Search Results (275)

This study was aimed at producing nanocellulose from sugarcane bagasse and durian rind residues for applications to determine adsorption capacity against mycotoxin in poultry diets. Durian rind-derived nanocellulose exhibited finer fiber (12–21 nm diameter and 197–350 nm length) and higher yield (42.1%) than bagasse-derived nanocellulose (18–36 nm diameter and 82–169 nm length), with FTIR confirming purer cellulose I/II structures. The in vitro test adsorption capacity against ochratoxin (OTA) was determined at an incubation time of 180 min to establish working conditions. It was found that the working conditions of bagasse-derived nanocellulose and durian rind-derived nanocellulose were 33 mg/mL and 36.5 mg/mL, respectively. Subsequently, using these working conditions, adsorption capacity was determined via an in vitro digestibility test. Bagasse-derived nanocellulose exhibited an adsorption capacity against OTA of 35.59%, while durian rind-derived nanocellulose achieved an OTA adsorption rate of 39.53% at a contact time of 3 h. Naturally contaminated poultry feeds collected from nine farms in Chiang Mai, Thailand, indicated that both types of nanocelluloses achieved minimum–maximum OTA adsorption rates of 42–43%, aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) at 29–30%, and fumonisin B1 (FB1) at 21–23% across the nine farms’ mean values. These findings suggest that nanocellulose derived from sugarcane bagasse and durian rind has potential as a sustainable biosorbent for improving mycotoxin management in poultry production. Full article

Insects are increasingly recognized as sustainable protein sources due to their high feed conversion efficiency and low environmental impact. Among them, the superworm, Zophobas morio (Fabricius) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae), has strong potential for large-scale production; however, optimized feeding strategies under tropical conditions remain limited. This study aimed (1) to determine the optimal feed formulations and feeding rate using wheat bran supplemented with the KMITL Protein Innovation source (a protein feed ingredient developed by the School of Agricultural Technology, King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang, KMITL), and (2) evaluate the influence of plant-based supplementary foods on larval performance. In Phase I, larvae were reared on 13 formulations with three protein levels (CP00, CP21, and CP24) and five feeding rates (A–E). Diets CP21–21 and CP24–21 (21 and 24% CP; wheat bran/protein = 2:1) resulted in the highest survival (83.4–84.1%) and the lowest feed conversion ratios (FCR = 2.29–2.34). Moderate feeding rates (C–D; 925–1110 g feed per tray for 50 days) produced the greatest larval weights (700–760 mg), whereas ad libitum feeding provided no additional benefit. In Phase II, larvae reared on CP21–21 with a restricted rate of 1100 g per tray and supplemented with ten plant-derived foods achieved comparable final weights (716–760 mg), but survival varied significantly among treatments. Mulberry leaf yielded the highest survival (95.3%), followed by banana, watermelon rind, winter melon, and jicama (>90%). Pumpkin and jicama accelerated pupation and adult emergence, showing a female-biased sex ratio among emerged adults (59.2–65.5%), suggesting enhanced developmental rates. These results establish a practical framework for cost-effective and sustainable Z. morio production under tropical conditions, contributing to circular bioeconomy strategies and supporting insect-protein innovation. Full article

Background/Objectives: Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) processing generates substantial quantities of rind, seeds, and residual pulp that are typically discarded despite being rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, polar lipids, carotenoids, and phenolic compounds. These amphiphilic bioactives are increasingly recognized for their roles in modulating oxidative stress, inflammation, and platelet activation; however, the lipid fraction of watermelon by-products remains insufficiently characterized. This study examined organic watermelon juice and its by-products to isolate, characterize, and evaluate extracts enriched in amphiphilic and lipophilic bioactives, with emphasis on their in vitro antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antithrombotic properties. Methods: total lipids were extracted using a modified Bligh–Dyer method and fractionated into total amphiphilic compounds (TAC) and total lipophilic compounds (TLC) via counter-current distribution. Phenolic and carotenoid levels were quantified, and antioxidant capacity was assessed using DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays. Anti-platelet and anti-inflammatory activities were evaluated against ADP- and PAF-induced platelet aggregation. Structural characterization of polar lipids was performed using ATR–FTIR, and LC–MS was used to determine fatty acid composition and phospholipid structures. Results and Discussion: Carotenoids were primarily concentrated in the TLC fractions with high ABTS values for antioxidant activity, while phenolics mostly in the juice, the TACs of which showed the strongest total antioxidant capacity based on DPPH. TAC fractions of both samples showed also higher FRAP values of antioxidant activity, likely due to greater phenolic content. TAC extracts also exhibited notable inhibition of PAF- and ADP-induced platelet aggregation, associated with their enriched ω-3 PUFA profiles and favorable ω-6/ω-3 ratios based on their LC-MS profiles. Conclusions: Overall, watermelon products (juice) and by-products represent a valuable and sustainable source of amphiphilic bioactives with significant antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-platelet potential, supporting their future use in functional foods, nutraceuticals, and cosmetic applications. Full article

Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly embedded in education through adaptive platforms, intelligent tutoring systems, and generative tools. While these technologies promise efficiency and personalization, they also raise concerns about pedagogical deskilling, reduced teacher autonomy, and ethical risks. This paper conceptualizes the potential impacts of AI on teaching expertise and instructional design through the lens of Cognitive Load Theory (CLT). The aim is to conceptualize how AI may reshape the management of intrinsic, extraneous, and germane cognitive loads. The study proposes that AI may effectively scaffold intrinsic load and reduce extraneous distractions but displace teacher judgment in ways that undermine germane learning and reflective practice. Additionally, opacity, algorithmic bias, and inequities in access may create new forms of cognitive and ethical burden. The conceptualization presented in this paper contributes to scholarship by foregrounding teacher cognition, an underexplored dimension of AI research, conceptualizing the teacher as a cognitive orchestrator who balances human and algorithmic inputs, and integrating ethical and equity considerations into a cognitive framework. Recommendations are provided for teacher education, policy, and AI design, emphasizing the need for pedagogy-driven integration that preserves teacher expertise and supports deep learning. Full article

Background/Objectives: Immature watermelon (WM) rind contains higher levels of citrulline and potassium than mature fruit and may exert diuretic and metabolic benefits. This study aimed to evaluate the anti-obesity and diuretic effects of WM and salt-treated watermelon rind extract (WMS) in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese mice, focusing on changes in lipid metabolism, sodium handling, and tissue-level alterations. Methods: Citrulline concentrations in WM and WMS were quantified using high-performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection (HPLC-UV). Four-week-old male C57BL/6 mice were fed an HFD for 6 weeks and subsequently administered WM (380 mg/kg) or WMS (380 mg/kg) orally for an additional 6 weeks. Body weight, food intake, organ and fat-pad weights, serum biochemical markers, and sodium (Na⁺) levels were measured. Histopathological analyses of liver and epididymal adipose tissue were performed to assess non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) scores and adipocyte morphology. Results: WM and WMS contained citrulline at levels substantially higher than those reported for mature watermelons. Both treatments significantly reduced body weight, liver weight, and epididymal fat mass compared with the HFD control. Serum total cholesterol and triglyceride levels were lowered in the WM- and WMS-treated groups. Serum Na⁺ concentrations increased by 43.2 ± 7.6% in WM-treated mice and 21.5 ± 6.6% in WMS-treated mice, suggesting enhanced sodium handling. Histological assessment revealed reduced NASH scores and smaller adipocyte sizes in both groups. These improvements are consistent with the known diuretic and metabolic actions of citrulline and potassium. Conclusions: WM and WMS exhibit significant anti-obesity and diuretic effects in HFD-induced obese mice. Their combined actions on sodium excretion, lipid metabolism, and adipose tissue remodeling suggest that immature watermelon rind extracts may serve as promising natural agents for preventing obesity and related metabolic dysfunction. Full article

The sustainable future of dairy farming will depend on how trade-offs between environmental impact, economic viability, and animal welfare are managed. Dairy production contributes significantly not only to human nutrition but also to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, ammonia release, and water pollution. Comprehensive sustainability assessments are essential for addressing these impacts, also in light of evolving regulations like the EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive. However, existing research on sustainable dairy farming and intensification often overlooks trade-offs with other ecological aspects like biodiversity, economic viability, or animal welfare. This study evaluated the sustainability performance of Austrian dairy farms using a tool called NEU.rind, which combines life cycle assessment (LCA) with other indicators. Applied to 170 dairy farms, the tool identified four sustainability clusters across the dimensions of environmental conditions, efficiency, animal health, and sustainability: (1) Alpine farms (high cow longevity, medium-to-high emissions per kg milk), (2) efficient low-input farms (low emissions, high cow longevity), (3) high-output lowland farms (high productivity, lower animal welfare), and (4) input-intensive lowland farms (high emissions, especially per hectare; inefficient use of resources). The analysis revealed fundamental trade-offs between production intensity, environmental impact, and animal welfare, particularly when comparing product-based (per kg milk) versus hectare-based indicators. Key improvement strategies include increasing the use of regional feed and pasture as well as adapting manure management. For policymakers, these findings underline the importance of site-specific sustainability assessments and the need for region-specific incentive schemes that reward both environmental efficiency and animal health performance. In this context, NEU.rind provides farm-specific recommendations with minimal data input, making sustainability assessments practical and feasible. Full article

