Longer Storage Periods Research Articles

Characterization of corrosion products deposited on fuel rods in a boiling water reactor (BWR-6) plant using hydrogen water chemistry (HWC)

The objective of this paper was to characterize the corrosion products deposited on fuel cladding surfaces under hydrogen water chemistry (HWC) conditions in the boiling water reactor unit of a nuclear power plant. Inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy and gamma spectrometry were used to determine the elemental composition and radioactivity along the fuel rods. Scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy was used to evaluate crud morphology and X-ray diffraction analysis was employed to determine the crystalline phase. Most of the iron in the crud comprised irregular shapes and flakes, with a number of crystallites (e.g. small quantities of ferrites, MnFe2O4). The major constituent of the outer layer was a loosely attached, stable form of hematite (α-Fe2O3). The amount of deposition on the fuel rods following the fourth fuel cycle of HWC (~1.0 mg cm−2) was significantly greater than after the third cycle, due to extended burn-up time. In addition, the radioactivity ratio of 58Co to 60Co was lower for EOC22 than for EOC21, due to a longer storage period in the spent fuel pool. No apparent changes were observed in the characteristics (composition or oxidizing nature) of crud in the fuel bundles. Finally, no direct negative impact was observed on the fuel cladding surfaces following four fuel cycles of HWC, compared with normal water chemistry conditions.

Storage stability of provitamin A carotenoids in Biofortified yellow maize

Biofortification increases the micronutrient content of staple crops through plant breeding. Maize is a staple crop in Africa and Latin America where vitamin A deficiency (VAD) is also a public health problem. Provitamin A carotenoids such as α‐carotene (α‐C), β‐cryptoxanthin (β‐Cr) and β‐carotene (β‐C) in Biofortified Yellow Maize (BYM) may lead to a reduction in the prevalence of VAD. However, carotenoids degrade when exposed to excessive light, moisture, and heat. It is imperative to establish the extent of post‐harvest losses of carotenoids in BYM under simulated tropical storage conditions. BYM maize was stored for 4 months at I) ‐ 80°C in the freezer, II) 4°C in the fridge, III) 25°C + 50% humidity in an incubator and IV) 20°C at room conditions. The provitamin A carotenoid contents were determined at baseline and monthly for 4 months by HPLC with a C30 column. BYM β‐C content at baseline was 15.2 ±0.6 μg/g dry wgt. At endline the β‐C content loss was 18.6, 52.7, 73.9 and 79.5% for conditions I–IV. The α‐C content loss was 23.4, 35.0, 57.0 and 63.9% for conditions I–IV. For β‐Cr, the loss was 10.6, 30.1, 46.1 and 57.6 % for conditions IIV, respectively. The provitamin A carotenoid losses in BYM are >; 45% at temperatures >; 20°C. These losses should be addressed to retain the vitamin A value of BYM over long periods of storage under tropical conditions, in order to control VAD effectively.Grant Funding Source: USDA contract # 58–1950‐0–014

Stabilization of gene expression in whole blood: high quality RNA with room temperature handling of human blood samples.

Gene expression profiles from blood samples are being increasingly used to diagnose and monitor disease progression and assess patient responses to treatment. This requires reliable preservation of RNA in samples during collection, transport and storage. The highly dynamic transcription profiles can change rapidly after blood collection, potentially affecting interpretation of gene expression, and ultimately dictate inadequate treatment. Biomatrica has developed a collection device for whole blood, which stabilizes the RNA in blood cells and allows for ambient temperature sample handling and storage. We have also developed a robust RNA purification method that coupled with the RNAgard® Blood Tube provides a complete solution for blood collection, storage and RNA purification. We present data validating higher yields and greater quality of RNA while maintaining a gene expression profile similar to the time of collection. Comparative testing shows that blood in Biomatrica's RNAgard Blood Tube retains high quality RNA for much longer storage periods, and exhibits significantly less transcriptome variability than a leading competitor. Biomatrica's RNA preservation and purification solution can serve as the front end for research and molecular diagnostics and is more effective in delivering accurate gene expression patterns and prove of extreme value for better patient treatment.

