Agriculture and Natural Resources

The Bio-Circular Green Economy model in Thailand – A comparative review

2023-03-16T13:53:51+07:00

Importance of the work: Thailand is seeking to develop a Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) economic solution to mitigate the effects of CO2 emissions.
Objectives: To understand the strategic activities required to lead Thailand to a future sustainable bio-circular economy in comparison with other countries.
Materials & Methods: Data was collected from journals, literature reviews and on-line reports. Impacts on a BCG economy are analyzed by SWOT analysis for economic, environmental and energy impacts. The results inform the conclusions, recommendations on policy, R&D and future work.
Results: Thailand and many countries are moving towards a circular economy and sustainable development. The elimination of waste and the use of renewable resources are important for future consumption and the wellbeing of the people. The Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) Economy Action Plan is a good example of moves to create innovation and to drive the economy into a future “new normal” environment. Implementation needs concrete projects, suitable initial funding and industry incentives: time is short. Actions toward a more sustainable future must also recognize and share good practice. Enhancing networking between countries and regions benefits the citizens, communities, public and private sectors and helps to create income. R&D projects have to be capable of pushing forward regional, national and global goals.
Main findings: Thailand and other countries have policies to develop a BCG economy. However, they differ in approach and application and require better international co-ordination and understanding.

Gluten-free pancakes and waffles prepared from Riceberry flour instant mix with xanthan gum addition: physical, sensory and chemical properties

2023-03-16T11:03:40+07:00

Importance of the work: Pancakes and waffles are popular breakfast and dessert items commonly made from wheat flour containing gluten. Riceberry flour has the potential to be used to create gluten-free baked products. However, the lack of the gluten structure
influences the quality of waffles and pancakes.
Objectives: To investigate the effect of xanthan gum on the quality of gluten-free waffles and pancakes made from Riceberry flour.
Materials & Methods: Physical quality measurements were made of the pancake spread ratio, the percentage weight loss during cooking and the color. Sample texture was measured using a CT-3 Brookfield texture analyzer. The sensory acceptability was
conducted using a 9-point hedonic scale. The moisture content and water activity of all samples were measured.
Results: Xanthan gum addition resulted in decreases in the percentage weight loss during cooking and in the spread ratio of the pancakes. The pancake shear force decreased with xanthan gum addition (0.25–1%). Furthermore, this addition decreased the hardness, chewiness and gumminess of the waffles, while increasing their springiness. Waffles and pancakes with 0.5% added xanthan gum received the highest acceptable scores that were significantly higher than the control samples.
Main finding: The optimum amount of xanthan gum addition to improve the quality of gluten-free waffles and pancakes made from Riceberry flour was 0.5%. This addition retained more moisture in the products than the control and provided a viscoelastic network that mimicked gluten in the final products.

Correlation between resident birds and anthropogenic noise and particulate matter: A case study at Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand

2023-03-16T11:09:15+07:00

Importance of the work: Urban ecosystems are among the most polluted due to anthropogenic development, with humans and wildlife being affected by this pollution.
Objectives: To examine the presence of some birds and their correlation to pollution in the kind of anthropogenic noise and particulate matter (PM).
Materials & Methods: Sixty bird species were identified in the case study, of which the individual presence of 21 common residents was analyzed for their correlation to pollution using negative binomial regression.
Results: Seven species were significantly correlated to the pollution. Five species (Pycnonotus goiavier, Spilopelia chinensis, Pycnonotus conradi, Passer montanus and Copsychus saularis) had a negative relationship to anthropogenic noise, while two species (Dicaeum cruentatum and Columba livia) had a negative relationship to the particulate matter levels PM10 and PM2.5. The results suggested that 14 resident bird species had adapted to living in the urban ecosystem.
Main finding: Suggested policies to minimize the impacts on bird populations on campus were: restricting vehicle access; controlling noise levels; controlling black exhaust smoke emission; and promoting car- and pollution-free travel.

