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The coffee fruit is preferably harvested at the cherry stage, with high moisture and metabolic activity, and must then undergo a drying process for better preservation of the bean and its sensory attributes. In this context, this study aimed to characterize the final quality of the Arara cultivar Arabica coffee processed using the wet method and subjected to six drying methods: three conducted at the agro-industrial establishment (fixed-bed dryer, rotary drum dryer, and combined drying) and three laboratory-scale methods (convective oven, cast-tape drying, and suspended terrace). Drying was carried out to reduce the coffee's moisture content from an initial value of 46.2% on a wet basis (w.b.) to a final average value of 11.35% (w.b.). The fruits of in natura demucilaged coffee and the processed dry coffee beans were characterized for moisture, ash content, nitrogen compounds, lipids, total titratable acidity, organic acids, sugars, and the instrumental color of the beans. The sensory profile of the Arabica coffee was evaluated by five coffee specialists using the methodology proposed by the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA), and all the coffees were classified as a specialty. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Cobalt catalysts supported on tetragonal and monoclinic zirconia were prepared using a one‐pot procedure through the incorporation of a Co3O4 colloidal suspension during the support synthesis and evaluated in the reaction of NO reduction by CO. A better dispersion of the active phase was obtained by this method when compared to the conventional impregnation one. Furthermore, the crystalline phase of zirconia in the supports had a crucial effect in the dispersion of the cobalt species, being that the pure tetragonal phase led to a higher dispersion of the active phase. The one‐pot prepared tetragonal zirconia led to cobalt active species that consisted in well‐dispersed small agglomerates of Co3O4 and Co2+ species as oxo‐ions which displayed the best catalytic performance among the studied catalysts, with the highest NO conversion (75%) and high selectivity to N2 (85%) at 300 °C. These results show that the one‐pot methodology employed in this work has a strong potential to produce suitable catalysts for the abatement of NOx emissions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fruit production and processing result in a large amount of residues, which are usually discarded or underused. Passion fruit residues are source of fibers and other bioactive substances, which are antioxidant, protect cells against oxidative stress, and have pharmaceutical and food properties. This paper investigates the effects of freeze-drying on bioactive compounds of yellow passion fruit residues ( Passiflora edulis f. flavicarpa). It was analyzed the following compounds: Pectin, total phenolics, total flavonoids, citric acid, and ascorbic acid, and also the effect of freezing techniques (in freezer or liquid nitrogen) on moisture removal and product quality. The results indicated the best freeze-drying conditions for yellow passion fruit residues considering the preservation of the main compounds. Practical application Concerning processed fruits, the yellow passion fruit ( Passiflora edulis f. flavicarpa) has had great importance due to the quality of its juice and its great amount of minerals and vitamins. However, the processing of this fruit results in a substantial amount of residues, which may represent 65-70% of the fruit weight. These residues are usually discarded, causing environmental impact and loss of raw material and energy. Yellow passion fruit residues contain high levels of bioactive compounds, such as pectin, vitamins, minerals, polyphenolic antioxidants, and dietary fibers. This study investigated the freeze-drying of passion fruit residues. It was analyzed the effect of operating conditions on bioactive compounds content in the samples and determined the most suitable process conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of ionic species on the flotation selectivity of apatite was evaluated. Water containing fluoride, calcium, magnesium, and phosphate was used in the flotation experiments carried out in a flotation column for coarse and fine phosphate ore. The selectivity of apatite over ferrous and siliceous gangue was investigated. Coarse and fine ores showed different sensitivities according to the ion concentration. The results clearly showed the harmful effect of the ionic species under study on apatite selectivity. The contaminants responsible for the lowest selectivity ratios for ferrous and silicate gangue were calcium and magnesium, regardless of particle size. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]