Monitoring cheese ripening by single-sided nuclear magnetic resonance

The noninvasive, longitudinal study of products and food processing is of interest for the dairy industry. Here, we demonstrated that single-sided nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) can be used for noninvasive monitoring of the cheese ripening process. The maturation of soft-ripened Camembert-like molded cheese samples was monitored for 20 d measuring 1-dimensional and 2-dimensional NMR relaxation and diffusion data at various depths, ranging from the hard surface layer to the soft center. Gelation and gel shrinkage were observed throughout ripening, and a complete loss of free water signal was observed at the cheese rind. Transversal (T₂) relaxation distributions include 3 components that evolve with ripening time and position, corresponding to water inside the casein gel network, water trapped in casein, and fat. Two-dimensional T₁-T₂ relaxation experiments provided enhanced resolution of the 3 components, allowing quantification of the relative proportions of each phase. Furthermore, diffusion (D)-T₂ relaxation correlation experiments revealed the bimodal size distribution of fat globules. The study demonstrated that single-sided NMR can provide spatially resolved signal intensity, relaxation, and diffusion parameters that reflect structural changes during the ripening process and can be exploited to understand and monitor the ripening of cheeses.     

Embedding strength in joints of fast-growing Argentinean Eucalyptus grandis with dowel-type fasteners. Analysis according to the criterion adopted by European standards

The present paper reports on the results of an investigation regarding the determination of the embedding strength of sawn timber of Argentinean Eucalyptus grandis with dowel-type fasteners. The importance of accurately knowing this property has increased with the increasing demand for this material for structural purposes. An empirical research project with 294 specimens prepared for testing under the embedding action of rigid fasteners (nail, bolt and dowel) was carried out according to the procedures prescribed in EN 383 (2007). The results showed no significant influence of pre-drilling on the embedding strength for nailed joints, which is not in line with the European experience and the corresponding criterion adopted by the Eurocode?5 (2005). The characteristic values of the embedding strength estimated based on the timber density and by applying the corresponding equation from the Eurocode?5 (2005) for bolted joints were 45% and 176% greater than those obtained in this project for the specimens loaded parallel and perpendicular to the grain, respectively, and similar percentages were found for dowelled joints (45% and 126%). These results showed that the reliability of structural design may be strongly affected if the embedding strength of this timber species is estimated by following the procedures adopted by the Eurocode?5 (2005) for dowel-type connections.     

Proposal for visual grading criteria of structural timber of sweet chestnut from Spain

Bending strength, modulus of elasticity and density were obtained for 981 specimens of Spanish Sweet Chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.) sawn timber from five provenances. Four-point bending tests were made with three sizes (40 × 100 × 2,500, 40 × 150 × 3,500 and 70 × 150 × 3,500 mm) according to EN 408 (CEN EN 408:2011). Visual grading criteria were established, resulting in 82 % of the samples being classified as one structural quality, namely MEF. Characteristic values of the density and the mechanical properties were determined according to EN 384 (CEN EN 384:2010a): E _0,mean  = 12.3 kN mm^?2; f _m,k  = 28 N mm^?2 and ρ _k  = 510 kg m^?3. Therefore, a strength class D24 was assigned according to EN 338 (CEN EN 338:2010b). The relationship between the modulus of elasticity and bending strength was lower (R² = 0.26) than for Spanish coniferous species.     

Oxidative stability of tuna fat spreads (O/W/O emulsions) using conventional lipid oxidation methods, SPME-GC/MS and sensory analysis

