ASEAN Journal of Scientific and Technological Reports

W UMa-type Light-Curve Analysis V700 Cyg Binary Star

2025-06-20T16:31:23+07:00

V700 Cyg is a W Ursae Majoris (W UMa)-type contact binary star located in the constellation Cygnus. Photometric observations were conducted using a 0.7-meter reflecting telescope equipped with a CCD photometric system and B and V filters at the Regional Observatory for the Public, Songkhla, operated by the National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand (Public Organization), during the night of August 6–7, 2021. The observational data were analyzed using the Wilson-Devinney method to generate a synthetic light curve that best represents the physical properties of the system. The results indicate that the effective temperatures of the primary and secondary components are 7692 K and 6078 K, respectively, with a mass ratio (q) of 2.98 and a degree of contact of 3.48%.

Impact of Organic Fertilizer from Philippine Tree Fern (Cyathea contaminans) Leaves on Tuber Performance of Sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas)

2025-08-04T14:16:55+07:00

Sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas) is a staple crop in the Philippines, yet declining soil fertility poses a challenge to its sustainable production. This study investigates the impact of organic fertilizer from Philippine Tree Fern (Cyathea contaminans) leaves as a viable alternative to synthetic fertilizers. Conducted in Basey, Samar—where demonstration farms have been operating since 2019—the study employed a randomized complete block design (RCBD) to compare three treatments: (A) organic fertilizer from C. contaminans, (B) no fertilizer (control), and (C) commercial fertilizer (muriate of potash + urea). Results revealed that C. contaminans fertilizer significantly improved sweetpotato tuber survival rates, with the highest number of ridges with survived tubers (11 ridges) and the lowest number of ridges with diseased tubers (2 ridges), compared to the control (5 survived, 7 diseased) and synthetic fertilizer (6 survived, 13 diseased) (χ² = 9.143, p = 0.010). Despite these benefits, no statistically significant differences were observed in tuber weight (p = 0.698) or circumference (p = 0.671) across treatments. However, treatment A produced slightly heavier (median weight of 0.240 kg) and larger (mean circumference of 133.41 cm) tubers on average. These findings suggest that C. contaminans-based fertilizer enhances plant resilience and disease resistance, making it a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative. Further research should explore its long-term impact on soil microbial composition, nutrient availability, and economic feasibility for large-scale adoption.

Trace Metal Contamination and Biomarker Responses in Fish from a Mining-Impacted River Basin in Cebu, Philippines

2025-08-31T10:30:08+07:00

Mining activities in Toledo City, Cebu, have created extensive mined-out lands and left a legacy of metal contamination in surrounding aquatic systems. This study assessed trace metal concentrations and molecular biomarker responses in fish from the downstream section of the Sapangdaku River and adjacent Tañon Strait coastline. Pore water and sediments were analyzed for Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, and Zn using FAAS and ICP-MS, while biomarker assays measured metallothionein (MT) induction in liver tissues and genotoxicity through the assessment of micronuclei (MN) and nuclear abnormalities (NA) in erythrocytes. Results revealed that Cu was the dominant pollutant in pore water (mean 173 µg/L; peak 831 µg/L at Station 3), exceeding the U.S. EPA and Philippine DENR criteria by more than tenfold. Sediment indices (Igeo, CF, PLI) confirmed very high contamination from Cu, with Pb and Zn contributing moderately, while Cd and Cr remained near background levels. Fish analyses showed substantial bioaccumulation of Cu and Zn, particularly in benthic feeders (Mugil cephalus, Eubleekeria jonesi), which also exhibited the strongest biomarker responses. MT levels reached 299 µg/g in M. cephalus, while MN and NA frequencies were strongly correlated with Cu concentrations (R > 0.98, p < 0.05). NA were consistently more frequent than MN, suggesting their greater sensitivity as early markers of genotoxic stress. These results demonstrate that legacy mining continues to exert significant ecological stress on the Sapangdaku River system. The combined use of chemical analyses and biomarkers provides valuable baseline data, with MT, MN, and NA emerging as sensitive indicators of metal contamination and ecological risk.

