Can the incorporation of different concentrations of buriti (Mauritia flexuosa) oil change the rheological properties of filmogenic solutions? A factorial experimental design approach

Background: Buriti (Mauritia flexuosa) oil has high economic potential because it contains monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids with high antioxidant potential and high carotenoid content, making it an excellent source of pro-vitamin A. Objective: The objective of this work was to evaluate the rheological properties of filmogenic solutions incorporated with different buriti oil concentrations. Methods: Buriti oil (0.15 to 0.45 % w/v) and emulsifier (Tween®20) (0.02 to 0.04 % w/v) were combined using a factorial experimental design 22 with 3 central points for the preparation of filmogenic solutions with cassava starch (3%, w/v) and glycerol (0.06%, w/v). Rheological properties, static and centrifugation emulsion stabilities, and pH value of filmogenic solutions were evaluated. Results: Filmogenic solutions with lower emulsifier concentration showed increased flow resistance and non-Newtonian and pseudoplastic behavior (n<1). Central point formulation (E, F, and G) remained stable (no particle agglomeration) throughout the test period as well as pH value close to neutrality. In centrifugation stability index at 3500 rpm, only formulation C did not show phase separation. Conclusion: It was possible to develop a mixture of a filmogenic solution containing buriti oil that could be applied as an eco-friendly coating in food.

Evaluation of some nutritional quality criteria of seventeen Moroccan dates varieties and clones, fruits of date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.)

Date fruit is known to be the staple food in the Arab countries. It provides a lot of potential health benefits and can be the essential source of nutrients. The majority of Moroccan varieties are not characterized for their chemical, biochemical and quality properties. The aim of this work was to assess the chemical composition of 17 varieties of Moroccan date fruits (Phoenix dactylifera L.) and to determine their nutritive components. The analysis showed that the dates are rich in sugars (51.80-87.98%), they contain low concentration of proteins (1.09-2.80%) and lipids (0.16-0.39%). The predominant mineral is potassium (1055.26-1604.10 mg/100 g DW). Moreover, they contain high concentrations of malic acid (69.48-495.58 mg/100 g (DW)), oxalic acid (18.47-233.35 mg/100 g DW) and tartaric acid (115.70-484.168 mg/100 g DW). These results suggest that the date fruit are nutritious and can be an excellent source for human nutrition and health benefits.

Phenolics and Mineral Elements Composition in Underutilized Apple Varieties

(1) Background: The aim of this research is to study the importance of improving knowledge of old variety apples in terms of phytochemicals, antioxidant capacity and mineral elements. (2) Methods: Fifteen phenolic compounds (UHPLC-MS/MS techniques), eight mineral elements (Ca, K, Cu, Mn, Fe, Zn, Na and Mg), antioxidant capacity (DPPH%) and vitamin C content in four ancient apple varieties of Tuscany (‘Mora’, ‘Nesta’, ‘Panaia’ and ‘Ruggina’), with the ‘Golden Delicious’ cultivar as reference, were analyzed. (3) Results: Ancient cultivars exhibited a superior antioxidant capacity compared to commercial cultivars. ECTC and CGA were the polyphenols that mostly characterized the ancient apples. The contents of the elements of concern, Zn and Mn, were higher in the ancient cultivars ‘Panaia’ and ‘Ruggina’, while Na showed significant low concentration in ‘Nesta’, ‘Panaia’ and ‘Ruggina’ compared to ‘Golden Delicious’. The vitamin C content also indicated that ‘Mora’, ‘Panaia’ and ‘Ruggina’ old variety had an AsA content around 10 times higher than the ‘Golden Delicious’ apple. (4) Conclusions: Underutilized varieties could be an excellent source of bioactive phenolic phytochemicals, mineral nutrients and vitamins that may offer special nutraceutical benefits compared to other fruits.

Comparative Study of Metabolomic Profile and Antioxidant Content of Adult and In Vitro Leaves of Aristotelia chilensis

This work aimed to identify the bioactive compounds present in adult maqui (Aristotelia chilensis) leaves from different stages of development and seasons of the year and compare them with leaves obtained from maqui plants grown in vitro. The qualitative and quantitative analysis of maqui leaf extracts by HPLC-DAD-ESI-MSn showed the presence of different polyphenolic compounds classified into galloyl and caffeoyl quinic acids, ellagitannins and ellagic acid- and flavonoid-derivatives. In general, the total phenolic content of the in vitro samples was higher than that of ex vitro samples, whereas the total flavonoid content was higher in winter basal leaves. Additionally, the analysis by HPLC-MS showed that the extract from spring basal leaves was enriched in quercetin, catechin, kaempferol and 3-caffeoyl quinic acids, while in the in vitro leaves extract, quercetin was not present. As regards lipophilic compounds identified by GC/MS, the samples of in vitro leaves showed a high presence of α-tocopherol and β-sitosterol. In contrast, the samples of adult leaves presented a hight level of linolenic and linoleic acids. These results suggest that maqui leaves could be an excellent source of antioxidants and lipophilic compounds for many industries, such as the nutraceutical and pharmaceutical industries.

