Geology, correlations, and geodynamic evolution of the Biga Peninsula (NW Turkey)

L?objectif de ce travail de recherche était de décrypter l?évolution géodynamique de la Péninsule de Biga (Turquie du N-O), à travers l?analyse de deux régions géologiques peu connues, le mélange de Çetmi et la zone d?Ezine (i.e. le Groupe d?Ezine et l?ophiolite de Denizgören). Une étude complète et détaillée de terrain (cartographie et échantillonnage) ainsi qu?une approche multidisciplinaire (sédimentologie de faciès, pétrographie sédimentaire et magmatique, micropaléontologie, datations absolues, géochimie sur roche totale, cristallinité de l?illite) ont permis d?obtenir de nouveaux éléments d?information sur la région considérée. ? Le mélange de Çetmi, de type mélange d?accrétion, affleure au nord et au sud de la Péninsule de Biga ; les principaux résultats de son étude peuvent se résumer comme suit: - Son aspect structural actuel (nature des contacts, organisation tectonique) est principalement dû au régime extensif Tertiaire présent dans la région. - Il est constitué de blocs de différentes natures : rares calcaires Scythien-Ladinien dans le faciès Han Bulog, blocs hectométriques de calcaires d?âge Norien-Rhaetien de rampe carbonatée, nombreux blocs décamétriques de radiolarites rouges d?âge Bajocien- Aptien, blocs/écailles de roches magmatiques de type spilites (basaltes à andésite), ayant des signatures géochimiques d?arcs ou intra-plaques. - La matrice du mélange est constituée d?une association greywacke-argilites dont l?âge Albien inférieur à moyen a été déterminé par palynologie. - L?activité du mélange s?est terminée avant le Cénomanien (discordance Cénomanienne au sommet du mélange, pas de bloc plus jeune que la matrice). - Du point de vue de ses corrélations latérales, le mélange de Çetmi partage plus de traits communs avec les mélanges se trouvant dans les nappes allochtones du Rhodope (nord de la Grèce et sud-ouest de la Bulgarie) qu?avec ceux de la suture Izmir-Ankara (Turquie); il apparaît finalement que sa mise en place s?est faite dans une logique balkanique (chevauchements vers le nord d?âge anté-Cénomanien). ? Le Groupe d?Ezine et l?ophiolite sus-jacente de Denizgören affleurent dans la partie ouest de la Péninsule de Biga. Le Groupe d?Ezine est une épaisse séquence sédimentaire continue (3000 m), subdivisée en trois formations, caractérisée chacune par un type de sédimentation spécifique, relatif à un environnement de dépôt particulier. De par ses caractéristiques (grande épaisseur, variations latérales de faciès et d?épaisseur dans les formations, érosion de matériel provenant de l?amont du bassin), le groupe d?Ezine est interprétée comme un dépôt syn-rift d?âge Permien moyen-Trias inférieur. Il pourrait représenter une partie de la future marge passive sud Rhodopienne à la suite de l?ouverture de l?océan Maliac/Méliata. L?ophiolite de Denizgören sus-jacente repose sur le Groupe d?Ezine par l?intermédiaire d?une semelle métamorphique à gradient inverse, du faciès amphibolite à schiste vert. L?âge du faciès amphibolite suggère une initiation de l?obduction au Barrémien (125 Ma, âge Ar/Ar); cet âge est unique dans le domaine égéen, mais il peut là aussi être relié à une logique balkanique, sur la base de comparaison avec le domaine Rhodopien. ? Toutes les unités précédentes (mélange de Çetmi, Groupe d?Ezine et ophiolite de Denizgören) ont passivement subi trois phases extensives pendant le Tertiaire. Dans la région d?Ezine et du mélange nord, les micaschistes HP sous-jacents ont été exhumés avant l?Eocène moyen. Dans le cas du mélange sud, cette exhumation Eocene est en partie enregistrée dans les mylonites séparant le mélange du dôme métamorphique sous-jacent du Kazda?. Le mélange sud est dans tous les cas fortement érodé à la suite de la double surrection du dôme du Kazda?, près de la lim ite Oligocène/Miocene et pendant le Plio- Quaternaire. Dans le premier cas, ce soulèvement est caractérisé par le développement d?une faille de détachement à faible pendage, qui contrôle à la fois l?exhumation du massif, et la formation d?un bassin sédimentaire syntectonique, de type bassin supradétachement; quant à la phase extensive la plus récente, elle est contrôlée par le jeu de failles normales à forts pendages qui remanient l?ensemble des structures héritées, et dictent la géomorphologie actuelle de la région. ? Il est possible de proposer un scénario pour l?