Search Results (350)

There has been growing interest in constructing mid- and high-rise wooden buildings in recent years. To ensure the feasibility of these structures, it is necessary to provide evidence that their long-term reliability can be guaranteed. While long-term testing is typically necessary, a continuous monitoring system for the moisture content of wood materials used in buildings has been proposed as an alternative. The proposed method measures the change in the local moisture content using the equilibrium moisture content calculated from the temperature and humidity measured using temperature and humidity sensors. The study used Japanese cypress specimens with dimensions of 50 mm, 75 mm, and 100 mm cubes and Douglas fir specimens of 50 mm cubes. The moisture content was measured under various external environments. Results showed that this system effectively captured changes in local moisture content, reflecting fluctuations in temperature and humidity in a controlled thermo-hygrostat over a three-day moisture absorption environment (20 °C, 95% humidity). Additionally, it was observed that higher moisture content levels yielded correspondingly higher local moisture content measurements compared to those obtained using the oven-drying method. Full article

Dry matter (DM) is a critical parameter for avocado quality and commercialization, particularly in the ‘Hass’ cultivar, where it is closely associated with the oil content and flavor. This study evaluated the fatty acid composition and sensory attributes of ‘Hass’ avocados with varying DM levels (19%, 21%, 24%, and 27%) cultivated in the Canary Islands. Additionally, the impact of dehydration methods (oven and microwave) and sample preparation techniques on the oil content and lipid profiles were assessed. Six main fatty acids were identified, with oleic acid (38–43%) and palmitic acid (30–36%) being predominant. Higher DM levels were associated with increased concentrations of palmitoleic and linoleic acids. Drying methods did not significantly alter the fatty acid profile, supporting the crushed microwave-dried (CMW) method as a practical, low-cost approach for preserving lipid integrity. Consumer panelists showed a clear preference for avocados with higher DM contents (24–27%), associating the flavor (86.2%) and texture (59.6%) with the purchase intent. The high monounsaturated fatty acid content, particularly oleic acid, qualifies these avocados for the European nutritional claim ‘high in monounsaturated fat.’ This is the first study to characterize these parameters in ‘Hass’ avocados from the Canary Islands, contributing to both quality assessments and potential marketing strategies based on nutritional and sensory attributes. Full article

Food irradiation is gaining popularity worldwide due to its potential to extend shelf life, improve hygienic quality, and meet trade requirements. The electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) method is a reliable and sensitive technique for detecting untreated and irradiated foods. This study investigated the effectiveness of EPR in identifying irradiated meat and seafood containing bones. Beef, lamb, chicken, and various fish were irradiated with electron beams at different doses and analysed using an EPR spectrometer. During irradiation, the food samples were surrounded by small ice bags to prevent autodegradation of cells and nuclei. After the irradiation process, the samples were stored at −20 °C. For EPR signal recording, the flesh, connective tissues, and bone marrow were removed from the bone samples, which were then oven-dried at 50 °C. The EPR spectra were recorded using an X-band EPR analyzer. Unirradiated and irradiated samples were identified based on the nature of the EPR signals as well as the g-values of symmetric and asymmetric signals. The study found that the EPR method is effective in distinguishing between unirradiated and irradiated bone-containing foods across nearly all applied radiation doses. The peak-to-peak amplitude of the EPR signals increased with increasing radiation doses. It was observed that unirradiated bone samples showed low-intensity symmetrical signals, while irradiated samples showed typical asymmetric signals. Overall, the study demonstrated that the EPR method is a reliable and sensitive technique for identifying irradiated foods containing bones and can be used for the control, regulation, and proper surveillance of food irradiation. Full article

