椎名 武夫

The objective of this research is to propose a new drying technique for increasing drying rate of spinach blades by changes in physiological activity (particularly, avoid water deficits) with heat pretreatment. The physiological activities (cell membrane stability (CMS) as an index of the biological reactions of the cell membrane, and ratio of variable fluorescence to maximum fluorescence (Fv/Fm) an index of life activity) and the drying characteristics (moisture content and surface area) of the spinach were measured. The CMS of samples after pretreatment were evaluated by focused on the shift in the coordinates of the top of the circular arcs of Cole-Cole plots. The correlations between the Fv/Fm ratio and the surface area ratio of dried samples were significant (P < 0.01). We found that the decreased physiological activity of spinach with heat pretreatment is one of the factors that increase the hot air drying rate of spinach. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

In Japan, rice straw is recognised as the most promising biomass for bioethanol production based on the amount and availability. This study examined the energy consumption and the CO2 emissions of the rice straw transport process. Specifically, we investigated the effects of the ethanol conversion efficiency (epsilon) and the ratio of the rice paddy area to flatland (gamma) on the CO2 emission and energy consumption of the rice straw transport process. The energy consumption and the CO2 emissions (epsilon: 0.60-1.0; gamma: 0.050-0.20) were determined to be 0.17-0.37 MJ L-1 and 0.012-0.025 kg L-1, respectively. The predicting model for the energy consumption and the CO2 emissions of the rice straw transport process was constructed, and the energy consumption and the CO2 emissions were proportional to the ethanol conversion efficiency raised to the -1.5 power and gamma raised to the -0.5 power. These results showed that the lower gamma, the higher the energy consumption of the rice straw transport process. Furthermore, the energy consumption of the rice straw transport process increased at large-scale plants because of the higher value of average transportation distance. (C) 2015 IAgrE. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Under osmotic stress, bacterial cells uptake compatible solutes such as glycine-betaine to maintain homeostasis. It is unknown whether incompatible solutes exist that are similar in structure to compatible solutes but have adverse physiological effects on bacterial physiology. The objective of this study was to evaluate solute incompatibility of various amino acids against bacterial growth. Bacterial growth was evaluated by changes in optical density at 595 nm in peptone-yeast-glucose (PYG) broth. Twenty-three amino acids with L and/or D isomers were examined for the effect of bacterial growth inhibition. Among the various amino acids examined, D-tryptophan (similar to 40 mM) in PYG broth supplemented with 0 to 4% (wt/vol) salt inhibited the growth of Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella enterica, and Escherichia coli 0157:117 at 25 degrees C. D-Tryptophan (30 to 40 mM) completely inhibited the growth of E. coli O157:H7 and Salmonella in the presence of >3% salt, but the growth of L. monocytogenes was not completely inhibited under the same conditions. Low concentrations of salt (0 to 2% NaCl) with D-tryptophan did not significantly inhibit the growth of all bacteria except L. monocytogenes, which was relatively inhibited at 0% NaCl. The effect of D-tryptophan differed depending on the bacterial species, illustrating the difference between gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. These results indicate that the uptake of D-tryptophan as a compatible solute during osmotic stress may inhibit bacterial growth. The antibacterial effect of D-tryptophan found in this study suggests that D-tryptophan could be used as a novel preservative for controlling bacterial growth in foods.

Bacterial pathogens such as Listeria monocytogenes, Escherichia coli O157:H7, Salmonella enterica, and Cronobacter sakazakii have demonstrated long-term survival in/on dry or low-water activity (a(w)) foods. However, there have been few comparative studies on the desiccation tolerance among these bacterial pathogens separately in a same food matrix. In the present study, the survival kinetics of the four bacterial pathogens separately inoculated onto powdered infant formula as a model low-a(w) food was compared during storage at 5, 22, and 35 degrees C. No significant differences in the survival kinetics between E. coli O157:H7 and L. monocyto genes were observed. Salmonella showed significantly higher desiccation tolerance than these pathogens, and C. sakazakii demonstrated significantly higher desiccation tolerance than all other three bacteria studied. Thus, the desiccation tolerance was represented as C. sakazakii > Salmonella > E. coli O157:H7 = L. monocytogenes. The survival kinetics of each bacterium was mathematically analyzed, and the observed kinetics was successfully described using the Weibull model. To evaluate the variability of the inactivation kinetics of the tested bacterial pathogens, the Monte Carlo simulation was performed using assumed probability distribution of the estimated fitted parameters. The simulation results showed that the storage temperature significantly influenced survival of each bacterium under the dry environment, where the bacterial inactivation became faster with increasing storage temperature. Furthermore, the fitted rate and shape parameters of the Weibull model were successfully modelled as a function of temperature. The numerical simulation of the bacterial inactivation was realized using the functions of the parameters under arbitrary fluctuating temperature conditions.

