Physico-Chemical Analysis of Soils Used for Pineapple Cultivation in the Sub-Prefectures of Maferinyah and Friguiagbé (Prefectures of Forécariah and Kindia) Republic of Guinea

Over the years, pineapple production in the Republic of Guinea has become less competitive in the West African sub-region, with a world ranking of 144th. It is therefore only natural to review certain parameters in order to improve this ranking. To do this, certain physico-chemical parameters of soil samples from Friguiagbé and Maferinyah (in the Kindia and Forécariah prefectures) were taken and analysed using the following techniques: Pipette de Robinson, Anne, Bray II, Kapen HICDVITZ, Mc. Lead (1982). The analytical results show that the soils at Friguiagbé in Kindia and Maferinyah in Forécariah are acidic, with pH values of 4.4 and 4.7 (fields I and II) and 4.8 and 4.7 (fields I and II) respectively. The soils have a silty-sandy texture. This study could therefore serve as a guide for the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Guinea.

Physico-Chemical and Nutritional Properties of a Food Broth Based on Nere (Parkia biglobosa)

Purpose: Diet and eating habits are major risk factors for the health and the development of disease, such as, for example, metabolic disorder leading to cardiovascular pathology and cancer, decreased immunity exposing to infections. This study of the physico-chemical and nutritional properties of a soumara-based food broth was carried out with the aim of promoting the consumption of organic broth made from nere seeds (soumara). That is to alleviate certain metabolic diseases, which is a matter of food safety, and also to limit the risk for the health about the consumption of some cooking stocks on the market. Methods: Several natural ingredients such as nere seeds (soumara), ginger, black pepper, parsley and garlic were used to create a nere-based stock. All these ingredients were freeze-dried and the powder obtained was used to make the broth, regarding their physical and chemical properties. Results: The broth had a good protein content of 17.41 ± 0.367 g/100g, a lipid content of 16.80 ± 0.08 g/100g and a fiber content of 8.66 ± 0.04 g/100g. In terms of nutritional values, the broth showed good levels of calcium 184.21 ± 0.09 mg/100g, potassium 50.04 ± 1.45 mg/100g and iron and zinc. In terms of antioxidant activity, the broth also showed good antioxidant activity. Conclusion: Regarding the properties of our food broth, whose composition is based on natural ingredients, could be recommended for consumption and, its properties, could play an important role in preventing and combating certain metabolic diseases.

Antibacterial effect and physicochemical properties of essential oil of Zataria multiflora Boiss

ObjectiveTo evaluate the antibacterial effect and physicochemical properties of essential oil of Zataria multiflora Boiss.MethodsAntibacterial activity of essential oil of Zataria multiflora Boiss was assessed by agar disc diffusion and minimal inhibitory concentration(MIC) was tested by E test.ResultsThe essential oil of Zataria multiflora Boiss was effective on pathogenic bacteria particularly Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). The MIC values of the target cultures ranged from 0.39 mg/mL to 1.56 mg/mL. The physicochemical properties like effects of pH, temperature, detergents, and enzymes on the activity of essential oil from Zataria multiflora Boiss were also determined. The essential oil was quite stable to temperature as tested against S. aureus and Escherichia coli (E. coli). The essential oil was very stable over a wide range of pH. The antibacterial activity of essential oil was insensitive to various protein-denaturing detergents (Such as Tween 80, Tween 20, Triton 100, etc.) and enzymes (namely proteinase K, trypsin, lipase, and lysosyme).ConclusionsA potential use of the essential oil from Zataria multiflora Boiss is suggested. More studies including further purification, mass spectra, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and evaluation of toxicity are needed for confirmation of this suggestion.

