Article
Food Science & Technology
Maria Emilia Brassesco, Teresa R. S. Brandao, Cristina L. M. Silva, Manuela Pintado
Summary: Carob fruit and its derived products contain bioactive compounds that can help prevent health issues such as diabetes, heart diseases, and gastrointestinal disorders, making them potential functional food ingredients.
TRENDS IN FOOD SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Thermodynamics
Zakaria Tagnamas, Mounir Kouhila, Younes Bahammou, Hamza Lamsyehe, Haytem Moussaoui, Ali Idlimam, Abdelkader Lamharrar
Summary: The study investigated the solar drying of carob seeds using a convective solar dryer, finding that increasing drying temperature reduces drying time. The Verna mathematical model was found to be the most accurate for representing the drying curves of carob seeds, and the diffusion coefficient increases with drying temperature. An energy efficiency analysis showed that the convective dryer had a range of 2.6-4.2% energy efficiency.
JOURNAL OF THERMAL ANALYSIS AND CALORIMETRY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
S. Rodriguez, J. Rocha, M. Fernandes, A. P. Ravishankar, N. Steinbrueck, R. Cruz, E. Bacelar, G. Kickelbick, S. Anand, A. L. Crespi, S. Casal, V de Zea Bermudez
Summary: This study investigates the surface structure of the Ceratonia siliqua leaflet, which has a sophisticated light and water management system. The surface reflects solar radiation diffusely to lower the surface temperature and keep it dry. This natural strategy inspires the development of dual-functional material systems for applications such as antiglare and water-repelling coatings.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Diego Nicolas Bottegal, Sandra Lobon, Maria Angeles Latorre, Juan Ramon Bertolin, Javier Alvarez-Rodriguez
Summary: This study assesses the effects of including carob pulp in lambs' diet on meat quality. Results showed that adding carob pulp did not lead to meat deterioration but improved certain quality parameters, such as fatty acid composition.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Michaela Fruhbauerova, Libor Cervenka, Tomas Hajek, Miloslav Pouzar, Jiri Palarcik
Summary: This study compared the antioxidant properties and phenolic content of carob pod powder prepared by different grinding methods. The results showed that vibratory grinding improved the bioaccessibility of phenolic constituents in carob powder.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Nikola Martic, Jana Zahorec, Nebojsa Stilinovic, Bojana Andrejic-Visnjic, Branimir Pavlic, Nebojsa Kladar, Dragana Soronja-Simovic, Zita Seres, Miodrag Vujcic, Olga Horvat, Aleksandar Raskovic
Summary: The antioxidant capacity and hepatoprotective effect of carob pulp flour were examined. Optimal process parameters for maximizing total antioxidant activity were determined. In vivo experiments in mice demonstrated that carob extract attenuated liver injury and prevented oxidative stress induced by harmful substances.
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Snjezana Bolaric, Ivna Dragojevic Mueller, Ales Vokurka, Dubravka Vitali Cepo, Mirko Ruscic, Sinisa Srecec, Dario Kremer
Summary: Analysis of morphological and AFLP variability of carob tree populations in southern Croatian Adriatic revealed high molecular and morphological variability. Genetic data clustered populations into three groups, while morphological traits grouped them into five. Significant correlation between morphological and genetic data was observed.
TURKISH JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURE AND FORESTRY
(2021)
Editorial Material
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Marko Nemet, Milica Vasilic, Ana Tomas
Summary: Carob pulp has been recognized as an effective natural product for the treatment of dyslipidemia due to its beneficial effects on lipid metabolism. Its main components, polyphenols and insoluble fiber, have been found to lower lipid levels and potentially affect the gastrointestinal tract, liver, and adipose tissue. Additionally, carob products exhibit antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and vascular-protective activity.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Hassan Azaizeh, Hiba Nazmi Abu Tayeh, Roland Schneider, Joachim Venus
Summary: This study investigated the production of lactic acid using carob biomass bagasse, demonstrating the industrial feasibility of the fermentation process. The downstream process achieved high purity of lactic acid, making it suitable for various industrial applications.
FERMENTATION-BASEL
(2022)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Gahad Sallah Saeed Eldeeb, Sameh Hassan Mosilhey
Summary: The study investigated the impact of roasting temperatures on carob pods powder, showing significant changes in chemical composition and sensory properties. Roasting at 120 and 150 degrees Celsius resulted in the best taste and overall acceptability.
JOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY-MYSORE
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Siwar Ben Ayache, Filipa S. Reis, Maria Ines Dias, Carla Pereira, Jasmina Glamoclija, Marina Sokovic, Emna Behija Saafi, Isabel C. F. R. Ferreira, Lillian Barros, Lotfi Achour
Summary: This study conducted a chemical characterization of carob seeds, identifying them as a rich source of tocopherols, organic acids, and phenolic compounds with antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. Carob seeds have potential beyond being used for E410, they can also serve as a food preservative.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Aleksandar Raskovic, Nikola Martic, Ana Tomas, Bojana Andrejic-Visnjic, Milana Bosanac, Marko Atanaskovic, Marko Nemet, Radmila Popovic, Marko Krstic, Sasa Vukmirovic, Nebojsa Stilinovic
Summary: Carob pulp alone or in combination with simvastatin can alleviate dyslipidemia and obesity symptoms in rats fed a high-fat diet, and also has a hepatoprotective effect.
Review
Plant Sciences
Widad Dahmani, Nabia Elaouni, Abdelhadi Abousalim, Zachee Louis Evariste Akissi, Abdelkhaleq Legssyer, Abderrahim Ziyyat, Sevser Sahpaz
Summary: The carob tree is a versatile plant recognized for its ecological and industrial significance. It contains various compounds that exhibit activities such as antidiabetic, antihypertensive, antidepressant, and anti-obesity effects.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Manel Issaoui, Guido Flamini, Amelia Delgado
Summary: Carob flour is a valuable local resource in the formulation of sustainable foods with high nutritional value, low carbon footprint, safe, healthy, tasty, and affordable.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Aicha Akouz, Aziz Hasib, Juan Pablo Fernandez-Trujillo, Hicham Elbatal, Reda Elkacmi, Abdelali Boulli
Summary: The roasting process of carob powder was optimized using response surface methodology. The process increased antioxidant activity, dietary fiber, and polyphenol contents, while decreasing the concentration of other components.
FOOD AND BIOPROCESS TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Joan Romero Clausell, Alberto Quintana-Gallardo, Carlos Hidalgo Signes, Begona Serrano-Lanzarote
Summary: The study introduces a clay-based concrete as a sustainable alternative to traditional cement concrete for constructing structural slabs, showing potential to reduce carbon emissions and environmental impact significantly. Through material characterization and Life Cycle Assessment, it was demonstrated that the clay-based concrete is a viable option for environmentally friendly construction practices.
MATERIALS AND STRUCTURES
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Mauro Formica, Vieri Fusi, Daniele Paderni, Gianluca Ambrosi, Mario Inclan, Maria Paz Clares, Begona Verdejo, Enrique Garcia-Espana
Summary: The scorpionate Zn2+ complex can selectively recognize chloride anions, leading to visible changes in fluorescence emission under a 365 nm UV lamp. This recognition process involves the intramolecular displacement of the PyPD unit by chloride anions, as revealed by absorption, fluorescence, and NMR spectroscopy. Additionally, since the chromophore remains in the system after the recognition event, the fluorescence can be easily restored by eliminating the bound chloride anion.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Victor Martinez-Ibanez, Maria Elvira Garrido, Carlos Hidalgo Signes, Aniello Basco, Tiago Miranda, Roberto Tomas
Summary: This study evaluated the impact of high temperatures and cooling methods on the drillability of Prada limestone. The results showed that thermal treatment significantly improved the drillability of the rock, but the influence of cooling methods on drilling performance was inconclusive. Additionally, correlations between drillability variables and physical/mechanical properties of the limestone were proposed for preliminary predictions.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Lluis Guijarro, Alvaro Martinez-Camarena, Javier U. Chicote, Antonio Garcia-Espana, Enrique Garcia-Espana, Mario Inclan, Begona Verdejo, Jorge Gonzalez-Garcia
Summary: This study investigates the interaction between two aza-macrocycles and DNA/RNA, showing a high selectivity for ds-RNA. The interaction with these duplexes is blocked upon Zn2+ coordination, leading to a decrease in cytotoxicity of the metal complexes compared to free ligands.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Maria Esther Liebana-Duran, Begona Serrano-Lanzarote, Leticia Ortega-Madrigal
Summary: In order to achieve the EU emission reduction goals, it is essential to renovate the building stock in Valencia, by improving energy efficiency and reducing carbon emissions in public school buildings. Research conducted based on EU directives aims to identify cost-effective measures to achieve energy savings.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Geological
Maria Elvira Garrido, Ferry B. Petnga, Victor Martinez-Ibanez, Jose B. Seron, Carlos Hidalgo-Signes, Roberto Tomas
Summary: This research focuses on the impact of high temperatures and cooling methods on the strength and hardness of a limestone widely used in historic buildings in Eastern Spain, as well as studying the possibility of indirectly obtaining UCS through PLT and LHT tests. The results show significant decreases in UCS, PLT index, and LHT index as temperature increases, with slightly higher values observed in slowly cooled samples. This study provides valuable correlations for predicting UCS in historic buildings affected by fire, using faster and easier non-destructive methods.
