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.

A new method to test rock abrasiveness based on physico-mechanical and structural properties of rocks

A new method to test rock abrasiveness is proposed based upon the dependence of rock abrasiveness on their structural and physico-mechanical properties. The article describes the procedure of presentation of properties that govern rock abrasiveness on a canonical scale by dimensionless components, and the integrated estimation of the properties by a generalized index. The obtained results are compared with the known classifications of rock abrasiveness.

Relationship between Physico-Mechanical Properties, Compacting Pressure and Mixing Proportion of Briquettes Produced from Maize Cobs and Sawdust

This study examined the relationship between selected physico-mechanical properties, compacting pressure and mixing proportion of briquettes produced from combination of maize cob particles and sawdust of low, medium and high density timber species. Particle sizes of maize cobs and sawdust used for the study were ≤1 mm. The two materials were combined at mixing percentages of 90:10, 70:30 and 50:50 (Sawdust:maize cobs). Briquettes were produced at room temperature (28°C) using compacting pressures 20, 30, 40 and 50 MPa. The results suggested that combining maize cob particles with sawdust of low, medium and high density wood species could significantly enhance the relaxed density, compressive strength in cleft and impact resistance index of briquettes produced from agricultural biomass residue like maize cobs. The results further indicated that the physical and mechanical characteristics of briquettes produced from combinations of sawdust of low density species and maize cobs were exceptionally higher than that produced from combinations of maize cob particles, and medium density and high density timber species. The R2 values for the regression model between the independent variables (mixing percentage and compacting pressure) and relaxed density, compressive strength in cleft and impact resistance index of briquettes produced from combinations of maize cob particles and sawdust of low density species (Ceiba pentandra) were 0.966, 0.932 and 0.710 respectively. This study provides a hope for briquetting maize cobs at room temperature using a low compacting pressure.

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.

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.

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.

Correlations between ultrasonic pulse wave velocities and rock properties of quartz-mica schist

Physico-mechanical properties are critically important parameters for rocks. This study aims to examine some of the rock properties of quartz-mica schist（QMS） rocks in a cost-effective manner by establishing correlations between non-destructive and destructive tests. Using simple regression analysis, good correlations were obtained between the pulse wave velocities and the properties of QMS rocks. The results were further improved by using multiple regression analysis as compared to those obtained by the simple linear regression analysis. The results were also compared to the ones obtained by other empirical equations available. The general equations encompassing all types of rocks did not give reliable results of rock properties and showed large relative errors, ranging from 23% to 1146%. It is suggested that empirical correlations must be investigated separately for different types of rocks. The general empirical equations should not be used for the design and planning purposes before they are verified at least on one rock sample from the project site, as they may contain large unacceptable errors.

A Novel Topological Index for the Studies on Structure-Properties of Alkanes

A novel topological index derived from eccentric connectivity index has been proposed. The new topological index and eccentric connectivity index were correlated with eight physical properties such as the boiling point, critical temperature, critical pressure, critical volume, evaporation heat, density, heat capacity, surface tension, and three thermodynamic properties such as standard enthalpy, standard entropy and standard formation free energy of alkanes. A series of empiric equations for calculating the properties were obtained. Correlation coefficients of nine properties were more than 0.99. Regression analysis and calculation results indicated that the topological indices were well correlated with the physico-chemical properties of alkanes, and the novel topological index was far superior to eccentric connectivity index in the correlation.

The Reinforcing Effect of Graphene on the Mechanical Properties of Carbon-Epoxy Composites

Graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) are novel nanofillers holding attractive characteristics, including vigorous compatibility with majority polymers, outstanding mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties. In this study, the outstanding GNPs filler was reinforced to the epoxy matrix and carbon fabric/epoxy hybrid composite slabs to enrich their mechanical properties. Graphene nanoplatelets of 0.5, 1, 1.5 and 2 weight percentages were integrated into the epoxy and the physico-mechanical (microstructure, density, tensile, flexural and impact strength) properties were investigated. Furthermore, the mechanical properties of unfilled and 1 wt% GNPs filled carbon fabric/epoxy hybrid composite slabs were investigated. Subsequently, noteworthy improvement in the mechanical properties was conquered for the carbon fabric/epoxy hybrid composites.

STUDIES ON PHYSICAL AND MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF DAHURIAN LARCH-WOOD OF TWO WOOD COLOURS

Dahurian larch growing in Daxing’an Mountains can be divided into two types according to the wood colour: one is red, the other is white. Based on the national standard of the "Testing methods for physical &mechanical properties of wood", the parameters of wood colour and physico-mechanical properties of the above two different woods were tested and analyzed.The result showed that the colour rational phenetic parameters, physico-mechanical properties and work abilities of thc two woods were quite different, combincd with the other morphological characteristics, they belong to intraspccific two different types of Dahurian larch. The white wood is superior to the red one as a valuable timber tree. Because the cocfficients of shrinkage, hardness and colour of both are different, they were mixed working in the past, inevitably there have been various defects in working. In order to overcome these defects, we propose that the departments of wood production, salesmen and consumers should use them differently according to their individual character.

