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Objective: Despite widespread perceptions that SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) is no longer a significant threat, the virus continues to loom, and new variants may require renewed efforts to control its spread. Understanding how individual preferences and attitudes influence vaccination behaviour and policy compliance in light of the endemic phase is crucial in preparation for this scenario. Method: This paper presents descriptive data from a global stated choice survey conducted in 22 countries across 6 different continents between July 2022 and August 2023, and reports the methodological work developed to address the need for comparable data. Results: This study included 50,242 respondents. Findings indicated significant heterogeneity across countries in terms of vaccination status and willingness to accept boosters. Vaccine hesitancy and refusal were driven by lower trust in public health bodies, younger age, and lower educational levels. Refusers and hesitant people reported lower willingness to take risks compared to those fully vaccinated (p<0.05). Lower mental health levels were found for the hesitant cohort (p<0.05). Conclusions: Insights from this database can help public health authorities to gain a new understanding of the vaccine hesitancy phenomenon, support them in managing the transition from the pandemic to the endemic phase, and favour a new stream of research to maximise behavioural response to vaccination programs in preparation of future pandemics.

To propose a novel framework for COVID-19 vaccine allocation based on three components of Vulnerability, Vaccination, and Values (3Vs). A combination of geospatial data analysis and artificial intelligence methods for evaluating vulnerability factors at the local level and allocate vaccines according to a dynamic mechanism for updating vulnerability and vaccine uptake. A novel approach is introduced including (I) Vulnerability data collection (including country-specific data on demographic, socioeconomic, epidemiological, healthcare, and environmental factors), (II) Vaccination prioritization through estimation of a unique Vulnerability Index composed of a range of factors selected and weighed through an Artificial Intelligence (AI-enabled) expert elicitation survey and scientific literature screening, and (III) Values consideration by identification of the most effective GIS-assisted allocation of vaccines at the local level, considering context-specific constraints and objectives. We showcase the performance of the 3Vs strategy by comparing it to the actual vaccination rollout in Kenya. We show that under the current strategy, socially vulnerable individuals comprise only 45% of all vaccinated people in Kenya while if the 3Vs strategy was implemented, this group would be the first to receive vaccines.

To propose a novel framework for COVID-19 vaccine allocation based on three components of Vulnerability, Vaccination, and Values (3Vs). A combination of geospatial data analysis and artificial intelligence methods for evaluating vulnerability factors at the local level and allocate vaccines according to a dynamic mechanism for updating vulnerability and vaccine uptake. A novel approach is introduced including (I) Vulnerability data collection (including country-specific data on demographic, socioeconomic, epidemiological, healthcare, and environmental factors), (II) Vaccination prioritization through estimation of a unique Vulnerability Index composed of a range of factors selected and weighed through an Artificial Intelligence (AI-enabled) expert elicitation survey and scientific literature screening, and (III) Values consideration by identification of the most effective GIS-assisted allocation of vaccines at the local level, considering context-specific constraints and objectives. We showcase the performance of the 3Vs strategy by comparing it to the actual vaccination rollout in Kenya. We show that under the current strategy, socially vulnerable individuals comprise only 45% of all vaccinated people in Kenya while if the 3Vs strategy was implemented, this group would be the first to receive vaccines.

Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) provide important insights into patients own perspectives about their health and medical condition, and there is evidence that their use can lead to improvements in the quality of care and to better-informed clinical decisions. Their application in cardiovascular populations has grown over the past decades. This statement describes what PROs are, and it provides an inventory of disease-specific and domain-specific PROs that have been developed for cardiovascular populations. International standards and quality indices have been published, which can guide the selection of PROs for clinical practice and in clinical trials and research; patients as well as experts in psychometrics should be involved in choosing which are most appropriate. Collaborations are needed to define criteria for using PROs to guide regulatory decisions, and the utility of PROs for comparing and monitoring the quality of care and for allocating resources should be evaluated. New sources for recording PROs include wearable digital health devices, medical registries, and electronic health record. Advice is given for the optimal use of PROs in shared clinical decision-making in cardiovascular medicine, and concerning future directions for their wider application.

Aim: This paper investigates the prevalence and determinants of three main states of people's willingness to be vaccinated (WTBV) against COVID-19 – willing, unwilling and hesitant – and the occurrence and predictors of shifts between these states over time. Understanding the dynamics of vaccine intentions is crucial for developing targeted campaigns to increase uptake and emergency response preparedness. Study design: A panel survey consisting of 9 quarterly waves of data collected between April 2020 and January 2022. Baseline data included 24 952 adults from Germany, UK, Denmark, the Netherlands, France, Portugal, and Italy recruited from online panels to construct census-matched nationally representative samples. Methods and measures: Self-reported COVID-19 vaccine intention was the main outcome. Multinomial logit random effects models were used to analyze the relationships of interest. All results reported as relative risk ratios (RRR). Results: Hesitancy to get vaccinated was the most unstable vaccine intention, with on average 42% of ever hesitant respondents remaining in this state through future waves, followed by the ‘unwilling’ (53%) and ‘willing (82%). Following COVID-19 news, trust in information from the government, GPs and the WHO, risk preferences, risk perceptions, and confidence in vaccines (or lack thereof) predicted vaccination intention reversals. Risk preferences acted both as an impediment and as a facilitator for the vaccine uptake depending on the initial vaccine intention. Conclusions and relevance: This study revealed the dynamic nature of COVID-19 vaccine intentions and its predictors in 7 European countries. The findings provide insights to policymakers for designing more effective communication strategies, particularly targeted at hesitant and unwilling to vaccinate population groups, to increase vaccine uptake for future public health

This study investigates the effects of ultrasound, in combination with chemical pretreatments, on the quality attributes (total phenolic and carotenoid content, antioxidant activity (2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl assay (DPPH)), ferric-reducing ability (FRAP), CIE L* a* b* color, non-enzymatic browning, rehydration ratio, textural and morphological properties) of red pepper subjected to drying (hot air drying or freeze drying). The fractional factorial design was used to assess the impact of factors. The global Derringer desirability function was used to determine the optimal conditions for the best quality attributes of dried pepper. The drying method influenced total phenolic content, a* (redness), and initial rehydration ratio; pretreatment time significantly affected FRAP antiradical activity, a*, chroma and non-browning index, while pH-value had a significant effect on the texture of dried pepper. Non-enzymatic browning was reduced to 72.6%, while the DPPH antioxidant capacity of freeze-dried peppers was enhanced from 4.2% to 71.9%. Ultrasonic pretreatment led to changes in the pepper morphology, while potassium metabisulfite (KMS) was a more effective additive than citric acid.

This study investigates the effects of ultrasound, in combination with chemical pretreatments, on the quality attributes (total phenolic and carotenoid content, antioxidant activity (2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl assay (DPPH)), ferric-reducing ability (FRAP), CIE L* a* b* color, non-enzymatic browning, rehydration ratio, textural and morphological properties) of red pepper subjected to drying (hot air drying or freeze drying). The fractional factorial design was used to assess the impact of factors. The global Derringer desirability function was used to determine the optimal conditions for the best quality attributes of dried pepper. The drying method influenced total phenolic content, a* (redness), and initial rehydration ratio; pretreatment time significantly affected FRAP antiradical activity, a*, chroma and non-browning index, while pH-value had a significant effect on the texture of dried pepper. Non-enzymatic browning was reduced to 72.6%, while the DPPH antioxidant capacity of freeze-dried peppers was enhanced from 4.2% to 71.9%. Ultrasonic pretreatment led to changes in the pepper morphology, while potassium metabisulfite (KMS) was a more effective additive than citric acid.