Physico-Chemical Properties of Flour, Starch, and Modified Starch of Two Rice Varieties

The physical and chemical properties of the flours, starches, and modified starches of indica rice and japonica rice were investigated in this paper. Results showed that the swelling powers of flour, starch, and phosphate starch [substitution degree （DS）=0.065] of japonica rice were significantly higher than those （DS=0.065） of indica rice. The transmittance of modified starches was highest; and that of flours was lowest. The pasting property investigated with rapid visco analyzer （RVA） indicated that the peak viscosity and breakdown value of paste with high swelling power were high. Furthermore, the effect of protein and amylose content on pasting property were investigated. The results of rheological properties determined using rheological rheometer showed that at the same temperature, the storage modulus （G′ of flour, starch, and modified starch of indica rice was higher than that of japonica rice. For each variety, the G′of flour was the highest, while the G′of modified starch was the lowest.

Soil Physico-Chemical Properties and Microflora as Influenced by Bispyribac Sodium 10% SC in Transplanted Kharif Rice

The effects of bispyribac sodium 10% SC and butachlor 50% SC on soil physico-chemical properties and microflora in transplanted kharifrice were investigated over two seasons （2010 and 2011 ） Effects of the herbicide on bulk density, water holding capacity, moisture content, soil pH, organic matter content, electrical conductivity, as well as total nitrogen, available phosphorus and available potassium contents were analyzed along with microflora population （total bacteria, actinomycetes and fungi）. No significant changes in soil physico-chemical properties were observed. Herbicide treatments resulted in decreases in microbial counts initially. With the degradation of applied herbicides within a considerable time, the microflora populations even exceeded the initial count at 60 d after application of the herbicide.

Characteristics of physico-chemical properties, volatile compounds and free fatty acid profiles of commercial set-type Turkish yoghurts

Ten most popular brands of commercial Turkish set-type yoghurts were collected from local retail outlets in Hatay, Turkey for two separate periods, and analyzed for basic nutrients, physico-chemical properties, volatile aroma compounds and free fatty acid profiles to compare their differences among the yoghurt products. The results showed that there were significant differences (P<0.05, 0.01, or 0.001) and variations in physico-chemical indices, volatile aroma compounds and volatile free fatty acid profiles among the yoghurt brands, which ultimately influence the flavor quality of the product. Acetaldehyde was predominant volatile compound in yoghurts, which followed by acetone, acetoin, diacetyl and ethanol. The level of diacetly was inversely related to titratable acidity, acetaldehyde and ethanoic acid. From ketones with high carbones 2-undecanone and 2-pentadecanone were higher than 2-butanone, 2-nanonane and 2-tridecanone. These ketones are related to fat content of yoghurt. Among short chain free fatty acids, ethanoic (acetic) acid was the most abundant in yoghurts, followed by hexanoic, octanoic and butanoic acids. These differences in detected chemical compositions of volatile compounds and free fatty acids would be applicable to predict flavor, nutritional value, quality control or shelf-life of the commmercial set-type Turkish yoghurts.

Evaluation of sensory properties and their correlation coefficients with physico-chemical indices in Turkish set-type yoghurts

Sensory properties and physico-chemical parameters of 10 most popular brands of commercial set-type Turkish yoghurts were evaluated and correlation coefficients between the two indices were investigated. The results indicated that increases in volatile compounds (acetaldehyde, 2-butanone, 2-nanonane, ethyl acetate), titratable acidity, ash and fat contents inversely correlated with the overall acceptability score of the yoghurt. However, diacetyl, C4 to C12 free fatty acids, pH, whiteness index and texture positively correlated with overall acceptability of the yoghurt products. It was concluded that the acceptability of the Turkish set-type yoghurts is mainly governed by the fifteen volatile compounds as well as the physico-chemical properties determined. Thus, the overall acceptability of the yoghurts was not influenced by a single characteristic, but rather by complex in nature.