Determination of biological safety profile and nutritional composition of cattle small intestinal digesta (“Pia”), a traditional food ingredient in Northeastern Thailand

2023-03-16T11:20:27+07:00

Importance of the work: Cattle small intestinal digesta (CSID), locally known as “Pia”, has been used as a traditional food ingredient in Northeastern Thailand. However, the information on its biological safety and nutritional value is lacking.
Objectives: To determine the biological safety profile and nutritional composition of CSID.
Materials & Methods: CSID samples from nine individual cattle were collected from a local slaughterhouse in Sakon Nakhon province and divided into duodenum, jejunum and ileum samples. All samples were subjected to microbial analysis, parasite egg determination and nutritional composition analysis.
Results: The microbial loads (total plate count, Escherichia coli, coliform and Staphylococcus aureus) of most samples were within the Thai legal limits and Salmonella spp. and Listeria monocytogenes were not present in 25 g samples. In contrast, 66% of samples were single or double infected with parasite eggs identified as rumen fluke eggs, strongylid eggs and capillaria eggs. The CSID samples on average (± SD) wet weight basis contained 92.74±1.61%, 0.92±0.90%, 1.46±0.42%, 2.24±0.96%, 0.17±0.06% and 3.14±1.76% for moisture, crude fiber, ash, protein, fat and carbohydrate contents, respectively. The CSID samples contained all essential amino acids that accounted for 34.39 mg/g wet weight, of which lysine and leucine were the major essential amino acids. The CSID comprised 7.70 mg/g wet weight, 3.10 mg/g wet weight and 2.00 mg/g wet weight of saturated fatty acids, monounsaturated fatty acids and polyunsaturated fatty acids, respectively.
Main finding: The CSID samples contained substantial amounts of nutrients, illustrating their
nutritional value; however, dishes containing CSID must be thoroughly cooked. This information
will contribute greatly to the safer use and further development of CSID as a traditional food
ingredient.

Development of microsatellite, gene-specific and species-specific markers for hybrid detection of plants in Jatropha genus

2023-03-16T13:39:27+07:00

Importance of the work: Jatropha curcas has been identified as a potential biodiesel source. It has a narrow genetic base and lacks cultivars with a high seed yield and oil content. Therefore, interspecific hybridization and hybridity testing are important for its
genetic improvement.
Objectives: To develop three specific DNA markers and to test their efficiency for hybrid detection of plants in the genus Jatropha.
Materials & Methods: Microsatellite, gene-specific and species-specific markers were developed and used to confirm hybrids from interspecific hybridization for the crosses J. curcas × J. integerrima, J. curcas × J. multifida and J. curcas × J. podagrica.
Results: In total, 22 microsatellite primer pairs, 18 single strand conformational polymorphism primer pairs specific to 11 genes and 25 species-specific primer pairs were designed and used to verify interspecific hybrids. All three types of DNA markers developed were effective for the identification of hybrids from interspecific hybridization.
Main finding: The development of the three specific DNA markers for plants in the genus Jatropha provided useful information for genetic analysis, hybrid selection and the development of biodiesel plant breeding.

Identification of quantitative trait loci controlling flowering time in black gram (Vigna mungo [L.] Hepper)

2023-03-16T13:46:21+07:00

Importance of the work: Flowering time is a key adaptive trait for expanding cultivation to high-latitude regions. However, little is known about the genetics of this trait.
Objectives: Quantitative trait loci (QTL) controlling days to first flowering in black gram were identified in only the second report published.
Materials & Methods: Two F2 populations were each developed from a cross between cultivated (Chai Nat 80 (CN80)) and wild black gram (PI213017 and TVNu 1076) accessions and grown in different environments. Two high-density linkage maps were constructed from these populations using single nucleotide polymorphism markers.
Results: Broad-sense heritability for days to first flowering in the F2 populations was in the range 34.86–61.95%. QTL analysis revealed 11 QTLs controlling days to first flowering in two populations. Four QTLs (qDFFBGA2.1, qDFFBGA5.1, qDFFBGA8.1 and qDFFBGA9.1) were found in the population of CN80 × PI213017 that explained 8.93%, 7.87%, 11.13% and 10.88% of phenotypic variation, respectively. Seven QTLs (qDFFBGB2.1, qDFFBGB2.2, qDFFBGB4.1, qDFFBGB6.1, qDFFBGB8.1, qDFFBGB8.2 and qDFFBGB9.1) were found in the population of CN80 × TVNu 1076 which explained 38.02%, 4.22%, 3.36%, 7.12%, 3.85%, 4.41% and 19.42% of phenotypic variation, respectively. Nonetheless, no QTLs were common between populations, suggesting flowering time in black gram is highly influenced by environmental factors.
Main finding: New QTLs controlling flowering time in natural short daylength and long daylength regimes were identified. None of the candidates were similar with those previously reported in Vigna species related to black gram, suggesting that one or more of the flowering pathways in black gram are different from other Vigna species.

