from the hemispherical cover solar distiller (HSD). To augment the palatable water produced from the hemispherical cover, a black sponge was utilized as a porous medium using different thicknesses, which augments the interfacial evaporation through the capillary effect of the water through the sponge. The rate of condensation of the hemispherical cover depends on the higher interaction of air from the ambient through wind velocity as the exposure area of the hemispherical cover is relatively higher as compared to the other traditional distillers. The rate of evaporation from the distillers depends on the interfacial materials used in the distillation unit, and this is achieved by using a highly porous black sponge to attain a higher evaporation rate. The thickness of the black porous sponge was optimized (1 to 4 cm), which was the operating parameter for better interfacial evaporation through the sponge, and the same has been compared to the conventional HSD without a porous sponge medium. Results showed a significant improvement in the evaporation rate using a porous medium as the palatable water produced from the HSD was improved by 72.29% using 3 cm as sponge thickness inside compared to the conventional HSD without the porous medium. The cumulative palatable water produced from the HSD using 3 cm as sponge thickness was found as 7150 mL/m2, whereas the conventional HSD without sponge, it was found as 4150 mL/m2. Moreover, using a porous sponge layer as an interfacial evaporation medium, the exergy and energy efficiencies were improved by about 512.87 and 70.53%, respectively. Similarly, with the influence of a porous sponge as an interfacial evaporation medium, the distilled water cost decreased by 41.67% more than the conventional HSD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Corrosion activity of a multi-component solution, namely, distiller liquid previously clarified and strengthened to 20 wt% by CaCl2 including the addition of corrosion inhibitors at –5°C to low-carbon 08kp steel is studied by the gravimetric method. The holding time of the specimens is 500–650 h. In distiller liquid corrosion rate is 0.111 g/(m2×h), corrosion depth is 0.12 mm/year, steel resistance refers to the IV group (relatively resistant). When adding the hexamethylenetetramine, triethanolamine, trilon B corrosion inhibitors or their mixture in the amount of 0.5 wt% the corrosion resistance of steel improves, and the best results are achieved by adding hexamethylenetetramine with triethanolamine. The obtained results indicate the possibility of using the distiller liquid from sludge accumulator of JSC "Lysychanska Soda" with additives of such corrosion inhibitors as reagents for preventing highway surface against icing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this experimental study , two units are held and studied: the traditional tubular solar still (TTSS) and the developed tubular solar still (DTSS). The influence of a developed solar parabolic concentrator (DSPC) employed with carbon black nanoparticles (CBNs), a V-corrugated Aluminum basin (VCAB), and wick martial on the thermal efficiency and productivity was investigated in four cases: (Case A): DTSS with DSPC, (Case B): DTSS with DSPC and CBNs, (Case C): DTSS with DSPC and V-corrugated Aluminum basin (VCAB), and CBNs, (Case D): DTSS with DSPC and VCAB and CBNs by using factors such as air temperature, cover temperature, water temperature, air speed, and sun radiation. It was found that case four was the best case, where it had the highest hourly efficiency at 18:0 for each of the traditional unit and the modified unit, and that the energy efficiency, exergy efficiency, and daily productivity increased by 129.8%, 365.44%, and 120.536%, respectively, compared to the traditional unit, its cost, which was 0.026$, was reduced by 23%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this research was to assess the influence of partially substituting post-extraction soybean meal with distillers dried yeast on the efficiency of broiler chicken fattening and the intestinal microflora.I Inactive distillers dried yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, cultivated on wheat extract, was employed in the study. The research was conducted on 112 Ross 308 line cockerels subjected to a 35-day fattening period, during which they were fed Starter (days 1–10), Grower (days 11–27), and Finisher (days 28–35) diets. Broiler chickens were randomly divided into four groups: control and three experimental groups with varying levels of distillers dried yeast—3%, 6%, and 9%. Cockerels in the control group (Starter diet) exhibited higher feed consumption compared to those receiving 