Optimizing tropical dairy goat diets: balancing rumen degradable protein, non-fiber carbohydrates, and sulfur requirements.

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effects of rations incorporating rumen degradable protein (RDP), non-fiber carbohydrate (NFC), and sulfur on nutrient utilization, milk production, milk quality, and the economic aspects of dairy goats. Methods: In the first study, five treatments were tested in a block-randomized design to examine in vitro fermentability and digestibility. Treatments included P0 (control diet), P1 (P0 + 7.5% cassava-NFC), P2 (P0 + 7.5% cassava-NFC and 5% soybean), P3 (P0 + 7.5% cassava-NFC and 5% autoclaved soybean), and P4 (P0 + 7.5% cassava-NFC, 5% autoclaved soybean, and 0.1% sulfur). In the second study, sixteen lactating Saanen-Ettawa crossbreed dairy goats (initial milk production = 0.97 ± 0.25 L/head/day, 30 DIM; body weight = 44.44 ± 7.20 kg) were assigned into four groups and fed treatment diets: R0 (basal diet), R1 (R0 + 12% autoclaved soybean), R2 (R0 + 12% autoclaved soybean and 9% cassava-NFC), and R3 (R0 + 12% autoclaved soybean, 9% cassava-NFC, and 0.11% sulfur). The diets were offered for 7 weeks with a two-week adaptation period. Parameters observed include milk production and quality, milk fatty acids, blood hematology and metabolites, and economic aspects. The study used a block randomized design with initial weight as a block. Results: The treatment diets in the first study had no effect on in vitro fermentability and digestibility. Treatments R2 and R3 resulted in higher milk production than R0 and R1. Milk quality remained consistent across treatments, while solid non-fat, lactose, and protein was higher in R2 and R3. Blood hematology was unaffected by the treatments. Nutrient efficiency and income over feed cost were enhanced by R2 and R3 treatments. Conclusion: Protected RDP using autoclaved soybean and cassava-NFC maintained in vitro digestibility, even though it did not improve in vitro fermentability. Precision dairy ration based on RDP, NFC, and sulfur positively impacts milk production, nutrient efficiency, and animal health in dairy goats.

Optimizing the effect of heat treatment on the mechanical properties (tensile Strength and hardness) of Hyphaene Thebaica nut; A machine learning and Taguchi approach.

The demand for innovative and sustainable biomaterials in healthcare and biotechnology has fueled the need for advancements in its engineering performance. However, the limited properties of biomaterials without the integration of synthetic reinforcements or supports pose a challenge. Consequently, there is a growing necessity for the development of full cycle eco-friendly materials. This study focuses on enhancing the mechanical properties of Doum palm nuts through heat treatment for engineering applications. The research employs the Taguchi optimization technique and genetic algorithms to determine the optimal combination of heating temperature and holding time, aiming to achieve the highest tensile strength and hardness. The results showcase the effectiveness of the proposed approach, revealing the optimal tensile strength of 7.32 MPa at a treatment temperature of 50 °C and a holding time of 120 min. Similarly, the optimum hardness of 60.3 Hv is attained at a heat treatment temperature of 100 °C and a holding time of 120 min. The study further investigates chemical changes through Fourier transform infrared analysis and optical micrographs. Regression models for tensile strength and hardness are developed, and the global optimum is found using a genetic algorithm solver. The findings of this study demonstrate significant and remarkable improvements in the mechanical properties of biomaterials, highlighting their potential for demanding engineering applications. The optimized heat treatment parameters provide a path towards enhanced biomaterials performance and offer promising avenues for the development of tougher and more resilient materials. This research contributes to the field of biomaterials engineering, paving the way for the design and production of eco-friendly materials with superior mechanical properties, thus addressing the ongoing demand for innovative and sustainable solutions in various industries.

The effects of heat and hydrogen peroxide treatment on the osteoinductivity of demineralized cortical bone: a potential method for preparing tendon/ligament repair scaffolds.