Antimicrobial activity of microencapsulated nisin with ascorbic acid and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid prepared using double emulsion and freeze-drying technique against Salmonella Enteritidis ATCC 13076 in culture broth and minced fish

2023-03-03T22:29:12+07:00

Importance of the work: Nisin, a ‘generally recognized as safe’ natural antimicrobial agent, has poor antimicrobial activity against Gram-negative bacteria and is easily combined with food components.
Objectives: To enhance the antimicrobial activity of nisin against Gram-negative bacteria and to prolong its antimicrobial activity using an encapsulating-technique.
Materials & Methods: Nisin (N) was combined with ascorbic acid (A) and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA, E) at final concentrations of 500 parts per million (ppm), 2,000 ppm and 250 ppm, respectively. Subsequently, double emulsion and freeze-drying techniques were applied to encapsulate the N-A-E mixture to decelerate their release and prolong their antimicrobial activity in culture broth and a minced fish sample.
Results: Besides Gram-positive bacteria, the N-A-E mixture reduced Gram-negative bacteria by 24.74–100%. The obtained microcapsules (MCs) had a smooth surface and spherical morphology with values for moisture content, water activity and production yield of 1.33–5.51%, 0.248–0.402% and 84.00–98.76%, respectively. The MCs prepared using a ratio of maltodextrin-to-gum arabic of 1:1, with a ratio of primary emulsion-to-outer aqueous phase of 1:9 (weight per weight), produced the highest encapsulation efficiency (p < 0.05) of nisin (44.40%). The MCs could completely inhibit Salmonella Enteritidis ATCC 13076 in culture broth (4.85 log CFU/mL) after 4 d of incubation and also exhibited gradual release. In addition, the MCs had an antibacterial effect on minced fish by reducing S. Enteritidis ATCC 13076 by 1.5 log CFU/g after storage at 4 °C for 8 d.
Main finding: The N-A-E mixture using an encapsulation approach showed potential as an alternative scheme to address the confined application of nisin in the food industry.

Biological activities supporting development of cosmeceutical skin products from Wedelia trilobata (L.) Hitch. flower extract

2023-03-16T14:13:32+07:00

Importance of the work: This is the first report to demonstrate the potential of Wedelia trilobata (L.) Hitch. as an ingredient in cosmeceutical products.
Objectives: To examine the biological activities associated with cosmeceutical products of W. trilobata extract.
Materials & Methods: The flowers (WTF), leaves (WTL) and stems (WTS) of W. trilobata were separately extracted using 50% ethanol and freeze-drying to obtain WTF, WTL and WTS extracts, respectively. Then, the antioxidant, anti-tyrosinase, antimicrobial, cytoprotective and anti-inflammatory activities of the extracts were investigated.
Results: Screening tests, using the three extracts of the plant showed different positive effects, with WTF having the highest antioxidant, tyrosinase and nitric oxide inhibitory activities. Therefore, WTF was further studied to find the mechanisms involved in anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and cytoprotective effects. WTF at concentrations of 50–200 μg/mL down-regulated the expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) genes in macrophages using a semi-quantitative reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction technique and the production of tumor necrosis factor-α in keratinocytes. The antimicrobial activity of WTF was demonstrated on many bacteria and Candida albicans. WTF prevented H2O2-induced cell death of human keratinocyte via down-regulation on the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-1(MMP-1) and MMP-2 genes and up-regulation on the expression of procollagen type 1 genes. The gel formulations containing WTF were developed with good stability and inhibited the growth of Propionibacterium acnes at statistically significant levels.
Main finding: W. trilobata flowers demonstrated a potential source of an active ingredient in skin product development. The plant may have more value-added components for application in cosmeceuticals as well as being useful as a ground cover weed.

