Ripening and ethylene biosynthesis in controlled atmosphere stored apricots

 Ethylene synthesis and metabolism were studied in apricot fruits (Prunus armeniaca L. cv. Búlida, under controlled atmosphere (CA) conditions (20% CO₂ and 20% O₂; 20% CO₂ and 1% O₂; 0.03% CO₂ and 1% O₂) and at a temperature of 2  °C. In control apricots stored outdoors in air containing 20% O₂ and 0.03% CO₂, the evolution of the physical and chemical parameters characteristic of ripening (loss of texture, decrease in acidity and increase in soluble solids) was slow during the storage period. However, for apricots stored in CAs containing 1% O₂ and 20% or 0.03% CO₂, these parameters did not show significant changes during the storage period. Ethylene production was completely inhibited in apricots stored in the three CAs, while control fruits showed a maximum ethylene level after 2 weeks of storage. This inhibition was accompanied by lower levels of 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid, free and total, which were more pronounced in apricots stored in the CAs containing 20% CO₂. In apricots stored in the CAs containing 1% O₂, the ethanol content increased after 1 week of storage, and this caused a smell and taste that made the fruits unsuitable for consumption. Received: 16 October 1998     

Heavy metal biosorption by gellan gum gel beads

The Ni(2+) accumulation in batch mode from diluted solutions by gel beads of gellan gum (GG), alginate, kappa-carrageenan, agar, agarose, silica gel, polyacrylamide and two mixtures of GG+agar was investigated. All polymeric materials studied accumulated Ni(2+), but gel beads of GG were stable, easily obtainable and showed the highest Ni(2+) accumulation. The pH of the Ni(2+) solution was not critical for Ni(2+) accumulation. Accumulation of metals Cu(2+), Co(2+), Ni(2+), Pb(2+), Cd(2+) and Zn(2+) by GG gel beads reached the equilibrium after 24h. The removal of Pb(2+) and Cu(2+) from the aqueous solution was very efficient, with maximum metal uptake (q(max)) of 0.85 and 0.75 mmol/g dw GG, respectively. The general q(max) sequence was Pb>Cu>Ni approximately Zn=Co>Cd. In an equimolar metal mixture sorption experiment a clear reduction in accumulation was observed, except for Pb(2+) (30%). Heavy metals were desorbed with 100mM sodium citrate.     

An ontology for videogame interoperability

During the last 20 years, video games have become very popular and widely adopted in our society. However, despite the growth on video game industry, there is a lack of interoperability that allow developers to interchange their information freely and to form stronger partnerships. In this paper we present the Video Game Ontology (VGO), a model for enabling interoperability among video games and enhancing data analysis of gameplay information. We describe the creation process of the ontology, the ontology conceptualization and its evaluation. In addition, we demonstrate the applicability of the Video Game Ontology in action with three example games that take advantage of the created ontology. Also, we demonstrate the use of the VGO in enabling interoperability among the example games.     

Surface modifications on eva treated with sulphuric acid

In this study, treatment with sulphuric acid was used to increase the adhesion of an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer containing 20 wt% vinyl acetate (EVA20). The treatment with sulphuric acid improved the wettability of EVA20 due to thecreation of different oxygen and sulphonic acid moieties on the surface. The treatment also created cracks and heterogeneities on the EVA20 surface, and enhanced T-peel strength values of EVA20/polychloroprene adhesive+5 wt% isocyanate joints were obtained. The loci of failure of the joints were mixed, i.e. , adhesional and cohesive in the adhesive. Peel strength values of both as-received and sulphuric acid-treated EVA20/polychloroprene adhesive joints increased after ageing at 50°C and 95 wt% relative humidity for 72 because the complete cure of the adhesive was thereby was produced. The durability of the EVA20 treated with sulphuric acid was monitored between 15 min and 5 years. High peel strength values were obtained for times up to 61 days; the joints produced with the treated EVA20 five years after treatment showed lower peel strength value due to the creation of a weak boundary layer produced by reaction of the residual sulphuric acid on the surface with EVA20. On the other hand, different experimental variables in the treatment of EVA20 with sulphuric acid were considered. The optimum treatment conditions for EVA20 were obtained by immersion in highly concentrated sulphuric acid (96 wt%) for one minute followed by neutralisation with ammonium hydroxide.     

Restructured beef with different proportions of walnut as affected by meat particle size

Microstructure, texture, colour and sensory properties of precooked restructured beef made with different proportions of walnut (0, 5, 10, 15%) were studied in relation to meat particle size (grinder plate hole: 0.6 and 1.4 cm). In general, increasing amounts of walnut were matched by decreasing Kramer shear force (KSF), bind strength and elongation values. When walnut (5 and 15%) was added, products made with coarsely ground meat presented higher KSF values than those made with finely ground meat. Walnut decreased lightness and increased redness and yellowness. Morphology characteristics suggest that walnut interferes with the formation of a gel protein network. Sensory properties were judged acceptable with 5 and 10% of walnut; however, the products scored highest with 10% walnut in finely ground products and 5% walnut in coarsely ground products.     

Influence of Physicochemical Parameters of Organic Solutes on the Retention and Flux in a Nanofiltration Process

A comparative study of several organic compounds (atrazine, aniline and phenol, and their derivatives, 4‐chlorophenol, 4‐nitrophenol and 4‐nitroaniline) and their removal from aqueous solutions by nanofiltration using an NF‐97 polyamide membrane is presented. The aim was to ascertain any correlation between the physicochemical parameters of the different compounds and the characteristic parameters of the nanofiltration system (permeate flux and rejection coefficient), in order to understand the behavior of the nanofiltration membrane separation processes and any relevant variables. In a previous work, the rejection coefficients and permeate flux values for phenol, 4‐chlorophenol, aniline, and atrazine were obtained. These values were used together with the new ones presented for 4‐nitroaniline and 4‐nitrophenol.