Quantification of the adulteration concentration of palm kernel oil in virgin coconut oil using near-infrared hyperspectral imaging

The adulteration concentration of palm kernel oil(PKO)in virgin coconut oil(VCO)was quantified using near-infrared(NIR)hyperspectral imaging.Nowadays,some VCO is adulterated with lower-priced PKO to reduce production costs,which diminishes the quality of the VCO.This study used NIR hyperspectral imaging in the wavelength region 900-1,650 nm to create a quantitative model for the detection of PKO contaminants(0-100%)in VCO and to develop predictive mapping.The prediction equation for the adulteration of VCO with PKO was constructed using the partial least squares regression method.The best predictive model was pre-processed using the standard normal variate method,and the coefficient of determination of prediction was 0.991,the root mean square error of prediction was 2.93%,and the residual prediction deviation was 10.37.The results showed that this model could be applied for quantifying the adulteration concentration of PKO in VCO.The prediction adulteration concentration mapping of VCO with PKO was created from a calibration model that showed the color level according to the adulteration concentration in the range of 0-100%.NIR hyperspectral imaging could be clearly used to quantify the adulteration of VCO with a color level map that provides a quick,accurate,and non-destructive detection method.

Protective effects of oleic acid and polyphenols in extra virgin olive oil on cardiovascular diseases

The Mediterranean diet has long been recognized as one of the most effective ways to prevent and improve cardiovascular disease.Extra virgin olive oil(EVOO)is the typical sources of fat in the Mediterranean diet which have been shown to have noteworthy nutritional value and positive impact on human health.It is worth noting that EVOO owes its superior nutritional value to its bioactive composition.The main component of EVOO is monounsaturated fatty acids(MUFAs)in the form of oleic acid.Oleic acid accounts for up to 70%-80%of EVOO.Secondly,EVOO contains approximately more than 30 phenolic compounds,of which HT is essential for the protection against cardiovascular diseases.In this review,we focused on the potential mechanisms of oleic acid and polyphenols combat cardiovascular diseases risk in terms of oxidative stress,inflammation,blood pressure,endothelial function and cholesterol.This review might provide a reference for the studies on cardiovascular protective effects of EVOO.

Studies on the Optimization and Storage Stability of Virgin Coconut Meal Incorporated Instant Sooji Halwa Mix

Virgin Coconut Meal (VCM) was used for the development of instant wheat sooji (semolina) halwa mix with better nutritional attributes. Central composite rotatable design (CCRD) with 2 independent variables (sugar and VCM) and 4 responses (lightness, redness, taste and overall acceptability) was used for the optimisation. VCM incorporated instant halwa mix prepared using optimised levels of ingredients contained moisture 0.95%;fat 26.2%;protein 7.65%;total ash 0.86%;fibre 1.02% and received overall acceptability score of 8.5 on a 9 point hedonic scale providing 523.86 K·cal/ 100g. The changes in quality of stored VCM incorporated instant halwa mix packed in polypropylene (PP, 75 μ) and laminates of metallised polyester (MP, 90 μ) were monitored in order to assess the shelf-life. Instant halwa mix remained stable and acceptable for one year in both the packaging materials under ambient temperature conditions (15℃ - 34℃). However, the rate of lipid peroxidation was found to be slightly higher in PP packed samples as compared to MP packed ones. Fatty acid composition of VCM incorporated instant halwa mix remained practically unchanged during storage. Oleic acid was the major fatty acid present in fat extracted from halwa mix followed by palmitic and lauric acids.

Anti-diabetic and antioxidant effects of virgin coconut oil in alloxan induced diabetic male Sprague Dawley rats

