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The impact of rice bran stabilization thermal treatments on oxidative stability, extractability, and antioxidant potential was investigated. Freshly milled rice bran samples of the variety “Ld 368 –red” were subjected to four heat treatments: steaming, hot air drying, microwave treatment, and a combination of microwave and steaming. Solvent extraction was used to obtain rice bran oil (RBO). The Phenolic, γ-oryzanol contents and antioxidant potential of RBO were analyzed. Oil yield, free fatty acid content (FFA), and peroxide value (PV) were measured during 50-days storage at room temperature, with data collected at an interval of 10 days. The highest extraction yield was in coupled treatment (22.26 %). The coupled treatment and microwave were the most effective for the stabilization of rice bran in terms of oxidative stability, which provided the lowest FFA value (2.950 % & 2.993 %) and PV (0.518 & 0.620 mEqv/kg oil) (p ≤ 0.05). The lowest increment of FFA (2.945 %) and PV (4.23 mEqv/kg) was detected in RB stabilized by coupled treatment in 50 days of storage time. The microwaved sample exhibited the highest total phenolic content (4.147±0.190 mg GAE/g of extract), γ-oryzanol content (1.536±0.0173 %), and the highest antioxidant activity/ lowest IC50 value among the stabilized sample.

Amylase trypsin inhibitors (ATIs) play an important role in wheat allergies and potentially in non-coeliac wheat sensitivity. Food processing could be important to mitigate the pathogenic properties of ATIs, e.g., by denaturation, glycation, enzymatic hydrolysis, cross-linking, and oxidation and reduction. These modifications also impact the solubility and extractability. The complex solubility behaviour of ATI isoforms (water and salt soluble, but also chloroform–methanol soluble, solubility depending on the redox state) becomes even more complex upon processing due to denaturation and (bio)chemical modifications. This significantly hinders the feasibility of quantitative extraction. Moreover, changes in biofunctionality may occur during the process of extraction, and the changes in ATI due to food processing will be more difficult to assess. Heat treatment decreases the extractability of ATIs with water, NaCl, and other buffer extracts, and binding of IgE from wheat-allergic persons to ATIs as observed with Western blotting is decreased or absent. IgE binding is reduced with the total extract in chaotropic and reducing agents. However, it can be increased when the proteins are hydrolyzed by proteases. Fermentation involving certain species of Fructolactobacilli (FLB), followed by baking, decreases the amount of ATIs and IgE binding to ATIs. In yeast-fermented bread, the amount of ATIs decreased in a similar manner, but IgE binding was more prominent, indicating that there was a modification of ATIs that affected the epitope recognition. When isolated ATIs are ingested with high ATI degrading FLB, the immune response in mice is less elevated in vivo, when compared with ATI without high ATI degrading FLB. The pathogenic effects on the skin of dogs and one wheat-allergic child are also decreased when soluble proteins or isolated ATIs are reduced with the thioredoxin/thioredoxin reductase NADPH system. Glycation on the other hand has been shown to potentiate the allergenic properties of ATIs as evidenced by the large increase in IgE binding. The impact of food processing on the pathogenic properties of ATIs is hardly studied in vivo in humans. There seem to be opportunities to mitigate the pathogenic properties in vitro, but potentiation of pathogenic properties is also frequently observed. This requires a deeper understanding on the impact of food processing on the pathogenicity of ATIs.

Hibiscus sabdariffa is a tropical plant with red calyxes whose anthocyanins, phenols, and antioxidant activity make it attractive to consumers both from a nutritional and medicinal standpoint. Its seasonality, perishability, and anthocyanin instability, led to the setup of stabilization methods comprising drying and powdering. However, its properties can often be altered during these stabilization processes. Treatments such as dehumidified-air-drying, infrared drying, and oven-drying, and their combination showed better quality preservation. Moreover, powder production enables superior biomolecule extractability which can be linked to a higher bioaccessibility. However, the required temperatures for powder production increase the bioactive molecules degradation leading to their antioxidant activity loss. To overcome this issue, ambient or cryogenic grinding could be an excellent method to improve the biomolecule bioavailability and accessibility if the processing steps are well mastered. To be sure to benefit from the final nutritional quality of the powder, such as the antioxidant activity of biomolecules, powders have to offer excellent reconstitutability which is linked to powder physicochemical properties and the reconstitution media. Typically, the finest powder granulometry and using an agitated low-temperature reconstitution media allow for improving anthocyanin extractability and stability. In this review, the relevant physicochemical and processing parameters influencing plant powder features from processing transformation to reconstitution will be presented with a focus on bioactive molecules and antioxidant activity preservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of temperature and ethanol concentration on the kinetics of anthocyanin adsorption and desorption interactions with five cell wall materials (CWM) of different composition were investigated. Using temperatures of 15 °C and 30 °C and model wine with ethanol concentrations of 0% and 15% (v/v) over 120 min, the adsorption and desorption rates of five anthocyanin-glucosides were recorded in triplicate. Small-scale experiments were conducted using a benchtop incubator to mimic a single berry fermentation. Results indicate that more than 90% of the adsorption occurs within the first 60 min of the addition of anthocyanins to CWM. However, desorption appears to occur much faster, with maximum desorption being reached after 30 min. The extent of both adsorption and desorption was clearly dependent not only on temperature and ethanol concentration but also on the CWM composition.

Background. Walnut (Juglans regia L.) is considered a particularly valuable plant for humans. A number of methods have been developed to select the species’ gene pool that produces high-quality fruits. Breeders need to know which of them ensures identification of the best ancestors. The objective of this work was to compare the effectiveness of the most frequently used techniques for selecting a valuable gene pool according to taste, extractability, weight, kernel yield, and overall fruit score. They were presented in the Program and Methods for Walnut Breeding (method 1) and the Program and Methodology of Variety Studies for Fruit, Berry and Nut Crops (method 2).Materials and methods. Statistical data processing was performed using the licensed Stadia-8 software.Results. Comparing the results with the program requirements for new cultivars, all the ancestors selected according to method 1 had better taste and higher kernel weight, while according to method 2 12.5% of the forms showed lower values. The recommended kernel yield of 50% or more turned out to be lower than the threshold value in 14.29% (method 1) and 62.5% (method 2) of the selected ramets. Evaluation by to method 1 showed that the group of the “superior quality” breeding category had higher average values in taste (by 3.63%), weight (7.86%), extractability (4.25%), and kernel yield (9.9%). When selecting the first-rank forms by method 1, the values were higher in extractability (by 0.25%), weight (5.26%), taste (3.09%), kernel yield (7.55%), and overall score (7.61%). In the average values for the first-rank and second-rank forms, the excess was by 4.44, 21.91, 4.75, 9.67, and 9.86%, respectively.Conclusions. When selecting a promising walnut gene pool, method 1 provides for stricter selection and higher food quality indicators (taste, extractability, weight, kernel yield, and overall fruit score) compared to method 2.