Nutraceutical Content and Genetic Diversity Share a Common Pattern in New Pomegranate Genotypes

The nutraceutical value of pomegranate in the treatment of many neoplastic, cardiovascular, viral, inflammatory, metabolic, microbial, intestinal, reproductive and skin diseases is well-documented and is linked to its richness in phenolic compounds. This study aims to evaluate nutraceutical and genetic diversity of novel pomegranate genotypes (G1-G5) in comparison to leading commercial pomegranate varieties i.e. &lsquo;Wonderful&rsquo;, &lsquo;Primosole&rsquo;, &lsquo;Dente di Cavallo&rsquo; and &lsquo;Valenciana&rsquo;. Morphometric measurements were carried out on fruits, accompanied by chemical characterization and the development of four new polymorphic SSR markers involved in the flavonoid pathway. The cultivars displayed a marked variability in the weight and shape of fruits, as well as in the weight of arils and juice yield. The highest level of total phenolic content and antioxidant activity was found in &lsquo;Wonderful&rsquo; and G4, while the lowest was in &lsquo;Dente di Cavallo&rsquo;. Furthermore, the results showed that the pomegranate juice, is an excellent source of minerals, especially potassium, which plays a key role in organ functioning. The new flavonoid-related markers effectively differentiated the cultivars with the same diversity pattern as morpho-chemical characterization, so the SSRs developed in the present study can be used as a rapid tool for the identification of pomegranate cultivars with relevant nutraceutical traits.

PRODUÇÃO DE MÓVEIS RÚSTICOS COM MADEIRA RESIDUAL DA FLORESTA AMAZÔNICA

A exploração madeireira e as conversões de áreas de florestas para uso alternativo do solo na região Amazônica, em especial no estado do Amapá, resultam em grandes quantidades de madeira residual que em geral são abandonadas em campo. Essa problemática da geração de resíduos florestais e principalmente do desperdício e da falta de alternativas para o seu uso apropriado, resultou nesta proposta de pesquisa que teve como objetivo a produção de móveis rústicos artesanais como uma alternativa para o uso da madeira residual da floresta Amazônica. Foram coletados resíduos de madeira deixados no campo após a colheita de floresta Amazônica manejada, destinando-os à fabricação de mobiliário rústico, obtendo como resultado final os seguintes protótipos: banco peça de tora única, balcão para barzinho, aparador de madeira, pia de madeira, mesinha de centro com tampo de madeira, mesinha de centro com tampo de vidro. Foi testada a viabilidade técnica para fabricação artesanal das peças de mobiliário utilizando máquinas e ferramentas portáteis. Os resíduos de madeira se mostraram excelente fonte de matéria-prima para movelaria rústica possibilitando múltiplas alternativas de designs, apesar de certas dificuldades terem sido evidenciadas no decorrer do processo como: peso, dureza, orientação da grã da madeira, entre outras que, no entanto, não impossibilitaram a produção dos móveis. O uso da madeira residual para fabricação de móveis rústicos pode se constituir num novo e empreendedor negócio para a região Amazônica, contribuindo para a geração de renda local. Verificou-se que o método empregado proporcionou a produção de móveis originais, o que agrega valor à sua comercialização. Palavras-chave: trabalho artesanal; empreendedorismo; projeto. Rustic furniture production with wood residues from the Amazon forest ABSTRACT: Harvesting and conversions of forest areas to alternative land use in the Amazon region, especially in the Amapá state, result in large amounts of wood residues that are generally abandoned. This problem about the forest residues and mainly of its loss and the lack of alternatives for its proper use, resulted in this research proposal that aimed to produce handcrafted rustic furniture as an alternative to the use of wood residues from the Amazon forest. Wood residues left in the field after harvesting the managed Amazon forest were collected and destined for the manufacture of rustic furniture, obtaining the following prototypes as a final result: log bench, bar counter, wood dresser, wood sink, coffee table with wood top, coffee table with glass top. The technical feasibility of handcrafting furniture pieces using portable machines and tools were tested. Wood residues proved to be an excellent source of raw material for rustic furniture, enabling multiple design alternatives, although certain difficulties were evidenced during the process such as: weight, hardness, wood grain orientation, among others that did not prevent the furniture production. The use of wood residues to rustic furniture manufacture can constitute a new and entrepreneurial business for the Amazon region, contributing to the generation of local income. It was found that the method used provided the production of original furniture, which adds value to its marketing. Keywords: artisan work; entrepreneurship; design.

