Sociodemographic factors underlying lifetime fertility among ever-married Swazi women.

Fertility rates remain high in certain subgroups of the population, and there is limited research about the sociodemographic factors influencing fertility, particularly in Eswatini where women are often considered minors. This study aims to investigate the changes in lifetime fertility, and the associations between sociodemographic factors and lifetime fertility among ever-married women. The study used secondary cross-sectional data from the 2010 and 2014 Eswatini Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys (MICS), with a sample size of 2,295 and 2,351 women, respectively. The data was analysed using descriptive statistics and multivariable Poisson regression. The results showed that fertility rates decreased from 3.47 to 3.21 children between 2010 and 2014. The study found that child loss and age (25+ years) were significant factors associated with higher fertility, while delayed age at marriage and sexual debut (20+ years), at least secondary education, and being rich were strong predictors of lower fertility rates. The study recommends creating awareness about and strengthening laws to abolish early sexual debut and marriage. It also suggests empowering women through education, encouraging the use of contraceptives, and providing maternal and child health services in rural areas where fertility rates tend to be higher.

Les taux de fécondité restent élevés dans certains sous-groupes de la population, et les recherches sur les facteurs sociodémographiques influençant la fécondité sont limitées, en particulier à Eswatini où les femmes sont souvent considérées comme mineures. Cette étude vise à étudier les changements dans la fécondité au cours de la vie et les associations entre les facteurs sociodémographiques et la fécondité au cours de la vie chez les femmes déjà mariées. L'étude a utilisé des données transversales secondaires des enquêtes par grappes à indicateurs multiples (MICS) d'Eswatini de 2010 et 2014, avec un échantillon de 2 295 et 2 351 femmes, respectivement. Les données ont été analysées à l'aide de statistiques descriptives et d'une régression de Poisson multivariée. Les résultats ont montré que les taux de fécondité ont diminué de 3,47 à 3,21 enfants entre 2010 et 2014. L'étude a révélé que la perte d'enfants et l'âge (25 ans et plus) étaient des facteurs importants associés à une fécondité plus élevée, tandis qu'un âge plus tardif au mariage et aux débuts sexuels (20 ans et plus) ), au moins une éducation secondaire, et le fait d'être riche étaient de puissants prédicteurs de taux de fécondité plus faibles. L'étude recommande de sensibiliser et de renforcer les lois visant à abolir les premiers rapports sexuels et le mariage précoces. Il suggère également d'autonomiser les femmes grâce à l'éducation, d'encourager l'utilisation de contraceptifs et de fournir des services de santé maternelle et infantile dans les zones rurales où les taux de fécondité ont tendance à être plus élevés.

Exploiting Agri-Food Waste as Feed for Tenebrio molitor Larvae Rearing: A Review.

The agri-food industry generates substantial amounts of waste, including by-products and residues. The increasing demand for sustainable and eco-friendly practices in the agri-food sector has sparked an interest in finding alternative uses for such waste materials. One promising approach is the utilization of waste from the agri-food industry as feed for the rearing of mealworms (Tenebrio molitor). Since agri-food waste is rich in proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and vitamins, as well as other bioactive compounds, all of which are essential for insect growth and development, incorporating such waste into the diet of mealworms promotes sustainable insect production, reducing the economic and environmental problems associated with waste disposal. This practice can also be beneficial for the rearing of mealworms since their nutritional value can also be enhanced. To this end, various waste materials, such as fruit and vegetable peels, spent grains, and food processing residues, have been investigated as potential feed sources, leading to increased mass production, lower cost, and enhanced nutritional value. This review aims to highlight the potential of agri-food waste as a feed source for mealworms, as well as their potential to enhance their nutritional value. Furthermore, the potential applications of mealworms reared on agri-food waste are highlighted, including their potential as a sustainable protein source for human consumption and as feed ingredients in the livestock and aquaculture sectors.

Indigenous knowledge and nutritional and morphological characterization of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moecnh) varieties in Western Ethiopia.

Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moecnh) is a versatile crop that is widely grown in western Ethiopia, despite that it is less researched. This study, therefore, investigates the traditional knowledge, nutritional, and morphological characteristics of two commonly grown okra varieties (Kenketse and Sharma) in west Ethiopia. A semi-structured questionnaire, checklist, and observations were used to collect primary data from households, key informants, and farms. In addition, proximate composition parameters like moisture content, total ash, crude fat, crude protein, crude fiber, utilizable carbohydrates, and gross energy fruits were measured through laboratory analysis. Fruit morphological traits, including fruit dimensions such as length and width, were determined using a digital Vernier caliper. For data analysis, SPSS software was used. The results revealed that the entire plant is used for both food and ethnomedicinal purposes. Curing ailments such as stomach pain, constipation, wound/cut, heart discomfort, back pain, malaria, diarrhea, and amoebae were among the medical benefits of okra. The proximate composition (%) on a dry matter basis of okra fruits differed significantly (p < .05) by cultivar type and drying method. Moisture (3.69%-5.24%), total ash (6.60%-8.01%), crude fat (4.87%-8.58%), crude protein (4.06%-5.23%), crude fiber (12.85%-15.26%), utilizable carbohydrate (56.42%-67.63%), and gross energy contents (326-341 kcal) were the ranges of the various proximate and energy levels. Morphological characteristics of fruit and leaf length, width, and length-to-width ratio varied with cultivar type, where Sharma had more than double the length of Kenketse (70.1 vs. 187.1 mm). Despite being an undervalued native vegetable crop in Ethiopia, the study's findings show that okra is a multipurpose vegetable for promoting human health and ensuring food and nutritional security. Therefore, stepping up its production, marketing, and consumption could help alleviate the food shortage and improve human nutrition and health in the study areas.

Comprehensive characterization of unscientifically disposed municipal solid waste (MSW) in Kashmir Region, India.

Unscientific dumping of municipal solid waste (MSW) is a common practice in Kashmir. To have an environmentally friendly and sustainable waste management system, MSW was collected from nine study locations of this region. They were air-dried, then oven-dried at 105 °C for 24 h, segregated, and characterized for various components. The overall average organic waste was > 55%, plastic waste about 17%, inert material about 10%, paper 9%, and cloth waste 7%. The calorific value of paper and plastic wastes exhibited was 4910 kcal/kg, while organic waste had a calorific value of 1980 kcal/kg. The proximate analysis showed that the moisture content ranged from 16 to 29%, volatile matter ranged from 49 to 72%, ash content ranged from 0.03 to 5%, and fixed carbon ranged from 5 to 20%. In S7, the volatile matter content recorded the lowest value at 49.15%, while in S5, the volatile matter content was notably higher at 71.84%, indicating easier ignition. Further, elemental analysis revealed that the major elements in MSW were carbon and oxygen, 53% and 37%, respectively, with small traces of heavy metals with an average of 0.02% cadmium (Cd) and 0.006% lead (Pb). Moreover, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) micrographs provided confirmation that the majority of components in the MSW exhibited either partial or complete degradation, resulting in a rough surface texture. In addition, the presence of silica and other silicate groups was also detected. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) analysis revealed that the main functional groups were alcohol. In the X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, all the major mineral phases were detected between 20 and 30° 2θ, except for the peaks at 50-60° 2θ in S3 and S9 where catalysts such as zeolite Y and zeolite X were detected. Overall, the MSW had low moisture content but higher calorific value, making it a viable feedstock.

Comparative dataset on productivity, proximate, biochemical and pigment content of marine Gonyostomum sp. and freshwater Tetraedron sp. microalgae.

The dataset includes a comparative analysis of Gonyostomum sp. and Tetraedron sp. to characterize their productivity, proximate composition, biochemical composition and pigments. Growth data were collected through cell density and optical density and subsequently mass-cultured to utilize biomass for other analyses. The onset of the stationary phase (12 to 18 days) varied between the species. Volumetric productivity, areal productivity, and SGR were also significantly higher (p ˂ 0.05) in Gonyostomum sp. whereas, Tetraedron sp. showed significantly higher (p ˂ 0.05) cell duplication time and cell doublings per day (K). Gonyostomum sp. showed significantly higher (p ˂ 0.05) protein (42.86±1.13%), carbohydrate (13.56±0.48%) and lipid (27.4 ± 0.69%) content than Tetraedron sp. Significantly higher (p ˂ 0.05) polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) were obtained from both Gonyostomum sp. and Tetraedron sp. Non-essential amino acids were prevalent in both microalgae than essential amino acids. Significantly higher (p ˂ 0.05) chlorophyll-a (5.51±0.00), chlorophyll-b (2.27±0.04) and phycobiliprotein (2.32±0.05) were found in Tetraedron sp. Conversely, Gonyostomum sp. exhibited higher (p ˂ 0.05) carotenoid content (2.48±0.05). These findings may contribute to the screening and utilization of these microalgae in the aquaculture, pharmaceuticals, and nutraceuticals sectors.