Enantioselective separation of amino acids as biomarkers indicating life in extraterrestrial environments

Traces of prebiotic amino acids, i.e., the building blocks of proteins, are excellent biomarkers that could provide evidence of extinct or extant life in extra-terrestrial environments. In particular, characterization of the enantiomeric excess of amino acids gives relevant information about the biotic or abiotic origin of molecules, because it is generally assumed that life elsewhere could be based on either L or D amino acids, but not both. The analytical procedures used in in-situ space missions for chiral discrimination of amino acids must meet severe requirements imposed by flight conditions: short analysis time, low energy consumption, robustness, storage for long periods under extreme conditions, high efficiency and sensitivity, automation, and remote-control operation. Such methods are based on gas chromatography, high-pressure liquid chromatography, and capillary electrophoresis, usually coupled with mass spectrometry; of these, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) is the only such combination yet used in space missions. Preliminary in-situ sample derivatization is required before GC-MS analysis to convert amino acids into volatile and thermally stable compounds. The silylation reagent most commonly used, N-(tert-butyldimethylsilyl)-N-methyltrifluoroacetamide, is unsuitable for detection of homochirality, and alternative derivatization techniques have been developed that preserve the stereochemical configuration of the original compounds and are compatible with spaceflight conditions. These include the reagent N,N-dimethylformamide dimethylacetal, which has already been used in the Rosetta mission, a mixture of alkyl chloroformate, ethanol, and pyridine, a mixture of perfluorinated anhydrides and perfluoro alcohols, and hexafluoroacetone, the first gaseous derivatizing agent. In all the space instruments, solvent extraction of organic matter and chemical derivatization have been combined in a single automatic and remote-controlled procedure in a chemical reactor. Liquid-based separation systems have been used in space missions. In particular, microchip capillary electrophoresis, based on microfluidic lab-on-a-chip systems, enables high-performance chemical analysis of amino acids with low mass and volume equipment and low power and reagent consumption. Coupling with laser-induced fluorescence detectors results in ultra-low limits of detection. This critical review describes applications of the on-board instruments used in the Rosetta mission to comets and in the more recent Mars exploration program, i.e., the Mars Science Laboratory and ExoMars missions.

Effect of storage conditions on chemical and physical characteristics of hazelnut (Corylus avellana L.)

This study evaluated the effect of different storage conditions currently used by the industry, on the chemical, physical and sensory characteristics of ‘Tonda Gentile delle Langhe’ hazelnuts, during one year of storage. The traditional method of in-shell preservation in a storage room at ambient temperature was compared with refrigerated storage of shelled nuts at 4°C and 55% relative humidity, with or without modified atmosphere (1% oxygen, 99% nitrogen). The following parameters were measured: moisture content, lipid content, total phenolic content, and antioxidant capacity of the kernel; acidity and peroxide value of the oil. The kernel resistance to breakage was evaluated by texture analysis using a compression test. The hazelnuts were also evaluated by sensory analysis. The results showed that the acidity and the peroxide value were the most discriminating parameters. After one year of storage, the acidity of hazelnuts stored at ambient temperature (0.47% oleic acid) was higher than the value considered the acceptable limit after storage (0.40% oleic acid), while refrigerated storage maintained a low level of acidity and lipid oxidation, with the best performance in modified atmosphere (0.13% oleic acid; 0.057 O2 mmolkg−1). Sensory analysis after 12 months also showed differences among the three storage treatments. In-shell storage of hazelnuts at ambient temperature was able to preserve the kernels below threshold limits of acidity and oxidative degradation for up to 8 months, but refrigeration was necessary to maintain high quality for up to one year. The use of modified atmosphere is recommended for long periods of storage.

Dried alginate-entrapped enzymes (DALGEEs) and their application to the production of fructooligosaccharides