ROCK MECHANICS AND ROCK ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Begona Verdejo, Mario Inclan, Maria Paz Clares, Irene Bonastre-Sabater, Mireia Ruiz-Gasent, Enrique Garcia-Espana
Summary: This review provides an overview of the recent developments in the research of chemosensors based on water-soluble polyamine ligands functionalized with fluorescent signaling units. These sensors are capable of coordinating metal ions, anionic or neutral species and provide an immediate visual response. They find applications in various fields such as biological studies, wastewater analysis, and soil contamination.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Mario Inclan, Maria Teresa Albelda, Salvador Blasco, Carolina Serena, Javier Ugarte Chicote, Antonio Garcia-Espana, Enrique Garcia-Espana
Summary: Superoxide dismutase (SOD) is important for protecting living organisms from harmful effects, but its therapeutic use is limited. This study found three low-molecular-weight compounds that can form complexes with Mn2+, showing a protective effect in vitro and restoring the growth of SOD-deficient E. coli.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Alba M. Valbuena-Rus, Matteo Savastano, Paloma Arranz-Mascaros, Carla Bazzicalupi, Maria P. Clares, Maria L. Godino-Salido, Maria D. Gutierrez-Valero, Mario Inclan, Antonio Bianchi, Enrique Garcia-Espana, Rafael Lopez-Garzon
Summary: In this study, green catalysts with excellent performance in Cu-free Sonogashira coupling reactions were prepared by supramolecular decoration of graphene surfaces with Pd(II) complexes. The results demonstrate that the active centers of the ligand-Pd type decorating the graphene surfaces show higher catalytic efficiency and reusability.
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Automation & Control Systems
Salvador Blasco, Mario Inclan, Begona Verdejo, Enrique Garcia-Espana
Summary: A new software called GEneral Microspeciation Solver (GEMS) has been developed for solving microspeciation problems. It uses Cluster Expansion Techniques and Symmetry Simplification to analyze NMR data from compounds with multiple protonation sites.
CHEMOMETRICS AND INTELLIGENT LABORATORY SYSTEMS
(2022)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Marta Jurkovic, Marijana Radic Stojkovic, Ksenija Bozinovic, Davor Nestic, Dragomira Majhen, Estefania Delgado-Pinar, Mario Inclan, Enrique Garcia-Espana, Ivo Piantanida
Summary: This article introduces a novel polyamine compound that exhibits strong intramolecular interactions and has strong binding and antiproliferative activity, making it applicable in cancer and gene therapy.
Article
Chemistry, Organic
Begona Verdejo, Mario Inclan, Salvador Blasco, Rafael Ballesteros-Garrido, Matteo Savastano, Antonio Bianchi, Enrique Garcia-Espana
Summary: This study investigated the synthesis, acid-base behavior, and anion recognition of neurotransmitters (dopamine, tyramine, and serotonin) using aza-scorpiand ligands functionalized with hydroxyphenyl and phenyl moieties (L1-L3 and L4, respectively). The results showed that L1 selectively recognized serotonin at physiological pH due to complementary hydrogen bonding, p-p, and cation-p interactions, leading to stabilization of the receptors. NMR and molecular dynamics studies revealed rotation blockage in the neurotransmitter side chain upon complexation with L1.