3% yeast in their diet. Cockerels in the group receiving 3% yeast (Grower diet) demonstrated better feed conversion compared to those receiving 9% yeast in their diet. The study revealed that regardless of the broiler chicken fattening period, there was a decrease in the overall number of isolated microorganisms in the feces with an increase in the proportion of distillers dried yeast in the diet. This was confirmed by the total number of bacteria, anaerobic bacteria, Enterobacteriaceae, E. coli, Enterococcus sp., and S. aureus. Based on cluster analysis (dendrogram), it was observed that only a 9% addition of yeast to the diet significantly influenced the quantitative and qualitative composition of the fecal microbiota of broiler chickens. In summary, a properly balanced feed with distillery yeast can be used as a good source of energy and protein in feed mixtures for broilers, serving as a cost-effective alternative to soybean meal. However, for optimal production results and feed costs, the inclusion of yeast in the feed should not exceed 3%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the best solar distillers in terms of productivity is the stepped solar distiller, but it suffers from a lack of productivity commercially. This study proposes some amendments to enhance its performance utilizing nano-improved paraffin wax as a thermal storing material and reflecting surfaces. As a result, two solar distillers were fabricated and tested simultaneously under the same weather conditions: one is the conventional distiller, and another is the modified stepped distiller. Results revealed that the modified stepped distiller gave better performance than the conventional distiller, both in terms of productivity and efficiency. For example, the yield of the modified stepped distiller was improved by 55.6% compared to that of conventional distiller. Moreover, when utilizing the thermal storing material with the modified stepped distiller, its yield was augmented by 77.88% over conventional distiller. Furthermore, the productivities of conventional distiller and modified stepped distiller with thermal storing material and reflecting surfaces are 2400 mL/m².day and 6750 mL/m².day, severally with an betterment of 181.25%. In this case, the efficiency of modified stepped distiller was 46.4%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The integration of photovoltaic/thermal (PV/T) collectors with solar distillation processes is explored in this investigation, which seeks to augment the efficiency of solar distillers. Development and experimental assessment of a novel solar system, employing a PV/T collector for performance enhancement of a solar distiller, were carried out in Kirkuk City, Iraq, located at 35.46°N latitude and 44.38°E longitude. Two experimental models were constructed: a conventional double-slope solar distiller served as the baseline, whereas the second model was a double-slope solar distiller integrated with a PV/T collector. Four water depths (3, 4, 7, and 10 cm) were investigated to ascertain their effects on the system's output and efficiency. It was observed that the integration of the solar distiller with the PV/T collector resulted in a significant enhancement in system efficiency, achieving 18.81%, compared to a 5.15% efficiency demonstrated by the conventional distiller. The study further confirmed the substantial influence of water depth in the basin on the performance of both the hybrid and traditional solar distillation systems. Optimal results were achieved with a water depth of 3 cm, yielding productivity of 1.55 and 0.447 litre/day, and efficiency of 18.81% and 5.15%, for the integrated and conventional systems, respectively. When the water depth was increased to 5 cm, the respective productivity decreased to 1.252 and 0.243 litre/day, with corresponding efficiency of 16.87% and 3.22%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Distiller grains (DG), which are the by-product from the bioethanol industry, represent an interesting alternative as animal feedstock. To our knowledge, little information is available on the inclusion of DG on the quality of meat from pasture-fed heifers. Thus, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of DG inclusion in pasture-based systems on the main meat quality attributes of Charolais x Aberdeen Angus heifers. For this purpose, meat from heifers fed with a pasture-based diet without supplementation (P) or with 0.75% of live weight DG supplementation (PDG; DG plus dry-rolled corn, 50:50) or with 0.75% of live weight dry-rolled corn supplementation (PRC) was evaluated. Physical (pH, WHC, color, texture), sensory and nutritional (fat content, fatty acid, and