évolution géodynamique de la Péninsule de Biga, basé sur l?ensemble des résultats précédents et sur les données de la géologie régionale ; ses points principaux sont: - La Péninsule de Biga fait partie de la marge Rhodopienne. - Le Groupe d?Ezine est un témoin de la marge passive nord Maliac/Méliata. - L?ophiolite de Denizgören et le mélange de Çetmi ont été mis en place tous deux vers le nord sur la marge précédente, respectivement au Barrémien et à l?Albien terminal- Cénomanien inférieur. - Une forte composante décrochante durant l?emplacement est suggérée par la préservation de fragments de la marge passive et l?absence de métamorphisme dans la plaque inférieure. - Tous les évènements précédents ont été largement affectés par le régime d?extension Tertiaire.<br/><br/>The purpose of this study is to unravel the geodynamic evolution of the Biga Peninsula (NW Turkey) through the detailed study of two poorly known areas, the Çetmi mélange and the Ezine zone (i.e. the Ezine Group and the Denizgören ophiolite). The methodology was based on a detailed field work and a multidisciplinary approach. ? The accretion-related Çetmi mélange is mainly cropping out north and south of the Biga Peninsula; the main results of its study can be summarized as follows: -Its present-day structural aspect (type of contacts, tectonic organisation) is largely inherited from the Tertiary extensional regime in the region. -It is made of blocks of various natures: Han Bulog limestones with a Scythian to Ladinian age, common carbonate ramp Norian-Rhaetian limestones (biggest blocks of the mélange), red radolarite with a Bajocian to Aptian age; the most common lithology of the mélange is made by block/slices of spilitic magmatic rocks (basalt to andesite); they have volcanic arc or within plate basalt geochemical signatures. -The matrix of the mélange is made of a greywacke-shale association of Early-Middle Albian age. - The mélange stopped its activity before the Cenomanian (no younger blocks than the matrix, and Cenomanian unconformity). - If compared to the regional geology, the Çetmi mélange shares some characteristics with the Izmir-Ankara mélanges (less), and with the mélanges from allochthonous nappes found in eastern Rhodope (more); it appears finally that its emplacement is related to a Balkanic logic (ante-Cenomanian northward thrusting). ? The Ezine Group and the overlying Denizgören ophiolite are cropping out in the western part of the Biga Peninsula. The Ezine Group is a thick sedimentary sequence interpreted as a syn-rift deposit of Middle Permian-Early Triassic age. It represents a part of the south Rhodopian passive margin, following the opening of the Maliac/Meliata oceanic domain. The Denizgören ophiolite has been emplaced northward on the Ezine Group in the Barremian (125 Ma, age of the amphibolitic sole); this age is unique in the Aegean domain, but here again, it may be related to a Balkan logic. ? All the previous units (Çetmi mélange, Ezine Group and Denizgören ophiolite) have passively suffered two extensional regimes during the Tertiary. In the Ezine and northern Çetmi mélange area, the underlying HP Çamlýca micaschists were exhumed before the Middle Eocene. As for the southern mélange, it was strongly eroded following the Late Oligocene to Quaternary uplift of the underlying Kazda? Massif. This uplift was characterized by the development of a low-angle detachment fault controlling a part of the exhumation, as well as the development of a supra-detachment basin. ? Based on the previous results, and on the data from the regional geology, one can propose a scenario for the geodynamic evolution of the Biga Peninsula. Its key points are:- The Biga Peninsula is belonging to the Rhodope margin. - The Ezine Group is a remnant of the northern Maliac/Meliata passive margin. - Both the Denizgören ophiolite and the Çetmi mélange have been emplaced northward on the previous margin, respectively in the Barremian and in the Late Albian-Early Cenomanian times. - The preservation of the remnants of the Rhodope margin, as well as the absence of metamorphism in the lower plate suggest a strong strike-slip component during the emplacements. - All the previous events are (at least) partly obliterated by the Tertiary extensional regime.