Recent studies have indicated that demineralized cortical bone (DCB) may be used to repair tendons and ligaments, such as the patellar tendon and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) has been shown to reduce the osteoinductivity of DCB, and heat treatment may also decrease the osteoinductivity of DCB. The purpose of this study was (i) to determine whether heat treatment reduces the osteoinductivity of DCB and (ii) to compare the effectiveness of heat treatment and H2O2 treatment on BMP-2 inactivation. DCB was prepared by immersion in 0.6 N hydrochloric acid, and DCB-H and DCB-HO were prepared by heat treatment (70°C for 8 h) and H2O2 treatment (3% H2O2 for 8 h), respectively. The surface topographies, elemental distributions and histological structures of the scaffolds were observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and histological staining. The viability and osteogenic differentiation of TDSCs cultured on the scaffolds were evaluated via live/dead cell staining and Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) testing, real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and western bolt (WB) analysis, alkaline phosphatase activity (ALP) and alizarin red S (ARS) staining. The intramuscular implantation of the scaffolds in rats was also used to evaluate the effect of heat treatment and H2O2 treatment on the osteoinductivity of DCB. Our results demonstrated that both treatments removed BMP-2 and osteocalcin (OCN) within the DCB and that DCB-H and DCB-HO had good cytocompatibility and reduced the osteogenic differentiation of TDSCs. Moreover, the in vivo results indicated that the DCB-H and DCB-HO groups had smaller areas of osteoid formation than did the DCB group, and the DCB-HO group had the smallest area among the three groups. Our study demonstrated that heat treatment could reduce the osteoinductivity of DCB, and that H2O2 treatment was more effective than heat treatment.

Influence of Heat Treatment and Lactic Acid Fermentation on the Physical and Chemical Properties of Pumpkin Juice.

Pumpkin is a highly nutritious plant, rich in valuable nutrients that benefit human health. Due to the high perishability of this fruit, the production of pumpkin juice is a practical way to use it effectively. Recently, fermented vegetable juices have been used as a dairy alternative due to their nutritional and potential probiotic properties. This study investigated the fermentation of pumpkin juice using different strains of lactic acid bacteria (LAB), with and without heat treatment. The effects of fermentation on microbial growth, pH, acidity, extract, sugars, carotenoids, polyphenols, and antioxidant properties were analyzed. The heat-treatment process did not greatly impact the dry matter content, pH, acidity, extract, or sugar content. However, it led to a reduction in carotenoid and polyphenol levels. During fermentation, there was a consistent decrease in pH and an increase in total acidity, with no noticeable differences between bacterial strains regarding their influence on these parameters. The study revealed that there were no distinctions between LAB strains in their effects on pH, acidity, and carotenoid content in fermented pumpkin juice. Nonetheless, both L. sakei and L. plantarum proved to be effective in the fermentation process, with L. sakei demonstrating greater adaptability. The expected pH, acidity, and sugar content changes were consistently observed throughout the fermentation process. Overall, results confirm the efficacy of the used Lactobacillus strains in fermenting pumpkin juice and highlight the potential impact of heat treatment on the nutritional composition of the juice. The purpose of thermal processing of pumpkin juice, which is conducted with lactic acid fermentation, is crucial for the food industry. It extends the product's shelf life, improves its nutritional and taste profiles, and guarantees its microbiological safety.

Impact of ultrasonic and heat treatments on the physicochemical properties and rennet-induced coagulation characteristics of milk from various species.

This study investigates the effects of heat and ultrasonic treatments on the physicochemical parameters and rennet-induced coagulation properties of milk from a variety of species, including cow, goat, buffalo, and donkey. Milk samples were subjected to heat treatments at different temperatures (65 °C, 80 °C, 90 °C, 100 °C) and ultrasonic treatment at varying power levels (200 W, 400 W, 600 W, 800 W, 1000 W). The results revealed that changes in turbidity, particle size, zeta potential, secondary structure, and surface hydrophobicity were altered by both ultrasonic and heat treatments, as well as the kind of milk. Ultrasonic treatment of cow milk decreased α-helix content while increasing ß-turn content. Under similar ultrasonic treatment, goat milk showed a considerable increase in ß-sheet content, whereas ß-turn and random coil contents decreased compared to control samples. Notably, the water-holding capacity of gels formed from all four types of milk increased significantly with the intensity of ultrasonic and heat treatments. The hardness of buffalo milk gels increased significantly after ultrasonic and thermal treatments, ranging from 63 °C for 30 min to 90 °C for 15 min, but the hardness of cow and goat milk gels increased in varying degrees compared to their control samples. Furthermore, gels from cow and goat milk had higher storage modulus (G') and loss modulus (G'') than those from buffalo and donkey milk, and changes in G' and G'' from the examined milk were altered by ultrasonic and heat treatments. These findings offer important insights into refining milk processing procedures to improve dairy product quality and usefulness.

