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This study aims to determine the influence of bruise damage generated from the impact test on the physical, chemical and nutritional responses of tomato fruit.

The impact loading was applied from different heights. The impact energies for 20, 40 and 60 cm drop heights were 129.59, 259.18 and 388.77 mJ, respectively. The injured samples were kept for 48 hours at low (10 °C) and ambient (22 °C) storage temperatures. Weight loss, firmness, color, total soluble solids (TSS), lycopene and carotenoids were measured before the impact test (day 0) and after 48 hours of the impact and storage.

The drop height of 60 cm and storage at 22 °C showed the highest values in the bruised area. The impact from the 60 cm drop height significantly reduced weight, lightness, yellowness, hue, firmness, lycopene and carotenoids, particularly at 22 °C storage condition. Redness (a*) and color index (CI) showed a remarkable increase (p < 0.05) at 22 °C on tomatoes affected from the highest impact level (388.77 mJ) after 48 hours of storage. No pronounced significance was seen between TSS and drop heights. This study has confirmed that tomato bruising for a short-term storage period induces physiological changes at different storage temperature conditions.

The study can confirm the crucial role of inappropriate handling in increasing fresh produce loss within short-term storage. Also, this research can be considered as a guideline for transporters, handlers, processors, distributors and horticulture researchers in the fresh produce supply chain during postharvest operations.

This study aims to assess the effect of water variation on bioethanol production from cassava peels (CP) using Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast as the ethanologenic agent.

The milled CP was divided into three treatment groups in a small-scale flask experiment where each 20 g CP was subjected to two-stage hydrolysis. Different amount of water was added to the fermentation process of CP. The fermented samples were collected every 24 h for various analyses.

The results of the fermentation revealed that the highest ethanol productivity and fermentation efficiency was obtained at 17.38 ± 0.30% and 0.139 ± 0.003 gL⁻¹ h⁻¹. The study affirmed that ethanol production was increased for the addition of water up to 35% for the CP hydrolysate process.

The finding of this study demonstrates that S. cerevisiae is the key player in industrial ethanol production among a variety of yeasts that produce ethanol through sugar fermentation. In order to design truly sustainable processes, it should be expanded to include a thorough analysis and the gradual scaling-up of this process to an industrial level.

This paper is an original research work dealing with bioethanol production from CP using S. cerevisiae microbe.

1. Hydrolysis of cassava peels using 13.1 M H₂SO₄ at 100 ^oC for 110 min gave high Glucose productivity

2. Highest ethanol production was obtained at 72 h of fermentation using Saccharomyces cerevisiae

3. Optimal bioethanol concentration and yield were obtained at a hydration level of 35% agitation

4. Highest ethanol productivity and fermentation efficiency were 17.3%, 0.139 g.L⁻¹.h⁻¹

Hydrolysis of cassava peels using 13.1 M H₂SO₄ at 100 ^oC for 110 min gave high Glucose productivity

Highest ethanol production was obtained at 72 h of fermentation using Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Optimal bioethanol concentration and yield were obtained at a hydration level of 35% agitation

Highest ethanol productivity and fermentation efficiency were 17.3%, 0.139 g.L⁻¹.h⁻¹

The purpose of this study was to review the information on the scientific efforts and achievements in sustainable industrial textile applications of natural colourants. Then the paper suggests the ways of improving the industrial textile applications of plant-based colourants.

The literature on the chemistry, sources and extraction of plant-based natural colourants was reviewed. The reviewed information was analysed and synthesised to provide techniques for selecting sustainable extraction methods, possible sustainable textile applications of natural colourants and the challenges which hinder industrial textile applications of plant-based natural colourants. The ways of overcoming the challenges of the industrial textile applications of plant natural colourants were suggested. Lastly, the current situation of industrial application of natural dyes in textiles is presented.

Despite the scientific achievement to overcome the challenges of natural colourants for textiles, the global industrial application of natural colourants is still low. Inadequate knowledge of the dyers results into poor performance of the natural dyed textile. The natural dyed textiles are expensive due to the scarcity of raw materials for manufacturing of natural colourants. The selection of suitable extraction, application methods and type of substrate should consider the chemistry of the particular colourant. The society should be educated about the benefits of natural dyed textiles. Cultivation of colourant-bearing plants should be promoted to meet the industrial material demand.

The paper provides a synthesized collection of information about the source, chemistry, extraction, textile application and challenges of plant-based natural colourants. The reviewed information was analysed and synthesised to provide techniques for selecting sustainable extraction methods, possible sustainable textile applications of natural colourants and the challenges which hinder industrial textile applications of plant-based natural colourants. The ways of overcoming the challenges of the industrial textile applications of plant natural colourants were suggested.

The main purpose of this study resides essentially in the development of a new tool to quantify the biomass in the bioreactor operating under steady state conditions.

Modeling is the most relevant tool for understanding the functioning of some complex processes such as biological wastewater treatment. A steady state model equation of activated sludge model 1 (ASM1) was developed, especially for autotrophic biomass (XBA) and for oxygen uptake rate (OUR). Furthermore, a respirometric measurement, under steady state and endogenous conditions, was used as a new tool for quantifying the viable biomass concentration in the bioreactor.

