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Search Results (183)

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Keywords = physiochemical factors

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20 pages, 3239 KiB  
Article
The Impact of OsERF34 on Rice Grain-Processing Traits and Appearance Quality
by Zhimin Du, Yinan Jia, Peisong Hu, Hai Xu, Guiai Jiao and Shaoqing Tang
Plants 2025, 14(11), 1633; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14111633 - 27 May 2025
Viewed by 542
Abstract
The head rice rate, defined as the proportion of milled grains retaining at least three-quarters of their original length, has become a limiting factor that restricts the improvement of rice quality in China in recent years. Here, we characterized the role of ETHYLENE [...] Read more.
The head rice rate, defined as the proportion of milled grains retaining at least three-quarters of their original length, has become a limiting factor that restricts the improvement of rice quality in China in recent years. Here, we characterized the role of ETHYLENE RESPONSIVE FACTOR34 (OsERF34), an APETALA2 (AP2/ERF) family TF, in the grain morphology, physiochemical properties, and processing quality of rice. Through CRISPR/Cas9-mediated knockout (Oserf34) and overexpression (OsERF34-OE) in the japonica cultivar ZH11, we demonstrate that OsERF34 exerts dose-dependent effects on grain morphology and processing traits. Oserf34 mutants exhibited significantly elevated chalkiness levels, with a 52.0% increase in percentage of grains with chalkiness(PGWC) and a 65.4% enhancement in chalkiness degree, with disordered and enlarged starch granules, reduced amylose content and skewed chain-length distribution (A/B1 chains increased but B2/B3 chains decreased), and displayed heightened starch solubility and swelling power but diminished milling resistance (shear hardness having fallen by 12.7–16.1% and compression hardness having fallen by 11.2–16.4%), culminating in doubled breakage rates and lower head rice rate (decreased by 6.7–9.0%) during processing. Strikingly, both mutants and OE lines showed analogous grain narrowing, yet the processing quality diverged. Mutants suffered structural fragility, while the OE lines enhanced mechanical robustness (compression hardness increased by 11.4–12.1%). The OsERF34-OE lines achieved 6.5–7.1% higher head rice rates. Our work positions OsERF34 as a dual-function regulator that governs grain morphology, regulating appearance and processing quality. These insights suggest that an overexpression of OsERF34 could improve processing efficiency, potentially laying a foundation for precision breeding. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Breeding and Germplasm Improvement of Rice—2nd Edition)
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15 pages, 3649 KiB  
Article
Insights into Physiochemical and Biological Characteristics of Pig Manure During Anaerobic Digestion and Sheep Manure During Composting
by Feixing Li, Bo Feng, Xianghao Zha, Yixuan Chu, Xin Zhang and Ruo He
Fermentation 2025, 11(6), 307; https://doi.org/10.3390/fermentation11060307 - 27 May 2025
Viewed by 889
Abstract
The physiochemical and biological properties of animal manures are crucial factors in resource utilization. Herein, the physiochemical and biological characteristics of pig manure during anaerobic digestion and sheep manure during composting were investigated. The animal manures were rich in heavy metals. Zn was [...] Read more.