The establishment of operation protocols for olive oil (OO) extraction at non-industrial scale is crucial for research purposes. Thus, the present study proposes a simple and cost-effective method for OO extraction at the laboratory scale (LS) level. To validate the proposed methodology, industrial OO extraction (IS) was performed in parallel, using the same cultivars 'Galega vulgar' (GV), 'Cobrançosa' (COB) and 'Arbequina' (ARB) collected from the same orchards, within the same period. Obtained results showed highest extractability for COB and ARB, of about 53%, while GAL showed 50%. All produced OO showed values lower than the regulated limits for the physicochemical parameters (acidity, K232, K268 and ΔK), classifying them as extra virgin OO (EVOO). Highest total phenolic content was observed for COB, with no significant differences (p-value > 0.05) between extraction methods. Regarding fatty acid composition, oleic acid (C18:1) showed the lowest percentage for ARB, with about 66% and 68%, for LS and IS, respectively, and the highest for GV with about 72% for both LS and IS. Furthermore, all samples from both extraction methods were compared to the European Community Regulation, with fatty acid composition within the regulated levels for EVOO. This work showed promising results regarding extraction yields and OO extractability, as well as its quality parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The optimized combustion conditions can utilize the heating value in coal and transform REY to easily leachable forms. • REY greatly enriched in ash below 45 μm, caused by the small mineral grain size and extensive mineral fragmentation in boiler. • The enhanced acid leachability was related to thermal decomposition of flurocarbonates, aluminophosphates, and organic-bound REY in coal. • Different speciation transformation behavior of REY during combustion resulted in distinct REY leaching behavior for different ash types. The extraction of rare earth elements (REE) from coal ash has attracted significant attention, but satisfactory solutions have not yet been achieved. Indeed, the REE extractability is largely determined by the transformation behavior of REE during coal combustion. This study found that the controlled combustion conditions of circulated fluidized-bed boiler (CFB) can both utilize the heating value and enhance the recovery of REE from coal. Tests were conducted using a bituminous coal with REE concentration of approximately 149 ppm in an industrial 35 t/h CFB boiler with controlled boiler loads and coal sources. Advanced automated image analysis by scanning electron microscopy (AIA-SEM) and sequential leaching procedure were employed to clarify the speciation transformation behavior of REE in boilers and investigate the effects of these transformations on the leachability of REE. Approximately 75 % of REE partitioned into fly ash and enriched in particles < 45 μm (∼710 ppm) after combustion. Acid leaching tests under mild conditions (1 M HCl at 60 ℃ and S/L = 1:25) performed on coal, bulk ashes, and sieved ashes revealed an improvement in REE leaching ratio from coal (21.34 %) to fly ash (71.07 %). Particle size played a crucial role in acid extractability, particularly for middle and heavy REE in cyclone ash but had no influence on those in fly ash. The dominant forms of REE in coal including Ca-REE fluorocarbonates (36.7 %), aluminophosphates (12.0 %), and organic-bound REE (approximately 20 %) significantly decreased, contributing to the formation of leachable rare earth oxides (∼65 %) in ash. Furthermore, the small size of REE mineral grains in coal (over 50 % below 5 μm) and extensive mineral fragmentation occurring in boiler resulted in the enrichment and enhanced REY leachability in fine ash. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we evaluated the extractability of three curcuminoids (curcumin, demethoxycurcumin, and bisdemethoxycurcumin) from turmeric powder in several solvents using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with the diode-array detection method. These solvents include water, milk (homogenized, 2% reduced fat, low fat, fat free, soy, almond, coconut, and milkadamia), and aqueous ethanols (0%, 4%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, and 100%). Ambient water was able to extract only 0.55 mg/g of curcuminoids, whereas warm water extracted more than four-fold higher amounts (2.42 mg/g). Almond, coconut, and milkadamia milk were able to extract only small amounts of curcuminoids at ambient temperatures (0.01–0.07 mg/g). The extractability of curcuminoids in these milk types did not improve, even in warm conditions (0.08–0.37 mg/g). Whereas dairy and soy milk extracted 6.76–9.75 mg/g of curcuminoids under ambient conditions, their extractability increased significantly in warm conditions by 30–100% higher (11.7–14.9 mg/g). The solubility of curcuminoids also varied remarkably in different proportions of aqueous-alcohol mixtures. With 4% ethanol, only 1.7 mg/g of curcuminoids were extracted, and the amounts improved with the increase in ethanol content up to 50% (32.2 mg/g), while 100% ethanol extracted a similar amount as 50% ethanol (34.2 mg/g). This study suggests that the extractability of curcuminoids from turmeric will be dependent on the type of diets consumed with the turmeric supplements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, phenolic extractability of Cabernet Sauvignon grapes from two California regions (Sonoma County and Central Coast) and its relation with skin cell wall composition was investigated. Phenolic grape composition, wine phenolic content as well as berry and pomace cell wall composition of three sites per region were determined. Grape cell wall material (CWM) composition, and thus pomace CWM composition, was impacted by the growing region. The process of fermentation modified CWM composition, solubilizing some of the compounds such as pectin and polysaccharides making pomace CWM composition from different sites more similar in the case of Sonoma County and more different for the samples grown in the Central Coast. Growing region had a significant impact on grape phenolics, particularly on flavan−3-ols and polymeric phenols, whereas polymeric pigments and anthocyanin contents were more similar among samples. Wines made from Sonoma County grapes showed higher anthocyanin and polymeric phenol content when compared to wines made from Central Coast grapes. Comparing wine to grape phenolic composition suggests a large difference in extractability based on region. Of all the CWM components analyzed, only lignin and the amount of cell wall isolated were found to have a significant impact on phenolic extractability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Chihuahua, Mexico, the cultivation of vines (Vitis vinifera L.) Tempranillo variety was established, in order to have options for growing grapes for wine, since it has climates suitable for the cultivation of this species and this allows obtaining crops that meet with the specifications for vinification; where the objective of the present study was to determine the technological maturity and characterize the phenolic composition of grapes of the Tempranillo variety, to specify the harvest date (harvest), weight of berries and their components in Chihuahua, Mexico; made in 2016, in three vineyards: one located in the municipality of Aldama (Pasado Meridiano) and two in the municipality of Cuauhtémoc (FACIATEC and Hacienda Bustillos). The experimental design was randomized complete blocks; the samplings were carried out weekly, from the beginning of the veraison (ripening) until the harvest; Chemical analyzes were carried out: soluble solids (°Brix), total titratable acidity (ATT) and pH, to monitor technological maturity; In addition, the total polyphenol index (phenolic maturation) was quantified. The optimum result in berry quality for vinification was presented by the vineyards located in the municipality of Cuauhtémoc (FACIATEC) and H. Bustillos; however, the berries from the Pasado Meridiano vineyard showed a very early maturation, and in the quantification of total polyphenols it is lower compared to the rest of the vineyards, thus reflecting a low color intensity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The establishment of operation protocols for olive oil (OO) extraction at non-industrial scale is crucial for research purposes. Thus, the present study proposes a simple and cost-effective method for OO extraction at the laboratory scale (LS) level. To validate the proposed methodology, industrial OO extraction (IS) was performed in parallel, using the same cultivars ‘Galega vulgar’ (GV), ‘Cobrançosa’ (COB) and ‘Arbequina’ (ARB) collected from the same orchards, within the same period. Obtained results showed highest extractability for COB and ARB, of about 53%, while GAL showed 50%. All produced OO showed values lower than the regulated limits for the physicochemical parameters (acidity, K232, K268 and ΔK), classifying them as extra virgin OO (EVOO). Highest total phenolic content was observed for COB, with no significant differences (p-value > 0.05) between extraction methods. Regarding fatty acid composition, oleic acid (C18:1) showed the lowest percentage for ARB, with about 66% and 68%, for LS and IS, respectively, and the highest for GV with about 72% for both LS and IS. Furthermore, all samples from both extraction methods were compared to the European Community Regulation, with fatty acid composition within the regulated levels for EVOO. This work showed promising results regarding extraction yields and OO extractability, as well as its quality parameters.