Oxidative stress has been discovered to be involved in the progression of diabetes mellitus. The antioxidant properties of virgin coconut oil (VCO) among other functions might have a beneficial effect in ameliorating the disease. This study was aimed to determine the glycemic and antioxidant effects of VCO in alloxan induced diabetic rats. 24 male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 4 groups as follows: control (C), diabetes untreated (DUT), diabetes treated with 7.5 ml/kg VCO (DT7.5) and diabetes treated with 10 ml/kg VCO (DT10). Alloxan (100 mg/kg b.w I.P) was used to induce diabetes and VCO was administered orally once daily for 4 weeks. Fasting blood glucose level was measured on Day 0 (72 hours post alloxan injection) and after 4 weeks. Glucose tolerance test was conducted on the 4th week as well as the determination of serum insulin and liver antioxidant parameters using standard biochemical methods. Values are means ± S.E.M., compared by ANOVA and Tukey’s post hoc test. The results show that VCO significantly reduced the fasting blood glucose level in DT7.5 rats (132.4 ± 6.911) and DT10 rats (131.6 ± 12.2) are compared with DUT rats (320.4 ± 22.99) and improved the oral glucose tolerance. Serum insulin was increased in DT10 rats. GSH activities significantly increased p 10 rats (0.39 ± 0.022) when compared to DUT rats (0.032 ± 0.004). CAT activities also significantly increased p 7.5 (17.63 ± 0.61) and DT10 rats (30.88 ± 0.97) when compared to DUT rats (10.98 ± 0.6). SOD activities significantly increased p 0.05 in DT7.5 (2.634 ± 0.04) and DT10 rats (2.258 ± 0.32) when compared to DUT rats (1.366 ± 0.05) while MDA significantly reduced p 7.5 (49.16 ± 0.51) and DT10 (33.64 ± 0.42) rats when compared to DUT rats (99.93 ± 4.79). This study revealed that VCO has a hypoglycemic action, enhances insulin secretion and also ameliorates oxidative stress induced in type I (alloxan-induced diabetic) male rats.

Utilization of Virgin Coconut Meal (VCM) in the Production of Ready-to-Eat Indian Traditional Sweet Meat Using Response Surface Methodology

Virgin coconut meal (VCM) was used for the development of ready-to-eat Indian traditional sweet meat commonly known as “ladoo” both with and without sorbic acid (0.3%). The different ingredients were optimized following re-sponse surface methodology with three independent variables i.e. sugar, water and VCM and sensory attributes as responses. The changes in the quality of VCM ladoo packed in polypropylene (PP, 75 μ) and laminates of metalized polyester (MP, 75 μ) were monitored during storage to establish the shelf life under ambient temperature conditions (15?C - 34?C). Samples without added potassium sorbate spoiled within three weeks of storage due to mold growth and fermented odour. VCM ladoo containing sorbic acid did not support any microbial growth during storage up to 4 months, however, during storage samples packed in PP lost moisture and became hard and brittle, while those packed in MP remained soft. Peroxide and thiobarbituric acid values were higher in PP packed samples as compared to those packed in MP. Sorbic acid degraded during storage of ladoo and the rate of degradation was higher in PP packed ladoos than that in MP packed ones.

Effect of Virgin Coconut Meal (VCM) on the Textural, Thermal and Physico Chemical Properties of Biscuits

Biscuits were prepared by incorporating virgin coconut meal (VCM) into refined wheat flour (maida) at 5-25% level and evaluated for physical, chemical, nutritional, textural and sensory attributes. All the prepared biscuits had high protein and fiber contents as compared to control (100% refined wheat flour based product). With the incorporation of VCM, hardness and toughness of dough increased while there was a decrease in stickiness and adhesiveness values. Incorporation of VCM had a significant effect on color values of biscuits as the concentration of VCM was increased. The values of L* decreased while those for a* and b* increased. Sensory analysis revealed that 15% VCM biscuits were the most acceptable. The Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis revealed that the onset (To) decreased while end set (Tc) and enthalpy of gelatinization (ΔH) increased with the increase level of VCM.

Development of a Qualitative near Infrared Screening Method for Quality Consistency Assessment of Virgin Sunflower Oil

Near infrared spectroscopy offers advantages in the analysis of vegetable oils such as rapidity, relative cost-effectiveness, and usually no need for sample preparation. Virgin Sunflower oils were used as reference standards to develop spectra library for qualitative identification and validation of the method. This model was validated by correct classification method using positive and negative control samples. Various market samples of virgin sunflower oil were purchased and compared with spectra library. The results of spectral analysis of reference library and market samples were correlated using Mahalanobis distance method. Analysis involved 22 market samples. When these samples were matched against calibration samples, 4 samples out of 22 which are about 18.2% were not matched by the reference model. These market samples had Mahalanobis distance values between 4.2 and 6.7, which are greater than maximum permissible value of 3. Some of adulterants mentioned were Korie oil and pumpkin seeds oil.

