Assessment of polar phenolic compounds of virgin olive oil by NIR and mid-IR spectroscopy and their impact on quality

European Journal of Lipid Science and Technology

DOI: 10.1002/ejlt.201600099

Chemometric analyses of near- (NIR) and middle-infrared (mid-IR) spectroscopy spectral data (12 500–4000 cm−1 and 4000–400 cm−1) by Partial Least Square (PLS) regression combined with analytical determination of polar phenolic compounds measured by HPLC in different varieties, geographical origin and marketplace categories olive oils—Protected Denomination of Origin (PDO) “Montes de Toledo”; Galician; high quality extra virgin (“Gourmet”/“Premium”); and commercial extra virgin and olive oils—were used to generate calibration and validation models in order to be able to predict the content and profile of these minor compounds, and thereby the quality of the product. Satisfactory multivariate test set validation algorithms were obtained for virgin olive oil (VOO)'s total polar phenolic (TPP) compounds (r = 0.91), hydroxytyrosol and tyrosol secoiridoid derivatives (HtyrSec, TyrSec; r = 0.91 and 0.92, respectively). Contrary to NIRS, the chemometric analysis of the mid-IR spectra gave no satisfactory validation models (r = 0.43, 0.54, and 0.66 for HtyrSec, TyrSec, and TPP), despite that the calibration algorithms gave even higher correlation than NIRS (r > 0.96 for all the polar phenolics studied).

The results establish that NIRS is a very useful technique that allows rapid screening of VOO samples to estimate polar phenolic profile, and thereby their quality and commercial grade. Furthermore, it may give real time information about olive oil composition during processing in order to automatically control technological parameters.

Phosphorus removal from wastewater using mussel shell: Investigation on retention mechanisms

Ecological Engineering, 97, 2016, 558–566

http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoleng.2016.10.066

Mussel shell is a carbonate-rich by-product that could be recycled in wastewater treatment. In this work, phosphorus removal from aqueous solutions was obtained in a series of batch and column experiments in the laboratory, using a calcined and a finely-ground (non-calcined) mussel shell. Phosphorus removal followed a Freundlich model at high contact times (72 h) and a Langmuir model at lower time (24 h). Phosphorus removal capacity increased with contact time and with P concentration in the solution, while desorption of the retained P was very low (<4%). Calcined mussel shell presented a higher retention capacity than the fine shell, which can be attributed to differences in mineralogy and composition. The process of P removal from aqueous solution showed features that are typical of chemical reactions rather than denoting adsorption; concretely, the percentage of P removed increased with initial P concentration in the solution, thus pointing at a relevant role of precipitation in P removal. The results corresponding to the fractionation of the P retained in the mussel shell after the experiments showed that both mechanisms, adsorption and precipitation, contributed to P removal.

Assessment of Trends in Stream Temperatures in the North of the Iberian Peninsula Using a Nonlinear Regression Model for the Period 1950–2013

River Res. Applic. 32: 1355–1364 (2016)

DOI: 10.1002/rra.2971

A nonlinear regression model was used to estimate mean daily stream water temperature in 11 rivers of the North of the Iberian Peninsula employing as the only predictor variable the air temperature. The weighted mean value of air temperature of a variable number of preceding days was used as a predictor variable.

To obtain the weight of air temperature of each preceding day, initially, we calculate the weight of air temperature of current day. For this, we have included in the model the air temperature of current day and the water temperature of preceding day—representative of long-term effects of air temperature on current water temperature. Subsequently, the weight of remaining days was calculated by a negative exponential function.

The weight of air temperature of current day ranges between 0.28 and 0.10, and it was correlated to length of river (R2 = 0.69) and to time of concentration (R2 = 0.66). This fact implies that the number of preceding days required to obtain a good estimation differs across the rivers. The results show that the mean root mean square error (RMSE) between observed and estimated water temperatures was 1.23 °C (±0.30 °C), employing a number of days so that the sum of their weights was 0.65. For the validation period, RMSE was 1.20 °C (±0.18 °C).

For the period 1986–2013, estimated temperature of water was 0.6 °C higher than that estimated for the period 1950–1986. This increase value is slightly lower than that observed in the air temperature (0.8 °C). On the other hand, during the period 1986–2013, water temperature showed a rate of increase of 0.16 °C/decade, similar to the increase of air temperature (0.15 °C/decade).