In this study, phenolic extractability of Cabernet Sauvignon grapes from two California regions (Sonoma County and Central Coast) and its relation with skin cell wall composition was investigated. Phenolic grape composition, wine phenolic content as well as berry and pomace cell wall composition of three sites per region were determined. Grape cell wall material (CWM) composition, and thus pomace CWM composition, was impacted by the growing region. The process of fermentation modified CWM composition, solubilizing some of the compounds such as pectin and polysaccharides making pomace CWM composition from different sites more similar in the case of Sonoma County and more different for the samples grown in the Central Coast. Growing region had a significant impact on grape phenolics, particularly on flavan−3-ols and polymeric phenols, whereas polymeric pigments and anthocyanin contents were more similar among samples. Wines made from Sonoma County grapes showed higher anthocyanin and polymeric phenol content when compared to wines made from Central Coast grapes. Comparing wine to grape phenolic composition suggests a large difference in extractability based on region. Of all the CWM components analyzed, only lignin and the amount of cell wall isolated were found to have a significant impact on phenolic extractability.

The objective of this study is to assess the effects of installation and operation of a high-power ultrasound machine (HPU) for the treatment of olive paste by using ultrasound technology in order to evaluate the best way installation and the best definition of the operating conditions of the machine. The study was conducted installing in an industrial olive oil mill a continuous processing ultrasound machine, which used a frequency of 20 kHz able to work at 3200 kg h−1 as feed capacity. Checking of performance has been carried out by the assessment of the different operating and process conditions, assessing in particular the impact of the ultrasound treatment before and after the malaxation phase on performance indicators of the continuous olive oil plant (plant extractability, olive paste rheological characteristic) and on selected chemical properties of the olive oil extracted (quality parameters, antioxidant content, and volatile profiles). In the tested conditions, high-power ultrasound treatment did not produce significant effect on the legal parameters (free acidity, peroxide index and spectrophotometric indexes), while a significant increase in the content of phenolic compounds was generally observed; higher enhancements were more evident when the high-power ultrasound treatment was carried out before the malaxation phase.

Optimal water supply is one of the most important factors in quality wine making. However, water availability is limited in several wine regions and water shortage is getting even worse due to climate change, especially under arid climate conditions. Therefore, proper water management of the vineyards, the amount and the timing of irrigation will play a crucial role in sustainable viticulture in the near future. In this study, the effect of timing of moderate water deficit on berry texture characteristics and phenolic maturity were investigated. 'Kékfrankos' grapevines were submitted to different water regimes: moderate water deficit from berry set until veraison (WD1), moderate water deficit from veraison until harvest (WD2), no water deficit (C). Concentration of the phenolic components of the grape berry skins and berry mixture for the Glories indices were measured by spectrophotometer (UVmini-1240 CE UV-VIS, Shimadzu, Japan). Cell and seed maturity indices (CMI%, SMI%) were also calculated. Berry texture characteristics were monitored by a TA.XT Plus Texture Analyser (Stable Micro System, UK). Berry skin and seed texture properties were affected by water regimes. Skin and seed hardness of WD1 were significantly lower than those of WD2. Significant differences were found in berry hardness between the treatments (C>WD1>WD2). Berry gumminess, resilience and chewiness of WD2 were lower compared to C and WD1. Anthocyanin extractability was higher when plants were not subjected to post-veraison water limitations (WD1). Furthermore, the seed maturity index was lower when water deficit occurred between berry set and veraison. Pre-veraison water deficit resulted in delayed ripening, softer seeds and thus higher phenol extractability compared to WD2 and C. Late seasonal water deficit resulted in thicker skins, which was accompanied by lower anthocyanin extractability than in WD1 and C. It seems that anthocyanin extractability is influenced by the actual water status of the grapevine rather than skin textural properties. However, there are some connections between skin texture parameters and maturity indices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we evaluated the extractability of three curcuminoids (curcumin, demethoxycurcumin, and bisdemethoxycurcumin) from turmeric powder in several solvents using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with the diode-array detection method. These solvents include water, milk (homogenized, 2% reduced fat, low fat, fat free, soy, almond, coconut, and milkadamia), and aqueous ethanols (0%, 4%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, and 100%). Ambient water was able to extract only 0.55 mg/g of curcuminoids, whereas warm water extracted more than four-fold higher amounts (2.42 mg/g). Almond, coconut, and milkadamia milk were able to extract only small amounts of curcuminoids at ambient temperatures (0.01–0.07 mg/g). The extractability of curcuminoids in these milk types did not improve, even in warm conditions (0.08–0.37 mg/g). Whereas dairy and soy milk extracted 6.76–9.75 mg/g of curcuminoids under ambient conditions, their extractability increased significantly in warm conditions by 30–100% higher (11.7–14.9 mg/g). The solubility of curcuminoids also varied remarkably in different proportions of aqueous-alcohol mixtures. With 4% ethanol, only 1.7 mg/g of curcuminoids were extracted, and the amounts improved with the increase in ethanol content up to 50% (32.2 mg/g), while 100% ethanol extracted a similar amount as 50% ethanol (34.2 mg/g). This study suggests that the extractability of curcuminoids from turmeric will be dependent on the type of diets consumed with the turmeric supplements.

This study examined the changes in extractability and fractionation of arsenic (As) that can be caused by the drying of strongly polluted anoxic soil samples. Two untreated and manure-amended soils were incubated for 7 and 21 days in flooded conditions. Thereafter, As water- and 1 M NH4NO3-extractability and As fractionation in a 5-step sequential extraction according to Wenzel were examined in fresh, oven-dried and air-dried samples. Soil treatment with manure considerably affected the results of the sequential extraction. Air-drying caused a significant decrease in As extractability with 1 M NH4NO3 and in As concentrations in the F1 fraction. The highest reduction of extractability (30–41%) was found in manure-treated soils. Oven-drying resulted in a smaller reduction (5–34%) of As extractability. These effects were explained by opposing processes of As mobilization and immobilization. Sequential extraction did not allow for balancing As redistribution due to drying, as As loss from the F1 fraction was smaller than the confidence intervals in the other fractions. The results showed that for the precise determination of As extractability in anoxic soils, fresh samples should be analyzed. However, oven-dried samples may be used for a rough assessment of environmental risk, As the order of magnitude of easily soluble As did not change due to drying.