Social networks have emerged as integral platforms for communication and information dissemination in contemporary society. The spread of negative sentiments and its impact on activities of users in social networks is a crucial issue. When users receive negative reviews about news or articles, regardless of authenticity, they form opinions based on their own understanding, and statistics show that more than 90% of the time this reveals predictable behavior patterns. To address this situation, the proposed Antecedents of Negative Sentiment through Expression Capacity: Mixed Methods (ANSEC-MM) study identifies the antecedents of negative sentiment using expression capacity as a mixed-methods approach to mitigate the generation of negative sentiments. The proposed model introduces the concept of identification of influencer nodes with further categorization into active and inactive influencer nodes. The model separates negative influencer nodes from positive nodes and processes the negative influencer nodes further. A Node Expressive Capacity (NE) metric predicts the frequency with which users interact with neighboring influencer nodes, which contributes to the generation of negative sentiments. A Cognitive Effect Coefficient (φ) defines the temperament status of the users. Through further computation, the model distinguishes the proportion of negative sentiments from positive ones. Negative sentiment mitigation is achieved through a developed algorithmic approach. Performance is tested and compared across three datasets against state-of-the-art models: EANN, BERT, and AOAN. The proposed model demonstrated superior performance in negative sentiment detection and mitigation, achieving accuracy rates of 90% and 88%, respectively, compared to existing models. Full article

The rapid growth of user-generated content in the digital space has increased the necessity of properly and interpretively analyzing sentiment and emotion systems. This research paper presents a new hybrid model, HAM (Hybrid Attention-based Model), a Transformer-based contextual embedding model combined with deep sequential modeling and multi-layer explainability. The suggested framework integrates the BERT/RoBERTa encoders, Bidirectional LSTM, and Graph Attention that can be used to embrace semantic and aspect-level sentiment correlation. Additionally, an enhanced Explainability Module, including Attention Heatmaps, Aspect-Level Interpretations, and SHAP/Integrated Gradients analysis, contributes to the increased model transparency and interpretive reliability. Four benchmark datasets, namely GoEmotions-1, GoEmotions-2, GoEmotions-3, and Amazon Cell Phones and Accessories Reviews, were experimented on in order to have a strong cross-domain assessment. The 28 emotion words of GoEmotions were merged into five sentiment-oriented classes to harmonize the dissimilarity in the emotional granularities to fit the schema of the Amazon dataset. The proposed HAM model had a highest accuracy of 96.4% and F1-score of 94.9%, which was significantly higher than the state-of-the-art baselines like BERT (89.8%), RoBERTa (91.7%), and RoBERTa+BiLSTM (92.5%). These findings support the idea that HAM is a better solution to finer-grained emotional details and is still interpretable as a vital move towards creating open, exposible, and domain-tailored sentiment intelligence systems. Future endeavors will aim at expanding this architecture to multimodal fusion, cross-lingual adaptability, and federated learning systems to increase the scalability, generalization, and ethical application of AI. Full article

This study develops a high-performance triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) through Citrullus lanatus rind powder (CLP) which originates from watermelon waste to generate sustainable power and detect humidity. The SEM and FTIR results showed that CLP contains a natural porous structure and multiple polar functional groups which improve both the charge transfer and retention capabilities. The CLP-TENG device operated in vertical contact–separation mode with PTFE as the counter layer to generate a 255 V open-circuit voltage and 30 µA short-circuit current and 35 µW peak power output at 4 Hz and 20 MΩ load. The device successfully charged a 4.7 µF capacitor to 5 V during a 80 s period and operated low-power electronic devices to prove its ability as a sustainable power source. The device output increased with increasing operating frequency while showing operation stability throughout more than 1000 cycles and seven days of continuous operation. The device demonstrated a strong humidity detection ability through its voltage response which decreased from 250 V to 120 V when the relative humidity rose from 30% to 90%. The research proves that agricultural waste can be transformed into environmentally friendly materials which perform well in green energy systems and environmental monitoring applications. Full article