Evaluating the Impact of Oxidation Heat Treatment and Dual Opaquing Techniques on Enhancing Metal-Ceramic Bond Strength.

BACKGROUND: This research aims to assess the impact of oxidation heat treatment (OHT) and dual opaquing techniques on enhancing the bond strength between metal and ceramic. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Eighty rectangular patterns with dimensions of 0.5x3x25 mm (according to ISO 9693-2012) were fabricated in a custom-made silicon mold by using auto-polymerized pattern resin material. These rectangular patterns were cast using base metal alloys. The samples were split into two primary groups: group A, subjected to OHT, and group B, without oxidation treatment. Each primary group was then split up into subgroups according to the application of single layers (group A1, B1) or double layers (group A2, B2) of opaque porcelain. After pre-surface treatment and Ceramco 3 paste opaque application, dentin porcelain (Ceramco 3) was applied to the mid-region of the samples, followed by firing to achieve a standardized thickness. Flexural strength determination was conducted via a three-point bend test performed on the universal testing machine (UTM) (Instron Corp., Model 2519-107, USA), adhering to ISO standard 9693. Post-testing failure types were analyzed by morphological assessment of debonding surfaces via a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The statistical analysis was performed with SPSS version 16, incorporating ANOVA for intergroup analysis and independent t-tests for intragroup comparisons. RESULTS:  Group A2 exhibited the highest mean flexural bond strength (P<0.05) at 41.85 MPa when compared to group A1 at 37.60 MPa, group B2 at 35.47 MPa, and group B1 with the least mean flexural bond strength at 30.41 MPa. SEM observations revealed cohesive bond failure for groups A1, A2, and B2 and adhesive bond failure for groups B1. CONCLUSION:  It is evident that OHT and opaquing technique are important factors in determining the bond strength of ceramo-metal restorations. When combined, these techniques greatly increase the overall success and durability of metal-ceramic restorations, underscoring their significance in contemporary dental prostheses.

Changes in Nutritional and Techno-Functional Properties of Whole Grain Maize Flours Induced by Dry-Heat Treatment.

The present study was carried out to demonstrate the effects of dry heat treatment (DHT) at different temperatures (100, 125, 135, 150, and 165 °C) on the nutritional and techno-functional properties of white, blue, and yellow whole grain maize flour. Results showed that DHT increased the insoluble dietary fiber and free phenolic compounds of the investigated maize flours, while the bound phenolic compounds, anthocyanins, and pasting properties decreased with the rising of the applied temperature. The application of DHT caused the most notable changes regarding the amount of dietary fiber. Content of NDF (neutral detergent fiber) ranged from 11.48% to 44.35%, 14.19% to 37.84%, and 15.15% to 45.86% in white, yellow, and blue maize samples, respectively. Furthermore, at the highest temperature applied in the DHT (165 °C) the content of soluble free phenolic compounds in yellow and blue maize flour samples was 1.2- and 1.4-fold higher compared to control flour samples. DHT significantly improved the functionality of maize flour in terms of water absorption capacity, water solubility, and digestibility, thus it can be effectively used to make up for the poor functionality of raw maize flour. This study shows that DHT at moderate temperatures (125-135 °C), could be a viable solution for the pre-processing of maize flour to enhance the potential for its utilization in the food industry.

Effects of different heat treatment methods on physicochemical characteristics and in vitro digestibility of sweet potato flour and its application in meal replacement flour.