A modification of the classical calcium alginate enzyme entrapment technique is described aiming to overcome some of the limitations of the former gel-based biocatalysts. Dried alginate entrapped enzymes (DALGEEs) were obtained dehydrating calcium alginate gel beads containing entrapped enzymes. A fructosyltransferase from Aspergillus aculeatus, present in Pectinex Ultra SP-L, was entrapped using this technique. The resulting DALGEEs were successfully tested both operating batchwise and in a continuous fixed-bed reactor for fructooligosaccharides (FOS) synthesis from sucrose. Interestingly, DALGEEs did not re-swell upon incubation in concentrated (600g/L) sucrose solutions, probably due to the lowered water activity (aw) of such media. Confocal laser scanning microscopy of DALGEEs revealed that the enzyme molecules accumulated preferably in the shell of the particles. DALGEEs showed an approximately 30-fold higher volumetric activity (300U/mL) compared with the calcium alginate gel beads. Moreover, a significant enhancement (40-fold) of the space-time-yield of fixed-bed bioreactors was observed when using DALGEEs as biocatalyst compared with gel beads (4030g/dayL of FOS vs. 103g/dayL). The operational stability of fixed-bed reactors packed with DALGEEs was extraordinary, providing a nearly constant FOS composition of the outlet during at least 700h. It was also noticeable their resistance against microbial attack, even after long periods of storage at room temperature. The DALGEEs immobilisation strategy may also be useful for other biotransformations, in particular when they take place in low aw media.

Evaluation of potential of gamma radiation as a conservation treatment for blackberry fruits

BACKGROUND: Blackberries consumption has been associated with health benefits. However, these fruits present a short shelflife. Thus, food irradiation is a potential alternative technology for conservation of these fruits without use of chemicals. OBJECTIVE: Analyse the potentiality of gamma radiation as a decontamination method for blackberry fruits. METHODS: Fresh packed blackberries were irradiated in a Co-60 source at two doses (1.0 and 1.5 kGy). Bioburden, physical and rheological, sensorial and total soluble content parameters were assessed before irradiation, immediately after and at two days storage time at 4 ◦ C. RESULTS: The characterization of blackberries microbiota point out to an average bioburden value of 10 4 CFU/g and to a microbial population predominantly composed by filamentous fungi. The inactivation studies on the blackberries mesophilic population indicated a limited microbial inactivation (<1 log decimal reduction) for the applied radiation doses, being the surviving population mainly constituted by filamentous fungi and yeast. No effect of irradiation on colour of blackberries was observed. Concerning texture parameters, no significant differences were observed in both fracturability and firmness between non-irradiated and irradiated blackberries immediately after irradiation. In blackberries stored for two days, both parameters were slightly lower in irradiated blackberries, compared to non-irradiated blackberries. The performed sensorial analysis indicated a similar acceptability among irradiated and non-irradiated fruits. CONCLUSION: This work reveals gamma irradiation treatment potential since no major impact was detected on blackberries physical, rheological and sensory attributes. Further studies with longer periods of storage are needed to elucidate the advantages of irradiation as a conservation treatment.

Influence of the kind and age of the inoculum on the development of rot caused by Penicillium expansum (Link) Thom on stored apples

The influence of the kind and age of the inoculum on development of rot on 'Bankroft' and 'Mcintosh' apples was tested. The inoculum consisted of spore suspension and disks of culture of &lt;i&gt;Penicillium expansum&lt;/i&gt; (Link) Thorn. Spores were taken from cultures 3, 7, 14, 28 and 52 days old. Disks were prepared from 3- and 7-day-old cultures. The mother cultures in both cases were inoculated with spore suspensione from 7-day-old culture. The influence of the kind and age of cultures was significant, particularly after longer storage period. The rot developed faster after inoculation with the disks of culture than with the spore suspension. The speed of rot development on the four cvs of apples was compared; the rot developed fastest on 'Mcintosh'.

Stability enhancement of shellac by formation of composite film: Effect of gelatin and plasticizers

The objective of the present study was to reduce the polymerization of shellac by the formation of composite films with gelatin. The 6%w/w of composite film based on shellac and gelatin was prepared by the incorporation of different concentrations of gelatin and was prepared by film casting method. The stability of the composite films was then studied at 40°C, 75% RH for 180days in a stability chamber and the physicochemical properties were investigated. The results demonstrated that the higher concentrations of gelatin (30%, 40% and 50%) contributed to slight change in the acid value and the percentage of insoluble solids upon 180days of storage. These results were due to the protection at the active sites of the shellac, carboxyl and hydroxyl groups, by the electrostatic interaction between the negative charge of shellac and the positive charge of gelatin, resulting in the stabilized shellac. However, the mechanical properties could not withstand the storage time; further investigation was required to improve the stability in terms of mechanical properties of the composite film by the addition of a plasticizer. Two types of plasticizers were used: polyethylene glycol (PEG) and diethyl phthalate (DEP) represented hydrophilic and hydrophobic plasticizers at the concentrations of 5% and 10%, respectively. The addition of both types and concentrations of plasticizers could improve the poor mechanical properties and brittleness of the composite film for a longer storage time. However, only PEG 400 at 5% and 10%w/w acted as a good plasticizer capable of improving the stability of the composite film under the longer periods of storage. Therefore, the attempt to improve the stability in terms of polymerization and mechanical properties of shellac by the formation of the composite film and the addition of the plasticizer could be achieved. The result could be used to develop a new material for the various applications of edible films for coating in food and pharmaceutical industries.