Application of teaching-learning-based optimization algorithm in designing 100 kW power plant using pyrolysis of oil palm empty fruit bunches

2023-03-16T14:18:01+07:00

Importance of the work: Empty fruit bunches (EFBs) from the palm oil milling process have the potential to be used as a source of energy.
Objectives: To optimize the environmental impact and economic profitability of utilization of biofuel production from the EFB fast pyrolysis process.
Materials & Methods: The biodiesel power plant from the EFB fast pyrolysis process was modelled using the Aspen Plus program and optimized using the MATLAB program. The multi-objective teaching-learning-based optimization algorithm was used to maximize the net present value (NPV) while minimizing the CO2 emission of a biodiesel power plant in each case.
Results: The optimization results showed that the best case from the economic aspect was an NPV of USD million 14.233 with 59,755 t CO2/yr, while the best case in terms of minimizing environmental impact was with the lowest CO2 emission equivalent of 58,770 t CO2/yr and an NPV of USD million 12.008. The difference between these two scenarios regarding the CO2 emission was slight (1.65%), while for the NPV, it was high (15.63%).
Main finding: Both cases produced higher CO2 emissions than from direct combustion. However, they were still environmentally friendly since they reduced the CO2 emission equivalent compared to using the EFB as landfill and produced valuable products, while
enhancing energy conservation by up to 100 kW.

Isolation and ultra-high performance liquid chromatography analysis of zerumbone and zerumbone epoxide in Zingiber zerumbet rhizomes

2023-03-16T14:21:09+07:00

Importance of the work: Zingiber zerumbet (L.) Roscoe ex Sm. is an indigenous plant in Southeast Asia used in numerous ethnomedicinal applications and is of interest for pharmaceutical development.
Objectives: To isolate, optimize the extraction and develop a rapid quantitative analysis of zerumbone and zerumbone epoxide in Z. zerumbet rhizomes.
Materials & Methods: Chromatographic isolation of major components in the Z. zerumbet rhizomes yielded zerumbone and zerumbone epoxide. Their structures were identified using spectroscopic and spectrometric techniques. An ultra-high performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) method was developed and validated for the quantitative analysis of zerumbone and zerumbone epoxide in the Z. zerumbet rhizomes. Suitable solvents for extracting Z. zerumbet were optimized.
Results: The developed UHPLC method demonstrated good sensitivity, linearity, precision and accuracy. Ethanol was considered as a suitable extracting solvent to obtain high yields of bioactive components from Z. zerumbet rhizomes. The contents of zerumbone and
zerumbone epoxide in the Z. zerumbet rhizomes from various locations of Thailand were analyzed based on their UHPLC chromatograms that indicated the homogeneity of Z. zerumbet in Thailand.
Main finding: A rapid UHPLC method was developed and validated for quantitative analysis of zerumbone and zerumbone epoxide in Z. zerumbet rhizomes. A suitable extracting solvent(methanol) was optimized. The contents were analyzed of the zerumbone and zerumbone epoxide in the Z. zerumbet rhizomes from various locations of Thailand.

Effect of varying concentrations of melatonin on anthocyanin and sugar metabolism in grapes (Vitis labruscana L.)

2023-03-16T14:33:54+07:00

Importance of the work: The effects of melatonin on fruit maturation are still unclear and these effects may vary according to treatment concentrations.
Objectives: To investigate the effects of melatonin treatment on anthocyanin, sugar, abscisic acid (ABA) and indole 3-acetic acid (IAA) concentrations and their related genes.
Materials & Methods: In the first and second groups, clusters of ‘Kyoho’ grape vines were randomly immersed in 100 μM and 1,000 μM melatonin, respectively, with the surfactant Approach BI at 30 d after full bloom. In the third group, clusters of the untreated control were treated with Approach BI only.
Results: Treatment with 100 μM melatonin promoted anthocyanin accumulation and expression of the VlMYBA1-2 and VvUF3GT genes. In addition, it increased the concentrations of sugars, such as fructose, glucose and sucrose, and upregulated the expression of sugar biosynthesis-related genes (VvSUT11, VvSUS4, VvAI and VvHT1). Melatonin treatment increased ABA concentrations with the upregulation of VvNCED1 at 24 d after treatment. IAA concentrations and the expression of VvGH3-1 decreased in the 100 μM melatonin-treated berries. In contrast, the 1,000 μM melatonin treatment did not influence the anthocyanin or sugar concentrations.
Main finding: Melwatonin may affect anthocyanin and sugar metabolism through ABA and IAA biosynthesis. Treatment with 100 μM melatonin was most effective at increasing the anthocyanin and sugar concentrations in grapes.

