Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and response surface methodology were used to optimize a two-stage cyclone separator with critical diameters of 0.3 m and 0.4 m for oil palm loose fruit collection. Interactions between inlet air speed, vortex finder length, and exit diameter on the pressure drop, collection efficiency, and separation efficiency were investigated using response surface methodology. Results indicate that all factors were significant with a p-value < 0.05, except for the effects of vortex finder length on the pressure drop. Data was then fitted using quadratic polynomial method that predicts the optimized design via desirability approach. Ultimately, optimized design is inlet air speed of 21.51 m s⁻¹, a vortex finder length of 0.405 m, and an exit diameter of 0.131 m.

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This study aimed to investigate and compare the appearance, polyphenols, and aroma-related components of dried hops (DHs) by drying fresh hops (FHs) of Cascade and Chinook to a moisture content of 10 % in hot air at 50, 60 (DH60), and 70 °C (DH70). The total polyphenol content was significantly higher in FHs than in DHs and in Chinook than in Cascade at all drying temperatures. The linalool content was highest in DH60 (48.3 μg g⁻¹) for Cascade and in DH60 (30.2 μg g⁻¹) and DH70 (28.3 μg g⁻¹) for Chinook. The total aroma fraction decreased with increasing drying temperature and was higher in Cascade than in Chinook. These results could contribute to controlling bitterness and aroma during DH production.

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This study aimed to explore the protective effects of exogenous trehalose against salt stress in maize seedlings. Seven-day-old seedlings of the salt-tolerant maize variety Weike-70 were subjected to salinity stress using 150 mM NaCl, with or without trehalose treatment. Exogenous trehalose treatment increased the shoot weight, root weight, leaf area per plant, chlorophyll content, carotene content, polyphenol content, and the activities of superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, catalase, and peroxidase, but decreased the content of malondialdehyde, superoxide radicals, and hydrogen peroxide. The optimum dose of exogenous trehalose required for the maximum growth of maize seedlings was 10 mmol/L. These results indicate that exogenous trehalose treatment could alleviate the negative effects of salt stress on maize seedlings.

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In this study, we analyze the effects of different pulverization methods on rice flour pastes for 3D printing. Rice flour pulverized using a jet mill (Djm) and a hammer mill with 1 mm (Hm1), 2 mm (Hm2), and 3 mm (Hm3) mesh screens were used to prepare a paste with 50–68 % water content. Optimal water contents for printing were 56–58 % (Hm1), 52–54 % (Hm2), 50–54 % (Hm3), and 58–64 % (Djm). Pastes with a yield stress < 18 Pa collapsed, whereas those > 2303 Pa could not be extruded. Texture analysis of rice dumplings showed significant variations due to particle size distribution, indicating that the pulverization method affects both printability and texture of printed foods.

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