English

Lima bean is a legume produced and consumed in various countries. To reduce post harvest losses and to enable the storage for long periods, an alternative is to dry the product. To describe the drying process, a mathematical model is usually required. In this article, four empirical equations available in the literature were used to simulate thin layer drying kinetics of lima bean at temperatures of 40, 50 and 60&deg;C. The four empirical equations were chosen based on their simplicity, involving only one or two fitting parameters. The statistical indicators showed that the Page and Silva et al. models were the best ones to describe the process. These two empirical equations has helped to deduce an analytical expression for the drying rate and these expressions produce results which can be considered equivalent. &nbsp; Key words: Drying rate, mathematical model, grain, storage.

Transcriptomic profiling during the post-harvest of heat-treated Dixiland Prunus persica fruits: common and distinct response to heat and cold.

Cold storage is extensively used to slow the rapid deterioration of peach (Prunus persica L. Batsch) fruit after harvest. However, peach fruit subjected to long periods of cold storage develop chilling injury (CI) symptoms. Post-harvest heat treatment (HT) of peach fruit prior to cold storage is effective in reducing some CI symptoms, maintaining fruit quality, preventing softening and controlling post-harvest diseases. To identify the molecular changes induced by HT, which may be associated to CI protection, the differential transcriptome of peach fruit subjected to HT was characterized by the differential display technique. A total of 127 differentially expressed unigenes (DEUs), with a presence-absence pattern, were identified comparing peach fruit ripening at 20°C with those exposed to a 39°C-HT for 3 days. The 127 DEUs were divided into four expression profile clusters, among which the heat-induced (47%) and heat-repressed (36%) groups resulted the most represented, including genes with unknown function, or involved in protein modification, transcription or RNA metabolism. Considering the CI-protection induced by HT, 23-heat-responsive genes were selected and analyzed during and after short-term cold storage of peach fruit. More than 90% of the genes selected resulted modified by cold, from which nearly 60% followed the same and nearly 40% opposite response to heat and cold. Moreover, by using available Arabidopsis microarray data, it was found that nearly 70% of the peach-heat responsive genes also respond to cold in Arabidopsis, either following the same trend or showing an opposite response. Overall, the high number of common responsive genes to heat and cold identified in the present work indicates that HT of peach fruit after harvest induces a cold response involving complex cellular processes; identifying genes that are involved in the better preparation of peach fruit for cold-storage and unraveling the basis for the CI protection induced by HT.

Seed and Embryo Germination in Ardisia crenata

Ardisia crenata is an evergreen shrub with attractive bright red berries. Although this species is usually propagated by seed, the seeds take a long time to germinate with conventional sowing methods. We investigated the germination capacity of seeds and embryos collected in different months and the effects of seed storage conditions, germination temperature, water permeability of the seed coat, and the endosperm on seed germination. Seeds and embryos collected in late September or later showed good germination rates. Seeds germinated more rapidly after longer periods of storage at low temperature (approximately 5°C), and those stored in dry conditions showed lower emergence frequency than those stored in wet conditions. Seeds germinated at 15–30°C, but not at 5–10°C. Removal of the seed coat enhanced water uptake and seed germination. Seeds with various proportions of the removed seed coat were sown on a medium supplemented with sucrose. The germination frequency increased as the size of the remaining endosperm decreased. However, the opposite results were obtained when seeds were sown on a medium without sucrose. We concluded that the optimal temperature of 25°C is the most critical factor for seed germination in A. crenata.

