bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Obstacle mean-field game problem
Authors: Gomes Diogo A. , Patrizi Stefania
Published: May 2015

In this paper, we introduce and study a first-order mean-field game obstacle problem. We examine the case of local dependence on the measure under assumptions that include both the logarithmic case and power-like nonlinearities. Since the obstacle operator is not differentiable, the equations for first-order mean field game problems have to be discussed carefully. Hence, we begin by considering a penalized problem. We prove this problem admits a unique solution satisfying uniform bounds. These bounds serve to pass to the limit in the penalized problem and to characterize the limiting equations. Finally, we prove uniqueness of solutions.
Measuring and modeling mercury in the atmosphere: a critical review
Authors: Gustin M. S. , Amos H. M. , Huang J. , Miller M. B. , Heidecorn K.
Published: May 2015

Abstract. Mercury (Hg) is a global health concern due to its toxicity and ubiquitous presence in the environment. Here we review current methods for measuring the forms of Hg in the atmosphere and models used to interpret these data. There are three operationally defined forms of atmospheric Hg: gaseous elemental mercury (GEM), gaseous oxidized mercury (GOM), and particulate bound mercury (PBM). There is relative confidence in GEM measurements (collection on a gold surface), but GOM (collection on potassium chloride (KCl)-coated denuder) and PBM (collected using various methods) are less well understood. Field and laboratory investigations suggest the methods to measure GOM and PBM are impacted by analytical interferences that vary with environmental setting (e.g., ozone, relative humidity), and GOM concentrations measured by the KCl-coated denuder can be too low by a factor of 1.6 to 12 depending on the chemical composition of GOM. The composition of GOM (e.g., HgBr2, HgCl2, HgBrOH) varies across space and time. This has important implications for refining existing measurement methods and developing new ones, model/measurement comparisons, model development, and assessing trends. Unclear features of previously published data may now be re-examined and possibly explained, which is demonstrated through a case study. Priorities for future research include identification of GOM compounds in ambient air and development of information on their chemical and physical properties and GOM and PBM calibration systems. With this information, identification of redox mechanisms and associated rate coefficients may be developed.
Reassessment of MIPAS age of air trends and variability
Authors: Haenel F. J. , Stiller G. P. , von Clarmann T. , Funke B. , Eckert E. , Glatthor N. , Grabowski U. , Kellmann S. , Kiefer M. , Linden A. , Reddmann T.
Published: May 2015

Abstract. A new and improved setup of the SF6 retrieval together with a newly calibrated version of MIPAS-ENVISAT level 1b spectra (version 5, ESA data version 5.02/5.06) was used to obtain a new global SF6-data set, covering the total observational period of MIPAS from July 2002 to April 2012 for the first time. Monthly and zonally averaged SF6-profiles were converted into mean age of air using a tropospheric SF6-reference curve. The obtained data set of age of air was compared to airborne and balloon-borne age of air measurements. The temporal evolution of mean age of air was then investigated in 10° latitude and 1–2 km altitude bins. A regression model consisting of a constant and a linear trend term, 2 proxies for the quasi-biennial oscillation variation, sinusoidal terms for the seasonal and semi-annual variation and overtones was fitted to the age of air time series. The annual cycle for particular regions in the stratosphere was investigated and compared to other studies. The age of air trend over the total MIPAS-period consisting of the linear term was assessed and compared to previous findings of Stiller et al. (2012). While the linear increase of mean age is confirmed to be positive for the Northern mid-latitudes and Southern polar middle stratosphere, differences are found in the Northern polar upper stratosphere, where the mean age is now found to increase as well. The magnitude of trends in the Northern mid-latitude middle stratosphere is slightly lower compared to the previous version and the trends fit remarkably well to the trend derived by Engel et al. (2009). Negative age of air trends found by Stiller et al. (2012) are confirmed for the lowermost tropical stratosphere and lowermost Southern mid-latitudinal stratosphere. Differences to the previous data versions occur in the middle tropical stratosphere around 25 km, where the trends are now negative. Overall, the new latitude–altitude distribution of trends appears to be less patchy and more coherent than the previous one. The new data provide evidence of an accelerating shallow branch of the Brewer–Dobson circulation, at least in the Southern Hemisphere. Finally the age of air decadal trends are compared to trends calculated with simulated SF6 values by the Karlsruhe Simulation Model of the Middle Atmosphere (KASIMA) and good agreement is found. The hemispheric asymmetry in the trends found in the MIPAS data are also indicated in the trends calculated with simulated SF6 values by the KASIMA model.
Advanced source apportionment of size-resolved trace elements at multiple sites in London during winter
Authors: Visser S. , Slowik J. G. , Furger M. , Zotter P. , Bukowiecki N. , Canonaco F. , Flechsig U. , Appel K. , Green D. C. , Tremper A. H. , Young D. E. , Williams P. I. , Allan J. D. , Coe H. , Williams L. R. , Mohr C. , Xu L. , Ng N. L. , Nemitz E. , Barlow J. F. , Halios C. H. , Fleming Z. L. , Baltensperger U. , Prévôt A. S. H.
Published: May 2015

