Implications of vitamin D for flesh quality of grass carp(Ctenopharyngodon idella):antioxidant ability,nutritional value,sensory quality,and myofiber characteristics

Background Muscle represents a unique and complex system with many components and comprises the major edible part of animals.Vitamin D is a critical nutrient for animals and is known to enhance calcium absorption and immune response.In recent years,dietary vitamin D supplementation in livestock has received increased attention due to biological responses including improving shear force in mammalian meat.However,the vitamin D acquisition and myofiber development processes in fish differ from those in mammals,and the effect of vitamin D on fish flesh quality is poorly understood.Here,the influence of dietary vitamin D on fillet quality,antioxidant ability,and myofiber development was examined in grass carp(Ctenopharyngodon idella).Methods A total of 540 healthy grass carp,with an initial average body weight of 257.24±0.63 g,were allotted in 6 experimental groups with 3 replicates each,and respectively fed corresponding diets with 15.2,364.3,782.5,1,167.9,1,573.8,and 1,980.1 IU/kg vitamin D for 70 d.Results Supplementation with 1,167.9 IU/kg vitamin D significantly improved nutritional value and sensory quality of fillets,enhancing crude protein,free amino acid,lipid,and collagen contents;maintaining an ideal pH;and reduc-ing lactate content,shear force,and cooking loss relative to respective values in the control(15.2 IU/kg)group.Average myofiber diameter and the frequency of myofibers>50μm in diameter increased under supplementation with 782.5–1,167.9 IU/kg vitamin D.Levels of oxidative damage biomarkers decreased,and the expression of antioxi-dant enzymes and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 signaling molecules was upregulated in the 1,167.9 IU/kg vitamin D treatment compared to respective values in the control group.Furthermore,vitamin D supplementation activated cell differentiation by enhancing the expression of myogenic regulatory factors and myocyte enhancer factors compared to that in the control group.In addition,supplementation with 1,167.9 IU/kg vitamin D improved protein deposition associated with protein synthesis molecule(target of rapamycin)signaling and vitamin D receptor paralogs,along with inhibition of protein degradation(forkhead box protein 1)signaling.Conclusions Overall,the results demonstrated that vitamin D strengthened antioxidant ability and myofiber devel-opment,thereby enhancing nutritional value and sensory quality of fish flesh.These findings suggest that dietary vitamin D supplementation is conducive to the production of nutrient-rich,high quality aquaculture products.

Evaluation of Chinese Cabbage Sensory Quality and Its Relationship with Contents of Main Nutrient Components

In order to establish a comprehensive evaluation system for quality of Chinese cabbage, 28 Chinese cabbage cultivars or inbreeds were selected as ex- perimental materials to identify the raw and cooked taste and determine the nutrient component contents, and the subjective factors （taste） and objective factors （nutrient component contents） influencing the sensory quality of Chinese cabbage were ana- lyzed by multiple regression and path analysis. The results showed that two regres- sion equations were obtained： yr （raw quality）=0.310 3＋0.254 0xl （juiciness）＋0.176 2 x2 （sweetness）＋0.221 6x3 （crispness）＋0.319 9x4 （flavor）; Yc （cooked quality）=0.204 4＋ 0.250 9 xs （residue）＋0.246 9x6 （cooked sweetness）＋0.182 5x7 （softness）＋0.323 lx8 （cooked flavor）. The path analysis results showed that among the sensory indices, the total coefficients of sweetness and juiciness were 0.445 3 and 0.427 6, respec- tively. It indicated they were the main factors affecting the raw quality of Chinese cab- bage, followed by flavor and crispness. Sweetness, with total coefficient of 0.515 2, showed the greatest effect on the cooked quality of Chinese cabbage, followed by residue, cooked flavor and softness. The effects of nutrient component contents on the sensory quality of Chinese cabbage were further analyzed, and the regression equa- tions were obtained： y, =-32.192 0＋0.389 3xw （moisture content）＋1.169 8x~ （soluble sugar content）; Yc = 7.497 1＋0.732 6xs - 5.668 8x, （organic acid content）-2.176 3x~ （crude fiber content）. The standardized regression coefficients of soluble sugar con- tent were all highest with the value of 0.580 7 in the raw quality regression equa- tion and 0.325 0 in the cooked quality one, indicating that among the six nutrient components, the soluble sugar content was the main factor affecting both raw and cooked quality of Chinese cabbage. This study will provide certain basis for quality evaluation, selection and breeding of high-quality Chinese cabbage.