Evaluation of the toxic metals, proximate composition and length-weight relationships of selected fish species from the Gadananathi River, Southern Tamil Nadu.

The present study reveals toxic metals, proximate composition, and growth conditions in seven fish species, aiding their nutritional importance and conditions. The samples of seven different small indigenous fish species, including Xenentodon cancila, Glossogobious giuris, Pseudambassis ranga, Puntius dorsolis, Mystus vittatus, Dawkinsia filamentosa, and Dawkinsia tambraparaniei, were collected in river Gadananathi, Tamilnadu, India. A total 14 fish samples were analyzed for lead, cadmium, and copper using atomic absorption spectrometry. The standard procedures were used to determine the length-weight and proximate composition of the seven fishes. The findings revealed that the seven fish species had variable amounts of metal buildup. Cu levels were highest in D. tambraparniei gills and lowest in M. vittatus gills and livers; nonetheless, substantial amounts of Cu were found in P. dorsalis livers. In the length-weight correlations of the regression parameters of coefficient value r2, the "a" and "b" values revealed a positive allometric growth rate in all fish species except G. giuris and M. vittatus. However, X. cancila had the highest composition in the proximate analysis, while D. tambraparniei and D. filamentosa had the highest protein content mean value at a significant level (P ≤ 0.05). Overall, discrepancies in nutritional content might be related to species, environmental circumstances, fish age and size, and food availability.

Development of high-yielding white maize hybrids with better chapatti-making quality compared to traditionally used local landraces.

Introduction: The present research focuses on the chapatti making quality of high-yielding white maize hybrids compared to available low-yielding local yellow and white landraces in India. Materials and methods: In this study, the top nine superior hybrids were selected for testing the physical properties of the maize kernels, proximate composition of flours and chapattis, physical parameters of chapatti, textural properties, sensory evaluation of chapattis and pasting properties of maize flour. Results and discussion: The results revealed the superiority of white maize hybrids (WMH), viz., WHM 1, WHM 2, and WHM 8 over the local yellow and white landraces for most of the parameters studied. In sensory analysis, though, the yellow landrace was considered superior by the panellists in terms of colour but the white maize hybrids outperformed in overall sensory analysis and were more acceptable than the yellow and white maize landraces. These high yielding white maize hybrids with good consumer acceptance may cater for the needs of rural and tribal populations in India who prefer white maize as a staple food.

Comparative analysis of the physicochemical, proximate, and antioxidant characteristics of stingless bee (Meliponula beccarii) honey from modern and wild beehives in Ethiopia.

There is a dearth of information on the comparative studies of the physicochemical, proximate, and antioxidant properties as well as quality standards of stingless bee honey (SBH) in Ethiopia. Hence, this study was designed to assess and compare the physicochemical, proximate, and antioxidant properties of SBH, specifically sourced from Meliponula beccarii, and produced under both wild and modern apiary conditions at two distinct geographical locations. A total of forty-six honey samples were meticulously collected from domesticated stingless bee colonies and naturally occurring wild nests at Wolmera and Cheliya districts. Pollen analysis unveiled eleven distinct bee plant species distributed across six families, with Asteraceae being the most prevalent, primarily represented by Guizotia scabra and Vernonia amygdalina. Notably, the physicochemical, proximate, and antioxidant properties of SBH collected from modern pot hives exhibited significant variances (p < .05) when compared to SBH from wild nests. Principal component analysis (PCA) delineated the differentiation of SBH sources based on both geographical location and the type of beehive. One-way ANOVA corroborated these distinctions, underscoring significantly higher levels (p < .05) of ash, electrical conductivity, free acidity, hydroxymethylfurfural, sucrose, total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, and radical scavenging activities of SBH from modern pot hives in Wolmera. Whereas, Cheliya modern pot hives recorded higher values in pH, hydroxymethylfurfural and maltose contents compared to the wild nest SBH. Further analysis through Pearson correlation highlighted a strong positive association between total phenolic content and total flavonoid content with the antioxidant capacity of SBH. These findings underscore the significance of integrating modern pot hives to enhance the quality of SBH within Ethiopia's beekeeping sector.