本研究では緑熟トマトを，異なる保蔵温度条件下(15，20，25℃)で追熟させた。その結果，果皮色a*/b*と積算エチレン生成量との間には保蔵温度の影響が認められた。一方で，果皮色a*/b*と果皮色a*値，果実硬度，内部品質(糖度，L-アスコルビン酸含有量，リコピン含有量)との間には保蔵温度の影響が認められなかった。以上は，異なる保蔵温度条件下で緑熟トマト果実を追熟させた場合，果皮色a*/b*値が果皮色a*値や果実硬度，内部品質を表す指標として有益であることを示すものである。今後は異なる保蔵温度条件下でのトマト果実の果皮色や果実硬度，内部品質に関して，同一トマト果実を用いた非破壊計測を行い，本知見の検証を行いたい。

We previously found that respiration rate changes of postharvest cabbage heads are influenced by the mechanical (impact) stress level and the time since the stress application. In this study, the effect of impact stress (dropping treatment) on the expression of genes related to respiratory byproducts and ethylene synthesis of the cabbage was investigated. Quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis revealed that cabbage leaf wounds caused by dropping treatment significantly increased the expression of genes (BoAPX2, BoPAL, BoSAMS, and BoACS2) in the wounded area and the surrounding leaf area within I h after the treatment. Additionally, we proposed a novel mathematical model based on a modified Weibull distribution (MWD) to describe the stress response characteristics of the cabbage. Using a non-linear least square method, the proposed prediction model fitted the respiration rate and relative gene expression experimental data very well. The model parameters are also clearly defined and discussed. The results, therefore, suggest possible uses of the model for predicting the stress-responsive cellular metabolisms and quality changes of postharvest fresh produce. Furthermore, this model has potential to become valuable tool for developing the postharvest techniques to minimize quality loss and to extend the shelf-life of fresh produce. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Hot air and vacuum drying were performed to investigate changes in the moisture content, hardness, L-ascorbic acid content, antioxidant activity, and surface color of kiwifruit samples over the course of the drying process at temperatures of 50, 60, and 70 degrees C and a vacuum drying pressure of 3.00 kPa. The residual ratio of AsA and the antioxidant activity in the dried kiwifruit samples was 0.75-0.99 and 4.3-5.5, respectively. The L-ascorbic acid changes in the kiwifruit samples during the hot air drying process followed first order reaction kinetics. Changes in the sample hardness and antioxidant activity were represented by zero-order reaction kinetics. The sample surface color changes after drying were also measured, and the total color change (Delta E) of the samples at all temperatures and for each drying process was greater than 12. The sample color changes (Delta a*) after vacuum drying at each temperature level were significantly (P < 0.01) lower than those associated with hot air drying. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Certain MADS-box transcription factors play central roles in regulating fruit ripening. RIPENING INHIBITOR (RIN), a tomato MADS-domain protein, acts as a global regulator of ripening, affecting the climacteric rise of ethylene, pigmentation changes, and fruit softening. Previously, we showed that two MADS-domain proteins, the FRUITFULL homologs FUL1 and FUL2, form complexes with RIN. Here, we characterized the FUL1/FUL2 loss-of-function phenotype in co-suppressed plants. The transgenic plants produced ripening-defective fruits accumulating little or no lycopene. Unlike a previous study on FUL1/FUL2 suppressed tomatoes, our transgenic fruits showed very low levels of ethylene production, and this was associated with suppression of the genes for 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid synthase, a rate-limiting enzyme in ethylene synthesis. FUL1/FUL2 suppression also caused the fruit to soften in a manner independent of ripening, possibly due to reduced cuticle thickness in the peel of the suppressed tomatoes.