Oxidative analysis of omega-3-enriched fat spreads (oil-in-water-in-oil, O/W/O emulsions) was carried out using conventional lipid oxidation methods (lipid hydroperoxide and p-Anisidine values) and compared with volatile compound analysis using SPME-GC/MS and sensory evaluation. Fat spreads were produced using novel double-emulsion technology. More volatile compounds were detected in tuna oil-enriched spreads (Ross and Smith in Compr Rev Food Sci Food Saf 5:18–25, 2006) than control (no tuna oil) (Lund and Hølmer in Eur Food Res Technol 212:636–642, 2001). As storage time of spreads increased, volatile concentration increased. Conventional lipid oxidation results correlated well with the GC/MS results, as the tuna spread had consistently higher values than the control spread. Lipid hydroperoxides and GC/MS volatile compounds increased with storage time, whereas p-Anisidine values remained level. The control spread achieved the highest score from the sensory panel for odour and flavour acceptability. Flavour of all tuna spreads became unacceptable after 8 weeks. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study-detecting volatiles using SPME-GC/MS, in omega-3-enriched double-emulsion fat spreads.     

Changes in Structure, Rheology, and Water Mobility of Apple Tissue Induced by Osmotic Dehydration with Glucose or Trehalose

The impact of osmotic dehydration to water activity (a _w) at 0.97 or 0.94 with glucose or trehalose solutions on structure (optical and transmission electronic microscopy observations), rheological properties (small-scale dynamic oscillatory and creep/recovery measurements and large-scale compression force-deformation testing) and water mobility (¹H-NMR spectra) of parenchymatous apple tissue was investigated. In general, the nature and the concentration of sugar employed significantly affected the material properties and the structure of apple tissue. A dramatic loss in rigidity (E _d); an increase in deformation at rupture (?? _R ^R ), creep compliances (J ₀, J ₁, and J ₂), and fluidity (1/?? ₀) and a decrease in storage (G??) and loss (G??) moduli, true rupture stress (?? _R ^R ), and proton transverse relaxation times (T _2i) were induced by osmotic treatments. ?? _R ^R , C ₁, and T _2i parameters allowed to discriminate between the sugars used as osmotic agents while the different a _w levels for each sugar resulted in changes in ?? _R ^R , W, and T _2i values. Loss of turgor due to plasmolysis or rupture of membranes and desorganization/degradation of walls allowed explaining, at least partially, the changes in material parameters.     

Time-temperature superposition principle on relaxational behavior of wood as a multi-phase material

The time-temperature superposition principle of wood is discussed by modeling the relaxation spectrum of wood and then the application is examined, considered a high order structure and a multi-phase system for wood. The relaxation spectrum of wood was theoretically derived on the several assumptions. After theoretical calculation on the assumptions, in the relaxation time region where wedge-type spectra overlap each other, which is probable for wood, the spectrum of wood is represented by $$lnH = - M_0 (ln\tau - lnA_T ) + M_1 $$ , whereM ₀ andM ₁ are constants related to volume fractions of wood components.A _T is represented by the following equation as a parameter which is the product of a slope (?b and ?c) of a wedge-type spectrum and a volume fraction (φ _B andφ _C) of a wood component related to the relaxation process: $$lnA_T = \phi _B b/ (\phi _B b + \phi _c c) \cdot lna_{Tb} + \phi _C c/ (\phi _B b + \phi _C c) \cdot lna_{Tc} $$ , wherea _Tb anda _Tc are shift factors of wedge-type spectra of wood components. This equation shows that the apparent shift factorA _T consists of shift factors of the relaxation processes of wood components. Consequently, the time-temperature superposition principle does not unconditionally apply for wood, since the temperature dependence of relaxation times is generally different from each other for relaxation processes of wood components. This can explain the experimental result for wood that relaxation curves at various temperatures do not superpose on a relaxation curve at a reference temperature, that is, the principle cannot be applied.     

Monitoring changes in feta cheese during brining by magnetic resonance imaging and NMR relaxometry

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and NMR relaxometry were used to monitor changes in feta cheese during 169 h of brining at 4.8%, 13.0% and 23.0% salt solutions. Image and relaxation data were acquired to study salt uptake and water loss due to dehydration of cheese during brining. Saturation recovery and Carr-Purcell-Meiboom-Gill (CPMG) sequences were used to determine the longitudinal relaxation (T₁) and the transverse relaxation (T₂) times, respectively. Signal intensities of T₂ weighted images decreased during 169 h of brining. An excellent linear correlation between the average signal intensity and the water content was obtained (R² = 0.984). The T₁ values of cheese brined at 4.8% were almost constant but T₁ values decreased for both 13.0% and 23.0% salt brined cheeses. Analysis of the CPMG decays gave relaxation spectra containing two components which decreased during brining. The short component T_2a was highly correlated with salt content (R² = 0.974). Results showed that NMR and MRI can be used to follow salt uptake and changes in water content in cheese during brining.     