Abstract. Trace element measurements in PM10–2.5, PM2.5–1.0 and PM1.0–0.3 aerosol were performed with 2 h time resolution at kerbside, urban background and rural sites during the ClearfLo winter 2012 campaign in London. The environment-dependent variability of emissions was characterized using the Multilinear Engine implementation of the Positive Matrix Factorization model, conducted on datasets comprising all three sites but segregated by size. Combining the sites enabled separation of sources with high temporal covariance but significant spatial variability. Separation of sizes improved source resolution by preventing sources occurring in only a single size fraction from having too small a contribution for the model to resolve. Anchor profiles were retrieved internally by analysing data subsets, and these profiles were used in the analyses of the complete datasets of all sites for enhanced source apportionment. A total of nine different factors was resolved (notable elements in brackets): in PM10–2.5 brake wear (Cu, Zr, Sb, Ba), other traffic-related (Fe), resuspended dust (Si, Ca), sea/road salt (Cl), aged sea salt (Na, Mg) and industrial (Cr, Ni); in PM2.5–1.0 brake wear, other traffic-related, resuspended dust, sea/road salt, aged sea salt and S-rich (S); and in PM1.0–0.3 traffic-related (Fe, Cu, Zr, Sb, Ba), resuspended dust, sea/road salt, aged sea salt, reacted Cl (Cl), S-rich and solid fuel (K, Pb). Human activities enhance the kerb-to-rural concentration gradients of coarse aged sea salt, typically considered to have a natural source, by 1.7–2.2. These site-dependent concentration differences reflect the effect of local resuspension processes in London. The anthropogenically-influenced factors traffic (brake wear and other traffic-related processes), dust and sea/road salt provide further kerb-to-rural concentration enhancements by direct source emissions by a factor of 3.5–12.7. The traffic and dust factors are mainly emitted in PM10–2.5 and show strong diurnal variations with concentrations up to four times higher during rush hour than during night-time. Regionally-influenced S-rich and solid fuel factors, occurring primarily in PM1.0–0.3, have negligible resuspension influences, and concentrations are similar throughout the day and across the regions.
S4CAST v2.0: sea surface temperature based statistical seasonal forecast model
Authors: Suárez-Moreno R. , Rodríguez-Fonseca B.
Published: May 2015

Abstract. Sea Surface Temperature is the key variable when tackling seasonal to decadal climate forecast. Dynamical models are unable to properly reproduce tropical climate variability, introducing biases that prevent a skillful predictability. Statistical methodologies emerge as an alternative to improve the predictability and reduce these biases. Recent studies have put forward the non-stationary behavior of the teleconnections between tropical oceans, showing how the same tropical mode has different impacts depending on the considered sequence of decades. To improve the predictability, the Sea Surface Temperature based Statistical Seasonal foreCAST model (S4CAST) introduces the novelty of considering the non-stationary links between the predictor and predictand fields. This paper describes the development of S4CAST model whose operation is focused on the study of the predictability of any variable related to sea surface temperature. An application focused on West African rainfall predictability has been implemented as a benchmark example.
Acrylamide content and antioxidant capacity in thermally processed fruit products
Authors: Kukurová Kristí­na , Constantin Oana Emilia , Dubová Zuzana , Tobolková Blanka , Suhaj Milan , Nystazou Zografia , Rapeanu Gabriela , Ciesarová Zuzana
Published: May 2015

Acrylamide as a known processing contaminant was determined in various heat-treated plum products purchased from a local market using LC/ESI-MS-MS. The highest level of acrylamide in the range up to 60 μg/kg was detected in a plum stew known as a "povidla", and in prunes, respectively. These products typically undergo intensive heat treatment that may take from several hours to days. Using a fruit dehydrator in home production of prunes, a low level of acrylamide under LOQ (15 μg/kg) was detected in comparison to most commercial products. Only in one of the prune samples from the market was the acrylamide content near to LOQ. The highest content of acrylamide (46 μg/kg) was detected in the Slovak sample of prune originated in Nitra region. High acrylamide content, in the range from 23 to 45 μg/kg, was observed in prunes from South America. In the rest of analysed heat-treated plum products such as plum juice, plum compote or baby food with plum puree, acrylamide was not detected due to moderate conditions during thermal processing: temperature below 120 °C and a shorter time of thermal exposure. The total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity of prunes were analysed using a UV-VIS-NIR spectrophotometer and an electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. Home-prepared prunes were characterized by the highest content of phenolics (4780 mg GAE/kg) and antioxidant capacity (14.6 mmol TEAC/kg). Commercial samples of prunes reached phenolics in the range from 1619 to 3461 mg GAE /kg, and antioxidant capacity was observed between 6.1 and 12.1 mmol TEAC/kg. Antioxidant capacity of prunes strongly correlated with total phenolic content and yellow and red colours measured in a CIELab system. However, no significant correlation between the acrylamide and antioxidative or organoleptic properties of prunes was observed. Moreover, it was noticed that bio production of plums did not demonstrate any positive impact on final acrylamide content or antioxidant capacity in comparison to conventional technology.
Utilization of citrus crops processing by-products in the preparation of tarhana
Authors: Magala Michal , Kohajdová Zlatica , Karovičová Jolana , Šubová Andrea
Published: May 2015