The physiochemical and biological properties of animal manures are crucial factors in resource utilization. Herein, the physiochemical and biological characteristics of pig manure during anaerobic digestion and sheep manure during composting were investigated. The animal manures were rich in heavy metals. Zn was the most abundant heavy metal, in the range of 586.9–2069 mg/kg in the animal manures. After anaerobic digestion, the contents of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin increased by 59.97%, 6.90%, and 171.81%, respectively, while the contents of NH4+-N, NO3-N, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, and K decreased by 5.50–48.27% in the pig manure. The contents of NH4+-N, NO3-N, total phosphorus, and K increased by 20.56–61.82% in the sheep manure after composting. The contents of all heavy metals increased in the compost, especially the Zn content which increased by 145.6%. Potential pathogenic bacteria including Pseudomonas, Clostridium sensu stricto 1, Acholeplasma, Tissierella, and Halomonas were abundant in the animal manures. Composting could inactivate pathogenic bacteria in the animal manures well, while a large number of pathogenic bacteria still remained in the digestate if the solid retention time was short in anaerobic digestion. The findings would be helpful for understanding the characteristics of animal manures and developing effective treatment and resource utilization technologies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Microbial Metabolism, Physiology & Genetics)
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18 pages, 2561 KiB  
Article
Pyrolyzed Biochar from Agricultural Byproducts: Synthesis, Characterization, and Application in Water Pollutants Removal
by Niloy Chandra Sarker, Md Abdur Rahim Badsha, Greta Hillukka, Bethany Holter, Michael Kjelland and Khwaja Hossain
Processes 2025, 13(5), 1358; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13051358 - 29 Apr 2025
Viewed by 453
Abstract
Biochar is a carbon-rich, porous substance produced from the thermal degradation process of carbon-based materials, like biomass and other solid waste, in an oxygen-deprived environment. The type of parent material and the conditions for processing are the principal factors in determining the properties [...] Read more.
Biochar is a carbon-rich, porous substance produced from the thermal degradation process of carbon-based materials, like biomass and other solid waste, in an oxygen-deprived environment. The type of parent material and the conditions for processing are the principal factors in determining the properties of biochar. Because of its diverse physicochemical properties, biochar has gained growing attention over the decades as a cost-effective, sustainable, and emerging material with potential applications in energy, agriculture, and environmental sectors like wastewater treatment. Two different parent materials, such as wheat bran and maple leaf, were pyrolyzed at three different temperatures (300 °C, 500 °C, and 700 °C). The resultant biochar was analyzed for its adsorptive potential for different contaminants. All the tested physicochemical property values of the maple (Acer) leaf biochar were found to be higher than wheat (Triticum) bran biochar except bulk density and the dye absorption potential. Based on the biochar physiochemical properties, the pyrolysis temperature of 700 °C was found to be the best for pyrolyzing these biomasses. Irrespective of the biochar types, pH 2.0 with a residence time of 90 min outperformed with an initial dye concentration of 0.05 mg/mL and a biochar application rate of 50 mg/mL. Furthermore, MLBC exhibited higher oil adsorption potential in comparison with that of WBC. The addition of WBC and MLBC to the polymer beads increases their dye absorption competence; therefore, this biochar can be a potential means of water treatment. Full article
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17 pages, 9665 KiB  
Article
Comparative Transcriptomic Analyses Reveal Key Pathways in Response to Cold Stress at the Germination Stage of Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) Seeds
by Rao Fu, Xiaoyan Liang, Jiajia Li, Yanjing Song, Kuihua Yi, Wenjing Nie, Lan Ma, Junlin Li, Meng Li, Xiangyu Wang, Haiyang Zhang and Hongxia Zhang
Plants 2025, 14(8), 1212; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14081212 - 15 Apr 2025
Viewed by 620
Abstract
Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) has been widely grown as a cash crop. However, the molecular mechanism by which it responds to cold stress at the seed germination stage is still largely unknown. In this study, we performed a comparative transcriptomic analysis between [...] Read more.
Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) has been widely grown as a cash crop. However, the molecular mechanism by which it responds to cold stress at the seed germination stage is still largely unknown. In this study, we performed a comparative transcriptomic analysis between the cold-tolerant cultivar XCq and cold-sensitive cultivar QCq in response to cold stress. A total number of 4552 and 4845 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in XCq and QCq upon the treatment of cold stress, respectively. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis demonstrated that the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway was identified only among the up-regulated DEGs in XCq.The expression of DEGs, which encoding transcription factors, such as AP2/ERF, bHLH, bZIP, MYB, ICEs, and CORs related to cold response, were higher in XCq than in QCq in response to cold stress. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) showed that DEGs clustered in the co-expression modules positively correlated with the factors of quinoa variety and temperature were significantly enriched in the oxidative phosphorylation metabolic pathway. Further physiochemical analyses showed that the activities of superoxide dismutase and peroxidase as well as the contents of soluble protein and sugar, were significantly higher in XCq than in QCq. In summary, MAPK signaling and oxidative metabolism were the key pathways in quinoa upon cold stress. Our findings revealed that the enhanced activities of antioxidant enzymes alleviate the lipid peroxidation of membranes and promote the accumulation of osmotic adjustment substances, thereby enabling seeds to better resist oxidative damage under cold stress. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Plant Response to Abiotic Stress and Climate Change)
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27 pages, 3985 KiB  
Review
Advancement in Anaerobic Ammonia Oxidation Technologies for Industrial Wastewater Treatment and Resource Recovery: A Comprehensive Review and Perspectives
by Pradeep Singh, Monish Bisen, Sourabh Kulshreshtha, Lokender Kumar, Shubham R. Choudhury, Mayur J. Nath, Manabendra Mandal, Aman Kumar and Sanjay K. S. Patel
Bioengineering 2025, 12(4), 330; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering12040330 - 22 Mar 2025
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1508
Abstract
Anaerobic ammonium oxidation (anammox) technologies have attracted substantial interest due to their advantages over traditional biological nitrogen removal processes, including high efficiency and low energy demand. Currently, multiple side-stream applications of the anammox coupling process have been developed, including one-stage, two-stage, and three-stage [...] Read more.
Anaerobic ammonium oxidation (anammox) technologies have attracted substantial interest due to their advantages over traditional biological nitrogen removal processes, including high efficiency and low energy demand. Currently, multiple side-stream applications of the anammox coupling process have been developed, including one-stage, two-stage, and three-stage systems such as completely autotrophic nitrogen removal over nitrite, denitrifying ammonium oxidation, simultaneous nitrogen and phosphorus removal, partial denitrification-anammox, and partial nitrification and integrated fermentation denitritation. The one-stage system includes completely autotrophic nitrogen removal over nitrite, oxygen-limited autotrophic nitrification/denitrification, aerobic de-ammonification, single-stage nitrogen removal using anammox, and partial nitritation. Two-stage systems, such as the single reactor system for high-activity ammonium removal over nitrite, integrated fixed-film activated sludge, and simultaneous nitrogen and phosphorus removal, have also been developed. Three-stage systems comprise partial nitrification anammox, partial denitrification anammox, simultaneous ammonium oxidation denitrification, and partial nitrification and integrated fermentation denitritation. The performance of these systems is highly dependent on interactions between functional microbial communities, physiochemical parameters, and environmental factors. Mainstream applications are not well developed and require further research and development. Mainstream applications demand a high carbon/nitrogen ratio to maintain levels of nitrite-oxidizing bacteria, high concentrations of ammonium and nitrite in wastewater, and retention of anammox bacteria biomass. To summarize various aspects of the anammox processes, this review provides information regarding the microbial diversity of different genera of anammox bacteria and the engineering aspects of various side streams and mainstream anammox processes for wastewater treatment. Additionally, this review offers detailed insights into the challenges related to anammox technology and delivers solutions for future sustainable research. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological Wastewater Treatment and Resource Recovery)
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22 pages, 3343 KiB  
Review
Physiochemical Processes to Reduce Friction and Wear Under Selective Transfer Conditions—A Review
by Filip Ilie, Constantin-Daniel Cotici and Alina Juganaru
Lubricants 2025, 13(3), 135; https://doi.org/10.3390/lubricants13030135 - 20 Mar 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 484
Abstract
A selective transfer is realized safely if the material pair and the lubricant are adequate, in the presence of a relative motion and an energy favoring the transfer. The paper highlights the mechanism of achieving the selective transfer phenomenon and analyzes the physiochemical [...] Read more.
