Physico-Chemical Study of the Adsorption of Carotenoids from Carrots on Raw and Modified Kaolinites

This study focuses on the adsorption at temperatures below 70℃, of carotenoids from carrots on clay materials such as kaolinite in the raw state, activated with a 0.5 M HCl solution or treated with a sodium solution of Al+. The kinetic study of carotenoid adsorption shows that equilibrium is reached after 30 minutes and the temperature has little influence on carotenoid adsorption. On the other hand, the quantities adsorbed at equilibrium increase with the initial concentration of carotenoids. The kinetic model that best describes the experimental data is that of the pseudo-second order, adsorption is made in two time. For the carotenoid adsorption isotherms, the best correlation is obtained with the Freundlich model. The low values of the Freundlich constants indicate that the adsorption is probably of a physical type. This conclusion is confirmed by the effective desorption of carotenoids observed during desorption experiments.

Kinetics of Extraction of <i>β</i>-Carotene from Tray Dried Carrots by Using Supercritical Fluid Extraction Technique

β-carotene acts as an antioxidant and is receiving growing interest due to its ability as protecting agent against heart diseases, cancer and strengthening effect on red blood cells. The main aim of this work was to study the kinetics of the supercritical fluid extraction of β-carotene from tray dried carrots at 40℃, 50℃ and 55℃ and 30, 35 and 40 MPa at SC-CO2 flow rate of 2.0 L/min for extraction time of up to 6 h. It was observed that the concentration of β-carotene in the extract increased with pressure, temperature and extraction time. The results indicated that yield was found to be maximum at 45℃ and 35 MPa at 2 L/min SC-CO2 flow rate. Concentration of β-carotene in the extract increased with SC-CO2 flow rate. Weibull distribution model described adequately the kinetics of extraction of β-carotene from carrots.

Elevated Root-Zone Temperature Modulates Growth and Quality of Hydroponically Grown Carrots

Air and soil temperatures strongly influence the growth and quality of crops. However, in root vegetables, such as carrot, few experiments aimed at regulating growth and quality by manipulating root-zone temperature have been reported. We investigated the effect of root-zone temperatures (20&degC, 25&degC, 29&degC, and 33&degC) on carrot growth and components using a hydroponic system. High root-zone temperatures for 14 days reduced shoot and rootgrowth and water content. In contrast, total phenolic compounds and soluble-solid content increased in tap roots under high-temperature treatment. Root oxygen consumption was upregulated after 7 days under high-temperature treatment. These results suggest that high root-zone temperatures induce drought-like stress responses that modulate carrot biomass and components. High root-zone temperature treatments administered to hydroponically grown crops may be a valuable tool for improving and increasing the quality and value of crops.

The Influence of Storage Conditions on the Microbial Quality of Daucus carots(Carrots)and Capsicum annuum(Green Pepper)

The influence of different storage conditions on the microbial quality carrot(Daucus carots)and green pepper(Capsicum annuum)was determined using standard microbiological method from day zero to day ten.Total bacteria count for carrot stored at room temperature ranged from Log10Cfu/g3.22 to 7.45 and for carrot stored at refrigeration temperature ranged from Log10 Cfu/g 2.13-3.14.Total bacteria count for green pepper stored at room temperature ranged from Log10Cfu/g 4.22 to 7.45 and for green pepper stored at room temperature ranged from 1.12 to 4.14 for refrigeration temperature.Bacteria isolated includes E.colI(4%),Bacillus sp.(8%),Pseudomonas(16%),Proteus vulgaris(4%),Staphylococcus sp.(28%),Klebsiella(8%),Salmonella(12%),Micrococcus sp.(12%)and Acinetobacter(8%).Fungal count for carrot at room temperature ranged from Log102.22 to 2.54 Cfu/g and 2.01 to 2.34 Cfu/g for refrigeration temperature.Fungal count for green pepper at room temperature ranged from Log10 Cfu/g 3.02 to and 7.45,Log101.81 Cfu/g to 3.34 for refrigeration temperature.Fungal isolated includes Penicillium(33.3%),Aspergillus(53.3%),and Candida(13.4%).Proximate composition indicates that moisture,ash,carbohydrates,lipid and fibre are lower at room temperature compared to refrigeration temperature.Temperature and storage duration have been said to affect the content of fruits and vegetables,therefore constant temperature and appropriate storage condition should be maintained.