Comparative Analysis on Chemical Components and Sensory Quality of Aging Flue-Cured Tobacco from Four Main Tobacco Areas of China

Complicated changes are happening during the aging process of flue-cured tobacco （FCT） and understanding of the changing components is of great significance in improving the quality,shortening aging time,and enhancing production and economic efficiency in tobacco industry.The aging samples of FCT from four main producing areas of China,i.e.,Yunnan,Sichuan,Hubei,and Dongbei,were used to study the changing rule of the components such as alkali,acid,and carbohydrate as well as the aroma and their relationship with sensory quality;and based on the correlation among the components and the sensory quality index,multivariable models were established to predict the aging quality.The results showed that the sensory quality of FCT increased steadily during the aging time,and at the same time,the acidic components （total organic acids,volatile acids） increased gradually,while the alkaline substances （nicotine,volatile alkali）,carbohydrate （total sugars,reducing sugar） and pH values showed a downward trend.Correlation analysis found that the sensory quality and pH values were negatively correlated （P0.05）,while the sensory quality with total organic acids and aroma were positively correlated.The optimal model for predicting the quality of FCT was y=56.75-0.63x12＋50.09x2-13.27x22,（y：sensory quality;x1：pH;x2：total organic acids）.The average predicating error was 1.04% with maximum predicating error of 2.89% and the accuracy rate of above 97%.

Fuzzy-Logic Based Multi-Sensory Quality Evaluation via Communication Network

In this paper, a multi-sensory quality evaluation using an array of instruments to measure different sensory qualities is established via communication network. The network is used to transmit quality data to evaluation computer. And the network-induced delays between instruments and computer may have negative influence on final evaluation results. The main goal of this paper is to analyze network delays’ influence on evaluation results, and present a fuzzy-logic based solution to eliminate the impact and improve the precision of evaluation. And simulations are conducted to show the effectiveness of the proposed approach.

Sensory quality of meat from eight different types of cattle in relation with their biochemical characteristics

The present study compared eight breeds of cattle differing in gender （heifers, buls and steers） to determine associations between muscle characteristics and meat sensory qualities of theLongissimus thoracis muscle. Animal types differed in al the muscle characteristics and sensory qualities. Many correlations among muscle characteristics and among sensory qualities were consistent for most animal types. Isocitrate dehydrogenase （ICDH） activities alowed discrimination of muscles with respect to myosin heavy chain （MyHC）-I proportions for al animal types. Lactate dehydrogenase （LDH） and phos-phofructokinase （PFK） activities were positively correlated for most animal types. Overal liking was correlated with beef lfavour and abnormal lfavour in al animal types and with global tenderness for al animal types except for Charolais cross breed steers. For al animal types except for Angus×Friesian heifers, beef lfavour and abnormal lfavour were negatively correlated. Overal liking was not correlated with juiciness. PFK, ICDH and citrate synthase （CS） activities were strongly associated with tenderness, beef lfavour and overal liking when average values for al animal types were used. However, associations between muscle characteristics and sensory qualities within animal types were weak and inconsistent.

Sensory Evaluation of Extra Virgin Olive Oil （EVOO） Extended to Include the Quality Factor ＂Harmony＂

Sensory evaluation of olive oil, meaning the official organoleptic assessment of olive oil respectively the ＂Panel Test＂ （PT）, is based on the standards of the International Olive Council （IOC）, as well as on the Regulation （EC） 640/2008 of the European Commission. These regulations lead to the classification of olive oil as ＂extra virgin＂ （EVOO）, ＂virgin＂ （VOO） or ＂lampant＂, which however is not sufficient to clearly discriminate between different quality levels within the grade EVOO. The objective of the study at hand was to develop and validate an objective sensory evaluation method for the quality certification of olive oil within the grade EVOO. A new rating system, including a detailed description and evaluation of the complexity and persistence of flavour, was established. First, a comparison between different profile sheets from various olive oil competitions （Ercole Olivario, Premio Biol, Leone D＇Oro Mario Solinas Award, among others） and the official profile sheet from the IOC/EC for the panel test （PT） took place. In consecutive steps the basic test procedure from the panel test （PT） then was extended with additional sensory descriptors. Two trained olive oil panels （the German Olive Oil Panel （DOP） and the Swiss Olive Oil Panel （SOP）） were further educated to profile various green and ripe aroma components and to evaluate the complexity of the perceived aroma components and their persistency （descriptor： ＂harmony/persistency＂）. This extended methodology was cross-validated over a time period of 3 years between the two panels （DOP/SOP）.

