Prolonging the viability of Lactobacillus plantarum through the addition of prebiotics into the medium

Abstract: This article reports on the effects of prebiotics on the growth/death kinetics, metabolism, and biomass production by 2 strains of Lactobacillus plantarum (c19 and DSMZ 2601, isolated from table olives and purchased from a Public Collection, respectively). The research was divided into 3 different steps, in order to highlight the optimal combination for cell viability and experiments were performed under the conditions of an accelerated shelf life test; thus, 3 combinations were pointed out (fructooligosaccharides [FOS], 5 g/L; glucose + inulin, 2.5 + 2.5 g/L; glucose + FOS, 2.5 + 2.5 g/L). A sample containing only glucose was used as control. The results highlighted that the 3 combinations aforementioned prolonged cell viability over the time both under low and high inoculum conditions (3 and 9 log CFU/mL, respectively); however, FOS alone caused a reduction of biomass production, even if cell number was not affected by this compound. Therefore, as a final result of this research, the combination glucose + FOS could be proposed as a suitable mean to achieve an optimal production of biomass and prolong cell viability over the time. Practical Application: Food producers require a prolonged viability of probiotic bacteria in functional foods; this goal is usually achieved by refrigeration. In this article, the prolongation of cell viability through the addition of prebiotics was proposed.     

Physicochemical Properties of Bread Baked from Flour Blended with Immature Wheat Meal Rich in Fructooligosaccharides

ABSTRACT: Grain of the soft white wheat cultivar Harus was harvested weekly from anthesis to maturity and fructooligosaccharides (FOS) contents were determined by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography. Tests were carried out to determine the effect of adding immature wheat meal to a base flour of cultivar Russ (hard red spring) on the quality characteristics of bread. FOS content was also analyzed in baked bread, and the effect of transglutaminase in improving bread quality was examined. Marked decreases in FOS contents, such as 1-kestose and nystose, were observed with grain maturation. The overall quality of bread appeared to be acceptable, and the added FOS were retained after baking.     

Fructo-oligosaccharides in table grapes and response to storage

Fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) have been recognized as health food ingredients with a protective effect against environmental stresses in plants. We have analyzed the profiles of individual FOS in Cardinal table grape pulp, until now undetected, and quantified their changes in response to low temperature and high CO₂ levels. FOS separation and quantification was carried out using anion-exchange chromatography with pulsed amperometric detection (HPAEC-PAD), and the glucose, fructose and sucrose content of the grapes was also determined. Five FOS were identified and quantified: 1-kestose, neokestose, nystose, nystose b and kestopentaose. While in non-treated table grapes the endogenous FOS remained at steady state levels during storage at 0 °C, exposure to 20% CO₂ for 3 days significant increases the levels of 1-kestose and kestopentaose, members of the inulin series. Considering the competitive advantage afforded by CO₂-treated grapes, this transitory FOS accumulation could provide protection against damage caused by low temperature storage.     

我国低聚果糖的生产及应用进展

介绍了近年来我国低聚果糖生产与应用的情况,指出以低聚果糖为原辅配料的保健食品, 市场前景十分看好, 具有极大的发展潜力。     

Hill slope instability of Nainital City,Kumaun Lesser Himalaya,Uttarakhand, India

Nainital City of Kumaun Lesser Himalaya is prone to mass wasting processes during monsoon season, which mischievously triggers the hill slope instability in this region. Slate, dolomitic limestone, silty sandstone and rhythmite of the Krol Formation are the main rock types. The present study focuses on the investigation of slope stability in the region in terms of potential seismicity and landslide. Geological and geotechnical mapping indicates that the major portion of the area is characterized by slope wash materials and buildings. The combination of 3–4 joint sets with one random joint is the main structure at outcrops. The major geological structures of this area are Nainital lake fault passing from the center of the lake, Main Boundary Thrust at SW, and Khuriya Fault passing from the SE direction of Nainital City. This work finds that different types of discontinuities (e.g. joints and faults), overburden due to unplanned civil structures, and neotectonic activity in the vicinity of this area affect the stability of the city. The slate forms the base of the city, dipping slightly towards the lake side along the NW direction, thus accelerating the instability of this area. Rock mass rating (RMR), slope mass rating, factor of safety (FOS) and graphical analysis of the discontinuity for slope kinematics indicate that the study area is a landslide-prone zone. This study can facilitate reducing the risk of human life, and contribute to the ongoing construction works in the area.     

基于光纤传感的边坡工程监测技术

传统的边坡监测技术存在着精度低、耐久性差、难以实现集成等缺陷。针对边坡工程特点,探讨了光纤光栅、布里渊光时域分析和低相干干涉等光纤传感技术在现场监测的应用。根据不同的工程需要,结合这三种技术建立边坡监测系统,可用于对边坡位移和边坡支护结构的应力、应变进行自动化监测。在详细论述了光纤传感技术的基本原理、适用场合和系统架构的基础上,以香港一个公路边坡加固工程为例,简述了光纤传感技术现场应用时的仪器安装、数据采集与分析等工作。     

Slope stability analysis of Balia Nala landslide,Kumaun Lesser Himalaya,Nainital, Uttarakhand,India

Balia Nala is the outlet of the Nainital lake, flowing towards southeast direction. Presence of Nainital habitation at its right bank has high socio-economic importance. This study presents the stability analysis of a ravine/valley along Balia Nala. Variegated slates(lower Krol and upper Blaini formations) are the main rock types, wherever the outcrop does exist and rest of the area is covered by slope wash and river borne materials. Three sets of joints are presented in the area, but 4 sets of joints also exist at some locations. Nainital lake fault intersected by Manora fault from southwest direction passes through eastern side of the study area, and some small faults, which are sub-branches of Nainital lake fault, are observed(with 10 m offset) and promote the landslide in the area. This study shows that different kinds of discontinuities(joints, faults and shear zones) and rapid down cutting by the stream due to neotectonic activity affect the stability of the slope. The fragile lithology and deep V-shaped valley further accelerate the mass movement in the study area. In addition, rock mass rating(RMR), factor of safety(FOS) and graphical analysis of the joints indicate the study area as landslide-prone zone. This study will be helpful in not only reducing the risk on life of people, but also in assisting the ongoing civil work in the study area.     

Tests to monitor quality of deep‐frying fats and oils

There are dozens of tests an oil chemist has at his disposal for evaluating fresh and used frying oils. These include chemical tests, instrumental methods, physical methods and rapid tests. Not all are applicable to use when evaluating oils used for deep‐fat frying. Rather than run the gamut of all the tests available to the oil chemist or quality control technician, this presentation will focus on the different rapid tests that have been developed for the marketplace. These include physical tests, tests that measure physical parameters of the oil, and chemical tests. Tests may be quite simple or complex. The presenter will provide an overview on the different rapid test methods, but will emphasize that it is up to the researcher or the processor to evaluate for themselves whether the technology is something that they can use in their own operations.