Maize stalk lodging causes substantial yield losses worldwide. Although stalk strength is a genetically determined trait, its molecular mechanisms—particularly the dynamic changes during key developmental stages—remain inadequately characterized due to limitations of single-omics approaches. This study employed an integrated transcriptomic and metabolomic analysis strategy to compare stalk tissues from three maize genotypes with contrasting lodging resistance: the highly resistant inbred line PHB1M, the susceptible inbred line Chang 7-2, and their recombinant inbred line 23NWZ561 (abbreviated as P, C, and Z, respectively). Dynamic sampling of all three genotypes was conducted at both grain-filling and maturity stages, with simultaneous measurement of physiological traits related to stalk strength. Phenotypic analysis revealed that the resistant genotype PHB1M exhibited superior rind penetration strength, cell wall composition (cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin) content, and vascular bundle development. Multi-omics analysis indicated that the molecular basis of lodging resistance is primarily established during the maturity stage. The transcriptomic and metabolomic profiles of the recombinant inbred line Z shifted from clustering with the susceptible parent C at the grain-filling stage to grouping with the resistant parent P at maturity. Key pathways including phenylpropanoid biosynthesis were significantly enriched specifically at maturity, accompanied by upregulation of related genes (PAL, HCT, CCR) and accumulation of metabolites such as lignin precursors in PHB1M. Integrated analysis identified a core co-expression network within the phenylpropanoid pathway comprising three genes and three metabolites. This study systematically demonstrates that lodging resistance in maize is regulated by transcriptional and metabolic reprogramming during late stalk developmental stages, particularly at maturity, where enhanced activation of the phenylpropanoid biosynthesis pathway plays a central role. These findings provide valuable candidate genes and metabolic markers for breeding lodging-resistant maize varieties. Full article

Background/Objectives: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain a major cause of mortality globally, driven in part by oxidative stress and inflammation. The present study investigated the polyphenolic composition and cardioprotective potential of polyphenol-rich Citrullus lanatus (PRCL) rind extract against doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity in rats; Methods: High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was employed to identify and quantify the major bioactive compounds present in the extract. Total 30 healthy male Wistar Kyoto rats were recruited and divided into 6 groups and various cardiovascular markers and antioxidant were measured in vivo and in vitro methods; Results: Ethanolic extraction of Citrullus lanatus rind yielded 19.58 g extract per 100 g of dry plant material. HPLC analysis identified five phenolic acids, i.e., gallic acid, p-hydroxybenzoic acid (PHBA), chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, and vanillic acid, and two flavonoids, i.e., catechin and hesperetin, with PHBA (163.66 mg/g of extract) being the most abundant. Total phenolic and flavonoid content was determined to be 35.6 mg GAE/g and 12.8 mg CE/g, respectively. In vitro antioxidant assays showed moderate free radical scavenging, reducing power, and 86.9% inhibition of linoleic acid peroxidation. In vivo, Wistar rats were treated with doxorubicin (10 mg/kg) to induce cardiotoxicity, followed by PRCL extract administration (21 days at 250 and 500 mg/kg/day). The extract significantly improved body weight, serum lipid profile, and reduced cardiovascular risk indices. Antioxidant biomarkers (SOD, CAT, GPx, GSH) were restored, while lipid peroxidation (MDA) and inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6) were significantly reduced in treated groups. The 500 mg/kg dose demonstrated superior efficacy, comparable to the standard quercetin group. Histopathological examination revealed notable protection of cardiac tissue architecture in the high-dose PRCL-500 group; Conclusions: These findings suggest that PRCL rind extract contains potent compounds having antioxidant and cardioprotective properties and may be used as a natural therapeutic agent against cardiotoxicity. Full article

The limitations of conventional cancer therapies, including toxicity and resistance, underscore the need for safer and more versatile alternatives that can either complement or substitute existing regimens. Garcinol, a polyisoprenylated benzophenone derived primarily from the rind and leaves of Garcinia indica and Garcinia cambogia, has drawn significant interest in recent decades. Although traditionally used to relieve inflammatory disorders, its biomedical relevance expanded considerably after reports in the late 20th century demonstrated antimicrobial and subsequently anti-cancer properties. A growing body of cell-based research, supported by a smaller set of animal experiments, now suggests that garcinol acts as a potent epigenetic modulator. Its activities include inhibition of histone acetyltransferases (HATs), a groundbreaking research followed by regulation of oncogenic microRNAs, and modulation of signaling pathways critical to tumor progression. This review integrates current findings on garcinol’s dual role as a HAT inhibitor and regulator of oncogenic networks with updates on in vitro and in vivo studies with a more focused approach on in vivo animal models, highlighting its potential as an emerging therapeutic against malignancies and inflammatory diseases. Nonetheless, translation into clinical settings remains premature, as robust in vivo evidence is sparse and human trials are lacking. Moving forward, systematic investigations are required to clarify safety profiles, establish effective dosing strategies, and evaluate its efficacy across different cancer types. Full article