This study investigates the effects of ultrasound, in combination with chemical pretreatments, on the quality attributes (total phenolic and carotenoid content, antioxidant activity (2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl assay (DPPH)), ferric-reducing ability (FRAP), CIE L* a* b* color, non-enzymatic browning, rehydration ratio, textural and morphological properties) of red pepper subjected to drying (hot air drying or freeze drying). The fractional factorial design was used to assess the impact of factors. The global Derringer desirability function was used to determine the optimal conditions for the best quality attributes of dried pepper. The drying method influenced total phenolic content, a* (redness), and initial rehydration ratio; pretreatment time significantly affected FRAP antiradical activity, a*, chroma and non-browning index, while pH-value had a significant effect on the texture of dried pepper. Non-enzymatic browning was reduced to 72.6%, while the DPPH antioxidant capacity of freeze-dried peppers was enhanced from 4.2% to 71.9%. Ultrasonic pretreatment led to changes in the pepper morphology, while potassium metabisulfite (KMS) was a more effective additive than citric acid.

The COVID-19 pandemic considerably impacted the lives of European citizens. This study aims to provide a nuanced picture of well-being patterns during the pandemic across Europe with a special focus on relevant socio-economic sub-groups. This observational study uses data from a repeated, cross-sectional, representative population survey with nine waves of data from seven European countries from April 2020 to January 2022. The analysis sample contains a total of 25,062 individuals providing 64,303 observations. Well-being is measured using the ICECAP-A, a multi-dimensional instrument for approximating capability well-being. Average levels of ICECAP-A index values and sub-dimension scores were calculated across waves, countries, and relevant sub-groups. In a fixed effects regression framework, associations of capability well-being with COVID-19 incidence, mortality, and the stringency of the imposed lockdown measures were estimated. Denmark, the Netherlands, and France experienced a U-shaped pattern in well-being (lowest point in winter 2020/21), while well-being in the UK, Germany, Portugal, and Italy followed an M-shape, with increases after April 2020, a drop in winter 2020, a recovery in the summer of 2021, and a decline in winter 2021. However, observed average well-being reductions were generally small. The largest declines were found in the well-being dimensions attachment and enjoyment and among individuals with a younger age, a financially unstable situation, and lower health. COVID-19 mortality was consistently negatively associated with capability well-being and its sub-dimensions, while stringency and incidence rate were generally not significantly associated with well-being. Further investigation is needed to understand underlying mechanisms of presented patterns.

This study investigates the effects of ultrasound, in combination with chemical pretreatments, on the quality attributes (total phenolic and carotenoid content, antioxidant activity (2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl assay (DPPH)), ferric-reducing ability (FRAP), CIE L* a* b* color, non-enzymatic browning, rehydration ratio, textural and morphological properties) of red pepper subjected to drying (hot air drying or freeze drying). The fractional factorial design was used to assess the impact of factors. The global Derringer desirability function was used to determine the optimal conditions for the best quality attributes of dried pepper. The drying method influenced total phenolic content, a* (redness), and initial rehydration ratio; pretreatment time significantly affected FRAP antiradical activity, a*, chroma and non-browning index, while pH-value had a significant effect on the texture of dried pepper. Non-enzymatic browning was reduced to 72.6%, while the DPPH antioxidant capacity of freeze-dried peppers was enhanced from 4.2% to 71.9%. Ultrasonic pretreatment led to changes in the pepper morphology, while potassium metabisulfite (KMS) was a more effective additive than citric acid.

This study investigates the effects of ultrasound, in combination with chemical pretreatments, on the quality attributes (total phenolic and carotenoid content, antioxidant activity (2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl assay (DPPH)), ferric-reducing ability (FRAP), CIE L* a* b* color, non-enzymatic browning, rehydration ratio, textural and morphological properties) of red pepper subjected to drying (hot air drying or freeze drying). The fractional factorial design was used to assess the impact of factors. The global Derringer desirability function was used to determine the optimal conditions for the best quality attributes of dried pepper. The drying method influenced total phenolic content, a* (redness), and initial rehydration ratio; pretreatment time significantly affected FRAP antiradical activity, a*, chroma and non-browning index, while pH-value had a significant effect on the texture of dried pepper. Non-enzymatic browning was reduced to 72.6%, while the DPPH antioxidant capacity of freeze-dried peppers was enhanced from 4.2% to 71.9%. Ultrasonic pretreatment led to changes in the pepper morphology, while potassium metabisulfite (KMS) was a more effective additive than citric acid.

Purpose: To investigate health-related quality of life (HRQoL) over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic in seven European countries and its association with selected sociodemographic as well as COVID-19-related variables. Methods: We used longitudinal data from nine quarterly waves collected between April 2020 and January 2022 (sample size per wave ranging from N = 7025 to 7300) of the European COvid Survey (ECOS), a representative survey of adults in Germany, United Kingdom, Denmark, Netherlands, France, Portugal and Italy. HRQoL was measured using the EQ-5D-5L. The association of self-reported COVID-19 infection, perceived health risk from COVID-19, selected sociodemographic variables and the COVID-19 stringency index with HRQoL was analyzed by logistic and linear fixed effects regressions. Results: On average across all nine waves, the proportion of respondents reporting any problems in at least one of the EQ-5D dimensions ranged between 63.8% (Netherlands) and 71.0% (Denmark). Anxiety/depression was the most frequently affected EQ-5D dimension in four countries (Portugal: 52.0%; United Kingdom: 50.2%; Italy: 49.2%; France: 49.0%), whereas pain/discomfort ranked first in three countries (Denmark: 58.3%; Germany: 55.8%; Netherlands: 49.0%). On average across all nine waves, the EQ-VAS score ranged from 70.1 in the United Kingdom to 78.4 in Portugal. Moreover, the EQ-5D-5L index ranged from.82 in Denmark to.94 in France. The occurrence of COVID-19 infection, changes in the perceived risk to one’s own health from COVID-19, the occurrence of income difficulties and an increase in the COVID-19 stringency index were associated with increased likelihood of problems in EQ-5D dimensions, reduced EQ-VAS score and reduced EQ-5D-5L index. Conclusions: Across seven European countries, we found large proportions of respondents reporting problems in HRQoL dimensions throughout the pandemic, especially for anxiety/depression. Various sociodemographic and COVID-19-related vari