This study examined the effects of various heat treatments on physicochemical properties, functionality, and starch digestibility of sweet potato flour. Heat treatments darkened the color but did not change the chemical structure. Solubility decreased and swelling power increased (17.3%-18.3%) with baking, frying, and microwaving, while extrusion and steaming had opposite effects. Rapidly digestible starch content increased (8.96%-41.91%) in all treatments except steaming, which reduced slowly digestible starch (61.81%-28.97%). Based on the analysis of these studies, using low-temperature baked and extruded sweet potato flour as the main raw material, combined with the concept of complete nutrition, supplemented by nutritious ingredients such as quinoa, oats, and whey protein, we have successfully developed two sweet potato meal replacement flours (SP-1 and SP-2) and found they had good brewing properties and showed shear-thinning behavior. This study provided theoretical basis for sweet potato deep processing and functional product development. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: This paper studied the effects of different heat treatments on sweet potato flour, and developed two meal replacement flour based on this, to provide a theoretical basis for the application of the sweet potato industry.

Optimizing dry milling of stir-cast and heat-treated AZ80 magnesium alloy using multiple criteria optimization technique: an experimental study.

The primary aspects of this research are to evaluate surface roughness, cutting force, and material removal rate and optimize it with dry milling process parameters for heat-treated and stir-cast AZ80 magnesium alloy. Multiple methodologies are utilized in the research, which includes the Integration of design of experiments-response surface methodology for experimental design with the technique for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution for multi-criteria optimization. In order to evaluate the effect of process parameters on the response, the experimental design manipulates the depth of cut, feed rate, and cutting speed in a systematic manner. An evaluation of the machined surface's quality is conducted via surface roughness measurements. Likewise, insights into the forces exerted during milling can be obtained through continuous monitoring of cutting forces. The calculation of material removal rate is predicated on weight reduction. The interaction between the depth of cut and feed rate has a significant impact on the critical-to-quality characteristics of the alloy, which has contribution percentage greater than 25%. This finding validates that despite the heat-treated alloy having a similar composition to the as-cast alloy (where the closeness coefficient is 0.9843), the optimal process parameters of the former are not applicable to the latter. Nevertheless, the technique used to prepare the specimen has no bearing on the material removal rate, which is a process parameter-specific effect.

Effect of induction heat treatment on microstructure, mechanical and corrosion properties of stainless steel 308 L fabricated using wire arc additive manufacturing.

Induction solution heat treatment can change the mechanical characteristics and corrosion resistance properties of 308 L manufactured via wire arc additive manufacturing (WAAM). Moreover, compare with traditional heat treatment methods, this method can reduce heat treatment time and achieve in-situ local heat treatment. In this paper, in-situ induction heat treatment at 1100 °C for 2, 4, and 6 min were applied on 308 L thin-walled parts produced by WAAM. The result show that ferrite and austenite phase proportions were changed after induction solution heat treatment. Heat treatment at 1100 °C effectively reduced the δ-Fe and σ-Fe content, resulting in a slight decrease in UTS and microhardness, while YS and EL have a certain degree of increase. σ-Fe exhibits a more pronounced strengthening effect than austenite, albeit at the potential expense of steel's elasticity. At the same time, induction heat treatment alters the ferrite to austenite ratio, which also enhances the anti-corrosion properties of the stainless steel. However, the presence of σ-Fe will cause a worsening of the corrosion resistance of the steel. In addition, as the heat treatment progresses, the ferrite's microstructure in the deposition direction undergoes a significant transformation, changing from continuous dendrites to a few equiaxed grains.

Divergent Heat Stress Responses in Bactrocera tryoni and Ceratitis capitata.

Invasive Tephritid fruit flies rank among the most destructive agricultural and horticultural pests worldwide. Heat treatment is commonly employed as a post-harvest method to exterminate fruit flies in fruits or vegetables. These pest species exhibit distinct tolerance to heat treatments, suggesting that the molecular pathways affected by heat may differ among species. In this study, the Queensland fruit fly (Qfly), Bactrocera tryoni, was utilised as a model investigate its molecular response to heat stress through heat bioassays. RNA samples from flies before and after heat treatment were extracted and sequenced to identify genes with significant changes in expression. These findings were compared to another serious Tephritid fruit fly species, the Mediterranean fruit fly (Medfly), Ceratitis capitata, under similar heat treatment conditions. The analysis reveals only three common genes: heat shock protein 70 (HSP70), HSP68, and 14-3-3 zeta protein. However, despite these shared genes, their expression patterns differ between Qfly and Medfly. This suggests that these genes might play different roles in the heat responses of each species and could be regulated differently. This study presents the first evidence of differing molecular responses to heat between Qfly and Medfly, potentially linked to their varied origins, habitats, and genetic backgrounds. These findings offer new insights into Tephritid fruit fly responses to heat at the molecular level, which may help refine post-harvest strategies to control these pests in the future.