Physico-Chemical and Microbiological Analysis of Potable Water in Jericho and Molete Areas of Ibadan Metropolis

This study was carried out to determine the quality of some water supplies in Jericho and Molete areas in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria. A total of 6 water samples (Jericho and Molete) from well, borehole and public tap were randomly selected and analyzed in triplicate for some physico-chemical and microbial parameters. The pH ranged from 5.88 ± 0.01 to 6.88 ± 0.06 while total hardness ranged from 2.60 ± 0.04 ppm to 44.00 ± 1.20 ppm. The temperature ranged from 15.00℃ ± 0.07℃ to 18.00℃ ± 0.21℃ while conductivity ranged from 230 ± 1.15 to 460 ± 1.26 mho/cm. Alkalinity, Dissolved Oxygen (DO) and Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) ranged from 4.03 ± 0.02 mg/l to 14.88 ± 0.15 mg/l, 0.4 ± 0.02 mg/l to 4.6 ± 0.02 mg/l and 12.80 ± 0.22 mg/l to 26.40 ± 0.72 mg/l respectively. Microbial analysis revealed that all of these water samples were not free from pathogens and thereby not suitable for drinking.

Evaluation of the Physico-Chemical Properties of the Waters on the Litani River Station Quaraoun

Water security is a very important purpose facing the world in the last decay as one of the main consequences related to the risks of climate change. Water quality of Litani River’s at Quaraoun Lake station in Lebanon was evaluated by measuring various physicochemical parameters between 2008 and 2018. Samples were performed and analyzed the first of every month. Different analytical methods were used to determine the values of 11 physico-chemical parameters. Different statistical methods, such as Principal Component Analysis and the Times Series Representation, were applied to the results to evaluate the water characteristics, determine the operation of the ecosystem and study the correlation between the different parameters in the Quaraoun station. Industrial, agricultural and sewage water pollution of the Litani River were demonstrated by the high concentration of sulfate, phosphate and ammonia. High bacterial activity was proved from the high decreasing of the dissolved oxygen. Important correlations between the different parameters and between the parameters of the ecosystem and the weather were proved.

Physico-Chemical Analysis and Polarization Value Estimation of Raw Sugar from Refining Point of View

This study was particularly designed to evaluate the physico-chemical parameters and polarization value of raw sugar which ultimately affect the filterability of raw sugar. Six different raw sugar samples were collected from the local industries and were evaluated for the physico-chemical and polarization value. The physico-chemical characteristics of sugar including moisture, reducing sugar, ash contents, size of crystals and color constituents were assessed. The results obtained from physico-chemical analysis showed that these parameters were affected significantly among the samples of raw sugar. The ash contents were found to be decreasing for the samples in the order of T6 > T1T2T5 > T3T4. The values for the polarization were significantly the highest in sample T5, T2 and T1 followed by sample T4 and T6 while the lowest values were recorded for sample T3. It can be concluded from the results that sample T4 was observed to have a good quality while sample T6 had the opposite result to that of sample T4 and was considered to have a very low quality.

Effect of Cassava Leaf (<i>Manihot esculenta </i>) Level in Guinea-Pigs (<i>Cavia porcellus </i>) Meal on the Physico-Chemical and Techno-logical Properties of Its Meat

The present study was carried out to evaluate the effect of different rates of dried cassava leafs in diet as replacement of protein sources on the weight gain and carcass yield of guinea-pigs, as well as on the physico-chemical and technological properties of guinea-pigs’ meat. A total of forty-eight (48) eight-week-old guinea-pigs were divided in a completely randomized experimental design, in four groups and fed with the experimental foods. These experimental foods were formulated as follows: cassava-leaf (Manihot esculenta) powder was incorporated at concentrations of 0%, 8%, 10% and 12% respectively in replacement of protein sources for R0, R1, R2 and R3. Each treatment consisted of a group of 12 guinea pigs per paddock (6 males and 6 females). The initial weight (IW), final weight (FW), daily weight gain (DWG) and total gain (TG) were evaluated. At the 22nd week, animals of each group were sacrificed by bleeding, then skinned and eviscerated. Carcasses were cut, and some parts (loin, thigh and shoulder) were collected, deboned and analysed. The highest FW and carcass yield (CY) were obtained with the use of 10% cassava leafs (R2): 556 g (FW), 42.65% (CY) for males and 529.17 g (FW), 37.39% (CY) for females. The incorporation of 8% (R1) and 12% (R3) cassava leafs led to a significant increase (P < 0.05) in protein levels in the loins (22.89%) and shoulders (22.43%) of females and the thighs (21.68%) and shoulders (21.09%) of males. However, protein levels of male fed with R3 in the various parts studied were higher than females fed with the same diet. The study of the technological parameters of guinea-pig’s meat showed that the incorporation of 8% and 12% cassava leafs in the diet resulted in a significant decrease in the water holding capacity and technological yield in the different parts studied. These results show that, the incorporation of cassava leafs in guinea-pigs’ diet made it possible to obtain good growth (R2) and meat of good technological quality.

