Search

The feasibility of using attenuated total reflectance in combination with mid-infrared (MIR) spectroscopy for the analysis of malt quality parameters in wort, such as free α-amino acid (FAN), apparent attenuation limit (AAL), soluble protein (SP) and viscosity (VIS), was evaluated. The coefficients of determination in cross-validation [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study reports the use of near-infrared (NIR) reflectance spectroscopy combined with two-dimensional correlation (2D-COS) spectroscopy to monitor the effect of soaking and water uptake by the barley endosperm (Hordeum vulgare, L). The synchronous 2D-COS maps derived from the NIR spectra of barley endosperm showed similarities that could be explained by the regions in the spectra associated with water as well as with the biochemical and biophysical changes as a consequence of the water uptake by the grain. The results also demonstrated the potential of 2D-COS combined with NIR spectroscopy as an analytical tool to study changes in the biophysical characteristics of whole barley during steeping or soaking. This method can be used to obtain information about the effect of water uptake in other chemical characteristics of the endosperm of cereal grains. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of the Rapid Visco Analyser (RVA) instrument combined with pattern recognition methods as tools to differentiate commercial barley samples from two South Australian localities and three harvests. Principal component analysis (PCA), partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) and stepwise discriminant analysis were applied to classify samples based on the RVA profiles using full cross validation (leave-one-out) as the validation method. The PLS-DA models correctly classify 96.3 and 97.8 % of the barley samples according to harvest and locality, using the profiles generated by the RVA instrument. Analysis and interpretation of the eigenvectors and loadings from the PCA or PLS-DA models developed verified that the RVA profiles contain relevant information related to starch pasting properties that allows sample classification. These results suggest that RVA coupled with PLS-DA holds necessary information for a successful classification of barley samples sourced from different localities and harvests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Steeping is the first operation of malting and its purpose is to increase the water content of the grain up to 43-46%; however, such a simple step encompasses several metabolic processes that affect germination and the final malt quality. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of initial grain protein (GP) content and starch pasting properties, measured using the Rapid Visco Analyser (RVA) on water uptake in different barley varieties. The partial least squares (PLS2) regression algorithm was used to compare the two data matrices, the independent block of variables X (RVA data and GP) and the dependent block Y (water uptake at different steeping times). The first two PLS2 loadings explained 65 and 23% of the total variation in water uptake in the barley samples. Water uptake at 1 and 2 h was poorly explained by the PLS2 models, while after 5 h the models explained more than 40% of the variability. The results from this study showed that, although a relationship between GP and water uptake exists, it is not universal for all the varieties, indicating that the relationship between GP and water uptake is varietal dependent. Copyright © 2014 The Institute of Brewing & Distilling [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to evaluate the ability of using near infrared reflectance (NIR) spectroscopy to predict parameters generated by the rapid visco analyser (RVA) in whole grain barley samples to further study starch pasting characteristics in a breeding program. A total of 130 whole grain barley samples from the University of Adelaide germplasm collection, harvested over three seasons (2009, 2010 and 2011) were analysed using both NIR and RVA instruments and calibrations developed using partial least squares (PLS) regression. The coefficient of determination in cross validation ( R) and the standard error in cross validation (SECV) were 0.88 [SECV = 477.5 (RVU = rapid visco units)] for peak viscosity (PV), 0.82 (SECV = 635.5 RVU) for trough (THR), 0.92 (SECV = 190.4 RVU) for breakdown (BKD), 0.61 (SECV = 151.1 RVU) for setback (SET), 0.84 (SECV = 698.0 RVU) for final viscosity (FV), 0.70 (SECV = 0.54 s) for time to peak (TTP) and 0.36 (SECV = 2.2 min) for pasting temperature (PT). We have demonstrated that NIR spectroscopy shows promise as a rapid, non-destructive method to measure PV in whole grain barley. In this context, NIR spectroscopy has the potential to significantly reduce analytical time and cost for screening novel lines for starch properties for pasting properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Starch is the major component of the barley ( Hordeum vulgare L) grain (approx. 70 %), and changes in its biophysical properties have an effect on malting and other grain properties. The objectives of this study were to investigate whether swelling properties and water solubility can be determined in whole grain barley samples using NIR spectroscopy and to characterise specific NIR spectra vibration regions that can provide information about these properties. Both swelling and water solubility index were measured in whole grain barley samples by reference methods and using NIR spectroscopy. From the examination of the partial least squares (PLS) loadings, we were able to relate the swelling properties (SP) with wavelengths in the NIR region that can be associated with amylose and amylopectin, while PLS loadings for water solubility index (WSI) were associated with wavelengths in the NIR region related to starch. It was demonstrated that these two parameters can be measured by NIR spectroscopy with standard errors in cross validation of 0.07 g/g and 0.42 % and standard errors of prediction of 0.08 g/g and 0.66 % for SP and WSI, respectively. The use of NIR spectroscopy will allow for the rapid and non-destructive screening of barley germplasm for breeding purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) can contribute significantly to the achievement of environmental sustainability through teaching and research activities, and also through improvements in the environmental management of University estates. This article explores the results of implementing Environmental Management Systems (EMSs) in a HEI in Greece. Specifically, the results of two surveys, focusing on students' perceptions in the University of the Aegean, are presented and analysed. The surveys were conducted prior and after the implementation of an EMS in the University. The survey results demonstrate several positive consequences from the implementation of EMS across the University campus. In particular, there is a positive influence on students' environmental awareness and behaviour, accompanied by greater preference among them for more participatory environmental management initiatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]