After processing of citrus fruits (e.g. lemon, orange, grapefruit, mandarin) for juice and essential oils production, approximately 50% of the original fruit mass is left as waste material. Citrus crops processing by-products are valuable components as they contain nutrients such as pectins, saccharides, carotenoids, some vitamins, minerals, polyphenols and substances with antioxidant activity. Utilisation of these kind of side products in the recipe of various cereal product led to enhancement of final product nutritional value and better sensory attributes as well as improvement of product functional properties. In this work was studied the effect of orange and mandarin dietary fibre application at level 5 and 10% (w/w) in tarhana preparation and the influence on tarhana fermentation process. Chemical analysis showed, that dietary fibre preparations reached higher concentration of ash, fat and total dietary fibre compared to wheat flour. Wheat flour exhibited higher moisture content and protein concentration than citrus dietary fibre preparations. Orange and mandarin dietary fibre preparations showed higher values of water and oil absorption capacity, swelling capacity and least gellation concentration compared to wheat flour. Application of fruit dietary fibre preparations to tarhana recipe caused a rapid decrease in pH from 4.70 - 5.02 to values 4.31 - 4.51 during fermentation process. Reducing saccharides served as an available source of energy for fermenting microbiota and their concentration decreased from 24.5 - 32.8 to 2.2 - 0.2 g/kg after 144 h incubation. Fermentation also led to lactic acid (1.67 - 2.09 g/kg) and acetic acid (1.91 - 2.53 g/kg) production as a consequence of present microorganisms metabolic activity. Sensory evaluation of samples showed, that higher proportion of citrus dietary fibre preparations (10%) negatively affected taste, odour, consistency and sourness. Among all prepared tarhana samples with proportion of citrus dietary fibre preparation was the most acceptable tarhana with 5% of mandarin dietary fibre.
Evaluation of meat quality after application of different feed additives in diet of broiler chickens
Authors: Haščí­k Peter , Trembecká Lenka , Bobko Marek , Čuboň Juraj , Bučko Ondřej , Tkáčová Jana
Published: May 2015

The present study was conducted to investigate the effect of natural feed additives, namely bee pollen extract, propolis extract and probiotic preparation, on technological properties of meat in order to evaluate the meat quality of Ross 308 broiler chickens.  The feeding of chickens (180 pcs) lasted for a period of 42 days. The experiment was carried out without segregation between the genders. The chickens were randomly divided into 4 groups. The control group was fed a basal diet, whereas the other three groups were fed diets supplemented with natural additives, i.e. bee pollen extract at level of 400 mg.kg-1 of feed mixture, propolis extract at level of 400 mg.kg-1 of feed mixture, and probiotic preparation based on Lactobacillus fermentum (1.109 CFU per 1 g of bearing medium) in an amount of 3.3 g added to water (for 30 pcs chickens until 21 days of age, for 20 pcs chickens from 22nd to 42nd day of age) given to group E1, group E2 and group E3, respectively. The feed mixtures were produced without any antibiotic preparations and coccidiostatics. During the whole period of experiment, the broiler chickens had ad libitum access to feed and water. The following technological properties were examined: cooling loss (after 24 h of storage at 4 °C), freezing loss (after 3 months of storage at -18 °C), roasting loss (performed on roasted meat that was stored at -18 °C for 3 months before thawing), colour parameters based on CIELab system (the L*, a*, b* values of raw breast and thigh muscle), and tenderness (as shear force of roasted breast and thigh muscle). We have made a finding, that the examined additives had only little impact on meat quality in most of the investigated parameters, except the significant increase (p ≤0.05) in redness (a*) values and the slight decrease in roasting loss and shear force determination after propolis extract supplementation. Therefore, it may be inferred that propolis extract has been shown as the most appropriate feed additive among the applied supplements.
Immunofluorescence detection of milk protein in meat products
Authors: Petrášová Michaela , Pospiech Matej , Tremlová Bohuslava , Randulová Zdeňka
Published: May 2015

Nowadays there are various vegetable protein additives intended for the manufacture of meat products in the food industry. These ingredients include both, plant-origin as well as animal-origin proteins. The most common vegetable additives include various types of flour, starch, fiber and plant protein. Among animal proteins, the most commonly used are plasma, collagen or milk protein. Milk protein is added to meat products due to its functional properties, such as emulsifying fats, improving the holding capacity of meat, improving juiciness, gel-forming capacity and affecting the taste of the product. Usage of these proteins, however, is currently limited by the effective legislation, not only in order to prevent consumer deception, but also because of their potential impact on consumers' health of. Thus, this issue has received considerable attention not only in the Czech Republic, but also globally. The main risk is the impossibility of selecting a suitable foodstuff for individuals with potential allergic reactions. The only option for allergic consumers to protect themselves is to strictly exclude the given allergen from their diet. Although the number of studies dealing with the reduction or loss of allergenicity is increasing, yet these practices are not common. Most of the population suffering from food allergies is thus still dependent on strict exclusion of foodstuffs causing adverse allergic reactions from their diet. Detection of allergens in foodstuffs is unfortunately quite difficult due to the fact that they occur in trace amounts and are often masked by different parts of the foodstuff. This research dealt with the detection of milk protein in meat products purchased in the market network of the Czech Republic, whereas declaration given by the manufacturer on the packaging for the small meat products purchased from the market was used to verify the detection of milk protein by the immunofluorescence method. 20 products were examined, these were selected with regard to the presence of milk protein that was declared by the manufacturer on the packaging. Method validation was performed by comparing the positive results from the investigated method with information on the packaging of the meat product. Milk protein was detected in 84.62 per cent of samples where the manufacturer declared the presence of milk or cheese on the package and additionally in 85.71 per cent of samples where the manufacturer declared the presence of milk protein. The results show that the immunofluorescence method is suitable for the detection of milk protein in meat products.
Oxidative stability of chicken meat during storage influenced by the feeding of alfalfa meal
Authors: Tkáčová Jana , Angelovičová Mária , Haščí­k Peter , Bobko Marek
Published: May 2015

