Changing the allegorical landscape: Masonic and Hermetic additions to the Dantean underworld of Gloria Naylor’s Linden Hills

pp. 10-28 of the Journal of the LUCAS Graduate Conference, Issue 6 (2018). The complete issue can be found at: https://openaccess.leidenuniv.nl/handle/1887/5771

Investigation of the Influence of “Amaranth” Cryoadditive on Organoleptic and Microbiological Parameters of Processed Cheeses

There was grounded the expedience of using “Amaranth” cryoadditive in the technology of processed cheeses. “Amaranth” cryoadditive contains necessary vitamins and microelements of the natural origin. The use of “Amaranth” cryopowder in the processed cheeses technology allows to enrich them with vitamins, mineral substances and food fibers. The main factors of introducing “Amaranth” cryoadditive were: the normative organoleptic estimation of a product and its daily need.Introduction of “Amaranth” cryopowder in cheese masses results in the energetic value growth along with the treating-prophylactic effect. The complicated complex of chemical and biochemical compounds, included in the composition of “Amaranth” cryopowder, allows to relate it to products with the wide spectrum of treating-prophylactic and radio-protective properties.Organoleptic characteristics of processed cheeses with cryopowder “Amaranth” testified that experimental samples of cheese keep the tender, elastic and resilient consistence. They have the specific original taste and smell (of cream butter). They had the homogenous picture on the cut, paste of the light-yellow or yellow color with separate dots of amaranth (black-red color). The surface of experimental samples was clean, shiny, correspondent to standards.Experimental samples had the pleasant commodity look. Processed cheese, produced using “Amaranth” cryopowder, combines in itself traditional consumption properties with technological possibilities of functional-technological ingredients of the vegetable origin.The offered products widen the assortment of milk products of the treating-prophylactic direction

Response of Corn and Palmer amaranth to Mesotrione

Mesotrione is a herbicide used for the selective pre- and post-emergence control of a wide range of broadleaf and grass weeds in corn (Zea mays). It inhibits the enzyme 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase (HPPD) which leads to stop biosynthesis of plastoquinone, a key factor in the synthesis of carotenoid pigment. The depletion of carotenoids leading to bleaching symptoms followed by necrosis in sensitive plants. Palmer amaranth (Amaranth Palmeri) is one of the major weeds in corn production system. This study was conducted to test the hypothesis that mesotrione may be effective to control Palmer amaranth and safe for use in corn. Therefore, the objective of this research was to evaluate response of corn and Palmer amaranth to mesotrione. Corn and Palmer amaranth plants were treated with mesotrione at 105 g ai ha-1,and plant survival data was collected at 3 week after application. There was no injury reported to any of the corn plant, and plant survival rate was reported 100%. However, Palmer amaranth plants showed bleaching symptoms followed by necrosis and plant death. Only 12.5% Palmer amaranth plants survived after mesotrione application. These results demonstrated the tolerance of corn and sensitivity of Palmer amaranth to mesotrione

Amaranth farming: Rural sustainable livelihood of the future?

Though amaranth has been studied intensively for its exceptional nutritional properties, little has been reported about its capacity for fighting poverty, securing food supplies, turning migrations, or its impact on the environment and the prospect for improvement of living conditions of those farmers cultivating amaranth. This paper addresses possibilities and limitations that Mexican small-scale farmers are facing to enhance sustainable livelihoods in the amaranth value chain. The study reveals that amaranth, as an alternative crop and livelihood, is perhaps one of the most complete endogenous natural resources that small-scale farmers have to combat the above-mentioned problems. The study identified several local and regional barriers for increasing the level of farming, production, processing and consumption. A striking and paradoxical limitation is the monopolization practices developed by some of the associations in relation to knowledge and technology transfer, seeds distribution and contact to potential national and foreign buyers

Effect of amaranth proteins on the RAS system: In vitro, in vivo and ex vivo assays

The aim of this work was to analyse the hypotensive effect of amaranthprotein/peptides on spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). The mechanism of action of these peptides was studied in vivo and ex vivo. We also tested the effect of protection against gastrointestinal digestion (GID) exerted by an O:W emulsion on the integrity of the antihypertensive peptides. All samples tested produced a decrease in blood pressure (SBP). The animals treated with emulsion (GE) and emulsion+peptide (GE+VIKP) showed the most significant reduction in the SBP (42±2 mmHg and 35±2 mmHg, respectively). The results presented suggest that after GID, a variety of peptides with biological activities were released or were resistant to this process. These peptides play a role in the regulation of the SBP by acting on plasma ACE, plasma renin and the vascular system. These results support the use of amaranth protein/peptides in the elaboration of functional foods for hypertensive individuals.Fil: Suárez, Santiago. Provincia de Buenos Aires. Gobernación. Comisión de Investigaciones Científicas. Centro de Investigación y Desarrollo en Criotecnología de Alimentos. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - La Plata. Centro de Investigación y Desarrollo en Criotecnología de Alimentos. Universidad Nacional de la Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas. Centro de Investigación y Desarrollo en Criotecnología de Alimentos; ArgentinaFil: Aphalo, Paula. Provincia de Buenos Aires. Gobernación. Comisión de Investigaciones Científicas. Centro de Investigación y Desarrollo en Criotecnología de Alimentos. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - La Plata. Centro de Investigación y Desarrollo en Criotecnología de Alimentos. Universidad Nacional de la Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas. Centro de Investigación y Desarrollo en Criotecnología de Alimentos; ArgentinaFil: Rinaldi, Gustavo Juan. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Médicas; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - La Plata; ArgentinaFil: Añon, Maria Cristina. Provincia de Buenos Aires. Gobernación. Comisión de Investigaciones Científicas. Centro de Investigación y Desarrollo en Criotecnología de Alimentos. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - La Plata. Centro de Investigación y Desarrollo en Criotecnología de Alimentos. Universidad Nacional de la Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas. Centro de Investigación y Desarrollo en Criotecnología de Alimentos; ArgentinaFil: Quiroga, Alejandra Viviana. Provincia de Buenos Aires. Gobernación. Comisión de Investigaciones Científicas. Centro de Investigación y Desarrollo en Criotecnología de Alimentos. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - La Plata. Centro de Investigación y Desarrollo en Criotecnología de Alimentos. Universidad Nacional de la Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas. Centro de Investigación y Desarrollo en Criotecnología de Alimentos; Argentin

