Approximation Schemes for Degree-Restricted MST and Red–Blue Separation Problems

We develop a quasi-polynomial time approximation scheme for the Euclidean version of the Degree-Restricted MST Problem by adapting techniques used previously by Arora for approximating TSP. Given n points in the plane, d = 3 or 4, and > 0, the scheme finds an approximation with cost within 1 + of the lowest cost spanning tree with the property that all nodes have degree at most d. We also develop a polynomial time approximation scheme for the Euclidean version of the Red–Blue Separation Problem, again extending Aroras techniques. Given > 0, the scheme finds an approximation with cost within 1+ of the cost of the optimum separating polygon of the input nodes, in nearly linear time.     

Influence of free fatty acids, sterols and phospholipids on volatile compounds in olive oil headspace determined by solid phase microextraction-gas chromatography

In order to study the influence of some polar compounds, naturally present in virgin olive oils (VOOs), on the volatiles release, the volatiles-free olive oil matrix was enriched with free fatty acids (FFA) (concentration range from 0.35 to 1.40 g/100 g), sterols (1.0–2.5 g/kg) and phospholipids (1.6–6.0 g/kg). Sixteen standards of VOO aroma compounds were dissolved in thus obtained olive oil matrices. Volatile compounds were analysed by headspace solid phase microextraction with DVB/CAR/PDMS fibre and gas chromatography with flame ionization detection. Evaluation of the data by statistical analysis revealed that FFA, sterols and phospholipids, in concentration ranges considered in this study, generally did not significantly influence the determination of VOO volatiles. The most important changes occurred in the release of the three alcohols (Z-2-penten-1-ol, 1-hexanol and E-3-hexen-1-ol) and 3-methylbutyl acetate which slightly decreased upon the increase of FFA concentration.     

The influence of variety and harvest time on the bitterness and phenolic compounds of olive oil

The influence of harvest time on the intensity of bitterness and the level of phenol compounds in olive oil from the region of western Istria, obtained from 2 local (Bianchera and Busa) and one introduced, Italian variety (Leccino) was studied. Olive fruits were harvested at 3 different harvesting periods, during 4 successive crops seasons. Immediately after harvesting, the fruits were processed under the same conditions in a pilot plant. Basic quality parameters, the content of total polyphenols, o‐diphenols and the intensity of bitterness were determined in oil samples. Samples of oil obtained from the Bianchera and Busa varieties were additionally tested for stability at elevated temperature (98 °C) and under the influence of UV‐light. The results elaborated statistically showed the level of phenol compounds and the intensity of bitterness to be significantly influenced by both the harvest time and olive variety, with the influence of harvest time being more pronounced. The applied tests for accelerated deterioration of oil indicated a more rapid increase in the peroxide value in oil samples of both varieties exposed to UV‐light than in those exposed to elevated temperature. Both tests showed better stability of the oil obtained from the Bianchera variety.     

Chemical and sensorial changes of Croatian monovarietal olive oils during ripening

The aim of this investigation was to determine the impact of fruit ripening on chemical and sensorial changes in monovarietal olive oils obtained from two important olive cultivars grown in Croatia, Bu?a and ?rna. In Bu?a oils peroxide value, K₂₃₂ and K₂₇₀ increased during ripening, while no differences among three ripening stages in ?rna oils were observed. Oils of both cultivars at the later ripening stages had higher free acidity level and lower sensory score followed by mild loss in almost all positive sensory characteristics. Total phenols and antioxidant capacity decreased in Bu?a oils during fruit ripening, while in ?rna oils reached maximum level in purple stage and then progressively decreased in the black ripening stage. Oleic acid level slightly increased during ripening in both cultivar oils. Linoleic acid decreased in Bu?a oils obtained from black fruits while palmitic acid decreased in ?rna oils during ripening. In both monovarietal oils chlorophyll and carotenoids concentrations decreased during ripening. The two cultivars had different course of total aldehydes, total esters and total ketones during ripening, while total alcohols were the highest in oils from purple ripening stage and then decreased as ripening progress. Practical applications: During the ripening, the chemical composition of olive fruit changes influencing the quality grade, oxidative stability, sensory characteristics and nutritional value of the obtained products. The cultivars characterized by a similar trend of ripening process could have different course of chemical and sensorial changes in oil during fruit ripening. Therefore, knowledge about these changes is important for determination of proper harvest time of single cultivar to achieve optimum of its potential regarding desirable characteristics of obtained oil.     