Effects of methionine treatment on storage quality and antioxidant activity of postharvest jujube fruit

Jujube fruits usually suffer from physiological disorders or infectious diseases during storage,leading to quality deterioration,softening,or rotting.Therefore,this study aims to investigate the effect of methionine soaking treatment on the postharvest jujube fruit decay rate and storage quality.Methionine treatment significantly reduced the decay rate of postharvest jujube fruit and effectively maintained fruit color and titratable acid.Methionine treatment effectively delayed the decrease of firmness,soluble solids,ascorbic acid,and lignin contents in jujube fruit.Methionine treatment reduced the content of alanine and phenylalanine,and increased the content of glycine in jujube fruit,but displayed no significant effect on total amino acid content.In addition,jujube fruits in the methionine treatment group had a higher total phenolic and flavonoid content and antioxidant capacity,both in free and bound forms.Compared with the control,methionine treatment also significantly increased the content of individual phenolic acid fractions(gallic acid,vanillic acid,and syringic acid)and flavonoid fractions(catechin,epicatechin,rutin)in free form as well as individual phenolic acid fractions in bound form(gallic acid and ferulic acid)in jujube fruits.Overall,this study suggested that the methionine treatment could be used as a prospective preservative to reduce the postharvest decay of jujube fruit and alleviate its nutritional quality deterioration during cold storage at 4°C.

Assessment of quality of bread incorporated with defatted sweet orange seed flour

The effect of incorporation of defatted flour from seeds of sweet orange on wheat flour bread quality was investigated.Seeds were removed from the fruits of sweet orange,sun dried,milled and defatted with ethanol.The defatted orange seed flour was incorporated into wheat flour at 5,10,and 15%.The chemical composition and physicochemical properties of the composite flours were assessed.The composite flours were used to prepare breads and the nutrients composition,antioxidant,physical and sensory qualities of the breads were determined.The water absorption,oil absorption,emulsifying and swelling capacities increased while foaming capacity and bulk density decreased with the addition of the defatted seed flour in the blends.The addition of defatted seed flour increased significantly(P<0.05)the ash(1.98%–3.05%),crude fiber(1.26%–2.98%)and carbohydrate(47.78%–55.90%)contents but decreased the moisture(23.59%–20.37%),crude fat(12.43%–8.98%)and protein(12.96%–8.72%)contents of the breads.The calcium,sodium,iron and zinc contents improved but phosphorus and potassium levels decreased with the incorporation of the defatted seed flour.The phenols,flavonoids,alkaloids,saponins,and carotenoids contents varied from 85.03–18.59 mg/100g,3.11–7.83 mg/100g,7.30–12.06 mg/100g,1.87–2.06 mg/100g,and 5.46–15.84 mg/100g,respectively.The loaf volume,specific volume and oven spring of breads decreased while loaf weight increased with the incorporation of defatted flour.The antioxidant activities of breads containing 15%defatted seed flour increased over that the 100%wheat bread.The ratings for the sensory attributes decreased with the addition of defatted seed flour in the breads.However,the ratings for the sensory qualities of breads containing 5 and 10%defatted seed flours did not differ significantly(P<0.05)from those of the 100%wheat bread.It is concluded that defatted flour from seeds of sweet orange fruits could be used to substitute 10%wheat flour in bread without adversely affecting the qualities of the breads.