This study compares the physicochemical properties of Royal Gala apple snacks fresh and processed using different methods: solar-dried (SD), oven-dried at 65 °C (OD65°) and 85 °C (OD85°) and two commercial brands (CC—commercial apple C and CF—commercial apple F). Evaluated parameters included color, microstructure, acidity, sugar content, phenolic compounds, antioxidant activity, and the presence of heat-induced compounds such as 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (5-HMF) and acrylamide. Commercial samples showed more pronounced color changes and a denser microstructure, with higher browning index (BI) values. The ratio of soluble solids to titratable acidity, an indicator of sensory acceptance, was more influenced by drying methods than temperature. Total phenolic content was highest in fresh apples (123.68 mg GAE/100 g d.m.) and decreased across all drying methods, particularly in solar-dried (SD) samples (78.57 mg GAE/100 g d.m.). Antioxidant activity followed a similar trend, although SD samples performed better than expected, likely due to the retention of certain bioactive compounds. Fresh apples had the highest sugar content (43.25 mg/100 g d.m.), followed by CC (33.81 mg/100 g d.m.), OD65° (33.37 mg/100 g d.m.), CF (31.56 mg/100 g d.m.), OD85° (25.92 mg/100 g d.m.) and SD (25.01 mg/100 g d.m.). Commercial samples were sweeter and darker, with detectable levels of 5-HMF and acrylamide. The findings highlight that drying method significantly affects snack quality. While solar- and oven-dried samples better preserve bioactive compounds, industrial processes enhance sweetness and visual appeal but increase the formation of potentially undesirable compounds. These results are valuable for both consumers and producers aiming to balance sensory quality with nutritional and food safety considerations in dried apple products. Full article

The present study examined the drying kinetics of two-phase olive pomace (OP) using near-infrared (NIR) thin layer intermittent drying at 70–140 °C. For the first time, this approach was combined with color, bioactive compound retention and antioxidant activity assessment. Among tested models, the Midilli’s semi-empirical model best described the drying behavior (r² ≥ 0.99839, RMSE ≤ 0.01349). Effective diffusivity ranged from 1.417 × 10⁻⁹ to 5.807 × 10⁻⁹ m²/s, and activation energy was calculated at 23.732 kJ/mol. Drying at 140 °C reduced time by 68% compared to 70 °C. The corresponding sample had the highest total phenolics content, antioxidant activity (DPPH^●, CUPRAC assays) and triterpenic acid (maslinic, oleanolic) content, and a significant amount of hydroxytyrosol, despite the increased sample browning. Compared to oven-drying (140 °C), NIR was equal or better and 3.2-fold faster. The same was evidenced compared to freeze-drying, except for tyrosol recovery (1.2-fold lower in NIR). These findings were obtained using two different OP industrial samples. Given that NIR is already used industrially for food drying, the present study offers proof-of-concept for its application as a rapid and eco-friendly pretreatment of OP for food and feed uses. However, scalability challenges and the limitations of semi-empirical modeling must be addressed in the future to support industrial-scale implementation. Full article

Alkaline treatment is well suited for extracting high-molecular-weight hemicelluloses, specifically hardwoods xylans, which, due to their polymer structure and chemical characteristics, enable the production of films with desirable mechanical, barrier, and optical properties for packaging applications. Despite its relevance, the optimization of antisolvent addition has received little attention in the literature. This study explores the use of eucalyptus industrial residue as feedstock, utilizing a statistical design to determine the optimal extraction conditions for hemicelluloses while minimizing the lignin content in the recovered liquor. The process uses alkali loads that are compatible with those in conventional Kraft pulp mills. Optimal extraction conditions involve a temperature of 105 °C, 16.7% NaOH charge, and 45 min at maximum temperature. The resulting liquor was subjected to ethanol precipitation under varying pH conditions (initial pH, 9, 7, 5, and 2) and different ethanol-to-liquor ratios (1:1 to 4:1). The acidification was performed using hydrochloric, sulfuric, and acetic acids. Ethanol served as the main antisolvent, while isopropyl alcohol and dioxane were tested for comparison. Results show that 2.3 ± 0.2% of xylans (based on oven-dry biomass) could be extracted, minimizing lignin content in the liquor. This value corresponds to the extraction of 15.6% of the xylans present in the raw material. The highest xylan precipitation yield (78%) was obtained at pH 7, using hydrochloric acid for pH adjustment and an ethanol-to-liquor ratio of 1:1. These findings provide valuable insight into optimizing hemicellulose recovery through antisolvent precipitation, contributing to more efficient biomass valorization strategies within lignocellulosic biorefineries. Full article