amino acid profile) attributes were evaluated in beef samples. No effect of supplementation was observed on meat pH or color (p > 0.05). Meat from PDG heifers showed higher values of WBSF than meat from P heifers (p = 0.039). However, the overall tenderness evaluated by trained panelists showed no differences due to supplementation (p > 0.05). Our results indicate that the inclusion of DG as a partial corn-replacement supplementation for heifers under grazing represents a strategic tool not only related to meat quality, but also as an alternative to reduce food–feed competition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• New hemispheric solar distiller with wick convex basin integrated with and without PCM is studied. • Three solar hemispheric distillers are designed, examined, and compared. • The still with wick convex basin/PCM produced an 87.0% higher distilled yield. • An increase in the energy and exergy efficiencies reached 85.6% and 128.2%, respectively. • Reduction in cost per liter of freshwater liter reached 37.1% over the conventional one. An innovative designed convex basin is utilized instead of the flat absorber basin to maximize the exposure and vaporization surface areas. Moreover, a jute cloth layer is used over the convex basin as a wicking material for promoting the vaporization rates inside the modified distiller. Additionally, the influences of using phase change material (PCM) thermal storage on the distiller performance was studied on the distiller thermo-economic performance are investigated. Three hemispherical distillers are designed and tested, namely, modified hemispheric distiller with a wick convex absorber basin (MHD-WCAB), modified distiller with a wick convex absorber basin and PCM (MHD-WCAB + PCM), and reference hemispheric distiller (RHD). The performance of three proposed hemispherical stills is performed based on economic, energetic, and exergetic points. The daily distilled product reached 7.95 and 6.90 kg/m2/day for the MHD-WCAB + PCM and MHD-WCAB, respectively, 4.25 kg/m2/day for RHD, achieving 87.06% and 62.35% improvement relative to the RHD. Furthermore, the daily energy efficiency of MHD-WCAB + PCM and MHD-WCAB is evaluated as 46.90% and 34.04%, respectively, representing an improvement rate of 85.67% and 61.74% compared to RHD. The daily exergy efficiency of MHD-WCAB + PCM and MHD-WCAB reached 3.88% and 3.39%, respectively, yielding an augmentation rate of 128.24%, and 99.41% over RHD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to develop a novel design of hemispheric distillers that can achieve the highest performance improvement. To implement this idea, a semi-corrugated absorber basin combined with an inverted solar collector was utilized in order to augment the vaporization rates within the hemispheric distillation basin and thus improve the freshwater yield. The effects of three different pitch distances of the semi-corrugated basin (5, 8, and 12 cm) were investigated to figure out the finest pitch that maximizes the distillation yield of hemispheric distillation systems. To achieve these experimentally, two hemispherical distillers were designed, constructed, and examined, the first is a conventional hemispherical distiller (CHSD) and the second is the developed hemispherical distiller with a semi-corrugated absorber combined with an inverted solar collector (DHSDSCA& ISC). Besides, three basins with a semi-corrugated absorber (with various pitches of 5, 8, and 12 cm) were designed and implemented for the developed hemispherical distiller. The practical tests were conducted over three consecutive days so that each case of DHSD-SCA&ISC was compared with CHSD. The results presented that the mutual utilization of the inverted solar collector and semi-corrugated basin with a pitch distance of 5.0 cm represents the optimized configuration in the distiller basin that yields the maximum freshwater product. At this case, the distilled product reached 9.54 L/m2·d with an improvement percentage of 92.73% as compared to CHSD. Moreover, the daily energetic efficiency reached 77.29% with an enhancement percentage rate of 91.45% as compared to CHSD. In addition, the economic assessment findings indicated that the price per 1.0 L of distilled water was reduced by 36.0% compared to the CHSD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this explanatory research is to contribute to the knowledge of the marketing of spirits through research into Serbian rakija producers, with an emphasis on the marketing of their alcoholic beverages. In order to demonstrate that marketing results in higher product prices and revenues, three hypotheses related to the elements of the marketing mix will be investigated. In this quantitative survey, the questionnaire was distributed online to Serbian distillers (N = 104); hence, the sample was intentional and predetermined. The key finding is that only 4% of distillers have fully mastered marketing in the sense that they use all four elements of the marketing mix in their businesses; they also achieved significantly higher prices. It seems that it is not clear to Serbian rakija distillers exactly who they are targeting with their marketing and who will buy their products.