<br/><br/>Le géologue est comme un «historien» de la Terre, qui porte un intérêt particulier à l?étude du passé de notre planète; ce dernier, très ancien, se mesure en dizaines ou centaines de millions d?années (Ma). Or le visage de la terre a constamment évolué au cours des ces millions d?années écoulés, car les plaques (continentales et océaniques) qui composent son enveloppe superficielle ne restent pas immobiles, mais se déplacent continuellement à sa surface, à une vitesse de l?ordre du cm/an (théorie de la tectonique des plaques); c?est ainsi, par exemple, que des océans naissent, grandissent, puis finissent par se refermer. On appelle sutures océaniques, les zones, aujourd?hui sur la terre ferme, où l?on retrouve les restes d?océans disparus. Ces sutures sont caractérisées par deux associations distinctes de roches, que l?on appelle les mélanges et les ophiolites; ces mélanges et ophiolites sont donc les témoins de l?activité passée d?un océan aujourd?hui refermé. L?équipe de recherche dans laquelle ce travail à été réalisé s?intéresse à un vaste domaine océanique fossile: l?océan Néotéthys. Cet océan, de plusieurs milliers de kilomètres de large, séparait alors l?Europe et l?Asie au nord, de l?Afrique, l?Inde et l?Australie au sud. De cet océan, il n?en subsiste aujourd?hui qu?une infime partie, qui se confond avec notre mer Méditerranée actuelle. Or, tout comme l?océan Pacifique est bordé de mers plus étroites (Mer de Chine, du Japon, etc?), l?océan Néotéthys était bordé au nord de mers marginales. C?est dans ce cadre que s?est inscrit mon travail de thèse, puisqu?il a consisté en l?étude d?une suture océanique (mélange plus ophiolite), témoin d?une des mers qui bordait l?océan Néotéthys sur sa marge nord. L?objectif était de préciser de quelle suture il s?agissait, puis de déterminer quand et comment elle avait fonctionné (i.e son évolution géologique). Les roches qui composent cette suture affleurent aujourd?hui en Turquie nord occidentale dans la Péninsule de Biga. Au nord et au sud de la péninsule se trouvent les zones géologique du mélange de Çetmi, et à l?ouest, le Groupe d?Ezine et l?ophiolite susjacente, dite ophiolite de Denizgören. Une étude complète et détaillée de terrain (cartographie, échantillonnage), suivie de diverses analyses en laboratoire (détermination de leur âge, de leur condition de formation, etc?), ont permis d?aboutir aux principaux résultats suivants : - Mise en évidence dans le mélange de Çetmi des témoins (1) de l?océan Lycien disparu (ancienne mer marginale de la Néotéthys), et (2) de la marge continentale qui le bordait au nord. - Fin de l?activité du mélange de Çetmi il y a environ 105 Ma (Albien). - Le mélange de Çetmi est difficilement corrélable dans le temps avec les unités semblables affleurant dans la région d?étude (unicité du mélange), ce qui implique des conditions particulière de formation. - L?ophiolite de Denizgören est un morceau d?océan Lycien posé sur un reste préservé de sa marge continentale nord. - Cette dernière est représentée sur le terrain par une succession de roches caractéristiques, le Groupe d?Ezine. Celui-ci est lui-même un témoin de l?ouverture d?un océan marginal de la Néotethys antérieur au Lycien, l?océan Maliac, qui s?est ouvert il y a 245 Ma (Permien-Trias). - La mise en place de l?ophiolite de Denizgören sur le Groupe d?Ezine (125 Ma, Barrémien) est antérieure à la mise en place du mélange de Çetmi. - Il apparaît que ces deux mises en place sont contemporaines de la formation de la chaîne des Balkans, terminée avant le Cénomanien (100 Ma). - L?évolution dans le temps des objets précédents (océans, marges continentales) montre de grands mouvements latéraux est-ouest entre ces objets (translation). Ce qui implique que les roches que l?on retrouve aujourd?hui sur un transect nord-sud ne l?étaient pas nécessairement auparavant. - Enfin, il s?avère que le mélange de Çetmi, l?ophiolite de Denizgören, et le Groupe d?Ezine ont subi par la suite des déformations extensives importantes qui ont considérablement perturbé le schéma post-mise en place.

