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Multiattribute decision making (MADM) approach is a well-known decision-making process utilized in a variety of fields such as solid waste management, renewable energy resources, air quality assurance, hotel location decision, sustainable supplier selection, partner recognition, green supplier enterprises, game theory, construction development authority, and weapon group target estimation. The aggregation operators (AOs) are essential components of the decision-making process and have a great capability to deal with ambiguous and unpredictable information in the different fields of fuzzy environments. In this article, we expressed the theory concepts of single-valued neutrosophic (SVN) sets (SVNS) and also characterized their basic operations. The power aggregation tools are allowed to input arguments to support each other among different arguments. Recently, Aczel–Alisna aggregation tools conquered great attention from several research scholars. We also exposed some reliable operations of Aczel–Alsina aggregation models under the consideration of SVN information. We established a series of new approaches, including the "single-valued neutrosophic Aczel–Alsina power weighted average" (SVNAAPWA) operator and "single-valued neutrosophic Aczel–Alsina power weighted geometric" (SVNAAPWG) operators. To show the effectiveness and compatibility of derived approaches, some prominent characteristics are also established. We constructed a MADM technique to solve an application of engineering and construction materials under consideration of our derived methodologies. An experimental case study is also presented to determine a suitable optimal option from a group of options. To find the flexibility of our proposed work, we provided a comparative study that compares the results of existing AOs with our proposed work. A comprehensive overview is also presented here. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multiple-attribute group decision-making (MAGDM) technique is often used to make decisions when several optimal options are under consideration. It can be difficult to select a reasonable optimal option for the decision maker under consideration of insufficient information. The theory of Hamy mean (HM) operators are used to express correlation among different input arguments and provide a smooth approximation during the decision-making process. Recently, Aczel Alsina aggregating expressions gained a lot of attention from numerous mathematicians under different fuzzy circumstances. This article aims to illustrate the notion of a Pythagorean fuzzy (PyF) set (PyFS) with some restricted constraints, such as a sum of the square of truth membership value and falsity membership value. We developed a series of new approaches under consideration of the HM tools, including PyF Aczel Alsina Hamy mean (PyFAAHM), and PyF Aczel Alsina weighted Hamy mean (PyFAAWHM) operators. Further, we also extend the theory of Dual Hamy mean (DHM) operators and derived a series of new methodologies such as PyF Aczel Alsina Dual Hamy mean (PyFAADHM) and PyF Aczel Alsina weighted Dual Hamy mean (PyFAAWDHM) operators. To demonstrate the flexibility of our derived approaches, we illustrate an application of a multinational company considering the MAGDM technique. An experimental case study is also illustrated to evaluate a reasonable option from a group of options. We see the advantages and compatibility of our findings by comparing the results of existing approaches with the results of currently discussed methodologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Multi-attribute decision-making (MADM) approaches are utilized to aggregate ambiguous and imprecise information based on different aggregation operators (AOs). The aim of this article is to explore the notion of single-valued neutrosophic (SVN) set (SVNS), wich is the modified structure of an intuitionistic fuzzy sets and picture fuzzy sets. Some appropriate operations of Aczel Alsina tools under the system of SVN information are also presented. By using the theory of prioritization aggregation model, we developed a class of new approaches including SVN Aczel Alsina prioritized average (SVNAAPA) and SVN Aczel Alsina prioritized geometric (SVNAAPG) operators. We also presented a series of new methodologies in the light of SVN information such as SVN Aczel Alsina prioritized weighted average (SVNAAPWA), and SVN Aczel Alsina prioritized weighted geometric (SVNAAPWG) operators. To verify discussed aggregation approaches, we also presented some notabe characteristics. We established a MADM technique to solve complexities and difficulties during decision-making in our real-life problems. By utilizing a practical numerical example to select an appropriate research scientist for the vacant post of a public university. To find the validity and flexibility of our invented approaches, sensitive analysis, and comparative study by comparing the results of existing approaches with currently proposed aggregation techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Phytoestrogens are secondary plant metabolites that play a role in plant defense, and when ingested by livestock have numerous functions related to reproduction, metabolism, immunological functions and livestock growth and performance. Phytoestrogens are found across various plant species, with the most biologically active of these, isoflavones and coumestans, abundant in legume species. Understanding the overall potential health and reproductive effects that may occur in livestock grazing phytoestrogenic pastures is essential to mitigate any potential risks attributed to fertility loss or to introduce proactive management strategies to aid in improving growth and development. A review of their interactions with livestock systems will provide updated information for the agricultural and veterinary industries. Legume crops and pastures have a high economic value in Australia. However, legume species commonly used for grazing enterprises have been identified to produce high concentrations of phytoestrogens. These compounds are heterocyclic phenolic, and are similar in structure to the mammalian estrogen, 17β-estradiol. The