Application of artificial intelligence in modeling of nitrate removal process using zero-valent iron nanoparticles-loaded carboxymethyl cellulose.

This study explores nitrate reduction in aqueous solutions using carboxymethyl cellulose loaded with zero-valent iron nanoparticles (Fe-CMC). The structures of this nano-composite were characterized using various techniques. Based on the characterization results, the specific surface area of Fe-CMC measured by the Brunauer-Emmett-Teller analysis were 39.

Changes in phytochemical properties and water use efficiency of peppermint (Mentha piperita L.) using superabsorbent polymer under drought stress.

Water consumption management and the application of advanced techniques in the agricultural sector can significantly contribute to the efficient utilization of limited water resources. This can be achieved by improving soil texture, increasing water retention, reducing erosion, and enhancing seedling germination through the use of superabsorbent polymers. This study aimed to investigate the effect of Aquasource superabsorbent (AS) on the morphological characteristics, phytochemical properties, antioxidant content, and water use efficiency of peppermint.

Biochar and flow interruption control spatio-temporal dynamics of fecal coliform retention under subsurface drip irrigation.

Applying wastewater in subsurface drip irrigation helps address water shortage in arid and semi-arid environments. Microbial contamination may result, but soil amendments such as biochar could help protect soil and water resources. To improve understanding, this study investigated spatio-temporal dynamics of fecal coliform retention in a biochar-treated soil under subsurface drip irrigation.

Evaluation of the properties and antibacterial activity of microchitosan film impregnated with Shirazi thyme () and garlic () essential oils.

Background: Recent research has shown that chitosan has good moisture-absorbing properties at the micro and nanoscale, and seems to be a good candidate for the production of biodegradable moisture-absorbing films.

Aims: The aim of this study was to evaluate the properties and antibacterial activity of starch-based microchitosan (MCH) films impregnated with two essential oils (EOs).

Methods: MCH films with varying thicknesses were made from cornstarch (6%), microchitosan (1%), glycerol (2.

The effect of packaging and storage time on quality of clustered fresh pistachio.

Pistachio is one of the valuable, very nutritious, and high-energy fruits that is mainly dried and used as a snack due to problems with storage. Therefore, to investigate on how to extend clustered fresh pistachios' shelf-life, the effects of various packaging and storage conditions on the pistachios are presented in this study. Thus, clustered in-hull fresh pistachios were packaged in: (a) Polyethylene film, 45 µm in thickness; (b) polypropylene/polyethylene/polyamide/polyethylene/aluminum foil multilayer film, 90 µm in thickness; (c) both films with alcoholic paper; in air, and under two gas mixtures of 88%N + 10%CO + 2%O and 83%N + 15%CO + 2%O .

Acacia Gum as a Natural Anti-Plasticizer for the Production of Date Syrup Powder: Sorption Isotherms, Physicochemical Properties, and Data Modeling.

The thermoplastic and hygroscopic behaviors of date syrup (DS) challenge the DS drying process. In this context, DS was mixed with 30%, 40%, 50%, and 60% acacia gum (AG) and subjected to a drum dryer. The chemical composition, bulk density (), caking degree (CD), glass transition temperature (Tg), and color values of DS powders were studied.

Structural and Micromechanical Properties of Ternary Granular Packings: Effect of Particle Size Ratio and Number Fraction of Particle Size Classes.

The confined uniaxial tests of packings with discrete particle size distribution (PSD) were modeled with the discrete element method. Ternary packings of spheres with PSD uniform or nonuniform by number of particles were examined in three-dimensional (3D) system. The study addressed an effect of the particle size ratio and the particle size fraction on structural and micromechanical properties of mixtures.

Evaluation of fertigation management impacts of surface drip irrigation on reducing nitrate leaching using numerical modeling.

