A comparative study of the biodegradability of oleic acid by sludge from a reactor fed with olive mill wastewater and sludge from a reactor fed with oleic acid

In the present study, we investigate the biodegradability of oleic acid by sludge from anaerobic filter reactor fed with olive mill wastewater (sludge T). A comparative study was conducted using a second sludge from an expanded granular bed reactor exposed to oleic acid (sludge P). The performance of treating oleic acid and the influence of the composition of the culture media were investigated and compared. Methane production by sludge T started after a lag phase of 150 hours. However no lag phase was observed with sludge P. In contrast a higher methane production was obtained with the sludge T. The addition of nutrients (minerals and yeast extract) to culture medium reduced the lag phase of methane production by 40 hours

Rheological and emulsifying properties of an exopolysaccharide produced by potential probiotic Leuconostoc citreum-BMS strain

EPS-BMS, is to our knowledge, the first high molecular weight exopolysaccharide from potential probiotic Leuconostoc citreum-BMS strain that consists on a mixture of α-(1,6)-dextran branched at the third position and β-(2,6)-levan. This sample exhibited interesting rheological and emulsifying properties under different conditions. Steady shear experiments proved that EPS-BMS had a pseudoplastic behavior without thixotropic properties. Interestingly, pseudoplasticity was maintained even under stress conditions of temperature, pH and salts, which could provide some sensory properties for food products such as mouth feel. Dynamic oscillatory measurements reflected a liquid-like behavior of the sample regardless of the studied EPS concentration, pH, temperature and ionic force. Results related to the emulsifying as well as interfacial properties showed that EPS-BMS had great potential to be applied as emulsifier and/or emulsion stabilizer in both neutral and acidic conditions. Based on the properties reported in this work, EPS-BMS could be potentially applied in the food industry

A comparison of recording modalities of P300 event-related potentials (ERP) for brain-computer interface (BCI) paradigm

International audienceAims of the study A brain-Computer Interface aims at restoring communication and control in severely disabled people by identification and classification of EEG features such as Event Related Potentials (ERPs). The aim of this study is to compare different EEG recording modalities for extraction of ERPs. The first comparison evaluates the performance of six disc electrodes with that of the Emotiv headset, while the second evaluates three different electrode types (disc, needle, and large squared electrode). Material and methods Ten healthy volunteers gave informed consent and were randomized to try the traditional EEG system (6 disc electrodes with gel and skin preparation) or the Emotiv headset first. Together with the six disc electrodes, a needle and a square electrode of larger surface were simultaneously recording near lead Cz. Each modality was evaluated over three sessions of auditory P300 separated by one hour. Results No statically significant effect was found for the electrode type, nor was the interaction between electrode type and session number. There was no statistically significant difference of performance between the Emotiv and the six traditional EEG disc electrodes, although there was a trend showing worse performance of the Emotive headset. However, the Modality-Session interaction was highly significant (p<0.001) showing that, while the performance of the 6 disc electrodes stay constant over sessions, the performance of the Emotiv headset drops dramatically between 2 and 3 hours of use. Finally, the evaluation of comfort by participants revealed an increasing discomfort with the Emotiv headset starting with the second hour of use. Conclusion Our study does not recommend the use of one modality over another based on performance but suggests the choice should be made on more practical considerations such as the expected length of use, the availability of skilled labor for system setup and above all, the patient experience