The aim of our experiment was to determine the effect of the alfalfa meal component in feed mixtures of Ross broiler chickens on oxidative stability of meat. Proportion of alfalfa meal in feed mixtures was 4 and 6%. The results were compared to the control group without alfalfa meal in feed mixtures. At the end of the experiment (day 38), 6 pcs of broiler chickens from each group with an average live body weight over 1 800 g were randomly selected. The samples for chemical analysis consisted of identical proportion of breast and thigh muscle, and about 1 cm2 of skin with subcutaneous fat. Fat from the meat was obtained after the samples drying. A fat was determined by extraction by means of laboratory instrument Det N Gras Selecta P. The oxidative stability of meat on the basis of acid number of fat was determided by chemical analysis. Chicken meat was stored at -18 °C for 12 months and 18 months. The acid number of fat of stored meat for 12 months was 7.38 mg KOH per g in the control group, 7.42 mg KOH per g in the group with a proportion of 4% alfalfa meal, and 11.18 mg KOH per g in the group with proportion 6% alfalfa meal. An acid number of fat of stored meat for 18 months was 5.90 mg KOH per g in the control group, 4.65 mg KOH per g in the group with a proportion of 4% alfalfa meal, and 7.07 mg KOH per g in the group with a proportion of 6% alfalfa meal. Chicken meat is notably sensitive to lipid oxidation because of its high content of polyunsaturated fatty acids. Legislation in Title 5 of Part 3 of the Codex Alimentarius of the Slovak Republic and the Government Regulation No. 286/2003 Coll. in the Annex 4 in Part B provide the requirements for animal fats and meat products. Regulation of the European Parliament and Council (EC) No. 853/2004 lays down specific hygiene rules for food of animal origin. In particular, determination of free fatty acids content of rendered animal fat (tallow, lard, other animal fat). Legislative regulation does not contain requirements for the quality of chicken meat, the acid number of  fat of fresh or frozen chicken meat, respectively. A chicken meat is preferred over other kinds of meat. It is characterized by certain dietary and nutritional properties that consumer prefers. A price of this kind of meat remains attractive. In terms of human health, oxidative stability of chicken meat is important, especially of stored meat. In general terms, the various food additives are currently used to maintain the food stability. Great attention is currently paid to additives of natural origin. Similar focus is presented in our study. We can state, on the basis of the oxidative stability results of chicken meat, that natural feed component has its justification. This issue requires further research.
Qualitative and quantitative characteristics of Serbian tomato varieties grown in conditions of Slovak republic
Authors: Andrejiová Alena , Hegedüsová Alžbeta , Mezeyová Ivana , Marták Miroslav , Šlosár Miroslav
Published: May 2015

The aim of submitted article was to estimate qualitative and quantitative characteristic of Serbian tomato varieties grown in conditions of Slovak republic and to compare the results with control tomato variety and evaluate their potential for the Slovak market. There were included 6 Serbian tomato varieties: ´Fantom VFCTm F1´, ´Marathon ASVF F1´, ´Honey Heart VF F1´, ´Uragan SVF F1´, ´Kazanova F1 VF´, ´Dinka F1´ and ´Tornado F1´ in control variant, which is wide spread in Slovak tomato production. As qualitative characteristic for every variety total yields (in kg) per every plant, total number of harvested fruits (in pieces for each plant) and average weight of one fruit in kg were evaluated. In Department of vegetable growing laboratory qualitative characteristics in case of all chosen tomato varieties were estimated (included firmness of fruits, total carotenoids estimation, ascorbic acid estimation). Serbian varieties reached lower total yields per plant. From the ´fruit weight´ point of view they created more or less homogenous group of bigger and heavier fruits in comparison with ´Tornado F1´ and statistically significant homogenous group when focusing on total number of fruits per plant in comparison with ´Tornado F1´ variety. Differences between control variant and chosen Serbian varieties were even more considerable in case of qualitative characteristics, where ´Tornado F1´ reached the lowest values in case of all observed characteristics - firmness of fruits, total carotenoids and ascorbic acid content. According to increasing importance of antioxidants in human diet, all tested Serbian varieties appeared to be very interesting for Slovak consumers from following both qualitative and quantitative characteristics.
Quality of meat of rabbits after application of epicatechin and patulin
Authors: Kalafová Anna , Bulla Jozef , Bučko Ondrej , Emrichová Jana , Zbyňovská Katarí­na , Petruška Peter , Schneidgenová Monika , Chrastinová Ľubica , Ondruška Ľubomí­r , Jurčí­k Rastislav , Mellen Martin , Capcarová Marcela
Published: May 2015