This manuscript aims to augment the production rate of drink water from the hemispherical solar distillers using red bricks filled with cement as natural low‐cost reasonable storage materials. To obtain the optimal height and optimal gap distance of the red brick tiles filled with cement that achieves the highest productivity of hemispherical distillers. Three different heights of the red brick (1, 2, and 3 cm) with two different gap distances of (4 and 6 cm) were experimentally studied. Therefore, three hemispherical distillers were constructed and operated under the same climate conditions. The first is the traditional hemispherical solar distiller (THSD) which represents the reference distiller. The second is a hemispherical distiller with red brick tiles filled with cement set at a gap distance of 6 cm. The third is a hemispherical distiller with red brick tiles filled with cement set at a gap distance of 4 cm. The results presented that, the utilization of red brick tiles filled with cement with a height of 2 cm and a gap distance of 4 cm represents a good choice that achieves the highest performance of hemispherical distillers. The results showed that the utilization of red bricks filled with cement will be improved the accumulative yield from 4.3 L/m2/day (THSD) to 6.55 L/m2/day with an improvement of 52.3%. Also, using the red bricks filled with cement improved the thermal and exergy efficiencies by 51.24% and 435.5%, respectively compared to THSD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this explanatory research is to contribute to the knowledge of the marketing of spirits through research into Serbian rakija producers, with an emphasis on the marketing of their alcoholic beverages. In order to demonstrate that marketing results in higher product prices and revenues, three hypotheses related to the elements of the marketing mix will be investigated. In this quantitative survey, the questionnaire was distributed online to Serbian distillers (N = 104); hence, the sample was intentional and predetermined. The key finding is that only 4% of distillers have fully mastered marketing in the sense that they use all four elements of the marketing mix in their businesses; they also achieved significantly higher prices. It seems that it is not clear to Serbian rakija distillers exactly who they are targeting with their marketing and who will buy their products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Design and test a new semicircular concentrator with an acceptance angle of 90°. • Use rising film and enhanced condensation techniques to improve still's efficiency. • When mean daily solar radiation is 606.0 W/m2, the water yield efficiency is 81.6%. • A mass and heat transfer process model is built to predict its performance. This paper presents a concentrating light multistage rising film solar distiller with a central cooling structure (RFSD). The RFSD mainly consists of the semicircular concentrator, a rising film device and a central cooling structure. The structure design of the semicircular concentrator is introduced in this paper. The relationship between the light receptivity of the semicircular concentrator and the solar incident angle was obtained by optical simulation. The mathematical model of RFSD was established, and the process of heat and mass transfer in RFSD was analyzed theoretically. Based on theoretical analysis, an experimental device was built. Furthermore, the device's water yield performance and energy utilization efficiency were tested under actual weather conditions. The experimental results show that when the average daily solar irradiance is 606.0 W / m 2 , the freshwater yielded by the device can reach 4450 g / m 2 , and the average daily efficiency is 81.6%. The comparison between the theoretical and experimental results shows that the theoretical model in this paper can well predict the device's operating parameters. The deviation of the theoretical operating temperature from the experimental value is within 2.3 °C, and the deviation of the daily water yield efficiency is on a scale of 14.1% to 24.8%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The