Background The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the fragmented nature of governmental policy decisions in Europe. However, the extent to which COVID-19 vaccination policies differed between European countries remains unclear. Here, we mapped the COVID-19 vaccination policies that were in effect in January 2022 as well as booster regulations in April 2022 in Austria, Denmark, England, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, and Spain. Methods National public health and health policy experts from these ten European nations developed and completed an electronic questionnaire. The questionnaire included a series of questions that addressed six critical components of vaccine implementation, including (1) authorization, (2) prioritization, (3) procurement and distribution, (4) data collection, (5) administration, and (6) mandate requirements. Results Our findings revealed significant variations in COVID-19 vaccination policies across Europe. We observed critical differences in COVID-19 vaccine formulations authorized for use, as well as the specific groups that were provided with priority access. We also identified discrepancies in how vaccination-related data were recorded in each country and what vaccination requirements were implemented. Conclusion Each of the ten European nations surveyed in this study reported different COVID-19 vaccination policies. These differences complicated efforts to provide a coordinated pandemic response. These findings might alert policymakers in Europe of the need to coordinate their efforts to avoid fostering divergent and socially disruptive policies., Background: The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the fragmented nature of governmental policy decisions in Europe. However, the extent to which COVID-19 vaccination policies differed between European countries remains unclear. Here, we mapped the COVID-19 vaccination policies that were in effect in January 2022 as well as booster regulations in April 2022 in Austria, Denmark, England, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, and Spain. Methods: National public health and health policy experts from these ten European nations developed and completed an electronic questionnaire. The questionnaire included a series of questions that addressed six critical components of vaccine implementation, including (1) authorization, (2) prioritization, (3) procurement and distribution, (4) data collection, (5) administration, and (6) mandate requirements. Results: Our findings revealed significant variations in COVID-19 vaccination policies across Europe. We observed critical differences in COVID-19 vaccine formulations authorized for use, as well as the specific groups that were provided with priority access. We also identified discrepancies in how vaccination-related data were recorded in each country and what vaccination requirements were implemented. Conclusion: Each of the ten European nations surveyed in this study reported different COVID-19 vaccination policies. These differences complicated efforts to provide a coordinated pandemic response. These findings might alert policymakers in Europe of the need to coordinate their efforts to avoid fostering divergent and socially disruptive policies.

Background The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the fragmented nature of governmental policy decisions in Europe. However, the extent to which COVID-19 vaccination policies differed between European countries remains unclear. Here, we mapped the COVID-19 vaccination policies that were in effect in January 2022 as well as booster regulations in April 2022 in Austria, Denmark, England, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, and Spain. Methods National public health and health policy experts from these ten European nations developed and completed an electronic questionnaire. The questionnaire included a series of questions that addressed six critical components of vaccine implementation, including (1) authorization, (2) prioritization, (3) procurement and distribution, (4) data collection, (5) administration, and (6) mandate requirements. Results Our findings revealed significant variations in COVID-19 vaccination policies across Europe. We observed critical differences in COVID-19 vaccine formulations authorized for use, as well as the specific groups that were provided with priority access. We also identified discrepancies in how vaccination-related data were recorded in each country and what vaccination requirements were implemented. Conclusion Each of the ten European nations surveyed in this study reported different COVID-19 vaccination policies. These differences complicated efforts to provide a coordinated pandemic response. These findings might alert policymakers in Europe of the need to coordinate their efforts to avoid fostering divergent and socially disruptive policies., Background: The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the fragmented nature of governmental policy decisions in Europe. However, the extent to which COVID-19 vaccination policies differed between European countries remains unclear. Here, we mapped the COVID-19 vaccination policies that were in effect in January 2022 as well as booster regulations in April 2022 in Austria, Denmark, England, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, and Spain. Methods: National public health and health policy experts from these ten European nations developed and completed an electronic questionnaire. The questionnaire included a series of questions that addressed six critical components of vaccine implementation, including (1) authorization, (2) prioritization, (3) procurement and distribution, (4) data collection, (5) administration, and (6) mandate requirements. Results: Our findings revealed significant variations in COVID-19 vaccination policies across Europe. We observed critical differences in COVID-19 vaccine formulations authorized for use, as well as the specific groups that were provided with priority access. We also identified discrepancies in how vaccination-related data were recorded in each country and what vaccination requirements were implemented. Conclusion: Each of the ten European nations surveyed in this study reported different COVID-19 vaccination policies. These differences complicated efforts to provide a coordinated pandemic response. These findings might alert policymakers in Europe of the need to coordinate their efforts to avoid fostering divergent and socially disruptive policies.

The increasing presence of documented and undocumented migrants increases the commitment of the Italian National Health Service to their health needs, following its founding principle of equity. In particular, chronic diseases, such as diabetes, represent a crucial area where patients’ health is affected by their adherence to care pathways, for which the recent literature has reported alarming low levels. In the case of migrants, obstacles to adherence, such as language or organizational barriers, could be overcome thanks also to charitable organizations providing healthcare services. In this study, we aimed to compare the adherence among documented and undocumented migrants who received healthcare services in Milan, Italy, either from the National Health Service (NHS) or from a charitable organization. We identified a cohort of newly taken into care diabetic patients composed of two groups: (i) documented migrants that attend the NHS; and (ii) undocumented migrants that attend a charity. Information was tracked by merging two datasets: the regional healthcare information system of Lombardy, and a unique dataset that collects data on specialistic visits and pharmaceutical prescriptions for all people visiting one of the most prominent charitable organizations in Italy. The annual diabetologist visit was used as the measure of adherence. The probability of being adherent was compared among the two groups by using a multivariate log-binomial regression model, considering a set of personal characteristics that may impact health behaviors. The cohort comprised 6429 subjects. The percentage of adherence was 52% among the documented migrants, and 74% among the undocumented. Regression results confirmed this pattern: undocumented patients have an increased probability of being adherent by 1.19 times (95% CI: 1.12 to 1.26) compared to documented ones. Our study revealed the potentiality of charitable organizations in guaranteeing continuity of care to undocumented migrants.

Health technology assessment (HTA) of medical devices (MDs) increasingly rely on real-world evidence (RWE). The aim of this study was to evaluate the type and the quality of the evidence used to assess the (cost-)effectiveness of high risk MDs (Class III) by HTA agencies in Europe (four European HTA agencies and EUnetHTA), with particular focus on RWE. Data were extracted from HTA reports on the type of evidence demonstrating (cost-)effectiveness, and the quality of observational studies of comparative effectiveness using the Good Research for Comparative Effectiveness principles. 25 HTA reports were included that incorporated 28 observational studies of comparative effectiveness. Half of the studies (46%) took important confounding and/or effect modifying variables into account in the design and/or analyses. The most common way of including confounders and/or effect modifiers was through multivariable regression analysis. Other methods, such as propensity score matching, were rarely employed. Furthermore, meaningful analyses to test key assumptions were largely omitted. Resulting recommendations from HTA agencies on MDs is therefore (partially) based on evidence which is riddled with uncertainty. Considering the increasing importance of RWE it is important that the quality of observational studies of comparative effectiveness are systematically assessed when used in decision-making.

We aimed to investigate the prevalence of probable depression and anxiety and their correlates during later stages of the COVID-19 pandemic in eight European countries. Longitudinal data (wave 7 in June/July 2021: n=8,032; wave 8 in September 2021: n=8,250; wave 9 in December 2021/January 2022: n=8,319) were used from the European COvid Survey – a representative sample of community-dwelling adults from several European countries (Germany, United Kingdom, Denmark, Netherlands, France, Portugal, Italy and Spain). In wave 7 (wave 8; wave 9), 23.8% (22.0%; 24.3%) of all respondents had probable depression and 22.6% (22.1%; 23.7%) had probable anxiety. These prevalence rates substantially differed between the European countries. Regressions showed that emerging difficulties with the income were associated with both increases in depressive symptoms and anxiety symptoms. An increase in one's own perceived risk of getting infected with the SARS-CoV-2, the birth of a child and an increase in the Covid-19 stringency index were associated with increases in depressive symptoms. The significance of probable depression and anxiety during later stages of the COVID-19 pandemic in eight European countries was highlighted. Avoiding income difficulties may also contribute to mental health.