Job opportunity: University Lecturer of Earth Sciences - University of Cambridge

There is a rapidly growing community of materials scientists and Earth scientists who are using multi-dimensional imaging techniques, such as x-ray and electron tomography and time-resolved microscopy, coupled with advanced computational analysis and novel visualisation methods. These techniques are set to transform our understanding of natural and synthetic materials across a range of length scales, from tens of microns to the atomic scale. We are seeking candidates who can lead a research effort in this area, interact strongly with research groups in both Departments, and define the University as a world leader in multi-dimensional imaging techniques. This is a new post and is one of a number created under a major initiative by the School of the Physical Sciences to promote inter-disciplinary activity in the Departments of the School.

Applications are invited for the post of University Lecturer in Multi-Scale, Multi-Dimensional Imaging of Natural and Synthetic Materials.

The successful candidate will hold a PhD in Materials Science, Earth Sciences, Physics, Chemistry or a cognate subject, will have a track record of excellent research publications, and will be expected to lead and pursue a research programme of the highest standard. It is expected that their research programme will be firmly grounded in both Departments.

The successful candidate will be expected to contribute to the teaching programmes of both Departments at undergraduate and graduate level. (The total teaching load is expected to be no greater than that of colleagues appointed to single Departments.) They will contribute, as appropriate, to the academic administration of the Departments and the University.

Location 

(i) Department of Materials Science and Metallurgy, 27 Charles Babbage Road, Cambridge, CB3 0FS. http://www.msm.cam.ac.uk 

(ii) Department of Earth Sciences, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3EQ. http://www.esc.cam.ac.uk

Job opportunity: Faculty Position in Environmental Science and Engineering - Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL)

Faculty Position in Environmental Science and Engineering at the Ecole polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL)

EPFL's School of Architecture, Civil and Environmental Engineering (ENAC)invites appli¬cations for aFaculty position in the Institute of Environmental Engineering. Appointment at all levels (i.e. Tenure Track-, Associate-, and Full Professor) will be considered.

The Institute of Environmental Engineering currently covers a diverse portfolio ofresearch and teaching in (non-exhaustive list): climate change adaptation, biogeochemical cycles, cryosphere,hydrology, hydrodynamics, limnology, precipitation, water quality, bioremediation, ecotoxicology, air quality, renewable energy, city and landscape monitoring/sustainability, ecology, and ecosystem dynamics. These research themes are underpinned by technical innovations and developments in, for example:remote and in situsensing, fieldrobotics (water, land, air), numericalmodelling, as well as cutting-edge chemical, genomic, proteomic, and isotope analysis facilities.Our institute also hosts the newly established Swiss Polar Institute, which coordinates and supports research in Polar and other extreme environments, including the Alps.

In this context,we seek a candidate who can develop and lead aninternationally recognized research programand strengthen our curriculum within the broadly defined area of Environmental Science and Engineering, comple¬men¬ting and integrating with existing groups. The successful candidate will be committed to excellence in undergraduate/graduate-level teaching as well as supervision of PhD students and postdocs.

EPFL offersinternationally competitive start-up resources,salaries, and benefits.

With its main campus located in Lausanne, Switzerland, EPFL is a dynamically growing and well-funded institution fostering excellence and diversity. It has a highly international campus at an excep¬tionally attractive location boasting first-class experimental and computational infrastructure.As a technical university covering essentially the entire palette of engineering and science, EPFL offers a fertile environment for research collaboration between different disciplines. The EPFL environment is multi-lingual and multi-cultural, with English serving as a common interface.

To apply, please follow the application procedure on academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/8558

The following documents are requested in PDF format: cover letter including a statement of motivation, curriculum vitae, publications list, statement of research and teaching interests as well as the names and addresses, including emails, of at least three references (may be contacted at a later stage).

Screening will start on February1st, 2017 and the search will continue until the positionis filled.

Further enquiries should be made to the Chair of the Search Committee:

ProfessorAnders Meibom

Director of the Environmental Engineering Institute

School of Architecture, Civil and Environmental Engineering, EPFL-ENAC

E-mail: searchenvironmental@epfl.ch

For additional information on EPFL, please consult: epfl.ch or enac.epfl.ch

EPFL aims to increase the presence of women amongst its faculty, and qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

Pez Espada: Pesca, composición Química y valor Nutricional

SERVICIO DE PUBLICACIONES DE LA UNIVERSIDAD DE VIGO

Physico-chemical characterization and evaluation of bio-efficacies of black pepper essential oil encapsulated in hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin

Food Hydrocolloids

http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.foodhyd.2016.11.014

Encapsulation of essential oils with cyclodextrins can protect their active compounds from environmental conditions and improve their aqueous solubility, hence increasing their functional capabilities as additives. The purpose of this study was to characterize the physico-chemical properties and bio-efficacies, antioxidant and antibacterial activities, of the encap- sulated black pepper essential oil in hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HPβCD), in comparison with the major ingredient in the oil, β-caryophyllene. The difference in encapsulation efficiency of the pure compound and the black pepper oil results from the presence of other components in the black pepper oil such as limonene, δ-3-carene and pinene. Although the inclusion complexes increase their stability, they gave slightly lower antioxidant activity as a result of the HPβCD was blocking the functional groups of active compounds during reaction with DPPH radicals. Instead, after encapsulated in HPβCD, the antibacterial activity of black pepper oil was improved by 4 times against both S. aureus and E. coli.