Influence of sample processing on the analysis of carotenoids in maize

We performed a number of tests with the aim to develop an effective extraction method for the analysis of carotenoid content in maize seed. Mixtures of methanol–ethyl acetate (6:4, v/v) and methanol–tetrahydrofuran (1:1, v/v) were the most effective solvent systems for carotenoid extraction from maize endosperm under the conditions assayed. In addition, we also addressed sample preparation prior to the analysis of carotenoids by liquid chromatography (LC). The LC response of extracted carotenoids and standards in several solvents was evaluated and results were related to the degree of solubility of these pigments. Three key factors were found to be important when selecting a suitable injection solvent: compatibility between the mobile phase and injection solvent, carotenoid polarity and content in the matrix.

Blood culture-based diagnosis of bacteraemia: state of the art.

Blood culture remains the best approach to identify the incriminating microorganisms when a bloodstream infection is suspected, and to guarantee that the antimicrobial treatment is adequate. Major improvements have been made in the last years to increase the sensitivity and specificity and to reduce the time to identification of microorganisms recovered from blood cultures. Among other factors, the introduction in clinical microbiology laboratories of the matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry technology revolutionized the identification of microorganisms whereas the introduction of nucleic-acid-based methods, such as DNA hybridization or rapid PCR-based test, significantly reduce the time to results. Together with traditional antimicrobial susceptibility testing, new rapid methods for the detection of resistance mechanisms respond to major epidemiological concerns such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, extended-spectrum β-lactamase or carbapenemases. This review presents and discusses the recent developments in microbial diagnosis of bloodstream infections based on blood cultures.

THE LYCHEE TREE PROPAGATION BY LAYERING

The aim of the study was to assess the influence of season and different substrates on rooting of air layers of lychee (Litchi chinensisSonn.) for the production of seedlings to ensure the formation of uniform and productive orchards. Air layers were done in plants of the Bengal cultivar using leafy and healthy woody branches, with about 0.010 to 0.015 m in diameter, in which were performed complete girdling with 0.020 m wide at a distance of 0.30 to 0.40 m below the apex. Then the branches were wrapped in moistened substrate. The layering was made at six times of theyear (January, March, May, July, September and November) and two substrates were used (coconut fiber and sphagnum) in a 6 x 2 factorial design in a randomized block with ten replicates. After 90 days, layers were separated from the matrix plant and evaluated for rooting and callus formation, root number, considering only the primary roots, length, area and volume of the roots, beyond the dry weight of roots and calluses. The months of January, March, September and November showed the best results for all analyzed variables related to rooting. With respect to the substrates, the only difference was in January and March to the root number and dry weight of roots, where the sphagnum showed the best results. The month of July was more conducive to the formation of calluses. The period between September and March was more suitable to the propagation of lychee, when there were rooting percentages above 90%, in addition to the formation of large amount of roots.

Effect of cocoa powder in the prevention of cardiovascular disease: biological, consumption and inflammatory biomarkers. A metabolomic approach

