Stack ensembled model to measure size and mass of almond kernels

After harvesting almond crop, accurate measurement of almond kernel sizes is a significant specification to plan, develop and enhance almond processing operations. The size and mass of the individual almond kernels are vital parameters usually associated with almond quality and yield. In this study, we propose a novel methodology that combines image processing and machine-learning ensemble that accurately measures the size and mass of whole raw almond kernels (classification—Nonpareil) simultaneously. We have developed an image-processing algorithm using recursive method to identify the individual almond kernels from an image and estimate the size of the kernels based on the occupied pixels by a kernel. The number of pixels representing an almond kernel was used as its digital fingerprint to predict its size and mass. Various popular machine learning (ML) models were implemented to build a stacked ensemble model (SEM), predicting the mass of the individual almond kernels based on the features derived from the pixels of the individual kernels in the image. The prediction accuracy and robustness of image processing and SEM were analyzed using uncertainty quantification. The mean error in estimating the average length of 1,000 almond kernel was 3.12%. Similarly, mean errors associated with predicting the 1,000 kernel mass were 0.63%. The developed algorithm in almond imaging in this study can be used to facilitate a rapid almond yield and quality appraisals.     

Micromechanical properties of almond kernels with various moisture content levels

Almond fruits are subjected to various mechanical stresses throughout production, from harvest to processing, storage and packaging. Kernel properties play an important role in reducing mechanical damage such as scratches and penetration of shell pieces. Knowledge of kernel properties under various conditions of the fruit can assist in optimising post-harvest and processing lines to minimise kernel damage and thus maximise final kernel quality. Kernel moisture content is one of the main attributes affecting the kernel’s response to mechanical processing. Increasing the kernel moisture content to an optimum level through wetting fruit prior to processing can lead to a reduced percentage of damaged kernel. Water added to the structure of kernels acted as a plasticiser and helped the kernels to absorb the mechanical load instead of fracturing and breaking into pieces. In this study, tests were conducted on almond kernels with different moisture content levels from 5.52 to 14.09g/100g wet basis. Kernels from a Nonpareil variety were tested in dried and wetted conditions. Test results showed that kernels with higher moisture content were able to undergo a larger deformation at a given force value in comparison with dry kernels. Average deformation for dry samples was from 0.12 mm, which increased to an average of 0.25 mm in wetted samples. The effect of skin on the mechanical properties of the kernels (with and without skin) was studied using a mechanical tester. The test results showed a peak force value in samples tested with skin in comparison with the kernels tested without skin.     

Reduction of Salmonella enteritidis population sizes on almond kernels with infrared heat

Catalytic infrared (IR) heating was investigated to determine its effect on Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis population sizes on raw almond kernels. Using a double-sided catalytic IR heating system, a radiation intensity of 5,458 W/m2 caused a fast temperature increase at the kernel surface and minimal temperature differences between the top and bottom kernel surfaces. Exposure of dry kernels to IR heat for 30, 35 and 45 s resulted in maximum kernel surface temperatures of 90, 102, and 113 degrees C, and when followed by immediate cooling at room temperature, yielded a 0.63-, 1.03-, and 1.51-log reduction in S. enterica population sizes, respectively. The most efficacious decontamination treatment consisted of IR exposure, followed by holding of the kernels at warm temperature for 60 min, which effected a greater than 7.5-log reduction in S. enterica on the kernels. During that treatment, the kernel surface temperature rose to 109 degrees C and gradually decreased to 80 degrees C. Similar IR and holding treatments with lower maximum kernel surface temperatures of 104 and 100 degrees C yielded reductions of 5.3 and 4.2 log CFU/g kernel, respectively. During these treatments, moisture loss from the kernels was minimal and did not exceed 1.06%. Macroscopic observations suggested that kernel quality was not compromised by the IR-holding combination treatment, as skin morphology, meat texture, and kernel color were indistinguishable from those of untreated kernels. Our studies indicate that IR heating technology is an effective dry pasteurization for raw almonds.     