Sulfur (S) is one of six important macronutrients and due to the strong reduction of atmospheric S, it has to be fertilized to cover the S demand of plants - especially of those with a high S demand. In addition to regular S fertilizers, FeSO4 × 7 H2O was tested as a compound for a new S fertilizer. A pot experiment was conducted in order to test if FeSO4 × 7 H2O, a by-product in TiO2 production from ilmenite (FeTiO3), can be used in mixtures with limestone (CaCO3) or hydrated lime [Ca(OH)2] as an S fertilizer for summer rape (Brassica napus L). The results showed that S fertilization in the form of FeSO4 × 7 H2O/lime mixtures resulted in the same effects on the S and phosphorus (P) availability to summer rape as a gypsum/CaCO3 mixture. Application of S as FeSO4 × 7 H2O/lime mixtures resulted in the same seed yields of summer rapes as compared to S application as a gypsum/CaCO3 mixture. These results indicate that FeSO4 × 7 H2O/lime mixtures can be used as a combined mineral S and lime fertilizer.

The study of phenolic maturity in Vitis vinifera L. requires a multidisciplinary approach to understand how the evolution of berry flavonoids and cell wall material influence the colour and the textures of red wine. This is a challenging issue which involves researchers of viticulture and enology, and the results of their work are of particular interest for the producers of high-quality red wines. This review reports the current knowledge regarding phenolic maturity, describing the sensorial traits of the different compounds, the evolution of berry flavonoids and the methodologies used to evaluate their characteristics. Finally, the role of cell wall material in influencing the extractability of anthocyanins and proanthocyanidins was shown. By means of a critical review of the results, it can be hypothesised that prolonged ripening improved colour characteristics and mouthfeel properties, thanks to the higher amounts of extractable skin flavonoids associated with lower amounts of seed proanthocyanidins, and to the increased affinity of the cell wall material for the proanthocyanidins most involved in the perception of unpleasant astringency.

Amylase trypsin inhibitors (ATIs) play an important role in wheat allergies and potentially in non-coeliac wheat sensitivity. Food processing could be important to mitigate the pathogenic properties of ATIs, e.g., by denaturation, glycation, enzymatic hydrolysis, cross-linking, and oxidation and reduction. These modifications also impact the solubility and extractability. The complex solubility behaviour of ATI isoforms (water and salt soluble, but also chloroform-methanol soluble, solubility depending on the redox state) becomes even more complex upon processing due to denaturation and (bio)chemical modifications. This significantly hinders the feasibility of quantitative extraction. Moreover, changes in biofunctionality may occur during the process of extraction, and the changes in ATI due to food processing will be more difficult to assess. Heat treatment decreases the extractability of ATIs with water, NaCl, and other buffer extracts, and binding of IgE from wheat-allergic persons to ATIs as observed with Western blotting is decreased or absent. IgE binding is reduced with the total extract in chaotropic and reducing agents. However, it can be increased when the proteins are hydrolyzed by proteases. Fermentation involving certain species of Fructolactobacilli (FLB), followed by baking, decreases the amount of ATIs and IgE binding to ATIs. In yeast-fermented bread, the amount of ATIs decreased in a similar manner, but IgE binding was more prominent, indicating that there was a modification of ATIs that affected the epitope recognition. When isolated ATIs are ingested with high ATI degrading FLB, the immune response in mice is less elevated in vivo , when compared with ATI without high ATI degrading FLB. The pathogenic effects on the skin of dogs and one wheat-allergic child are also decreased when soluble proteins or isolated ATIs are reduced with the thioredoxin/thioredoxin reductase NADPH system. Glycation on the other hand has been shown to potentiate the allergenic properties of ATIs as evidenced by the large increase in IgE binding. The impact of food processing on the pathogenic properties of ATIs is hardly studied in vivo in humans. There seem to be opportunities to mitigate the pathogenic properties in vitro , but potentiation of pathogenic properties is also frequently observed. This requires a deeper understanding on the impact of food processing on the pathogenicity of ATIs., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest. The handling editor VZ declared a past co-authorship with the authors PW and AA., (© 2023 Weegels and America.)