A selective transfer is realized safely if the material pair and the lubricant are adequate, in the presence of a relative motion and an energy favoring the transfer. The paper highlights the mechanism of achieving the selective transfer phenomenon and analyzes the physiochemical aspects that take place in a suitably lubricated friction pair (here, bronze/steel lubricated with glycerin) that favor friction by reducing the friction force and implicitly reducing the wear in the selective transfer conditions. In addition, the paper seeks to highlight the effect that the servowitte layer (film) that appears on the friction pair surfaces following the selective dissolution of the superficial layer in the contact area has on the factors that influence the friction and wear process through the implications on the friction coefficient and the wear itself. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Tribology of Nanocomposites 2024)
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18 pages, 1595 KiB  
Review
Seed Priming as an Effective Technique for Enhancing Salinity Tolerance in Plants: Mechanistic Insights and Prospects for Saline Agriculture with a Special Emphasis on Halophytes
by Abdul Hameed, Sadiq Hussain, Farah Nisar, Aysha Rasheed and Syed Zaheer Shah
Seeds 2025, 4(1), 14; https://doi.org/10.3390/seeds4010014 - 7 Mar 2025
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3874
Abstract
Seed priming is a simple, inexpensive, and effective pre-sowing technique that enables plants to better tolerate abiotic stresses, including high soil salinity, which is a major limiting factor in the establishment of halophytes for saline agriculture, as germinating seeds and early seedlings of [...] Read more.
Seed priming is a simple, inexpensive, and effective pre-sowing technique that enables plants to better tolerate abiotic stresses, including high soil salinity, which is a major limiting factor in the establishment of halophytes for saline agriculture, as germinating seeds and early seedlings of many halophytes are sensitive compared to the mature vegetative stage. This article attempts to provide an overview of the research on the seed priming effects on halophyte seeds and subsequent seedlings/plants. Different physio-chemical and molecular processes, including the induction of priming/stress memory, which enhance salinity tolerance following seed priming, have also been discussed. This review also covers the aspects of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and nitric oxide (NO) signaling(s) that are activated as a result of seed priming. Finally, the limitations and prospects of seed priming to enhance the agronomic potential of halophytes for saline agriculture have been discussed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Seed Germination Techniques in Halophyte Plants)
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16 pages, 3737 KiB  
Article
Evaluation and Characterization of High-Uniformity SiNx Thin Film with Controllable Refractive Index by Home-Made Cat-CVD Based on Orthogonal Experiments
by Caifang Li, Minghui Li, Jinsong Shi, Haibin Huang and Zhimei Li
Molecules 2025, 30(5), 1091; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30051091 - 27 Feb 2025
Viewed by 956
Abstract
Silicon nitride (SiNx) thin film is a promising coating with great physiochemical and optical properties. However, the preparation of films with good comprehensive properties still faces challenges. This study focused on developing a method for the preparation of uniform SiNx [...] Read more.
Silicon nitride (SiNx) thin film is a promising coating with great physiochemical and optical properties. However, the preparation of films with good comprehensive properties still faces challenges. This study focused on developing a method for the preparation of uniform SiNx thin film with a controllable refractive index using home-made catalytic chemical vapor deposition (Cat-CVD) equipment. Orthogonal experimental design was employed to investigate the effects of four key influence factors, including reaction pressure, the ratio of SiH4 to NH3, the ratio of SiH4 to H2, and substrate temperature. The response parameters evaluated were the refractive index, extinction coefficient, uniformity, and deposition rate of SiNx thin film. Compared with the single-factor variable tests, an orthogonal experiment could obtain the optimal preparation process of the SiNx thin film with the best comprehensive quality through the least number of experiments. At the same time, the microstructures of SiNx thin film were analyzed by various characterization methods, including Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), to research the relationship between preparation factors and the properties of SiNx thin film. This paper provides the theoretical guidance for fine-regulating the properties of SiNx thin film in practical applications. Full article
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29 pages, 31883 KiB  
Article
Optimal Land Selection for Agricultural Purposes Using Hybrid Geographic Information System–Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process–Geostatistical Approach in Attur Taluk, India: Synergies and Trade-Offs Among Sustainable Development Goals
by Subbarayan Sathiyamurthi, Youssef M. Youssef, Rengasamy Gobi, Arthi Ravi, Nassir Alarifi, Murugan Sivasakthi, Sivakumar Praveen Kumar, Dominika Dąbrowska and Ahmed M. Saqr
Sustainability 2025, 17(3), 809; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17030809 - 21 Jan 2025
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 2048
Abstract
The precise selection of agricultural land is essential for guaranteeing global food security and sustainable development. Additionally, agricultural land suitability (AgLS) analysis is crucial for tackling issues including resource scarcity, environmental degradation, and rising food demands. This research examines the synergies and trade-offs [...] Read more.