Dietary fibre: consensus and controversy

Technological advances have reduced and refined man's plant food intake and consequently brought about an unprecedented decline in his consumption of dietary fibre (DF). The emergence of certain diseases selectively in regions which have been affected the most by this dietary change has led to an enhanced awareness of the functions of DF. DF is a heterogeneous group of substances which resist digestion by the endogenous enzymes of the human gut, although they are fermented to a substantial extent by the bacterial flora of the large intestine. Chemically, DF essentially consists of nonstarch polysaccharides and lignin, and its major constituents are cellulose, hemicelluose, lignin and pectin. The physiological effects of DF are attributable largely to its physicochemical properties. DF primarily affects gastrointestinal (GI) function; its effects are observable at all stages from ingestion through defaecation. It restricts caloric intake, shows gastric and small intestinal transit, and affects the activity of digestive enzymes and release of GI hormones. Its overall impact is to reduce apparent digestibility of nutrients marginally but consistently. In the large intestine, DF accelerates transit, supports bacterial growth and serves to hold water. As a result, the faecal weight and water content increase, and the transit time generally becomes shorter. Secondary to its GI effects, DF attenuates postprandial glycaemia and has long term effects on glucose tolerance and lipoprotein metabolism. These effects have important implications in the aetiopathogenesis of constipation and its sequelae including diverticulosis, cholesterol gallstones, colorectal cancer, obesity, diabetes mellitus and atherosclerosis. DF has traditionally been used therapeutically for constipation; now its use in diabetes is also well established. Our appreciation of the role of DF in human nutrition has undergone a major change in the last two decades. From a redundant constituent of plant foods, it has now moved to the position of an essential nutrient, the deficiency of which seems to have serious consequences.     

Dietary fibre of coconuts from a pacific atoll: Soluble and insoluble components in relation to maturity

Polysaccharide fractions were measured in coconuts at three stages of maturity, which corresponded to dietary usage in the Tokelau Islands of the South Pacific. Kernel was sequentially extracted with cold water (CW), hot water (HW) hot 0.5% ammonium oxalate (HOX), 1M H² SO⁴ and 72% H² SO⁴, and the monosaccharide compositions of the fractions determined. Total readily soluble fractions (CW+HW+HOX) were predominantly galactomannan, and decreased from 77% of the polysaccharide in the immature kernel to 8.8% of that in the mature kernel. Insoluble mannan increased during maturation to be the major polysaccharide component in mature kernel. This indicates that marked differences exist between the three stages of maturity examined, in the properties of their dietary fibre. The results suggest that in studies of diets in which coconut is a staple part, there is a need for careful definition of the coconut component with respect to maturity. Furthermore, they show the importance of using dietary fibre methods which are appropriate to the solubility characteristics of the indigestible polysaccharide.     

Compositional changes and biosynthesis of lipids in the developing kernels of almond (Prunus amygdalus batsch)

Fruit and kernel weights of developing almond kernels increased with age. The kernel contents had a translucent and jelly-like appearance in the initial developmental stages, but solidified prior to the accumulation of dry matter, mainly oil, from 50 days after fertilisation (DAF). During kernel development the oil content displayed a double sigmoid pattern. Oleic and linoleic acids accumulated to similar levels, but the linolenic acid content decreased during development. Oil-filling ([1-¹⁴C]acetate incorporation) commenced at 50 DAF, and reached a maximum level at 70 DAF. The total polar lipid content was highest at 10 DAF, as determined by radioactive labelling, but from 30 DAF onwards a de-novo synthesis was noted. Diphosphatidyl glycerol (Cardiolipin) acted as a temporary reservoir for the synthesis of phospholipids from 70 DAF, and thereafter the synthesis of phosphatidyl choline was enhanced. In the initial stages, the rate of synthesis of monogalactosyl diglycerides was greater than that of digalactosyl diglycerides, and a de-novo synthesis of both was observed from 30 DAF. The synthesis of triacylglycerols corresponded well with the pattern of oil-filling. The level of ¹⁴C radioactivity recorded in sterol esters was greater at the initial stages, but declined from 50 DAF, possibly because of the effect of dilution, as envisaged in the case of the triacylglycerols.     

Dietary fibre in raw and cooked potatoes

The content of dietary fibre (DF) in raw and cooked potatoes was determined.Cooking resulted in a higher content of insoluble DF due to more material determined as cellulose and non-cellulosic glucose in cooked than in raw potatoes, while the level of soluble DF was less affected. The higher content of material determined as cellulose and non-cellulosic glucose probably reflected the presence of retrograded starch.Cooked potatoes showed approximately the same content of DF whether before or after cooking, boiled in water or steam boiled.For insoluble DF, gravimetry and gas-liquid chromatography/colorimetry gave the same amounts. For soluble DF, the latter method gave lower results.     

Dietary fibre content of dry and processed beans

Common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) are a good source of protein, vitamins, minerals and especially dietary fibre. As beans are never eaten raw, the effects of soaking, cooking, soaking–cooking and canning on soluble, insoluble and total dietary fibre contents of beans are studied. Total dietary fibre content was determined by enzyme-gravimetric method. The fraction of insoluble dietary fibre was corrected for the content of resistant starch, determined as part of the total starch in insoluble fibre. The results indicate that thermal processing decreased the insoluble fibre content, and consequently the total dietary fibre content of beans. Soaking and cooking of beans significantly (P⩽0.05) increased the resistant starch content. The data on dietary fibre content of processed food are much more relevant than those of raw food. Thus food composition tables should contain as much data on processed food as possible.     