Effect of Agronomical Factors and Storage Conditions on the Tocopherol Content of Oblica and Leccino Virgin Olive Oils

The influence of agronomical factors (two growing areas and four harvest periods) and storage conditions of virgin olive oils (room temperature, +4 and ?20 °C) on tocopherols was investigated on two cultivars having significantly different tocopherol content (Oblica 269–443 mg/kg, Leccino 403–784 mg/kg). α‐Tocopherol accounted for 97 % of total tocopherols and its content decreased during ripening of both cultivars. In a warmer growing area both cultivars gained a higher γ‐tocopherol content while only Leccino showed a higher content of α‐tocopherol. After 12 months of storage α‐tocopherol content decreased by up to 27 %. Lower storage temperatures did not always contribute to the higher stability of α‐tocopherol compared to room temperature.     

Quality of Rapeseed Oil Produced by Conditioning Seeds at Modest Temperatures

Conditioning rapeseed can significantly increase the amount of bioactive compounds in the crude oil, but if the conditioning temperatures are too high, they can cause unwanted side effects such as darker color and sensory defects. Modest conditioning temperatures may be more suitable, but little is known about the effects on the quality and bioactive composition of the resulting oil. Oil was recovered from five rapeseed cultivars by cold pressing (CP) or by pressing seeds conditioned at 80 °C for 30 min (HP). Conditioning rapeseed increased oil yield without changing fatty acid composition and increased the amount of total sterols by 16 %, total tocopherols by 20 %, and the levels of polyphenols. Levels of the polyphenol canolol were up to 55-fold higher in HP oil than in CP oil. These higher levels of bioactive compounds gave HP oil higher radical scavenging activity. Although HP oil also had higher free fatty acid contents, peroxide levels, and specific UV extinctions (K values). The quality parameters of HP and CP oils were within codex limits indicating high quality. Modest conditioning temperatures can be used to produce rapeseed oil with high quality and radical scavenging activity.     

Canolol Dimer,a Biologically Active Phenolic Compound of Edible Rapeseed Oil

Rapeseed and its oil are the source of many biologically active substances. From crude rapeseed oil, canolol is isolated and from edible oil its dimer. Herein, we tested the biological activity of those two compounds isolated from the oils by determining their antioxidant capacity and in vitro cytotoxicity on human tumor cell lines. Canolol and its dimer showed antiproliferative activity on both cell lines with IC₅₀ values of 46.45 μM in HeLa, and 51.19 μM in MCF7 cells, respectively. Evaluation of cell death was also done, while the oxygen radical absorbance capacity method confirmed that the canolol dimer has higher antioxidant potential than canolol. Stability of canolol and its dimer under different storage conditions showed that for a longer period of time both compounds should be stored in a freezer, but also that the dimer is more stable against degradation than canolol. Presented results indicate possible applications of canolol and its dimer in the food and pharmaceutical industry as a natural antioxidant and an anticancer agent, respectively.     

A light-scattering and membrane formation study on concentrated cellulose acetate solutions

An improved explanation of the mechanism of the porous membrane formation with asymmetric structure has been proposed. It emerged from the correlation of the results obtained by the light-scattering measurements of the ternary membrane casting solutions and by the reverse osmosis and ultrafiltration testing of the asymmetric membranes prepared from these solutions. The results of anisotropic light-scattering measurements indicated the extent of supermolecular structurization of the casting solution which affected the porous structure formation in the membrane surface region. The variation of the casting solution composition and, particularly, the role of the CA/F ratio, the formamide content, and their influence on the asymmetric membrane properties were investigated and explained using the improved concept of the membrane-making mechanism.