The introduction of new high-yielding wheat cultivars and the intensification of high year-to-year variability require an additional update of information about environmental effects on main wheat quality parameters lacking for newly released cultivars in Serbia. This study aimed to determine the effect of growing seasons on the technological properties of new Serbian wheat cultivars and examine the relationships among the quality traits in different growing seasons. The experiment was set up in three growing seasons (2016-17, 2017-18, and 2018-19). A total of 13 recently developed wheat cultivars in Serbia and the five most widespread local cultivars were evaluated to compare differences in end-use quality. Also, the influence of climatic conditions on technological quality was examined and relations among them. Modern Serbian cultivars have improved grain yield but lower technological quality than the widespread Serbian cultivars. Changes in farinograph resistance and degree of softening were related to the differences in growing seasons, cultivars, and their interaction, while growing seasons had the highest effect on bread volume and extensograph parameters energy and ratio resistance, and extensibility variation. Moreover, a strong positive correlation was found between protein content, sedimentation value, wet gluten content, water absorption with extensograph extensibility, and negative correlation with the second parameter of extensograph, resistance ratio, and extensibility.

Health economists have written extensively on the design and implementation of coverage with evidence development (CED) schemes and have proposed theoretical frameworks based on cost-effectiveness modeling and value of information analysis. CED may aid decision-makers when there is uncertainty about the (cost-)effectiveness of a new health technology at the time of reimbursement. Medical devices are potential candidates for CED schemes, as regulatory regimes do not usually require the same level of efficacy and safety data normally needed for pharmaceuticals. The purpose of this research is to assess whether the actual practice of CED for medical devices in Europe meets the theoretical principles proposed by health economists and whether theory and practice can be more closely aligned. Based on decision-makers' perceptions of the challenges associated with CED schemes, plus examples from the schemes themselves, we discuss a series of proposals for assessing the desirability of schemes, their design, implementation, and evaluation. These proposals, while reflecting the practical challenges with developing CED programs, embody many of the principles suggested by economists and should support decision-makers in dealing with uncertainty about the real-world performance of devices.

Health economists have written extensively on the design and implementation of coverage with evidence development (CED) schemes and have proposed theoretical frameworks based on cost-effectiveness modeling and value of information analysis. CED may aid decision-makers when there is uncertainty about the (cost-)effectiveness of a new health technology at the time of reimbursement. Medical devices are potential candidates for CED schemes, as regulatory regimes do not usually require the same level of efficacy and safety data normally needed for pharmaceuticals. The purpose of this research is to assess whether the actual practice of CED for medical devices in Europe meets the theoretical principles proposed by health economists and whether theory and practice can be more closely aligned. Based on decision-makers' perceptions of the challenges associated with CED schemes, plus examples from the schemes themselves, we discuss a series of proposals for assessing the desirability of schemes, their design, implementation, and evaluation. These proposals, while reflecting the practical challenges with developing CED programs, embody many of the principles suggested by economists and should support decision-makers in dealing with uncertainty about the real-world performance of devices.

Protein profile, in vitro gastrointestinal digestion and antioxidant potential of two fresh cheese samples obtained by kombucha inoculum and traditional starter culture have been investigated in this study. There is a significant difference in protein profile and bioactive potential between fresh cheese samples. Kombucha fresh cheese contains higher proportion of protein, predominantly the casein fractions (α-casein and β-casein) compared to fresh cheese obtained by traditional culture. After gastrointestinal digestion (with pepsin and pancreatin), significantly higher amount of soluble protein and higher degree of hydrolyses were measured in kombucha fresh cheese sample than sample obtained by traditional culture. During gastrointestinal digestion, for fresh cheese with traditional starter both fractions of casein are degraded more rapidly by pepsin than in kombucha fresh cheese. The hydrolysates of cheese obtained by kombucha inoculum showed higher phenolic content and higher antiradical scavenging abilities than hydrolysates of fresh cheese produced with traditional starter. These results suggest that kombucha inoculum contributes to improvement of product’s bioactive potential., U ovom radu ispitani su proteinski profil, in vitro gastrointestinalna digestija i antioksidativni potencijal dva uzorka svježeg sira dobivenog korištenjem kombucha inokuluma i tradicionalne starter kulture. Utvrđena je značajna razlika u proteinskom profilu i biološkom potencijalu između uzoraka svježeg sira. Kombucha svježi sir sadržava veći udio proteina, pretežno frakcija kazeina (α-kazein i β-kazein) u odnosu na svježi sir koji je dobiven tradicionalnom starter kulturom. Tijekom gastrointestinalne digestije, frakcije kazeina brže se razgrađuju pepsinom u uzorku svježeg sira s tradicionalnim starter kulturom nego u kombucha svježem siru. Nakon gastrointestinalne digestije (s pepsinom i pankreatinom), u uzorku kombucha svježeg sira utvrđena je znatno veća količina topljivih proteinskih frakcija i viši stupanj hidrolize u odnosu na uzorak dobiven tradicionalnom starter kulturom. Hidrolizati sira dobiveni inokulumom kombuche sadržavali su veće koncentracije fenola i imali veću sposobnost uklanjanja antiradikala od hidrolizata svježeg sira proizvedenog s tradicionalnom starter kulturom. Rezultati pokazuju da primjena inokuluma kombuche doprinosi poboljšanju biološkog potencijala svježeg sira.

Background: The use of technology and social media among adolescents is an increasingly prevalent phenomenon. However, there is a paucity of evidence on the relationship between frequency of use of electronic devices and social media and sleep-onset difficulties among the Italian population. Objective: The aim of this study is to investigate the association between the use of technology and social media, including Facebook and YouTube, and sleep-onset difficulties among adolescents from Lombardy, the most populous region in Italy. Methods: The relationship between use of technology and social media and sleep-onset difficulties was investigated. Data came from the 2013-2014 wave of the Health Behavior in School-aged Children survey, a school-based cross-sectional study conducted on 3172 adolescents aged 11 to 15 years in Northern Italy. Information was collected on difficulties in falling asleep over the last 6 months. We estimated the odds ratios (ORs) for sleep-onset difficulties and corresponding 95% CIs using logistic regression models after adjustment for major potential confounders. Results: The percentage of adolescents with sleep-onset difficulties was 34.3% (1081/3151) overall, 29.7% (483/1625) in boys and 39.2% (598/1526) in girls. It was 30.3% (356/1176) in 11-year-olds, 36.2% (389/1074) in 13-year-olds, and 37.3% (336/901) in 15-year-olds. Sleep-onset difficulties were more frequent among adolescents with higher use of electronic devices, for general use (OR 1.50 for highest vs lowest tertile of use; 95% CI 1.21-1.85), use for playing games (OR 1.35; 95% CI 1.11-1.64), use of online social networks (OR 1.40 for always vs never or rarely; 95% CI 1.09-1.81), and YouTube (OR 2.00; 95% CI 1.50-2.66). Conclusions: This study adds novel information about the relationship between sleep-onset difficulties and technology and social media in a representative sample of school-aged children from a geographical location that has not been included in studies of this ty