Comparative Study of Physico-Chemical Properties of Sediments from Two Sectors Close to Bandama in Northern Côte D’Ivoire (Sinematiali and Niakaramadougou)

This study aims to show the impact of successive floods on the spatial variation of the physico-chemical properties of sediments along the Bandama River in the localities of Sinématiali and Niakaramadougou because of their importance in the functioning of this ecosystem. Several samples were taken from both stations based on flood recurrence areas. The particle size analysis was done using the Robinson’s Pipette method. Traditional methods of sediment analysis have been used to measure organic carbon (O.C.), nitrogen (N), and other chemical properties including pH, organic matter (MO), and C/N ratio. Statistical analyzes were carried out to assess the differences between the physico-chemical parameters of the different sampling zones. In the area of niakamadougou, the lower values in MO were recorded in areas subject to more frequent flooding, thus close to the watercourse. In the Sinématiali area, lower M.O. values were recorded in sediments far from the stream. Total organic matter levels are higher in surface sediments with the lowest proportions of clay. The results show that the physico-chemical properties of the sediments vary at the level of the vertical distribution and according to their spatial distribution. Successive floods have a direct effect on the dynamics of the physico-chemical properties of sediments along the shore.

Nanoencapsulation of Antioxidant-Rich Fraction of Roasted <i>Moringa oleifera</i>L. Leaf Extract: Physico-Chemical Properties and <i>in Vitro</i>Release Mechanisms

Nanocapsules (NC) of antioxidant rich fraction of roasted Moringa leaves were prepared using emulsion coacervation technique with alginate (ALG) and/or chitosan (CTS) as biopolymers. NC were characterized based on particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential, encapsulation efficiency (EE) and loading capacity (LC). Substituting CTS with ALG in NC caused a reduction in particle size and PDI, and enhanced EE. Mean particle size dropped from 1209 nm in 1:3 to 413 nm in 3:1 ALG/CTS-NC;PDI decreased from 0.9% to 0.2% and zeta potential from -5.4 to -28.1 mV. The highest EE (87.6%) and LC (13%) were obtained with ALG-CTS-NC (3:1). ALG-NC were spherical while both CTS and ALG-CTS-NC were ovoid. ALG and ALG-CTS-NC were oil/water emulsions while CTS-NC formed water/oil emulsions. 60% and 70% of bioactives in ALG-CTS-NC (3:1) were released in simulated gastric and intestinal fluids respectively after 400 min. Release of antioxidants from NC is concentration-dependent (First order model) and involves simultaneously diffusion (Higuchi model), swelling (korsmeyer-Peppas model) and erosion (Hixson-Crowell model) mechanisms.