Optimized design of the pneumatic precision seed-metering device for carrots

The small size, light weight, irregular shape, and impurities that characterize seed groups increase clogging tendencies in the traditional seed-metering device thereby making it difficult to achieve high-speed precision seeding. A pneumatic seed-metering device with good seed-filling performance for carrot was designed in this study. By analyzing the movement state of seeds in the device under the theoretical condition, it was concluded that the minimum critical negative pressure value of air chamber was 0.32 kPa, which provided a theoretical basis for simulation and testing. ANSYS 17.0 Software was used to simulate the shape of the seeding plate hole. By comparing the pressure, air flow stability between the suction surface and the plug removal surface of the convection field, it was concluded that the conical hole was optimal. A bench verification test was conducted on the device. The average qualified rate, missing rate, and replaying rate were 81.48%, 4.07%, and 14.45%, respectively, which provided a strong reference for the design of carrot precision seed-metering device.

Effects of Carrot (Daucus carota) Leaves Powder on Reproductive and Growth Characteristics of Rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) Does

The present study was conducted to evaluate the effects of carrot leaf powder in the diet on reproductive and growth characteristics in rabbits. Thirty sexually matured rabbits does of 8 months old, 3.00 to 3.20 kg, were divided into three groups of 10 rabbits each, which were comparable in terms of body weight. Throughout the experiment, the rabbits of group 1 (control group) were fed ad libitum with a feed not containing carrot leaf powder (control ration), while those of groups 2 and 3 received the control ration supplemented with carrot leaf powder in concentrations of 0.5% and 1% respectively. Data was collected on feed intake, weight gain, receptivity, fertility, gestation length of does, litter size, weight, viability and sex ratio of the young rabbits till 5 weeks post-partum. There was no significant (P > 0.05) difference in the fertility rate, gestation duration and sex ratio of the kits with reference to the control. Litter size at birth was not significantly (P > 0.05) influenced in does fed diets containing carrot leaf powder compared to the control. However, the reversed effects were observed at five weeks post-partum. The live weight of weaned kits and weight gain of rabbit does at birth were significantly (P < 0.05) increased in treated rabbits compared to the control. The supplementation of carrot leaf powder in feed can improve production performance in female rabbits, through their antioxidant activities thanks to their various components, thus fighting against oxidative stress effects to which animals are exposed both from endogenous and environmental sources.

Navigating Market Choices: Understanding Carrot Market Outlet Selection among Smallholder Farmers in Kenya

This research delves into the hurdles and strategies aimed at augmenting the market involvement of smallholder carrot farmers in Nakuru County, Kenya. Employing a Multinomial Logit (MNL) model, it scrutinizes the factors influencing the selection of marketing outlets among carrot farmers. The findings unveil that a significant majority (81%) of surveyed farmers actively participate in diverse market outlets, encompassing the farm gate, cleaning point, local market, external market, and export market. Notably, pivotal buyers include aggregators, brokers, wholesalers, retailers, and consumers, with transactions predominantly occurring at the farm level. Additionally, the analysis discerns substantial influences of socio-economic characteristics, experiential factors, and geographical proximity on farmers’ choices of market outlets. Specifically, gender, age, land size, farming experience, and distance to markets emerge as critical determinants. Moreover, the study delves into the examination of market margins along the carrot value chain, shedding light on the potential profitability of carrot farming in the region. Remarkably, higher average gross margins are identified in export and external markets, signaling lucrative prospects for farmers targeting these segments. However, disparities in profit distribution between farmers and traders underscore the necessity for interventions to ensure equitable value distribution throughout the value chain. These findings underscore the imperative for tailored interventions to tackle challenges and foster inclusive agricultural development. Strategies such as farmer organizations, contracting, and vertical integration are advocated to enhance market access and profitability for smallholder carrot farmers. Thus, this study enriches our comprehension of the dynamics within carrot value chains and provides valuable insights for policymakers and development practitioners aiming to uplift rural livelihoods and bolster food security.

Development of a RBFNN prediction model for carrot quality based on meteorological temperatures at vegetable stations

To evaluate and predict the quality of carrots during logistics process in North China under extreme temperature conditions,quality indicator changes of carrots were investigated,and temperature-coupled quality prediction models were developed.Seven temperatures were selected from meteorological temperature data by cluster analysis to simulate the changes in extreme temperatures during the short-term transportation of carrots.No carrots rotted during the 48h storage period.Under both isothermal and nonisothermal conditions,weight loss andΔE increased while the firmness and sensory evaluation(SE)decreased.The RBFNN performed better than the Arrhenius model in predicting weight loss andΔE,with R^(2)>0.97,MSE<0.009 and relative errors within±18%.The results of the predictive confidence level and standardized residual indicated the good performance of the RBFNN model.The temperature-coupled prediction models of RBFNN were promising candidates for predicting the quality of vegetable products and therefore reducing economic loss of vegetable industry.