Properties of oriented strandboard made of wood species from Brazilian planted forests: Part 1: 80 mm-long strands of Pinus taeda L.

This research is part of a general study on the properties of oriented strandboard (OSB) using wood strands of species from Brazilian planted forests. The OSB industry is the latest wood related activity established in Brazil. In this particular part of the study, 80 mm long strands of Pinus taeda L. were bonded using two resin types (urea-formaldehyde and phenol-formaldehyde) at two levels of resin content (5% and 8%) to produce three-layer cross-aligned OSB to a face to core layer ratio of 1:2 and target density of 0.75 g/cm³. Physical and mechanical properties of the boards were evaluated according to ASTM standard D 1037-96a (1997) and the results compared to standards available as requirements for commercial structural panels. The results indicate that all the mechanical properties evaluated were above the requirements set forth by the Canadian standard CSA O437.0 (1993) for structural panels. The results of Janka hardness were in average 4 folds higher than the minimal requirements for Grade R-1 waferboard. Screw withdrawal values were also above the minimum required by grade M-3 of ANSI A208.1 standard (1993). Nevertheless, values of thickness swelling and water absorption were very high. The low dimensional stability may be related to the high density of the boards (“springback” effect) and also to the fact that no wax was used.     

Verklebung von Buchenholz für tragende Holzbauteile

The load bearing capacity of glulam could be enhanced by using lamella of European beech (Fagus sylvatica??L.). Essential requirements for the production of those beams are adhesives which allow for a durable und reliable bonding of lamella. The paper shows to what extent commercially available MUF and PU adhesives and adapted bonding parameters ensure gluing of European beech timber for load-bearing timber structures. Both beech wood containing heartwood and beech wood without heartwood were included in the study. With regard to technical approval, the chosen test methods were resistance to delamination according to EN??302-2 (2002) and shear test of glue line according to EN??392 (1995). From the two tested MUF systems it was evident, that delamination decreased by increasing the closed assembly time. The requirements of EN??301 (2006) were fulfilled for adhesive type??I and??II. Without any limitations beech wood containing heartwood could be glued using MUF-1. On the other hand, the results of the PU adhesive were insufficient. Light-optical micrograph examinations show that long assembly times secure the formation of a glue line. It was assumed that the curing process is retarded by beech wood. No relationship was found between the results of the shear strength test and the delamination test. For quality control of glulam the delamination test is recommended. Based on the positive results an application for technical approval of glulam consisting of beech was made. For this reason beech-glulam can be generally utilized in service class??1.     

Comparative properties of bagasse, canola and hemp particle boards

Residues of Bagasse (Saccharum officinarum L.), canola (Brassica napus L.) and hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) as well as industrial wood chips in various proportions from 0–100% were used as raw materials for the main component of the middle layer in urea formaldehyde bonded particle boards. The results reveal that most of the investigated mechanical-technological properties of the boards achieved the requirements of EN 312-2 (2003). Only increasing the percentage of canola chips usage in the middle layer to more than 30% negatively affect the internal bond (IB) properties. Comparing the water absorption (WA) and thickness swelling (TS) values, the boards containing up to 50% bagasse and hemp reach similar values to the ones of the reference boards, while increasing the amount of canola leads to more and more disadvantageous WA and TS. In summary, the results reveal that agri-fibers can be used for making composite panels conforming to the standards (EN 312-2 2003). One possible application for these panels could be the production of furniture.     