A review of common diseases of pineapple: the causal pathogens, disease symptoms, and available control measures

Pineapple is a perennial fruit-bearing tropical plant that belongs to the Bromeliaceae family, which has more than 2500 species. Pineapple is known excellent source of minerals and vitamins. It produces substantial calcium, potassium, glucose, the proteindigesting enzyme bromelain, fibre, vitamin A, B and C. In Malaysia, twelve registered varieties of pineapple have been introduced and commercially planted such as Moris (AC1), Sarawak (AC2), Gandul (AC3), Maspine (AC4), Josapine (AC5) Yankee (AC6) Moris Gajah (AC7), N36 (AC8), MD2 (AC9), View of Sunset (AC10), Madu Kaca (AC11), and Keningau Diamond (AC12). The disease is one of the important factors that can contribute to the huge losses of pineapple yield worldwide. This review paper aimed to discuss the main diseases of pineapple and their control management, particularly in Malaysia. The common diseases of pineapple that cause significant yield losses in the farms such as mealybug wilt-associated virus, bacterial heart rot, fruit collapse, butt rot, fruitlet core rot, black rot, yeasty and fusariosis are highlighted and discussed in detail on the causal pathogens, disease symptoms and signs, disease infection and development. The available control measures for managing pineapple diseases were also included in this paper.

Lestár Gyulaffi’s Manuscripts and the Fragmentation of a Magnum Opus

Lestár Gyulaffi (1556–1606?) was a secretary of the Greater Chancery of the Transylvanian Principality. Today, he is best-known as a writer of historical notes and commentaries. These records are considered an excellent source and therefore used by scholars researching the age. As the texts have not been recently published, researchers usually use the 19th-century text edition. However, looking at the original documents preserved in the ELTE University Library in Budapest, one realizes that Gyulaffi’s writings do not form a compact work, the 19th-century edition is largely a constructed text. In the present paper I will present what additional information can be obtained from the examination of the manuscripts.

Sustainable Recovery of Preservative and Bioactive Compounds from Food Industry Bioresidues

With the increasing demand for convenient and ready-to-eat foods, the use of antioxidants and preservative additives in foodstuff formulation is essential. In addition to their technological functions in food, bio-based additives confer beneficial properties for human health for having antioxidant capacity and acting as antimicrobial, antitumor, and anti-inflammatory agents, among others. The replacement of preservatives and other additives from synthetic origin, usually related to adverse effects on human health, faces some challenges such as availability and cost. An opportunity to obtain these compounds lies in the food industry itself, as a great variety of food waste has been identified as an excellent source of high value-added compounds. Large amounts of seeds, fibrous strands, peel, bagasse, among other parts of fruits and vegetables are lost or wasted during industrial processing, despite being rich sources of bioactive compounds. From a circular economy perspective, this work reviewed the main advances on the recovery of value-added compounds from food industry bioresidues for food application. Bioactive compounds, mainly phenolic compounds, have been largely obtained, mostly from seeds and peels, and have been successfully incorporated into foods. Additionally, alternative and eco-friendly extraction techniques, as ultrasound and microwave, have showed advantages in extracting antioxidant and preservatives compounds.

Mesoscopic and Microscopic Magmatic Structures in the Quxu Batholith of the Gangdese Belt, Southern Tibet: Implications for Multiple Hybridization Processes

The Quxu batholith of the Gangdese magmatic belt, southern Tibet, comprises predominantly Early Eocene calc-alkaline granitoids that feature a variety of types of magmatic microgranular enclaves and dikes. Previous studies have demonstrated that magma mixing played a crucial role in the formation of the Quxu batholith. However, the specific processes responsible for this mixing/hybridization have not been identified. The magmatic microgranular enclaves and dikes preserve a record of this magma mixing, and are therefore an excellent source of information about the processes involved. In this study, mesoscopic and microscopic magmatic structures have been investigated, in combination with analyses of mineral textures and chemical compositions. Texturally, most of the enclaves are microporphyritic, with large crystals such as clinopyroxene, hornblende, and plagioclase in a groundmass of hornblende, plagioclase, and biotite. Two types of enclave swarms can be distinguished: polygenic and monogenic swarms. Composite dikes are observed, and represent an intermediate stage between undisturbed mafic dike and dike-like monogenic enclave swarms. Our results reveal three distinct stages of magma mixing in the Quxu batholith, occurring at depth, during ascent and emplacement, and after emplacement, respectively. At depth, thorough and/or partial mixing occurred between mantle-derived mafic and crust-derived felsic magmas to produce hybrid magma. The mafic magma was generated from the primitive mantle, whereas the felsic end-member was produced by partial melting of the preexisting juvenile crust. Many types of enclaves and host granitoids are thus cogenetic, because all are hybrid products produced by the mixing of the two contrasting magmas in different proportions. In the second stage, segregation and differentiation of the hybrid magma led to the formation of the host granitoids as well as various types of magmatic microgranular enclaves. At this stage, mingling and/or local mixing happened during ascent and emplacement. In the final stage, mafic or hybrid magma was injected into early fractures in the crystallizing and cooling pluton to form dikes. Some dikes remained undisturbed, whereas others experienced local mingling and mixing to form composite dikes and eventually disturbed dike-like monogenic enclave swarms. In summary, our study demonstrates the coupling between magmatic texture and composition in an open-system batholith and highlights the potential of magmatic structures for understanding the magma mixing process.