The aim of the present study was to determinate the effect of epicatechin and patulin on selected parameters of meat quality of rabbits. Adult female rabbits (n=25), maternal albinotic line (crossbreed Newzealand white, Buskat rabbit, French silver) and paternal acromalictic line (crossbreed Nitra's rabbit, Californian rabbit, Big light silver) were used in experiment. Animals were divided into five groups: control group (C) and experimental groups E1, E2, E3, and E4. Animals from experimental groups E1, E2, E3, E4 received patulin through intramuscular injection (10 µg.kg-1) twice a week and animals from groups E2, E3, E4 received epicatechin three times a week through intramuscular injection. After 30 days animals were slaughtered. For analysing of meat quality the samples of Musculus longissimus dorsi (50 g) were used. Application of  epicatechin and patulin to rabbits had slight or no effect on the pH levels in stomach, small intestine, large intestine and urinary bladder contents, however differences among the groups were insignificant (p ˃0.05). Application of epicatechin and patulin to rabbits had slight or no effect on total water, protein, fat   and differences among the groups were insignificant (p >0.05). The values of amino acids concentrations were not influenced after application of epicatechin and patulin. The fatty acid profiles in animals after application of different doses of epicatechin and 10 µg.kg-1 patulin were similar (p >0.05). Concentration of cholesterol increased in experimental groups in comparison with the control group, but differences were insignificant (p >0.05). pH levels of meat of rabbits in experimental group E3 was lower when compared with the control group, but differences was not significant (p >0.05).  Electric conductivity parameter was increased in each experimental group (in E3 the highest) against the control but without significant differences (p >0.05). Colour L parameter was slightly decreased in experimental groups with comparison to the control group (in E3 the lowest). Generally we can conclude that intramuscular application of epicatechin or patulin did not affect parameters of meat quality as well as pH values of internal organs content. Further investigations are needed to prove the final answer concerning the health promoting effects of epicatechin and patulin.
Selected parameters of quality and safety of herbal tea
Authors: Bobková Alica , Fikselová Martina , Bobko Marek , Lopašovský Ľubomí­r , Tóth Tomáš , Zeleňáková Lucia
Published: May 2015

The aim of this work was to assess the heavy metal presence and possible microbiological contamination in herbal teas. Evaluation of selected tea products was performed from Nitra locality during years 2009 - 2013. Microscopic filamentous fungi detection, bacteria such as Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp. were compared to requirements given in the Codex Alimentarius of Slovakia. The highest permissible limit for microscopic filamentous fungi was not exceeded (in 32 observed herbal tea samples). For incidence of Escherichia coli, 93 samples were investigated and for Salmonella spp., 91 herbal tea samples. No sample showed the presence of Salmonella spp., and at E. coli maximum permitted presence was detected below limit. Among chemical parameters, cadmium, lead and mercury content were monitored. The highest amount of lead and mercury was found in year 2012. In 2009, the highest cadmium content was found. The average content of lead in all 100 inspected herbal tea samples was 0.784 mg.kg-1 so all the samples met requirements defined in the legislation. The mean content of mercury (98 investigated herbal tea samples) was 0.0161 mg.kg-1 so all samples met the requirements as well. Average cadmium content was 0.1702 mg.kg-1 while the highest permitted limit for cadmium is 1.0 mg.kg-1. All herbal tea samples were in accordance with the legislation except one (white willow bark tea) with a very high content of cadmium (4.36 mg.kg-1).
Microscopic determination of bamboo fiber in meat products
Authors: Javůrková Zdeňka , Pospiech Matej , Zelenková Markéta , Kamení­k Josef , Petrášová Michaela , Tremlová Bohuslava
Published: May 2015

Fiber, a suitable additive to meat products with water-holding capacity, reduces curing losses and maintains juiciness of the meat. The risk is the use of excessive amounts of flour or other ingredients of vegetable origin, in which the fiber is contained. In some cases, sensory characteristics of products can be affected. Detection of fiber may be prevention of adulteration in some meat products. It is therefore very important to regularly detect the amount of fiber in meat products and check its contents. Fiber in meat products can be detected by various methods, applied are for example gravimetric, spectroscopic, histochemical, and microscopic methods. For this reason, a model meat product (Vysočina salami) was prepared in our experiment with the addition of bamboo fiber of selected concentrations of 0%, 2%, and 3%. Subsequently, a series of microscopic sections was made on different days of curing (day no. 7, 14 of the drying phase and 28, 42 of storage). Individual sections were examined and captured using a polarization microscope, the amounts of fiber in individual sections were analyzed by means of image analysis software and the values obtained were compared with each other. Also the influence of drying on the measured area of fiber in sections was monitored. The results indicate a noticeable reduction in the area of fiber until the seventh day of ripening, which is caused by the rapid loss of water in the product. In contrast, sections of products from the following days of drying contained mildly increased concentrations of fiber, which was caused by gradual drying of the products, while the area of fiber refrained form becoming smaller. Between the individual days of drying, a difference that was statistically significant was demonstrated from the 14th day of (storage or drying). Correlation was observed between the date of (storage or drying) and amount of added fiber. Among the tested mean values for the sample with the addition of fiber concentration of 2 % an insignificant difference was found. The difference between test values (day/fiber) in the sample with addition of 3% fiber was, however, statistically significant.
Health safety aspects of foodstuffs intented for phenylketonurics
Authors: Matejová Stanislava , Fikselová Martina , Buňka František
Published: May 2015