This study was undertaken to investigate distribution, fractionation, bioavailability and remobilization characteristics of bound soil-aged carbofuran and the effect of ageing in clay soil in a typical field of sugar beet at Loukkos in northwest Morocco. Results indicate that initially there were high levels of bound residues (BR) in the humin fraction, which decreased with incubation time and ageing of the BR. While in the fulvic and humic acid fractions, the amount of BR increased with the ageing of the BR and occurred predominantly (60%) in the fulvic acid fraction. The possibility of the mineralization and release of BR with ageing was studied using fresh soil and an incubation period of 90 days. The results indicate that the ageing of the residues have a great influence on the remobilization and mineralization rates of carbofuran BR; 9.45 to 14.90% of the total BR was released as extractable residues, and 1.95 to 4.15% was mineralized depending on the age of the residues in soil and the soil-aged carbofuran BR. The incorporation of the residues in the humin fraction is considered to be a threat to the environment. On the other hand, the clear prevalence of residues in the fulvic and humic acid fractions, may have an important effect on their bioavailability and movement in soil. Moreover, the re-extractability of BR could pose a potential environmental risk. Consequently, the BR remobilized must be taken into account when assessing for registration processes the environmental risk of pesticides persisting in soils.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of drinking-water treatment residuals (DWTR) in the amendment of a soil affected by mining activities (Aljustrel mine, Portuguese sector of the Iberian Pyrite Belt), considering the effects on its chemical, biochemical and ecotoxicological characteristics. The DWTR had neutral characteristics (pH 6.7) and an organic matter (OM) content of 575 g kg −1 dry matter (DM), which makes them a potential amendment for the remediation of mine degraded soils, as they may correct soil acidity and reduce the extractable metal fraction. An incubation assay, with soil and DWTR, with or without lime, was carried out to test the doses to be used in the assisted-phytostabilization experiment. Based on the results obtained, the doses of DWTR used were the equivalent to 48, 96, and 144 t DM ha −1 , with and without lime application (CaCO 3 11 t DM ha −1 ). Agrostis tenuis Sibth was used as the test plant. Some amendments doses were able to improve soil characteristics (pH and OM content), to decrease metal extractability by 0.01 M CaCl 2 (especially for Cu and Zn), and to allow plant growth, that did not occur in the non-amended soil. Copper, Pb and Zn concentrations in the plant material were lower than the maximum tolerable level for cattle feed, used as an indicator of risk of entry of those metals into the human food chain. The simultaneous application of DWTR (96 and 144 t ha −1 ), with lime, allowed a reduction in the mine soil ecotoxicity, as evaluated by some lethal and sub-lethal bioassays, including luminescence inhibition of Vibrio fischeri , Daphnia magna acute immobilization test, mortality of Thamnocephalus platyurus , and 72-h growth inhibition of the green microalgae Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata . However, DWTR were unable to increase soil microbial activity, evaluated by dehydrogenase activity, an important soil-health indicator. Also, OM content and N Kjeldahl , concentrations increased slightly but remained low or very low (P and K extractable concentrations were not affected). In general, the bioassays highlighted a decrease in soil ecotoxicity with the presence of lime and DWTR (144 t DM ha −1 ). In conclusion, DWTR are recommended to amend acidic soils, with high concentrations of trace elements, but an additional application of organic or mineral fertilizers should be considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant accident caused serious radiocesium ( 137 Cs) contamination in soils in a range of terrestrial ecosystems. It is well documented that the interaction of 137 Cs with soil constituents, particularly clay minerals, in surface soil layers exerts strong control on the behavior of this radionuclide in the environment; however, there is little understanding of how soil aggregation—the binding of soil particles together into aggregates—can affect the mobility and bioavailability of 137 Cs in soils. To explore this, soil samples were collected at seven sites under different land-use conditions in Fukushima and were separated into four aggregate-size fractions: clay-sized (<2 μm); silt-sized (2–20 μm); sand-sized (20–212 μm); and macroaggregates (212–2000 μm). The fractions were then analyzed for 137 Cs content and extractability and mineral composition. In forest soils, aggregate formation was significant, and 69%–83% of 137 Cs was associated with macroaggregates and sand-sized aggregates. In contrast, there was less aggregation in agricultural field soils, and approximately 80% of 137 Cs was in the clay- and silt-sized fractions. Across all sites, the 137 Cs extractability was higher in the sand-sized aggregate fractions than in the clay-sized fractions. Mineralogical analysis showed that, in most soils, clay minerals (vermiculite and kaolinite) were present even in the larger-sized aggregate fractions. These results demonstrate that larger-sized aggregates are a significant reservoir of potentially mobile and bioavailable 137 Cs in organic-rich (forest and orchard) soils. Our study suggests that soil aggregation reduces the mobility of particle-associated 137 Cs through erosion and resuspension and also enhances the bioavailability of 137 Cs in soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Proanthocyanidins or “condensed tannins” play an important role in the organoleptic properties of wines, and their levels in both grapes and wines can be achieved by several means. One such way is based on the use of elicitors, agrochemicals which were originally designed to improve resistance to plant pathogens, but whose action mechanism has also been found to increase polyphenol levels. Among these chemical elicitors, jasmonic acid and, especially, its methyl ester, methyl jasmonate (MeJ), can increase the production of secondary metabolites such as anthocyanins, flavonoids, phenolic acids, and other antioxidant molecules, enhancing the fruit quality and post-harvest life, as well as increasing their health-related properties. The objective of this study was to determine whether the application during two consecutive years of MeJ to Monastrell and Tempranillo varieties at the veraison period had any effect on the accumulation of proanthocyanidins and subsequently on their extractability into wine. The results obtained indicated that treatments increased the grape proanthocyanidin content only in one of the years but for both varieties tested, as well as their levels in the corresponding wines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Dranic plantation is one of the youngest in Dolj county and was founded in 2010 through the process of reconversion and restructuring of the wine sector in our country. Under the favorable ecologically conditions for viticulture in the Oltenia area, the varieties for red wines besides the superior potential of glucidic accumulation, have a remarkable ability for biosynthesis of anthocyanins. The chromatic structures of the anthocyanin extracts represented by the yellow, red and blue pigments are balanced, attractive and fully in line with current requirements. They are dimensioned by colour intensity values, but especially by the qualitative chromatic indicators: the colour tone and the proportions of the flavylium cations. This study may be the start for the suitability of this area for obtaining high-quality red wines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phenanthrene (Phe) and pentachlorophenol (PCP) are classified as persistent organic pollutants and represent serious concern for the environment as they are toxic and ubiquitous. Biochar based remediation is an emerging technology used in water and soil contamination. In this study we used poplar (BP) and conifer (BC) biochars to remediate water and soil contaminated by Phe and PCP. BP and BC were able to remove completely either Phe or PCP from contaminated water within one to three days. When biochar was confined in a porous membrane, BC and BP maintained their sorption efficiency for several remediation cycles. However, in these conditions BC allowed faster Phe removal. In soil remediation experiments, addition of two biochar rates, i.e. 2.5 and 5 mg g −1 , strongly reduced Phe extractability (up to 2.7% of the initially added Phe with the larger BC dose). This was similar to the behavior observed when compost was applied in order to verify the role of soil organic matter in the fate of both contaminants. PCP extractability was reduced only up to 75% (in average) in all samples including those with compost amendment. Only larger amount of biochar (20 and 50 mg g −1 ) allowed reduction of the extractable PCP and nullified phytotoxicity of the contaminant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sulfur (S) is one of six important macronutrients and due to the strong reduction of atmospheric S, it has to be fertilized to cover the S demand of plants - especially of those with a high S demand. In addition to regular S fertilizers, FeSO4 × 7 H2O was tested as a compound for a new S fertilizer. A pot experiment was conducted in order to test if FeSO4 × 7 H2O, a by-product in TiO2 production from ilmenite (FeTiO3), can be used in mixtures with limestone (CaCO3) or hydrated lime [Ca(OH)2] as an S fertilizer for summer rape (Brassica napus L). The results showed that S fertilization in the form of FeSO4 × 7 H2O/lime mixtures resulted in the same effects on the S and phosphorus (P) availability to summer rape as a gypsum/CaCO3 mixture. Application of S as FeSO4 × 7 H2O/lime mixtures resulted in the same seed yields of summer rapes as compared to S application as a gypsum/CaCO3 mixture. These results indicate that FeSO4 × 7 H2O/lime mixtures can be used as a combined mineral S and lime fertilizer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of temperature and ethanol concentration on the kinetics of anthocyanin adsorption and desorption interactions with five cell wall materials (CWM) of different composition were investigated. Using temperatures of 15 °C and 30 °C and model wine with ethanol concentrations of 0% and 15% (v/v) over 120 min, the adsorption and desorption rates of five anthocyanin-glucosides were recorded in triplicate. Small-scale experiments were conducted using a benchtop incubator to mimic a single berry fermentation. Results indicate that more than 90% of the adsorption occurs within the first 60 min of the addition of anthocyanins to CWM. However, desorption appears to occur much faster, with maximum desorption being reached after 30 min. The extent of both adsorption and desorption was clearly dependent not only on temperature and ethanol concentration but also on the CWM composition.