biological activity of the various phytoestrogen types; isoflavones, lignans and coumestans, are species-specific, although at concentrations of 25 mg/kg of dry matter each of the phytoestrogen types affect reproductive functions in grazing livestock. The impacts upon fertility in grazing livestock such as cattle and sheep, vary greatly over length of exposure time, age and health of animal and the stress stimuli the plant is exposed to. More recently, research into the other effects that phytoestrogens may have upon metabolism, immune capacity and growth and performance of grazing livestock has been conducted. Potential new benefits for using these phytoestrogens, such as daidzein and genistein, have been identified by observing the stimulation of production in lymphocytes and other antibody cells. Numerous isoflavones have also been recognized to promote protein synthesis, increase the lean meat ratio, and increase weight gain in cattle and sheep. In Australia, the high economic value of legumes as pasture crops in sheep and cattle production enterprises requires proactive management strategies to mitigate risk associated with potential loss of fertility associated with inclusion of pasture legumes as forages for grazing livestock. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aflatoxin contamination of maize in Rwanda and underlying causes are poorly documented. This study aimed to address this gap where maize samples for aflatoxins analysis were collected from two different agro-ecological zones and the temperature and relative humidity conditions during the time preceding sample collection were monitored to determine the conditions conducive to this contamination. Maize was analysed for moisture content and aflatoxin contamination and the temperature and humidity data were used to estimate the saturation deficit of the ambient air as an indicator of risk of contamination, which is high when the saturation deficit is low. Results showed an average lower saturation deficit of 0.0018 kg H₂O kg−1 in the high-altitude Volcanic region compared to the 0.00095 kg H₂O kg−1 recorded in the lower altitude region of the Eastern Savannah. Given the high moisture content in most of the analysed samples, this meant that it is more challenging to dry maize to the safe storage moisture content in the Volcanic region compared to the Eastern Savannah. The mean aflatoxin contamination was 40.45 μg kg−1 in the Volcanic region significantly higher than 4.66 μg kg−1 in the Eastern Savannah. Aflatoxin G1 was predominant among the contaminated samples. Affordable drying technologies that use renewable sources of energy should be developed and made accessible to farmer cooperatives. • Aflatoxins contamination in maize during storage is influenced by temperature and humidity conditions. • Low temperature drying of maize relies on temperature and humidity conditions in the environment. • Saturation deficit of air can be based on to assess the suitability of air to dry maize to the desired moisture content. • Low saturation deficit means prolonged drying time and thus increased risk of contamination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fresh cassava is highly susceptible to rapid post-harvest physiological deterioration due to the high water activity. Therefore, foam mat drying was considered as an alternative drying technique for preservation. The drying kinetics of white-fleshed cassava foam (air volume fraction = 0.26, overrun = 36.0 %) and yellow-fleshed cassava foam (air volume fraction = 0.24, overrun = 32.2 %) were studied. The influence of temperature and foam thickness on moisture removal ratio (MR), drying rate, diffusivity and some important physicochemical properties of the cassava foams (CSF) during drying were researched and compared with those of non-foamed cassava pulp (NFP). The cassava foams were dried to foam powders at temperatures of 50 ' C, 65 ' C and 80 ' C and foam thicknesses of 6 mm, 8 mm and 10 mm. The CSF exhibited two falling rates. The CSF powders had significantly lower total cyanogenic glucosides content compared to the NFP powder, and a high retention of total carotenoids. The dry foam powders had higher lightness/luminosity (L *) values than dry pulp powders. Micrographs revealed interactions between starch granules and the hydrocolloids but microstructure was not affected by increasing temperatures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: This study focused on the exploration of the potentials of extracting antioxidants from peels and stems of yellow‐fleshed and white cassava varieties. The effect of particle size (0.2 and 0.5 mm) and variety on the phenolic content and antioxidant activity was assessed. The peels of the yellow‐fleshed cassava variety with a particle size of 0.2 mm showed the highest phenolic content with 681.5 GAE mg 100 g−1 and antioxidant activity of 19% and 425 μM TE g−1 dry matter using DPPH and FRAP assays respectively. The stems of the white cassava with a particle size of 0.2 mm exhibited high phenolic content (442.4 GAE mg 100 g−1) and antioxidant activity of 12.8% and 234 μM TE g−1, better than the stem of the yellow‐fleshed cassava. These results indicate that phenolic and antioxidant extractions were influenced by variety, the plant parts and particle size for the antioxidant assays. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cassava is grown because of its starchy roots, but the leaves being rich in protein are mostly underutilized. For protein recovery, mechanical juice extraction from cassava leaves and the extraction process was evaluated using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation. The influence of input variables such as nozzle diameter and rotational speed of the screw was investigated in relation to process efficiency. The highest green juice extraction yield (81.0%) from cassava leaves and dry matter of press cake (61.3%) were achieved by using 4 mm nozzle diameter and 18 rpm screw speed. The protein content of the cassava leaves, press cake, juice sediment, and juice supernatant was found to be 31.5%, 27.7%, 26.2%, and 12.4%, respectively. The crude protein, cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, and total phenolic content mainly accumulated in the press cake. The screw pressing concentrated the amino acids in the press cake and the juice sediment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aims: Weed suppressive potential of annual pasture legumes has been previously described, the mechanism of interference with weeds has not been clearly elucidated. We, therefore, aimed to delineate the role of secondary metabolites synthesized and released by pasture legumes through a series of studies to: 1) characterize key metabolites present in plant tissues, residue and the rhizosphere and 2) correlate their presence with weed suppressive properties. Methods: Field and in vitro experimentations coupled with targeted and non-targeted metabolic profiling was performed to evaluate the abundance of key phytotoxic metabolites using UHPLC QTOF-MS. Further, those metabolites strongly correlated with weed suppression and phytotoxicity were predicted by chemometric analyses and their concentration evaluated in field soils collected from the same legume site. Results: Field experimentation, methanolic extracts and dried residues of Biserrula pelecinus L. and Ornithopus compressus L. exhibited marked phytotoxicity in a series of laboratory experiments. Metabolic profiling revealed that both foliar tissues and rhizosphere soils of pasture legumes possessed a high abundance of flavonoids and their precursors. Chemometric analyses suggested the strong association of quercetin, isoquercetin, kaempferol, and kaempferol-7-O-glucoside with weed suppression under field conditions. Specifically, the abundance of quercetin and kaempferol was significantly higher in soils collected from established stands of biserrula and yellow serradella in contrast to arrowleaf, gland and subterranean clover. Conclusion: Current study provided an evidence for the role of certain annual legume-produced flavonoids in weed suppression in southern Australia and further insight into their localization and release in the soil rhizosphere. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cassava leaves are a valuable source of protein but the cyanogenic potential limits their use as food and feed. Four different treatments were investigated to detoxify cassava leaves. Thermal (55 °C for 6 hr), sodium bicarbonate (0.4% NaHCO3, 55 °C for 6 hr), enzymatic (0.32% Multifect® GC Extra, 4 hr), and ultrasonic treatments (500 W, 35 kHz, 55 °C, 0.25 hr) reduced the total cyanide (µg HCN equivalents per g fresh leaf or ppm) content by 90%, 93%, 82%, and 84% while the cyanide content reduction in the respective controls was 85%, 90%, 79%, and 84%, respectively. The sodium bicarbonate treatment was found to be the most effective treatment. Therefore, it was further optimized by varying time and temperature. A significant effect on the cyanide content was observed by changing the incubation time while no significant effect of temperature was noticed. Nevertheless, extended incubation time during sodium bicarbonate treatment reduced ascorbic acid content by 7% and 39% when leaves were incubated with sodium bicarbonate for 0.5 hr and 48 hr, respectively. Practical Application: Cyanogenic glucosides are the major toxic compound in cassava leaves, which limits their use as food and feed. The methods proposed in this study can be used to detoxify cassava leaves, which are generally considered as an inferior by‐product. Hence, detoxified cassava leaves may contribute to fulfil world protein demand in an eco‐sustainable way. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mixed farming systems have traditionally incorporated subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum L.) and lucerne (Medicago sativa L.) as key components of the pasture phase across south-eastern Australia. However, poor adaptation of subterranean clover to acidic soils, insufficient and inconsistent rainfall, high input costs, soil acidification and the emergence of herbicide-resistant weeds have reduced efficacy of some traditional clover species in recent years. To overcome these challenges, numerous novel pasture species have been selectively improved and released for establishment in Australia. Despite their suitability to Australian climate and soils, limited knowledge exists regarding their weed-suppressive ability in relation to establishment and regeneration. Field trials were therefore conducted over 3 years in New South Wales to evaluate the suppressive potential of selected pasture legume species and cultivars as monocultures and in mixed stands against dominant annual pasture weeds. Pasture and weed biomass varied significantly between pasture species when sown as monocultures, but mixtures of several species did not differ with regard to establishment and subsequent weed infestation. Arrowleaf clover (T. vesiculosum Savi.) and biserrula (Biserrula pelecinus L.) cv. Casbah showed improved stand establishment, with higher biomass and reduced weed infestation compared with other pasture species. Generally, weed suppression was positively correlated with pasture biomass; however, yellow serradella (Ornithopus compressus L.) cv. Santorini exhibited greater weed suppression than other pasture legumes while producing lower biomass, thereby suggesting a mechanism other than competition for resources affecting weed-suppressive ability. Over the period 2015–17, arrowleaf clover and biserrula cv. Casbah were generally the most consistent annual pasture legumes with respect to yearly regeneration and suppression of annual pasture weed species. Results of 3 years of field experimentation using a variety of annual pasture legumes demonstrated that arrowleaf clover and biserrula were the most consistent and competitive annual legumes with respect to stand establishment, yearly regeneration and consistent suppression of common pasture weed species. Multivariate analysis revealed weed suppressive potential of annual pasture legumes including biserrula cv. Casbah and yellow serradella were due to mechanisms other than competition for resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Response surface methodology was used to optimise pyrolysis conditions to produce biochar from maize residues (cobs, husks, leaves and stalks). The aim was to obtain biochar with good potential as an additive for composting. Mathematical models were developed to explain the experimental responses of volatile matter content (VM), ash content (AC), pH and electrical conductivity (EC) to the operating parameters such as temperature, heating rate and holding time. The temperature had the most significant influence on biochar properties. AC, pH and EC significantly increased ( p  < 0.05) with increasing temperature, while the VM decreased. The holding time showed less effect on the responses, while the heating rate had insubstantial effect. Under the optimal conditions, the husk and leaf biochar had higher AC (11.42 and 26.55%), pH (10.96 and 11.51), and EC (12.37 and 6.79 mS/cm), but lower VM (7.38 and 8.39%) than those of cob and stalk biochar. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated the physical properties of cassava foam powder (CFP) produced from white and yellow cassava by foam mat drying, and compared them with cassava pulp powder (CPP). Cassava foams were prepared, dried and milled to foam powder. The white CFP and yellow CFP had a true density of 1.466 g/cm3 and 1.534 g/cm3, respectively. The flow properties determined include Carr's index (CI), angle of repose (θ) and coefficient of static friction (μ s). Micrographs of the CFP revealed that the foam powders were irregular, coalesced, and larger in size than CPP. The rehydration kinetics showed an estimated equilibrium water gain (WG eq) of 0.725–1.680 g/g at temperatures between 30 °C and 70 °C. Adsorption isotherm of the powders was best fit by the Halsey model. There were significant correlations between packed density and angle of repose (r = 0.972), CI (r = 0.970) and mean particle size (r = −0.957). [Display omitted] • Flow properties of cassava were significantly improved by foam mat drying. • Foam mat drying reduced the density and increased the rehydration capacity of cassava. • Microstructure of cassava powders showed non-normal distribution of particle size. • Significant correlations exist between the packed density and angle of repose of cassava powders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Detoxified Jatropha protein isolate ( DJPI), prepared from Jatropha seed cake was hydrolysed using Alcalase 2.4L FG. Both DJPI and hydrolysed DJPI ( HDJPI) were evaluated as a fish meal ( FM) replacement in common carp ( Cyprinus carpio L.) diets. The peptide concentration in HDJPI was determined using matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometer ( MALDI- TOF). Twenty-two peptides with molecular mass ranging from m/z 906.455 to 1774.943 Da were identified. Fingerlings (45; av. wt. 10.1 ± 0.4 g) were randomly distributed in five groups with three replicates. An 8-week feeding experiment was conducted to compare the nutritional quality of the HDJPI, DJPI and FM. Fish were fed on iso-nitrogenous diets: control ( FM based protein), J50 (50% of FM protein replaced by DJPI), J75 (75% of FM protein replaced by DJPI), JH50 (50% of FM protein replaced by HDJPI) and JH75 (75% of FM protein replaced by HDJPI). Growth performance was higher for FM fed group compared with the other groups, while nutrient utilization parameters were similar for control and J50 groups and superior ( P < 0.05) to J75 and both the HDJPI fed groups. No variation ( P > 0.05) was observed in blood albumin and hepatosomatic index among all different groups. Blood urea nitrogen, calcium, sodium and potassium ions in the blood were similar among all five groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, biochar was produced from maize residues (cobs, husks, leaves) in a lab-scale pyrolysis reactor without using a purging gas. The physicochemical properties of biomass and biochar were analysed. Box–Behnken design was used to optimise operational conditions for biochar yields. Multivariate correlations of biochar yields were established using reduced quadratic models with R 2 = 0.9949, 0.9801 and 0.9876 for cobs, husks and leaves, respectively. Biochar yields were negatively correlated with the temperature, which was significantly influenced by the exothermic reactions during the pyrolysis of maize residues. The heating rate was found to have the least effect on biochar yields. Under optimal conditions, the maximum biochar yields from cobs, husks and leaves were 33.42, 30.69 and 37.91%, respectively. The highest biochar yield from maize leaves was obtained at a temperature of 300 °C, a heating rate of 15 °C/min and a holding time of 30 min. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cassava is mainly grown for its roots whereas leaves are mostly considered as a byproduct. Cassava leaves are a rich source of protein, minerals, and vitamins. However, the presence of antinutrients and cyanogenic glucosides are the major drawbacks in cassava leaves which limit its human consumption. These antinutrients and toxic compounds of cassava leaves cause various diseases depending on the consumption level. Hence these antinutrients and toxic potential of cassava leaves should be addressed during cassava leaf processing (CLP) before human consumption. Several CLP methods have been developed but every method has its own limitations. Some CLP methods successfully detoxify cassava leaves but simultaneously destroy the nutrients. Efforts have also been made for cassava leaf protein extraction in the form of cassava leaf protein concentrate (CLPC) but protein recovery was very low. This review summarizes the nutrient, antinutrient and toxic composition of cassava leaves, CLPC, different CLP methods, human consumption and diseases caused by cassava leaves. Furthermore, recommendations have been made in order to encourage cassava leaves consumption as an important source of protein and micronutrients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Cultivar, leaf position, and plant age affected cassava leaves qualities. • The middle leaves of Rayong 5 cultivar at 6-months-old provided the highest contents of nutrients. • Cassava leaves provide high protein, glutamine, aspartic acid, and leucine but show a lack in methionine and cysteine. • Cassava leave is a good source of bioactive compounds. • The total cyanide contents in all cassava leaves