impact of adding low-cost energy storage materials (salt balls and sponges) on the performance of single-slope solar still is being evaluated. • The low-cost energy storage materials enhanced the heating of the saltwater and decreased the cost of freshwater production. • The productivity for all tested solar stills decreased with the increase in water depth. In the current research, a low-cost energy storage material was utilized to improve the performance of single-slope solar distillers. To this end, a conventional distiller was modified with low-cost energy storage materials by adding twenty-five spherical salt balls and seventeen sponges to the bottom of the basin at different water depths, and its performance was examined under the climate of Al- Hilla, Iraq. Therefore, two cases were tested; 25 salt balls + 17 sponges in 1.5 cm depth of water (Case 1) and 25 salt balls + 17 sponges in 2 cm depth of water (Case 2), and their results were compared with the conventional solar distiller. It was found that using reasonable energy storage materials (salt balls and sponges) has a good role in increasing the productivity of modified solar distillers. Also, the daily accumulated productivity of modified solar still (MSS) for Case 1 was higher than that for Case 2 and CSS by about 16.86% and 44.32%, respectively. The maximum productivity was attained for Case 1, which was 1934 g/m2, 1655 g/m2, and 1340 g/m2 for both modified solar still (MSS-SBS) for Case 2 and CSS, respectively. Finally, it is recommended to use low-cost energy storage materials such as salt balls and sponges with a minimum depth of basin water to improve the productivity of the solar still. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this research, a single slope solar distiller was fabricated and tested under the climate of Al- Hilla city, Iraq, with a tilt angle of 32.5° according to its latitude. The experimental tests were done in November 2021. Two types of distillers were examined, the first one was a classical type, while the other one was modified by adding twenty-five spherical salt balls in its basin. Furthermore, the impact of the water depth (1.5 and 2 cm) was also investigated. Therefore, two cases were tested as follows: 25 spherical salt balls for 1.5 cm water depth (Case 1) and 25 spherical salt balls for 2 cm water depth (Case 2). It was found that using salt balls has a good role in increasing the productivity of modified solar distillers. Also, the daily accumulated productivity of modified solar still (MSS-SB) for Case 1 was higher than for Case 2 and classical solar distiller by about 8.06% and 17.45%, respectively. The results show that the maximum productivity was attained by MSS-SB Case 1, which was 1568 g/m2, followed by 1451 g/m2 for MSS-SB Case 2, and 1335 g/m2 for classical solar still. Finally, a minimum depth of basin water should be used with salt balls to increase the efficiency of the solar still. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to explore the Cr(VI) removal performance and mechanism of distillers' grainsbased biochar. Biochar was prepared at 600°C and modified with an alkaline solution (1 M KOH). In this study, factors affecting adsorption efficiencies such as biochar dosage (1~3 g/L), pHinitial (2.0~7.0), Cr(VI) initial concentration (10~300 mg/L), and adsorption time (0-24 h) were explored. The results showed that compared with the original biochar, the adsorption efficiency of Cr(VI) on the modified biochar after treatment with KOH solution was increased by 3 times. Scanning electron microscopy and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy analysis indicated that the morphology and function of biochar changed significantly after modification. When the dosage of modified biochar reaches 3.0 g/L, the removal rate of Cr(VI) of 50 mg/L can reach 99.99%. The initial pH of the solution is an essential adsorption parameter to determine the adsorption capacity of biochar. The removal efficiency of Cr(1) in the solution with lower pH is higher. The adsorption behavior of the modified biochar was more consistent with Freundlich isothermal adsorption model and the quasi-second-order kinetic equation. The theoretical equilibrium adsorption capacity Qe of KBC-2, KBC-1, and BC were 29.54, 19.76, and 9.37 mg/g, respectively. Thermodynamic studies indicate that the adsorption of Cr(1) by KABC-1, KABC-2, and BC is an automatic and endothermic process. In addition, the adsorption mechanism of Cr(1) by modified distillers' grains biochar can be explained as the synergistic action of chemical and physical adsorption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Harvesting freshwater from saline and seawater