Background: The use of technology and social media among adolescents is an increasingly prevalent phenomenon. However, there is a paucity of evidence on the relationship between frequency of use of electronic devices and social media and sleep-onset difficulties among the Italian population. Objective: The aim of this study is to investigate the association between the use of technology and social media, including Facebook and YouTube, and sleep-onset difficulties among adolescents from Lombardy, the most populous region in Italy. Methods: The relationship between use of technology and social media and sleep-onset difficulties was investigated. Data came from the 2013-2014 wave of the Health Behavior in School-aged Children survey, a school-based cross-sectional study conducted on 3172 adolescents aged 11 to 15 years in Northern Italy. Information was collected on difficulties in falling asleep over the last 6 months. We estimated the odds ratios (ORs) for sleep-onset difficulties and corresponding 95% CIs using logistic regression models after adjustment for major potential confounders. Results: The percentage of adolescents with sleep-onset difficulties was 34.3% (1081/3151) overall, 29.7% (483/1625) in boys and 39.2% (598/1526) in girls. It was 30.3% (356/1176) in 11-year-olds, 36.2% (389/1074) in 13-year-olds, and 37.3% (336/901) in 15-year-olds. Sleep-onset difficulties were more frequent among adolescents with higher use of electronic devices, for general use (OR 1.50 for highest vs lowest tertile of use; 95% CI 1.21-1.85), use for playing games (OR 1.35; 95% CI 1.11-1.64), use of online social networks (OR 1.40 for always vs never or rarely; 95% CI 1.09-1.81), and YouTube (OR 2.00; 95% CI 1.50-2.66). Conclusions: This study adds novel information about the relationship between sleep-onset difficulties and technology and social media in a representative sample of school-aged children from a geographical location that has not been included in studies of this ty

Objectives: Methodological challenges in the evaluation of medical devices (MDs) may be different for early and late technology adopter countries, as well as the potential health technology assessment (HTA) solutions to tackle them. This study aims to provide guidance to Central and Eastern European (CEE) countries on how to address key challenges of HTA for MDs with special focus on the transferability of scientific evidence. Methods:As part of the COMED Horizon 2020 project, a comprehensive list of issues related to MD HTA were identified based on a targeted literature review. Health technology assessment issues which pose a greater challenge or require different solutions in late technology adopter countries were selected. Draught recommendations to address these issues were developed and discussed in a focus group. The recommendations were then validated with a wider group of experts, including HTA and reimbursement decision makers from CEE countries in May and June 2020. Results: A consolidated list of 11 recommendations were developed in 3 major areas: (1) clinical value assessment, focusing on the use of joint EU work, relying on real-world evidence, use of coverage with evidence development schemes, transferring evidence from foreign countries and addressing the challenges of learning curve and centre effect; (2) economic value assessment, covering cost calculation of complex medical devices and transferability of economic evaluations of MDs; (3) HTA processes, related to the frequent product modifications and various indications of MDs. Conclusions: Central and Eastern European countries with limited resources for conducting HTA, can benefit from HTA methods and evidence generated in early technology adopter countries. Considering the appropriate reuse of international HTA materials, late technology adopter countries can still implement HTA, even for MDs, which have a more limit

Aim Technological and computational advancements offer new tools for the collection and analysis of real-world data (RWD). Considering the substantial effort and resources devoted to collecting RWD, a greater return would be achieved if real-world evidence (RWE) was effectively used to support Health Technology Assessment (HTA) and decision making on medical technologies. A useful question is: To what extent are RWD suitable for generating RWE? Methods We mapped existing RWD sources in Europe for three case studies: hip and knee arthroplasty, transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) and mitral valve repair (TMVR), and robotic surgery procedures. We provided a comprehensive assessment of their content and appropriateness for conducting the HTA of medical devices. The identification of RWD sources was performed combining a systematic search on PubMed with gray literature scoping, covering fifteen European countries. Results We identified seventy-one RWD sources on arthroplasties; ninety-five on TAVI and TMVR; and seventy-seven on robotic procedures. The number, content, and integrity of the sources varied dramatically across countries. Most sources included at least one health outcome (97.5%), with mortality and rehospitalization/reoperation the most common; 80% of sources included resource outcomes, with length of stay the most common, and comparators were available in almost 70% of sources. Conclusions RWD sources bear the potential for the HTA of medical devices. The main challenges are data accessibility, a lack of standardization of health and economic outcomes, and inadequate comparators. These findings are crucial to enabling the incorporation of RWD into decision making and represent a readily available tool for getting acquainted with existing information sources.

This study investigates distribution of three micronutrients in milling streams of three common wheat cultivars to estimate nutritive value of white and brown flours. Among the analysed wheat cultivars, the majority of flour streams of NS Todorka showed a higher content of soluble micronutrients than the other two investigated wheat cultivars. It is necessary to improve bioavailability of Fe and Zn in flours since these micronutrients were mostly in insoluble form. In contrast, considering average Serbian portion sizes for bread, bread made from flour Type '110' could supply almost 75% of the recommended daily intake for Mn.

Triticale is a hybrid cereal developed by crossing of wheat and rye. It is characterized by higher environmental tolerance than wheat and increased content of lysine, amino acid which is deficient in most cereals. The application of triticale flour in bakery and confectionary industry is limited by high stickiness of dough and low gluten strength. Refined and wholegrain flour prepared from hexaploid triticale cultivar ‘Odisej’ were used for the production of cookies in this study. The cookies were prepared according to the standard method of American Association of Cereal Chemists for the evaluation of baking quality of cookie flour – micro wire-cut formulation. Dimensions, colour, hardness and sensory properties of triticale cookies were compared to the cookies prepared from refined and wholegrain wheat and rye flours.

Heat stress is one of the most important environmental factors that influences wheat growth and development, leading to significant losses in grain yield and has become a significant detrimental factor for worldwide wheat production. In recent years, several studies suggested that eukaryotic elongation factor 1A (eEF1A), may contribute to heat tolerance in plants, therefore the aim of this study was: to investigate the accumulation of eEF1A in wheat under conditions of moderate and high air temperatures; to determine the amount of photosynthetic pigments and to determine the yield traits; and to examine whether there is a correlation between eEF1A accumulation, photosynthetic pigments, and yield in different wheat varieties. The results showed that heat stress induced accumulation of eEF1A significantly different among wheat varieties and showed that varieties with a higher accumulation of eEF1A under heat stress are characterized by a smaller decrease in the photosynthetic pigments. A correlation between higher accumulation of eEF1A under heat stress and yield traits was found. Analyzed parameters from two growing seasons, indicated that the higher accumulation of eEF1A and a smaller decrease in photosynthetic pigments distinguishes the varieties more resistant to heat stress. The analysis of the molecular mechanisms by immunoblot, under conditions of high and moderate air temperatures in two growing seasons, aims to develop agricultural strategy and develop wheat varieties tolerant to heat stress.

