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The aim of the paper was to investigate the effect of infrared pre-treatment on the process of water absorption by lentil seeds. The paper presents the effects of micronization on the process of water absorption by lentil seeds. As a source of infrared emission, 400-W ceramic infrared radiators ECS-1 were used. The seeds were soaked at three temperature values (in the range from 25 to 75 °C) for 8 h, that is, until the equilibrium moisture content was achieved. Peleg's equation was used to describe the kinetics of water absorption by lentil seeds. The results were compared with those obtained in the process of soaking crude seeds. On the basis of the conducted research, it was found that the infrared pre-treatment contributed to a substantial increase in the water absorption rate in the initial period of soaking lentil seeds (especially at 25 °C). Infrared irradiation can be an effective method for intensification of lentil seed hydration at an ambient temperature. It should be assumed that, in accordance with the principles of sustainable development, shortening the heating time will significantly reduce the energy consumption and cost of processing lentil seeds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present research attempts to characterize the effect of low temperatures, and the moisture content of maize (Kosmo 230) meant for sowing on its energy and capacity to germinate. Seeds were moistened to varying degrees and stored under various conditions; then, their germination energy and capacity were assessed. Sowing material with 15% moisture content showed slightly declined germination ability when stored at −25–−20 °C for over three days, while the storage of seeds with a 25 and 30% moisture content at −5–0 °C for 1–3 days had the effect of seed conditioning. Seedlings obtained from conditioned seeds showed sustainability characterized by faster growth, and demonstrated nearly twice the size as other plants. Warehousing and storage of maize grains with a 11.12% moisture content at temperatures up to −25 °C did not significantly affect seed germination capacity or energy, irrespective of storage time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: A food allergy is a group of symptoms occurring in the organism and resulting from consuming some food, where the problems are conditioned by immunological mechanisms. The symptoms may become apparent first in adulthood and they may be an initial manifestation of a latent allergy. Typical symptoms of a food allergy occur in different organs, thus not only in the digestive system, but also in the skin, respiratory system and circulatory system., Aim: To assess the frequency of food allergy onset in rural areas of the Lublin region as well as to determine which factors induce such allergies., Material and Methods: A survey was conducted, involving the participation of 340 inhabitants of rural areas. The study monitored the knowledge and situation of the disease, concerning allergens, allergy symptoms, methods of treatment and opinions regarding such treatment., Results: The analysis focused on 124 people with diagnosed allergies., Conclusions: Introducing a diet did not result in a statistically significant difference regarding elimination of the symptoms, as compared to the patients who did not follow any diet. On the other hand, pharmacological treatment causes statistically worse results than using other methods or not being treated at all. The patients in whom allergy symptoms disappeared were more convinced about the positive character of their diet than those in whom the symptoms were not eliminated. The age when the allergy becomes evident does not affect its duration, yet it matters as to the time of its later elimination. The more symptoms were experienced by a patient, the longer the duration of the allergy was.