ORGANIC & BIOMOLECULAR CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Renato Rabelo, Luminita Toma, Nicolas Moliner, Miguel Julve, Francesc Lloret, Mario Inclan, Enrique Garcia-Espana, Jorge Pasan, Rafael Ruiz-Garcia, Joan Cano
Summary: This study investigates two octahedral cobalt complexes and reveals their ability to exhibit selective functions under external stimuli. The pH isomerism of these complexes shows reversible changes in luminescence, redox, and magnetic properties, both in solution and solid state. The fine-tuning of these properties offers exciting possibilities for advanced magnetic devices in molecular nanoscience and nanotechnology.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Mario Inclan, Neus Torres Hernandez, Alejandro Martinez Serra, Gonzalo Torrijos Jabon, Salvador Blasco, Cecilia Andreu, Marcel li del Olmo, Beatriz Javega, Jose-Enrique O'Connor, Enrique Garcia-Espana
Summary: Antibiotic resistance is a major health concern, and the development of new antimicrobials is necessary. In this study, we synthesized a series of natural and synthetic polyamines and their derivatives, and tested their antimicrobial activity against yeast, Gram-positive, and Gram-negative bacteria. The conjugated derivatives showed higher antimicrobial activity than the unsubstituted polyamines, and their activity was influenced by various factors.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Marco Agnes, Eleni Marina Kasimati, Mario Inclan, Angelos Thanassoulas, Georgios Miliotis, Milo Malanga, Gabor Benkovics, George Nounesis, Enrique Garcia-Espana, Penelope Bouziotis, Yannis G. Lazarou, Vivi Miriagou, Irene M. Mavridis, Konstantina Yannakopoulou
Summary: Highly resistant bacteria producing metallo-beta-lactamases pose a major global threat. A family of cyclodextrins substituted with iminodiacetic acid (IDA) were prepared and shown to form strong coordination complexes with metal ions. In vitro experiments demonstrated that these compounds can fully resensitize antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
CARBOHYDRATE POLYMERS
(2023)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Qi Jiang, Wei Liu, Shaopeng Wu, Xuanwen Gou
Summary: This study analyzes the erosion mechanisms of NaCl solution on asphalt concrete and finds that NaCl solution softens asphalt and promotes the intrusion of crystalline salt into it. Salt crystallization alters the surface roughness of aggregates, resulting in a decrease in skid resistance but an improvement in compressive strength. Additionally, the concentration of NaCl solution initially has no significant impact on the mechanical performance of asphalt concrete, but its domination gradually increases with the intensification of cyclic effects.
CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS
(2024)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Lili Kan, Lan-qing Dai, Ning Kong, Bin Peng, Fei Wang
Summary: This paper investigates the effect of freezing and thawing cycles on the tensile behavior of cracked ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC). The results show that long-term freezing and thawing action deteriorates the cracking strength, tensile strength, tensile strain, and strain energy of cracked UHPC. On the other hand, the action of water generally favors the development of tensile properties of UHPC. The crack distribution tends to be unsaturated under freezing and thawing environment, and the re-hydration reaction is hindered. The pore structure near the crack varies under different environments.
CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS
(2024)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Xin Xiao, Jingwei Li, Qingke Meng, Xiangshan Hou, Yanhui Liu, Xujiang Wang, Wenlong Wang, Shengtao Lu, Yuzhong Li, Yanpeng Mao, Tong Li
Summary: Preparing gypsum-based self-leveling mortar (GSLM) using beta-hemihydrate gypsum and solid wastes-derived sulfoaluminate cement (WSAC) can improve the mechanical performance of the mortar, but phosphorus impurities can weaken the hydration speed and degree.
CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS
(2024)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Sihang Bao, Junzhen Di, Yanrong Dong, Ziqing Gao, Qing Gu, Yuanfang Zhao, Hongyu Zhai
Summary: Tailings dam break and leakage accidents pose a threat to the safety of people in mining areas and cause severe environmental pollution. This study focuses on solidifying tailing sand using microbial induced calcite precipitation (MICP) to improve strength and fix heavy metals. The curing time of MICP bio-cemented tailings is found to significantly impact the strength of tailings, while its effect on heavy metal fixation is minimal. The optimized MICP curing time is 10 days, resulting in improved strength and cementation of tailings particles.
CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS
(2024)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Ferhat Benmahiddine, Fares Bennai, Achraf Charaka, Ameur El Amine Hamami, Abdelkader Tahakourt, Rafik Belarbi
Summary: This paper studied the effects of hysteresis on the hygrothermal behavior at the building scale. Through laboratory validation and numerical simulations, it was found that hysteresis has a significant impact on the relative humidity and total heat fluxes in buildings, while it does not have a noticeable effect on temperature variations.
CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS
(2024)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
You Gao, Wei He, Xiayang Zhang, De'an Sun, Pei Li
Summary: This study determined the boundary line between the swelling and compression deformation zone in lateritic clay through wetting tests, and proposed a simple bimodal SWRC model. It also found that the existing strength model underestimated the tested values in the medium to high suction range, therefore a segmented strength equation was introduced for enhanced predictions of the strength properties of lateritic clay.
CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS
(2024)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Prabhath Ranjan Kumar Soda, Asheer Mogal, Kalyan Chakravarthy, Nikhil Thota, Nimish Bandaru, Sanjay Kumar Shukla, K. M. Mini
Summary: This study investigates the use of encapsulated bacteria to improve the self-healing ability of concrete. Through various tests, it is found that using 20% cement-coated alginate beads (CCAB) and 5% nanosilica (NS) can achieve optimal strength and healing. This research is significant for enhancing the durability of concrete.
CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS
(2024)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Shizhe Wang, Haiping Wu, Wen Yang, Wei Wang, Zhibo Zhu, Kun Nie, Luoxin Wang, Hua Wang, Jing Wu
Summary: In this study, photothermal-heat storage concrete (PHSC) was developed with excellent photothermal conversion performance and heat storage capacity. By absorbing and storing solar energy during the day and releasing it at night, PHSC can effectively reduce energy consumption in buildings.
CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS
(2024)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Robin Deb, Jialuo He, Geetika Mishra, Yaghoob (Amir) Farnam
Summary: Incorporation techniques of phase change materials in cementitious composites have a significant influence on thermal properties. This study investigated the thermal behavior of low-temperature PCM when subjected to varying temperature change rates and pore confinement inside the porous network of lightweight aggregates. The results showed that ramp rates affect the nucleation and crystallization growth process during the phase transition, and the pore structure of the aggregates affects the supercooling phenomenon and confinement pressure of the PCM.
CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS
(2024)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Eduardo Ferreira, Payam Sotoudeh, Dagmar Svecova
Summary: This study investigates the fatigue behavior of concrete under different stress reversal conditions. The results indicate that stress reversal generally causes more severe damage and reduces the cycles to failure compared to tensile fatigue. Additionally, adding some level of compression contributes to the energy required for failure under stress reversal fatigue. Specimens with higher concentration of fractured aggregates achieve longer fatigue lives.
CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS
(2024)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Mag Raj Gehlot, Sandeep Shrivastava
Summary: This study evaluates the compatibility relationship between plaster bonds and the substrate under an accelerated aging environment, and finds that incorporating an appropriate amount of granite cutting waste can improve the strength parameters and adhesion of the cement mortar.
CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS
(2024)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Min Zhang, Qirui Luo, Mingke Deng, Shixing Zhao
Summary: This study investigated the bond behavior between carbon FRCM composites with added short fibers and concrete substrates. The effects of different factors were considered and 36 specimens were tested and discussed. The experimental results were analyzed in terms of failure mode, load-slip curve, and characteristic parameters, and the contribution of weft yarns was taken into account in the developed bondslip model.
CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS
(2024)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Dengkai Liu, Hongniao Chen, Ray Kai Leung Su
Summary: The susceptibility of building stones to fire and high temperature was investigated in this study by examining their physical and mechanical properties. The results show that both compressive and tensile properties of stones are affected by temperature changes. The tensile strength is particularly sensitive to temperature changes, requiring special attention to the components subjected to tensile stress in stone buildings. Principal component analysis was used to predict the mechanical properties of stones, providing a new method for calculating the residual mechanical properties after high temperature or fire.
CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS
(2024)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Joso Maria Raposo, Eduardo Cavaco, Luis Costa Neves, Eduardo Julio
Summary: This paper investigates the correlation between the friction coefficient and the surface roughness of concrete-to-concrete interfaces. Experimental tests were performed on specimens with different surface treatments, and the surface roughness parameters were analyzed and correlated with the shear strength and friction coefficient. The results showed that certain roughness parameters had a strong positive correlation with the friction coefficient, while others had little or no correlation. A novel combined roughness parameter with optimized correlation was proposed.
CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS
(2024)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Chiara Riccardi, Massimo Losa
Summary: The interest in using bio materials in asphalt pavements is growing due to economic reasons and environmental benefits. This study aimed to review the use of bio extenders as additives in binders, with a focus on replacements greater than 20% of fossil binder. The properties of bio-extended binders were found to vary substantially depending on the biomass source and production process.
CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS
(2024)