A New Way to Improve Thermal Capacities of Lubricants for the Manufacture of Flint Glass Perfume Bottles: Part B—Thermal Analysis and Physico-Chemical Observations for the Different Lubrications at the Glass/Punch Interface

In the hollow glass industry, more specifically in the luxury perfume glass bottle industry, the success of the forming process depends on controlling the thermal exchange at the glass/mold interface to prevent defects on the glass surface. This study concerns a new way to analyze the impact of lubrication on the glass/tool thermal exchanges. It combines the thermal analysis on the experimental Glass/Tool Interaction (GTI) platform in the TEMPO Laboratory (Valenciennes, France) and the Physico-Chemical measurements on the glass samples by the BCR Center (Mons, Belgium). Part B presents the analysis of the flint glass pressing cycles using different punch lubrication conditions (i.e., bare punch, swabbed punch, coated punch, and coated/swabbed punch). The thermal analysis permits us to rank the lubrication conditions in terms of their capacity to limit the thermal exchange at the punch/glass interface. We defined a new lu- bricating paste composition based on the Physico-Chemical observations of the lubrication transfer on the pressed glass. The GTI platform results proves that the new composition does not affect the insulating power of the lubricating paste and permits us to eliminate defects on the glass samples that are not accepted in industrial situations.

A New Way to Improve Thermal Capacities of Lubricants for the Manufacture of Flint Glass Perfume Bottles: Part A—How to Combine Thermal Analysis and Physico-Chemical Observations at the Glass/Punch Interface

In the hollow glass industry, the success of the forming process depends on controlling the thermal exchange at the glass/mold interface to prevent defects on the glass surface. In the manufacturing process for luxury perfume bottles, the current practice is to deposit a resin film on the inner faces of the mold at the beginning of the production process and regularly swab the mold with a lubricating paste. This study presents a new way to analyze the impact of lubrica- tion on glass/tool thermal exchanges. The TEMPO Laboratory (Valenciennes, France) has an experimental Glass/Tool Interaction (GTI) platform, which is a reduced-scale production unit that allows researchers to reproduce the pressing cycle conditions encountered in the glass industry. To complete the analysis of the thermal exchange at the glass/tool interface, the BCR Center (Mons, Belgium) took physico-chemical measurements on the produced glass samples after the trials on the GTI platform. Part A presents the experimental conditions on the GTI platform and the thermal analy- sis with this platform for the first case of flint glass pressing cycles with a punch swabbed with a lubricating paste de- veloped by our partner, SOGELUB? Special Lubricants Company (Marquain, Belgium). The analysis of the phys- ico-chemical changes on the pressed glass samples produced with the swabbed punch were completed with our obser- vations using a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) with Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS).

Comparative Analysis of Rheological Properties and Modification Mechanism of SBS-Graphene Composite Modified Binder

SBS(styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymer)has been widely used in pavement industry as an asphalt modifier.Nanomaterials can further enhance the performance of SBS modified asphalt.However,rare studies investigate the feasibility of using graphene as a performance enhancer of SBS modified asphalt.To fill this gap,comprehensive experimental tests including chemical and mechanical test were carried out on SBS-graphene modified asphalt and SEBS(styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene block copolymer,which is a hydrogenated polymer of SBS)modified asphalt.Graphene with different dimensions and contents was taken into consideration in this study.Based on the experimental work,it can be concluded that graphene improves the mid-temperature performance of SBS modified asphalt.Compared with two-dimensional graphene,three-dimensional graphene has a greater advantage and the enhancement effect increases with the increase of its dosage.In addition,the cross-linked structure of SBS-graphene composite improves the distribution of SBS in asphalt,which improves the overall performance of SBS modified asphalt.

Study on the Quality Evaluation of Steamed Bread and the Physical and Chemical Properties of Wheat

In this study,the different physical and chemical properties of wheat were studied,and on this basis,and the quality of steamed bread made was evaluated.We analyzed the correlation between the evaluation indexes of steamed bread and the basic physical and chemical indexes of wheat,and investigated important factors that affect the evaluation indexes of steamed bread,including flour extraction rate,protein content,amylose content,protein,added amount of yeast,fermentation time and other aspects.According to the study results,it was shown that different factors had different effect on steamed bread quality,with both positive correlation and negative correlation.