Retrograde Dye Test for the Assessment of Tubal Patency in a Virgin: A Case Report and Review of Literature

Background: Hysterosalpingogram (HSG) and Laparoscopy and dye tests for tubal assessment for a virgin who places high premium on her virginity could be challenging. Routine HSG may result in loss or damage to the hymen and loss of virginity. Aim: The aim of the procedure of retrograde dye test was explored to see the possibility of assessing tubal patency during laparotomy. Case Presentation: At laparotomy and after myomectomy in a 32 year old virgin, a moderate sized Wilkinson’s cannula was gently inserted at the fimbrial end of the both tubes and 50mls of dilute Methylene-Blue solution was injected in each tube at a time to see whether the dye will appear at the vagina introitus. There was no resistance to flow of the dye in both tubes. Inspection of the vaginal introitus revealed a gush of dye flowing through it as the dye was introduced through each tube confirming the patency of both tubes. Conclusion: Retrograde dye test at the time of abdominal procedures like myomectomy, pelvic adhesiolysis and excision of endometriotic cyst can be cost effective. This procedure is also useful in assessing tubal patency for women who undergo laparotomy and also wish to preserve their virginity.

Including Extra Virgin Olive Oil May More Improve Glycemic Control despite Similar Weight Loss Compared to the Diet Recommended by the Prostate Cancer Foundation: A Randomized, Pilot Study

Recommendations for prostate cancer treatment include weight loss, but the most efficacious diet has not been determined. Men on active surveillance or with untreated biochemical relapse consumed both the diet recommended by the Prostate Cancer Foundation (PCF) and a plant-based that included three tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil per day for 8 weeks of weight loss and improvement in some laboratory biomarkers with random assignment to the diet order. They then selected one of the diets for six months of follow-up. Thirty men started the protocol and 18 completed the 44 week study. Mean age: 66.6 ± 5.9 years;baseline body mass index: 30.9 ± 2.7 kg/m2. Weight loss was comparable between the diets after 8 weeks (PCF: 2.5% ± 3.1% v olive oil: 2.8% ± 3.7%;p = 0.86), but the diet that included olive oil resulted in lower insulin (PCF: 13.7 ± 7.0 mU/L v olive oil: 11.5 ± 4.4 mU/L;p = 0.02), glucose (PCF: 104.9 ± 9.9 mg/dl v 99.1 ± 9.6 mg/dl;p = 0.01), and HOMA-IR (PCF: 3.6 ± 2.1 v olive oil: 2.9 ± 1.2;p = 0.02). Thirteen of the 18 men choose the olive oil diet for six months of follow-up and weight loss and lab improvements were maintained. This pilot study indicates that both the PCF diet and the plant-based diet that included extra virgin olive oil can produce similar weight loss short-term. However, a plant-based diet that includes extra virgin olive may be more acceptable for long-term use, and produce better glycemic control.

Impact of Plastic Packaging Materials and Storage Time on the Quality Parameters of Lebanese Extra Virgin Olive Oil under Real-Time Storage Conditions

Scarce information is currently available relative to the use of polymeric materials as storage containers for extra virgin olive oil. This paper was devoted to study and compare the impact of glass and 3 types of packaging materials—polyethylene terephthalate (PET), high density polyethylene (HDPE), and polylactic acid (PLA) on Lebanese extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) up to 9 months under non-accelerated storage conditions. The acidity, peroxide value (PV), K232, K270, fatty acid profile, overall migration, and oil sorption into the packaging material were determined. Conventional titration, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, and spectrophotometry were used to quantify the outcome measures at baseline, 3, 5, 7, and 9 months. Mixed model ANOVA was applied to assess differences according to polymer type and storage period at P 232 and K270), migration, and sorption significantly increased with increasing storage time for oil in contact with glass and plastic materials, especially between the 7th and 9th month of storage. Overall, PLA showed the least deterioration and interaction phenomena compared with PET and HDPE. While glass remains the best container for EVOO, PLA could potentially replace PET and HDPE for short-time storage under conventional storage conditions in Lebanese households.