Effects of storage condition on the bioactive compound contents of Korean cabbage

The influence of common storage condition (i.e., temperature and period) on the phytochemical contents of Korean cabbage was investigated. The total polyphenol and flavonoid contents of fresh Korean cabbage extract were 308.48 μg gallic acid equivalent/g d.w. and 5.33 μg quercetin equivalent/g d.w., respectively. Seven glucosinolate peaks were detected in Korean cabbage representing progoitrin, glucoalyssin, gluconapin, glucobrassicanapin, glucobrassicin, 4-methoxyglucobrassicin, and neoglucobrassicin based on HPLC and LC-MS analysis. The concentration of total glucosinolates in fresh Korean cabbage was 13.55 μmol/g d.w. Our results suggest that the total glucosinolate content in Korean cabbage did not much change more over 7 days of storage at 4°C but a little bit decreased in stored at ambient temperature. The extractable β-carotene, lutein as well as tocopherol contents in Korean cabbage were decreased by increasing storage period at both temperatures of 4°C and ambient temperature. Longer storage period at ambient temperature may reduce the levels of health promoting compounds. Based on our results refrigeration at 4°C can help preserve the nutritive value of Korean cabbage by maintaining high levels of glucosinolates and other bioactive compounds.

The Effect of Various Postproduction Heat Treatment on Lipid Composition and Oxidation in Chinese Nanjing Salted Duck

Traditional Nanjing salted ducks are cooked at low temperatures. However, factories in China that attempt to mass produce this meat require a heat-treatment stage to maintain the safety of this food product over longer storage periods. Conjugated diene, carbonyl, thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances, peroxide, and the compositions of fatty acids (FA) and triacylglycerols (TGs) were measured in Chinese Nanjing salted ducks following different heat treatments including a control, 99C, 108C, microwave and 121C heat treatments after packaging. Heat treatments increased (P < 0.05) carbonyl and peroxide values and the percentages of C18:2n6, C18:3n3, C20:4n6, polyunsaturated FAs, unsaturated FA and some TGs; however, heat treatments decreased (P < 0.05) C16:0, C16:1, C18:1, monounsaturated and saturated fatty acids, and other TG fractions in the duck meat especially after microwaving or being treated at 121C. Further research should explore modifying current preservation methods to improve meat quality. Practical Applications Heat treatment of packaged products is considered an effective method of increasing their shelf life. However, such treatment can also distort the flavor of products, largely because of lipid oxidation. This study investigated changes in lipid composition and oxidation in heat-treated ducks to indirectly explore the mechanism behind off-flavor formation.

Clastic sediment transport and storage in fluviokarst aquifers: an essential component of karst hydrogeology

Carbonate aquifers with well-developed conduit systems carry a flux of clastic sediment as an intrinsic aspect of the functioning of the aquifer. Sources of clastic sediments include sediments carried by sinking streams, soil washdown from the epikarst, plug injection by sinkhole piping failures, residual insoluble material from the dissolution of the limestone, and sediment backflooded from surface streams. The conduit system acts as a mixing chamber where the injected materials are sorted and rearranged. Information on the sediments and their transport processes can be obtained by investigating the source areas, by inspection of cave sediments, and by monitoring clastic sediment discharged from springs as a function of flow conditions. The engine that drives the sediment transport system is storm recharge in the ground water basin drained by the conduit system. Fine-grained clastics move during ordinary storms and can be captured easily at springs, but movement of coarser materials requires high-intensity, therefore infrequent, storms so that most of the sediment flux is episodic with long periods of storage interspersed with short periods of movement. Fluid mechanics provides the basis for calculations of both bedload and suspended load components. However, these calculations become complex because of the need to take into account discharge-dependent shifts from pipe flow to open channel flow and the effect of irregularities in conduit morphology and blockages due to breakdown and other barriers.