Synthesis, structure characterization, and corrosion properties of duplex electroless Ni-P/Ni-B and Ni-P/Ni-B-W coatings on mild steel.

This study investigates the formation of duplex electroless Ni-P/Ni-B and Ni-P/Ni-B-W alloys through electroless plating process coatings on mild steel using hypophosphite and sodium borohydride as a reducing agent, employing heat-treated. Electroless plating is affordable and suitable for coating convoluted structures. Duplex electroless on mild steel was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to examine the surface and cross-sectional morphologies of the duplex coating, and finally study electrochemical corrosion properties. The analysis reveals that duplex coating yields a thicker, more homogeneous coating with a characteristic cauliflower morphology and spherical nodular structures. The coating was initially amorphous, but finally crystallized when heated to 400 °C. More corrosion resistance was found in the Ni-P/Ni-B and Ni-P/Ni-B-W layers when Ni-B served as the outer covering. This study focuses on the important effects of varying tungsten concentrations and heat treatment on the corrosion resistance, surface quality, and microstructural characteristics of duplex coatings. Showed improved corrosion resistance when exposed to 0.5 g/L of Na2WO4.

Evaluation of Oxide|Sulfide Heteroionic Interface Stability for Developing Solid-State Batteries with a Lithium-Metal Electrode: The Case of LLZO|Li6PS5Cl and LLZO|Li7P3S11.

Developing solid-state batteries (SSB) with a lithium metal electrode (LME) using only one type of solid electrolyte (SE) is a significant challenge since no SE fits all the requirements imposed by both electrodes. A possible solution is using multilayer SSBs with an LME where the drawbacks of each SE are overcome by using layers of different SEs. However, research on inorganic SE1|SE2 heteroionic interfaces is still quite preliminary, especially regarding oxide|sulfide heteroionic interfaces. This work reports the electrochemical investigation of the heteroionic interface between Li6.25Al0.25La3Zr2O12 (Al-LLZO) and two representative materials for sulfide-based SEs: argyrodite-based Li6PS5Cl (LPSCl) and glass-like Li7P3S11 (LPS711). Through in-depth temperature- and pressure-dependent impedance analyses of multilayer symmetric cells at equilibrium (i.e., no current load), the electrical properties of the heteroionic interfaces are assessed. The pressure-dependent kinetic of the Al-LLZO|LPSCl pair is interpreted with the concept of geometric constriction resistance and show that its resistance is lower than for the Al-LLZO|LPS711 pair. Furthermore, the effect of Al-LLZO surface treatment on the electrical properties of the Al-LLZO|LPSCl heteroionic interface is evaluated. Such investigation shows that the value of the interface activation energy decreases when the Al-LLZO surface is heat treated, revealing a significant influence of the carbonate/hydroxide passivation layer on the heteroionic interface. Additionally, by cycling the symmetric cell for 900 h at 1.0 mAh·cm-2, it is revealed that the Al-LLZO|LPSCl interface has a lower impedance increase than the Al-LLZO|LPS711 interface, especially if the Al-LLZO is heat treated. With this work, we highlight that the oxide|argyrodite combination can be a promising candidate for multilayer SSBs with an LME. However, we show that an optimized LLZO surface treatment and chemical analysis of the interface are recommended for future research.

Radiofrequency ablation with sine and square electrical waveforms to enhance ablation range.