Primary Small Bowel Tumour Presenting as Bowel Obstruction in a Patient with a Virgin Abdomen

Primary malignancies of the small bowel are rare and usually present with vague, non-specific symptoms. This leads to diagnostic difficulties for both physician and radiologists alike. We present a case of a 54-year-old lady with a virgin abdomen who initially presented to hospital with vague abdominal symptoms suggestive of gastroenteritis. She responded partially to conservative treatment but represented to hospital 3 weeks later with obstructive symptoms. Contrast CT was inconclusive with regards to diagnosis. A diagnostic laparoscopy was performed, revealing an infiltrative growth. Consequently, she underwent segmental laparoscopic-assisted small bowel resection and recovered well post-operatively. After further histological and endoscopic investigations, a final diagnosis of primary small bowel adenocarcinoma was given. As the prognosis of small bowel malignancy is stage-dependent, this case demonstrates a high index of suspicion is necessary to reach early diagnosis, especially for symptoms non-responsive to conventional treatment. Diagnostic laparoscopy should be considered early as a definitive diagnostic tool.

Primary Small Bowel Tumour Presenting as Bowel Obstruction in a Patient with a Virgin Abdomen

Primary malignancies of the small bowel are rare and usually present with vague, non-specific symptoms. This leads to diagnostic difficulties for both physician and radiologists alike. We present a case of a 54-year-old lady with a virgin abdomen who initially presented to hospital with vague abdominal symptoms suggestive of gastroenteritis. She responded partially to conservative treatment but represented to hospital 3 weeks later with obstructive symptoms. Contrast CT was inconclusive with regards to diagnosis. A diagnostic laparoscopy was performed, revealing an infiltrative growth. Consequently, she underwent segmental laparoscopic-assisted small bowel resection and recovered well post-operatively. After further histological and endoscopic investigations, a final diagnosis of primary small bowel adenocarcinoma was given. As the prognosis of small bowel malignancy is stage-dependent, this case demonstrates a high index of suspicion is necessary to reach early diagnosis, especially for symptoms non-responsive to conventional treatment. Diagnostic laparoscopy should be considered early as a definitive diagnostic tool.

Production of Cocoa Butter Substitute from Extra Virgin Olive Oil Rich in Omega-9 and Polyphenols

The objective of this study was to produce healthy cocoa butter substitutes from extra virgin olive oil rich in omega-9 and polyphenols by blending process with palm oil avoiding hydrogenation and esterification processes. Oil blends, formulated by binary blends of palm oil and extra virgin olive oil at different ratios (90:10, 80:20 and 70:30) compared with commercial cocoa butter. The physicochemical properties (refractive index, melting and slip point, color index, acidity, peroxide value, iodine number and induction period by Rancimat method) have been determined for palm and olive oils and the produced cocoa butter substitute. Also, fatty acid composition was identified by gas liquid chromatography and solid fat content of the produced cocoa butter substitute was measured by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) and total polyphenols of oils and produced cocoa butter substitute were determined. The results indicated that all the values of melting and slip point were about the human body temperature (37°C), also results show a high content of cocoa butter produced from oleic acid, as well as phenolic compounds, and this leads to an increase in oxidative stability.

Etiology of Antisperm Antibodies in the Serum of Virgins

Background: The study of ASA etiology is very important in the diagnosis and treatment of infertility. Studies of presence of antisperm antibodies in the bodies of unmarried women are very rare, so that this article aims at studying the possible causes and interpretations behind the development of antisperm antibodies in virgins. Methodology: The study included 5 single women with positive ASA. Description and clinical history of the patients was assessed by special questionnaire provided for this purpose. All laboratory investigations and diagnostic procedures were done in the hospital from 1st August to 15th December 2017. Results: The mean serum antisperm antibody concentrations (64.3 IU/ml) which is considered positive titer. The incidence of ASA among virgins is 2.22%. Complete blood count is normal except for slight increase in WBC count and percentage of basophils, monocytes and lymphocytes. This study recorded high concentrations of serum total IgG and IgM levels (1875 IU/ml and 295 IU/ml respectively). The UTI was confirmed by counting total bacterial concentration (178,250 CFU/ml) in the urine, and diagnosis of suspected causes showed the following species: Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumonia, Staphylococcus aureus, and Proteus mirabilis. Conclusions: There are two suggested mechanisms to explain ASA in virgins: 1) antigen cross-reactivity between sperm and bacterial antigens to which antibodies can react;2) induction of the immune system by antigens of sperm ingested into the gastrointestinal tract with contaminated food and drink. Recommendations: it is recommended to conduct a research study that include a large number of virgins for investigating ASA to confirm our results and build a scientific generalizations , in addition to animal studies for testing the role of sperm ingestion in the induction of immune system.