In this study, cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) were successfully isolated through the acid hydrolysis of freeze-dried and oven-dried bacterial nanocellulose (BNC) recovered from the floating pellicle generated during Kombucha tea production. The influence of the BNC drying method and its concentration on the yield and main characteristics of the CNCs obtained were studied. Additionally, selected CNC suspensions at various pH levels were subjected to freeze-drying and oven-drying, followed by an assessment of their dispersibility in water after undergoing different mechanical treatments. Results demonstrate the potential of utilizing byproducts from the expanding Kombucha industry as an alternative cellulose source for CNC production. Furthermore, the drying method applied to the BNC and its initial concentration in the hydrolysis medium were found to significantly impact the properties of the resulting CNCs, which exhibited diverse size distributions and Z-potential values. Finally, the redispersion studies highlighted the beneficial effect of drying CNCs from neutral and alkaline dispersions, as well as the requirement of ultrasound treatments to achieve the proper dispersion of dehydrated CNC powders. Full article

This study explores the acoustic, mechanical and sensory characteristics of Royal Gala dried apples, with a special focus on the potential of solar drying as a sustainable processing method. Apple samples were subjected to different drying techniques, being solar dried (SDA) or oven dried (ODA), with two industrially processed commercial products (CCA—commercial apples C and CFA—commercial apples F) included. The samples were analyzed using acoustic measurements, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and sensory evaluation to assess textural properties and consumer perception. Acoustic analysis revealed that crispier samples produced louder and higher-frequency sounds upon fracture, showing strong alignment with sensory assessments. X-ray diffraction indicated an increase in crystallinity during dehydration, with a shift in the amorphous peak toward lower angles, and reduced intensity, reflecting progressive water removal. Sensory evaluation showed varying degrees of crispiness among the samples, in the following order: CFA > SDA > CCA > ODA. Consumer testing highlighted greater acceptance and consensus for SDA and ODA samples in terms of texture and overall appeal, whereas CCA and CFA received more polarized opinions. These findings demonstrate how different drying methods influence the structural and textural properties of dried apples. Solar drying was shown to be a promising sustainable alternative; as it uses a renewable energy source, it has a low operating cost and simple maintenance. It allows farmers and small producers to process their own food, adding value and reducing post-harvest losses, preserving desirable textural attributes and achieving high consumer acceptance. Full article

During the natural growth of trees, a large number of branches are formed, with a negative impact on timber quality. Therefore, pruning is an essential measure in forest cultivation. In this work, the effect of pruning on poplar timber quality was evaluated. This study used an artificial forest of Populus deltoides “Nanlin 3804”, established in 2014, as the research object. Pruning was carried out in March 2018 and March 2020 with a pruning intensity of one-third, and a control group was also set up. In December 2023, the growth of 11-year-old poplars under different treatments was investigated and analyzed, and sample trees were cut down for a wood property analysis. The results showed that pruning did not have a significant effect on the growth of the diameter at breast height, the tree height, or the volume. However, pruning could significantly facilitate the forming of higher-quality timber with smaller knots. Compared to unpruned wood, the ring width decreased 1–2 years after pruning, while it turned out to be greater than that of the control 3 years after pruning. Moreover, pruning can reduce the degree of trunk tapering. The fiber aspect ratio two years after pruning was greater than that of the control. The distribution frequency of fiber lengths of between 1500 μm and 1900 μm and that of fiber widths of between 32 μm and 38 μm were higher than that of the control. However, pruning had little effect on their density and oven-dried shrinkage. In addition, compared to the control, the bending strength and the modulus of elasticity increased by approximately 11%–14%, the impact toughness decreased by approximately 5%, and the compressive strength increased by approximately 6%. Pruning proved to be a successful method to improve the timber quality. Full article

The genetic variability of Coffea canephora is essential for the identification of genotypes with enhanced nutritional traits. This study aimed to characterize C. canephora genotypes based on nutrient accumulation in fruits, evaluated over two consecutive harvests. The experiment followed a randomized block design with four replications, comprising 42 genotypes. To assess nutrient accumulation, fruit samples were collected from each genotype and oven-dried. In a plant tissue analysis laboratory, the concentrations of N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn, and B were determined. Nutrient accumulation in the fruits was calculated as dry mass × nutrient concentration, and the data were converted to kg or g of nutrients accumulated per ton of coffee beans at 12% moisture content. The results revealed significant variability among genotypes in nutrient accumulation, with the general accumulation order being N > K > Ca > Mg > S > P > Mn > Fe > B > Cu > Zn. Multivariate analysis identified seven groups, with Verdim R, Clementino, and Pirata forming distinct clusters due to their unique characteristics. Clementino exhibited the highest nutrient accumulation, while LB1 had the lowest. The study demonstrated high heritability for all traits, indicating strong genetic control, along with significant positive correlations among nutrients. These findings highlight the potential of selecting nutrient-efficient genotypes to enhance the sustainability of coffee cultivation. The nutritional data obtained can support the development of more nutritionally efficient cultivars, ensuring long-term sustainability in coffee production. Full article