Linear Ensemble Algorithm: A Novel Meta-Heuristic Approach for Solving Constrained Engineering Problems

2025-08-23T19:11:56+07:00

This research This study presents the Linear Ensemble Algorithm (LEAL), which couples evolutionary search with local, linear regression–based surrogates and a neighbor-guided linear combination scheme for constrained engineering problems and standard benchmarks. For single-objective problems, LEAL frequently attains or closely approaches global optima on multimodal functions such as Rastrigin and Griewank, yielding ~55–85% lower mean error than GA, DE, and PSO, and it can occasionally uncover best-known minima in engineering tasks (e.g., Pressure Vessel), indicating an ability to exploit intricate design trade-offs. For multi-objective problems, LEAL generates feasible Pareto fronts but generally trails NSGA-II in convergence and efficiency, exhibiting higher GD⁺, longer runtimes, and greater memory usage (often by one to two orders of magnitude). These outcomes reflect the computational overhead of maintaining local surrogate ensembles: while LEAL can produce high-quality solutions, its average performance, runtime, and memory footprint are often inferior to lightweight baselines. Comparisons with CMA-ES, Bayesian Optimization, and SSA-NSGA-II confirm the same trade-offs. Overall, LEAL is a robust yet computationally intensive option best suited when ultimate solution quality outweighs runtime; future work will focus on improving efficiency, streamlining ensemble components, and extending applicability to large-scale and dynamic problems.

Study of Spent Coffee Grounds Using Cytological Technique on Root Tip of Allium cepa

2025-07-26T22:03:46+07:00

Coffee is a widely consumed beverage that has a major impact on economies, markets, and industries; however, the postproduction of coffee drinks results in wasted or spent coffee grounds (SCG). SCG is used as a plant growth medium; however, its suitable level of use is uncertain. This research determined the optimal amount of SCG for root development and its effect on the cells of Allium cepa. The SCG was mixed with sand (S) in different ratios (SCG:S = 40:60, 50:50, 60:40, 70:30, 80:20, 90:10) to evaluate their effects on root growth and cytotoxicity on cells. Root number and length were measured to assess growth, while the mitotic index (MI) and chromosomal abnormalities were analyzed to determine cytotoxic effects. The 40:60 SCG:S mixture produced the highest root growth compared to controls, whereas higher SCG ratios (70:30, 80:20, 90:10) reduced the MI. Various chromosomal abnormalities were observed, such as micronuclei, c-mitosis, fragmented chromosomes, chromosome bridges, sticky chromosomes, and laggard chromosomes. Therefore, the chemical compounds in SCG affected cytotoxicity on A. cepa roots. The most beneficial use of SCG for addition to plant growth media resulted from a precisely defined mixture to balance growth enhancement with potential cytotoxic risk.

Effect of Storage Temperature on Degradation and Antioxidant Activity of Anthocyanin in Community-Produced Mao Juice from Sakon Nakhon Province, Thailand

2025-08-07T11:46:24+07:00

This study examined the influence of storage temperature and duration on anthocyanin degradation and antioxidant activity in Mao juice, a community-produced beverage from Antidesma thwaitesianum in Sakon Nakhon Province, Thailand. Four commercial samples were stored at 4°C and 30°C for 35 days. Anthocyanin content was determined by the pH differential method, while antioxidant activity was assessed using ABTS and FRAP assays. Results showed that Sample A had the highest initial anthocyanin content at 4 °C (41.74 mg/L), decreasing slightly to 40.24 mg/L. At 30 °C, anthocyanin degradation was more pronounced, with Sample A declining from 36.06 to 33.89 mg/L, Sample B from 21.87 to 18.86 mg/L, and Samples C and D dropping from 1.03 to 0.70 mg/L and 0.76 to 0.53 mg/L, respectively. Degradation followed first-order kinetics, with rate constants ranging from 1.0×10⁻³ to 10.9×10⁻³ day⁻¹ and half-lives between 99.0 and 9.1 weeks. Sample A was the most stable (k = 1.0×10⁻³ day⁻¹ at 4°C), while Sample C degraded fastest at 30 °C. Antioxidant capacity was highest in Sample A at 4°C on day 0 (1,286.17 mg Trolox/100 mL, ABTS assay), decreasing to 1,240.16 mg by day 35, compared with 1,184.46 mg at 30°C. FRAP values showed parallel trends, with Sample A declining from 826.56 to 811.55 mg Trolox/100 mL at 4°C and from 770.80 to 750.38 mg at 30 °C. The greatest antioxidant loss occurred in Sample B at 30°C (k = 10.0×10⁻³ day⁻¹). Overall, cold storage was shown to preserve Mao juice stability and functional quality, providing practical guidance for local producers to extend shelf life.

