Volatile and non-volatile compound profiles of commercial sweet pickled mango and its correlation with consumer preference

Sweet pickled mango named Ma-Muang Bao Chae-Im is a traditional preserved mango from Hat Yai, Thailand. This study investigated (I) volatile and non-volatile compound profiles of commercial Ma-Muang Bao Chae-Im and (II) their relationship to consumer preference. Untargeted metabolomics profiling was performed by gas chromatography-mass quadrupole-time of flight analysis. There were 117 volatile and 44 non-volatile compounds annotated in six commercial brands of Ma-Muang Bao Chae-Im. Furthermore, 46 volatile and 19 non-volatile compounds’ discriminant markers were found by Partial least square discriminant analysis. Among those markers, sorbic and benzoic acid were observed in several brands; moreover, the combination of both compounds altered the volatile profile, especially the ester group. Partial least square regression revealed that overall consumer liking is correlated to 1-heptanol; 1-octanol; acetoin; acetic acid, 2-phenylethyl ester; D-manitol; terpenes and terpenoids, while firmness to sucrose and L-(-)-sorbofuranose. On the other hand, most ester compounds were not related to consumer preference.     

Removal of imidacloprid and acetamiprid from tea infusions by microfiltration membrane

Removal of imidacloprid and acetamiprid in tea infusions by microfiltration membrane using dead‐end model was investigated in the present study. The results showed that microfiltration significantly promoted the removal of both pesticides (P < 0.05) in tea infusions. Furthermore, the extent of removal was strongly influenced by the pore size of membrane, operational pressure and the concentrations of tea infusions. The initial concentration of imidacloprid and acetamiprid showed no significant effect on their removal rates. The maximum removal rates were 79.7% for imidacloprid and 81.9% acetamiprid. The changes in major chemical components of tea infusions after microfiltration were evaluated. The results indicated that microfiltration caused no considerable changes in total polyphenols and total free amino acids, and small but statistically significant losses (6.3–18.0%) of eight catechins and three methylxanthines when filtration volume reached to 200 mL. The present study validated the application of microfiltration as a potentially feasible and promising method for the removal of imidacloprid and acetamiprid residues from tea infusions.     

Evaluation of microbial toxins,trace elements and sensory properties of a high-theabrownins instant Pu-erh tea produced using Aspergillus tubingensis via submerged fermentation

Theabrownins (TB) are polymeric phenolic compounds associated with the multiple bioactivities of Pu-erh tea, a post-fermented Chinese dark tea. High-TB instant Pu-erh tea was produced via a novel submerged fermentation (SF) using Aspergillus tubingensis and compared with samples produced commercially via the conventional solid-state fermentation (SSF). Viable microorganisms and microbial toxins, especially aflatoxins B₁, G₁, B₂, G₂, cyclopiazonic acid, fumonisins B₁, B₂, B₃ and ochratoxin A, were below the detection limit in all samples. Fewer microbial metabolites were found in SF instant tea compared with the SSF teas. Based on an adult consuming 1 g of instant Pu-erh tea daily, the dietary intake of investigated elements was below the safe limits recommended by various authorities. Tasters viewed the instant tea infusions as very mild, smooth, mellow and full. This suggested that submerged fermentation using A. tubingensis offers a speedy and safe alternative to commercial production of instant Pu-erh tea.     

多功能糖果包装机机构及性能的研究

糖果等食品的多粒枕式包装是食品行业亟需解决的问题。本文对球形和椭圆形糖果的多粒枕式包装进行了初步的探讨，着重阐述了理糖装置和光电控制系统的设计。     

Studies on the microstructure of the black-glazed bowl sherds excavated from the Jian kiln site of ancient China

The Jian kiln, located in present-day Jianyang county of Fujian province, mainly produced black-glazed tea bowls. Jian tea bowl was used as a utensil for tea tasting and was greatly appreciated by emperor Huizong of the Northern Song dynasty. The black glaze of Jian bowl was sometimes marked with streaks or spots, usually called “hare's fur” or “oil spot”, which are the crystalline markings of iron oxide precipitated during firing in the dragon kiln. In this study, black-glazed Jian bowl sherds excavated from the late Northern Song strata of Luhuaping and Daluhoumen Jian kiln sites were adopted as test samples. Based on the physico-chemical foundation for the formation of glaze microstructure, the correlation among composition, microstructure, and visual appearance has been investigated by means of energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence, X-ray diffraction, and field emission electron microscopy. For the first time, the study provides realizing proofs for two kinds of microstructural forming mechanics.     

气相色谱法测定新鲜茶叶中有机氯农药残留量

对新鲜茶树叶中六六六和滴滴涕共八种异构体的残留量进行测定,与同地点成品茶叶农药残留量相比较基本无差异。本法检测限为>1.8ng/g,回收率为78.2％-99.0％,相对标准偏差<10.0％。     

Water and Radiation Effect on Sweet Sorghum Productivity

Suitability of sweet sorghum in Greece, where irrigation supply during crop development is limited as rainfall is scarce and evapotranspiration loss is high, is examined in relation with radiation availability. A two-year field experiment was conducted, in central Greece, imposing four soil water regimes via different irrigation treatments: (1) Highly irrigated, (2) Highly irrigated till anthesis when irrigation stopped, (3) Medium irrigated, and (4) Low irrigated. It was found that above-ground dry biomass production from non-water-stressed sweet sorghum plants suggests a high productivity potential among C₄ crops. Under water shortage, radiation use efficiency may be significantly lower. Radiation use efficiency seems to be linearly related to water consumption. Stressed plants (probably except severely stressed) seem to use available water more efficiently than unstressed plants. The slope of the line relating dry matter produced and water evapotranspired increases the sooner the stress is sensed. Yield reduction resulting from post-anthesis irrigation stopage is very little. High water use efficiency values tend to be related with low radiation use efficiency values.