Improving the yield of Mozzarella cheese by phospholipase treatment of milk

Part-skim Mozzarella cheese was manufactured from milk hydrolyzed with fungal phospholipase A₁ prior to renneting. The phospholipase treatment reduced fat losses in whey and cooking water and increased cheese yield as a result of improved fat and moisture retention in the cheese curd. The amount of phospholipids in the whey was reduced because of improved retention of lysophospholipids in the cheese curd. Water binding in the fresh curds and young cheeses up to 3 wk of storage was investigated by a ¹H nuclear magnetic resonance spin-spin relaxation technique. In the fresh curds, 2 dominant water fractions were present, characterized by average spin-spin relaxation times (T₂) of 14 and 86 to 89 ms, respectively. These 2 fractions of low- and high-molecular-mobility water were similar in all cheeses and presumed to represent water associated with the casein matrix and water present in the pores. A few hours after manufacture, cheeses made with phospholipase showed decreased T₂ of the high-mobility fraction, indicating improved water-holding capacity. It is suggested that lysophospholipids released from the fat globule membranes act as surface-active agents in the cheese curd, helping emulsification of water and fat during processing and reducing syneresis. During 3 wk of storage after manufacture, the mobility of both water fractions increased in all cheeses, but was highest in the cheeses made with phospholipase. The increase in mobility during the first weeks of storage has earlier been ascribed to structural changes in the protein matrix, which in principle could be accelerated because of the higher moisture content. However, the microstructure of phospholipase-treated cheese was investigated by confocal laser scanning microscopy and found to be very similar to the control cheese during processing and up to 28 d of storage. In addition, flowability, stretchability, and browning were acceptable and similar in all the manufactured cheeses. Thus, phospholipase hydrolysis of cheese milk improved the cheese yield without changing the cheese microstructure, and resulted in cheese with functional properties that were identical to traditional Mozzarella cheese.     

Zur Hydrophobierung von mitteldichten Faserplatten (MDF) mit Paraffinen Teil 3: Methoden zur Erfassung der Hydrophobierung von Faserstoffen durch Paraffine

The first part of this publication deals with the influence of chain length and amount of n-paraffins as well as the chemical composition of technical paraffins (chain length and amount of n- and iso-alkanes) on the thickness swelling, water absorption and internal bond strength of MDF (Roffael et al. 2005a). The second part reports on the effect of resination process (blender- and blowline-technique) as well as different methods of adding paraffin dispersion in both resination processes on paraffin sizing of MDF (Roffael et al. 2005b). This paper describes two different methods for evaluation of paraffin sizing on thermo-mechanical pulps (TMP). In one method the sizing degree was measured by determining the wettability of handsheets made from paraffin sized TMP as previously described by Roffael et al. (2002). In the other method paraffin sizing of fibres was determined by using the well known Cobb test which quantifies the water absorption of handsheets. Industrial produced TMP of Scots pine was resinated in the blender by using an MUF-resin together with n-paraffin dispersions of different chain length (C₂₀, C₂₈, C₃₆). The MUF-resin was not cured. Handsheets were manufactured from the MUF-resinated TMP and kraft pulp (ratio 1:1). On using 0.25% n-paraffin (based on dried fibres) wettability of handsheets decreased with increasing chain length of n-paraffins (C₂₀ to C₃₆). Also the results of the Cobb test (Cobb₃₀) showed that water absorption of handsheets decreased by using n-paraffins with higher chain length. Further investigations were carried out on handsheets, manufactured from kraft pulp and TMP resinated in the bowline (ratio 1:1). Within the blowline-process three technical paraffins with different chemical composition were applied in two different ways. In one case the paraffin dispersion was added to the chips before thermo-mechanical pulping. In the other case the paraffin dispersion was added to the fibres together with the resin in the blowline. Results of wettability and of water absorption of handsheets (Cobb test) showed that adding paraffin dispersion to the chips prior to thermo-mechanical pulping leads to more effective paraffin sizing than applying the paraffin dispersion to the fibres together with the resin in the blowline. Moreover, the influence of type of softwood (Scots pine and Norway spruce) on the paraffin sizing of TMP was investigated. Irrespective of the chemical composition of the used technical paraffins it was found, that handsheets manufactured from TMP of Norway spruce showed better wettability and higher water absorption than handsheets manufactured from TMP of Scots pine. The lower water absorption of handsheets manufactured from TMP of Scots pine may be due to the higher content of hydrophobic extractives in pine.     