Sustainable Bio-Bitumen Formulation Using a Grey Relational Taguchi Approach with Waste Oils and Biochar

2025-07-26T18:11:29+07:00

Pavement binder properties play a crucial role in road durability, yet conventional bitumen relies on depleting crude oil resources. This study explores a sustainable alternative by modifying 60/70 penetration grade bitumen with biochar (BC), waste engine oil (WEO), waste cooking oil (WCO), and phthalic anhydride (PA). A hybrid optimization framework combining Taguchi-based Grey Relational Analysis (GRA) with Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was applied using an L16 orthogonal array to evaluate multiple performance responses. The optimal formulation, consisting of 5% BC, 2% WEO, 1% WCO, and 0% PA, achieved a penetration of 102 dmm, ductility of 63 cm, a softening point of 50 °C, and an elastic recovery of 100%, meeting the standard requirements. While PA individually improved certain properties such as moisture resistance, its combined effect with other modifiers reduced overall performance, likely due to antagonistic interactions or chemical incompatibility. These findings underscore the need for advanced optimization methods that can address both synergistic and antagonistic effects in multi-component systems. The proposed PCA–Grey–Taguchi approach provides a systematic pathway for designing high-performance bio-bitumen, demonstrating the potential of waste-derived modifiers to deliver cost-effective, environmentally sustainable, and technically viable pavement binders for future road infrastructure.

Edible Mushroom Extracts: Evaluating Phenolic Content, Antioxidant Capacity, and Anticancer Effects

2025-08-12T15:11:56+07:00

Edible mushrooms have also been recognized as valuable sources of bioactive compounds with potential therapeutic benefits. Although several edible mushrooms have demonstrated anticancer effects, limited studies have investigated their impact on colorectal cancer cells. Furthermore, it is of interest to further examine the relationship between the total phenolic content, antioxidant activity, and anticancer potential of edible mushroom extracts. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the anticancer effects of ethanolic extracts from eight edible mushrooms sourced from Wang Nam Khiao Farm on HT-29 cells and to investigate the relationship between their total phenolic content, antioxidant capacity, and anticancer activity. Total phenolic content was the highest in Lentinus edodes. The strongest antioxidant property was observed in Pleurotus ostreatus. Based on anticancer results, the mushrooms were classified into three groups: vigorous activity (P. ostreatus, Auricularia auricular-judae, Pleurotus djamor, and Pleurotus sajor-caju), moderate activity (Tremella fuciformis and Volvariella volvacea), and low activity (Flammulina velutipes and L. edodes). A positive relationship was generally observed between total phenolic content, antioxidant activity, and anticancer efficacy, suggesting that phenolic compounds may play a role in mediating anticancer effects. Interestingly, L. edodes was an exception, exhibiting elevated total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity, yet demonstrating low anticancer activity, indicating that additional bioactive compounds or mechanisms may contribute to its anticancer effects. These findings highlight the promising role of edible mushrooms as potential sources of natural antioxidants and anticancer agents for the prevention of colon cancer. Further chemical characterization and mechanistic studies are required to elucidate the compounds responsible for the biological activities.

One-Day Trip Itinerary Planning for Visitors to Songkhla City

2025-08-28T22:37:24+07:00

One-day trip itinerary planning has gained increasing attention in secondary cities such as Songkhla, which is renowned for its rich cultural heritage and natural attractions. However, systematic approaches to designing itineraries under strict time constraints remain limited. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of three routing methods for one-day itinerary planning in Songkhla City: (1) Nearest Neighbor Heuristic (NNH), (2) Saving Algorithm (SA), and (3) a mathematical optimization model solved using LINGO software. The analysis utilizes real-world data from ten prominent tourist destinations in Songkhla City. Results indicate that all three methods successfully generated two sub-routes, each constrained to a maximum duration of 360 minutes. Among them, the mathematical model yielded the most optimal solution, minimizing the total travel distance to 56.20 kilometers and total travel time to 619 minutes. The Saving Algorithm (SA) achieved near-optimal results (57.68 kilometers, 625 minutes), while the Nearest Neighbor Heuristic (NNH) method, although slightly less accurate (57.72 kilometers, 671 minutes), proved advantageous in terms of computational efficiency and implementation simplicity. These findings highlight the trade-off between optimality and computational effort, emphasizing the importance of selecting suitable methods based on problem scale and constraints. The study provides strategic insights into developing efficient and sustainable itinerary planning frameworks for tourism in emerging secondary cities.