Identification of Quality Characteristics of Sun-cured Tobacco Leaves

[Objective] The aim was to explore tobacco varieties which satisfy tobacco formula and is suitable to be grown in ecotopes simultaneously. [Method] Interior and exterior qualities of tobacco were compared and identified based on agronomic and economic characters of tobacco in fields. [Result] Yunshai No.1 was better in both agronomic and economic characters. Specifically, the fragrance was dominated by empyreumatique and aroma; the highly-qualified variety is fragrant and sweet, with little irritation, which gives the tobacco smoke a light, mild flavor. As for Virgini- a934, economic characters were better, but agronomic characters were just ordinary. Similar to Yunshai No.l, dominated by empyreumatique and aroma, the variety was with distinctive resin and herbaceous fragrance. What＇s more, it tasted good with high quality and usability. Cunsanpi was ordinary in agronomic characters, and poor in economic characters, with coordinated quality and chemical composition. It is fra- grant and the smoke is clean. However, the quality was not so high and it tasted not so good. Tengruan No.2 was good in agronomic characters, but poor in eco- nomic characters, which gives delicate fragrance, but not clean enough. Waiweiba and Mijie Qinggeng neither taste well nor smell sweet, performing ordinary in agro- nomic and economic characters. Hence, the two varieties seem bad in quality and ranks poorly. [Conclusion] In terms of sensory quality, the varieties from high to low were Yunshai No.1, Virginia 934, Cunsanpi, Tengruan No.2, Waiweiba and Mijie Qinggeng.

Effects of Two Curing Methods on Quality of Yellow Sun-cured Tobacco

[Objective] The aim was to research effects of bamboo split curing method and steely barn curing method on quality of yellow sun-cured tobacco, providing scientific references for optimization of curing technology of yellow sun-cured tobacco. [method] The tobaccos were divided into two groups treated with two methods and the related indices of treated tobaccos were then measured to evaluate effects of curing methods on quality of yellow sun-cured tobacco. [Result] Tobaccos treated with two methods were all dominated by reddish yellow and yellow; exterior quality differed little. In detail, total sugar and reducing sugar in an average level in three locations were all higher with method A than those with method B, but nicotine and total N were lower; comprehensive chemical components in group with method B proved more appropriate with higher K. In addition, sensory qualities of leaves in moderate and bottom locations were better with method B compared with method A; sensory quality of top leaves was better; comprehensive sensory quality of leaves treated with method B proved better. On the other hand, cost for method A was 2.82 times of method B; the area of sun-curing field was 3.27 times and manage- ment work was 1.77 times, which indicated that method B is low-cost and time-saving, which would be a guarantee of tobacco quality. [Conclusion] The research provides scientific references for rational use of tobacco resources and optimization of sun-curing technology.

Effects of Different Processing Modes of Reconstituted Tobacco on Cigarette Quality

In order to explore the most suitable mode for the primary processing model of reconstituted tobacco, another two kinds of conditioning process schemes for reconstituted tobacco were designed based on the existing reconstituted tobacco processing method. Comparative analysis and evaluation were conducted for moisture content uniformity, intrinsic chemical compositions, casing uniformity, blending uniformity and sensory quality of the samples from the three kind of processing modes. The results showed that loosing and conditioning or the vacuum conditioning pretreatment of the reconstituted tobacco could effectively reduce the difference in moisture content during the blending, and improve the casing uniformity and blending uniformity. Moreover, the samples with the loosing and conditioning pretreatment had higher total sugar and reducing sugar contents, which indicated that the loosing and conditioning pretreatment method was more favorable for the improvement of the intrinsic quality of cigarettes. In addition, the three kinds of aromatic components contents of cigarettes using the loosing and conditioning pretreatment were higher,and the casing uniformity, blending uniformity and overall sensory quality of this pretreatment were all superior to that of the other two kinds of reconstituted tobacco pretreatment methods. The contents of total sugar, reducing sugar as well as the three kinds of aromatic components of cigarettes processed with vacuum conditioning pretreatment were all slightly lower than those of the existing methods, but the casing uniformity and blending uniformity were improved, while it showed small difference in the sensory quality with the existing processing method.

Application of Factor Analysis in Sensory Evaluation of Tobacco Raw Materials

[ Objective] This study aimed to analyze the main sensory quality indexes of reconstituted tobacco materials. [ Method ] The factor analysis was per- formed to analyze sensory quality of reconstituted tobacco raw materials. [ Result] The results showed that the contribution rate was 87. 791% and four factors were obtained via factor analysis. The factor loading of factor 1 （ aroma quality, aroma amount, offensive odor, after-taste） was relatively large. Factor 2 was the exterior factor. Factor 3 was momentum factor. Factor 4 was the concentration factor. The comprehensive scores of samples from different regions demonstrated a descending order of Hubei, Yuxi, Chuxiong, Honghe, Dali, Kunming, Hunan, Henan, Fujian, Qujing, Baoshan, Guizhou, Zhaotong, Chongqing, Puer, Wenshan, Guang- dong, and Jiangxi. [ Conclusion] The factor analysis results provided a theoretical basis for subsequent sensory evaluation of reconstituted tobacco.

