Search Results (1,946)

Restaurants and open markets generate considerable quantities of organic waste. Converting these residues into poultry feed ingredients offers a sustainable disposal route. This study aimed to evaluate the nutritional and sensory viability of a novel feed complement formulated from Bonito fish meal (Sarda chiliensis chiliensis) and Única potato peel flour (Solanum tuberosum L. cv. Única). This study was conducted in three phases: (i) production and nutritional characterization of the two by-product flours; (ii) formulation of a 48:52 (w/w) blend, incorporated into broiler diets at 15%, 30%, and 45% replacement levels over a 7-week trial divided into starter (3 weeks), grower (3 weeks), and finisher (1 week) phases; and (iii) assessment of growth performance (weight gain, final weight, and feed conversion ratio), followed by a sensory evaluation of the resulting meat using a Check-All-That-Apply (CATA) analysis. The Bonito fish meal exhibited 50.78% protein, while the Única potato peel flour was rich in carbohydrates (74.08%). The final body weights of broiler chickens ranged from 1872.1 to 1886.4 g across treatments, and the average feed conversion ratio across all groups was 0.65. Replacing up to 45% of commercial feed with the formulated complement did not significantly affect growth performance (p > 0.05). Sensory analysis revealed that meat from chickens receiving 15% and 45% substitution levels was preferred in terms of aroma and taste, whereas the control group was rated higher in appearance. These findings suggest that the formulated feed complement may represent a viable poultry-feed alternative with potential sensory and economic benefits, supporting future circular-economy strategies. Full article

This study uses life cycle analysis (LCA) to evaluate the environmental impacts of co-firing bituminous coal with agricultural biomass waste, such as coconut and rice husks, emphasising circular economy principles. Seven experimental scenarios with different coal-to-biomass ratios were designed, ranging from pure coal to pure biomass. The results show that Scenario B (100% rice husk) achieved the best overall environmental performance, with the lowest global warming potential (300 kg CO₂ equivalent), eutrophication potential (4.742 kg PO₄ equivalent), and smog formation potential (0.012 kg C₂H₄ equivalent). Additionally, Scenario F (15% biomass mix) recorded the lowest acidification potential (57.39 kg SO₂ eq), indicating that even partial substitution can yield significant environmental benefits. In contrast, Scenario C (100% coal) exhibited the highest acidification (164.08 kg SO₂ eq) and eutrophication (8.82 kg PO₄ eq) potential. Overall, the results demonstrate that co-firing biomass waste significantly reduces pollutant emissions compared to burning coal alone. This study highlights the effectiveness of biomass waste co-firing in mitigating environmental impacts, promoting resource recovery, and supporting a sustainable energy transition within a circular economy framework. Full article

Enhancing osseointegration is a common goal for many titanium implant coatings, since the naturally forming oxides are often bioinert and exhibit less than ideal bone-to-implant contact. Oxide coating surface topographies, chemistries, and crystallinities are known to play key roles in enhancing bone–implant interactions. In the present study, two novel anodization processes were developed in electrolytes based on juiced navel oranges to create bioactive oxide coatings on commercially pure titanium (CPTi) surfaces. Both oxide groups revealed multi-scaled micro and nano surface topographies, significant Ca and P-dopant incorporation exhibiting Ca/P ratios similar to human bone (1.7 and 1.8), and physiologically relevant Mg uptake levels of <0.1% and 1.4 at%. XRD and FTIR analyses of each oxide revealed a combination of tricalcium phosphate and hydroxyapatite phases that showed carbonate substitutions indicative of bone-like apatite formation. Finally, VDI indentation testing revealed good adhesion strengths, minimal cracking, and no visible delamination for both oxides. In summary, the anodization processes in the present study were shown to produce carbonated tricalcium phosphate and apatite containing oxides with contrasting levels of Mg uptake that show much promise to improve future implant clinical outcomes. Full article