Drying characteristics and mathematical model of ultrasound assisted hot-air drying of carrots

In order to improve the heat and mass transfer process in hot-air drying,power ultrasound was coupled directly to hot-air drying of fresh carrot slices.The effects of ultrasonic power,radiation distance,hot air velocity and temperature on drying characteristics were studied.In addition,the Page equation was used to fit the ultrasound assisted hot-air drying process of the carrot slices.The results showed that the drying rate of carrot slices increased with the increase of ultrasound power and the decrease of radiation distance.Power ultrasound had a greater enhancement on hot-air drying at lower air velocity(0.5 m/s)and temperature(40ºC),especially at the middle and later periods(controlled by internal diffusion).The drying time of carrot slices using ultrasound assisted hot-air drying was shortened by 37.5%compared to that using hot-air drying at the condition with power of 150 W,radiation distance of 15 cm,air velocity of 1.0 m/s and temperature of 40ºC.All test indicators of the model meet the accuracy requirements,which show that the model can better fit the experimental values.

Telomere-to-telomere carrot (Daucus carota) genome assembly reveals carotenoid characteristics

Carrot(Daucus carota)is an Apiaceae plant with multi-colored fleshy roots that provides a model system for carotenoid research.In this study,we assembled a 430.40 Mb high-quality gapless genome to the telomere-to-telomere(T2T)level of“Kurodagosun”carrot.In total,36268 genes were identified and 34961 of them were functionally annotated.The proportion of repeat sequences in the genome was 55.3%,mainly long terminal repeats.Depending on the coverage of the repeats,14 telomeres and 9 centromeric regions on the chromosomes were predicted.A phylogenetic analysis showed that carrots evolved early in the family Apiaceae.Based on the T2T genome,we reconstructed the carotenoid metabolic pathway and identified the structural genes that regulate carotenoid biosynthesis.Among the 65 genes that were screened,9 were newly identified.Additionally,some gene sequences overlapped with transposons,suggesting replication and functional differentiation of carotenoid-related genes during carrot evolution.Given that some gene copies were barely expressed during development,they might be functionally redundant.Comparison of 24 cytochrome P450 genes associated with carotenoid biosynthesis revealed the tandem or proximal duplication resulting in expansion of CYP gene family.These results provided molecular information for carrot carotenoid accumulation and contributed to a new genetic resource.

Exploring the nano-fungicidal efficacy of green synthesized magnesium oxide nanoparticles(MgO NPs)on the development,physiology,and infection of carrot(Daucus carota L.)with Alternaria leaf blight(ALB):Molecular docking

In this research,green synthesized magnesium oxide nanoparticles(MgO NPs)from lemon fruit extracts and their fungicidal potential was evaluated against Alternaria dauci infection on carrot(Daucus carota L.)under greenhouse conditions.The scanning and transmission electron microscopy(SEM and TEM)and ultra-violet(UV)visible spectroscopy were used to validate and characterize MgO NPs.The crystalline nature of MgONPs was determined using selected area electron diffraction(SAED).MgO NPs triggered substantial antifungal activity against A.dauci when exposed to 50 and 100 mg L^(–1)concentrations but the higher antifungal potential was noticed in 100 mg L^(–1)under invitro conditions.In fungal inoculated plants,a marked decrease in growth,photosynthetic pigments,and an increase in phenol,proline contents,and defense-related enzymes of carrot were seen over control(distilled water).However,foliar application of MgO NPs at 50 and 100 mg L^(–1)resulted in significant improvement of plant growth,photosynthetic pigments,phenol and proline contents,and defense enzymes activity of carrots with and without A.dauci infection.Spraying of MgO NPs at 100 mg L^(–1)had more plant length(17.11%),shoot dry weight(34.38%),plant fresh weight(20.46%),and root dry weight(49.09%)in carrots when challenged with A.dauci over inoculated control.The leaf blight indices and percent disease severity were also reduced in A.dauci inoculated plants when sprayed with MgO NPs.The non-bonding interactions of Alternaria genus protein with nanoparticles were studied using molecular docking.