Numerous health benefits have been attributed to cocoa and its derived products in the last decade including antioxidant, anti-platelet and positive effects on lipid metabolism and vascular function. Inflammation plays a key role in the initiation and progression of atherosclerosis. However, cocoa feeding trials focused on inflammation are still rare and the results yielded are controversial. Health effects derived from cocoa consumption have been partly attributed to its polyphenol content, in particular of flavanols. Bioavailability is a key issue for cocoa polyphenols in order to be able to exert their biological activities. In the case of flavanols, bioavailability is strongly influenced by several factors, such as their degree of polymerization and the food matrix in which the polyphenols are delivered. Furthermore, gut has become an active site for the metabolism of procyanidins (oligomeric and polymeric flavanols). Estimation of polyphenol consumption or exposure is also a very challenging task in Food and Nutrition Science in order to correlate the intake of phytochemicals with in vivo health effects. In the area of nutrition, modern analytical techniques based on mass spectrometry are leading to considerable advances in targeted metabolite analysis and particularly in Metabolomics or global metabolite analysis. In this chapter we have summarized the most relevant results of our recent research on the bioavailability of cocoa polyphenols in humans and the effect of the matrix in which cocoa polyphenols are delivered considering both targeted analysis and a metabolomic approach. Furthermore, we have also summarized the effect of long-term consumption of cocoa powder in patients at high risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) on the inflammatory biomarkers of atherosclerosis.

Systematic evaluation of matrix effects in hydrophilic interaction chromatography versus reversed phase liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry.

Reversed phase liquid chromatography (RPLC) coupled to mass spectrometry (MS) is the gold standard technique in bioanalysis. However, hydrophilic interaction chromatography (HILIC) could represent a viable alternative to RPLC for the analysis of polar and/or ionizable compounds, as it often provides higher MS sensitivity and alternative selectivity. Nevertheless, this technique can be also prone to matrix effects (ME). ME are one of the major issues in quantitative LC-MS bioanalysis. To ensure acceptable method performance (i.e., trueness and precision), a careful evaluation and minimization of ME is required. In the present study, the incidence of ME in HILIC-MS/MS and RPLC-MS/MS was compared for plasma and urine samples using two representative sets of 38 pharmaceutical compounds and 40 doping agents, respectively. The optimal generic chromatographic conditions in terms of selectivity with respect to interfering compounds were established in both chromatographic modes by testing three different stationary phases in each mode with different mobile phase pH. A second step involved the assessment of ME in RPLC and HILIC under the best generic conditions, using the post-extraction addition method. Biological samples were prepared using two different sample pre-treatments, i.e., a non-selective sample clean-up procedure (protein precipitation and simple dilution for plasma and urine samples, respectively) and a selective sample preparation, i.e., solid phase extraction for both matrices. The non-selective pretreatments led to significantly less ME in RPLC vs. HILIC conditions regardless of the matrix. On the contrary, HILIC appeared as a valuable alternative to RPLC for plasma and urine samples treated by a selective sample preparation. Indeed, in the case of selective sample preparation, the compounds influenced by ME were different in HILIC and RPLC, and lower and similar ME occurrence was generally observed in RPLC vs. HILIC for urine and plasma samples, respectively. The complementary of both chromatographic modes was also demonstrated, as ME was observed only scarcely for urine and plasma samples when selecting the most appropriate chromatographic mode.

To analyse a trace or not? Evaluating the decision-making process in the criminal investigation

In order to broaden our knowledge and understanding of the decision steps in the criminal investigation process, we started by evaluating the decision to analyse a trace and the factors involved in this decision step. This decision step is embedded in the complete criminal investigation process, involving multiple decision and triaging steps. Considering robbery cases occurring in a geographic region during a 2-year-period, we have studied the factors influencing the decision to submit biological traces, directly sampled on the scene of the robbery or on collected objects, for analysis. The factors were categorised into five knowledge dimensions: strategic, immediate, physical, criminal and utility and decision tree analysis was carried out. Factors in each category played a role in the decision to analyse a biological trace. Interestingly, factors involving information available prior to the analysis are of importance, such as the fact that a positive result (a profile suitable for comparison) is already available in the case, or that a suspect has been identified through traditional police work before analysis. One factor that was taken into account, but was not significant, is the matrix of the trace. Hence, the decision to analyse a trace is not influenced by this variable. The decision to analyse a trace first is very complex and many of the tested variables were taken into account. The decisions are often made on a case-by-case basis.