were high. The variation of proximate compositions, amino acids, carotenoids, chlorophyll, and total cyanide contents in cassava leaves was studied to identify the most suitable leaves for human consumption. The cassava leaves from 4 cultivars were analysed at 3 leaf positions as well as at 2 plant ages. The leaves of 'Rayong 5' cultivar from the middle position at 6 months after planting contained the highest crude protein, amino acids, carotenoids, and chlorophyll. The total cyanide content was high and therefore, an effective detoxification method is needed. Protein from the cassava leaves was rich in glutamine, aspartic acid, and leucine, but low in methionine and cysteine. Additionally, cassava leaves were found to be a rich source of carotenoids and chlorophyll. This study provided the evidences that cassava leaves can be an alternative source as protein supplement and for carotenoids and chlorophyll extraction and paves the way to valorise this abundant agricultural by-product. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Five commercial enzyme mixtures were evaluated for simultaneous oil and protein extraction from Moringa seed through enzyme-assisted aqueous extraction (EAE). Protex 7L was found to be the best enzyme for highest oil (69.4%) extraction and protein (75.4%) recovery in the aqueous phase. The quality parameters of enzyme-assisted aqueous extracted oil (EAEO), aqueous extracted oil (AEO), and hexane extracted oil (HEO) were compared. Among oils produced by these methods, fatty acids (FAs) profiles, density, refractive index, iodine value, saponification value, and unsaponifiable matter were found to be analogous, whereas significantly ( p < 0.05) lower color and free FA contents in the EAEO and AEO than that of HEO were observed. The specific extinctions at 232 and 270 nm, p-anisidine, and peroxide values of the EAEO and AEO were improved in comparison to HEO. An increase in tocopherol content and antioxidant activity measured by total phenolic content, DPPH radical scavenging capacity, and inhibition of linoleic acid oxidation in the EEO was observed as compared to the AEO and HEO. In general, the quality of the EAEO was improved and a significant amount of protein was simultaneously extracted which can be employed in food/feed applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In the present work we evaluated five enzyme-mixtures (Protex 7L, Alcalase 2.4L, Viscozyme L, Natuzyme, and Kemzyme) for their effectiveness in extracting the oil and protein recovery from sesame seeds during an enzyme-assisted aqueous extraction (EAAE) process. Alcalase 2.4L was found to be the best for attaining a high oil yield (57.4% of the total oil content in the seed), whereas, the maximum amount of protein (87.1% of the total seed protein), was recovered in the aqueous phase with Protex 7L. The quality attributes such as fatty acids profile, density, refractive index, free fatty acid contents, iodine value, colour, saponification number and unsaponifiable matter of the sesame oil, extracted by aqueous enzymatic process, were comparable with that of the control (oil extracted without enzyme treatment) and hexane-extracted oil (HEO), revealing no significant (p> 0.05) variations among oils, produced by either of the methods. The oxidative stability state of the enzyme-extracted oil (EEO) was noted to be considerably improved relative to the control and HEO. The amount of tocopherols for the oils, produced by the enzyme–adjuvant was found to be higher than the control and HEO. An appreciable increase in the antioxidant activity as assessed by determinations of total phenolic contents, DPPH radical scavenging capacity, and inhibition of linoleic acid oxidation of EEO was also established. Overall, the present results revealed improvement in the quality of the EEO while a major portion of the food grade protein was also extracted in the aqueous phase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The composition and quality of the M. concanensis seed oil extracted through an aqueous-enzyme-assisted technique, using three commercial enzyme-mixtures (Natuzyme, Kemzyme, and Feedzyme) was compared to those of the control-, (without enzymes) and solvent-extracted oils. Aqueous enzyme-extracted M.concanensis seed oil content ranged from 23.54 to 27.46% and was significantly (P<0.05) higher than that of the control (15.41%). Analyses of the oilseed residues (meals) revealed no significant (P>0.05) variation in the contents of fiber and ash within the three extraction methods. However, the protein content of the meal obtained through the aqueous-enzyme and control methods was significantly (P>0.05) lower as compared to that of the solvent-extracted. There were no significant (P>0.05) differences in iodine value (67.1-68.0 g of iodine/100 g of oil), density at 24 °C (0.865-0.866 g mL-1), refractive index at 40 °C (1.4622-1.4627) and unsaponifibale (0.69-0.76%) matter of the M. concanensis seed oils extracted using the three methods. The specific extinctions at 232 and 270 nm, peroxide value, p-anisidine, free fatty acid contents and color values of the aqueous-enzyme-extracted oil were found to be lower than that of solvent-extracted oil and thus revealed good quality. The oils extracted through the three methods exhibited no significant (P>0.05) variation in their contents of major fatty acids except stearic (18:0) and linoleic (18:2) acids. The level of γ-tocopherol in enzyme-extracted oil, even though comparable to the control, was significantly (P<0.05) higher than that of solvent-extracted oil. The content of α-tocopherol in the enzyme-extracted oil was found to be higher than that of the control but lower than that of solvent-extracted oil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mango has been described as a valuable source of nutrients and enzymes that are beneficial to human health. Drying at different temperatures not only affects the nutritional properties but can also contribute to the degradation of valuable enzymes in dried fruit. The novelty of this paper is to investigate the quality of hot air dried mango in terms of activity retention of the heat-sensitive enzymes (HSE). For this, HSE was first screened in fresh mango