The precise selection of agricultural land is essential for guaranteeing global food security and sustainable development. Additionally, agricultural land suitability (AgLS) analysis is crucial for tackling issues including resource scarcity, environmental degradation, and rising food demands. This research examines the synergies and trade-offs among the sustainable development goals (SDGs) using a hybrid geographic information system (GIS)–fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (FAHP)–geostatistical framework for AgLS analysis in Attur Taluk, India. The area was chosen for its varied agro-climatic conditions, riverine habitats, and agricultural importance. Accordingly, data from ten topographical, climatic, and soil physiochemical variables, such as slope, temperature, and soil texture, were obtained and analyzed to carry out the study. The geostatistical analysis demonstrated the spatial variability of soil parameters, providing essential insights into key factors in the study area. Based on the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, the results showed that the FAHP method (AUC = 0.71) outperformed the equal-weighting scheme (AUC = 0.602). Moreover, suitability mapping designated 17.31% of the study area as highly suitable (S1), 41.32% as moderately suitable (S2), and 7.82% as permanently unsuitable (N2). The research identified reinforcing and conflicting correlations with SDGs, emphasizing the need for policies to address trade-offs. The findings showed 40% alignment to climate action (SDG 13) via improved resilience, 33% to clean water (SDG 6) by identifying low-salinity zones, and 50% to zero hunger (SDG 2) through sustainable food systems. Conflicts arose with SDG 13 (20%) due to reliance on rain-fed agriculture, SDG 15 (11%) from soil degradation, and SDG 2 (13%) due to inefficiencies in low-productivity zones. A sustainable action plan (SAP) can tackle these issues by promoting drought-resistant crops, nutrient management, and participatory land-use planning. This study can provide a replicable framework for integrating agriculture with global sustainability objectives worldwide. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue GIS Implementation in Sustainable Urban Planning)
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22 pages, 4234 KiB  
Article
Increasing Productivity and Recovering Nutritional, Organoleptic, and Nutraceutical Qualities of Major Vegetable Crops for Better Dietetics
by Raju Lal Bhardwaj, Latika Vyas, Mahendra Prakash Verma, Suresh Chand Meena, Anirudha Chattopadhyay, Neeraj Kumar Meena, Dan Singh Jakhar and Sita Ram Kumawat
Foods 2025, 14(2), 254; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods14020254 - 15 Jan 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1344
Abstract
The intensive use of chemical fertilizers for vegetable cultivation to achieve higher productivity causes soil degradation, resulting in an alarming decline (25–50%) in nutritional quality and a reduction in a wide variety of nutritionally essential minerals and nutraceutical compounds in high-yielding vegetable crops [...] Read more.
