Hazelnuts (Corylus avellana L.) from Spontaneous Flora of the West Part of Romania: A Source of Nutrients for Locals

In this study, the nutritional potential of some hazelnut varieties from the spontaneous flora of Romania was analyzed as a means to increase the sustainability of the local production. The chemical composition from hazelnuts (Corylus avellana L.) from spontaneous flora was determined in terms of mineral substances, protein, as well as essential and non-essential amino acids. The eight amino acids investigated had the following average values: Arg—0.68 g/100 g, Phe—0.415 g/100 g, Ser—0.277 g/100 g, Glu—0.188 g/100 g, Asp—0.133 g/100 g, Pro—0.038 g/100 g, and Lys—0.031 g/100 g. The average values of metal content were in the ranges: 88.39–146.98 µg·g−1 (Fe); 96.93–123.23 µg·g−1(Zn); 46.68–100.38 µg·g−1 (Cu); 26.00–87.78 µg·g−1 (Mn); 4.87–32.19 µg·g−1 (Ni); 1.87–2.84 µg·g−1 (Cr); and 1.29–1.86 µg·g−1 (Cd). Crude protein content values were in the range 16.33–22.31%. In order to harness this nutritional potential, the variety with superior quality indices was included, in the form of flour, in biscuit-type baked goods that were characterized from nutritional and sensory points of view. The results showed that the content of polyphenols increased with the addition of hazelnut flour, as did the content of polyunsaturated fatty acids.

Chemical Composition, Fatty Acid Profile, and Lipid Quality Indices in Commercial Ripening of Cow Cheeses from Different Seasons

The aim of the study was to compare and demonstrate whether commercial rennet ripening cheeses available on the market in summer and winter differ in their chemical composition, fatty acid profile, content of cis9trans11 C18:2 (CLA) acid and other trans isomers of C18:1 and C18:2 acid and whether they are characterized by different values of lipid quality assessment indices. The experimental material consisted of rennet ripening of cheeses produced from cow’s milk available in the Polish market. The first batch contained cheeses produced in winter and purchased from the market between May and June. The second batch contained cheeses produced in summer and purchased between November and December. Chemical composition was analyzed by FoodScan apparatus. The gas chromatography (GC) method was used to determine the content of fatty acids. Results obtained in the presented study indicate that the chemical composition, content of fatty acids trans isomers, and lipid quality indices varied between summer and winter cheeses. The summer cheeses were richer sources of MUFA and PUFA compared to winter cheeses. Summer cheeses were also characterized by lower content of SFA, higher content n-3, lower n-6/n-3 ratio, and higher content of DFA. Higher contents of CLA and trans C18:1 and C18:2 were found in summer cheeses.

Water quality response to hydropeaking regulation of the Three Gorges Dam and Gezhouba Dam, China

Hydropeaking as the most prominent feature of flow alterations resulting from hydropower plants has received attention worldwide. Ramifications of hydropower on the downstream river systems mainly focus on hydrological regimes or long-term water quality changes. Exceptional knowledge is expected on the sub-daily changes of water qualities in the downstream river reach that is affected by the hydropeaking. In this study, we investigate the dynamics of hydropeaking and thermopeaking at the outlet of the Three Gorges Dam TGD using a high temporal resolution dataset, and inspect its association with water chemistry indices. Hourly measurements are analysed for the downstream station Yunchi , and compared with the upstream station Nanjinguan. The results show that along with water temperature, water quality indices such as dissolved oxygen, total Phosphorus, total nitrogen, PH, and electricity conductivity all show evident ‘peaking’ phenomenon in a short time. These divergent variations, however, are not valid for non-hydropeaking affected indicators including turbidity, permanganate index, and ammonia nitrogen. These hydropeaking-induced perturbations are mitigated by the flood control operation from July to September. This study demonstrates that water quality indices are sensitive to hydropeaking and thermopeaking with respect to the magnitude of change and the seasonal component during a year. The results provide additional evidence for the environmental impacts of hydropower regulation on the receiving river reach, and bridge the gap between hydropeaking studies and thermopeaking, and study water qualities variations that were seldom connected from the same temporal perspective in river research.