The objective of this study was to investigate the impacts of fertigation strategies on nitrate leaching and its uptake into maize plants. Field experimental data were employed to calibrate a numerical model (HYDRUS 2D/3D) for a surface drip irrigation system in a sandy clay loam soil. The calibrated model was used to simulate nitrate plant uptake and its leaching in different fertigation scenarios based on various fertigation durations and different start times of fertigation.

Water resistance and mechanical properties of low methoxy-pectin nanocomposite film responses to interactions of Ca ions and glycerol concentrations as crosslinking agents.

To achieve a low methoxy-pectin nanocomposite film with maximum resistance to water and acceptable mechanical properties, the interactions of different glycerol concentrations and Ca ions in both steps of crosslinking on the swelling degree (SD) and mechanical properties of prepared films were investigated using response surface methodology (RSM). Accordingly, quadratic second-order models were fitted to the SD and tensile strength responses; while the cubic model demonstrated a good relation between independent variables and elongation at break respectively. As a compromise between water resistance and mechanical properties of the prepared films, the use of 0.

Biodegradable zein film composites reinforced with chitosan nanoparticles and cinnamon essential oil: Physical, mechanical, structural and antimicrobial attributes.

Natural bio-based zein films were prepared by incorporating cinnamon essential oil (CEO) and chitosan nanoparticles (CNPs) at 2% and 4% (w/w) amounts, respectively, in order to provide mechanical and antimicrobial functionalities. The physical, mechanical, structural and antibacterial properties of the enriched zein films were also scrutinized. The results showed that the combination of CEO-CNPs significantly improves the tensile strength and decreases the elongation of zein film composite.

Preparation and characterization of a novel bionanocomposite edible film based on pectin and crystalline nanocellulose.

In this study, for the first time, the edible pectin film was reinforced by crystalline nanocelullose (CNC). The incorporation of three levels of CNC (2, 5 and 7% w/w) on mechanical, thermal and water vapor barrier properties of pectin-based biodegradable film were investigated using solution casting evaporation method for film preparation. The optimum result was obtained through the nanocomposite film with 5% CNC in terms of mechanical and water vapor properties as the tensile strength increased up to 84% and water vapor permeability decreased by 40%.

Recent innovations in the area of edible films and coatings.

Edible films/coatings have been considered as one of the potential technologies that can be used to increase the storability of foods and to improve the existent packaging technology, helping to ensure the microbial safety and the preservation of food from the influence of external factors. Innovations constantly appear in food packaging, always aiming at creating a more efficient quality preservation system while improving foods' attractiveness and marketability. The utilization of renewable sources for packaging materials, such as hydrocolloids and lipids from biological origin, is one the main trends of the industry.

Use of edible films and coatings to extend the shelf life of food products.

The increased consumer demand for high quality, extended shelf life, ready to eat foods has initiated the development of several innovative techniques to keep their natural and fresh appearance as long as possible and at the same time render them safe. Packaging has been an important element in these preservation concepts for providing the appropriate (mechanical and functional) protection to the commodity. Since synthetic packaging materials contribute to the environmental pollution, edible coatings and packages have been proposed to replace or complement conventional packaging.

The effect of polyethylene glycol on the characteristics of kenaf cellulose/low-density polyethylene biocomposites.

Toward the development of biocomposites for packaging applications, the possibility of using kenaf cellulose (KC) was investigated in the production of low-density polyethylene (LDPE)/KC/polyethylene glycol (PEG) biocomposites. First, cellulose was extracted from the cell walls of kenaf-bast fibers. Then, different weights of LDPE, KC, and PEG were blended, and the effects of varying the concentrations of KC and PEG on the synthesis process were evaluated, and the resulting composites were characterized with respect to their mechanical, thermal, biodegradability and water-absorption properties.

Safety assessments of agricultural machinery in Iran.

Serious agriculture-related accidents are increasing in Iran, and this has come to the attention of authorities and planners. Due to the lack of data for this region of the world, research was conducted in different states of Iran to assess the most common causes of agriculture-related injuries. The relevant factors were divided into the three groups: personal, mechanical, and environmental.