This work presents a comprehensive study of the structural, luminescent, and photoconversion properties of epitaxial composite phosphor converters based on single crystalline films of Ce³⁺-activated Ca_2−xY_1+xMg_1+xSc_1−xSi₃O₁₂:Ce (x = 0–0.25) (CYMSSG:Ce) garnet, grown using the liquid phase epitaxy (LPE) method on single-crystal Y₃Al₅O₁₂ (YAG) and YAG:Ce substrates. The main goal of this study is to elucidate the structure–composition–property relationships that influence the photoluminescence and photoconversion efficiency of these film–substrate composite converters, aiming to optimize their performance in high-power white light-emitting diode (WLED) applications. Systematic variation in the Y³⁺/Sc³⁺/Mg²⁺ cationic ratios within the garnet structure, combined with the controlled tuning of film thickness (ranging from 19 to 67 µm for CYMSSG:Ce/YAG and 10–22 µm for CYMSSG:Ce/YAG:Ce structures), enabled the precise modulation of their photoconversion properties. Prototypes of phosphor-converted WLEDs (pc-WLEDs) were developed based on these epitaxial structures to assess their performance and investigate how the content and thickness of SCFs affect the colorimetric properties of SCFs and composite converters. Clear trends were observed in the Ce³⁺ emission peak position, intensity, and color rendering, induced by the Y³⁺/Sc³⁺/Mg²⁺ cation substitution in the film converter, film thickness, and activator concentrations in the substrate and film. These results may be useful for the design of epitaxial phosphor converters with tunable emission spectra based on the epitaxially grown structures of garnet compounds. Full article

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of replacing chalk with fly ash in a two-component polyurethane (2C PU) adhesive on its physicochemical, mechanical, and environmental properties, as a practical application of circular economy principles. Six adhesive formulations were prepared, each containing a chalk-to-fly ash ratio as a filler. The study evaluated rheological, mechanical, thermal, and environmental parameters. Mechanical tests confirmed cohesive failure within the bonded material, indicating that the bond strength at the adhesive–substrate interface exceeded the internal strength of the substrate. The highest contaminant elution levels recorded were 0.62 mg/kg for molybdenum and 0.20 mg/kg for selenium, which represent only 6.2% and 40% of the regulatory limits, respectively. Dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and total dissolved solids (TDS) did not exceed 340 mg/kg and 4260 mg/kg, respectively. GC-MS analysis did not reveal the presence of prominent volatile organic compound emissions. Initial screening suggests possible compatibility with low-emission certification schemes (e.g., A+, AgBB, EMICODE^®), though confirmation requires further quantitative testing. The results demonstrate that fly ash can be an effective substitute for chalk in polyurethane adhesives, ensuring environmental compliance and maintaining functional performance while supporting the principles of the circular economy. Full article

Low glycemic index (GI) cookie bars were prepared with soft wheat flour substituted with 10–50% soybean flour and 10–50% resistant starch. The effects of increased levels of soybean flour and resistant starch on the quality of low glycemic index cookie bars were investigated (i.e., moisture, cookie spread, texture (breaking force), surface color, and in vitro starch digestibility). It was found that increasing soybean flour substitution increased the breaking force, moisture, protein content, and yellowish color of the low GI cookie bars but decreased the cookie bar spread and the lightness of the cookie bars (p < 0.05). The addition of soybean flour and resistant starch by up to 50% did not significantly change the in vitro starch digestibility of the cookie bars. The overall acceptability of the cookie bars was lower when the soybean flour blend went beyond 10%. When soft wheat flour in the cookie bar formulation was replaced at the following levels (10%, 30%, and 50%) by resistant starch, the cookie spread and lightness of the cookie bars increased but the breaking force was decreased along with the yellowish color (p < 0.05). When resistant starch was combined with soft wheat flour at levels of up to 50%, this significantly increased the content of total dietary fiber and spread ratio of cookie bars. Sensorial analysis showed that resistant starch presence had an acceptable impact on overall acceptability of the low GI cookie bars. Resistant starch represents a viable dietary fiber source when substituted for 50% of soft wheat flour in formulations. While this substitution may result in increased spread ratio and decreased crispness in cookie bars, the addition of 10% soybean flour can mitigate these textural changes. Full article