The tuff, a part of coal-bearing strata, in the Zhongliangshan coal mine, Chongqing, southwestern China, hosts a rare metal deposit enriched in rare earth elements (REE), Ga and Nb. However, the extraction techniques directly related to the recovery of rare metals in coal-bearing strata have been little-studied in the literature. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the extractability of REE, Ga and Nb in the tuff in the Zhongliangshan mine using the alkaline sintering-water immersion-acid leaching (ASWIAL) method. The results show that ASWIAL can separate and extract REE, Ga and Nb effectively under the optimized conditions of calcining at 860 °C for 0.5 h with a sample to sintering agent ratio of 1:1.5, immersing at 90 °C for 2 h with 150 mL hot water dosage, and leaching using 4 mol/L HCl at 40 °C for 2 h with a liquid-solid ratio of 20:1 (mL:g). The final leaching efficiencies of REE and Ga are up to 85.81% and 93.37%, respectively, whereas the leaching efficiency of Nb is less than 1%, suggesting the high concentration of Nb in the leaching residue, which needs further extraction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Arabinoxylan (AX) is a major dietary fibre component found in a variety of cereals. Numerous health benefits of arabinoxylans have been reported to be associated with their solubility and molecular features. The current study reports the development of a functional bread using a combination of AX-enriched material (AEM) and optimal commercial endoxylanase. The total AX content of bread was increased to 8.2 g per 100 g available carbohydrates. The extractability of AX in breads with and without endoxylanase was determined. The results demonstrate that water-extractable AX (WE-AX) increased progressively through the bread making process. The application of endoxylanase also increased WE-AX content. The presence of 360 ppm of endoxylanase had positive effects on the bread characteristics in terms of bread volume and firmness by converting the water unextractable (WU)-AX to WE-AX. In addition, the molecular weight (Mw) distribution of the WE-AX of bread with and without endoxylanase was characterized by size-exclusion chromatography. The results show that as the portion of WE-AX increased, the amount of high Mw WE-AX (higher than 100 kDa) decreased, whereas the amount of low Mw WE-AX (lower than 100 kDa) increased from 33.2% to 44.2% through the baking process. The low Mw WE-AX further increased to 75.5% with the application of the optimal endoxylanase (360 ppm).

Aims: Fourier Transform-Near Infrared (FT-NIR) spectrum and instrumental texture parameters were assessed as total phenol content and extractability predictors in intact grape seeds. Methods and results:The study was carried out on Cabernet-Sauvignon seeds from grapes harvested at six different advanced physiological stages throughout ripening and calibrated by flotation to reduce the in-field heterogeneity inside each sample. Among the instrumental mechanical properties tested (i. e., break force, break energy, Young’s modulus of elasticity and deformation index), the seed Young’s modulus of elasticity showed an increase during the first four weeks of ripening. This parameter also showed significant correlations with phenol content and extractability, although with low R coefficients. These correlations highlighted that the springier seed tissues greatly increase phenol extractability. Nevertheless, the best prediction of seed phenol content, performed directly on intact seeds, was found using FT-NIR spectroscopy in transmittance mode. The standard error of prediction for total phenol content was less than 8 %, while that for phenol extractability was worse. Conclusion: On the basis of these results, the two analytical methods could be applied in oenology for the rapid monitoring of seed phenolic maturity. Significance and impact of the study: The phenolic composition of grapes at the harvest time is a key factor determining their quality, and thus the quality of the finished wine. The chemical methods used for the determination of seed phenol content and extractability are generally slow because they require a preliminary extraction. Therefore, a rapid evaluation of these parameters could be highly interesting for the oenological sector.

Extractability, extractable protein compositions, technological-functional properties of pea (Pisum sativum) proteins from six genotypes grown in Serbia were investigated. Also, the relationship between these characteristics was presented. Investigated genotypes showed significant differences in storage protein content, composition and extractability. The ratio of vicilin:legumin concentrations, as well as the ratio of vicilin + convicilin: Legumin concentrations were positively correlated with extractability. Our data suggest that the higher level of vicilin and/or a lower level of legumin have a positive influence on protein extractability. The emulsion activity index (EAI) was strongly and positively correlated with the solubility, while no significant correlation was found between emulsion stability (ESI) and solubility, nor between foaming properties and solubility. No association was evident between ESI and EAI. A moderate positive correlation between emulsion stability and foam capacity was observed. Proteins from the investigated genotypes expressed significantly different emulsifying properties and foam capacity at different pH values, whereas low foam stability was detected. It appears that genotype has considerable influence on content, composition and technological-functional properties of pea bean proteins. This fact can be very useful for food scientists in efforts to improve the quality of peas and pea protein products.

Near infrared hyperspectral data were collected for 200 Syrah and Tempranillo grape seed samples. Next, a sample selection was carried out and the phenolic content of these samples was determined. Then, quantitative (modified partial least square regressions) and qualitative (K-means and lineal discriminant analyses) chemometric tools were applied to obtain the best models for predicting the reference parameters. Quantitative models developed for the prediction of total phenolic and flavanolic contents have been successfully developed with standard errors of prediction (SEP) in external validation similar to those previously reported. For these parameters, SEPs were respectively, 11.23 mg g−1 of grape seed, expressed as gallic acid equivalents and 4.85 mg g−1 of grape seed, expressed as catechin equivalents. The application of these models to the whole sample set (selected and non-selected samples) has allowed knowing the distributions of total phenolic and flavanolic contents in this set. Moreover, a discriminant function has been calculated and applied to know the phenolic extractability level of the samples. On average, this discrimination function has allowed a 76.92% of samples correctly classified according their extractability level. In this way, the bases for the control of grape seeds phenolic state from their near infrared spectra have been stablished.

Aims: The knowledge of parameters as the quantity of anthocyanins and tannins present during grape maturation, their evolution during the ripening period and extractability data could improve the management of red wine fermentation and help predict the color of wines. Methods and results: Grapes from Vitis vinifera var. Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Merlot and Monastrell were harvested in 2002, 2003 and 2004 from a commercial vineyards and their physicochemical characteristics together with the anthocyanin and tannin evolution during ripening were followed. The results showed that differences were found in the evolution of these compounds due to variety and year. Conclusions: Some of the studied parameters seemed to be clearly related to variety (berry weight and extractability index) and others seemed to be clearly affected by soil and edaphoclimatic conditions. The high extractability index in Monastrell reflects the difficulty involved in extracting their anthocyanins. The short maturation period observed for Merlot grapes and the high seed tannin index could lead to excessively astringent wines. Significance and impact of the study: This study demonstrate that the ripening period of some varieties (Merlot) in very warm conditions is too short, promoting the rapid accumulation of sugar in the pulp and an incomplete seed maturation that may lead to excessively astringent wines. Other varieties, e.g. Monastrell, show longer maturation period that usually permits pulp and seed maturity to be reached at the moment of harvest. The extractability index seems to be closely related to the grape variety and this is also an important fact to take into account when planning a vinification process.