コマツナを試料として，遠赤外線乾燥および熱風乾燥における乾燥速度および品質変化の温度依存性について検討し，以下の知見を得た。(1)含水率変化はいずれの乾燥条件においても指数モデルで表され，乾燥速度定数kにArrhenius型の温度依存性があることが示された。(2) L-アスコルビン酸残存率は積算温度4.1×10 2℃・h近傍に境界点がみられ，積算温度がそれ以上となる乾燥条件では分解を抑制した。(3)色彩変化は葉面の積算温度が小さいほど変化量が小さいことが示され，乾燥に伴う黄化はクロロフィルa，bの大幅な減少が主要因であることが示唆された。(4)温度と時間の2つのパラメータを同時に考慮できる積算温度を品質評価の指標とすることにより，最適乾燥条件の検討の際に有用となる可能性が示唆された。

Discerning consumers of modern food products are now considering ecological and ethical criteria when choosing food products, and in doing so have increased demand for safe, high quality food produced with minimal environmental impact. In the current chapter we expose some of the key environmental impacts associated with the food processing industry. The chapter concentrates on topics such as packaging, food loss and food waste food processing and energy efficient technology waste management international trade health consciousness and balanced diets greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from food processing and the impact of climate change on food processing. A number of key criteria for future consideration to the development of future strategies for a sustainable food processing industry are revealed and discussed, including raw material sourcing, labelling of the carbon footprint and information on balanced diets as well as changing trends in food consumption.

青果物の新規バルクコンテナによる輸送時の損傷低減を目的として，振動周波数が多段積載ダイコンの損傷および振動特性に及ぼす影響について検討した。また，床材の違いや内袋の利用の影響についても検討した。その結果，以下の知見を得た。(1)10～20Hzの周波数域で損傷割合，積載位置の移動量が大きい。(2)加速度伝達率および回転角は，10～20Hzの周波数域でその値が大きく，加速度伝達率では10Hz，回転角では15Hz近傍にピークを有する。上段(3～5段目)の損傷割合と，5段目の加速度伝達率または回転角との間には，それぞれr2=0.92，r2=0.66の強い正の相関が認められる。(3)加速度伝達率および回転角のピーク周波数におけるそれぞれの値は，内袋を用いることで低減された。加速度伝達率，回転角ともに，床材(段ボール，PPシート，PE発泡シート)によってピーク周波数が異なる。PPシートを床材に用いると，回転角が他の床材に対して増大する傾向があることから，実輸送時にはPPのような床材を利用することは回避すべきと考えられる。以上の結果より，利用目的および輸送環境に合わせた包装条件-適切な床材の選定と内袋による固定-を個別に検討し，損傷発生の主要因である加速度そのものを抑制するとともに，共振周波数を輸送時の振動の卓越周波数からずらすことが可能な包装条件を設定することで，新規バルクコンテナを利用した多段積載ダイコンの輸送中に発生する損傷を低減できることが示唆された。また，損傷の発生予測には，加速度伝達率，回転角の両方を合わせた指標を開発することが有効であると考えられた。

5段積載したダイコンに加振処理を施し，多段積載時の振動特性と損傷発生メカニズムの解析を行った。ダイコンに発生する損傷の種類やその程度は，積載段位によって大きく異なり，「押し傷」は下段で，「擦り傷」および「剥皮傷」は上段で多かった。いずれの積載段位においても共振周波数は15Hz近傍であり，また，上段ほど加速度伝達率は大きかった。最大および最小応力指数は，ともに上段で小さく，下段で大きかった。共振周波数である15Hz近傍において最小応力指数の減少がみられたが，共振に由来する相対運動により一時的に上からの荷重を失ったためと推察された。これらの結果から，上段では相対運動により「擦り傷」や「剥皮傷」が発生し，下段は荷重が大きいことで「押し傷」が発生したことを説明できた。また，加速度伝達率を測定することで，「擦り傷」の発生程度予測が可能であると示唆された。ダイコンのバルク輸送時の損傷を防ぐための対策として，上段の適切な固定による相対運動の抑制および適正な積載段数の設定による下段の接触部位応力の低減が有効であると考えられ，そのための包装，輸送技術の開発が今後の課題として示された。