Characterization of the Lipid Fraction in Lamb Meat: Comparison of Different Lipid Extraction Methods

The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of four different extraction methods commonly used to quantify the intramuscular lipid content in meat: the Association of Analytical Chemists (AOAC) method (reference method) and methods based on the use of a solvent mixture with different polarities, such as chloroform–methanol described by Folch et al. (J Biol Chem 226:497, 1957) and Christie (1989) or hexane–isopropanol described by Hara and Radin (Anal Biochem 90:420, 1978). The following parameters were taken into account: lipid content; relative proportions of neutral and polar lipids; fatty acid composition of total, neutral, and polar lipid fractions; and phospholipid composition. The use of a combination of solvents with different polarities (Hara–Radin, Folch, and modified Folch methods) was more effective in extracting intramuscular lipids than the use of a single solvent (AOAC, reference method). The Hara–Radin method provided a cleaner lipid extract with a significantly higher content of total fatty acids than that obtained with the Folch and modified Folch methods. The lower polarity of the hexane–isopropanol mixture allowed us to obtain an extract richer in neutral lipids (triglycerides and diglycerides) and thus in saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids. The percentage distribution of individual fatty acids in the neutral lipid fraction was generally not affected by the extraction method adopted, while lipid obtained with both the Hara–Radin and Folch methods had a polar fraction with a higher percentage of polyunsaturated fatty acids. The use of the Hara–Radin method provided a polar fraction with less nonlipid material and lower phospholipid degradation.     

A Validated RP-HPLC-DAD Method for the Determination of l-Theanine in Tea

l-Theanine, an amino acid occurring in the leaves of the tea plant (Camellia sinensis) possesses several beneficial pharmacologic effects. Its effects on the central nervous system are most widely studied, in addition, other activities (potential anticancer, cardiovascular) also stress the significance of this compound. However, analytical methods for the quantification of l-theanine in tea based on the application of HPLC are scarce in the literature. Considering the chemical characteristics of the molecule (high polarity, lack of chromophore group), derivatization and the application of special stationary phases have been preferred for reliable analysis. Here, we report the development and validation of an eligible RP-HPLC-DAD method without the need of pre- or post-column derivatization and using a buffer-free mobile phase (chromatographic separation of l-theanine with water, eluting other compounds with water–acetonitrile gradient) for the determination of l-theanine. The elaborated method provides quick (analysis time 15 mins) and reliable (mean intraday precision 0.94 RSD%, interday precision 0.48 %, recovery >96.1 %, LOQ?=?0.38 mg theanine/g dry tea leaf weight) quantification of this amino acid in aqueous tea extracts.     

The influence of measuring resolution on the subsequent roughness parameters of sanded wood surfaces

No recommendation was found in the literature with regard to which measuring resolution should be used when measuring wood surfaces and requirements in the general standard ISO 3274 (1996) appear too stringent. Due to its variability, wood requires longer evaluation length than recommended by ISO 4288 (1996) and combined with a high resolution will increase the matrix of data and so the time for scanning and data processing. A study was conducted on roughness profiles from sanded surfaces of oak, beech and spruce measured at different resolutions to see which is the lowest resolution that still allows accurate evaluation of the roughness parameters in real time. The effect of decreasing the resolution on roughness parameters was examined as compared with a resolution of 1 μm, which was taken as a reference. Results showed that a measuring resolution of 5 μm seems reliable for all species sanded with common grit sizes.     