DNA repair and STR PCR amplification from damaged DNA of human bloodstains

Detection and identification of DNA structure from aged and damaged biological materials such as bloodstain are important for human genetic study and individual identification. However, after a long period of storage, the DNA structure of biological samples is degraded to various degrees depending on several factors including environmental condition. In this study, human bloodstains that have been stored at room temperature for one to 39years were used to represent damaged biological samples. The numbers of apurinic/apyrimidinic sites (AP sites) were investigated by the DNA Damage Quantification Kit to evaluate the lesions in DNA structure. The damaged DNA from the stored human bloodstains was repaired using seven DNA repair enzymes. As DNA genetic marker, short tandem repeat (STR) genotypes were amplified using the non-repaired and repaired DNA preparations from the stored bloodstains. The results indicated that the number of AP sites increased as the storage time increased. While only 2 to 6 STR loci were detected in the damaged DNA of bloodstains stored for over 30years, after DNA repair all the genotypes in the STR system could be analyzed even from bloodstains that had been stored for the longest period.

홍화씨가 분쇄돈육의 냉장 중 이화학적 품질에 미치는 영향

본 연구는 지방대체제로 첨가한 홍화씨 분말이 내장 중 분쇄돈육의 이화학적 품질에 미치는 영향을 규명하고자 하였다. 분쇄돈육은 돈육등심 68%, 냉수 10%, 소금 2%에 돼지지방 20%(PF, control), 돼지지방 10%와 홍화씨 10%(PFS) 그리고 홍화씨 20%(SS)를 첨가하여 제조하였다. 이들은 냉장 중 pH, TBARS값, 색도, 보수력, 가열감량, 직경 감소율 및 기계적 조직감을 측정하였다. pH는 냉장 중 높아지다가 10일째 유의하게 감소했으며, 냉장 10일째의 pH는 PFS 및 SS가 PF보다 유의하게 낮았다(p<0.05). TBARS값은 냉장 중 유의하게 증가하여 냉장 10일째 PF, PFS 및 SS가 각각 1.186, 0.686 및 0.577 mg MA/kg을 나타내었다(p<0.05). 표면색깔의 경우 PF 및 PFS는 감소하였지만 SS는 유의한 차이가 없었다(p<0.05). 그리고 <TEX>$a^*$</TEX>값은 저장 중 감소하였지만 <TEX>$b^*$</TEX>값은 유의한 차이가 없었다(p<0.05). 내부색깔의 경우 PFS 및 SS의 <TEX>$L^*$</TEX>값은 감소하였지만 PF는 저장 중 변화가 없었다(p<0.05). PF의 <TEX>$a^*$</TEX>값은 저장 중 감소하였지만 SS는 증가하였다(p<0.05). 그리고 PF의 <TEX>$b^*$</TEX>값은 저장 중 감소하였지만 PFS 및 SS는 유의한 변화가 없었다(p<0.05). 보수력은 냉장 중 감소하였으며, SS의 보수력이 가장 높았다(p<0.05). 가열감량은 PF가 가장 높았으며, PFS 및 SS는 냉장 중 유의한 변화가 없었다(p<0.05). 직경감소율은 냉장 중 변화가 없었으며, PF의 직경감소율이 가장 컸다(p<0.05). 경도 및 저작성은 냉장 중 증가하였으며, 탄성 및 응집성은 낮아졌다(p<0.05). 이상의 결과, 홍화씨 분말은 분쇄육제품의 동물성 지방 대체제로서 효과가 있었고, 육제품을 개선하는데 용이하게 사용하기 위해서는 홍화씨 분말 10%가 적당할 것으로 판단된다. This study was carried out to investigate the effect of safflower seed powder on the physicochemical characteristics of ground pork during refrigerated storage. Three types of ground pork were evaluated: 20% pork fat added (PF, control), 10% pork fat and 10% added safflower seed powder (PFS), and 20% added safflower seed powder (SS). The pH increased during storage, but decreased after 10 days of the storage (p<0.05). The pH was lower in PFS and SS than that in PF after 10 days of storage (p<0.05). The TBARS (2-thiobarbituric acid reactive substances) values increased with longer storage period (p<0.05), and those of PF, PFS and SS were 1.186, 0.686 and 0.577 mg MA/kg, respectively, after 10 days of storage. The <TEX>$L^*$</TEX> values for external color of PF and PFS decreased (p<0.05), but that of SS was not significantly different after a longer storage period. The <TEX>$a^*$</TEX> values decreased (p<0.05), but the <TEX>$b^*$</TEX> values were not significantly different with longer storage period. The <TEX>$L^*$</TEX> values for internal color of PFS and SS decreased (p<0.05), but that of PF was not significantly different with longer storage period. The <TEX>$a^*$</TEX> value of PF decreased (p<0.05), but that of SS increased with longer storage period. The <TEX>$b^*$</TEX> value decreased (p<0.05), but those of PFS and SS were not significantly different with longer storage period. Water holding capacity decreased with longer storage period, and that of SS was the highest (p<0.05). Cooking loss of PFS and SS was not significantly different with longer storage period, and that of PF was the highest (p<0.05). The reduction in diameter of the samples was not significantly different with longer storage period, and that of PF was the highest (p<0.05). Hardness and chewiness of samples increased, but springiness and cohesiveness decreased with longer storage period (p<0.05). Replacing animal fat with safflower seed powder was effective and may be useful as an innovative meat product.