Mechanical stress, imposed on plant cells by a variety of physical stimuli during harvesting and handling of fresh horticultural products, induces a wide range of cellular responses through cellular receptor, signal transduction, and gene activation. To understand response behavior of cabbage to mechanical stresses (wounding and dropping), the characteristics of gene expression related to stress signal transduction and cellular response of cabbage were investigated. Quantitative real-time PCR data showed that candidate stress-responsive genes responded differently to specific stress application. The wounding treatment (punching the cabbage leaf by a cork borer) significantly induced the transient expression of calmodulin (CaM)-encoding genes, BoCam1 and BoCam2, within an hour after the treatment. These genes are considered to be involved in stress signal cascades in plant cells, including cabbage. The increased expression of phospholipase D (PLD)-encoding genes, BoPLD1 and BoPLD2, was also detected after the treatment. In response to the wound stress, the expression of BoCam1 and BoPLD2 appeared to be highly induced than that of BoCam2 and BoPLD2, respectively. The dropping treatment (letting the cabbage head dropped from a height of 40 cm against a cork) predominantly induced the BoCam1, BoCam2, BoPLD1, and BoPLD2 expression. Additionally, the prolonged and increased expression characteristics of genes were observed in wounded cabbage caused by dropping treatment. In conclusion, CaM-encoding genes and PLD-encoding genes are likely to be wound-responsive that are induced to high expression levels after encountering stresses. Moreover, because of their predominant response to the mechanical stresses, CaM-encoding genes and PLD-encoding genes should be taken into consideration in further study of postharvest mechanical stresses as it may be associated with the signaling cascade and cellular stress response in cabbage.

The postharvest damage caused by physical stresses (compression, shock, vibration) during packing, storage, and transportation in bulk influences the quality and the yield of fresh produce. Under a model transport practice using bulk container, we found three predominant types of physical wound symptoms (indent/abrasion, cracking, and peeling) of Japanese radish (Daikon, Raphanus sativus var. longipinnatus). Additionally, the types of damage of Daikon were observed differently, depending on the specific layers in the container. In order to understand the basic changes in molecular mechanisms in relation to mechanical/physical stress of Daikon, we have utilized mechanical wounding as the stress stimulus to study the expression of candidate stress-responsive genes in Daikon. The predominant increases in RsCHI (chalcone isomerase-encoding gene) and RsPAL (phenylalanine ammonia lyase-encoding gene) expression levels were observed at 4 h and 6 h since the wounding treatment. In contrast, the expression level of RsSOD (superoxide dismutase-encoding gene) was detected at low level, and the significant increase in expression of RsSOD was found at 10 h and 12 h after the treatment. An increase in expression of candidate stress-responsive genes of Daikon demonstrates the change in cellular response to the mechanical wound stress. It appears that the physical damage of Daikon was likely affected by transport under bulk condition. Moreover, applying a mechanical wounding stimulus clearly affected the expression of stress-responsive genes (RsCHI and RsPAL). The rapid expression of these genes may consequently affect the cellular metabolism and quality changes of Daikon. The further study in order to find acceptable level of gene expression to avoid the development of severe damage of Daikon should be taken into consideration. Additionally, the appropriate design of packaging conditions for the actual transport condition will enable to distribute Japanese radishes by newly developed bulk container without the unacceptable level of damages.

Mechanical disruption of the cell wall results in stress signaling, cellular response, and metabolism changes in plant cells. However, the molecular mechanisms in relation to mechanical/physical stress of fresh produce are still unclear. In this study, we have utilized mechanical wounding as the stress stimulus to study the expression of candidate stress-responsive genes in Arabidopsis thaliana leaf (AtERF#018, CML38, ACS6, PAL1) and in cabbage (Brassica oleracea 'Early Ball') head leaf (BoCam1, BoCam2). In Arabidopsis leaf, the expression of AtERF#018 was rapidly induced within 5 min. after the wounding treatment. The increase in the CML38 and ACS6 expression levels were observed at 15 min. Although a significant increase of the expression was observed at 60 min. after the wounding treatment, the expression of PAL1 remained low during the investigation period. For cabbage, the predominant increases in BoCam1 expression levels in head leaf disks were observed at 30 and 60 min. after treatment. In contrast, the expression level of BoCam2 was detected at low level and the significant increase in expression of BoCam2 was found at 120 to 240 min. after the wounding treatment. Expression levels of candidate stress-responsive genes were correlated with the time after stress induction for both Arabidopsis and cabbage. Overall, applying a mechanical wounding stimulus clearly affected the expression of stress-responsive genes. The rapid response of these genes may consequently affect the cellular response and metabolism changes in Arabidopsis and in cabbage.