The replacement of animal fat with unsaturated lipid sources in processed meats enhances nutritional value but introduces challenges regarding oxidative stability and sensory acceptability. In this study, the effects of replacing pork back fat with pre-emulsified walnut, linseed, or algal oils on the proximate composition, fatty acid profile, nutritional indices, lipid oxidation, and sensory properties of chicken frankfurters were investigated. Four formulations were prepared: a control group (25% pork fat) and three groups that were completely reformulated using oil emulsions (ratio inulin/water/oil 1:2:1). The fat substitute significantly reduced total fat, SFA, cholesterol (up to 30%), and calorie density, while Ʃn-3 fatty acids were enriched (p < 0.05). The linseed oil samples had the highest levels of α-linolenic acid (47.53%), while the algal oil had the highest levels of eicosapentaenoic acid (10.98%) and docosahexaenoic acid (64.73%) and the most favourable Ʃn-6/Ʃn-3 ratio (p < 0.05). All reformulated groups showed significantly improved atherogenic and thrombogenic indices and increased hypocholesterolaemic/hypercholesterolaemic ratios, which reached 17.43 in the algal oil samples (p < 0.05). Lipid oxidation was increased in the linseed and algal oil treatments, with the walnut oil group showing moderate TBARS levels and minimal accumulation of secondary oxidation products. Principal component analysis revealed that walnut oil offered the most balanced compromise between nutritional improvement, oxidative stability and sensory acceptability. These findings support a healthier reformulation of meat products by identifying oil-based fat substitutes that improve nutritional value without compromising sensory quality, which is beneficial for both research and industry. Full article

Molasses, a by-product of raw sugar production, is widely used as a cost-effective carbon and nutrient source for industrial fermentations, including the production of baker’s yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae). Due to the cost and limited availability of molasses, efforts have been made to replace molasses with cheaper and more readily available substrates such as corn syrup. However, the quality of dry yeast drops following the replacement of molasses with corn syrup, despite the same amount of total sugar being provided. Our understanding of how molasses replacement affects yeast physiology, especially during the dehydration step, is limited. Here, we examined changes in gene expression of a strain of baker’s yeast during fermentation with increasing corn syrup to molasses ratios at the transcriptomic level. Our findings revealed that the limited availability of the key metal ions copper, iron, and zinc, as well as sulfur from corn syrup (i) reduced their intracellular storage, (ii) impaired the synthesis of unsaturated fatty acids and ergosterol, as evidenced by the decreasing proportions of these important membrane components with higher proportions of corn syrup, and (iii) inactivated oxidative stress response enzymes. Taken together, the molecular and metabolic changes observed suggest a potential reduction in nutrient reserves for fermentation and a possible compromise in cell viability during the drying process, which may ultimately impact the quality of the final dry yeast product. These findings emphasize the importance of precise nutrient supplementation when substituting molasses with cheaper substrates. Full article

The growing environmental concerns associated with petroleum-based plastics require the development of sustainable, biodegradable alternatives. Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), a family of biodegradable bioplastics, offer a promising potential as eco-friendly substitutes due to their renewable origin and favorable degradation properties. This research investigates the use of synthetic condensate, mimicking the liquid fraction from drying and shredding of household food waste, as a viable substrate for PHA production using mixed microbial cultures. Two draw-fill reactors (DFRs) were operated under different feed organic concentrations (2.0 ± 0.5 and 3.8 ± 0.6 g COD/L), maintaining a consistent carbon-to-nitrogen ratio to selectively enrich microorganisms capable of accumulating PHAs through alternating nutrient availability and deficiency. Both reactors achieved efficient organic pollutant removal (>95% soluble COD removal), stable biomass growth, and optimal pH levels. Notably, the reactor with the higher organic load (DFR-2) demonstrated a modest increase in PHA accumulation (19.05 ± 7.18%) compared to the lower-loaded reactor (DFR-1; 15.19 ± 6.00%), alongside significantly enhanced biomass productivity. Polymer characterization revealed the formation of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV), influenced by the substrate composition. Microbial community analysis showed an adaptive shift towards Proteobacteria dominance, signifying successful enrichment of effective PHA producers. Full article