Genetic dissection of the sensory and textural properties of Chinese white noodles using a specific RIL population

To dissect the genetic control of the sensory and textural quality traits of Chinese white noodles, a population of recom- binant inbred lines （RILs）, derived from the cross of waxy wheat Nuomai 1 （NM1） and Gaocheng 8901 （Gc8901）, was used. The RILs were tested in three different environments to determine the role of environmental effects on quantitative trait loci （QTL） analysis. A total of 45 QTLs with additive effects for 17 noodle sensory and textural properties under three environments were mapped on 15 chromosomes. These QTLs showed 4.23-42.68% of the phenotypic variance explained （PVE）. Nineteen major QTLs were distributed on chromosomes 1 B, 1 D, 2A, 3B, 3D, 4A, and 6A, explaining more than 10% of the phenotypic variance （PV）. Clusters were detected on chromosomes 2B （3 QTLs）, 3B （11 QTLs） and 4A （5 QTLs）. The cluster detected on chromosome 4A was close to the Wx-B1 marker. Five co-located QTLs with additive effects were identified on chromosomes 2B, 3D, 4A, 6A, and 7B. The two major QTLs, Qadh.sdau-3B. 1 and Qspr.sdau-3B. 1, in cluster wPt666008-wPt5870 on chromosome 3B were detected in three different environments, which perhaps can be directly applied to improve the textural properties of noodles. These findings could offer evidence for the selection or development of new wheat varieties with noodle quality using molecular marker-assisted selection （MAS）.

Effect of Controlled Atmosphere Storage(CAS)Technology of Flue-cured Tobacco Laminas on the Alcoholization Quality of Tobacco

To achieve the continuous maintainence of optimum quality state of flue- cured tobacco laminas and the effective regulation and control on alcoholization time for controlled atmosphere storage （CAS） method in the process of storage, the lam- ina samples of natural alcoholization for 1 year were selected. Comparable analysis on the appearance quality, chemical components and sensory quality of flue-cured tobacco laminas in the process of alcoholization was carried out by using the meth- ods of CAS and natural alcoholization. The results showed that appearance and color through the treatment of natural alcoholization were deep, browning and ac- companied by the phenomenon of oil, while color scale of flue-cured tobacco lami- nas through the treatment of CAS was uniform, fullness was better, and these two methods were close or identical after opening for 3 months. The contents of total sugar and reducing sugar during the process of alcoholization were also gradually decreased, but the ratio of reducing sugar to total sugar of laminas via CAS was higher than that of the natural alcoholization treatment. Compared with the natural alcoholization,the descending trends of total nitrogen and nicotine contents during CAS were gentler, the ratio via CAS was closer to 1, and the coordination of chemical components was more superior. During the period of alcoholization for 6 to 12 months, sensory quality of laminas via the natural alcoholization treatment was more superior than that of CAS treatment. However, after 18 months of alcoholiza- tion, sensory quality of laminas via the CAS treatment was more superior than that of the natural alcoholization treatment, and the CAS treatment could improve opti- mum sensory quality by 0.5 to 1.5 scores. Additionally, the CAS treatment could prolong the time of optimum alcoholization quality for 6 months, compared with the treatment of natural alcoholization. The CAS method could influence the alcohoJiza- tion quality of flue-cured tobacco laminas and prolong the retention period of opti- mum quality status for flue-cured tobacco laminas by regulating the environmental aas composition, thereby realizin.q quality control of flue-cured tobacco laminas.

Evaluation of the ＂Harmony/Balance Value＂ on the Development of the Sensorial Quality of EVOOmExperiences in Germany and Europe