The effect of enzymatic pretreatment of cottonseed flakes on oil extractability was studied. The enzymes investigated included bacterial protease (Bp), papain (Pa), savinase (S), termamyl (T), pectinase (Pe) and cellulase (C). The variables studied during the enzymatic hydrolysis experiments were: enzyme concentration, moisture: cottonseed flakes ratio, and time of hydrolysis. Enzymatic hydrolysis experiments were first carried out with a single enzyme, then with enzyme mixtures formulated according to the results of single enzyme treatments. Results were evaluated based on the relative increase in oil extractability, and some oil characteristics in comparison with untreated cottonseed flakes (control). Pretreatment with enzyme mixtures resulted in a relative increase in oil extractability that was higher than single enzyme pretreatment and the control. Statistical analysis showed a significant difference (at 5% level) between the control and all enzymatically treated oils as well as among different enzymatically treated oils. The relative increase in oil extractability due to pretreatment with enzyme mixtures were in the following order: S: Pe: Bp>S: P>S: C: Pe>S: Bp>S:T>S: C >S: Pa with values 44.9%, 38.9%, 37.1%, 34.9%, 30.1%, 28.9%, respectively. Enzymatic pretreatment of cottonseed flakes resulted in oils with fatty acid composition, acid value, iodine value and peroxide values that were generally comparable to the control.

The effects of high-power ultrasound on olive paste, in a laboratory thermomixing operation for virgin olive oil extraction, have been studied. Indirect sonication in a thermomixer with an ultrasound cleaning bath, at 25 kHz, has been applied. A quick heating of olive paste, to optimal temperature conditions and an extractability improvement of the extraction process were found with the sonication of olive paste. The effects of high-power ultrasound on some components of the oil obtained were studied. Free acidity, peroxide value, K270, K232, and bitterness (K225) were determined immediately and 4 months later.

The influence of limited proteolysis of soy protein concentrate on proteinextractability, the composition of the extractable proteins, their emulsifying properties andsome nutritional properties were investigated. Traditional concentrate (alcohol leachedconcentrate) was hydrolyzed using trypsin and pepsin as hydrolytic agents. Significantdifferences in extractable protein composition between traditional concentrate and theirhydrolysates were observed by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) and by SDSPAGE.All hydrolysates showed better extractability than the original protein concentrate,whereas significantly better emulsifying properties were noticed at modified concentratesobtained by trypsin induced hydrolysis. These improved properties are the result of twosimultaneous processes, dissociation and degradation of insoluble alcohol-induced proteinaggregates. Enzyme induced hydrolysis had no influence on trypsin-inibitor activity, andsignificantly reduced phytic acid content.

The effect of processing aids (2.5 % of talc, NaCl or KCl) on oil extractability and the profile of phenolic and volatile compounds of Istarska bjelica and Leccino oils was studied. Talc significantly increased extractability in both cultivars, while salts increased extractability in Leccino cv. In the laboratory extracted oils, phenols were determined by a RP-HPLC-DAD method, whereas volatiles were determined by SPME/GC-MS. Talc addition significantly decreased hydroxytyrosol and increased ligstroside derivatives in produced oils, but did not affect the total phenol content. Among volatile compounds, only Z-2-penten-1-ol in Leccino and 1-pentene-3-one in Istarska bjelica oils significantly increased by talc addition. Salts improved transfer of most individual phenols into oil, particularly oleuropein derivatives, and increased C6 aldehydes and C5 volatiles in Leccino oils. NaCl exerted a stronger effect in increasing individual phenols and volatiles than KCl. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A significant fraction of pesticides sprayed on crops may be returned to soils via plant residues, but its fate has been little documented. The objective of this work was to study the fate of glyphosate associated to plants residues. Oilseed rape was used as model plant using two lines: a glyphosate-tolerant (GT) line and a non-GT one, considered as a crucifer weed. The effects of different fragmentation degrees and placements in soil of plant residues were tested. A control was set up by spraying glyphosate directly on the soil. The mineralization of glyphosate in soil was slower when incorporated into plant residues, and the amounts of extractable and non-extractable glyphosate residues increased. Glyphosate availability for mineralization increased when the size of plant residues decreased, and as the distribution of plant residues in soil was more homogeneous. After 80 days of soil incubation, extractable 14 C-residues mostly involved one metabolite of glyphosate (AMPA) but up to 2.6% of initial 14 C was still extracted from undecayed leaves as glyphosate. Thus, the trapping of herbicides in plant materials provided a protection against degradation, and crops residues returns may increase the persistence of glyphosate in soils. This pattern appeared more pronounced for GT crops, which accumulated more non-degraded glyphosate in their tissues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the extraction, a portion of oil remains trapped inside the cells and its release requires the degradation of the walls and cell membranes, especially when the fruits have not reached a maximum maturity which is likely to cause an optimal embrittlement of the parietal structures and cell membrane. This can be done by specific enzymes necessary for the degradation of various cellular barriers. Three different enzyme treatments proteolytic, pectolytic or both are applied on the Moroccan Picholine olives from veraison to maturity of the fruit. The effect of these treatments is evaluated by olive oil diffusion, its phenolic content (PC) and cellular embrittlement determination of olives during ripening. The pectolytic activities lead to a significant increase in both the oil extractability (76 % at veraison and 14 % at maturity) and the PC (up to 50 % of gain compared to the control at veraison and 27 % at maturity). The proteolytic activities applied alone have no significant effect on the extractability and the polyphenols levels of oils. Furthermore, when these proteolytic activities are added in combination with the pectolytic activities, the oil extractability is doubled at veraison and its flowing up to 99 % at maturity that barely 84 % in the control in addition to a richness of polyphenols which can reach 84 % more compared to the control. This increase in polyphenols wealth is probably due to the degradation of cell walls, cellular and vacuolar membranes by enzyme activities releasing PCs that were previously associated with these structures in the drupe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was undertaken to investigate distribution, fractionation, bioavailability and remobilization characteristics of bound soil-aged carbofuran and the effect of ageing in clay soil in a typical field of sugar beet at Loukkos in northwest Morocco. Results indicate that initially there were high levels of bound residues (BR) in the humin fraction, which decreased with incubation time and ageing of the BR. While in the fulvic and humic acid fractions, the amount of BR increased with the ageing of the BR and occurred predominantly (60%) in the fulvic acid fraction. The possibility of the mineralization and release of BR with ageing was studied using fresh soil and an incubation period of 90 days. The results indicate that the ageing of the residues have a great influence on the remobilization and mineralization rates of carbofuran BR; 9.45 to 14.90% of the total BR was released as extractable residues, and 1.95 to 4.15% was mineralized depending on the age of the residues in soil and the soil-aged carbofuran BR. The incorporation of the residues in the humin fraction is considered to be a threat to the environment. On the other hand, the clear prevalence of residues in the fulvic and humic acid fractions, may have an important effect on their bioavailability and movement in soil. Moreover, the re-extractability of BR could pose a potential environmental risk. Consequently, the BR remobilized must be taken into account when assessing for registration processes the environmental risk of pesticides persisting in soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study has been carried out during the 2001 ripening period with Tempranillo variety grafted onto 110R, in order to know the productive and qualitative differences provoked by different geographic locations in the region of Castilla y León (Spain), through experimental plots located on the West side of the Duero river valley, in the Apellation of Origin (A.O.C.) Ribera del duero, and on the East side, in the Cigales A.O.C. The vines were head trained and 2-bud spur pruned, with a radial distribution of the spurs and 10 buds per vine. The Ribera del Duero vineyard was planted in 1987. The annual rainfall along the last 10 years has been 421 mm 3 layers can be distinguished on the soil of the trial with the following kind of textures: the first one is a loamclay- sandy soil, the second is clayey and the third one, deepest, is clayey-loam. The Cigales vineyard was planted in 1993. The annual rainfall along the last 10 years has been 399 mm 3 layers can be distinguished on the soil of the trial with the following kind of textures: the first and second layers are sandy-loam soil and the third one, deepest, is sandy-clay. The average temperature during the vegetative cycle in Cigales A.O.C. is higher than in Ribera del Duero A.O.C. On the other hand, at the beginning of the ripening period the temperatures are lower in Cigales, which together with the soil conditions have provoked a lower vegetative development and the variations on the vegetative-reproductive balance. The soil and climate conditions in the Ribera del Duero experimental plot have provoked a higher vegetative development of the vines and different characteristics of the berries with respect to the Cigales plot, probably due to a lower water stress along the vegetative cycle. The berry weight in the Cigales A.O.C. has been 25% lower than in Ribera del Duero A.O.C. The differences in berry weight were maintained along the ripening period. The vineyard conditions of the Ribera del Duero A.O.C. have allowed to obtain, for a similar yield per vine to the Cigales A.O.C., berries with higher sugar concentration and lower pH. However, the total acidity has shown statistical differences only in the first sample, becoming the results similar over the ripening period. The differences in pH are not correlated with the total acidity evolution, which could be due to the higher potassium concentration in the Cigales A.O.C, being in this case lower the total acidity of the berries. The phenolic maturity has also been affected by the soil and climate conditions, so the Ribera del Duero plot has shown a higher total polyphenols index along the ripening period than the Cigales plot. The total anthocyanins concentration maintained similar values in both plots, although the final concentration at harvest was lower in the Cigales A.O.C. The extractable anthocyanins concentration, measured by Glories method, has followed a similar evolution than the total anthocyanins in both areas of study.