A newly developed sweet potato "Kyushu No. 159" (K159) was used as a feedstock for ethanol production in comparison with an ordinary type "Daichinoyume" (DCY). Gelatinization temperature of isolated K159 starch (49.5-66.2 degrees C) was approximately 20 degrees C lower than that of DCY starch (70.9-85.4 degrees C). The lower gelatinization temperature of K159 starch would be attributed to its higher proportion of short amylopectin branch-chains. Sweet potato mashes containing > 0.3 kg dm (3) total solids were prepared using enzymatic viscosity reduction, and utilized for liquefaction and simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF). Ethanol productivity as a function of liquefaction temperature (50, 60, 70, 80, 90, and 100 degrees C) was investigated. The results showed that liquefaction at 60 degrees C was sufficient to efficiently accelerate SSF process of K159, and ethanol yields of 15.1-15.4 % (v/v) (88.8-90.6% of theoretical yield) were obtained during 48-72 h. In contrast, DCY mash required higher liquefaction temperature (90 degrees C) to achieve the similar ethanol yield. An estimate of environmental impacts in liquefaction process showed that K159 would provide approximately 50% reduction in energy consumption and CO2 emission compared with DCY. Accordingly, the specialized sweet potato "Kyushu No. 159" would offer an energy-saving alternative for fuel-ethanol production. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

This study evaluated the life cycle of bioethanol produced by enzymatic hydrolysis of rice straw. Net energy consumption, CO2 emission and production costs were estimated to determine whether environmentally preferable and economically viable bioethanol can be produced from rice straws. Two varieties of rice straw (Koshihikari and Leafstar), three energy scenarios (F-E-RH: Fuel-Electricity-Residues used for Heat; F-E-RE: Fuel-Electricity-Residues used to generate Electricity; F-RE: Fuel-Residues used to generate Electricity) and three types of primary energy (heavy oil; LNG: liquefied natural gas; agri-residues) were considered. The net energy consumption, CO2 emission and production costs were estimated to be 10.0-17.6 MJ/L, -0.5 to 1.6 kg/L and 84.9-144.3 (sic)/L (1 US$ approximate to 100(sic)), respectively, depending on the feedstock and scenarios of this study. A shift in energy scenarios or in the type of primary energy (heavy oil to LNG or agri-residues) not only reduces emissions and production costs of bioethanol from rice straw, but may also reduce the fluctuation in production cost over time and risk on investment, which would encourage more investment in this sector. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Japan has set an ambitious goal to produce bioethanol from abundant biomass in views to offset some of her greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This study attempts to evaluate the life cycle of bioethanol produced from the most common variety of rice straw in Japan (cv. Koshihikari) by enzymatic hydrolysis. Three scenarios are established in the evaluation process. The net energy consumption, CO2 emission and production costs are estimated to determine if environmentally friendly and economically viable bioethanol can be produced from rice straw in Japan. The net energy consumption, CO2 emission and production costs are estimated to be 10.43-11.56 GJ/m(3), 1106.34-1144.94 kg/L and 88.54-137.55 kY/m(3) (1 US$approximate to 100Y), respectively depending on the scenarios of this study. This study reveals that despite a bit of environmental benefits, the economic viability is doubtful unless innovative technologies along with the renewable energy policy and stakeholders participation are considered. A shift in scenarios not only reduces the production cost, but may also minimize the risk of soil degradation and productivity loss and encourage more stakeholder participation and investment in the bioethanol industry in Japan. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The applicability of microwave radiation in the drying and blanching tomatoes was examined. Blanching was performed using hot water (90 degrees C) and microwave radiation (100 W/g dry sample), and the changes in the temperature, nutrient contents, and surface color of the sample were measured and compared. The drying rate with the microwave treatment was greater than that with the hot water treatment, and the constant rate and the falling rate drying periods were observed at each microwave radiation power. Microwave drying caused a greater increase in lightness than hot air drying. Microwave blanching required less time, resulted in higher retention of nutrients (ascorbic acid and lycopene), and caused less change in color than boiling water blanching. These findings suggest the applicability of microwave radiation for the drying and blanching of tomatoes.

Changes in firmness, and sugar and oxalic acid concentrations of bamboo shoots during storage at 5 or 25 degrees C, in air or MAP were studied. Sugar concentrations were different in sections along the length of bamboo shoot (apical, middle, and basal). In all samples, sucrose content was highest in the apical section, whereas glucose and fructose concentrations differed much less among the sections. During storage, the accumulation of sugar was significantly observed in the contents of sucrose and total sugar of MAP treatment stored at 25 degrees C. Moreover, there was no significant change of oxalic acid content in all tissues of this treatment. All these results suggested that the characteristics of sugar accumulation along the length of bamboo shoot, depending on their specific tissue sections. Additionally, the application of MAP influenced the changes of postharvest cellular metabolism of bamboo shoot, since it significantly induced the accumulation of sugars and maintained content of oxalic acid during storage. Nevertheless, MAP did not inhibit the increase in bamboo shoot firmness.