A novel cellulose-degrading bacterial strain, D3-1, capable of degrading cellulose under medium- to high-temperature conditions, was isolated from soil samples and identified as Staphylococcus caprae through 16SrRNA gene sequencing. The strain’s cellulase production was optimized by controlling different factors, such as pH, temperature, incubation period, substrate concentration, nitrogen and carbon sources, and response surface methods. The results indicated that the optimal conditions for maximum cellulase activity were an incubation time of 91.7 h, a temperature of 41.8 °C, and a pH of 4.9, which resulted in a maximum cellulase activity of 16.67 U/mL, representing a 165% increase compared to pre-optimization levels. The above experiment showed that, when maize straw flour was utilized as a natural carbon source, strain D3-1 exhibited relatively high cellulase production. Furthermore, gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis of products in the degradation liquid revealed the presence of primary sugars. The results indicated that, in the denitrification of simulated sewage, supplying maize straw flour degradation liquid (MSFDL) as the carbon source resulted in a carbon/nitrogen (C/N) ratio of 6:1 after a 24 h reaction with the denitrifying strain WH-01. The total nitrogen (TN) reduction was approximately 70 mg/L, which is equivalent to the removal efficiency observed in the glucose-fed denitrification process. Meanwhile, during a 4 h denitrification reaction in urban sewage without any denitrifying bacteria, but with MSFDL supplied as the carbon source, the TN removal efficiency reached 11 mg/L, which is approximately 70% of the efficiency of the glucose-fed denitrification process. Furthermore, experimental results revealed that strain D3-1 exhibits some capacity for nitrogen removal; when the cellulose-degrading strain D3-1 is combined with the denitrifying strain WH-01, the resulting TN removal rate surpasses that of a single denitrifying bacterium. In conclusion, as a carbon source in municipal sewage treatment, the degraded maize straw flour produced by strain D3-1 holds potential as a substitute for the glucose carbon source, and strain D3-1 has a synergistic effect with the denitrifying strain WH-01 on TN elimination. Thus, this research offers new insights and directions for advancement in environmental sewage treatment. Full article

Background: Studies on ketogenic diets with a higher percentage of fat composition have revealed conflicting results regarding the modulation of lipid metabolism and tissue inflammation. Furthermore, studies on soy protein consumption in ketogenic diets remain limited. In this study, the effects of ketogenic diets on hepatic and adipose tissue inflammation and of soy protein replacement in ketogenic diets were investigated. Methods: Mice were randomly assigned to a control diet (C), ketogenic diet (KD), or ketogenic with soy protein (KS) groups for an 18-week experiment. Both ketogenic diet groups were fed a low-carbohydrate, high-fat diet during the first 12 weeks and a ketogenic diet during the last 6 weeks of the experiment. The KS group was fed the same diet as the KD group, but soy protein was substituted for casein during the last 6 weeks. Results: The KD and KS groups exhibited higher plasma β-hydroxybutyrate levels; a higher incidence of hyperlipidemia; and lower blood glucose, mesenteric fat mass, adipose tissue TNF-α, IL-1β levels, and NLRP3 protein expression compared with the C group. In the gut microbiota analysis, the KD group had a higher F-B ratio than the C group. Greater A. muciniphila abundance and a lower F-B ratio were noted in the KS group compared with the KD group. Conclusions: Although ketogenic diets decreased mesenteric fat mass and adipose tissue inflammation and modulated NLRP3 expression, they were associated with hepatic inflammation and gut dysbiosis. Soy protein consumption in a ketogenic diet did not differ from casein consumption regarding diet-induced tissue inflammation, but it may have altered the gut microbiota. Full article

In this study, an accurate attenuation measurement system with high attenuation capability (≥100 dB) is presented, covering a broad radio frequency range from 1 GHz to 25 GHz. The system employs a dual-channel intermediate frequency (IF) substitution method, utilizing a programmable inductive voltage divider (IVD) that provides precise voltage ratios at a 1 kHz operating IF, serving as the primary attenuation standard. To ensure optimal inter-channel isolation, essential for accurate high-attenuation measurements, an optical fiber assembly, consisting of a laser diode, a wideband external electro-optic modulator, and a photodetector, is integrated between the channels. A comprehensive performance evaluation is presented, with particular emphasis on the programmable IVD calibration technique, which achieves an accuracy better than 0.001 dB across all attenuation levels, and on the role of the optical fiber assembly in enhancing isolation, demonstrating levels exceeding 120 dB across the entire frequency range. The system demonstrates measurement capabilities with expanded uncertainties (k = 2) of 0.004 dB, 0.008 dB, and 0.010 dB at attenuation levels of 20 dB, 60 dB, and 100 dB, respectively. Full article