__Background__ Risk communication is a key component of public health interventions during an outbreak. As the coronavirus pandemic unfolde

Triticale, a hybrid cereal developed by crossing of wheat and rye, has certain advantages over wheat, such as higher environmental tolerance and higher content of dietary fiber. The application of triticale flour in food industry is limited by poor rheological properties of dough and low gluten strength. Potential application of hexaploid triticale cultivar 'Odisej' for the production of cookies was assessed in this study. Additionally, the values of basic grain quality parameters for Odisej were determined, such as hectoliter weight, thousand kernel weight, grain size, protein and wet gluten content, gluten index and falling number. Cookies were prepared from refined and wholegrain triticale flour and their physical properties (dimensions, color, hardness) and sensory properties were compared to the cookies prepared from refined and wholegrain wheat and rye flour. Cookies manufactured from refined triticale flour had high spread ratio (diameter/high) value, similar to that of cookies prepared from refined wheat flour. Total sensory score of cookies manufactured from refined triticale flour was the highest among all samples, indicating that it can be successfully used in cookies production.The quality of wholegrain triticale cookies could be improved by the use of milling technique adequate for the production of wholegrain flour., Tritikale, hibridna žitarica dobijena ukrštanjem pšenice i raži, ima određene prednosti u odnosu na pšenicu, kao što su veća otpornost prema uslovima sredine i veći sadržaj prehrambenih vlakana. Primena brašna tritikalea u prehrambenoj industriji ograničena je lošim reološkim svojstvima testa i slabim glutenom. U ovoj studiji istražena je potencijalna primena heksaploidne sorte tritikalea "Odisej" u proizvodnji čajnog peciva. Pored toga, utvrđene su vrednosti osnovnih pokazatelja kvaliteta zrna (hektolitarska masa, masa 1000 zrna, veličina zrna, sadržaj proteina i vlažnog glutena, gluten indeks i broj padanja) za sortu "Odisej". Čajna peciva su pripremljena od belog i integralnog brašna tritikalea, a njihova fizička svojstva (dimenzije, boja, tvrdoća) i senzorska svojstva upoređena su sa čajnim pecivima pripremljenim od belog i integralnog pšeničnog i raženog brašna. Čajna peciva proizvedena od belog brašna tritikalea imala su vrednost odnosa širenja (prečnik/visina) sličnu vrednosti dobijenoj za čajno pecivo od belog pšeničnog brašna. Zbirna ocena senzorskog kvaliteta čajnog peciva proizvedenog od belog brašna tritikalea bila je najveća među svim uzorcima, što ukazuje da se belo brašno tritikalea može uspešno koristiti u proizvodnji čajnog peciva. Kvalitet čajnog peciva od integralnog brašna tritikalea mogao bi da se poboljša primenom tehnike mlevenja koja je adekvatna za proizvodnju integralnog brašna.

Whole kernels of cereals are the most important source of magnesium. This mineral has several positive effects on human health. However, the human body cannot absorb 100% of magnesium from plant sources during digestion. Additionally, the wheat flour milling process usually produces refined flour with a substantially lower content of magnesium. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of milling of two wheat cultivars on total and soluble magnesium distribution in milling fractions, with the purpose of creating wheat bread with a precisely defined magnesium content. Ash content, thousand grain weight (TGW), and kernel size were analysed in five wheat cultivars. Two most statistically distinguished wheat cultivars according to these analyses (Moma and Todorka) were milled in a laboratory mill to gain as many flour frac-tions as possible (eleven). Magnesium was extracted from the flour and its content was measured by inductively coupled plasma. The results showed that the level of soluble magnesium in refined white flours (T-500 with ash content between 0.46-0.60d. m.%) is approximately 17% and is available for uptake in the human body. Also, by milling the Moma cultivar in an industrial mill with a capacity of 100 t per day gave 6.6 t more brown flour (T-1000 with ash content between 1.05-1.15 d.m.%) than the Todorka cultivar. Furthermore, the daily consumption of brown bread (produced from brown flour) in Serbia would satisfy about 60% of the daily magnesium requirements.

The aim of this study was to compare efficiency of RP-HPLC (Reversed-Phase High-Performance Liquid Chromatography) and LOC (Lab-on-Chip) methods for wheat gluten protein quantification regarding clustering of wheat cultivars according to the genetic similarity (HMW-GS combinations), as well as to explore relations of these two methods to wheat quality parameters. For that purpose, wheat quality parameters (protein content, falling number, wet gluten content, gluten index, Farinograph, Extensograph, and Amylograph), as well as amounts of gliadin and glutenin fractions by RP-HPLC and LOC methods were determined in two different sets of wheat cultivars (Croatian and Serbian). The percentages of gluten proteins and the values of quality parameters were used to characterize the samples by principal component analysis (PCA). Gluten protein quantification performed by method based on the protein fraction separation by molecular weights (LOC) was better for grouping of genetically similar wheat cultivars than quantification of proteins separated by their different solubility in specified solvent gradient (RP-HPLC). LOC method showed higher potential in wheat quality prediction.

Among cereals, the largest amount of β-glucan is contained in oat and barley. The content of β-glucan varies from 2.5% to 11.3% in the whole barley seed. β-glucans have a number of positive effects on human health and a wide range of potential applications in the food and pharmaceutical industry. The aim of our research was to analyze the variability of β-glucan content in ten varieties of barley. For determining the content of β-glucan ICC Standard method No. 168 was used.

Stočni grašak (Pisum sativum.) je jednogodišnja biljna vrsta iz familije Fabaceae. Zauzima veoma značajno mesto u ishrani ljudi i domaćih životinja zbog visokog sadržaja nutritivnih i niskog sadržaja antinutritivnih materija. U zavisnosti od sorte stočnog graška sadržaj sirovih proteina u semenu se kreće od 18 do 28%. Oplemenjivanje stočnog graška u cilju stvaranja visokoproteinskih sorti zahteva i propratne analize proteina u semenu, koje iziskuju mnogo posla i troškova, pa treba olakšati i pojednostaviti dobijanje rezultata uvođenjem u upotrebu novih metoda, poput bliske infracrvene spektroskopije (NIRS). Upotreba NIRS metode zasniva se na razvijanju kalibracionog modela za određenu organsku materiju, pri čemu je potrebno povezati referentne laboratorijske vrednosti sa spektralnim karakteristikama uzorka. Upoređivani su rezultati skeniranih spektara 196 genotipova stočnog graška stvorenih u Institutu za ratarstvo i povrtarstvo u Novom Sadu sa laboratorijskim analizama proteina urađenim CNS elementarnom analizom.

Expression elongation factors eEF1A and EF-Tu, in grain filling stage when the cereal most sensitive in the field conditions, can be an important determinant of heat tolerance. The aim of our work was to examine the expression and accumulation of EF-Tu and eEF1A in grain filling stage of five genotypes of winter wheat and one oat genotype in conditions of heat stress. In addition, the correlation between accumulation of elongation factors eEF1A and EF-Tu, and yield components of cereals in the field was investigated. Flag leaf samples of small grains were analyzed by immunoblotting. Samples were collected in conditions of moderate, control air temperature (23 °C; CT) and high temperature (38 °C; HS) in a field experiment. After the harvest, grain yield was determined. The yield components, the weight of dry seed and grains number per spike, were also assessed in the stage of full physiological maturity of investigated cultivars.

The aim of our work was to examine the expression and accumulation of EF-Tu and eEF1A in grain filing stage of five genotypes of winter wheat and one oat genotype in conditions of heat stress. In addition, the correlation between accumulation of elongation factors eEF1A and EF-Tu, and yield components of cereals in the field was investigated. Flag leaf protein samples were analyzed by immunoblotting. Flag leaves were collected under conditions of moderate (23 degrees C; MT) and high air temperature (38 degrees C; HT) in a field experiment. After the harvest, grain yield was determined. The yield components, the weight of dry seed and grains number per spike, were assessed in the stage of full physiological maturity of investigated cultivars. Obtained results revealed a difference in the level of EF-Tu accumulation both under conditions of moderate air temperatures and conditions of heat stress among investigated cultivars. Cultivar Zvezdana was the only one that showed increase in EF-Tu accumulation under HT (25%) compared to MT. Immunoblot analysis indicated that the highest increase of eEF1A accumulation (43%) in relation to moderate temperature was detected in cultivar Talas. A significant, positive, linear correlation was found between the expression of eEF1A and small grains productivity under heatstress conditions.