Survival of Salmonella Enteritidis PT 30 on inoculated almond kernels in hot water treatments

Almonds are blanched by exposure to hot water or steam-injected water to remove the pellicle (skin) from the kernel. This study evaluated the survival of Salmonella Enteritidis PT 30, Salmonella Senftenberg 775W and Enterococcus faecalis on whole raw almond kernels exposed to hot water. Whole, inoculated (7 to 9 log CFU/g) Nonpareil almonds (40 g) were submerged in 25 L of water maintained at 60, 70, 80 and 88 °C. Almonds were heated for up to 12 min, drained for 2 s, and transferred to 80 mL of cold (4 °C) tryptic soy broth. Almonds in broth were stomached at high speed for 2 min, serially diluted, plated onto tryptic soy and bismuth sulfite agars (Salmonella) or bile esculin agar (Enterococcus) and incubated at 37 °C for 24 and 48 h, respectively. D values of 2.6, 1.2, 0.75 and 0.39 min were calculated for exposure of S. Enteritidis PT 30 to water at 60, 70, 80 and 88 °C, respectively; the calculated z value was 35 C°. D values determined for Salmonella Senftenberg 775W and E. faecalis at 88 °C were 0.37 and 0.36 min, respectively. Neither Salmonella serovar could be recovered by enrichment of 1-g samples after almonds inoculated at 5 log CFU/g were heated at 88 °C for 2 min. These data will be useful to validate almond industry blanching processes.     

Dietary fibre content of thirteen apple cultivars

Fibre composition of the following 13 apple cultivars was studied: ‘Cortland’, ‘Empire’, ‘Fuji’, ‘Golden Delicious’, ‘Gala’, ‘Granny Smith’, ‘Jonagold’, ‘Mutsu’, ‘McIntosh’, ‘Delicious’, ‘Rome’, ‘Stayman’ and ‘York’. Fruit samples from each of these cultivars were analysed for non-starch cell wall materials (NSCWM) and non-starch polysaccharides (NSP). NSCWM was further fractionated into soluble and insoluble fibre fractions. Both NSCWM and NSP content were found to be significantly influenced by cultivar. NSCWM content ranged from 19·1 g kg⁻¹ apple flesh in ‘Fuji’ to 36·2 g kg⁻¹ in ‘York’. Mean(±SD) NSCWM content of all the cultivars was 23·1±4·5 g kg⁻¹. NSP content of apple flesh ranged from 13·8 g kg⁻¹ in ‘McIntosh’ to 28·7 g kg⁻¹ in ‘York’ with the overall mean for all cultivars being 17·9±4·2 g kg⁻¹. Relative amount of monosaccharides found in the hydrolysates of apple fibre also varied among cultivars. The greatest difference was observed in galactose content. ©1997 SCI     

薄壳山核桃仁的蛋白质组成及其内源性蛋白酶活性

为了对薄壳山核桃仁中的主要蛋白质,特别是相对丰度较低的功能活性蛋白进行系统研究,以新鲜的薄壳山核桃仁为原料,利用电泳、液相串联质谱和氨基酸分析等方法,考察了薄壳山核桃仁的主要蛋白质和功能活性蛋白(抗氧化酶、内源性蛋白酶),并对内源性蛋白酶的最适pH和温度进行了研究。结果显示:薄壳山核桃仁的主要蛋白质包括11S球蛋白(58%)、7S球蛋白(17%)和9 kDa蛋白(15%),还含有0.239%超氧化物歧化酶、0.190%过氧化氢酶和0.282%内源性蛋白酶;只检测到1种蛋白酶抑制剂,并且其相对丰度极低;内源性蛋白酶在pH 3.5~5.5和40~60℃时可发挥水解活性,并在pH 4.5和50℃时活性最强;在氨基酸组成方面,薄壳山核桃仁蛋白的赖氨酸含量低(3.74%),但谷氨酸+谷氨酰胺含量(19.51%)和精氨酸含量(14.12%)高。说明国产薄壳山核桃适宜鲜食,对促进人体健康有益。     

Dietary fibre, glycaemic response, and diabetes

The much publicised global trend in rising levels of obesity and diabetes has refuelled interest in the dietary intake of the macronutrients (fat, protein, and carbohydrates) necessary to maintain the state of normalcy (good health) of an individual. Both scientific and public attention have focused on the dietary mediation of chronic health syndromes, either through use of dietary supplements, or a review of the whole diet situation. Dietary supplements have been used extensively both as pharmacological supplements, food ingredients, in processed foods to aid weight control, and the regulation of glucose control for diabetic patients. Particular interest has focused on the use of dietary fibres, especially soluble dietary fibres (such as guar gum, locust bean gum, and psyllium fibres), resistant starch, and slowly digestible carbohydrates. These have been shown to alter food structure, texture, and viscosity, and hence the rate of starch degradation during digestion. Research has also illustrated an association between the rate of carbohydrate degradation during digestion, and the regulation of postprandial blood sugar and insulin levels. The current paper explores the potential use of dietary fibres in the treatment of obesity and diabetes.     