flesh of the variety Samar Bahisht (SB) Chaunsa. Later, the combined effect of different drying temperatures (40 °C, 50 °C, 60 °C, 70 °C, and 80 °C) and air velocities (1.0 ms−1 and 1.4 ms−1) on the activity retention of HSE in dried mango slices of the varieties Sindri, SB Chaunsa, and Tommy Atkins were investigated. The results showed that the drying temperature had a significant impact on the degradation of HSE, while at the same time some influence of the air velocity was also observed. Drying at 40 °C and an air velocity of 1.4 ms−1 retained more HSE compared to those samples dried at higher temperatures. The least retention of HSE was found in samples dried at 80 °C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the effect of enzymatic pre-treatment and the size of cassava tubers on mechanical peeling was examined. Cassava tubers were sorted based on their mass as small, medium and large. Viscozyme® L and an abrasive cassava peeling machine was used for the enzymatic pre-treatment and the mechanical peeling, respectively. Response surface methodology (RSM) was used to investigate the effect of the enzyme dose (0.5–1.9 mL g−1), incubation time (1.5–6 h), peeling time (1.5–4.5 min) and size of the tubers (small, medium and large) on the peeling process. Peeled surface area (PSA) and peel loss (PL) were measured as main responses in RSM. Results showed that the PSA and PL were significantly (p < 0.05) influenced by the enzyme dose, incubation time and peeling time. The size of tubers only had a significant impact on the PSA. The optimum operating conditions for different sizes of tubers were found and validated. Under optimum conditions, the PSA of the large tubers (89.52%) was significantly higher than the PSA of the medium and small tubers (p < 0.05). Application of enzymatic pre-treatment can improve the mechanical peeling process especially for larger cassava tubers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cassava foam, another form in which cassava may potentially be used as food, was produced from the pulp of yellow-flesh and white-flesh cassava varieties by whipping with foaming agent (20 %w/w glycerol monostearate colloid, GMS) and stabilizer (sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, NaCMC). Cassava foaming was optimized for concentration of foaming agent, stabilizer and whipping time. Using Box-Behnken experimental design, two responses were measured: foam expansion (FE, %) and foam density (FD, g/mL). White-flesh cassava pulp required 14.97% GMS, 0.51% NaCMC and 2.07 min to give a foam of 52.63% expansion and density of 0.75 g/mL. Yellow-flesh cassava pulp required 14.29% GMS, 0.6% NaCMC and 2 min to yield a foam of 48.25% expansion and density of 0.76 g/mL. Predicted optimal FE and FD were 54.9% and 0.73 g/mL for white-flesh cassava foam, and 49.86% and 0.73 g/mL for yellow-flesh cassava foam, respectively, and are close to validated values. The optimal foams were quite stable after 4 h at 25 ± 2 °C, with low volume collapse of 1.79% and 1.26% for white and yellow cassava foams, respectively. The optimal cassava foams were dried into foam powder. There was significant difference in color values (L*, a*, b*, C*, E*, H*, % W, Δ E y e l l o w − w h i t e ∗ ) and total carotenoids content of pulp, optimal foam, and powder of both varieties. Microstructure analysis of the optimal foams revealed round air bubbles and positive skewed distribution of bubble sizes. Foaming and drying significantly reduced total cyanogenic potential in cassava, and may be considered as processing operations capable of reducing cyanogenic potential in cassava considerably. Image 1 • Process variables for foaming of cassava were optimized and experimentally validated. • A comparison of the properties of cassava pulp, foam and foam powder were evaluated. • The cyanogenic potential of cassava was significantly reduced by foaming and drying. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Jatropha curcas L. shelled seeds (kernels) have been gaining attention as protein source due to their high protein content. However, due to the soft texture, screw pressing the kernels resulted in a low performance, which was indicated by high residual oil content in the press cake. In order to overcome the low oil recovery from the extraction process, J. curcas kernels blended with rapeseed, maize or soybean as additives were studied. The blending effects on the performance of mechanical oil extraction, along with the quality of oil and press cake were evaluated. To achieve the maximum oil recovery, blending ratio, nozzle diameter and screw speed were optimised using response surface methodology. Higher blending ratio showed significantly higher oil recovery ( p < 0.05). Soybean blend exhibited highest oil recovery of 91.0%. Specific energy requirement and oil recovery were negatively correlated with throughput. Oil from maize blend generated the highest acid value and free fatty acid of 8.39 mg KOH/g and 4.19%, respectively. Carbon residue of the sedimented oil from all material blends fulfilled the standard threshold of German Institute for Standardization (DIN 51605). The highest press head temperature of 104.6 °C was observed from soybean blend. The ash content of the press cake from pure J. curcas kernels was lower than the other material blends. Press cake from soybean blend revealed low pepsin insoluble nitrogen and high crude protein content, pepsin plus trypsin digestibility and available lysine. Regarding the antinutritional factors, press cake from rapeseed blend showed highest phytate and trypsin inhibitors of 4.1% and 22.7 mg trypsin inhibited/100 mg sample, respectively. In terms of oil recovery and press cake quality, soybean appears to be the most suitable additive compared with rapeseed and maize. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since drought stress and low WUE both influence fruit quality, the corresponding relationship between water supply and synthesis of bioactive compounds requires investigation. In this study, the effect of regulated deficit irrigation (RDI) and partial root-zone drying irrigation (PRD) techniques on the lycopene, β-carotene, vitamin C, and total phenolic (TPC) contents in two tomato cultivars ( Matina and Cochoro ) were investigated. Antioxidant activity was evaluated using DPPH, FRAP and TEAC assays. Deficit irrigation treatments affected plant growth as well as yield, quality, and antioxidant contents of fruits. However, the effects on content of antioxidants were cultivar-dependent. Vitamin C and lycopene contents in Matina significantly increased, while values decreased in Cochoro under both PRD and RDI. TPC and β-carotene contents increased in both cultivars, but a greater increment of TPC (+88.1%fw) was recorded in Cochoro . Overall, vitamin C and TPC were found to be the main contributors to the total antioxidant activity in fruits. The study suggested that choice of appropriate cultivars subjected to deficit irrigation strategies can significantly influence the bioactive compounds, particularly vitamin C, lycopene, and TPC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study was to investigate quality and shelf life of beef meat cooked under sous vide conditions then extended refrigerated storage for 10 weeks. Biceps femoris (n = 6) from six to seven year old cows were treated with 2 g/L ginger powder (GP) containing zingibain or control (no injection) and were then cooked in sous vide conditions at 65 °C for 1 h or 8 h. Cooked samples were evaluated for physicochemical (pH, total water content, cooking loss, Warner-Bratzler shear force (WBSF), texture profile analysis (TPA), L *, a* , b * properties and thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS)), microstructure (scanning electron microscopy) and microbiological (Brochothrix thermospacta, Clostridium perfringens , Lactic acid bacteria, Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella spp , and yeasts and moulds) quality after vacuum packing, cooking, then refrigerated storage at 4 °C for 0, 2, 4, 8 or 10 weeks. Physicochemical parameters were improved by GP treatment (P < 0.05) while there was no effect of storage time on WBSF, TPA or microstructure. The microbial quality of sous vide cooked meat in refrigerated storage appeared to be four weeks and oxidation shelf life of the cooked meat was found to be two weeks under refrigerated storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, near–infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) was used to predict quality of cassava leaves and roots based on their own spectra and also to predict root quality based on the spectral data of the leaves. 990 cassava leaves and 330 roots were collected from 110 plants. The calibration and validation models were constructed by partial least square models with test set validation. High prediction performance models were found for predicting leaf dry matter (DM) and total cyanide (HCN) content using leaf spectra. The coefficient of determination of the validation set (R2 val), root means square error of prediction (RMSEP), and the ratio performance deviation (RPD val) of leaf DM were 0.891, 1.04%, and 3.03, respectively, and those of leaf HCN were 0.909, 60.5 ppm, and 3.32, respectively. The prediction model developed from root spectra showed an excellent prediction result for root DM (R2 val = 0.979, RMSEP = 0.677%, RPD val = 6.92), while good predicting ability models were obtained for HCN, starch, and TSS in root. Moreover, prediction models developed from leaf spectra could be used for qualitative screening of root quality. This study showed the potential of using NIRS as a rapid and reliable method to predict cassava quality at harvest or before processing. • NIR spectra of cassava leaves and roots were measured. • Dry matter in leaves and roots could be well predicted from their own spectra. • Cyanide content in leaves and roots could be predicted from their own spectra. • Leaf spectra could be used for qualitative screening of root quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hypericum is an important genus in the family Hypericaceae, which includes 484 species. This genus has been grown in temperate regions and used for treating wounds, eczema and burns. The aim of this study was to predict the content of hypericin in Hypericum perforatum in varied ecological and phenological conditions of habitat using artificial neural network techniques [MLP (Multi-Layer Perceptron), RBF (Radial Basis Function) and SVM (Support Vector Machine)]. Results: According to the results, the MLP model (R2 = 0.87) had an advantage over RBF (R2 = 0.8) and SVM (R2 = 0.54) models and it was relatively accurate in predicting hypericin content in H. perforatum based on the ecological conditions of site including soil types, its characteristics and plant phenological stages of habitat. The results of sensitivity analysis revealed that phenological stages, hill aspects, total nitrogen, altitude and organic carbon are the most influential factors that have an integral effect on the content of hypericin. Conclusions: The designed graphical user interface will help pharmacognosist, manufacturers and producers of medicinal plants and so on to run the MLP model on new data to easily discover the content of hypericin in H. perforatum by entering ecological conditions of site, soil characteristics and plant phenological stages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In this study, the anaerobic performance and stability of coffee husk and pulp with and without trace element (TE) supplement was investigated, using 20 L mesophilic continuous stirred tank reactors for 140 days of experiment (DOE). The TE was cocktail of trace metals composed of Fe, Ni, Zn, Co, Mn, Mo, Se W and B. The organic loading rate (OLR) was increased stepwise from 2.5 (HRT = 40 d) to 6.0 kg VS m−3 d− 1(HRT = 16.7 d). The highest methane productivity from pulp with and without TE was 1.272 and 0.965 m3 m−3 d−1 at an OLR of 6.0 and 5.0 kg VS m−3 d−1; while the husks performed 0.895 and 0.795 m3 m−3 d−1 respectively, both at an OLR of 6.0 kg VS m−3 d−1. The specific methane yield (SMY) of pulp (at OLR = 5 kg VS m−3 d−1) with and without TEs was 217.9 ± 4.7 and 193.1 ± 8.2 L kg−1 VS; while husk yielded 149.2 ± 6.0 and 132.5 ± 4.9 L kg−1 VS, respectively. The effect of TEs on SMY was statistically significant (p < 001) at higher OLRs (5.0 ‐ 6.0 kg VS m−3 d−1). The TEs improved the anaerobic stability through an optimum alkalinity ratio (VFA/TIC < 0.3) and suppressed the accumulation of volatile fatty acids. Mono digestion of husks and pulp are prone to lack Mo, Zn, Ni and Fe in long‐term anaerobic fermentation. Further studies on co‐digestion of husk/pulp with animal manure and dry fermentation helps to efficiently use this biomass resource. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Papaya has been identified as a valuable source of nutrients and antioxidants, which are beneficial for human health. To preserve the nutritional properties after drying, appropriate storage specifications should be considered. This study aimed to investigate the quality and stability of air-dried papaya in terms of quality dynamics and behavior of bio-active compounds during storage for up to 9 months in two packaging materials: aluminum laminated polyethylene and polyamide/polyethylene. Samples with moisture content (MC) of 0.1328 g g −1 and water activity ( a w ) of 0.5 were stored at 30 °C and relative humidity (RH) of 40–50%. The MC, a w , degree of browning (DB) and 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) content were found to notably increase as storage progressed. On the contrary, there was a significant decrease in antioxidant capacity (DPPH, FRAP and ABTS), total phenolic (TP) and ascorbic acid (AA) contents. Packaging in aluminum laminated polyethylene under ambient conditions was found to better preserve bio-active compounds and retard increases in MC, a w and DB, when compared to polyamide/polyethylene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The aim of this study was to evaluate the antibacterial, antioxidant, antimalarial and antiproliferative activities of the essential oils of two Pakistani plants, Thymus linearis and Thymus serpyllum of the family Lamiaceae. The GC–MS analyses of the essential oils of T. linearis and T. serpyllum led to the identification of 48 and 35 components, respectively. The major constituents of T. linearis oil were thymol (36.5%), carvacrol (9.50%), thymyl acetate (7.30%), and β-caryophyllene (5.76%), whereas, carvacrol (44.4%), o-cymene (14.0%), α-terpineol (6.47%), α-pinene (6.06%) and β-caryophyllene (5.25%) were the main components of T. serpyllum oil. In the disc diffusion and resazurin microtitre assays, the essential oil of T. linearis showed better antibacterial activity than that of T. serpyllum. Both essential oils were also active, although at relatively high concentrations, against amphicillin-resistant Escherichia coli. In the DPPH assay, the essential oils of T. serpyllum showed more potent antioxidant activity than T. linearis essential oil. Both essential oils exhibited poor anti-haem biocrystallisation activity. In the MTT assay, the anti-proliferative activity of T. linearis essential oil against MCF-7, LNCaP and NIH-3T3 cell lines in terms of IC50 were 80.7, 70.3 and 100.2 μg/ml, respectively, which were notably stronger than T. serpyllum essential oil. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Parthenium weed (Parthenium hysterophorus L.) is an invasive plant species in around 50 countries and a 'Weed of National Significance' in Australia. This study investigated the relative toxicity of the leaf, shoot and root extracts of two geographically separate and morphologically distinct biotypes of parthenium weed in Queensland, Australia. Parthenium weed exhibited higher phytotoxic, cytotoxic and photocytotoxic activity in leaf tissue extracts in contrast to shoot and root. The germination and seedling growth of a dicot species (garden cress) were inhibited more than those of a monocot species (annual ryegrass) using a phytotoxicity bioassay. The cytotoxicity of leaf extracts was assessed in a mouse fibroblast cell suspension assay and increased under high ultraviolet A(UV-A) radiation. A major secondary metabolite, parthenin, was found in abundance in leaf extracts and was positively correlated with cytotoxicity but not with photocytotoxicity or phytotoxicity. Ambrosin and chlorogenic acid were also detected and were positively correlated with germination inhibition and the inhibition of radicle elongation, respectively. In addition, other currently unidentified compounds in the leaf extracts were positively correlated with phytotoxicity, cytotoxicity and photocytotoxicity with two to three molecules strongly correlated in each case. Both parthenium weed biotypes investigated did not differ with respect to their relative toxicity, despite their reported differences in invasive potential in the field. This suggests that secondary chemistry plays a limited role in their invasion success. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biochars have long been associated with elevating plant productivity. An increasing number of studies, however, report that char application might also impair plant nutrient availability and reduce yields. In particular, char accompanying compounds as well as a hypothesized immobilization of nitrogen have been identified as playing a significant role in possibly diminishing plant productivity following char application. Herein, we tested the fertilizing effects of modified biochars in order to derive knowledge required to develop tailor-made chars, which predictably affect plant nutrition. Slow-pyrolysis maize cob biochar was modified by washing with either ethanol or hydrochloric acid to remove ash and organic compounds or by loading it with nutrient-rich residues in the form of digestate from the bioenergy sector. Maize plants were grown for 35 days on biochar-amended sand. We analyzed both substrate properties (pH, total carbon, and nitrogen, available magnesium and potassium) and plant functional traits (biomass, leaf area, root to shoot ratio, specific leaf area). Our results suggest that total plant biomass production remained unaffected by the application of biochar and its washed forms. Contrastingly, nutrient-loaded biochar induced a significant increase in productivity at similar nutrient levels due to improved plant nutrient uptake. Further research is required to understand the role of biochar modifications that facilitated improvements in plant productivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]