Offering planning process development: Bridging the Offering Gaps and Consolidating Top Priority Needs in Product Offering

The aim of this Thesis is to study how to manage the front-end of the offering planning process. This includes actual process development and methods to gather and analyze information to achieve the best outcome in customer oriented product offering. Study is carried out in two parts: theoretical part and company related part. Theoretical framework is created introducing different types of approaches to manage product planning processes. Products are seen as platforms and they are broken down to subsystems to show different parts of the development. With the help of the matrix-based approaches product platform related information is gathered and analyzed. In this kind of analysis business/market drivers and cus-tomer/competitor information are connected with product subsystems. This gives possibilities to study product gaps/needs and possible future ideas/scenarios in different customer segments. Company related part consists of offering planning process development in real company environment. Process formation includes documents and tools that guide planning from the information gathering to the prioritization and decision making.

On the Rule of Mixtures for Predicting Stress-Softening and Residual Strain Effects in Biological Tissues and Biocompatible Materials

In this work, we use the rule of mixtures to develop an equivalent material model in which the total strain energy density is split into the isotropic part related to the matrix component and the anisotropic energy contribution related to the fiber effects. For the isotropic energy part, we select the amended non-Gaussian strain energy density model, while the energy fiber effects are added by considering the equivalent anisotropic volumetric fraction contribution, as well as the isotropized representation form of the eight-chain energy model that accounts for the material anisotropic effects. Furthermore, our proposed material model uses a phenomenological non-monotonous softening function that predicts stress softening effects and has an energy term, derived from the pseudo-elasticity theory, that accounts for residual strain deformations. The model’s theoretical predictions are compared with experimental data collected from human vaginal tissues, mice skin, poly(glycolide-co-caprolactone) (PGC25 3-0) and polypropylene suture materials and tracheal and brain human tissues. In all cases examined here, our equivalent material model closely follows stress-softening and residual strain effects exhibited by experimental data

Cloud point extraction for the determination of copper in environmental samples by flame atomic absorption spectrometry

A simple cloud point extraction procedure is presented for the preconcentration of copper in various samples. After complexation by 4-hydroxy-2-mercapto-6-propylpyrimidine (PTU), copper ions are quantitatively extracted into the phase rich in Triton X-114 after centrifugation. Methanol acidified with 0.5 mol L-1 HNO3 was added to the surfactant-rich phase prior to its analysis by flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS). Analytical parameters including concentrations for PTU, Triton X-114 and HNO3, bath temperature, centrifugation rate and time were optimized. The influences of the matrix ions on the recoveries of copper ions were investigated. The detection limits (3SDb/m, n=4) of 1.6 ng mL-1 along with enrichment factors of 30 for Cu were achieved. The proposed procedure was applied to the analysis of environmental samples.

Adsorption of hidrogen peroxide on the surface of silica - titania mixed oxide obtained by the sol-gel processing method

This work describes the sol-gel mixed oxide SiO2/TiO2 property, ST, as prepared, and submitted to heat treatment a 773 K, STC. SEM and EDS images show, within magnification used, a uniform distribution of the TiO2 particles in SiO2/TiO2 matrix. Both, ST and STC adsorb hydrogen peroxide on the surface and through EPR and UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectra, it was possible to conclude that the species on the surface is the peroxide molecule attached to the Lewis acid site of titanium particle surface, alphaTi(H2O2)+. As the material is very porous, presumably the hydrogen peroxide molecule is confined in the matrix pores on the surface, a reason why the adsorbed species presents an exceptional long lived stability.

Expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in the rat trigeminal ganglion during the development of temporomandibular joint inflammation