Since 2015 the methodology of the harmony value in the framework of the official organoleptic assessment has been accredited by the German authorities. It initiated additional background for this parameter which is set on top of the Official Paneltest （Standard IOC/T15/Reg. （EWG） 2568/91 in its actual version） which classifies Olive oil in the relevant classifications ＂extra virgin＂, ＂virgin＂ or ＂virgin lampante＂. This study will proof the possible accuracy of this additional parameter ＂harmony/balance＂ and the benefits which arise with this additional parameter for all stakeholders. The German Olive Oil Panel （DOP） is practicing this extended methodology for the sensory evaluation of extra virgin olive oil since 2003. In addition to the verification of the category ＂extra virgin＂ the Panel is continuously training for additional descriptors used to appraise the quality-discrimination for this category. But in case the panel decides for a valid median of a defect the panel supervisor （PSV） will set the harmony level to zero. In the focus is the additional attribute called ＂harmony＂ （in some world areas called ＂balance＂--both mean a quantification of the specific overall quality with one single parameter） which is responsible for this advancement in the methodological approach. Using ＂harmony/balance＂ （H/B） as a quality-factor, the discrimination between bad, average, good, very good and premium quality within the category of EVOO became possible. ＂Harmony＂ includes olfactory, tactile and kinesthetic stimuli and is evaluated on a bipolar 100 mm scale, which leads to this parameter from ＂average＂ in the center to ＂complex/harmonious＂ on one side or to ＂totally disharmonious＂ on the other side. In the study at hand we are able to prove the development of qualities in the framework of the accredited Panel in German speaking countries over more than 10 years. In this study the development of the increasing quality can be proved in yearly figures of the DOP. The trend could be disturbed however in case of climatological circumstances or orders from outside Germany with over proportional low qualities. The official organoleptic assessment method of IOC/EC separates defect free from defected olive oils and is marking the olive oils with a relevant label of classification （EV, V, Lampant）. The additional step to evaluate the harmony value----carried out by the same panel during the same procedure--is quantifying the category of EVOO in relevant quality sectors. This study shows on one side the progress of this method in German speaking countries and their supporting companies. On the other side it revealed the quality problems which arise in markets like the private label/low price （PL/LP） sections in other countries of the European Union. This important market segment covers today about 75%-80% of the market. The IGO study （2015） proved that from 70 samples out of 16 European countries 58.5% （41 samples） have been analyzed as defect; only 41.5% （29 samples） matched the classification EVOO. And from these 29 samples 18 have been evaluated with the additional parameter ＂harmony/balance＂ as ＂lower standard＂ or ＂not sufficient＂. The long experience with this additional parameter is able to stabilize and quantify the quality of EVOO in favor of all stakeholders.

Study of Varietal Influence Post Conservation on Biochemical and Sensory Qualities of Attiékéand Boiled Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz)

Cassava root is shortly preserved after harvesting due to its tanning and rapid physiological decomposition. Consequently, the commercial value is reduced and the craving of its finishes products. With an aim of improving physiological quality, post harvest food value “the effects of bleaching and conservation in silo-pits were evaluated. Four (04) varieties of cassava: Bocou1, Bocou2, Bocou3 and Yavo were collected fresh and healthy in 13 months of maturity. They were subjected to a bleaching (65°C /15 - 30 s) followed by a kinetic conservation (7 days of intervals) in silo-pit (1 × 0.6 × 0.5 m). Results show that Bocou2 variety has the high proteins content (2.64% ± 0.01%), followed by hydrocyanic acid (8.21 ± 0.01 mg/100 g) and total carotenoids (26.7 μg/100 g). The conservation influences positively the protein content, reducing sugars content, the dries matter content and the total phenolic compounds for all the varieties excluded Bocou2 variety whose protein content drops. As regard of the fat contents, a weak increase is observed. The sensory analysis reveals that the boiled cassava of the Yavo variety is more appreciated followed by Bocou1 variety. Concerning the Attiéké, Bocou3 variety gives the more appreciated dish followed by the Yavo variety. In conclusion, the silo-pit conservation after bleaching improves the physiological quality of the cassava and the sensory taste even during 14 days. This study has a huge impact of reducing the post harvests losses and increases the commercial value of cassava in the world.

Effects of Production and Ingredients on Tahini Halvah Quality

Tahini halvah is specific confectionery product known in Bosnia and Herzegovina over centuries. It is made of sesame-seed paste （tahini）, sugar and soapwort （Saponaria officinalis） extract by certain technological process, with creating needle-like particles which give a specific fiber structure to halvah. Production of tahini halvah in Bosnia and Herzegovina mostly was placed under artisanal conditions by poorly trained staff and was based on experiences and established practice. There is a very few scientific papers deal with ways of production and specific properties of this product in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Main objective of this paper was focused on studying technological process of 4 different samples of tahini halvah （standard tahini halvah, tahini halvah with pistachios, tahini halvah with cacao and black halvah with wheat grits, cacao and nuts）. All samples were produced under industrial conditions. Chemical and sensory quality parameters of investigated samples were presented in this paper. Significant differences between samples were found and influenced by different ingredients and technological process.