Assessment of effectiveness of oral supplementation of isolated fiber of carrot on metabolic parameters in mature rats

This present study was conducted to evaluate the metabolic effects of isolated fi ber of carrot supplementation in rats.Physicochemical properties of fi ber were determined.The groups were as follows:animals fed a standard diet,control group;high fi ber supplementation(70 mg);low fi ber supplementation(35 mg);for 12 weeks.Blood samples were collected at the time of sacrifi ce.The weights of heart,liver,kidneys and spleen of the experimental rats with respect to body weight were recorded.Commercial kits were used to determine serum glucose concentration,lipid profi le(cholesterol,HDL-cholesterol,triglycerides),and the two main aminotransferases glutamic-oxalacetic transaminase(GOT)/glutamate-pyruvate transaminase(GPT).A histopathological assay was performed on the heart,liver,and spleen tissues of animals.Supplementation with fi ber favors weight loss in female((242.03±23.73)-(197.81±10.45)g);and male rats((262.50±32.21)-(213.96±12.56)g and induces a decrease in glucose levels in the supplemented animals.With the exception of total high-density lipoprotein cholesterol,the other lipid fractions decrease signifi cantly in rats supplemented.Fiber supplementation did not induce changes in the dissected organs of the supplemented animals.In conclusion supplementation of fiber,improves glucose control,lower plasma lipid concentrations and reduced body weight in normal rats.

Evaluation of Actual Evapotranspiration and Crop Coefficient in Carrot by Remote Sensing Methodology Using Drainage and River Water to Overcome Reduced Water Availability

Searching for alternative methods for traditional irrigation is World trend at days due to a reduction in water and increased of drought due to climate changes therefore farmers need use modern methods of scheduling water and minimizing water losses while also increasing yield. To meet the future increasing demands water and food there is a need to utilize alternative methods to reduce evaporation, transpiration and deep percolation of water. Any countries use recycled water (drain and sewage) and desalination water from the sea or drains to irrigate crops plus computing actual crop evapotranspiration (ETc) so as to calculate the amount of water to apply to a crop. The paper aims to assess the actual evaporation and evaporation coefficient of carrots, by planting carrots in a field and the crop was exposed to several sources of water (DW and RW) and comparing ETc, Kc and production among plots of three sites (A, B and C). The study used two types of irrigation water (drain water (DW) and river water (RW)). The results were to monthly rate and accumulated actual evapotranspiration to C (irrigation by RW only) more than A (67% RW and 33% DW) and B (17% RW and 83% DW) via 7% and 58%, respectively. The yield to C more than A and B by 17% and 75%, respectively. In conclusion the use of DW can cause a reduction in crop consumptive of carrot crops also causes a reduction in yield, crop length, root length, root size, canopy of crop, number of leaves and biomass of the plant therefore, the drainage water needs to treated before irrigating crops And making use of it to irrigate the fields and fill the shortfall in the amount of water from the river. The drain water helped on filling the water shortage due to climate changes and giving production of carrot crop but less than river water.

维医药信息平台维文模块的研究与开发

维文处理是维医药信息平台的重要组成部分。鉴于维文代码的特殊性,研究使用JAVA语言进行平台系统功能模块的开发,应用ANT(Another Neat Tool)来编译,同时应用聚类工具Carrot2并分析修改它的源代码,使得它能被整合进整个维医药信息平台。维文处理模块系统经过测试,不仅对维文支持良好,而且可以将搜索结果分类并以图形化的方式显示。

基于Lingpipe的煤炭领域科研信息监测分析平台设计与实现

针对网络环境下文本挖掘技术在煤炭领域科研信息监测分析平台中的应用,首先对基于Web方式的文本挖掘开源工具比较分析,然后利用开源工具从基本特征提取、主题词抽取、自动分类和主题聚类等几个环节展开应用,最后利用TF-IDF算法实现煤炭领域热点主题趋势对比分析,为准确把握煤炭领域热点动态信息提供参考依据。