The developed steady state equations simplified the sensitivity analysis and allowed the autotrophic biomass (XBA) quantification. Indeed, the XBA concentration was approximately 212 mg COD/L and 454 mgCOD/L for SRT, equal to 20 and 40 d, respectively. Under the steady state condition, monitoring of endogenous OUR permitted biomass quantification in the bioreactor. Comparing XBA obtained by the steady state equation and respirometric tool indicated a percentage deviation of about 3 to 13%. Modeling bioreactor using GPS-X showed an excellent agreement between simulation and experimental measurements concerning the XBA evolution.

These results confirmed the importance of respirometric measurements as a simple and available tool for quantifying biomass.

The novelty addressed here is undertaken by using tailor-made and fully characterized starch nanoparticles (SNPs) having a particle size ranging from 80 to 100 nm with a larger surface area, biodegradability and high reactivity as a starting substrate for cadmium ions and basic dye removal from wastewater effluent. This was done via carboxylation of SNPs with citric acid via esterification reaction using the dry preparation technique, in which a simple, energy-safe and sustainable process concerning a small amount of water, energy and toxic chemicals was used. The obtained adsorbent is designated as cross-linked esterified starch nanoparticles (CESNPs).

The batch technique was used to determine the CESNPs adsorption capacity, whereas atomic adsorption spectrometry was used to determine the residual cadmium ions concentration in the filtrate before and after adsorption. Different factors affecting adsorption were examined concerning pH, contact time, adsorbent dose and degree of carboxylation. Besides, to validate the esterification reaction and existence of carboxylic groups in the adsorbent, CESNPs were characterized metrologically via analytical tools for carboxyl content estimation and instrumental tools using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) spectra and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) morphological analysis.

The overall adsorption potential of CESNPs was found to be 136 mg/g when a 0.1 g adsorbent dose having 190.8 meq/100 g sample carboxyl content at pH 5 for 60 min contact time was used. Besides, increasing the degree of carboxylation of the CESNPs expressed as carboxyl content would lead to the higher adsorption capacity of cadmium ions. FTIR spectroscopy analysis elucidates the esterification reaction with the appearance of a new intense peak C=O ester at 1,700 cm⁻¹, whereas SEM observations reveal some atomic/molecules disorder after esterification.

The innovation addressed here is undertaken by studying the consequence of altering the extent of carboxylation reaction expressed as carboxyl contents on the prepared CESNPs via a simple dry technique with a small amount of water, energy and toxic chemicals that were used as a sustainable bio nano polymer for cadmium ions and basic dye removal from wastewater effluent in comparison with other counterparts published in the literature.

The purpose of this study is the development of sustainable and low-formaldehyde emission wood adhesive formulations.

Three-step urea formaldehyde (UF) resin has been in situ modified with calcium lignosulfonate (LS) and/or 1,4 butanediol diglycidyl ether (GE). The structural, chemical, thermal and morphological characterizations were carried out on resin samples. These resins have been applied for particleboard pressing, and UF, UF-LS and UF-GE were evaluated as P2 classes according to EN 312.

The results show that the improved LS- or diglycidyl ether-modified UF wood adhesives were successful in their adhesive capacity, and the formaldehyde content of the final product was obtained as low as 8 mg/100 g. This paper highlights that the presented adhesive formulations could be a potential eco-friendly and cost-effective alternative to formaldehyde-based wood adhesives for interior particleboard production.

Combination of LS and GE resulted in weaker mechanical properties and fulfilled P1 class particleboards due to temperature and duration conditions. Therefore, in situ usage of LS or GE in UF resins is highly recommended for particleboard pressing. Formaldehyde content of particleboards was determined with the perforator method according to EN 12460-5 and all of the particleboards exhibited E1 class. LS was more efficient in decreasing formaldehyde content than GE.

This study provides the application of particleboards with low formaldehyde emission.

The developed LS- and diglycidyl ether-modified UF resins made it possible to obtain boards with significantly low formaldehyde content compared with commercial resins.

The developed formaldehyde-based resin formulation made it possible to produce laboratory-scale board prototypes using LS or GE without sacrificing of press factors and panel quality.

Because the dynamic characteristics of the stock market are nonlinear, it is unclear whether stock prices can be predicted. This paper aims to explore the predictability of the stock price index from a long-memory perspective. The authors propose hybrid models to predict the next-day closing price index and explore the policy effects behind stock prices. The paper aims to discuss the aforementioned ideas.

The authors found a long memory in the stock price index series using modified R/S and GPH tests, and propose an improved bi-directional gated recurrent units (BiGRU) hybrid network framework to predict the next-day stock price index. The proposed framework integrates (1) A de-noising module—Singular Spectrum Analysis (SSA) algorithm, (2) a predictive module—BiGRU model, and (3) an optimization module—Grid Search Cross-validation (GSCV) algorithm.

Three critical findings are long memory, fit effectiveness and model optimization. There is long memory (predictability) in the stock price index series. The proposed framework yields predictions of optimum fit. Data de-noising and parameter optimization can improve the model fit.