The intensive use of chemical fertilizers for vegetable cultivation to achieve higher productivity causes soil degradation, resulting in an alarming decline (25–50%) in nutritional quality and a reduction in a wide variety of nutritionally essential minerals and nutraceutical compounds in high-yielding vegetable crops over the last few decades. To restore the physio-chemical and biological qualities of soil as well as the nutritional and nutraceutical qualities of fresh produce, there is a growing desire to investigate the remedial impacts of organic sources of nutrition. This study specifically focused on the impact of six different ratios of chemical fertilizers and organic sources with microbial inoculation on vegetable productivity, nutrition quality, and soil health parameters. Results show that replacing chemical fertilizers with organic sources in the presence of a microbial consortium supports the proliferation of the microbial population in the soil rhizosphere and improves the nutritional status and physico-chemical quality of soil, which is the area around the roots of plants where maximum nutrient uptake occurs. This combination of factors significantly recovers overall soil quality, increasing crop productivity by 13.58 to 18.32 percent in tomato, brinjal, and okra. Experimental findings likewise indicate that an assortment of organic sources with a microbial consortium significantly recovers the abundance of beneficial microbes and earthworms in the rhizosphere, which leads to an improvement in nutritional, organoleptic, and nutraceutical quality, with higher antioxidant contents in all three vegetables grown in arid climate conditions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Food Nutrition)
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25 pages, 12233 KiB  
Article
Sustainable Water Quality Evaluation Based on Cohesive Mamdani and Sugeno Fuzzy Inference System in Tivoli (Italy)
by Francesco Bellini, Yas Barzegar, Atrin Barzegar, Stefano Marrone, Laura Verde and Patrizio Pisani
Sustainability 2025, 17(2), 579; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17020579 - 13 Jan 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1394
Abstract
Clean water is vital for a sustainable environment, human wellness, and welfare, supporting life and contributing to a healthier environment. Fuzzy-logic-based techniques are quite effective at dealing with uncertainty about environmental issues. This study proposes two methodologies for assessing water quality based on [...] Read more.
Clean water is vital for a sustainable environment, human wellness, and welfare, supporting life and contributing to a healthier environment. Fuzzy-logic-based techniques are quite effective at dealing with uncertainty about environmental issues. This study proposes two methodologies for assessing water quality based on Mamdani and Sugeno fuzzy systems, focusing on water’s physiochemical attributes, as these provide essential indicators of water’s chemical composition and potential health impacts. The goal is to evaluate water quality using a single numerical value which indicates total water quality at a specific location and time. This study utilizes data from the Acea Group and employs the Mamdani fuzzy inference system combined with various defuzzification techniques as well as the Sugeno fuzzy system with the weighted average defuzzification technique. The suggested model comprises three fuzzy middle models along with one ultimate fuzzy model. Each model has three input variables and 27 fuzzy rules, using a dataset of nine key factors to rate water quality for drinking purposes. This methodology is a suitable and alternative tool for effective water-management plans. Results show a final water quality score of 85.4% with Mamdani (centroid defuzzification) and 83.5% with Sugeno (weighted average defuzzification), indicating excellent drinking water quality in Tivoli, Italy. Water quality evaluation is vital for sustainability, ensuring clean resources, protecting biodiversity, and promoting long-term environmental health. Intermediate model evaluations for the Mamdani approach with centroid defuzzification showed amounts of 72.4%, 83.4%, and 92.5% for the first, second, and third fuzzy models, respectively. For the Sugeno method, the corresponding amounts were 76.2%, 83.5%, and 92.5%. These results show the precision of both fuzzy systems in capturing nuanced water quality variations. This study aims to develop fuzzy logic methodologies for evaluating drinking water quality using a single numerical index, ensuring a comprehensive and scalable tool for water management. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Water Pollution and Risk Assessment)
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17 pages, 1658 KiB  
Article
UV-C and Nanomaterial-Based Approaches for Sulfite-Free Wine Preservation: Effects on Polyphenol Profile and Microbiological Quality
by Kamila Pachnowska, Jolanta Kochel-Karakulska, Adrian Augustyniak, Valentina Obradović, Ireneusz Ochmian, Sabina Lachowicz-Wiśniewska, Ireneusz Kapusta, Klaudia Maślana, Ewa Mijowska and Krzysztof Cendrowski
Molecules 2025, 30(2), 221; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30020221 - 8 Jan 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1447
Abstract
Controlling the microorganisms employed in vinification is a critical factor for successful wine production. Novel methods aimed at lowering sulfites used for wine stabilization are sought. UV-C irradiation has been proposed as an alternative for reducing the viable cell count of microorganisms in [...] Read more.