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a local treatment modality for primary liver cancers. Although various input parameters of the RF generator have been adjusted to improve the ablation ranges, the limited ablation ranges remain an obstacle to RFA. This study aimed to compare the ablation ranges and efficacy of sine and square electrical waveforms in a mouse tumor model. An RF generator with an adjustable electrical waveform was developed, and its ablation range in the porcine liver was compared. For all RF parameters, the square electrical waveform ablation range was greater than that of the sine electrical waveform (all p < 0.001) in the porcine liver. The 45 BALB/c nude mice were used to evaluate the efficacy of the two electrical waveforms after the RFA. The mean tumor volume in the square group was significantly lower than that in the sine group (p < 0.001), indicating a higher survival rate (60%). The cellular coagulative necrosis, inflammatory cell infiltration, heat shock proteins, cellular necrosis, and tumor necrosis were significantly greater in square electrical waveform than in sine electrical waveform (all; p < 0.05). RFA with square electrical waveforms has therapeutic potential for tumor management with an enhanced ablation range.

The Influence of Post-Treatment on Micropore Evolution and Mechanical Performance in AlSi10Mg Alloy Manufactured by Laser Powder Bed Fusion.

Gas-induced porosity is almost inevitable in additively manufactured aluminum alloys due to the evaporation of low-melting point elements (e.g., Al, Mg, and Zn) and the encapsulation of gases (e.g., hydrogen) during the multiple-phase reaction in the melt pool. These micropores are highly unstable during post-heat treatment at elevated temperatures and greatly affect mechanical properties and service reliability. In this study, the AlSi10Mg samples prepared by LPBF were subjected to solution heat treatment at 560 °C for 0.5 and 2 h, followed by artificial aging at 160 °C, 180 °C and 200 °C, respectively. The defect tolerance of gas porosity and associated damage mechanisms in the as-built and heat treated AlSi10Mg alloy were elucidated using optical, scanning electron microscopic analysis, X-ray micro computed tomography (XCT) and room temperature tensile testing. The results showed the defect tolerance of AlSi10Mg alloy prepared by LPBF was significantly reduced by the artificial aging treatment due to the precipitation of Mg-Si phases. Fracture analysis showed that the cooperation of fine precipitates and coarsened micropores assists nucleation and propagation of microcracks sites due to stress concentration upon tensile deformation and reduces the tensile elongation at break.

Decreased formulation pH and protein preheating treatment enhance the interaction, storage stability, and bioaccessibility of caseinate-bound lutein/zeaxanthin.

Heat treatment and pH are crucial factors in the formulation and processing of food and beverages; thus, a thorough understanding of the impact of these factors on the interactions between bioactive constituents and proteins is essential to developing effective protein-based delivery systems. This study explores the influences of pH (ranged from 1.5 to 7.5) and preheating treatment on the characteristics of caseinates-lutein (LU)/zeaxanthin (ZX) complexes and evaluates the potential application of caseinates as protective carriers in xanthophyll-fortified beverages. The properties and interactions of caseinates and two xanthophylls were systematically investigated utilizing a range of spectroscopic techniques, including ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering (DLS), fluorescence spectroscopy, and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Caseinates were bound to LU/ZX with a binding constant of the order 105 M-1. Furthermore, ZX exhibited a higher affinity for caseinates than LU. In particular, the decreased pH level of complex formulation and the preheating of caseinates at 85 °C strengthened the binding affinity between LU/ZX and caseinates. The caseinate-LU/ZX complexes effectively improved the chemical stability of LU/ZX and achieved a bioaccessibility rate of over 70 %. This study provides a guide for developing commercially available xanthophyll-fortified beverages and further expanding the application of caseinates as encapsulation carriers for extremely hydrophobic nutrients in the food industry.

Optimisation of dry heat treatment conditions for modification of faba bean (Vicia faba L.) starch.

Faba bean is a protein-rich starchy grain that is underutilised in the UK. The starch of faba bean can be modified using environmentally friendly methods like dry heat treatment (DHT) to enhance functional and its physicochemical properties. This study investigated the impact of dry heat temperature and time on the structure, functional and physicochemical properties of faba bean starch (FBS) using a two-factor central composite rotatable design. Factors (DHT temperature:100-150 °C and DHT time:0.5-5 h) with their respective α mid-point values led to 13 experimental runs. Selected pasting and functional properties were measured as response variables. Corn starch was included as a reference and compared with the FBS modified using the optimized conditions. DHT increased peak (approx. 2205-2267 cP), final (approx. 3525-3642 cP) and setback (approx. 1887-1993 cP) viscosities but decreased the amylose content of FBS. Colour, as measured by lightness value, morphology and crystalline type were not altered but the starches showed a loss of order and an increase in crystallinity after DHT. FBS appeared resilient to DHT but showed higher swelling power and pasting properties compared to the corn starch control. The optimum DHT conditions to produce starch with desirable properties are a temperature of 100 °C for 0.1716 h, with a desirability factor of 66 %.