Production of glued laminated timber with copper azole treated maritime pine

A study was conducted to evaluate the performance of glued laminated timber (glulam) of maritime pine treated with a copper azole preservative product. Shear strength of glue lines met the requirements of EN 386 (2001) with no influence of clamping pressure and cure temperature. According to the same standard, delamination was satisfactory for higher cure temperatures applied with a clamping pressure of 0.6?N/mm². Finger joints made with treated wood gave satisfactory bending strength. The preservative treatment did not influence the modulus of elasticity of the beams. According to a Monte Carlo simulation and following the requirements of EN 1194 (2002), glulam of class GL 28c can be manufactured if visually graded maritime pine of classes E and EE (NP 4305 1995) is used in the inner and outer lamellas, respectively, and class GL 24h when using both grades in equal proportions randomly distributed through the glulam element.     

Determination of shearing stiffness parameters to design multi-layer spruce beams using welding-through wood dowels

This paper presents a methodology to characterize the secant shearing stiffness of welding-through wood dowels used in multi-layer spruce beams. Welding-through wood dowel’s stiffness behaviour as well as isostatic multi-layer beams’ behaviour were investigated experimentally. These elements are made by a specifically designed machine to guarantee repeatability. A model of finite elements was developed to reproduce the bending behaviour of the beams tested from non-linear connection behaviour. This model is then used to study the influence of parameters such as: layer number, spacing of dowels, load type (concentrated or distributed), strength class and beam span. After a sensibility analysis, a parameterized regression model allows to obtain k _ser and k _u fastener secant stiffness in compliance with EN 1995-1 standard to design multi-layer beams in an elastic analytical model way. This model is based on the work by Kreuzinger (1999).     

Wood natural durability testing under laboratory conditions: results from a round-robin test

In Europe, the durability of wood against wood-destroying basidiomycetes is tested according to CEN/TS 15083-1 (Durability of wood and wood-based products—determination of the natural durability of solid wood against wood-destroying fungi, test methods—part 1: basidiomycetes, 2005). Existing experience with this standard is quite heterogeneous wherefore six research institutions teamed up and established a new round-robin trial. Fagus sylvatica, Quercus robur, Robinia pseudoacacia as well as sap- and heartwood of Pinus sylvestris, were tested against Coniophora puteana and Trametes versicolor without any pre-treatment, with pre-leaching (EN 84) and with 6 months natural weathering of the specimens. Durability classification revealed differences between test laboratories and depended on pre-treatment and respective statistical measures applied.     

Moisture movement in wood polypropylene composites

Moisture movement in an extruded wood polypropylene composite was evaluated by exposure to high humidity and immersion of the material in both fresh and seawater. The saturation moisture content was approximately 20 and 19% when exposed to distilled water and seawater, respectively. The moisture diffusion coefficient (D _m) of thin specimens exposed to high humidity was 3.4?×?10^?8?cm² $ / $ s. The D _m of small cubic specimens with extruded surfaces removed submerged in distilled water and seawater were estimated to be 3.1 and 2.3?×?10^?8?cm² $ / $ s, respectively. Use of these diffusion coefficients overestimates the rate of moisture movement in larger extrusion profiles indicating the role of transport phenomenon other than diffusion.     

Evaluation of Optimal Conditions for Determination of Low Tin Content in Fresh and Canned Tomato Samples Using Hydride Generation Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry

We propose a procedure for the determination of tin in tomatoes after wet digestion of the samples in HNO₃ using hydride generation inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. The effect of acidity from HCl and HNO₃ (0.01–4.0 mol L^-1) as well as the presence of l-cysteine on the efficiency of SnH₄ generation by reaction with the NaBH₄ reductant was investigated. Optimal conditions were evaluated in terms of precision, accuracy (by recovery test) and limit of detection. The best results were obtained with l-cysteine and nitric acid for sample acidificitation. Addition of 1 % (m/v) l-cysteine enhanced the Sn signal and expanded the optimal range of HNO₃ concentrations towards higher values; hence, strict control of the acidity could be avoided, up to 1.0 mol L^-1. Under the optimized conditions, a detection limit of 1.2 ng mL^-1 was achieved. The applicability of the proposed method was demonstrated by the determination of low tin contents in digests of fresh and canned tomato samples with satisfactory results.