Controlling the microorganisms employed in vinification is a critical factor for successful wine production. Novel methods aimed at lowering sulfites used for wine stabilization are sought. UV-C irradiation has been proposed as an alternative for reducing the viable cell count of microorganisms in wine and grape juice. Nevertheless, UV-C treatment poses the risk of altering the chemical properties of wine. Therefore, this study aimed to test and implement iron oxide–silica core–shell nanomaterial functionalized with TiO2 in UV-C treatment of white and red wines. Material for the study consisted of the synthesized nanocomposite, Saccharomyces cerevisiae as a model yeast, and Muscaris and Cabernet Cortis wines. The viability of yeasts under treatment, the physiochemical properties of wine, and polyphenol content were tested. Studies have shown that nanomaterial can modulate the effects of UV-C treatment regarding yeast viability and polyphenol content, and the effectiveness of the treatment depends on the wine type. These results open up discussion on the possible use of the proposed hurdle technology in winemaking to control the polyphenol composition and alcohol reduction. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Analyses and Applications of Phenolic Compounds in Food—2nd Edition)
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62 pages, 5187 KiB  
Review
Physiochemical, Bio, Thermal, and Non-Thermal Processing of Major and Minor Millets: A Comprehensive Review on Antinutritional and Antioxidant Properties
by Suhan Bheemaiah Balyatanda, N. A. Nanje Gowda, Jeyamkondan Subbiah, Snehasis Chakraborty, P. V. Vara Prasad and Kaliramesh Siliveru
Foods 2024, 13(22), 3684; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13223684 - 19 Nov 2024
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 4205
Abstract
Millets are recognized as future foods due to their abundant nutrition and resilience, increasing their value on the global stage. Millets possess a broad spectrum of nutrients, antinutrients, and antioxidants, making it imperative to understand the effects of various processing methods on these [...] Read more.
Millets are recognized as future foods due to their abundant nutrition and resilience, increasing their value on the global stage. Millets possess a broad spectrum of nutrients, antinutrients, and antioxidants, making it imperative to understand the effects of various processing methods on these components. Antinutritional factors interfere with the digestibility of macro-nutrients and the bioavailability and bio accessibility of minerals. This necessitates methods to reduce or eliminate antinutrients while improving nutritive and antioxidant value in food. This review aims to elucidate the rationale behind processing choices by evaluating the scientific literature and examining the mechanisms of processing methods, categorized as physiochemical, bio, thermal, novel non-thermal, and their combination techniques. Physiochemical and bioprocessing methods alter antinutrients and antioxidant profiles through mass transfer, enzyme activation, product synthesis, microbial activity, and selective removal of grain layers. Thermal methods break functional bonds, modify the chemical or physical structures, enhance kinetics, or degrade heat-labile components. Non-thermal techniques preserve heat-sensitive antioxidants while reducing antinutrients through structural modifications, oxidation by ROS, and break down the covalent and non-covalent bonds, resulting in degradation of compounds. To maximize the trade-off between retention of beneficial components and reducing detrimental ones, exploring the synergy of combination techniques is crucial. Beyond mitigating antinutrients, these processing methods also stimulate the release of bioactive compounds, including phenolics, flavonoids, and peptides, which exhibit potent health-promoting properties. This review underscores the transformative potential of processing technologies in enhancing millets as functional ingredients in modern diets, promoting health and advancing sustainable food practices. Full article
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20 pages, 9058 KiB  
Article
Response of Yields, Soil Physiochemical Characteristics, and the Rhizosphere Microbiome to the Occurrence of Root Rot Caused by Fusarium solani in Ligusticum chuanxiong Hort.
by Xiaofang Sun, Yong Liu, Lian He, Zaiyin Kuang, Shundong Dai, Lixia Hua, Qiuping Jiang, Taiyang Wei, Pengsheng Ye and Hualan Zeng
Microorganisms 2024, 12(11), 2350; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12112350 - 18 Nov 2024
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1270
Abstract
Ligusticum chuanxiong Hort. is considered an important medicinal herb with extremely high economic value and medicinal value due to its various effects, including anti-oxidation, sedative action, hepatoprotection, and invigorating blood circulation. However, L. chuanxiong cultivation is hampered by various plant diseases, especially the [...] Read more.