Ethylene regulates peel spotting in fruit of cv. Sucrier banana (Musa acuminata, AA Group): Dependence on ripening stage

2023-03-16T14:40:33+07:00

Importance of the work: Ethylene can induce banana ripening. Therefore, ethylene may be involved in the development of peel spotting in bananas.
Objectives: To test the effect of ethylene on peel spotting in bananas (cv. Sucrier) in two stages of development.
Materials & Methods: In the first study, fruits ripened to stage 3 (light green-yellow) were placed in airtight plastic containers and manipulated using carbon dioxide scrubber or ethylene absorbent, or both. In the second and third studies, fruit ripened to either stage 1 (green) or stage 3 were exposed to ethylene or 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP). Changes in spotting were monitored.
Results: Removal of carbon dioxide or ethylene, or both had no significant effects on peel spotting of fruit in stage 3 (light green-yellow skin color) whereas spotting was reduced by ethylene during stage 1 (green skin color) but fruit in stage 3 was not affected. The 1-MCP treatment had no effect on peel spotting of fruit in stage 3, but in stage 1 fruit, the 1-MCP treatment clearly delayed the early development of the disorder.
Main finding: The development of peel spotting in the early stage of fruit ripening in this cultivar was regulated differently by endogenous and exogenous ethylene. In contrast, the development of peel spotting in stage 3 or later was independent of endogenous ethylene.

Effect of extracted celery dietary fiber on low-calorie salad dressing with probiotics

2023-03-16T14:44:09+07:00

Importance of the work: Several celery residues generated after processing have mainly been utilized as a source of dietary fiber and could also be used as salad dressing supplements.
Objectives: To investigate dietary fiber extraction from celery using water, alkaline (NaOH), enzymes and ultrasonication and to study the extracted dietary fibers for their quality as a component in salad dressing.
Materials & Methods: Different methods were used to extract the dietary fiber and analyze its properties. The effects were investigated of extracted dietary fiber on the physicochemical, microbiological and sensory evaluation of low-fat salad dressing fortified with probiotic.
Results: Ultrasonic extraction produced the lowest yield (3.00%) and the highest soluble fiber content (34.90%) and L* value were obtained (p ≤ 0.05). The dietary fibers extracted using the different methods were added to low-fat salad dressings and compared to dressing without added dietary fiber. The low-fat salad dressings with added extracted dietary fiber had increased viscosity (p ≤ 0.05). The fat content and total energy were lower than the control, while the low-fat salad dressing fortified with ultrasonic dietary fibers (LF-U) had the highest sensory scores (p ≤ 0.05) in terms of texture, appearance and overall liking. The probiotic LF-U contained viable probiotic cells at more than 7 log CFU/g and pathogen detection followed the industry standard during storage for 28 d.
Main finding: The ultrasonic dietary fibers had the highest soluble dietary fiber content that affected the salad dressing qualities and supported viable probiotic cells at more than 7 log CFU/g.

Activation of inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress of horse immune response after cobra venom immunization for therapeutic antivenom production