Contents of heavy metal on agricultural soils have been raised by land applications of sewage sludge and may constitute a hazard to plants, animals and humans. A field experiment was carried out from 1983 to 1987, to evaluate the long-term effect of sewage sludge application, with and without liming, on heavy metal accumulation and availability in a Rhodic Hapludox soil grown with maize (HMD 7974 hybrid). Trials were set up in a completely randomized blocks design with four replications. Each block was split in two bands, one with and another without liming. The sludge was applied in each band at rates: 0, 20, 40, 60 and 80 Mg ha-1 (dry basis) in a single application; and 40, 60 and 80 Mg ha-1 split in two, three and four equal yearly applications, respectively. The soil was sampled for chemical analysis each year after harvest. Soil samples were analysed for Cu, Ni and Zn in extracts obtained with DTPA and Mehlich-3 solutions, and in extracts obtained by digestion with nitric-perchloric acid (total metal contents), using an inductively coupled plasma (ICP) spectrometer. In general, Zn, Cu and Ni concentrations in DTPA and Mehlich-3 extracts increased linearly with sludge application. Total Cu and Zn concentrations increased when sludge was applied, whereas total Ni concentrations were not affected. Both extractants were suitable to evaluate Cu and Zn availability to corn in the soil treated with sewage sludge. Liming reduced the DTPA extractability of Zn. DTPA-extractable Cu concentrations were not significantly affected by liming. Mehlich-3-extractable Cu and Zn concentrations increased with liming. Only DTPA extractant indicated reduction of Ni concentrations in the soil after liming.

The tuff, a part of coal-bearing strata, in the Zhongliangshan coal mine, Chongqing, southwestern China, hosts a rare metal deposit enriched in rare earth elements (REE), Ga and Nb. However, the extraction techniques directly related to the recovery of rare metals in coal-bearing strata have been little-studied in the literature. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the extractability of REE, Ga and Nb in the tuff in the Zhongliangshan mine using the alkaline sintering-water immersion-acid leaching (ASWIAL) method. The results show that ASWIAL can separate and extract REE, Ga and Nb effectively under the optimized conditions of calcining at 860 °C for 0.5 h with a sample to sintering agent ratio of 1:1.5, immersing at 90 °C for 2 h with 150 mL hot water dosage, and leaching using 4 mol/L HCl at 40 °C for 2 h with a liquid-solid ratio of 20:1 (mL:g). The final leaching efficiencies of REE and Ga are up to 85.81% and 93.37%, respectively, whereas the leaching efficiency of Nb is less than 1%, suggesting the high concentration of Nb in the leaching residue, which needs further extraction.

Suguru is a paper and pencil puzzle invented by Naoki Inaba. The goal of the game is to fill a grid with numbers between 1 and 5 while respecting three simple constraints. We first prove the NP-completeness of Suguru puzzle. For this we design gadgets to encode the PLANAR-CIRCUIT-SAT in a Suguru grid. We then design a physical Zero-Knowledge Proof (ZKP) protocol for Suguru. This ZKP protocol allows a prover to prove that he knows a solution of a Suguru grid to a verifier without leaking any information on the solution. To construct such a physical ZKP protocol, we only rely on a few physical cards and adapted encoding. For a Suguru grid with n cells, we only use 5 n + 5 cards. Moreover, we prove the three classical security properties of a ZKP: completeness, extractability, and zero-knowledge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tomato by-products are an attractive source of natural carotenoids. This study was carried out to investigate the extractability of carotenoids from tomato peels of two Bulgarian industrial varieties, named "Stela" and "Karobeta", and to assess the effects of the extraction parameters (time, extraction steps, temperature, solid/liquid ratio and solvent type) on the yield of carotenoids. Individual carotenoid identification in dried tomato peels was carried out by using a HPLC system. The content of total carotenoids, lycopene and β-carotene in the obtained extracts was measured spectrophotometrically. Carotenoid recovery was significantly (p < 0.05) affected by the investigated extraction parameters. The maximum amounts of total carotenoids (111.58±2.11 and 76.59±2.13 mg/100g), β-carotene (54.69±2.15 and 64.70±1.42 mg/100g) and lycopene (49.07±0.19 and 6.51±0.57 mg/100g) extracted from dried tomato peels of "Stela" and "Karobeta" varieties, respectively, were obtained by using acetone as solvent, for three successive extraction steps of 30 min, at 40°C and solid/liquid ratio of 1:30. It was experimentally established that tomato peels of "Stela" variety are suitable for lycopene and β-carotene recovery, while those of "Karobeta" variety for the recovery of β-carotene only. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]