Green Extraction of Bioactive Compounds from Tomato Pomace Using Fatty Acid Ethyl Esters Derived from Krabok Seed Oil

2025-08-07T12:33:08+07:00

Tomato pomace, a byproduct of food processing, is rich in bioactive carotenoids such as lycopene and β-carotene, which are valued for their antioxidant properties but typically extracted using toxic organic solvents. This study aimed to develop an environmentally friendly approach for extracting and quantifying these compounds using fatty acid ethyl esters (FAEE) derived from Krabok seed oil, in comparison with hexane. Conventional maceration extraction (ME) and ultrasonic-assisted extraction (UAE) were applied, and the extracts were analyzed for lycopene and β-carotene content, antioxidant activity, and storage stability. The results showed that the UAE was more efficient than ME, while hexane provided higher extraction yields due to its lower viscosity, with lycopene and β-carotene contents of 67.97–75.33 and 10.51–11.50 mg/100 g dry weight (DW), respectively. FAEE extraction yielded slightly lower amounts (59.92–63.60 mg/100 g DW lycopene and 1.63–7.01 mg/100 g DW β-carotene) but exhibited superior antioxidant activity, with DPPH inhibition up to 92.05% when combined with the extracted compounds. Stability tests further revealed that FAEE-extracted carotenoids were more resistant to degradation, retaining up to 90% lycopene and 85% β-carotene after 56 days, whereas hexane-extracted compounds degraded rapidly. Overall, FAEE demonstrates strong potential as a sustainable, non-toxic solvent for the recovery of bioactive carotenoids from tomato pomace, supporting applications in the food and cosmetic industries.

Manufacturing Design and Cost Analysis for Customer-oriented Rubber Mat Product using Abrasive Waterjet Cutting

2025-08-25T13:17:26+07:00

Molding is a widely used technique for large-scale manufacturing of rubber products, ensuring profitability for companies. Advances in rubber-based products have significantly improved consumer satisfaction by fostering direct engagement between manufacturers and customers. This study aims to develop a framework for transforming a blank rubber mat into a custom-designed jigsaw rubber mats using abrasive waterjet (AWJ) cutting. Customers can design their own rubber mats and submit digital images, which are then processed and cut by a waterjet machine to create jigsaw rubber mats. The optimal cutting path was developed based on the number of cutting points and the similarity index to ensure precise cutting operations. The production cost was subsequently analyzed, as the uniqueness of each design influences it. The evaluation of toolpath optimization and AWJ cutting application revealed that the number of cutting points could be reduced by more than 50% compared to the original fine cutting points while maintaining a similarity index above 99%. This reduction significantly shortened cutting time. The manufacturing of customized jigsaw rubber mats incurs only a minor additional cost, approximately 13% of the overall manufacturing cost of regular rubber mats. These findings suggest that this approach could provide manufacturers with a competitive advantage by enabling the production of customer-oriented products that are both responsive and economically feasible.

Optimization of Hydrogen and Methane Co-production from Co-digestion of Canned Seafood Wastewater with Glycerol Waste in a Two-stage Continuous System: Comparing CSTR-PFR and CSTR-CSTR reactors

2025-08-30T20:20:49+07:00

The challenge posed by canned seafood wastewater (CSW) involves a low COD of 6.80 g/L and a high protein concentration of 3.56 g/L, making it unsuitable for hydrogen and methane production. Consequently, the potential return on investment for establishing a commercial system remains inadequate. To address this issue, a two-stage anaerobic digestion system incorporating co-digestion with glycerol waste (GW) was implemented. The two-stage co-digestion of CSW with GW, at various mixing ratios of 99:1, 98:2, 97:3, 96:4, and 95:5% (v/v), resulted in hydrogen yields of 15.6, 33.6, 38.7, 65.0, and 6.3 ml H₂/g COD, respectively, while methane yields were measured at 311, 320, 326, 345, and 99 ml CH₄/g COD, correspondingly. The ideal conditions for achieving the highest yields of hydrogen and methane from the anaerobic co-digestion of CSW with GW were found to be at a mixing ratio of 96:4% (v/v). The ongoing production of hydrogen and methane in a two-stage process utilizing CSTR-PFR and CSTR-CSTR reactors can yield hydrogen and methane at rates of 27.44 and 163.61 L/L of wastewater, and 20.41 and 145.35 L/L of wastewater, respectively. Anaerobic co-digestion of CSW with GW could enhance the production of hydrogen and methane from a two-stage anaerobic digestion system.