脱苦杏仁在干制过程中主要成分和色泽变化关系

研究了脱苦杏仁在干制过程中粗脂肪、蛋白质、总糖、还原糖和氨基酸等主要成分的变化规律及其与色泽变化之间的关系。结果表明:在干制过程中,杏仁中粗脂肪含量呈下降趋势,总糖含量呈上升趋势,蛋白质、还原糖和氨基酸含量呈先上升后下降的变化趋势,杏仁干制品的颜色变化与半胱氨酸和蛋氨酸变化有一定相关性,提示美拉德反应对颜色变化影响较大。总体而言,在干制进行至2.5 h时,杏仁中的主要成分含量较高,且色泽相对较浅,是最佳的干燥时间。     

Dietary fibre and physicochemical properties of edible Spanish seaweeds

 Total dietary fibre content of five edible marine Spanish seaweeds: Fucus vesiculosus, Laminaria digitata (Kombu), Undaria pinnatifida (Wakame), Chondrus crispus (Irish moss), and Porphyra tenera (Nori) ranged from 33.6 to 50% of which 19.6 to 64.9% was soluble. For brown algae, the soluble fibre obtained by the AOAC method followed by dialysis, contained uronic acids from alginates and neutral sugars from sulphated fucoidan and laminarin. For red seaweeds, the main neutral sugars corresponded to sulphated galactans: carrageenan (Chondrus) or agar (Nori), respectively. Insoluble fibres (12–40%) were essentially made of cellulose, plus residual fucose-containing polysaccharides, except for the red seaweed Nori, which contained an insoluble mannan and xylan. Protein content in powdered algae was higher in red (20.9–29.8%) than in brown seaweeds (6.9–16%), although protein digestibility was apparently low as inferred from preliminary in vitro results with Fucus and Laminaria. Ashes (21–39.8%) and sulphate content (2.8–10.5%) were high in all seaweeds. Minor components were lipids (0.2–2.5%) and extractable polyphenols (0.4%). Regarding the physicochemical properties, oil retention was low, while swelling, water retention, and cation exchange capacity were higher in brown algae, related to their higher uronic acid plus sulphate content. Received: 2 May 2000 / Revised version: 13 June 2000     

Dietary fibre fractions from fruit and vegetable processing waste

Until recently, dietary fibre and its components were regarded as balast substances from vegetal food. These days, they are given increasing attention because of the beneficial physiological effects they may exert on human and animal organisms. Dietary fibre includes a number of components, and each of them displays specific properties. The components of major importance are cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin and pectins. The objective of this study was to determine the amounts of particular dietary fibre fractions in samples containing apple, black currant, chokeberry, pear, cherry and carrot pomace. The results revealed the following pattern: in each pomace sample, pectins occurred in the smallest amounts, and the content of lignin was very high (black currant and cherry pomace) or comparatively high (pear, chokeberry, apple and carrot pomace). The other dietary fibre components were difficult to form into clearly defined groups. Their proportions varied from one pomace type to another.     

Dietary fibre in white asparagus before and after processing

The changes that occur, especially in the dietary fibre, during processing of white asparagus have been studied. Processing consists of submitting the vegetable to a treatment with hot water (96 °C), for 4 min (blanching) and subsequently immersing it in a sodium chloride solution (brining). Finally, the asparagus is sealed and sterilised at 115–116 °C. The study was performed on the whole asparagus and also, separately, on the apex and stem. As a result of processing there was an increase in the moisture and protein contents and a decrease in those of uronic acids and free sugars, saccharose disappearing entirely. It is concluded that the most important changes taking place in the asparagus fibre fraction during thermal treatments are the slight decrease of lignin and uronic acids, the slight increase in proteins and an important decrease in hemicelluloses.

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Effekt der Verarbeitung auf den Gehalt an Ballaststoffen bei Spargel

Zusammenfassung Vierminütiges Blanchieren bei 96 °C, Einlegen in eine Salzlake und Sterilisieren bei 115–116 °C wurde bei ganzem weißen Spargel sowie getrennt bei Köpfen und Stangen untersucht. Durch den Prozeß steigt der Gehalt an Wasser und Eiweiß, während Uronsäuren und freie Zucker verlorengehen. Auffallend sind die Veränderungen der Ballaststofffraktion, leichten Verlusten bei Lignin und Uronsäuren und einer leichten Zunahme der Proteine steht ein massiver Verlust an Hemicellulosen gegenüber.