The drying temperature is one of the main factors affecting the storage of medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs). The present study aimed to investigate the impact of different drying temperatures (20, 35, 42, and 49 °C) on Mentha officinalis quality attributes (moisture content, color, chlorophyll content) and the composition of its essential oil (EO), as well as the environmental impact, to determine the optimum drying temperature for this herb. According to the current findings, higher temperatures resulted in shorter drying times. However, this was accompanied by increased energy consumption and higher carbon footprint per hour of operation. Both room temperature (20 °C) and high oven temperature (49 °C) led to a darker colored product (i.e., higher browning index). Drying at 20 °C resulted in a higher EO yield compared to drying at higher temperatures (42 and 49 °C). Furthermore, lower temperatures (20 and 35 °C) and the highest temperature (49 °C) significantly decreased the levels of the two major EO compounds (geranial and neral), whereas both compounds were found in higher levels when the plants were dried at 42 °C. On the other hand, plants dried at 42 °C appeared to have the lowest amount of citronellal, significantly lower than those dried at the other tested temperatures. The results suggest that the optimum temperature for drying M. officinalis is at 42 °C, as it maintained the quality attributes of the dried product while also resulting in high quality EO. Full article

In this study, a novel calcium phosphate/polyacrylamide copolymer/$\alpha$-type hemihydrate gypsum (CPO/PAM/$\alpha$-HHG) composite material was prepared by polymerising a stable inorganic CPO precursor, end-capped with triethylamine (TEA), with an organic polyacrylamide (PAM) hydrogel to form a CPO/PAM precursor solution. Subsequently, this precursor solution was mixed with inorganic $\alpha$-hemihydrate gypsum. The effects of CPO/PAM precursor addition and CPO addition on the slurry flowability, initial setting time, and mechanical properties of hardened specimens of the CPO/PAM/$\alpha$-HHG composite were investigated. The structural characteristics of the composites were analysed by XRD, FE-SEM, and TGA. The results show that the initial setting time of the CPO/PAM/$\alpha$-HHG composites was 26.7 min, which was 140.5% longer than that of the pure water $\alpha$-HHG system and 3.9% longer than that of the PAM/$\alpha$-HHG system; additionally, the oven-dried specimens had a flexural strength of 27.59 MPa and a compressive strength of 68.48 MPa, which were 77.2% and 102.0% higher than those of the pure water $\alpha$-HHG system and 38.8% and 14.1% higher than those of the PAM/$\alpha$-HHG system, respectively. The wet compressive strength of the CPO/PAM/$\alpha$-HHG composites was improved by 11.8% compared to that of the PAM/$\alpha$-HHG system. A structural analysis showed that CPO promoted the gelation process of PAM and allowed the hydration reaction process of $\alpha$-HHG to be fully carried out by slowing down the gelation process of the organic network, which led to the full development of both organic and inorganic networks, ultimately forming an interspersed inorganic/organic dual-network structure, which enhanced the comprehensive mechanical properties of the composites. This study provides a new idea for the modification of $\alpha$-type hemihydrate gypsum and a new method for the preparation of high-utilisation and high-performance gypsum-based composites. Full article

