Optimization of the aqueous enzymatic extraction of pine kernel oil by response surface methodology
Alcalase endo-protease enzyme was selected in this experiment to extract oil from pine kernel. The response surface analysis method was employed to optimize the parameters in the experiment. The optimum parameters are as follows: enzyme additive amount 1.97%; hydrolysis time 3.0 h; hydrolysis temperature 51 °C; materials to water rate 1:5; pH 8.4 and total […]
X-ray imaging for fungal necrotic spot detection in pistachio nuts
The potential of X-ray imaging for detecting pistachios with kernel necrotic (KN) spots was the main objective of this study. X-ray images of whole pistachios were compared with colour pictures of the same nuts taken after the kernel was opened by splitting it in two. The necrotic spots appear in the X-ray images as darker […]
Snacking is associated with overall diet quality among adults
Snacking occasions are considered to contribute little more than energy to the diet; however; few studies have examined the role of snacking on overall diet quality. The purpose of this study was to examine the association between snacking frequency and overall diet quality. This study included 11;209 adults aged 20 years and older who participated […]
Development of a system to produce maps of agricultural profit on a continental scale: An example for Australia
Policy makers in the agricultural sector are confronted with challenges which might drive land use change and ultimately agricultural profitability to a substantial degree. The challenges include questions around climate variability; demographic changes; use of land for bio-fuel production and ensuring an increase in food production. As profitability triggers many agri-business decisions; knowledge about the […]
Determination of size and shape features of walnut (Juglans regia L.) cultivars using image processing
The dimensions; mass; and shape are the most commonly measured physical properties of fruits. The size and shape features of 10 common walnut (Juglans regia L.) cultivars grown in Turkey were investigated using an image processing technique. The walnut cultivars produced nuts longer than wide and wider than thick in shape except cvs. Bursa-95; Hartley; […]
Selection of intermittent drought tolerant lines across years and locations in the reference collection of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.)
Intermittent drought is the most important yield limiting factor affecting groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) production in rain-fed regions of Sub-Saharan Africa and Asia. Improvement of crop adaptation to drought is needed and this starts by having a thorough assessment of a large and representative set of germplasm. In this study; 247 lines belonging to the […]
The regeneration of Brazil nut trees in relation to nut harvest intensity in the Trombetas River valley of Northern Amazonia; Brazil
This study examined the harvest of nuts from Brazil nut trees (Bertholletia excelsa) in the valley of the Trombetas River; a 760-km tributary on the northern bank of the Amazon River in Pará state; Brazil. The region is characterised by old-growth forests dominated by Brazil nut trees. Demographic data were obtained from twenty-five 50-m à […]
Spatial dynamics of cone production in Mediterranean climates: A case study of Pinus pinea L. in Portugal
Seed production of trees is key to natural regeneration of forests and to successful conservation management. Despite its importance no spatially explicit analyses of seed production have so far been carried out in this important field. Analyses like these are particularly important in areas with regular summer droughts. We used Pinus pinea L. as a […]
Hepatoprotective effects of pecan nut shells on ethanol-induced liver damage
The hepatoprotective activity of the aqueous extract of the shells of pecan nut was investigated against ethanol-induced liver damage. This by-product of the food industry is popularly used to treat toxicological diseases. We evaluated the phytochemical properties of pecan shell aqueous extract (AE) and its in vitro and ex vivo antioxidant activity. The AE was […]
Solar drying of agricultural products: A review
The use of solar energy in recent years had reached a remarkable edge. The continuous research for an alternative power source due to the perceived scarcity of fuel fossils is its driving force. It had become even more popular as the cost of fossil fuel continues to rise. Of all the renewable sources of energy […]