衝撃を含む物理的ストレスは,園芸農産物の生理・生物的特性,食味,外観品質などに大きな影響を及ぼす。本研究においては,小さな落下衝撃が緑熟トマトの呼吸速度,エチレン生成送度に及ぼす影響について検討した。初めに,実験途中でのクライマクテリックによる呼吸速度,エチレン生成速度の変化の影響を排除するため,収穫直後のエチレン生成速度から,熟度を詳細・正確に評価することを試みた。その結果,収穫直後のエチレン生成速度が8.2nmol/kg/h以下であれば,48時間の実験中にクライマクテリックライズに至らず,緑熟状態が維持されることが明らかになった。このスクリーニング手法により,実験期間中に緑熟状態であることを確認したトマトを,5cmの高さからコンクリート床へ1,3,10回落下処理した。このごく小さな落下処理にもかかわらず,トマトの呼吸速度,エチレン生成速度は顕著に上昇した。興味深いことに,エチレン生成速度は1回のみの落下によっても上昇し,その程度は,呼吸速度のそれと比べて大きかった。さらに,落下処理前にエチレン作用阻害剤である1-MCPを処理した場合であっても,10回落下処理では,呼吸速度とエチレン生成速度の上昇は抑えられなかった。これらの結果と,落下処理した果実において目視による損傷が確認されなかったことから,エチレン生成は落下処理によるトマトの生理的変化を最も顕著に示す指標であると考えられた。したがって,エチレン生成速度は,トマト果実における物理的ストレスの発生を敏感に検出する重要な指標として位置づけられる。加えて,エチレン生成速度は,トマトに関して化学的,物理的な処理が代謝や品質に及ぼす影響を解明する研究において,正確で均一な熟度の果実を選択するための有効な指標であると考えられた。

Liquid biofuels are widely recognized alternatives to fossil fuel not only to combat the global warming potential, but also to reduce the reliance on fossil fuels to facilitate economic development. The production and use of lignocellulosic liquid biofuel have been emphasized because it is highly reproducible and does not compete with food. This study summarizes the LCA studies on lignocellulosic ethanol produced from various biomass resources focusing on energy balance, greenhouse gas (GHG) emission and other impact categories, and the production cost to discuss their potential environmental and socioeconomic impacts. Numerous efforts have been made to evaluate the life cycle of lignocellulosic ethanol with LCA methodologies and deals with feedstock, energy paths, conversion technologies, allocation methods, utilization of by-products etc. to determine the environmental impacts as well as the production cost. The environmental benefits are reported in most of the studies except for few examples. A wide variation was observed in the reported production cost of ethanol, which is dependent on the feedstock, conversion technologies, allocation methods and plant sizes. Onsite enzymes production/purchase appeared to be the main hotspot, demands a vigorous study to improve their productivity and reduce costs. Another promising alternative for compensating production costs seem to be the generation of valuable coproducts and integration of ethanol production processes (ethanol and energy). Reviewed literature indicates that despite the environmental benefits of ethanol produced from lignocellulosic biomass, its economic viability remains doubtful at present, even if highly optimistic assumptions are made for the cost calculation, especially in the case of enzyme. Hence, the biotechnological revolution is must for the sustainability of bioethanol, especially in the field of enzymes and microorganisms. Moreover, the adaptation of innovative technologies and renewable energy policy may help limit costs, but careful consideration of land use changes and soil quality is required to avoid any loss of productivity.