Korean melon (K-melon, Cucumis melo L. var. makuwa) is a key horticultural crop in the Republic of Korea, but its short shelf life restricts long-distance export. This study evaluated the modified atmosphere (MA) films of varying oxygen transmission rates (OTR) at controlled atmosphere (CA) storage under real maritime export conditions to Vietnam. In the non-permeable OTR 0 (Control) treatment, internal O₂ rapidly declined below the anaerobic compensation point (1.67% at 10d and 0.47% at 10+3d) while CO₂ accumulated to 32–36%. This ultra-low oxygen environment induced anaerobic metabolism, evidenced by strong accumulation of fermentative metabolites such as lactic acid, acetoin, and 2,3-butanediol, along with glucose/fructose retention and increases in alanine and γ-Aminobutanoic acid (GABA). These changes disrupted glycolysis and the Tricarboxylic acid cycle (TCA), consistent with CA shock, and were accompanied by rind blackening, elevated weight loss, and hue angle shifts toward yellow-orange. By contrast, OTR 10,000 and OTR 30,000 films significantly suppressed weight loss and color changes. Partial least squares-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) identified volatile organic compounds, namely acetoin, 2,3-butanediol, and hexanal, as key discriminant metabolites, with OTR 30,000 clearly separated from other treatments at 10+3d, indicating minimal fermentation and oxidative stress. Microbial assays revealed a dose-dependent reduction in bacterial counts with increasing OTR, while fungal growth was most strongly suppressed under OTR 10,000. Overall, OTR 30,000 maintained the lowest and most stable levels of stress-related metabolites, minimized microbial proliferation, and preserved metabolic stability throughout shipping. This study provides the first quantitative evidence of anaerobic metabolic transition and primary metabolite accumulation in K-melons under actual export trials. The findings demonstrate that optimizing MA film permeability, particularly OTR 30,000 films, offers a practical and cost-efficient strategy to extend shelf life, maintain quality stability, and enhance the global export potential of K-melons. Full article

Nondestructive quality detection of characteristic fruits is essential for ensuring nutritional value, economic viability, and consumer safety in global supply chains, yet traditional destructive methods compromise sample integrity and scalability. Visible and near-infrared (Vis/NIR) spectroscopy offers a transformative solution by enabling rapid, non-invasive multi-attribute quantification through molecular overtone vibrations. This review examines recent advancements in Vis/NIR-based fruit quality detection, encompassing fundamental principles, system configurations, and detection strategies calibrated to fruit biophysical properties. Firstly, optical mechanisms and system architectures (portable, online, vehicle-mounted) are compared, emphasizing their compatibility with fruit structural complexity. Then, critical challenges arising from fruit-specific characteristics—such as rind thickness, pit interference, and spatial heterogeneity—are analyzed, highlighting their impact on spectral accuracy. Applications across diverse fruit categories (pitted, thin-rinded, and thick-rinded) are systematically reviewed, with case studies demonstrating the robust prediction of key quality indices. Subsequently, considerations in model development and validation are presented. Finally, persistent limitations in model transferability and environmental adaptability are discussed, proposing future research directions centered on integrating hyperspectral imaging, AI-driven calibration transfer, standardized spectral databases, and miniaturized, field-deployable sensors. Collectively, these methodological breakthroughs will pave the way for autonomous, next-generation quality assessment platforms, revolutionizing postharvest management for characteristic fruits. Full article

This study evaluated the effects of wine-soaking on cow’s milk pressed cheese properties and developed a standardized cheesemaking procedure. Cheese was soaked in Cabernet Sauvignon and Alicante Bouschet red wines for two soaking periods of four days after the brining process. The physicochemical, microbiological, and volatile composition were evaluated, along with consumer sensory evaluation. After 60 days of ripening, wine-soaked cheeses had statistically lower salt and moisture levels, with higher protein and fat content than the unsoaked cheeses. Alicante Bouschet cheeses have a darker purple-red color than Cabernet Sauvignon. The microbiological analysis found no significant differences across treatments and samplings. The most representative volatile compounds in wine-soaked cheeses were esters and ketones. Principal Components Analysis on the volatile compounds showed a clear separation between the two wine-soaked cheeses and the control cheese. For example, Cabernet-soaked cheese had higher levels of phenylethyl alcohol and 2-phenylethyl acetate (floral aromas), while Alicante-soaked cheese was distinguished by nonanal (fruity and grassy aroma). Sensory results showed preferences for the overall liking, flavor, and rind color for the wine-soaked cheeses over the control. Consequently, a standardized recipe for wine-soaked pressed cheese was developed, along with specific parameters for the soaking process to ensure a well-received product. Full article