Aromatization of virgin olive oil by seeds of Pimpinella anisum using three different methods:Physico-chemical change and thermal stability of flavored oils

Knowing that flavored products would increase the use of olive oil by non-traditional consumers and enhance the added value of this valuable agricultural product,the virgin olive oil(VOO)was flavored with the seeds of Pimpinella anisum(Green anise)using three different methods:classic maceration,ultrasonic assisted maceration and direct addition of the essential oil(EO).These methodswere compared under two main criteria:time and level of aromatization.The physico-chemical parameters and the thermal stability of flavored oils prepared by the three methods were determined by AOAC titration method and GC–MS analysis so as to compare the aromatization effect of the three methods.The trans-anethole is the major component of the EO of anise seeds as well as the indicator of the level of aromatization.GC/MS analysis results of the flavored oils showed that the diffusion of trans-anethole in the flavored oil by direct addition of EO was very important(36.3%of the total volatile fraction of the flavored oil)in comparison to the oil flavored by ultrasonic assisted maceration or classic maceration(respectively 26.59%and 23.85%).These different aromatization methods ensure an improvement in the quality of VOO with an enrichment in polyphenols estimated at 35%in the case of ultrasonic flavored oil,an increase in the content of carotenoids and chlorophylls(67%and 21%respectively)in the event of aromatization by classic maceration,and a decrease in specific absorbency at 232 nmestimated at 29%during aromatization by addition of EO as well as a decrease in the peroxide value estimated at 26%in oil flavored by classic maceration unlike in oil flavored by ultrasoundwhich has seen an increase of around 20%.The aromatization was able to maintain the stability of the oils and its qualification as VOO with a gain in induction time in the case of treatment at 60℃ estimated at 29 and 27.5 d respectively in oils flavored by addition of EO and by conventional maceration,an improvement resistance to degradation concerning K_(232) and K_(270) of all flavored oils which varied from 15 to 40 d in the case of treatment at 60℃ and 3 h resistance to degradation of oils treated at 130℃ for K_(232).Polyphenols,chlorophyll pigments and carotenoids play an important role in oxidative stability due to their antioxidant nature and their degradation during heating is very complex.All of these physico-chemical changes have increased the thermal stability of flavored oils with better resistance to oxidation of flavored oil by classic maceration in compared to oil flavored by adding EO and the oil flavored by using ultrasound.

Virgin摆式列车

１９９８年，Ｖｉｒｇｉｎ铁路公司向阿尔斯通和菲亚特Ｆｅｒｒｏｖｉａｒｉａ的合资公司订购了用于其西海岸特许经营区的５４列摆式列车，该列车采用了Ｐｅｎｄｏｌｉｎｏ技术。１列车编组为满足每天４８趟列车的行车时间安排（见表１），每列车由８节车厢组成，共５４列...

China-the Last Virgin Soil for Gestating World Brands

China will be the last virginsoil for the rapid growth of world brands "China will be the last virgin soil for the rapid growth of world brands." predicted Li Guangdou, a famous marketing expert of China. However, the reality is far from being so optimistic. Across the world, the mark "Made in China"

Some parameters of coal methane system that cause very slow release of methane from virgin coal beds(CBM)

In some worldwide hard coal basins recovery of methane from virgin coal beds is difficult. In general,mentioned difficulties are related to geo-mechanical, petrographical and physical-chemical properties of coals in question, occurring for example in the Bowen Basin(Australia) or the Upper Silesian Coal Basin(Poland). Among numerous properties and parameters, the following are very essential: susceptibility of coal beds to deformation connected with coal stress state change and contemporary shrinkage of the coal matrix during methane desorption. Those adverse geo-mechanical and physical-chemical effects are accompanied by essential change of the porous coal structure, which under these disadvantageous conditions is very complex. This study aims to show difficulties, which occur in phase of recognition of the methane-reach coal deposit. Volume absorbed methane(not surface adsorbed) in sub-micropores having minimal size comparable with gas molecule diameter must possess energy allowing separation of the nodes and methane release to micropores.