Effects of Ionized Air Treatments on Postharvest Physiology and Quality of Fresh Cucumber

Methods to maintain postharvest quality and prolong shelf life of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) are sought after, because cucumber fruits are highly perishable and sensitive to both ethylene and chilling temperatures (below 10C). The authors evaluated the efficacy of ionized air treatments to delay senescence in cucumber. Fresh cucumbers were stored under either ozone gas (1.112 mg/L) or anion gas (3 × 106 ion/cm3) treatments for 28 days at 12C and 95% relative humidity. Quality-related attributes, including water loss, decay rates, respiration intensity, activity of polyphenoloxidase and peroxidase, malondialdehyde (MDA) accumulation, firmness, crispness and elasticity of cucumbers during storage were determined. Results showed that both the ozone and anion gas treatments effectively inhibited the metabolic activity of cucumbers, resulting in decreased MDA accumulation, better texture indices and reduced decay rate. Cucumbers treated with anion gas (3 × 106 ion/cm3) maintained fresher appearance over a longer storage period than control and ozone treatments. Practical Applications This research tried to study the impacts of ionized air treatments on the physiological quality of treated fruits and vegetables and showed that anion gas was a better choice to maintain the freshness and quality of cucumbers. This new anion gas treatment method has the potential to be used by industry as a convenient, energy-saving and safe method to increase the storage qualities of many fruits and vegetables.

VFA and ammonia from residential food waste as indicators of odor potential

Research was conducted to determine suitable chemical parameters as indicators of odor from decomposing food wastes. Prepared food scraps were stored in 18l plastic buckets (2kg wet weight each) at 20°C and 8°C to reproduce high and low temperature conditions. After 1, 3, 7, 10 and 14days of storage, the odor from the buckets were marked to an intensity scale of 0 (no odor) to 5 (intense) and the corresponding leachate analyzed for volatile fatty acids, ammonia and total organic carbon. A linear relationship between odor intensity and the measured parameter indicates a suitable odor indicator. Odor intensified with longer storage period and warmer surroundings. The study found ammonia and isovaleric acid to be promising odor indicators. For this food waste mixture, offensive odors were emitted if the ammonia and isovaleric acid contents exceeded 360mg/l and 940mg/l, respectively.

The application of D-optimal design for modelling the red wine ageing process

The aim of this study was to investigate effects of grape seed content in pomace and ageing time on phenolic compounds and colour of red wine using a statistical experimental design. In accordance with the results, it was planned to evaluate a potential use of obtained model for determination of wine shelf life, in terms of its chromatic characteristics. Response surface methodology was used and experiments were carried out according to the two-factor D-optimal design with cubic model. According to the design, wines were obtained from pomace supplemented with 30–120 g/L of seeds and left for ageing from 3 to 48 months. Parameters (responses) monitored in this study were: total phenols content, total anthocyanins content, flavan-3-ols content, colour intensity and hue. Modified third order polynomial equations, which represent fitted models for investigated responses, are shown as adequate (R2 > 0.90 and P < 0.001). The validation of models obtained showed good agreement between modelled and independent experimental results. This study has shown that addition of supplementary quantities of grape seeds in pomace led to stabilization of red wine colour during longer storage periods. Despite a sharp fall of anthocyanins content during first year (decrease even by 80%), colour intensity of red wines did not suffer greater changes (decrease by 10%) and it was still acceptable after four years of storage. The use of obtained models for determination of wine's shelf life, as well as, the necessity of further examination, is shown.