Phenylketonuria is a rare metabolic disorder that occurs due to the lack of liver enzyme phenylalanine hydroxylase. Untreated it leads to mental retardation, delayed development of speech, microcephaly, epilepsy, behavioral problems etc. Its treatment consists of strict diet, very low in phenylalanine content. The aim of this study was to determine the health safety and suitability of 17 selected foods labeled as „low in protein" respectively „foods low in phenylalanine". Analyses were focused on their phenylalanine content and aminoacid representation. The other aim was to compare phenylalanine measured with the content declared by the producers on their label. By product origin, the largest amount of foodstuffs originated from Poland (59%), followed by Germany (23%) and equal representation (6%) had Slovakia, Hungary and Sweden. Automatic analyzer AAA 400, using ion exchange chromatography, analyzed the samples. The lowest determined phenylalanine content was 1 mg.100g-1 (in rubber candy) and the highest 299 mg.100g-1 (in paté). Powdered egg alternative was monitored as the second highest source of phenylalanine. Phenylalanine content in the monitored foods ranged from 1 to 299.6 mg. 100 g-1 respectively, and increased in the following order: Gum candies (1 mg.100g-1) < Cherry jelly (1.4 mg. 100g-1) < Flour (5.8 mg.100g-1) < Flour (5.9 mg.100g-1) < Spaghetti (8.7 mg.100g-1) < Pasta (9.9 mg.100g-1) < Waffle (14.2 mg.100g-1) < Salty sticks (23.8 mg.100g-1) < Chocolate (24.1 mg.100g-1) < Bread (26 mg.100g-1) < Breadcrumbs (27.1 mg.100g-1) < Sticks with salt (30.3 mg.100g-1) < Ice Cornets (30.8 mg.100g-1) < Walnut cookie (37.2 mg.100g-1) < Instant soup with noodles (46.1 mg.100g-1) < Powdered egg alternative (58 mg.100g-1) < Pate (299.6 mg.100g-1). Only seven products of 17 observed showed low phenylalanine content, less than 20 mg.100g-1.
Colonization of grapes berries and cider by potential producers of patulin
Authors: Tančinová Dana , Felšöciová Soňa , Rybárik Ľubomí­r , Mašková Zuzana , Cí­sarová Miroslava
Published: May 2015

The aim of this study was to detect potential producers of mycotoxin patulin from grapes (berries, surface sterilized berries - endogenous mycobiota and grape juice) of Slovak origin. We analyzed 47 samples of grapes, harvested in 2011, 2012 and 2013 from various wine-growing regions. For the isolation of species we used the method of direct plating berries and surface-sterilized berries (using 1% freshly pre-pared chlorine) berries on DRBC (Dichloran Rose Bengal Chloramphenicol agar). For the determination of fungal contamination of grape juice we used plate-dilution method and DRBC and DG18 (Dichloran 18% Glycerol agar) as media. The cultivation in all modes of inoculation was carried at 25 ±1 °C, for 5 to 7 days. After incubation Aspergillus and Pencillium isolates were inoculated on the identification media. The potential producers of patulin were isolated from 23 samples berries, 19 samples of surface-sterilized berries and 6 samples of grape juice. Overall, the representatives of producers of patulin were detected in 32 (68.1%) samples (75 isolates). In this work we focused on the detection of potential producers of patulin, Penicillium expansum (the most important producer of patulin in fruits), Penicillium griseofulvum and Aspergillus clavatus were isolated. Chosen isolates of potential patulin producers were tested for the ability to produce relevant mycotoxins in in vitro conditions using thin layer chromatography method. The ability to produce patulin in in vitro condition was detected in 82% of isolates of Penicillium expansum, 65% of Penicillium griseofuvum and 100% of Aspergillus clavatus. Some isolates of Penicillium expansum were able to produce citrinin and roquefortine C, Penicillium griseofulvum cyclopiazonic acid, griseofulvin and roquefortin C, also.
Evaluation of microbiological quality of selected cheeses during storage
Authors: Kunová Simona , Kačániová Miroslava , Čuboň Juraj , Haščí­k Peter , Lopašovský Ľubomí­r
Published: May 2015

The aim of this article was to evaluate and compare the microbiological quality of selected types of cheeses immediately after opening and after 5 days storage in the refrigerator. Total viable counts (TVC), coliform bacteria (CB) and microscopic filamentous fungi (MFF) were determined by microbiological analysis. We analyzed 8 samples of cheese of Slovak origin. Plate dilution method was used for microbiological analysis. The Codex Alimentarius of Slovak republic (2006) just indicates number of coliforms bacteria (102) and microscopic fungi (5 × 102). The TVC values after opening of cheeses ranged from 1.68 × 103 CFU.g-1 (3.22 log CFU.g-1) in the sample no. 1 to 1.71 × 105 KTJ.g-1 (5.23 log CFU.g-1) in the sample no. 4 after storage in the refrigerator. All samples were negative for the presence of coliform bacteria after opening. The values of CB were 1.18 × 102 CFU.g-1 (2.07 log CFU.g-1) in sample no. 7 and 1.90 × 102 CFU.g-1 (2.27 log CFU.g-1) in the sample no. 8 after storage in refrigerator. These values are not in accordance with Codex Alimentarius of Slovak Republic (2006). Other samples were negative for presence of CB after storage at 4 °C. The values of MFF in samplesranged from 1.81 × 101 CFU.g-1 (1.25 log CFU.g-1) in the sample no. 1 after opening to 1.68 × 102 CFU.g-1 (2.22 log CFU.g-1) in sample no. 7 after storage of samples. All analysed samples were in accordance with Codex Alimentarius of Slovak republic (2006).
Rep-PCR typing of Staphylococcus spp. strains in meat paste production line and identification of their origin
Authors: Manga Ivan , Klimešová Marcela , Horáček Jiří­ , Koláčková Ivana , Bjelková Marie , Poní­žil Antoní­n , Nejeschlebová Ludmila
Published: May 2015