Physical Pretreatments of Cassava Chips Influenced Chemical Composition, Physicochemical Properties, and In Vitro Digestibility in Animal Models.

Physical pretreatment procedures can significantly influence the quality of food and feed raw materials. To increase the ability to be digested in animals, cassava chips were pretreated by four alternative methods (extrusion, microwave irradiation, gamma irradiation, or NaOH hydrolysis), and then the chemical composition, physicochemical properties, and in vitro digestibility of the pretreated samples were assessed and compared with unprocessed cassava chips (control). The chemical compositions (crude protein, ether extract, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, ash, non-fiber carbohydrate, and gross energy) were significantly altered due to the pretreatment methods (p < 0.05). The nutritive profile was qualitatively changed when assessed through Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. Some physicochemical properties in association with enzymatic hydrolysis, which include pH, water solubility, water absorption capacity, thermal properties (differential scanning calorimetry), diffraction pattern (X-ray diffractometry), and microstructure (scanning electron microscopy), were significantly changed. In vitro carbohydrate digestibility based on digestive enzyme extracts from Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) suggests the microwaving method for cassava chips preparation, while microwaving, followed by extrusion or gamma irradiation, was suggested for broiler (Gallus gallus domesticus). There were no differences in the pepsin-cellulase digestibility values tested for the ruminant model. These findings suggest the use of pretreated cassava chips in animal feeding.

Unveiling the Compositional Analysis of Green Coffee Beans with and without Silver Skin.

BACKGROUND: Green Coffee Bean (GCB) is covered with silver skin that is shed as a by-product of the roasting process. For the first time, a comparative study was conducted to differentiate the compositional analysis of green coffee beans with silver skin and without silver skin. OBJECTIVE: The study aims comparatively assessing nutritional, anti-nutritional and fatty acids composition of green coffee beans with silver skin and without silver skin. The present study is also intended to find out various organic compounds of green coffee beans. METHODS: The proximate analysis was used to study nutritional composition. Mineral analysis was assessed by atomic absorption spectroscopy. The antinutrients like phytic acid and tannin were assessed by UV-visible spectroscopy whereas volumetric and gravimetric analysis was used to determine oxalates and alkaloids. Gas chromatography and Fourier Transform Infra-Red spectroscopy were used for studying fatty acids and organic compounds, respectively. RESULTS: Protein content was significantly (p<0.05) high in green coffee beans with silver skin, indicating 15% higher protein. Macro mineral content was also found significantly (p<0.05 and p<0.01) high in green coffee beans with silver skin, whereby 5.11% higher Phosphorus and 24.12% higher Calcium content was observed. However, iron content was 68.10% lower in green coffee beans with silver skin which might be due to its higher tannin content. Trace minerals zinc and copper were also found to contain 57.18% to 18.11% higher concentrations respectively in silver skin. Anti-nutritional analysis revealed the content of phytic acid and tannin as 161 and 77.29 mg/100g, respectively in green coffee beans with silver skin. The percentages of oxalates and alkaloids were found to be 0.64 and 14.30. These anti-nutritional compounds were significantly (p<0.05 and p<0.01) higher from green coffee beans without silver skin. Green coffee beans have been found with an utmost number of saturated fatty acids having palmitic acid as the most abundant. The unsaturated part is mainly composed of linoleic and oleic acid. Chlorogenic acid isomers and caffeine were the organic compounds detected through Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. CONCLUSION: These findings reveal the presence of both nutritional and anti-nutritional components in Coffee silver skin, with significantly higher levels of anti-nutritional factors in green coffee with silver skin, emphasizing the need for caution in the consumption of green coffee and utilization of coffee silver skin as a valuable bioresource.

Comparative analysis of biometrical and reproductive indices, proximate composition, and hemato-biochemical variables of cuchia eel Monopterus cuchia (Hamilton, 1822) from six different localities of Bangladesh.