The empirical data are obtained from the financial data of listed companies in the Wind Financial Terminal. The model can accurately predict stock price index series, guide investors to make reasonable investment decisions, and provide a basis for establishing individual industry stock investment strategies.

If the index series in the stock market exhibits long-memory characteristics, the policy implication is that fractal markets, even in the nonlinear case, allow for a corresponding distribution pattern in the value of portfolio assets. The risk of stock price volatility in various sectors has expanded due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the R-U conflict on the stock market. Predicting future trends by forecasting stock prices is critical for minimizing financial risk. The ability to mitigate the epidemic’s impact and stop losses promptly is relevant to market regulators, companies and other relevant stakeholders.

Although long memory exists, the stock price index series can be predicted. However, price fluctuations are unstable and chaotic, and traditional mathematical and statistical methods cannot provide precise predictions. The network framework proposed in this paper has robust horizontal connections between units, strong memory capability and stronger generalization ability than traditional network structures. The authors demonstrate significant performance improvements of SSA-BiGRU-GSCV over comparison models on Chinese stocks.

This study aims to focus on the main materials used in consolidation processes of illuminated paper manuscripts and leather binding.

For each material, chemical structure, chemical composition, molecular formula, solubility, advantages, disadvantages and its role in treatment process are presented.

This study concluded that carboxy methyl cellulose, hydroxy propyl cellulose, methyl cellulose, cellulose acetate, nanocrystalline cellulose, funori, sturgeon glue, poly vinyl alcohol, chitosan, chitosan nanoparticles (NPs), gelatin, aquazol, paraloid B72 and hydroxyapatite NPs were the most common and important materials used for the consolidation of illuminated paper manuscripts. For the leather bindings, hydroxy propyl cellulose, polyethylene glycol, oligomeric melamine-formaldehyde resin, acrylic wax SC6000, pliantex, paraloid B67 and B72, silicone oil and collagen NPs are the most consolidants used.

Illuminated paper manuscripts with leather binding are considered one of the most important objects in libraries, museums and storehouses. The uncontrolled conditions and other deterioration factors inside the libraries and storehouses lead to degradation of these artifacts. The brittleness, fragility and weakness are considered the most common deterioration aspects of illuminated paper manuscripts and leather binding. Therefore, the consolidation process became vital and important to solve this problem. This study presents the main materials used for consolidation process of illuminated paper manuscripts and leather bindings.

This paper aims to evaluate the effect of consumption of a high-fat diet (HFD) rich with total saturated fats on adiposity and serum levels of vascular cell adhesion molecule (sVCAM-1), a biomarker of endothelial inflammation/dysfunction. Another aim is to evaluate whether supplementation of a phytosomal formulation of curcumin would reduce adiposity measures and sVCAM-1 levels in HFD rats.

The study was conducted on 17 male rats which were allocated to one of three feeding regimen groups: normal diet (ND); HFD, or HFD with dietary phytosomal curcumin (HFD-C). Anthropometric measures were recorded weekly up to 20 weeks of feeding intervention, at the end of which, sVCAM-1 levels were also compared with one-way ANOVA and Tukey post-hoc analysis.

The HFD group had the greatest values for raw anthropometric data, and there was a group difference in anthropometric measures, however there was no significant difference between HFD and HFD-C for any measure. The gain at 20 weeks from initial values did reveal significant differences in weight and abdominal circumference between HFD and HFD-C groups. There were significant group differences in sVCAM-1 levels, with only HFD-C displaying significant lower levels than HFD group.

This is the first study that shows the capacity of a phytosomal formulation of curcumin in reducing adiposity and sVCAM-1 levels during daily intake of saturated fats above the recommended level. The results are promising in that this formulation can protect against endothelial inflammation/dysfunction, and can be used as complimentary therapy to suppress dyslipidemia/obesity-related cardiovascular complications.

The purpose of this study is to improve the mechanical property and processing performance and reduce the cost of the polylacticacid/polybutyleneadipate-co-terephthalate(PLA/PBAT) composites, the calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) and compatibilizer styrene-maleicanhydride copolymer (SMA-2025) were added to the PLA/PBAT system, and the effect of CaCO₃ and SMA-2025 on the morphology, structure, mechanical property, thermal property, thermalstability and shape memory property of the CaCO₃/PLA/PBAT composites were studied and discussed.

The CaCO₃/PLA/PBAT shape memory composites were prepared via melt-blending and hot-pressing methods, and the effect of CaCO₃ and SMA-2025 on the property of the composites was investigated via scanning electron microscope, universal testing instrument, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis and DMA, respectively.

The interface property, mechanical property, thermal stability, shape memory recovery ratios and recovery stresses, and processing performance of the CaCO₃/PLA/PBAT shape memory composites were significantly improved by adding of CaCO₃ and SMA-2025. Moreover, the CaCO₃/PLA/PBAT composites have good blowing film processing performance.

This study will provide a reference for the research, processing and application of the high-performance CaCO₃/PLA/PBAT shape memory composites.