Comprehensive Pharmacognostic Analysis and Quality Control Parameters of Cannabis sativa L. subsp. sativa: Evaluating Leaves and Flowers for Medicinal Applications

2025-09-07T23:21:08+07:00

This study establishes pharmacognostic specifications and quality control parameters for Cannabis sativa L. subsp. sativa leaves and flowers. Microscopic examination revealed distinctive structures, including stomata, trichomes, and vascular tissues. Physicochemical analysis quantified key parameters: leaf samples showed loss on drying (5.12 ± 0.13%), total ash (14.41 ± 0.43%), acid-insoluble ash (1.21 ± 0.08%), ethanol-soluble extractives (3.24 ± 0.06%), and water-soluble extractives (21.75 ± 0.38%), while flower samples yielded values of 5.25±0.01%, 12.61 ± 0.14%, 1.08 ± 0.08%, 4.06 ± 0.02%, and 19.51 ± 0.27%, respectively. TLC fingerprinting using silica gel 60 GF254 with hexane:acetate (9:1) identified four distinct spots with hRf values of 10-12, 18-20, 22-24, and 42-44. Phytochemical screening confirmed the presence of alkaloids (+++), cardiac glycosides (+), tannins (+), and flavonoids (+) in both plant parts, with saponins detected only in flowers. The microbial analysis demonstrated contamination levels within acceptable limits, with total aerobic counts (8.4 × 10³ CFU/g) and yeast/mold counts (1.4 × 10⁴ and 8.0 × 10³ CFU/g for leaves and flowers, respectively), indicating a complete absence of pathogenic bacteria. Heavy metal concentrations were significantly below safety thresholds: arsenic (0.05-0.11 ppm), cadmium (≤0.01 ppm), lead (0.17-0.84 ppm), and mercury (0.09-0.23 ppm). These comprehensive parameters establish a scientific foundation for quality assessment and standardization of Cannabis sativa L. subsp. sativa, supporting its safe and consistent application in medicinal preparations.

Designing and Developing Quality Control of Processes Using the Failure Mode and Effects Analysis Method and Machine Learning

2025-08-11T21:07:05+07:00

Medium-density fiberboard (MDF) production involves multiple intricate stages. Uneven thickness formation, large volumes of dynamic data from automated systems, and rapidly evolving technologies create substantial challenges for maintaining consistent quality control. Conventional approaches rely heavily on expert judgment and lack predictive capability, leaving a critical gap in timely and accurate risk assessment. This study addresses these challenges by integrating Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) with machine learning techniques to evaluate and predict risks throughout the MDF production process. Real production data from an industrial facility were used to ensure practical relevance. Domain experts first assessed the Severity (S), Occurrence (O), and Detection (D) parameters using the PFMEA method. Predictive models—including K-Nearest Neighbors, Support Vector Machine, Neural Network, and an Ensemble Method—were then developed to estimate risk scores. The findings show that the Neural Network and Ensemble Method achieved the highest overall accuracy. This integrated approach reduces subjective bias, enhances predictive precision, and supports informed decision-making for quality control and risk mitigation in industrial MDF production.

Growth and Fiber Yield of Red Spanish Pineapple (Ananas comosus L.) through Fertilizer Management and Planting Density in Aklan, Philippines

2025-08-11T16:45:51+07:00

Abstract: The Red Spanish Pineapple (Ananas comosus L.) is a natural fiber-producing crop primarily cultivated for its piña fiber and is deemed the “Queen of Philippine Fabrics” and “Mother of all Phillippine Textiles”. The Aklan province is the center and top producing piña fiber in the country and holds historical significance for piña weaving using traditional handlooms. However, proper fertilization of this crop has not yet been explored to optimize its potential to directly influence fiber leaves and fruits. This study analyzed the growth dynamics of RSP using planting density and fertilizer treatments. The study experimented to analyze the growth dynamics of the RSP using three planting densities (80 × 50 × 30 cm, 60 × 30 cm, and 30 × 30 cm) and five fertilizer treatments (control, STK recommendation 55-40-50, ASU recommendation 56-56-56, 20 t/ha vermicompost, and 40 t/ha vermicompost). The study showed that 20 tons per hectare of vermicompost consistently exhibited a significant influence on the growth performance of the RSP, while STK recommendations (55-40-50) also showed a significant effect on growth performance. In contrast, the ASU recommendation (56-56-56) exhibited moderate influence but had a lesser impact compared to other treatments. Meanwhile, planting distance demonstrated minimal influence; therefore, the growth performance of RSP was not as effective as that of fertilizer management. The results of this study provide relevant information and address the scarcity of data, sustain tradition, and optimize RSP to meet the demand for high-quality fiber locally and internationally.