Cuchia eel (Monopterus cuchia) is among the most sought-after freshwater fish, owing to its exceptional nutritional profile and high consumer demand. The current research aimed to establish baseline data by comparing the proximate composition, hematological, and plasma biochemical indices of Cuchia eel populations across six different geographical locations in Bangladesh: Bogra, Haluaghat, Jamalpur, Moktagacha, Sylhet, and Tangail. By examining these parameters, we aim to gain valuable insights into the nutritional benefits, physiological responses, and potential adaptations of this species to varying environments. The statistical analysis revealed no significant (P > 0.05) variances in the whole-body proximate composition of the fish captured from distinct areas. However, it was observed that different geographical regions had remarkable impacts on the variations of the majority of the hematological parameters, except for some cases. Additionally, there was a notable (P < 0.05) increase or decrease in most of the serum biochemical contents in certain localities as compared to others in this study. Light microscopic examination of Cuchia eel blood smears exhibited lower numbers but larger sizes of RBCs. The findings of this study lead to the conclusion that different localities had significant impacts on the hematology and blood biochemical indices of Cuchia eel, even though the whole-body proximate composition showed no significant variations. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of the physiological aspects of Cuchia eel.

Effect of cooking on structural changes in the common black bean (Phaseolus vulgaris var. Jamapa).

The cooking process is fundamental for bean consumption and to increase the bioavailability of its nutritional components. The study aimed to determine the effect of cooking on bean seed coat through morphological analyses with different microscopy techniques and image analyses. The chemical composition and physical properties of raw black bean (RBB) and cooked black bean (CBB) seeds were determined. The surface and cross-sectional samples were studied by Optical microscopy (OM), environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM) and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). The composition of samples showed significant differences after the cooking process. OM images and gray level co-occurrence matrix algorithm (GLCM) analysis indicated that cuticle-deposited minerals significantly influence texture parameters. Seed coat surface ESEM images showed cluster cracking. Texture fractal dimension and lacunarity parameters were effective in quantitatively assessing cracks on CBB. AFM results showed arithmetic average roughness (Ra) (121.67 nm) and quadratic average roughness (Rq) (149.94 nm). The cross-sectional ESEM images showed a decrease in seed coat thickness. The CLSM results showed an increased availability of lipids along the different multilayer tissues in CBB. The results generated from this research work offer a valuable potential to carry out a strict control of bean seed cooking at industrial level, since the structural changes and biochemical components (cell wall, lipids and protein bodies) that occur in the different tissues of the seed are able to migrate from the inside to the outside through the cracks generated in the multilayer structure that are evidenced by the microscopic techniques used.

Oyster mushroom drying in tray dryer: Parameter optimization using response surface methodology, drying kinetics, and characterization.

In this study, the drying of oyster mushrooms (P. ostreatus) in a tray dryer was optimized. The parameters used to optimize the drying process were drying temperature, airspeed, mass loading, and moisture content. Its drying kinetics were investigated at the optimum drying parameters. A quadratic equation was obtained to predict the moisture content of mushrooms at the given drying temperature, airspeed, and mass loading, and it was validated against experimental results. A minimum moisture content (9.99 wt%) was obtained at the optimum conditions of 60 °C, 3 m/s airspeed, and mass loading of 200 g using a tray dryer. Proximate analysis, shelf-life analysis, inorganic elemental analysis, and functional group analysis were done as a characterization method for mushrooms after drying at the optimum drying conditions. About 27.8 wt% protein and 50.2 wt% carbohydrates were found in proximate results. Besides, potassium and sodium were the dominant elements as estimated by spectrophotometry analysis. The induction period (IP) of dried mushrooms at room temperature is 3520:47 (hour: minute) from the oxidation stability analysis, and the water activity of dried mushrooms was found to be 0.36. The drying kinetics of oyster mushrooms were studied at various temperatures (50-75 °C), optimum airspeed (3 m/s), and mass loading (200 g). The best-fit model describing the mushrooms drying kinetics was found to be Midilli et al., with the lowest RMSE (0.008749), X2 (0.0014), and the highest R2(0.9993) values. The kinetic triplet activation energy, effective diffusivity, and diffusivity constant (Ea, Deff, D0) for oyster mushrooms drying were determined and found to lay in the general range for foodstuffs. The value of Deff results lies within the range of 10-8 to 10-12 m2/s, with Ea of 15.32 kJ/mol and D0 value 2.263 × 10-6 m2/s.

Nutritional, chemical and functional potential of Inga laurina (Fabaceae): A barely used edible species.