The improvement and verification of fluid dynamics simulation on temperature uniformity during heat treatment of ring pieces.

The improvement and verification of fluid dynamics simulation on temperature uniformity during the heat treatment of ring pieces are investigated in this study. The accuracy of the temperature field model is validated by comparing the simulation results with the measured temperatures. The findings reveal that the vortex generated near the furnace wall during heat treatment significantly affects the uniformity of the temperature field. To improve this, adjustments are made to the placement of ring pieces based on an experimentally validated fluid dynamics simulation model, and subsequent calculations are performed on this adjusted model. It is observed that these adjustments greatly enhance temperature uniformity in the heating process, with a 39.06 % improvement in medium-temperature zone (732.32-743.69 k) within the furnace compared to the original model. Additionally, surface temperatures of ring pieces in another medium-temperature zone (668.89-691.11 k) show a 34.54 % improvement in comparison to those predicted by the original model.

Evaluating the strategies to improve strength and water-resistance of chitin nanofibril assembled structures: Molecule-bridging, heat-treatment and deacidifying.

Chitin nanofibril (ChiNF) is a promising building block used to fabricate chitin fibers, films or gels via self-assembly from its aqueous suspension. Although mechanical strengthening of its assembled structures has made great advances, the unsatisfactory water-resistance is still a crucial obstacle to practical application and even rarely referred to. Herein, ChiNF was prepared via deacetylation-ultrasonication treatment and the strategies of molecule-bridging, heat-treatment and deacidifying that aiming to improve the strength and water-resistance of its assembled films were evaluated. Molecule-bridging, including tannic acid (TA) or/and chitosan (CS), improved the mechanical properties to some extent, but had no obvious positive effects on water-resistance; heat-treatment was a useful route to enhance both strength and water-resistance; interestingly, deacidifying was more efficient than heat-treatment with respect to improving strength and water-resistance, implying the presence of acid was the major reason for deteriorating assembled structures. Combining molecule-bridging, deacidifying and heat-treatment produced a strong ChiNF-TA/CS cast film with excellent water-resistance. Different from the commonly-used approach of vacuum filtration, these strategies are very suitable for large-scale production of the ChiNF-based self-supported films or coatings via solution casting. Furthermore, the reverse dialysis deacidification simultaneously produced highly concentrated suspensions suitable for dry-spinning, and thus strong chitin macrofibers were successfully fabricated.

Room temperature storage of myrtle (Eugenia gracillima Kiaersk.) tropical juice: Effects of physical and chemical preservation methods.

Tropical fruit juices produced from native fruits have been widely marketed by small agribusinesses in the Brazilian semiarid region, necessitating a deeper understanding of the impact of preservation methods on quality parameters. This study aimed to prepare myrtle (Eugenia gracillima Kiaersk.) tropical juice and investigate the effects of physical preservation (90 °C for 60 s) and chemical preservation (potassium sorbate and sodium benzoate) methods. Tropical juice formulations were evaluated after preparation and every 15 days during 60 days of storage in high-density polyethylene bottles at room temperature (25 ± 2 °C). Microbiological parameters, optical microscopy, physicochemical and bioactive parameters, antioxidant capacity, and color parameters were determined. Heat-treated tropical juice showed low counts of all microbiological parameters, but optical microscopy revealed the presence of filamentous fungi after 60 days of storage. Combined use of potassium sorbate and sodium benzoate effectively prevented the development of total yeasts and molds up to 28 days of storage. Bioactive compounds in myrtle pulp contribute to storage stability, mainly total phenolics, estimated at 855.86 mg gallic acid equivalents 100 g-1. The results suggest that it is possible to harness the economic and agroindustrial potential of E. gracillima Kiaersk. fruits for the production of tropical juices, but it is recommended that other technologies be explored, such as aseptic processing or the combined use of physical and chemical methods.