2023-03-16T14:47:26+07:00

Importance of the work: Inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress provide usefulinformation relating to the immune response of horses after cobra boosting.
Objectives: To evaluate the release of inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress in horses after receiving a cobra booster.
Materials & Methods: Twenty horses used for producing cobra antivenom were separated into three groups of immune phenotypes according to neutralizing antibody titer in mice (high antibody titers, low antibody titers and non–response). Cytokine mediators, related proteins and oxidative stress were measured up to 1 mo after a cobra booster using SYBR Green real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and biochemical methods, respectively.
Results: Only horses with high and low antibody titers began to elevate substantially on d 7 and peaking on d 14 but at different levels. Oxidative stress, malondialdehyde, glutathione reductase, catalase and superoxide dismutase, with high and low antibody titers, were significantly (p < 0.05) increased on d 7 after getting a booster dose and were only slightly changed in horses in the non-response group. Only IL–4 and IL–10 showed significant (p < 0.05) differences under the influence of the three groups of immune phenotypes and date–time.
Main finding: With a cobra booster, measurement of mRNA expression of cytokine mediators (especially IL–4 and IL–10) and oxidative stress could be additional immunological parameters to monitor or predict clinical responses to cobra venom and may also reduce the number of animals used in the process of snake antivenom production. The gained knowledge should help to develop strategies to achieve a successful immunization schedule and high–quality snake antivenom.

Effects of organic zinc and manganese supplementation on eggshell quality and bone characteristic of laying hens during late laying cycle

2023-03-16T14:52:06+07:00

Importance of the work: Problems with eggshell quality are common among aged laying hens.
Objectives: To investigate whether supplementation of zinc and manganese (inorganic versus organic) in varying combinations could improve egg production, egg quality and bone characteristics.
Materials & Methods: In total, 384 Lohmann Brown laying hens aged 64 wk were allocated to 4 dietary treatment groups, with each group consisting of 8 replicates with 12 laying hens each. The dietary treatments were corn-soybean meal basal diet supplemented with varying sources of zinc (80 parts per million, ppm) and manganese (100 ppm). The dietary treatments were: 1) 100% inorganic Zn and Mn; 2) 50% inorganic Zn + 50% organic Zn and 100% inorganic Mn; 3) 100% inorganic Zn and 50% inorganic Mn + 50% organic Mn; and 4) 50% inorganic Zn + 50% organic Zn and 50% inorganic Mn + 50% organic Mn.
Results: There were no significant (p > 0.05) effects of trace mineral sources (inorganic versus organic) on laying hen performance and egg quality. The supplementation of organic zinc significantly (p = 0.0053) increased the yolk zinc content, while the supplementation of organic manganese significantly (p = 0.0020) reduced the manganese excretion in the second period compared to those of the inorganic groups. However, these effects were not consistent. Feeding different sources of zinc and manganese had no significant (p > 0.05) effects on the tibia breaking strength and tibia mineralization.
Main finding: Based on the study conditions, supplementation of zinc and manganese in the laying hen diet during the late laying cycle, regardless of mineral source, had no effect on egg production and egg quality. However, the Mn concentration in the excreta considerably diminished in the 2nd period.

Process simulation and economic feasibility of biodiesel production from acid oil, a by-product of glycerol acidulation

2023-03-16T15:01:50+07:00

Importance of the work: A new approach was investigated using acid oil from acidulation for its economic feasibility in biodiesel production.
Objectives: To investigate the esterification conditions of biodiesel production from acid oil, and conduct process simulation and cost investigation using the ASPEN software.
Materials & Methods: Reaction time (1–6 h) and the methanol-to-oil molar ratio (20:1–30:1) were varied with a fixed 4% H2SO4 catalyst at, 60 °C and 500 revolutions per minute. Based on the experimental data, the optimized conditions determined using the Minitab-17 software were used in the ASPEN process simulation. Then, the economic feasibility and sensitivity analysis were examined.
Results: The acid oil comprised 33.63% free fatty acid, 72.36% fatty acid methyl ester and 1.3% water. After esterification using an acid catalyst, Minitab determined the optimum conditions of biodiesel production from the acid oil at 3.4 h reaction time and a 25.9:1 methanol-to-oil ratio, which produced biodiesel containing fatty acid methyl ester of 96.8% and free fatty acid of 0.32%. Consequently, 26,579.5 kg/d biodiesel were produced from 27,300 kg/d acid oil and 30,903 kg/d methanol, with 95% conversion. Finally, the project was economically feasible based on the net present value (USD 34,092,719), the internal rate of return (56%), the payback period (5.1 yr) and the production cost (USD 0.77/L).
Main finding: Acid oil could be used as new raw material for biodiesel production. The results showed that the production process was economically suitable for investment. Minitab was a helpful tool for optimization, while ASPEN was excellent for process simulation and economic assessment.