Orofacial pain is a prevalent symptom in modern society. Some musculoskeletal orofacial pain is caused by temporomandibular disorders (TMDs). This condition has a multi-factorial etiology, including emotional factors and alteration of the masticator muscle and temporomandibular joints (TMJs). TMJ inflammation is considered to be a cause of pain in patients with TMD. Extracellular proteolytic enzymes, specifically the matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), have been shown to modulate inflammation and pain. The purpose of this investigation was to determine whether the expression and level of gelatinolytic activity of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in the trigeminal ganglion are altered during different stages of temporomandibular inflammation, as determined by gelatin zymography. This study also evaluated whether mechanical allodynia and orofacial hyperalgesia, induced by the injection of complete Freund's adjuvant into the TMJ capsule, were altered by an MMP inhibitor (doxycycline, DOX). TMJ inflammation was measured by plasma extravasation in the periarticular tissue (Evans blue test) and infiltration of polymorphonuclear neutrophils into the synovial fluid (myeloperoxidase enzyme quantification). MMP expression in the trigeminal ganglion was shown to vary during the phases of the inflammatory process. MMP-9 regulated the early phase and MMP-2 participated in the late phase of this process. Furthermore, increases in plasma extravasation in periarticular tissue and myeloperoxidase activity in the joint tissue, which occurred throughout the inflammation process, were diminished by treatment with DOX, a nonspecific MMP inhibitor. Additionally, the increases of mechanical allodynia and orofacial hyperalgesia were attenuated by the same treatment.

Iron availability in the presence of β-carotene in different mixtures

Iron availability in the diet is very important because iron deficiency affects a large population in the world. The matrix where iron is present has an influence in its availability. The presence of β-carotene is a factor that alters the availability of iron. This research aims to estimate the iron availability in the presence of β-carotene in food mixtures: M1 = egg and pumpkin; M2 = spinach and pumpkin; M3 = spinach and cabbage; M4 = egg and cabbage; M5 = spinach and carrot; M6 = egg and carrot; M7 = bean and carrot; M8 = bean and pumpkin and M9 = bean and cabbage. After cooking, the following figures were determined: proximate composition, oxalic acid, phytic acid, tannin, iron, iron availability in vitro and β-carotene. The data were analyzed by Tukey test (5%). There were no significant statistical differences for oxalic acid. Tannin presented greater results in mixtures with spinach (M2 and M5); phytic acid was greater in bean samples (M7, M8 and M9) and with spinach (M2). Mixtures M5 e M7, with carrot, presented more β-carotene than the others. The best result for iron availability appeared in mixture (M6). A positive correlation was verified between protein and iron dialysis, and between lipids and iron dialysis. Dietetic fiber was an inhibitor to iron availability. Mixtures with egg showed greater iron availability

Use of the spray chilling method to deliver hydrophobic components: physical characterization of microparticles

Food industry has been developing products to meet the demands of increasing number of consumers who are concerned with their health and who seek food products that satisfy their needs. Therefore, the development of processed foods that contain functional components has become important for this industry. Microencapsulation can be used to reduce the effects of processing on functional components and preserve their bioactivity. The present study investigated the production of lipid microparticles containing phytosterols by spray chilling. The matrices comprised mixtures of stearic acid and hydrogenated vegetable fat, and the ratio of the matrix components to phytosterols was defined by an experimental design using the mean diameters of the microparticles as the response variable. The melting point of the matrices ranged from 44.5 and 53.4 ºC. The process yield was melting point dependent; the particles that exhibited lower melting point had greater losses than those with higher melting point. The microparticles' mean diameters ranged from 13.8 and 32.2 µm and were influenced by the amount of phytosterols and stearic acid. The microparticles exhibited spherical shape and typical polydispersity of atomized products. From a technological and practical (handling, yield, and agglomeration) points of view, lipid microparticles with higher melting point proved promising as phytosterol carriers.

The advancement of innovations in communications industry: A case study of Russian Post company

The purpose of this study is to provide a project aimed on solving the problem of advancement of innovations for Russian Post company that is the main actor on the Russian postal service market. This project is constructed through gathering and scrutinizing two essential informational packages, with first being precise information about Russian Post business processes and structure in order to find out the weak spots and hindering forces, and the second being benchmarking analysis of product and service portfolio of company's peers in Europe and Australia in order to evaluate existing experience and gather additional sources that can facilitate the advancement of innovations. These informational packages are studied and sent through the matrix analysis that must highlight customer and technical requirements which emphasize the innovativeness and problem-solving purpose of the project and lay stress on the assuring characteristics that must to be met in order to advance the project. The project itself is aimed on providing Russian Post company with several solutions, both managerial and engineering, which are aimed on easing problem-solving processes and lay the foundation for continuous innovation and value increase for Russian Post company, its partners and its customers. Project's payback period is been calculated as well.