Studies on Effect of Syrup Concentration and Drying Modes on Quality of Kesar Mango Slices

An attempt was made to preserve mango slices by treating with 2% calcium chloride solution followed by dipping into sugar syrup of different concentrations i.e. 50°, 60° and 70 °Brix respectively. The treated slices were subjected for drying in different modes of drying （oven, microwave oven and cabinet tray drying） and analyzed for various physico-chemical and organoleptic quality characteristics. The study revealed that the osmo-air dried slices of mango produced with partial dehydration facilitated by osmotic agent （sugar syrup of 60 °Brix. A fruit： sugar syrup ratio of 1：4 （w/v） for 18 h at 40 ℃ temperature） followed by mechanical drying showed superiority in sensorial quality attributes over other concentrations of ingredients and the rest of the modes of drying. The good quality osmotically dehydrated mango slices could be preserved with maximum retentions of vitamins with better dehydration, rehydration and sensorial quality characteristics.

Natural and modified food hydrocolloids as gluten replacement in baked foods:Functional benefits

Gluten,the protein responsible for the superior viscoelastic properties of refined wheat flour dough over glutenfree cereals,causes celiac disease in people susceptible to gluten-allergy.Moreover,the sustainability of using wheat flour in baked foods is threatened by its high cost,especially in countries that depend on imported wheat for their bakery industry.Research has shown that hydrocolloids serve as gluten replacements in baked foods,in response to these challenges.Food hydrocolloids are a class of high-molecular weight polysaccharides and proteins,which serve as functional ingredients in the food industry that modify the foods’rheological and textural properties.They function as stabilizers,viscosity modifiers,gelling agents,water binders,fibres,and inhibitors of ice crystal in foods.Further,food hydrocolloids have also been reported to possess health-promoting properties,such as lowering of postprandial blood glucose and plasma cholesterol concentrations,colon cancer prevention,and modulation of intestinal transit and satiety.They are obtained from plants,animals or microorganisms,and can be used in their natural or modified forms.The aim of this paper is to review the functional benefits of natural and modified hydrocolloids as gluten replacements in baked foods,emphasizing their physicochemical,nutraceutical,and sensorial importance.The application effects of food hydrocolloids as gluten substitutes in gluten-free baked products’quality were discussed.Also,some practical approaches to improve the quality of gluten-free baked products,in response to an increasing consumers’demand and the rising cost of refined wheat flour were highlighted.

Research on the Construction and Function of a Chlorophyll Degradation Recombinant Engineering Strain

In order to effectively reduce the chlorophyll content in flue-cured tobacco, improve the overall quality of tobacco leaves, chlorophyllase gene was cloned from Arabidopsis thaliana. After the expression of the expression vector in E. coil, the recombinant engineering strain was obtained. Afterwards, IPTG （isopropy-β-D-thiogalactopyranoside）was used to induce the goal protein, and the chlorophyllase activity of the recombinant engineering strain was measured, so as to investigate its degradation effect on the chlorophyll in the extracts of tobacco leaves. The results were as follows： （1） the amplified chlorophyllase gene At- CLH1 constructed the expression vector pET28a-AtCLH1 successfully, obtaining the recombinant engineering strain; （2） induced under 30 ℃ for 22 h, the strain could well express the recombinant protein AtCLH1 with 0.5 mmol/L IPTG, and the molecular weight was about 35 kDa; （3） the strain showed good chlorophyllase producing capability, and the activity of the produced chlorophyllase could reach up to 24.9 U/mL, which could degrade the chlorophyll in tobacco extract and had a good application prospect in improving the quality of low quality tobacco; （4） based on the results of orthogonal test, the enzyme extract from the strain was added to the tobacco leaf surface, which could make the degradation rate of chlorophyll in the tobacco leaf reach 17.06% under the temperature of 37 ℃ at the humidity of 75% for 48 h; （5） after treated by the enzyme liquid, the test tobacco showed increase in the content of aromatic substances, enhancement of tobacco fragrance quality and amount, significant decrease of offensive odor and irritation, significant improvement of agreeable aftertaste, making the overall sensory quality of the tobacco leaf significantly improved.