Effectiveness of adsorption of alizarin red s and alizarin yellow 2G from aqueous solutions using zeolite L

2023-03-16T15:09:48+07:00

Importance of the work: Zeolite L in potassium form (KLTL) was used as an alternative adsorbent for the adsorption of alizarin red s (ARS) and alizarin yellow 2G (ARY) from aqueous solutions.
Objectives: To use KLTL as an alternative adsorbent for the removal of two anionic dyes from aqueous solutions.
Materials & Methods: The adsorption performance was determined by adsorption equilibrium, kinetics, and thermodynamic parameters.
Results: The optimum adsorbent dosage and contact time were 0.025 g and 120 min, respectively. The adsorption isotherm and kinetics followed the Langmuir isotherm, the maximum monolayer adsorption capacity was 95.24 mg/g and 41.30 mg/g for ARS and ARY, respectively, while the mechanism of adsorption followed a nonlinear pseudo-firstorder model. All anionic dyes were adsorbed onto KLTL via an electrostatic interaction and H-bond. In addition, thermodynamic parameters such as ΔG°, and ΔH° were investigated and suggested that the adsorption of the anionic dyes onto KLTL was the spontaneous and endothermic reaction.
Main finding: This was the first study on the adsorptive removal of the anionic ARS and ARY dyes using KLTL as an adsorbent. The results of the study are important for industrial applications.

Drone application with low-cost remote-controlled earth-drilling machine for modern agriculture

2023-03-16T15:12:58+07:00

Importance of the work: Drilling can be modeled using an up-and-down drive algorithm, controlling an 18 V, wireless, hand-held drill. When the radio-controlled drill rotates counterclockwise, the earth drilling machine moves downward along the spiral axis, creating a drill hole.
Objectives: To design and fabricate a drone with a low-cost, remote-controlled, earth-drilling machine for use in modern agriculture.
Materials & Methods: A drone was designed and created with a body and driving system using an Arduino board and motor drive module design. A system was developed to control the up and down movement of the drill to make holes remotely. The working speed (in kilometers per hour) and its impact on working capacity (in hectares per hour) were assessed, including fuel consumption (in liters per hour) and electricity consumption (in kilowatt hours)
Results: With an increase in working speed, both fuel and electricity consumption increased. At a working speed of 0.04 km/hr, the fuel consumption was 0.5 L/hr, resulting in electricity consumption of 0.541 kWhr and a working capacity of 0.05 ha/hr. A crosscomparison of the readings from the soil compaction meter revealed a good correlation between the working capacity trend for clay soil and loamy soil.
Main finding: The developed specially designed earth-drilling machine for modern agriculture could drill holes in real time with a system for controlling the drilling up and down position using a remote control. Soil compaction maps at (3 mth and 6 mth) were developed using the ArcGIS® software.

Phenazine and quinolone are main compounds produced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa N1 during inhibitory interaction with Rhizopus microsporus

2023-03-16T15:16:41+07:00

Importance of the work: Pseudomonas aeruginosa N1 inhibits Rhizopus microsporus growth by the production of quinolone, phenazine and rhamnolipid.
Objectives: To evaluate the compounds extracted from P. aeruginosa N1 monoculture and from co-culture between R. microsporus and P. aeruginosa N1 and to observe the degree of damage caused to R. microsporus by its inhibitory interaction with P. aeruginosa N1.
Materials & Methods: The inhibitory interaction of P. aeruginosa N1 was studied based on the metabolite released during R. microsporus inhibition. The substance released during the inhibitory interaction between R. microsporus and P. aeruginosa N1 was
compared using monoculture and co-culture methods, with further analysis using liquid chromatography mass spectrophotometry (LC-MS).
Results: Based on the LC-MS analysis, quinolone, phenazine and rhamnolipid compounds were the main substances produced during the interaction between species. There was a slight difference between the detected compounds produced in monocultures and those
produced in co-culture. Specifically, 2-nonyl-4-hydroxyquinoline N-oxide and monorhamnolipid compounds were detected only in the P. aeruginosa N1 monocultures. On the other hand, the compounds 2-heptyl-4-quinolone, 1-hydroxy-2-[(2E)-2-nonen-1-yl]-4(1H)-quinolinone and 2-nonyl-3-hydroxy-4-quinolone, were detected only in co-culture.
Main finding: Quinolone, phenazine and rhamnolipid were the main compounds produced during the inhibitory interaction between P. aeruginosa N1 and R. microsporus. Furthermore, these compounds played an important role in improving antagonism against
R. microsporus. However, this may regulate differently in each strain.