Millet (Panicum miliaceum L.) flour represents potential raw material for the production of gluten-free products. Since bread of satisfactory quality cannot be produced using pure millet flour, various structuring agents are used to improve its textural properties, such as different hydrocolloids, starches and proteins. Proteins from different sources have been chosen for this study because they are not considered as additives (do not possess E-number). Additionally, they improve nutritional profile of millet bread since millet flour has low protein content. Four types of proteins were used for the production of millet bread: pea protein concentrate, rice protein concentrate, pumpkin oil cake protein isolate and whey protein concentrate. Bread formulation consisted of millet flour, sugar, yeast, salt and water (110 % of hydration on the millet flour basis). Proteins were used to substitute 10 % of millet flour in bread formulation. Dough prepared without addition of yeast was used for the determination of rheological properties to avoid their change during fermentation. Small deformation dynamic oscillatory measurements of doughs were performed using a Haake MARS rheometer (Thermo Scientific, Karlsruhe, Germany) at temperature of 25 °C, equipped with a parallel plate geometry PP60 (60 mm diameter and 1 mm gap). Dough was left to rest 300 s before measurement. Frequency sweep (mechanical spectrum) was recorded over the range of 0.1 - 10 Hz at 0.1 Pa stress, which was within the linear viscoelastic region as previously determined by stress sweep test., Proseno (Panicum miliaceum L.) brašno predstavlja potencijalnu sirovinu za proizvodnju bezglutenskih proizvoda. Pošto je nemoguće proizvesti hleb zadovoljavajućeg kvaliteta od čistog prosenog brašna, koriste se različiti agensi za poboljšanje njegovih teksturnih svojstava, kao što su različiti hidrokoloidi, skrobovi i proteini. Proteini iz različitih izvora odabrani su za ovu studiju zato što se ne smatraju aditivima (nemaju E-broj). Pored toga, proteini poboljšavaju nutritivni profil prosenog hleba jer proseno brašno ima nizak sadržaj proteina. Četiri vrste proteina korišćene su u proizvodnji prosenog hleba: koncentrat proteina graška, koncentrat proteina pirinča, izolat proteina uljane pogače bundeve i koncentrat proteina surutke. Formulacija hleba sastojala se od prosenog brašna, šećera, kvasca, soli i vode (110% hidratacije na bazu prosenog brašna). Proteini su korišćeni za supstituciju 10% prosenog brašna u formulaciji hleba. Testo pripremljeno bez dodatka kvasca korišćeno je za određivanje reoloških svojstava da bi se izbegle promene prilikom fermentacije. Dinamička oscilatorna merenja pri malim deformacijama izvedena su korišćenjem Haake MARS reometra (Thermo Scientific, Karlsruhe, Germany) na temperaturi od 25°C, uz upotrebu pribora tipa ploča-ploča PP60 (60 mm prečnik ploče i 1 mm zazor između ploča). Testo je ostavljeno da odmara 300 s pre merenja. Test pri promeni frekvencije (mehanički spektar) je snimljen u opsegu frekvencija od 0,1 do 10 Hz pri naponu smicanja od 0,1 Pa, za koji je prethodno utvrđeno u testu sa promenom napona de se nalazi unutar viskoelastičnog područja.

Growth and development of cereals is affected by abiotic factors, particularly by high temperature. An important factor in plant adaptation to abiotic stress can be the proline accumulation. Proline is an amino acid involved in a series of metabolic processes and is important as a protein stabilizer, osmolite and antioxidant. Under normal physiological conditions, the proline makes up less than 5% of the free amino acids in the plant, while due to stress this amount can increase to over 80%. Field experiment was conducted with the aim to determine the effect of high temperature on the proline content in different cereal varieties during two vegetative seasons. For the investigation, plant material of 8 genetically divergent winter wheat varieties, 1 variety of triticale and 1 oat variety were used. Samples were collected in days with moderate midday air temperatures of 24-26 °C in the milk stage and after a few days in the same phenological stage, in conditions of high midday air temperatures of 34-36 °C.

One of the toughest tasks of the 21st century is to solve the difficulties caused by global climate change. Alternating dry and rainy years, long periods with extremely high temperatures, and increased mean temperatures worldwide have substantial negative effects on agricultural production. The most important cereal food in the world is cereal grain. The functional cereal grain quality defines their purpose in the food industry for particular end-use products. Aside from genetic heritage and post-harvest storing, cereal grain quality also depends on the environment conditions. Wheat, along with corn and rice, is the world's most widely used cereal. Therefore, this lecture presents research results from several different surveys about the influence of climatic changes on the wheat quality.

For durum wheat quality assessment the commonly used parameters are protein content, yellow pigment content, hectoliter mass, grain vitreousness, 1000-grain weight and sodium dodecyl sulphate sedimentation. For wheat processing quality, in this study the Mixolab, instrument of a newer generation was used. Mixolab has been largely used for a rapid assessment of the Triticum aestivum quality but there is no a lot of data about durum wheat quality assesment. Therefore, the aim of this work was to test its potential in the quality characterization of fourteen durum wheat breeding lines grown during two production years with different climate conditions. The obtained results showed significant differences in starch-amylase complex part of Mixolab curve between two studied years. Mixolab parameters C3, C4 and C5 were in line with Falling Number values and amylolytic activity of samples. Samples from 2013 production year with higher precipitation sum had lower values of C3, C4 and C5 parameters as well as Falling Number values and higher amylolytic activity. On contrary, protein part of Mixolab curves expressed differences in dependence of genotype. In comparison to the standard parameters of protein and starch quality of durum wheat, Mixolab provides more complete information in a shorter time frame.

For durum wheat quality assessment the commonly used parameters are protein content, yellow pigment content, hectoliter mass, grain vitreousness, 1000-grain weight and sodium dodecyl sulphate sedimentation. For wheat processing quality, in this study the Mixolab, instrument of a newer generation was used. Mixolab has been largely used for a rapid assessment of the Triticum aestivum quality but there is no a lot of data about durum wheat quality assesment. Therefore, the aim of this work was to test its potential in the quality characterization of fourteen durum wheat breeding lines grown during two production years with different climate conditions. The obtained results showed significant differences in starch-amylase complex part of Mixolab curve between two studied years. Mixolab parameters C3, C4 and C5 were in line with Falling Number values and amylolytic activity of samples. Samples from 2013 production year with higher precipitation sum had lower values of C3, C4 and C5 parameters as well as Falling Number values and higher amylolytic activity. On contrary, protein part of Mixolab curves expressed differences in dependence of genotype. In comparison to the standard parameters of protein and starch quality of durum wheat, Mixolab provides more complete information in a shorter time frame.

For durum wheat quality assessment the commonly used parameters are protein content, yellow pigment content, hectoliter mass, grain vitreousness, 1000-grain weight and sodium dodecyl sulphate sedimentation. For wheat processing quality, in this study the Mixolab, instrument of a newer generation was used. Mixolab has been largely used for a rapid assessment of the Triticum aestivum quality but there is no a lot of data about durum wheat quality assesment. Therefore, the aim of this work was to test its potential in the quality characterization of fourteen durum wheat breeding lines grown during two production years with different climate conditions. The obtained results showed significant differences in starch-amylase complex part of Mixolab curve between two studied years. Mixolab parameters C3, C4 and C5 were in line with Falling Number values and amylolytic activity of samples. Samples from 2013 production year with higher precipitation sum had lower values of C3, C4 and C5 parameters as well as Falling Number values and higher amylolytic activity. On contrary, protein part of Mixolab curves expressed differences in dependence of genotype. In comparison to the standard parameters of protein and starch quality of durum wheat, Mixolab provides more complete information in a shorter time frame.