A holistic approach to enhance the use of neglected and underutilized species: the case of Andean grains in Bolivia and Peru

The IFAD-NUS project, implemented over the course of a decade in two phases, represents the first UN-supported global effort on neglected and underutilized species (NUS). This initiative, deployed and tested a holistic and innovative value chain framework using multi-stakeholder, participatory, inter-disciplinary, pro-poor gender- and nutrition-sensitive approaches. The project has been linking aspects often dealt with separately by R&D, such as genetic diversity, selection, cultivation, harvest, value addition, marketing, and final use, with the goal to contribute to conservation, better incomes, and improved nutrition and strengthened livelihood resilience. The project contributed to the greater conservation of Andean grains and their associated indigenous knowledge, through promoting wider use of their diversity by value chain actors, adoption of best cultivation practices, development of improved varieties, dissemination of high quality seed, and capacity development. Reduced drudgery in harvest and postharvest operations, and increased food safety were achieved through technological innovations. Development of innovative food products and inclusion of Andean grains in school meal programs is projected to have had a positive nutrition outcome for targeted communities. Increased income was recorded for all value chain actors, along with strengthened networking skills and self-reliance in marketing. The holistic approach taken in this study is advocated as an effective strategy to enhance the use of other neglected and underutilized species for conservation and livelihood benefits

Herbicide-Resistant Soybeans in Arkansas: Lessons Learned and Future Direction

In Arkansas Delta soybean production, glyphosate resistant (GR) Palmer amaranth has significantly impacted weed management. The incidence of herbicide resistant (HR) weeds has farreaching crop science, economic, and communications implications, which have been explored by the corresponding expertise of our research team members to form a comprehensive literature review. The review was used to develop policy recommendations to address current and future HR genetically modified (GM) crop use and the associated issues. The review of crop science research indicated an overall increase in herbicide application, as well as an increase in weed management programs focused around glyphosate rather than the application of multiple herbicides. The review also revealed some management methods have potential to resolve the problem, including alternating herbicide application, avoiding sub-lethal rates, using “burn down” herbicides prior to planting, crop rotation, tillage, and zero tolerance weed policies. The use of fewer herbicides rather than multiple types creates a monopolistic edge for the companies producing those few herbicides, allowing greater market control. Crisis communication methods, including developing internal readiness, conducting needs assessments, developing a relevant message, and conveying the message through appropriate channels, can be used to develop a response to the issue that will best communicate necessary information to the target audience. The team used these findings to formulate policy recommendations, which include management, economic, and communication plans that may provide a starting point to address the issue

Development of the New Point Scale of Organoleptic Evaluation at Manufacturing Organic Cakes

The article presents the ground of developing the 50-point scale for evaluating cakes by organoleptic parameters. The aim of the article is to create the new point scale of organoleptic evaluation for using at producing organic cakes. It was established, that for today such important parameters as “flavor”, “post-flavor”, “porosity structure” are not always used at the organoleptic evaluation of cakes' quality. The article describes the recipes of four developed cakes, produced of the organic raw materials – “Grechanyk”, based on buckwheat flour, “Zhytnytsa', based on rye flour, “Golden amaranth”, based on amaranth flour and “Hempen delight”, based on hempen flour. For evaluating organoleptic characteristics of cakes, there was presented 50-point scale that includes evaluation of the following parameters: form, surface condition, color of crust, condition and color of crumble, porosity structure, smell, taste, flavor, post-taste, malaxation of crumble. Based on the method of expert evaluations, there were determined significance coefficients for each parameter. Thus, coefficient 0,5 was set for the parameters “porosity structure” and 1,5 for “color” and “smell”, the significance coefficient was equal 1 for a series of other parameters. The developed scale provided the following criteria of cakes evaluation: 45–50 points − "perfectly”, 40–44 points − "well", 30–39 points − "satisfactorily”, lower 30 points – “unsatisfactorily”. Based on the developed scale, the developed cakes were evaluated by the gustatory commission. All developed cakes corresponded to the mark “perfectly” by organoleptic parameters. The highest index of the quality level was inherent to the cake “Grechanyk” " – 0,99 at general sum of points for the gustatory evaluation 49,95. The cake Zhytnytsa corresponded to 0,98 by the quality level, "Hempen delight" – 0,96. The lowest quality level was detected in the cake “Golden amaranth” (0,94),that is caused by the specific taste of amaranth flour

Thinking Outside of the Cereal Box: Breeding Underutilized (Pseudo)Cereals for Improved Human Nutrition.

Cereal grains have historically played a critical role in sustaining the caloric needs of the human population. The major cereal crops, wheat, rice, and maize, are widely cultivated and have been subjected to biofortification to enhance the vitamin and mineral nutrient content of grains. In contrast, grains of several other cereals as well as non-grass pseudocereals are naturally rich in micronutrients, but have yet to be explored for broad-scale cultivation and consumption. This mini review focuses on the micronutrient and phytochemical profiles of a few emerging (pseudo)cereals and examines the current constraints of their integration into the global food system. Prospects of leveraging whole genome sequence information and modern breeding technologies to promote the breeding and accessibility of these crops are also discussed