A meat paste production line and its microbial parameters have been evaluated in single Czech company. The raw meat paste samples before heat treatment were tested positively for the presence of three staphylococci species: Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus haemolyticus and Staphylococcus epidermidis. Subsequent microbial analysis of meat paste components and ingredients (fresh meat, water, spices, equipment) identified only the spices used as positive for S. aureus (coriander, cinnamon, badian, mustard – (10 - 40 cfu/g)) and S. haemolyticus strains (juniper, ginger). The collection of sixteen collected strains (S. aureus (n = 4), S. haemolyticus (n = 4), S. epidermidis (n = 8)) has been typed with the rep-PCR method utilising (GTG)5 primer. Analysis of the fingerprints using the unweighted pair-group method using arithmetic averages (UPGMA) clustering method revealed presence of eleven strain clusters with similarity lower than 90%: two fingerprint clusters of S. aureus, three individual clusters characteristic for S. haemolyticus and six different S. epidermidis specific clusters. The S. aureus strains from different types of spice were identical, resp. very similar. Molecular tracking composed from the rep-PCR analysis of acquired isolates and comparison among all collected fingerprints confirmed the spices to be the source of both S. aureus and S. haemolyticus strains identified in raw meat paste. The additional rep-PCR analysis of the S. epidermidis collection confirmed usability and performance of this method. The antibiotic susceptibility to fourteen individual antibiotics has been examined among the collected staphylococci strains. The predominant erythromycin resistance (68.8%) was followed with the resistance to amoxicillin/clavulanic acid (56.2%). Other resistances observed were less frequent (clindamycin – 12.5%, oxacillin – 6.3%, tetracycline – 6.3%, sulphamethoxazole-trimethoprim – 6.3%, chloramphenicol – 6.3%, novobiocin – 6.3%). As shown by our experimental results, rep-PCR with the (GTG)5 primer is an applicable tool for typing of bacterial strains and may be used for identifying the source of contamination.
Bioinformatic approach in the identification of arabidopsis gene homologous in amaranthus
Authors: Žiarovská Jana , Záhorský Michal , Gálová Zdenka , Hricová Andrea
Published: May 2015

Bioinfomatics offers an efficient tool for molecular genetics applications and sequence homology search algorithms became an inevitable part for many different research strategies. Appropriate managing of known data that are stored in public available databases can be used in many ways in the research. Here, we report the identification of RmlC-like cupins superfamily protein DNA sequence than is known in Arabidopsis genome for the Amaranthus - plant specie where this sequence was still not sequenced. A BLAST based approach was used to identify the homologous sequences in the nucleotide database and to find suitable parts of the Arabidopsis sequence were primers can be designed. In total, 64 hits were found in nucleotide database for Arabidopsis RmlC-like cupins sequence. A query cover ranged from 10% up to the 100% among RmlC-like cupins nucleotides and its homologues that are actually stored in public nucleotide databases. The most conserved region was identified for matches that posses nucleotides in the range of 1506 up to the 1925 bp of RmlC-like cupins DNA sequence stored in the database. The in silico approach was subsequently used in PCR analysis where the specifity of designed primers was approved. A unique, 250 bp long fragment was obtained for Amaranthus cruentus and a hybride Amaranthus hypochondriacus x hybridus in our analysis. Bioinformatic based analysis of unknown parts of the plant genomes as showed in this study is a very good additional tool in PCR based analysis of plant variability. This approach is suitable in the case for plants, where concrete genomic data are still missing for the appropriate genes, as was demonstrated for Amaranthus.
New Dimensions in Nigerian Women's Pentecostal experience: The Case of DODIM, Nigeria
Authors: Olademo Oyeronke
Published: May 2015

The place and role of women in Christianity have been marked by dynamic experiences in Nigeria. It is suffice to note that the gender paradigm at the advent of Christianity in Nigeria is no longer tenable. This is due mainly to the influence of culture as a potent negotiating tool for women in the church. Presently, women have gained remarkable visibility in the church in Nigeria through roles including presiding clergy, church founders, choir leaders and church council members to mention a few.

However, a new dimension to the experience of women in their interaction with the divine is the Daughters of Deborah International Ministry, Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria. The ministry provides avenues for women from the three broad divisions of churches in Nigeria to access the divine. These classifications of churches are: Orthodox/Mission, African Independent, and Pentecostal/Charismatic churches. DODIM as the ministry is known creates forum of meetings for women from these different churches in a non-structural setting. Again, these forums are managed by women for women focussing mainly on women issues. This provides a rare opportunity for women solidarity, networking and experience sharing in Christianity.