A value-added ketchup from tomato pomace powder was developed and compared to a previously developed ketchup from fresh tomato pomace. The total dietary fiber content of tomato pomace powder ketchup was higher than fresh tomato pomace ketchup due to the production process in which no seeds were removed. Differences in processing led to larger specific surface area of rehydrated tomato pomace powder particles when compared to fresh tomato pomace particles and consequently their larger bonding affinity to polysaccharides. The pomace powder ketchup had a significantly higher yield stress and pronounced thixotropy in comparison with fresh tomato pomace ketchup that could not be packed into tubes. Additionally, improved thermal stability of ketchup prepared from tomato pomace powder suggested its possible application as a bakery filling. However, this promising procedure requires more expensive processing equipment and higher energy consumption than fresh tomato pomace processing.

A value-added ketchup from tomato pomace powder was developed and compared to a previously developed ketchup from fresh tomato pomace. The total dietary fiber content of tomato pomace powder ketchup was higher than fresh tomato pomace ketchup due to the production process in which no seeds were removed. Differences in processing led to larger specific surface area of rehydrated tomato pomace powder particles when compared to fresh tomato pomace particles and consequently their larger bonding affinity to polysaccharides. The pomace powder ketchup had a significantly higher yield stress and pronounced thixotropy in comparison with fresh tomato pomace ketchup that could not be packed into tubes. Additionally, improved thermal stability of ketchup prepared from tomato pomace powder suggested its possible application as a bakery filling. However, this promising procedure requires more expensive processing equipment and higher energy consumption than fresh tomato pomace processing.

Gluten index is an indicator of gluten strength as well as a parameter which simultaneously defines its quantity and quality. If compared to the farinographic and extensographic methods, gluten index determining is faster, less complicated and requires smaller amount of flour. The aim of this study has been to determine the significance of the influence of genotype and environmental factors on the value of gluten index and usability of these parameters as indicators and predictors of bread quality. Five local varieties of winter wheat (Simonida, NS 40S, Rapsodija, Pobeda, Zvezdana) were grown in a macro-experiment carried out in three locations (Novi Sad, (Cack, Sombor) during two seasons (2011/2012 and 2012/2013). Gluten index value determination was achieved by using ICC standard method 155 (1996), with a slight modification that included mechanical washing of gluten (Theby). Statistical analysis was performed by using IBM SPSS Statistics 20. Variance analysis revealed a statistically significant effect of genotype on gluten index value, whereas the influence of environmental factors, as well as the interaction of two factors, had no statistical significance. There was no correlation between the values of gluten index and meteorological factors such as average temperature and total precipitation during the phenophase of grain filling, and in the period from the beginning of flowering until the harvest. However, medium-strong negative dependence was found between gluten index and the index of heat stress, as well as between gluten index and the number of days with temperatures above 30 degrees C. Weak negative dependence was recorded between gluten index and bread volume. Based on the value of gluten index, gluten varieties used in our study can be described as strong. Genotype proved to be the only cause of statistically significant variation of gluten index.

In this study, four jam formulations were developed, starting with the basic formulation (Jam 1) containing sucrose and without added pectin. Sucrose was partially (50%) replaced by stevioside in formulations of Jam 2 and 3, while in Jam 4 sucrose was completely replaced by fructose and stevioside, making this formulation suitable for diabetic patients. Jam formulations 1 and 2, prepared without added pectin, were thermally stable in the temperature range of 25-90 degrees C, which indicate their potential use as fruit fillings. Jam formulations 3 and 4 were assessed by the sensory panel as more spreadable since tomato pomace particles are incorporated in pectin network which acts as a lubricant. Jam formulations were characterized by a lower total carbohydrate content (17.23-43.81%) and lower energy value (87.1-193.7 kcal/100 g) when compared to commercial products. Tomato pomace jams contained 15-20 times more dietary fibre than commercial apricot jam.

In this study, four jam formulations were developed, starting with the basic formulation (Jam 1) containing sucrose and without added pectin. Sucrose was partially (50%) replaced by stevioside in formulations of Jam 2 and 3, while in Jam 4 sucrose was completely replaced by fructose and stevioside, making this formulation suitable for diabetic patients. Jam formulations 1 and 2, prepared without added pectin, were thermally stable in the temperature range of 25-90 degrees C, which indicate their potential use as fruit fillings. Jam formulations 3 and 4 were assessed by the sensory panel as more spreadable since tomato pomace particles are incorporated in pectin network which acts as a lubricant. Jam formulations were characterized by a lower total carbohydrate content (17.23-43.81%) and lower energy value (87.1-193.7 kcal/100 g) when compared to commercial products. Tomato pomace jams contained 15-20 times more dietary fibre than commercial apricot jam.

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of the main milling variables, i.e., agitator shaft speed (50, 75 and 100%, which is 25, 37.5 and 50 rpm) and milling time (30, 45 and 60 min) on physical and sensory properties of fat tilling as well as on energy consumption during the production in a laboratory ball mill. Within the response surface method, the face centered central composite design is used. A response surface regression analysis for responses was performed and a full quadratic model was fitted to the experimental data. It is shown that agitator shaft speed had the most significant influence on physical properties (particle size distribution, rheological and textural propertes) and sensory characteristics of fat tilling while the milling energy consumption is highly influenced by milling time with contribution 55.4%, followed by agitator shaft speed (40.04%). The model obtained by regression analyses was used to perform the optimization of processing parameters in order to provide the combination of agitator shaft speed and milling time that cost less energy while at the same time do not compromise the quality of the fat filling. Optimization of production of fat filling in a laboratory ball mill would imply the maximum agitator shaft speed and 30-min milling time.

This study investigates how genetic and climatic factors affect parameters of breadmaking quality of wheat kernel and flour starch component. Nine wheat cultivars with different combinations of HMW-GS were grown in three production years. Various rheological devices such as Falling Number (FN), Farinograph, Amylograph, Mixolab and SDmatic were used for characterization of milled wheat samples. The most results showed that climatic factors affected parameters of breadmaking quality of wheat kernel and flour starch component more than HMW-GS composition. However, some results of the bread making quality parameters that are considered to be very reliable indicators of changes in starch component of wheat in wet years, such as FN and maximum peak of viscosity by Amylograph, were dependent of HMW-GS composition., Cilj ovog rada je bio da se ispita kakve promene na pokazateljima tehnološkog kvaliteta skrobne komponente pšeničnog zrna i brašna imaju genetski i klimatski faktori. Devet sorti pšenice različitih kombinacija HMW-GS proizvedenih u tri različite godine uzeti su kao materijal za istraţivanje. Na različitim reološkim uređajima poput Pertenovog broja padanja, Farinografa, Amilografa, Mixolab-a i SDmatic urađena je karakterizacija samlevenih pšeničnih uzoraka. Većina rezultata pokazala je da klimatski faktori izazivaju veće promene na tehnološkom kvalitetu skrobne komponente pšeničnog zrna i brašna nego HMW-GS sastav. Sa druge strane, neki pokazatelji tehnološkog kvaliteta koji se smatraju veoma pouzdanim indikatorima promena na skrobnoj komponenti pšenice u godinama sa velikom količinom padavina, poput broja padanja i maksimalnog viskoziteta na amilografu, ipak su zavisili od HMW-GS sastava.