The food industry is one of the world's largest industrial sectors, hence a large contributor of greenhouse gases (GHG) which cause global warming. This study evaluates the life cycle of various types of meat to determine if the GHG emission from the meat industry in Japan could be reduced if the population makes different dietary choices. It was confirmed that the GHG emission of beef was greater than that of pork or chicken. The GHG emission from meat in general also depends on the per capita caloric intake (if meat supplies the recommended animal protein or contributes to it at the present rate). In a healthy and balanced diet (9.2 MJ i.e., 2200 kcal in total, where either mixed meat or chicken or pork or beef contributes 2.2%), the GHG emission is estimated to be 0.28 or 0.17 or 0.15 or 0.77 kg CO2 eq/person/day, respectively. A change in consumption patterns (from beef to chicken or pork) and the adoption of a healthy and balanced diet would help to abate about 2.5-54.0 million tons (CO2 eq) produced by the meat industry each year in Japan. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The occurrence of mycotoxins in small grain cereals and their retention in final products are serious concerns for food safety. Previously, we investigated the fate of deoxynivalenol and nivalenol in a Japanese soft red winter wheat cultivar during milling and we found that deoxynivalenol and/or nivalenol was readily distributed among flours for human consumption. In the present study, we analyzed the ergosterol concentrations in the milling fractions as an index of fungal biomass to elucidate the relationship between deoxynivalenol/nivalenol accumulation and fungal invasion into the grain, after the in-house validation of an analytical method for quantifying ergosterol in the resulting milling fractions (patent flour, low-grade flour, bran, and shorts). Using three samples with different levels of deoxynivalenol and/or nivalenol contamination, the contents of deoxynivalenol/nivalenol and ergosterol in the resulting milling fractions were evaluated. The concentration of ergosterol was always lowest in patent flour and highest in bran or shorts, indicating that most of the fungi is retained in the outer layers of grain (bran and shorts) even in highly contaminated grain. On the other hand, the concentrations of deoxynivalenol and nivalenol were similar in the low-grade and patent flours and only slightly lower than in the medium-level and high-level contaminated grains. Moreover, the percentage distribution of ergosterol was higher in bran than in other fractions in all cases, which differed from that of deoxynivalenol/nivalenol. This result indicates the diffusion of deoxynivalenol/nivalenol inside the grain that is independent of fungal invasion.

Rice is the staple food for nearly two-thirds of the world's population. Although the total production has significantly increased, per capita production remains almost unchanged i.e., ever increasing population growth offsets the hard won productivity. A lot of efforts have been made to keep the rice harvest in step with population growth affects all aspects of the soil, water, land, biodiversity and the services provided by an intact ecosystem. Rice properties are found to be dependent on the methods of cultivation, location, variety of rice and processing conditions. Genetically modified (GM) rice serve various purposes, such as increasing the yield, improving nutritional and /or health characteristics and reducing the agricultural inputs. However, demerits of GM crops are also reported, which limits their acceptance as food. Brown rice (BR), germinated brown rice (GBR) and partially-milled rice (PMR) contains more health beneficial food components compared to the well milled rice (WMR). BR and GBR contains more phenolic compounds and consumption of these nutrients accelerate the metabolism of brain help prevent some diseases such as gastrointestinal cancers, heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetic and beriberi, constipation, and Alzheimer's diseases, and also enhances maternal mental health and immunity during lactation. A change in consumption patterns from parboiled rice to untreated rice, and WMR (degree of milling: DOM 10%) to PMR (DOM 2%) may conserve about 54 million tons of rice. Life cycle inventory (LCI) analysis on rice reveals that environmental load of parboiled rice is greater than that of untreated rice. LCI analysis also depicts that PMR (DOM 2%) not only contains more food components and reduces environmental loads but also reduce food insecurity where food grains are scarce. A switch in production and consumption patterns would improve food security where food grains are scarce, and also provides more health beneficial food components and reduces pressure on land, water and the natural resources. However, motivation and awareness of the environment and health, and even a nominal incentive are required for a method switching which may help in building a sustainable society.

本研究では，正常に成熟する'PK331'，正常に成熟しないrin変異系統である'PK353'，そのF1品種である'KGMO11' (いずれもカゴメ(株)所有の育成品種)および'桃太郎'を対象として，呼吸速度，エチレン生成速度およびa*値について詳細に解析した。また，トマト果実の最適流通システム構築のための基礎的知見を得ることを目的として，各トマト品科の緑熟果について，積算エチレン生成量を用いた追熟予測式を作成・評価した。その結果，以下の知見を得た。①'PK331'，'桃太郎'の緑熟果は，追熟中に典型的なクライマクテリック型の呼吸速度，エチレン生成速度変動を示した。また，エチレン生成の上昇とともに急激にa*値が上昇した。②'PK353'の緑熟果においては，保蔵中に呼吸速度，a*値の変動はほとんどみられなかった。また，エチレン生成量は検出限界以下であった。③'KGM011'は，呼吸速度，エチレン生成速度，a*値のいずれにおいても，新品種（'PK331'，'PK353'）の中間的な特性を示した。④個別果実の積算エチレン生成量とa*値との関係から，品種ごとにシグモイド型のa*値の予測式を作成・評価した。その結果，'PK331'，'PK353'，'KGM011'および'桃太郎'における計算値と実測値との決定係数は，それぞれ0.99，0.06，0.96および0.99であった。⑤④と同様な手法により'PK353'を除く3品種すべてのデータを用いたa*値の予測式を作成した。その結果，計算値と実測値との決定係数は，0.97であった。以上の結果より，トマト品種の追熟特性は，成熟にかかわる遺伝子型により大きく異なること，'PK353'以外の正常に成熟する品種については，積算エチレン生成量を独立変数として，異なる成熟遺伝子型のトマト品種にも適用可能なa*値変動の予測式の作成が可能であることが示された。