Inga laurina is a plant species which produces edible fruits, and until now there is little information available concerning its nutritional, chemical and bioactive composition. In this study, we evaluated for the first time the proximate composition and mineral contents in its fruit (peel, pulp and seed), that is the traditionally consumed part. The seeds obtained the highest protein (19.52 g/100 g), carbohydrate (22.5 g/100 g) and mineral contents, mainly Cu, Cr, P, Mn, Se and Zn. The peel and pulp were excellent sources of fiber (4.5 and 11.05 g/100 g) as well as mineral content, with Cr and Cu standing out in the pulp. This study is notably the first to provide a detailed assessment of the nutritional compositions of traditionally consumed and not consumed parts of this fruit. Sensory analysis of the pulp was also performed, which indicated good acceptance. The antioxidant properties were characterized in the fruit, peels and leaves. The ABTS test showed that leaf supernatant hydroethanolic crude extract (EC50 = 2.70 µg/mL) and its corresponding ethyl acetate (EC50 = 1.68 µg/mL) and butanol (EC50 = 2.48 µg/mL) partitions presented higher antioxidant potential compared to the control Ginkgo biloba (EC50 = 12.17 µg/mL). The most active precipitate extract regarding DPPH was from the peel (EC50 = 13.30 µg /mL) and the most active partition was the ethyl acetate (EC50 = 13.37 µg/mL), both with better activity compared to the control Ginkgo biloba (EC50 = 46.97 µg/mL). The ethyl acetate partition (EC50 = 13.45 µg/mL) and butanol partition (EC50 = 7.97 µg/mL) from the leaves showed the highest antioxidant capacity. Thus, extracts and partitions from the peels and leaves were studied from a phytochemical point of view due to presenting the best results for antioxidant capacity. The presence of phenolic compounds such as myricetin-3-O-rhamnopyranoside, myricetin-3-O-(2″-O-galloyl)-rhamnopyranoside and myricetin-3-O-(2″,4″-di-O-galloyl)-arabinopentoside-methyl ether were observed in the leaf crude extract and polar partitions, being reported for the first time in the Inga genus and Fabaceae family. Moreover, quercetin, quercetin-3-O-galatoctoside, quercetin-3-O-rhamnopyranoside, quercetin-3-O-(2″-O-galloyl)-rhamnoside, and quercetin tri-hexose were identified in the peel crude extract and ethyl acetate partition, in which the galloyl derivative of quercetin was identified for the first time in I. laurina fruit peels. GC-MS enabled separating and identifying substances such as palmitic and stearic acids, and ethyl oleate. It is possible to conclude that I. laurina pulp can be a supplementary food as a source of phenolic compounds, and the other organs of the plant (leaves and peel) are rich in flavonoids with great antioxidant capacity, making this species a promising source of antioxidants.

Fast analysis of straw proximates based on partial least squares using near-infrared spectroscopy.

Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is a rapid measurement technique based on the spectroscopic absorption bands of specific functional groups within biomass. Its main advantages include simple preparation, precise analysis, and the ability to analyze multiple components simultaneously. Fast analysis of straw proximates (moisture, ash, and fixed carbon) has been investigated by means of NIRS. A total of 144 samples were collected, the spectral data were analyzed by partial least squares (PLS) regression and support vector regression (SVR) with four wavelength selection methods. PLS combined with competitive adaptive reweighted sampling (CARS) provided excellent predictive performance for moisture, ash, and fixed carbon. For moisture prediction, the values of RP2, RMSEP and RPD were 0.7202, 0.8196, and 2.11, respectively. For ash prediction, the values of RP2, RMSEP and RPD were 0.9307, 0.5901, and 3.69, respectively. For fixed carbon prediction, the values of RP2, RMSEP and RPD were 0.8504, 0.2735, and 2.76, respectively. Fast analysis of proximates of corn stover was possible using this NIRS system.

Interactive effects of intrinsic and extrinsic factors on metabolic rate.