Integration of Innovative Waste Management Systems for Sustainable Development in Khun Thale: The SDG Station Model

2025-09-07T23:37:24+07:00

Waste management in Khun Thale Subdistrict faces significant challenges, with inefficient sorting systems leading to missed resource recovery opportunities. This study employed Human-Centered Design methodology to develop and implement innovative waste management solutions through the "SDG Station" project. Waste composition analysis revealed that paper waste (38%), plastic (30%), and organic waste (17%) were the primary components in general areas, whereas flea market waste consisted predominantly of organic matter (73%). The project implemented multiple interconnected systems: a recycling incentive program ("Trash Lucky") that collected 3,434 kg of recyclable materials across three phases; an organic waste processing system that produced 2,052 cubic meters of biogas from 42,634 kg of organic waste; and vermicomposting that generated 485 kg of soil conditioner from 56 kg of waste. Innovative applications included biogas pipeline delivery to food vendors, which reduced cooking costs and created economic benefits for students through mandated food price reductions. Integrating agrivoltaic farming systems enhanced resource utilization through the "Farm to Table" concept. Overall, the project achieved significant greenhouse gas reductions, totaling 23,976.11 kg CO₂eq, and demonstrated alignment with 11 of the Sustainable Development Goals. The implemented waste bank model offers valuable policy frameworks for scaling sustainable waste management practices throughout Thailand.

Outdoor Walkway Flooring from Natural Rubber and Reclaimed Rubber Blends with Superior Environmental Resistance

2025-08-28T08:10:05+07:00

This study systematically investigated the effects of reclaimed rubber (RR) content on the mechanical properties and accelerated aging resistance of natural rubber (NR) vulcanizates for outdoor walkway flooring applications. Six formulations were prepared with NR/RR ratios ranging from 100/0 to 50/100 parts per hundred rubber (phr), maintaining a total rubber content of 100 phr after accounting for the 48-50% actual rubber content in reclaimed rubber (confirmed by thermogravimetric analysis showing 55% mass loss at 350-400°C). Results demonstrated that increasing RR content from 0 to 100 phr progressively decreased tensile strength and elongation at break, while hardness and 300% modulus exhibited slight increases due to residual cross-links and higher filler concentrations in reclaimed rubber. Notably, accelerated aging tests (ASTM D573: 100°C for 22 hours; ASTM G154: UV-A 0.89 W/m² at 340 nm, 60°C for 8 hours, followed by condensation at 50°C for 4 hours, total 168 hours) revealed substantial improvements in aging resistance with increasing RR content. The percentage decrease in tensile strength after aging diminished progressively as RR content increased. The optimized formulation containing 100 phr reclaimed rubber was selected for commercial production. Despite having a relatively lower tensile strength compared to virgin NR formulations, this composition provided adequate mechanical performance while demonstrating superior resistance to environmental degradation. Compression molding at 170°C for 8 minutes produced 1 m² × 0.06 m rubber tiles with anti-slip lozenge patterns. Implementation at a commercial café yielded positive user feedback and achieved an approximately 30% cost reduction compared to virgin rubber formulations, supporting the sustainable utilization of rubber waste.

Effects of Dietary Insect Powder Supplementation on Hematological Parameters of Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio) Fry