The iron and steel industry, as a major energy consumer, was critically required to enhance operational efficiency and reduce CO₂ emissions. Conventional blast furnace processing of vanadium–titanium magnetite (VTM) in China had been associated with persistent challenges, including suboptimal TiO₂ recovery rates (<50%) and elevated carbon intensity (the optimal temperature range for TiO₂ recovery lies within 1400–1500 °C). Shaft furnace technology has emerged as a low-carbon alternative, offering accelerated reduction kinetics, operational flexibility, and reduced environmental impact. This study evaluated the low-carbon PLCsmelt process for VTM smelting through energy–mass balance modeling, comparing two gas-recycling configurations. The process integrates a pre-reduction shaft furnace and a melting furnace, where oxidized pellets are initially reduced to direct reduced iron (DRI) before being smelted into hot metal. In Route 1, CO₂ emissions of 472.59 Nm³/tHM were generated by pre-reduction gas (1600 Nm³/tHM, 64.73% CO, and 27.17% CO₂) and melting furnace top gas (93.98% CO). Route 2 incorporated hydrogen-rich gas through the blending of coke oven gas with recycled streams, achieving a 56.8% reduction in CO₂ emissions (204.20 Nm³/tHM) and altering the pre-reduction top gas composition to 24.88% CO and 40.30% H₂. Elevating the pre-reduction gas flow in Route 2 resulted in increased CO concentrations in the reducing gas (34.56% to 37.47%) and top gas (21.89% to 26.49%), while gas distribution rebalancing reduced melting furnace top gas flow from 261.03 to 221.93 Nm³/tHM. The results demonstrated that the PLCsmelt process significantly lowered carbon emissions without compromising metallurgical efficiency (CO₂ decreased about 74.48% compared with traditional blast furnace which was 800 Nm³/tHM), offering a viable pathway for sustainable VTM utilization. Full article

α-Tocopherol (α-T) predominates in photosynthetic tissues, while tocotrienols (T3s) are reported very rarely. The genus Hypericum stands out as one of the few exceptions. Given the potential health benefits associated with tocotrienols, sourcing them from natural origins is of interest. The proper selection of plant material and the drying conditions are crucial steps in this process. Therefore, in the present study, we investigated the effects of four different drying techniques (freeze-drying, microwave–vacuum-, infrared oven and air-drying) on the tocochromanol content in leaves of three Hypericum species: H. androsaemum, H. pseudohenryi, and H. hookerianum and one hybrid H. × inodorum. The total tocochromanol content in the freeze-dried leaves harvested in September was 68.1–150.6 mg/100 g dry weight. α-T constituted 66.7–85.9% (w/w), while tocotrienols constituted 13–32% (w/w). H. pseudohenryi was characterized by the lowest tocotrienol content, while H. androsaemum and H. hookerianum had the highest, with δ-T3 and γ-T3, respectively, being predominant. Tocotrienols were more stable during drying than α-T. The greatest decrease in α-T content was observed during air-drying in the presence of sunlight, with a 27% difference compared to the absence of sunlight. The species and harvest time are factors that more strongly affect the tocotrienol content in the Hypericum leaves than the selected drying method. Full article

The dichotomy of striking a balance between sustainable food crop production for the skyrocketing human population and ensuring agricultural practices that mitigate environmental degradation has prompted much research into sustainable crop production methods. The application of amendments has become an integral part of arable soil management in restoring declining soil fertility for sustainable and high-quality crop production. This study was conducted on lettuce and carrot cultivated on soil treated with three different amendments: cow dung, sewage sludge, and nitrogen–phosphorus–potassium (NPK) mineral fertilizer. The vegetables were harvested at maturity at 60 and 110 days for lettuce and carrot, respectively, dried in a hot air oven, crushed, and then digested to obtain an aliquot sample. The level of macronutrients was quantified from the aliquots using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES), Avio 550 Max, PerkinElmer, USA. It was observed that both soil treatment and types of vegetables significantly impacted the level of mineral contents in the vegetables. The highest values of 58.00 ± 8.36 mg/kg and 72.97 ± 12.53 mg/kg were recorded for Na and P in carrots from soil treated with sewage sludge, respectively. The highest values of 247.97 ± 17.07 mg/kg and 104.72 ± 4.12 mg/kg were recorded for Ca and Mg in lettuce from sewage sludge-treated soil, respectively. Similarly, the highest value of 546.75 ± 76.44 mg/kg for K was also recorded in lettuce, but from cow dung-treated soil. The overall pattern of mineral accumulation by vegetables shows that carrots accumulate more Na than lettuce, and lettuce accumulates more Mg, Ca, and K than carrots, while there was no significant difference in the level of P in both lettuce and carrots. The findings reveal that lettuce and carrots from soil treated with organic manure cow dung and sewage sludge accumulated higher mineral contents of most of the investigated minerals. It was also observed that lettuce accumulated higher contents of most of the minerals investigated. This study therefore concludes that organic manures are better alternatives to mineral fertilizers for vegetable production, which supports the effort to strike a balance between sustainable and ecofriendly agriculture. Full article