Metabolism energizes all biological processes, and its tempo may importantly influence the ecological success and evolutionary fitness of organisms. Therefore, understanding the broad variation in metabolic rate that exists across the living world is a fundamental challenge in biology. To further the development of a more reliable and holistic picture of the causes of this variation, we review several examples of how various intrinsic (biological) and extrinsic (environmental) factors (including body size, cell size, activity level, temperature, predation and other diverse genetic, cellular, morphological, physiological, behavioural and ecological influences) can interactively affect metabolic rate in synergistic or antagonistic ways. Most of the interactive effects that have been documented involve body size, temperature or both, but future research may reveal additional 'hub factors'. Our review highlights the complex, intimate inter-relationships between physiology and ecology, knowledge of which can shed light on various problems in both disciplines, including variation in physiological adaptations, life histories, ecological niches and various organism-environment interactions in ecosystems. We also discuss theoretical and practical implications of interactive effects on metabolic rate and provide suggestions for future research, including holistic system analyses at various hierarchical levels of organization that focus on interactive proximate (functional) and ultimate (evolutionary) causal networks. This article is part of the theme issue 'The evolutionary significance of variation in metabolic rates'.

Prediction of gross calorific value from coal analysis using decision tree-based bagging and boosting techniques.

The calorific value of any fuel is one of the crucial parameters to grade fuel's burning capability. The bomb calorimeter has historically been used to calculate coal's gross calorific value (GCV). However, for many years, engineers and scientists were trying to measure coal's GCV without a bomb calorimeter, using only laboratory-derived ultimate and/or proximate analyses to eliminate tedious and time-consuming laboratory analyses. In this study, Extra trees, Bagging, Decision tree, and Adaptive boosting are developed for the first time in coal's GCV modeling. In addition, the prediction and computational efficiency of previously applied decision tree-based algorithms, such as Random forest, Gradient boosting, and XGBoost are investigated. Well-established empirical models, namely Schuster, Mazumdar, Channiwala and Parikh, Parikh et al. and Central Fuel Research Institute of India are examined to compare their efficiency with newly developed algorithms. Proximate and ultimate analysis parameters are ranked based on their significance in GCV modeling. The studied models are tuned using an exhaustive grid search technique. Statistical indexes, such as explained variance (EV), mean absolute error (MAE), coefficient of determinant (R2), mean squared error (MSE), maximum error, minimum error, and mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) are used to critique these models. To accomplish the goals, 7430 data points containing ten coal features, such as ash, moisture, fixed carbon, volatile matter, hydrogen, carbon, sulfur, nitrogen, oxygen, and GCV are selected from the U.S. Geological Survey Coal Quality (COALQUAL) database. It has been found that, due to simplicity and location-specific constraints, empirical models could not correlate proximate and/or ultimate analyses with GCV. Bagging and boosting techniques tested here performed well with the coefficient of determinant (R2) of over 0.97. The XGBoost model outperforms other tree-based algorithms with the most significant coefficient of determinant (R2 of 0.9974) and lowest error values (MSE of 14703.3, max_error of 1027.2, MAE of 89.2, MAPE of 0.009). The studied models' ranking (highest to lowest) based on their performance are XGBoost, Extra trees, Random forest, Bagging, Gradient boosting, Decision tree, and Adaptive boosting. The correlation heatmap and scatterplots used here clearly indicate that oxygen and carbon are the utmost significant, whereas volatile matter and sulfur are the least essential rank parameters for GCV modeling. The strategy suggested in this research can aid engineers/operators in obtaining a rapid and accurate determination of the GCV with a few coal features, thus lessening complicated, tedious, expensive, and time-consuming laboratory efforts.

Development and Characterization of High-Energy Protein Bars with Enhanced Antioxidant, Chemical, Nutritional, Physical, and Sensory Properties.

Protein-rich energy bars are known as an excellent nutritional supplement for athletes that help to build and repair connective tissues. The study is, therefore, aimed at developing high-protein bars using lupine seeds, wheat germ, and selected dried fruits including raisins, dates, apricots, and cranberries. Different formulations (F1, F2, F3, and F4) were performed at different ratios of ingredients to produce high-protein bars and compared them with a control bar made of whey-protein concentrate and oat flakes. For this purpose, a proximate analysis, total phenol content, total flavonoid content, DPPH radical scavenging activity, water content, nutritional, and sensory analysis was performed to evaluate the results. The proximate analysis of the produced protein bars showed a significantly higher protein content (22 ± 2) and total phenolic activity (57 ± 33) in formulation group 4 as compared to the other groups. Furthermore, the least water activity content was found in formulation group 1 (1 ± 0.0) when compared with the control group (1 ± 0.0). The results from the sensory evaluation revealed that T3 had the highest average scores in overall consumer acceptability. Our study found that total phenolic, flavonoid, and fiber content were significantly higher in the prepared protein bars indicating prospective health benefits when compared to the control group. Overall, the study demonstrates that high-protein bars using functional ingredients like dried fruit can provide enriched nutritionally valuable food options for consumers.