2025-08-27T17:10:07+07:00

The increasing demand for sustainable protein sources in aquaculture has driven research into insect meal as an alternative to fishmeal for fish nutrition. This study evaluated the effects of dietary insect powder supplementation on blood parameters and liver enzymes in common carp (*Cyprinus carpio*) fry to assess both efficacy and safety of this protein source. Seventy-two common carp fry (average weight 16.65±0.01 g) were randomly distributed into four treatments with six fish per replicate: T0 (control diet), T1 (1% insect powder), T2 (2% insect powder), and T3 (3% insect powder). The insect powder consisted of equal proportions of dried grasshopper and mealworms mixed with a commercial floating diet (30% crude protein, 412 kcal/g gross energy). After 60 days of feeding, blood samples were collected to analyze hematological parameters including red blood cells, hemoglobin, hematocrit, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), platelets, and white blood cells, as well as liver enzymes aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). All insect powder supplementation treatments significantly improved blood parameters compared to the control, with treatment effectiveness following the order T3 > T2 > T1 > T0. Treatment T3 achieved the highest values for red blood cells, hemoglobin, and hematocrit. Notably, liver enzyme levels showed no significant differences between treatments, indicating the absence of hepatotoxicity. The results demonstrate that insect powder supplementation, particularly at 3% inclusion level, effectively enhances hematological parameters in common carp fry without causing liver damage, supporting its potential as a safe and beneficial alternative protein source in aquaculture feeds.

Enhancement of Bioactive Compounds and Nutrient Content in Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus) Using Nano-Magnesium and NPK Fertilization: A GC-MS Analysis

2025-09-10T14:07:11+07:00

This study investigated the effects of nano-magnesium and unbalanced NPK fertilizers on nutrient content and bioactive compounds in rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus) during the 2021-2022 growing season in Al-Qadisiyah, Iraq. Nine treatments were applied: control, nano-magnesium (1 and 2 g/L), NPK (1 and 2 g/L), and their combinations, with three replications each. Foliar applications were administered to six-week-old seedlings, with harvest occurring 30 days post-treatment. Nutrient analysis revealed that the nano-magnesium (1 g/L) + NPK (2 g/L) combination yielded the highest nitrogen content (1.96%), while nano-magnesium alone (2 g/L) produced the lowest (0.98%). Phosphorus peaked at 0.277% with nano-magnesium (2 g/L) versus 0.100% in controls. Potassium reached 1.211% with combined nano-magnesium + NPK (both 1 g/L), while NPK alone (2 g/L) showed the minimum (0.588%). Total lipids increased from 0.852% (control) to 1.038% (nano-magnesium + NPK, both 2 g/L). Carbohydrate content varied dramatically, with the highest value of 13.77% (nano-magnesium 2 g/L + NPK 1 g/L) contrasting sharply with 4.675% (both fertilizers at 2 g/L). GC-MS profiling revealed substantial variation in bioactive compounds: control plants contained 16 compounds, while treatments ranged from 2 compounds (nano-magnesium at 2 g/L alone) to 36 compounds (NPK at 1 g/L + nano-magnesium at 2 g/L). n-hexadecanoic acid emerged as the predominant compound across treatments, ranging from 3.26% to 35.17%. These findings demonstrate that nano-magnesium and NPK fertilization significantly enhance the nutritional and phytochemical profiles of rosemary, with combined applications showing synergistic effects on the diversity of bioactive compounds.

Quality Characteristics of Pregelatinized Cassava Flour and Its Application in Frozen Dough for Artisan Pizza

2025-08-30T20:19:15+07:00

Cassava has played a significant role in Indonesia and it has undergone various modern adaptations by transforming into pregelatinized cassava flour (PCF). This study reports on the characteristics of PCF produced by small entrepreneurs, evaluates the suitability of PCF frozen dough for fusion dishes like PCF-pizza, and assesses consumer acceptability of PCF-pizza. The concept of PCF-pizza integrates Indonesian ethnic cuisine, such as cassava, with the popular Western dish of pizza. A PCF producer was interviewed, followed by PCF sampling, which was then further formulated into a dough. The dough was developed in a laboratory, and it was stored in a freezer at a temperature of -20 + 2 ^oC for 0, 14, and 28 days. An artisan baker was intensively coached to develop the dough for the production of PCF-pizza, which was then delivered to the end consumer. Standard analytical methods were applied to determine the PCF characteristics, while questionnaire assessed consumers responses. The study revealed that PCF has suitable characteristics for dough preparation of PCF-pizza. The dough could expand and form pores upon baking, indicating that the dough protected the yeast cells during frozen storage. The PCF frozen dough, stored for 14 days, was still suitable for producing PCF-pizza. Consumers accepted the PCF-pizza texture, taste, and aroma, and the price was feasible for the artisanal bakery industry. This study demonstrated that the scientific and technological innovation of PCF, supported by public investment, presents opportunities for improved cassava utilization, thereby encouraging the development of smallholder agro-industries.