Dietary Supplementation of <i>κ</i>-Carrageenan to Improve the Physio-Chemical and Functional Properties of White Bread

Fiber intake improves gut health and prevents non-communicable diseases. The current study investigates the substitution of carrageenan in white bread and evaluates its effect on the physiochemical and structural characteristics of bread. The 100% wheat flour was used as control and the test sample contained 4% carrageenan. The physio-chemical analysis showed that carrageenan-substitution improved the hydration properties of the flour (WHC—1.33 g/g;SC—3.50 ml/g). Carrageen substituted bread had reduced the loaf volume. The fiber content in carrageenan-substituted bread was noticeably higher (9.4 g%) than control (3.5 g%). Crude lipid (4.6 g%) and protein (7.0 g%) content improved with carrageenan-substitution. The mineral contents (Na, K, Mg, Ca, Fe, and Zn) were increased in carrageenan-breads. The texture profile analysis showed a decreased hardness (H1—92.3 N, H2—62.5 N) and improved springiness (5.3 mm) in carrageenan-bread.

Biodiesel Production from Rhynchophorus ferrugineus Larvae Oil: Physichochemical Properties and Acid Composition of Oil as Affected by Oil Extraction Protocol

Biodiesel, a renewable energy source made from natural oils and fats, can be produced using white raffia larvae as a raw material. These larvae have a high lipid content and a short life cycle, making them suitable for this purpose. One crucial step in biodiesel production is oil extraction, and this study aimed to investigate how the extraction protocol affects the fuel properties of the oil. To study the impact of solvent type, solvent volume, and residence time on oil yield, 200 grams of Rhynchophorus ferrugineus were used in a Soxhlet extractor. The researchers examined the physicochemical properties and fatty acid composition of the crude grease using the European biodiesel standard (EN14214) and gas chromatography methods, respectively. The study found that hexane as a solvent produced the highest oil yield (64.44%) during a four-hour extraction period with a solvent ratio of 300 ml. Furthermore, the hexane-extracted oil had the highest iodine number (3.02 g/100 g) and cetane number (55.69). These values indicate favorable properties for biodiesel production. The Rhynchophorus ferrugineus larvae oil proved to be a rich source of monounsaturated fatty acids (76%), which were found to be significantly affected by the solvent type. Based on quality assessment, Rhynchophorus ferrugineus can be suitable for biodiesel production. In summary, under the given operational conditions, hexane is the most suitable solvent for Rhynchophorus ferrugineus oil extraction for biodiesel production. Further research in optimizing the extraction process can contribute to the efficient utilization of renewable energy sources like white raffia larvae for biodiesel production.

Insight on the Ultrastructure, Physicochemical, Thermal Characteristics and Applications of Palm Kernel Shells

The ultrastructure and physicochemical and thermal properties of Palm Kernel Shells (PKS) in comparison with Coconut Kernel Shells (CKS) were investigated herein. Powder samples were prepared and characterized using Surface Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). Chemical and elemental constituents, as well as thermal performance were assessed by Van Soest Method, TEM/EDXA and SEM/EDS techniques. Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) and Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) were also performed for thermal characterization. SEM/EDS and TEM/EDXA revealed that most of the PKS and CKS materials are composed of particles with irregular morphology;these are mainly amorphous phases of carbon/oxygen with small amounts of K, Ca and Mg. The DSC data permitted to derive the materials’ thermal transition phases and the relevant characteristic temperatures and physical properties. Thermal Transition phases of PKS observed herein are consistent with the chemical composition obtained and are similar to those of CKS. Nonetheless, TGA/DTG showed that the combustion characteristics of PKS are higher than those of CKS. Taken together, our results reveal that PKS have nanopores and can be efficiently used for 3D printing and membrane filtration applications. Moreover, the chemical constituents found in PKS samples are in agreement with those reported in the literature for material structural applications and thus, present potential use of PKS in these applications.