using solar energy has proven a significant impact in recent times. The present study aims to investigate the performance of the solar desalination system by incorporating glass reflectors, heat storage media, and a thermoelectric cooling system with a single-basin-type distiller. Accordingly, the objective of the study is to improve the performance of the solar distiller in terms of freshwater production and efficiency compared to a conventional setup. Moreover, the designed unit was tested under the environment of the Western part of India (Mehsana—23.5880° N, 72.3693° E) for 19 days in the months of May and June 2022. The maximum daily productivity observed during the day was 2.5 l at an average solar radiation of 1200 W/m2, which was 1.23 times higher than its conventional counterpart. Similarly, the energy efficiency showed a maximum improvement of 23.73%. At the middle of the day, i.e., maximum performance condition, the exergy efficiency was doubled with current modifications. Solar radiation and ambient temperature were found to be the most critical parameters that influence performance. Modifications also increase the % off sunshine hour productivity compared to sunshine hour from ~ 10 to 11% to ~ 20.8 to 24%, respectively. The cost of water distillation for the proposed solar still was found as 0.037 $/l/m2,s and the payback period was estimated as 2.27 years. The overall results indicate the positive influence of the modifications; hence, this type of setup is feasible for implementation on the field in harsh and coastal line areas. However, modified single-basin solar still needs extended field study to realize the full potential of the modifications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Antibiotics are used in ethanol production to discourage undesirable bacteria growth. To determine if antibiotic residues remain in the distillers grain (DG) byproduct, which is used as an animal food ingredient, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration/Center for Veterinary Medicine previously developed an LC-MS/MS method to detect residues of erythromycin A, penicillin G, virginiamycin M1, and virginiamycin S1 in DG to enable regulatory decision-making. Objective: Erythromycin and penicillin G were quantitated using the stable isotope dilution technique with their isotopically labeled compounds, which are considered optimal internal standards (ISTDs) for quantitative mass spectrometry. With the commercial availability of virginiamycin M1-d2 since then, the objectives of this study were to evaluate the feasibility of its use as it is only doubly deuterated, and to incorporate it in the method to enhance method performance. Method: Antibiotic residues were solvent-extracted from DG; the extract was cleaned up by a hexane wash and solid phase extraction (SPE) and analyzed by LC-MS/MS. Results: We established suitability of virginiamycin M1-d2 as an ISTD and incorporated it in the method. For all analytes, accuracy and precision ranged 90 to 102% and 3.8 to 6.8, respectively. Conclusions: We modified a previously developed LC-MS/MS method that uses virginiamycin M1-d2 as an ISTD to support surveillance studies to determine several drugs in DG. Highlights: Virginiamycin M1-d2 was successfully incorporated into the method for better virginiamycin M1 quantitation. This addition also allowed calibration curves for all analytes to be constructed in solvent, thereby simplifying the method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research aims to answer questions regarding how Serbian distillers evaluate the quality of their products and their chances on the market. The author also intends to determine the number of market segments for rakija, the Serbian national spirit. As this is the first known study of distillers and the economics of rakija production in Serbia, this research will be exploratory in nature. A quantitative survey of professional and hobbyist rakija distillers (N = 104) was conducted online in October 2021, which means that at the 95% probability level, the sampling error is below 10%. Rakija distillers rated the quality of their rakija as relatively high-7.88 out of 10, while, conversely, they rated the market situation as relatively low-2.67 out of 7. They are very enthusiastic about their future market prospects-4.19 out of 7, but with current business approaches and their outdated production methods, their future does not look bright. It has been found that the rakija market in Serbia has three segments in terms of price: low-priced (up to 500 dinars), mid-priced (between 501 and 1000 dinars), and high-priced (1001 dinars and above). The median, or medium price of all rakija in our sample, was 750 dinars. Finally, a feasible strategy for the rakija market was synthesized by the SWOT/TOWS analysis. The research findings will be useful not only for distillers, but also important for agricultural policymakers as stricter standards need to be introduced to ensure rakija quality.