Effect on nutritional quality changes in fresh and canned Scomber australasicus and Scomberomorus guttatus.

The purpose of present research was to investigate the effect of different storage periods on nutrients composition of the two the fish species. In the present study, proximate composition, energy values and oil indexes of two the fish species Scomber australasicus and Scomberomorus guttatus were determined. The lipid content of the fresh S. guttatus was found significantly higher than the S. australasicus (p < .05). The S. australasicus after 2 months storage found lowest calorie value (275.5 kcal/kg). The calorie values of S. australasicus after 4 months storage was 292.5 kcal/kg and for S. guttatus after 6 months storage (375.70 kcal/kg) found highest. The number of acidic and peroxide for both types of fish after 2 months storage found 2.66 mg KOH/g and 4.22 meqO2/kg for S. australasicus, and found 2.47 mg KOH/g and 3.76 meqO2/kg for S. guttatus which were lowest compared to the other two treatments. The storage periods after the canning process led to a decrease in protein and moisture contents and increase in the lipid content of the canned tuna. The calorie level was related to the parameters such as fat level of the processed S. guttatus after 6 months storage which lead to high calorie level (375.70 kcal/kg-1), while processed S. australasicus after 2 months storage with lower fat content (15.1%) had lower energy value (275.5 kcal/kg-1). The highest acidic, and peroxide value for treatment 6 months storage for canned fish S. guttatus was 4.34 ± 0.36 mg KOH/g, and 5.74 ± 0.25 (meqO2/kg), while for S. australasicus was 4.21 ± 0.34 mg KOH/g, and 6.67 ± 0.23 (meqO2/kg), It can be concluded for fish 6 months storaged S. guttatus, shelf life increased the and can be stored for several years.

Nutritional analysis of rice landraces from southern Odisha, India.

Rice landraces conserved by tribal farmers are important for their nutritional richness. Landraces are rich in essential amino acids, vitamins, anthocyanins, and flavonoids useful to cure noncommunicable diseases and metabolic disorders. A study was carried out with 10 rice landraces from the tribal-dominated belt of Southern Odisha to investigate grain nutrition, proximate composition, and vitamin and mineral contents. The protein content of the landraces was higher (>6 g/100 g) and the fat content was lower (<0.6 g/100 g) than popular Indian rice varieties. The mean nutrient content of 10 rice landraces was as follows: protein 6.3 ± 0.313 g/100 g, total dietary fiber 1.6 ± 0.094 g/100 g, fat 0.536 ± 0.008 g/100 g, ash 10.514 ± 6.753%, and total sugar 77.18 ± 2.118 g/100 g. The high genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) was observed for alkali spreading value (31.11%), capacity of grain hydration (52.705), index of hydration (171.439), moisture (46.343%), and vitamin B2 (23.994%) in rice landraces. Few landraces had superior iron content: Kalamalli (1.49 mg/100 g), Kandulakathi (1.42 mg/100 g), and Dudhamani (1.39 mg/100 g) compared to popular Indian rice varieties. Tikichudi had highest moisture (19%) and fat (0.53 g/100 g) content, which signifies the taste quality of rice. Kanakchudi exhibited the highest fiber content (1.8 g/100 g) and ash content (22.80%). Kalamalli contained higher zinc (0.49 mg/100 g), iron (1.49 mg/100 g), potassium (108.33 mg/100 g), magnesium (78.33 mg/100 g), and phosphorus (125.00 mg/100 g), whereas Muktabali was found to have higher Ca (3.88 mg/100 g) and Baunsidubraj exhibited higher niacin (4.9 mg/100 g). The indigenous landraces Kalamalli, Kandulakathi, and Dudhamani had considerably high iron content, whereas Kalamalli, Baunsidubraj, and Muktabali possessed less phytic acid in comparison with existing varieties and other landraces reported from various states of our country. Landraces Kalamalli, Kanakchudi, Tikichudi, and Muktabali from southern Odisha, India, represented nutritionally better genetic pool for future rice improvement.