Ligusticum chuanxiong Hort. is considered an important medicinal herb with extremely high economic value and medicinal value due to its various effects, including anti-oxidation, sedative action, hepatoprotection, and invigorating blood circulation. However, L. chuanxiong cultivation is hampered by various plant diseases, especially the root rot caused by Fusarium solani, hindering the sustainable development of the L. chuanxiong industry. The occurrence of soil-borne diseases is closely linked to imbalances in the microbial community structure. Here, we studied the yields, rhizosphere microbiota, and soil physiochemical characteristics of healthy and diseased L. chuanxiong plants affected by root rot with high-throughput sequencing and microbial network analysis, aiming to explore the relationships between soil environmental factors, microbiomes, and plant health of L. chuanxiong. According to the results, L. chuanxiong root rot significantly decreased the yields, altered microbial community diversity and composition, enriched more pathogenic fungi, recruited some beneficial bacteria, and reduced microbial interaction network stability. The Mantel test showed that soil organic matter and pH were the major environmental factors modulating plant microbiome assembly. The root rot severity was significantly affected by soil physiochemical properties, including organic matter, cation exchange capacity, available nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and pH. Furthermore, two differential microbes that have great potential in the biocontrol of L. chuanxiong root rot were dug out in the obtained results, which were the genera Trichoderma and Bacillus. This study provided a theoretical basis for further studies revealing the microecological mechanism of L. chuanxiong root rot and the ecological prevention and control of L. chuanxiong root rot from a microbial ecology perspective. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Plant Microbe Interactions)
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12 pages, 2219 KiB  
Article
Machine Learning Method (Decision Tree) to Predict the Physicochemical Properties of Premium Lebanese Kishk Based on Its Hedonic Properties
by Ossama Dimassi, Youmna Iskandarani, Houssam Shaib, Lina Jaber and Shady Hamadeh
Fermentation 2024, 10(11), 584; https://doi.org/10.3390/fermentation10110584 - 14 Nov 2024
Viewed by 1415
Abstract
This study sets the criteria of high-grade kishk (a dried fermented cereal–milk product) based on sensory attributes. For this, kishk samples were collected, and physicochemical attributes and sensory attributes were recorded. Subsequently, Spearman’s correlation between sensory properties and physicochemical properties was calculated. A [...] Read more.
This study sets the criteria of high-grade kishk (a dried fermented cereal–milk product) based on sensory attributes. For this, kishk samples were collected, and physicochemical attributes and sensory attributes were recorded. Subsequently, Spearman’s correlation between sensory properties and physicochemical properties was calculated. A decision tree [DT] was applied with the mean total sensory score [MTSC] as the dependent factor to establish the physicochemical factor/s upon which the different kishk grades were set. To compare the physiochemical attributes of the different grades, the general linear model was applied. Moisture content is negatively and significantly correlated with most sensory attributes. Titratable acidity [TA] is positively and significantly correlated with most sensory attributes. The DT analysis showed that TA was the classifying factor [p = 0.01], and accordingly, grade A [TA ≥ 4.56], grade B [2.50 < TA < 4.56], and grade C [TA ≤ 2.50] kishk data were established, showing MTSC values of 6.32 ± 0.32, 5.26 ± 0.36, and 4.40 ± 0.20, respectively. Applying DT analysis with kishk grades as independent variables, pH was a classifying factor, with 3.95 as the cutoff point. Moisture [p = 0.018], the protein-to-fat ratio [P:F] [p = 0.027] and pH [p < 0.001] differ significantly between the different kishk grades. Accordingly, the criteria for grade A kishk are TA ≥ 4.56, pH ≤ 3.95, moisture < 4%, P:F < 2.03, and particle density < 1489. The low pH and moisture content render it a shelf-stable high-acid food. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Analysis of Quality and Sensory Characteristics of Fermented Products)
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