Soil Properties of a Tropical Savannah in the Eastern Ghats of India

As an outcome of globalization and liberalization of economic policies, exploration for and mining of minerals have become one of the recent lucrative trades in India. Due to stringent environment legislations, reclamation and reforestation of the mined out sites have become obligatory. Information on distribution of nutrients before and after mining provides valuable insights while developing and executing the strategy for reclamation and revegetation of the mined out sites. Successful mine reclamation plan chiefly requires information on the soil characteristics in the area during its natural state. With this aim, investigations into spatial and temporal variations in soil nutrients and other physico-chemical parameters among three proposed bauxite mine locations near Araku valley, India were conducted. Soil samples were collected every three months for two years. At each location, samples from three sites in triplicates from four successive layers (0 - 5 cm, 5 - 10 cm, 10 - 15 cm and 15 - 20 cm depth) were collected. Concentrations of Total Organic Carbon (TOC), Total Nitrogen (TN), Total Available Phosphorous (TAP), Total Available Sulphur (TAS), C:N, C:P, and C:S decreased along the soil layers, while N:P increased. All the parameters studied varied significantly among months (GLM-ANOVA, P 0.05). Principal Component Analysis (PCA) done on the soil physico-chemical dataset showed first 5 components (Eigen Value > 1) explaining 87.3% of the total variance. Of these, the first component accounted for 21.0% and the second for 20.1% of the total variance. The principal components represented C:N/Soil N, C:P/Soil P/N:P, EC, Soil S/C:S and Soil C axes, respectively.

湿热处理对红薯淀粉特性的影响

为了研究湿热处理对红薯淀粉理化和结构等特性的影响,以五种红薯淀粉为实验对象,测定并分析湿热处理后淀粉溶解度、膨润力、持水力、透光率、凝沉性等理化特性的变化情况,进而探明湿热处理对不同初始含水量红薯淀粉吸水特性及晶体结构的影响规律。结果表明,经湿热处理后红薯淀粉的溶解度、膨润力、凝沉性与透光率均较原淀粉降低,持水力均增强,且五种红薯淀粉均呈现相同趋势,说明红薯品种与湿热处理对淀粉性质的影响规律无显著相关性。经湿热处理后红薯淀粉未见新的衍射特征峰,晶体类型仍为C型,而衍射强度和结晶度降低。湿热处理淀粉吸水达到平衡所需要时间较原淀粉短,且饱和吸水量较原淀粉有减小的趋势。利用Peleg模型方程模拟湿热处理后红薯淀粉的吸水规律,并计算出浸泡动力学吸水常数K1和K2,确定了淀粉的吸水动力学方程,可预测湿热处理后红薯淀粉在浸泡过程中的水分含量。

磷石膏改良滨海盐土效果及对小麦生长的影响

江苏滨海盐土(盐碱土)约66.22万公顷,大多未开发利用,主要因为含盐量很高,迫切需要进行改良。本试验采用田间试验方法,利用磷肥厂副产物磷石膏进行盐(碱)土改良试验。试验设置不施肥、不施用磷石膏、单施复合肥、施用复合肥+磷石膏不同用量等8个处理进行。结果表明,施用磷石膏可以降低盐碱土土壤pH,与不施用磷石膏的对照相比,施用磷石膏后表层0~20 cm土壤pH下降0.07~0.40个单位,碳酸氢根离子下降15.81%~43.53%;土壤钠离子浓度下降17.25%~89.83%,土壤钾离子含量增加8.17%~384.90%,土壤钙离子含量增加59.51%~1977.72%,土壤有机质增加4.51%~19.50%。施用磷石膏处理小区小麦叶片全氮含量较不施磷石膏处理增加7.85%~26.21%,叶片全磷含量增加5.02%~35.97%;小麦增产11.41%~45.26%。滨海盐土及盐碱土可以采用磷石膏进行改良,有较好的改良效果。综合考虑,以处理为30%复合肥1050 kg·hm^(-2)+磷石膏1125 kg·hm^(-2)和30%复合肥1050 kg·hm^(-2)+磷石膏2250 kg·hm^(-2)处理效果最好。

森林火烧迹地林下植物多样性与土壤理化性质变化格局

为探究森林火烧迹地中的植物多样性和土壤理化性质的变化规律,试验选取广东西江烂柯山省级自然保护区和肇庆市国有北岭山林场内不同火烧恢复年限(2.5~16.0年)的样地和未被火烧过的森林公园(对照样地)样地进行调查和研究,详细记录样方内林下植物种类名称、数量和覆盖度等,并计算植物多样性指数。同时,测定了表层土壤(0~10 cm)的理化性质,大团聚体湿筛和微团聚体粒径质量分布。结果表明,(1)火烧后,林下植物种类、数量,Margalef丰富度指数和Shannon-Wiener指数都低于对照样地。火烧后的样地林下植被种类、数量、Shannon-Wiener指数、Pielou均匀度指数和枯落物厚度随恢复时间变长总体表现出先增加后减少的趋势。而Margalef丰富度指数和Fish-er′sα指数都呈现总体增加的趋势;所测的对植物生长有主要影响的土壤理化性质多与植物的Simpson优势度指数和生境Fisher′sα指数呈正相关,而与其他多样性指数负相关。(2)随着火烧样地恢复年限的增加,土壤pH值、全钾、全磷和有效磷含量都总体上呈现出先升高再下降的趋势,而速效钾、全氮、水解氮含量、阳离子交换量都呈现先降低后升高的趋势。(3)随着火烧后恢复年限的增加,湿筛后土壤水稳性大团聚体粒径>0.50 mm和≤0.25 mm粒径百分比呈现出先升高后下降的趋势,火烧有助于短期提高表层土壤的大团聚体含量和稳定性。火烧后微团聚体≤0.25 mm的5个粒径级别,其百分比随恢复时间的延长都有先降低后升高的趋势,火烧后短期的生态恢复增强了微团聚体的稳定性和抗侵蚀能力。