基于知识图谱的法尼醇X受体在糖尿病领域国际研究现状分析

目的:通过发文量分析、高产作者分析、主要产出国家机构分析、主题词分析、关键词共被引分析,对法尼醇X受体在糖尿病领域国际于2001—2018年间研究现状进行研究分析。方法:文献数据来源于Pubmed、WOS核心数据库,运用HistCite以及WOS核心数据库的文献分析功能进行发文量分析,借助VOSviewer软件进行主题词分析以及关键词分析,应用Carrot2的FoamTree功能,直观展示核受体FXR在糖尿病领域的研究情况。结果:美国、中国、法国等国家有关该领域的发文较多,高产作者中,法国学者有1位Staels B、美国学者有3位(Gonzalez FJ、Kuipers F、Chiang JYL),英国学者有1位(Fiorucci S)。重要研究机构以美国、法国居多。该领域论文主要发表在Diabetes、Journal of Biological Chemistry、Current Opinion in Lipidology、Diabetes Obesity&Metabolism、Digestive Diseases等期刊。近年来研究热点主要集中在胰岛素抵抗、胆汁酸、基因表达、血糖控制、葡萄糖稳态、成纤维细胞生长因子19等,生物工程基因热点:TGR5、GLP-1、CYP7A1、CYP27A1、PPAR-α、PPAR-γ、肝细胞核因子-4、c-反应蛋白、FGF15。结论:全球范围内对核受体FXR在DM领域的重视程度越来越高,国家、作者之间学术交流较为密切,Diabetes、Journal of Biological Chemistry、Current Opinion in Lipidology、Diabetes Obesity&Metabolism、Digestive Diseases等为主要的研究阵地。核受体FXR的研究热点主要为胆汁酸和脂质代谢的中枢调节剂,核受体FXR可以调节葡萄糖代谢;核受体FXR增加胰岛素的敏感性;核受体FXR可以调节碳水化合物代谢。

阅读理解二则(英文)

Carrots Carrots are grown on farms and in family gardens throughout theworld.Carrots are easy to raise and easy to harvest.They taste good.They contain(包含)a lot of carotene(胡萝卜素)

国外创新网络研究回顾与展望

围绕国外创新网络研究现状与趋势这一主题,以WOS数据库作为文献来源,通过样本文献梳理与知识图谱分析、LDA主题模型、CARROT2聚类等方法的结合,从创新网络概念内涵、研究现状、研究主题和研究趋势四个方面对国外创新网络研究进行了分析。分析结论如下,(1)创新网络概念内涵丰富,学者们从多重视角下对其进行了诠释;(2)创新网络领域发文量不断增加,呈现快速上升趋势,核心研究力量已经形成;(3)企业创新网络、技术创新网络、供应创新网络、农业创新网络等七种网络最受学者关注;而网络属性、知识与学习、网络演化、创新过程、外部环境等方面对创新网络或创新的影响则是重要的研究主题;从学术取向上看,现有研究多为应用型研究,理论创新成果少;(4)通过CARROT2聚类和关键词突现方法结合分析,发现创新网络研究中的三个分支领域中的六个细分主题,如网络治理、知识网络等,在未来一段时期内仍是该领域研究中的热点。

基于文献计量学的动脉粥样硬化中西医研究进展可视化分析

目的:通过发文量分析、主要产出国家机构分析、关键词共被引分析,对动脉粥样硬化领域研究现状进行研究分析。文献数据分别来源于Pubmed、WOS核心数据库。方法:发文量分析运用HistCite以及WOS核心数据库的文献分析功能;关键词的分析,借助了Citespace与VOSviewer软件进行可视化展示,应用Carrot2的FoamTree功能,直观展示AS领域的研究情况。结果:全球范围内对AS领域的重视程度越来越高。美国、中国、英国、西班牙、德国等国家在该领域发文较多。近年来,降低血脂和炎性因子水平,改善动脉血流动力学,抑制细胞外基质降解,提高脂联素水平,改善IMT和粥样斑块面积方面较为热点,中医方面主补肾活血法、化痰通络法、清热养阴法、解毒活血法和健脾降浊法等方法较为热点,重在防治动脉粥样硬化的发生与发展。结论:AS已经成为国内外的一个研究热点,其发生机制研究及中西药联合治疗已成为趋势。

无人机路径跟随引导率参数优化选择方法

针对传统路径跟随算法中引导率参数选择非优化问题,提出一种基于遗传算法的引导率参数优化选择方法,构建无人机自适应路径跟随系统。遗传算法将选取的引导率、预先设定的路径和无人机初始姿态作为输入,根据航迹误差和控制效益这两个评价指标,构造适应度函数,自适应地选择最优引导率参数,无人机据此参数执行路径跟随。在大疆M100无人机上进行实例飞行,分别对carrot chase和NLGL(nonlinear guidance law)引导率进行参数选择测试,实验结果表明,在这两种引导率下,遗传算法选择的参数最优,基于该参数的引导率能使路径跟随的代价降到最低。