Methodology for this paper will be phenomenological with interviews and participant observations as tools of research. This paper attempts to contribute significantly to literature on women in religion in Nigeria.
Dealing with Local Satanic Technology: Deliverance Rhetoric in the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries
Authors: Adogame Afe
Published: May 2015

The 1980s and 1990s, an era of ‘oil doom’ and successive military dictatorship, marked a political and socio-economic watershed in the history of the Nigerian polity. Concomitant with this phase of abysmal collapse of social, economic, and political institutions was an unprecedented resurgence and rapid proliferation of new religious movements, particularly new Christian movements with Pentecostal and charismatic persuasions. In the wake of political crises and failing economies, religious communities also provided significant channels for expressions of frustration as well as avenues where claims as an alternative source of problem-resolution were negotiated and legitimized. This paper explores how this religious development marked a significant turning point in the history of Christianity in Nigeria; with its religious geography assuming a more complex and diversified posture through Pentecostal/charismatic forms of Christianity. One main thrust of African Pentecostal religiosity is the preponderance of deliverance and spiritual warfare rituals in their cosmological tradition. Using the example of the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (MFM) founded in Lagos in the 1980s, the paper examines its demographic expansion, its belief in, and appropriation of, spiritual warfare and deliverance rituals in Africa and the African diaspora. It shows how the MFM, through its preoccupation with the epistemology of demons and the extensive appropriation of warfare rhetoric, has carved out a niche for itself in African Pentecostal discourse in both local and global contexts.
Teaching and Living Steinbeck's Stories
Authors: Shillinglaw Susan , Pham Melinda , Martin TK , Barraza Pete
Published: May 2015

The experiences of three master teachers highlight the significance The Grapes of Wrath still has for students. Together, they show that the privilege of teaching literature is a true gift. At a time when Steinbeck's works can be seen on stage or on Instagram photos with James Franco, or in the music of various bands such as Mumford and Sons, or even on a Google noodle, somewhere in the pages of California.
Immigration Issues
Authors: Gladstein Mimi Reisel
Published: May 2015

Although it chronicles the difficulties of Oklahoma migrants more than seventy-five years ago, the problems of migrations nationally and internationally document the continuing relevance of The Grapes of Wrath. One reads in current news stories about the perilous journeys and hostile treatment migrants and immigrants face. The novel outlines an archetype of their stories.
“Modern Monsters,” Old Habits
Authors: Dalmaso Renata Lucena
Published: May 2015

The interrelationships among nature, humans, and technology in John Steinbeck's The Grapes of Wrath reveal the characters' responsibility for the destruction of nature in the novel. The critique of technology is explicit: throughout the narrative, technology is portrayed as possessive of monstrous qualities, emphasized as something “uncanny” disrupting the familiar landscape. Implicitly, however, the novel criticizes the tenants' attitudes toward the land. By exposing the migrants' contradictory behavior toward nature, the novel lays bare the irony behind the tenants' pastoral discourse. The incoherence of the pastoral ideal preached by the tenants emerges in several passages that show, for instance, that despite the discourse of love and respect for the land, they regard the earth as something to be used and exploited as well. Drawing from a number of scholars that have looked into the environmental aspects of Steinbeck's work, Sigmund Freud's theories on the “Uncanny,” and Leo Marx's concept of “pastoralism,” my discussion suggests that the novel presents a critique of both technological and human interactions with the environment, showing both driven by a self-protective capitalist instinct, however differently manifested they might be.
The Inverted Economy of Steinbeck's Cannery Row Ecology
Authors: Lancaster Billy Joe (Bill)
Published: May 2015

Steinbeck's propensity to explore the effects of economics is exemplified in the continually depressed economy of Cannery Row, where cash is often a rarity among the close community of “whores, pimps, gamblers, and sons of bitches,” and “[s]aints and angels and martyrs and holy men” that populate the area, leaving the denizens to find other mediums of exchange (1). An analysis of the overall economics of Cannery Row using social exchange theory, with particular attention to Doc, Mack and the boys, and Dora, reveals how Steinbeck uses the social behavior of his characters to create an inverted economic system within the context of the book and within the ecological system of Cannery Row. Doc describes this inversion of the materialist economy in his observations of Mack and the boys as “relaxed” compared to the “so-called successful men … with bad stomachs and bad souls” (129). The application of social exchange theory reveals how Steinbeck's inverted economy works in the ecology of the novel on an individual basis, as with Doc's exchanges with Hazel and Frankie; on a group basis, as with Mack and the boys; and on a business basis, as with Dora and the Bear Flag Restaurant. This inverted economy centers on people rather than wealth, relationships rather than profit margins. In Steinbeck's novel, individuals are parts of the whole, and social exchange theory reveals the interconnectedness of a community focused on one another rather than on the material culture found outside Cannery Row.
“Half Christ and Half Satyr”: Seeing the Postsecular in Cannery Row
Authors: Conkling Micah
Published: May 2015

Recently, dialogues of ecology have been the prominent trend in Cannery Row scholarship. However, while Steinbeck's project engages numerous ecological subjects, spiritual themes and salvation language are also entrenched in the book. A postsecular critique of Cannery Row explores the convergence of its ecological and spiritual premises.
Steinbeck's Translation of Malory'sMorte d'Arthur: Success or Failure—An End or a New Beginning?
Authors: Gilmore Alec
Published: May 2015

This intercalary piece meditates on Steinbeck's interpretation of the American Dream, his quest for ideals in his translation of Malory, and his application of this Dream and this quest in The Winter of Our Discontent. But did Steinbeck's writing go off after failing to find the Holy Grail, or is The Winter of Our Discontent a sign that he had in fact found it, albeit not quite what he had been looking for nor what his critics were hoping he might find?