• Augmented performance of solar still was evaluated via integrating evaporation and condensation enhancers. • Synthetic nanocomposites were developed, characterized, and used with different concentrations. • Thermo-economic performance was investigated compared to conventional solar still. • Productivity, energy efficiency, and average exergy efficiency augmentations reached 113.72, 96, and 167.62 %, respectively. This work aimed to develop the thermo-economic performance of solar still (SS) via various additives. On the one hand, to improve the thermophysical properties of the basin saline water, two nanocomposites were utilized in the modified SSs (MSSs). In MSS1, chitosan @ graphene oxide (Cs@GO) was used, whereas chitosan @ nickel oxide (Cs@NiO), was provided in MSS2. The concentration influence on the yield was investigated considering three ratios (0.1, 0.2, and 0.3 wt%). The selected concentration (0.3 wt%) was used for the upcoming cases being better than others. At this weight ratio, the yield was augmented by 72.7, and 57.5 % for MSS1, and MSS2, respectively, compared to CSS. In the first case (Case I), a glass lid cooling unit was attached to the MSSs to boost the condensation rate. In the second case (Case II), top and bottom external reflectors were fixed on the MSSs. Then, Case III contained both cover cooling and reflectors. In addition to these enhancers, ultrasonic atomizers were placed on the basin of MSSs in Case IV. In each experiment, both MSS1 and MSS2 were simultaneously compared to conventional SS (CSS). All cases showed good thermo-economic performances. The best performance was obtained, especially in terms of yield, from MSS1 in Case IV, at which the production, energy, and exergy efficiencies were improved by 113.72, 96, and 167.62 %, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solar stills utilization has received great interest in arid isolated regions. In this study, experimental approaches have been investigated to prove the impact of the corrugated absorber shape on the hemispherical solar still performance. Four geometric corrugated shapes including present flat, triangular, semi-circular, square forms were tested for the corrugated absorber. Five hemispherical solar distillers have been fabricated and tested. The first distiller includes flat absorber (HSD-FA), the second distiller includes square corrugated absorber (HSDSA), the third distiller includes semi-circular corrugated absorber (HSD-SCA), the fourth distiller includes triangular corrugated absorber (HSDTA), and the fifth distiller is conventional (CHSD). The first and second distillers were compared with the CHSD on the first day. On the second day, the third and fourth distillers were compared with the CHSD as well. Experimental results obtained showed that, the total freshwater yield of the HSD-FA, HSDSA, HSDSCA and HSDTA were improved by 16.67, 27.08, 39.58 and 48.96%, respectively, compared over that of the CHSD. These results prove that the use of the triangular corrugated absorber shaped provides the highest thermal efficiency, and the optimum corrugated absorber shape is the triangular corrugated absorber shape. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to analyse changes in the profile of long-chain fatty acids in the ruminal fluid of cows during in vitro fermentation, using different proportions of maize DDGS (distillers dried grains with solubles) as a substrate. The serum bottles were filled with 1 g of concentrate feed (C), which consisted of cereal middlings, postextraction rapeseed meal, and soybean meal. Substrates I, II, and III contained the same ingredients as substrate C, but also included DDGS at increasing proportions, while substrate IV contained only DDGS. Ruminal fluid with a buffer was then added to the bottles and incubated for 4, 8, and 24 h. After incubation, the fatty acid profile was analysed using a gas chromatograph. The use of DDGS as a substrate resulted in a decrease in SFA, and an increase in the proportion of UFA, including oleic acid (C18:1n9c) and linoleic acid (C18:2n6c). The fermentation profile with 15% and 20% DDGS in TMR proved to be the most beneficial. These findings suggest that the byproduct of bioethanol production could potentially improve the fatty acid profile in the ruminal fluid, resulting in higher-quality animal products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]