Property enhancement of polylactic acid/thermoplastic starch blend using zeolite 5A incorporation and biaxial stretching process

2023-03-16T15:21:05+07:00

Importance of the work: Blended polylactic acid/thermoplastic starch (PLA/TPS) is a potential material for packaging; however, it still has poor mechanical and barrier properties.
Objectives: To improve the mixing and performance of PLA/TPS blends by incorporation of zeolite 5A (Z5A) and biaxial orientation of the PLA/TPS/Z5A composite.
Materials & Methods: PLA/TPS/Z5A pellets were prepared by melt-compounding using a twin-screw extruder. The composite pellets were converted into a sheet using cast sheet extrusion followed by biaxial stretching into films. The stretching rate was varied (75−150 mm/s). The microstructural, mechanical and gas barrier properties of the stretched films were investigated.
Results: Z5A incorporation and the stretching rate affected the morphology and properties of the stretched films. The presence of Z5A enhanced mixing of PLA and TPS by reducing the TPS dispersed phase size and improving dispersion of TPS in the blend matrix. The biaxial stretching process increased the ordered structure and crystallinityof the PLA in the PLA/TPS/Z5A films. These improvements led to significant increases in tensile strength and the oxygen and water vapor barriers of the PLA/TPS blend up to 100, 90 and 65%, respectively. Increasing the stretching rate from 75 mm/s to 150 mm/s improved the tensile and impact strength by 26% and 22%, respectively.
Main finding: This was the first report of simultaneous biaxial stretching of PLA/TPS/Z5A composite film. The mixing and performance (mechanical and barrier properties) of the blend were substantially improved by compounding with Z5A and biaxial stretching process.

Correlation between resident birds and anthropogenic noise and particulate matter: A case study at Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand

2023-03-16T10:38:12+07:00

Identification of quantitative trait loci controlling flowering time in black gram (Vigna mungo [L.] Hepper)

2023-03-16T10:52:25+07:00

Application of teaching-learning-based optimization algorithm in designing 100 kW power plant using pyrolysis of oil palm empty fruit bunches

2023-03-16T10:22:42+07:00

Isolation and ultra-high performance liquid chromatography analysis of zerumbone and zerumbone epoxide in Zingiber zerumbet rhizomes

2023-03-16T22:48:40+07:00

Importance of the work: Zingiber zerumbet (L.) Roscoe ex Sm. is an indigenous plant in Southeast Asia used in numerous ethnomedicinal applications and is of interest for pharmaceutical development.
Objectives: To isolate, optimize the extraction and develop a rapid quantitative analysis of zerumbone and zerumbone epoxide in Z. zerumbet rhizomes.
Materials & Methods: Chromatographic isolation of major components in the Z. zerumbet rhizomes yielded zerumbone and zerumbone epoxide. Their structures were identified using spectroscopic and spectrometric techniques. An ultra-high performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) method was developed and validated for the quantitative analysis of zerumbone and zerumbone epoxide in the Z. zerumbet rhizomes. Suitable solvents for extracting Z. zerumbet were optimized.
Results: The developed UHPLC method demonstrated good sensitivity, linearity, precision and accuracy. Ethanol was considered as a suitable extracting solvent to obtain high yields
of bioactive components from Z. zerumbet rhizomes. The contents of zerumbone and zerumbone epoxide in the Z. zerumbet rhizomes from various locations of Thailand were analyzed based on their UHPLC chromatograms that indicated the homogeneity of
Z. zerumbet in Thailand.
Main finding: A rapid UHPLC method was developed and validated for quantitative analysis of zerumbone and zerumbone epoxide in Z. zerumbet rhizomes. A suitable extracting solvent (methanol) was optimized. The contents were analyzed of the zerumbone and zerumbone epoxide in the Z. zerumbet rhizomes from various locations of Thailand.