100 nm thick TiO₂/TiN bilayers with varying thickness ratios were deposited via reactive sputtering of a Ti target in controlled oxygen and nitrogen atmospheres. Post-deposition annealing in air at 600 °C was performed to induce nitrogen diffusion through the oxygen-deficient TiO₂ layer. The resulting changes in morphology and chemical environment were investigated in detail using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and UV-Vis spectroscopy. Detailed TEM and XPS analyses have confirmed nitrogen diffusion across the TiO₂ layer, with surface nitrogen concentration and the ratio of interstitial to substitutional nitrogen dependent on the TiO₂/TiN mass ratio. Optical studies demonstrated modifications in optical constants and a reduction of the effective bandgap from 3.2 eV to 2.6 eV due to new energy states introduced by nitrogen doping. Changes in surface free energy induced by nitrogen incorporation showed a correlation to nitrogen doping sites on the surface, which had positive effects on overall photocatalytic activity. Photocatalytic activity, assessed through methylene blue degradation, showed enhancement attributed to nitrogen doping. Additionally, deposition of a 5 nm gold layer on the annealed sample enabled investigation of synergistic effects between nitrogen doping and gold incorporation, resulting in further improved photocatalytic performance. These findings establish the TiO₂/TiN bilayer as a versatile platform for supporting thin gold films with enhanced photocatalytic properties. Full article

Currently, natural resources are rapidly depleting as a result of increasing construction facilities. Increasing energy consumption with increasing construction is another serious issue. In addition, many problems that threaten the environment and human health arise during the disposal and storage of waste materials obtained in different sectors. The main objective of this study is to investigate the substitution of cotton (CW), chicken feather (CFF) and stone wool waste (SWW) from pumice aggregate in the production of environmentally friendly hollow blocks. To achieve this, CW, CFF and SWW were substituted for pumice at ratios of 2.5–5–7.5–10% in mass, and hollow blocks were produced with this mixture under low pressure and vibrations in a production factory. Various characterization methods, including a size and tolerance analysis, unit volume weight test, thermal conductivity test, durability test, water absorption test and strength tests, were carried out on the samples produced. This study showed that waste fibers of chicken feather and stone wool are suitable for the production of sustainable and environmentally friendly hollow blocks that can reduce the dead load of the building, have sufficient strength, provide energy efficiency due to low thermal conductivity and have a high durability due to a low water absorption value. Full article

A high intake of saturated fats and cholesterol from processed meats is associated with increased cardiovascular disease risk. This study aimed to develop a nutritionally enhanced Bologna-type sausage by partially replacing the beef content with a structured emulsion gel (EG) formulated from pine nut oil, inulin, carrageenan, and whey protein concentrate. The objective was to improve its lipid quality and functional performance while maintaining product integrity and consumer acceptability. Three sausage formulations were prepared: a control and two variants with 7% and 10% EG, which substituted for the beef content. The emulsion gel was characterized regarding its physical and thermal stability. Sausages were evaluated for their proximate composition, fatty acid profile, cholesterol content, pH, cooking yield, water-holding capacity, emulsion stability, instrumental texture, microstructure (via SEM), oxidative stability (TBARSs), and sensory attributes. Data were analyzed using a one-way and two-way ANOVA with Duncan’s test (p < 0.05). The EG’s inclusion significantly reduced the total and saturated fat and cholesterol, while increasing protein and unsaturated fatty acids. The 10% EG sample achieved a PUFA/SFA ratio of 1.00 and an over 80% reduction in atherogenic and thrombogenic indices. Functional improvements were observed in emulsion stability, cooking yield, and water retention. Textural and visual characteristics remained within acceptable sensory thresholds. SEM images showed more homogenous matrix structures in the EG samples. TBARS values increased slightly over 18 days of refrigeration but remained below rancidity thresholds. This period was considered a pilot-scale evaluation of oxidative trends. Sensory testing confirmed that product acceptability was not negatively affected. The partial substitution of beef content with pine nut oil-based emulsion gel offers a clean-label strategy to enhance the nutritional quality of Bologna-type sausages while preserving functional and sensory performance. This approach may support the development of health-conscious processed meat products aligned with consumer and regulatory demands. Full article