Greenhouse gas emission, which has increased remarkably due to tremendous energy use, has resulted in global warming, perhaps the most serious problem that humankind faces today. Numerous efforts have been made to mitigate the greenhouse gas emission from human activities. This study reveals that the global environment is influenced by bioenergy, cropping patterns, dietary choices, packaging, distribution and trade, and population growth might be the main key. The use of bioenergy has been emphasized not only to combat the global warming potential but also to reduce dependency on fossil fuels for smooth economic development. The rush toward liquid biofuels affects virtually every aspect of the field crop sectors, ranging from domestic demand and exports to price and the allocation of land area among crops. Crop residues should not be harvested for biofuels beyond the limits that reduce minimum soil organic carbon to maintain soil fertility and productivity, with the exception of a satisfactory supply of compost. The development and introduction of sustainable energy technology must occur in an affordable and socially acceptable manner. Production of genetically modified (GM) crops might be useful in reducing growing pressure on natural resources and on the environment, if that does not conflict with safety and biodiversity. The combination of population growth with economic development and increasing demand for quality food, especially in the developing countries, puts great stress on agriculture for food, feed, fibers and biofuel feedstocks. If the population can be stabilized to a 1990-level and food spoilage and other waste limited to 10%, then about 28% of the present world food supply could be conserved. It might open the door for future liquid biofuels and help to reduce poverty and to build a sustainable world. © 2010 Nova Science Publishers, Inc. All rights reserved.

アスパラガスの収穫後の外観，重量およびアスコルビン酸含量の変化に対する品種および保存温度の影響を露地圃場にて春どりした'UC157'，'Gijnlim'および'Purple Passion'を用いて調査した．また，青果物の品質低下と密接に関連する呼吸速度の差異についてもあわせて調査した．収穫直後において，'Gijnlim'は他の 2 品種に比べて若茎頭部が緩く，アスコルビン酸含量が最も高かった．5，10 および 15℃ で 4 日間保存した後の品質を調査した結果，若茎頭部の開きの進行程度に対する保存温度の影響は小さかったものの，いずれの温度においても'Gijnlim'でやや大きく，'Purple Passion'で小さい傾向がみられた．一方，切り口の変色程度は，いずれの品種においても保存温度の上昇にともない大きくなったが，'Gijnlim'のみが 10℃ 以上から急激に大きくなる傾向を示した．重量およびアスコルビン酸含量の減少は，いずれの温度においても'Gijnlim'で他の 2 品種と比べて大きかった．また，収穫 2&ndash;8 時間後における呼吸速度（CO₂ 生成速度）についてみると'Purple Passion'は，'UC157'および'Gijnlim'と比較し低い傾向にあった．以上より，アスパラガスの品質およびその収穫後の変化には品種間差異があることが明らかとなった．また，'Gijnlim'は'UC157'および'Purple Passion'と比べて，品質劣化しやすい可能性が考えられた．そのため，春どりされる'Gijnlim'の流通においては，温度管理や包装などを厳密にする必要があると思われた．<br>

30，40，50および60℃の温度条件下において，サツマイモの熱風乾燥を行い，サツマイモ乾燥試料の含水率変化およびL-アスコルビン酸変化について調査した。含水率変化は指数モデルおよび拡散方程式の無限平板モデルにより解析され，両モデルより得られた計算値と測定値は良く一致した。含水率モデルより得られた拡散係数には，アレニウス型の温度依存性が認められた。熱風乾燥過程におけるL-アスコルビン酸変化は1次反応に従うことが示され，サツマイモの熱風乾燥過程におけるL-アスコルビン酸分解の活性化エネルギーは48.8kJ mol-1と算定された。