Job opportunity: Post-doctoral Research Fellow in Ecology of River Connectivity - Karlstad University Department of Environmental and Life Sciences

The Faculty of Health Science and Technology has an opening for one full-time post-doctoral research fellow at the Department of Environmental and Life Sciences in the field of river connectivity ecology with focus on rehabilitation, management and development strategies.

The River Ecology and Management Research Group (NRRV), a research group within the Department of Environmental and Life Sciences at Karlstad University, conducts both basic and applied research in rivers, lakes and the surrounding landscape. The group is interested in the sustainable use of natural resources in watersheds, working for solutions to environmental problems that benefit both society and nature. Areas of research addressed by the research group include river connectivity and the effects of hydropower, aquatic-terrestrial interactions, winter ecology under global climate change, endangered species, conservation biology and social-ecological research relating to river regulation and recreational fishing (kau.se/biology/research; nrrv.se). Many research topics are conducted in collaboration with stakeholders from industry, administrative agencies, interest organizations and landowners as well as with the group’s extensive international research network. The group was recently selected as a ‘Strong Research Environment’ by Karlstad University, and has received directed funding to further develop the group’s research profile. This post-doctoral position is part of the strategy to develop the group, focusing on one of the core interests of the research group, and includes collaboration with group members.

Duties

The main duty of the position is to conduct research on river habitat connectivity. River connectivity is essential for most organisms inhabiting lotic environments, and especially so for organisms that migrate between different habitats to complete their life cycle, such as many fish species. Many rivers are modified by dams of different types, such as historical water mills and more recently, hydroelectric power plants. Dams disconnect river stretches and habitats, thereby reducing dispersal and migration possibilities for fish, with negative effects on individual success and populations. The post-doctoral candidate will be expected to evaluate measures to improve connectivity arising from dams in rivers. These may include evaluations concerning the function of fishways, the restoration of habitats, the design of environmental flows, or the effects of dam removal. Investigations will be based on empirical work in the field and/or the laboratory and may include studies of fish behaviour and hydraulics, habitat and hydraulic modelling, and other relevant methods aimed at the understanding of longitudinal habitat connectivity in regulated rivers.

The successful candidates will join a strong and motivated research team to carry out the following tasks:

• Conducting high quality research and producing results
• Coordinating research projects and delivering outputs
• Providing guidance to PhD and MSc students
• Disseminating results through scientific publication
• Assisting in teaching duties
• Participate in the organization of scientific conferences and workshops

Requirements

To be eligible for the position, applicants are required to hold a PhD (or to be completed by March 1, 2017) in ecology or related fields. The candidate must have completed the degree no more than three years before the last date for applications unless special grounds exist.

Excellent oral and written communication skills in English are required.

Assessment grounds

We are searching for a highly motivated candidate with experience in the fields of fish ecology, river rehabilitation techniques, and modelling. In the assessment procedure, emphasis will be placed on the applicant's scientific experience in fish behavioural ecology, river habitats and ecosystems, telemetry and modelling techniques, as well as experimental field and lab studies. Special attention will be given to research skills, as demonstrated by the quality of the applicant’s PhD thesis and other scientific merits. The applicant should have well documented abilities in general and behavioural ecology, experimental design, and knowledge of statistical and modelling tools (such as R). Additionally, interpersonal skills facilitating rapid integration of the postdoctoral research fellow into the research group are important.

Karlstad University values personal qualities such as the ability to cooperate and establish good relations with colleagues, as well as the ability to work independently and to take initiatives. Karlstad University is an equal opportunity employer.

The application should include

• Personal letter describing the applicant and her/his research interests in relation to the announced position
• CV with verified copies of degrees, scertificates, etc.
• List of completed courses with grades and dates
• Copy of degree projects and other relevant publications or a link to elecronic versions
• Any other documents submitted for consideration
• Reference contact information (at least two) or letter of reference

Application should be submitted electronically via Karlstad University´s web-based recruitment tool MyNetwork with uploaded attachments. 

Documents that cannot be sent electronically, should be sent to

Karlstads universitet, Registrator, 651 88 Karlstad, Sweden, state ref.no REK2016/196.

Job opportunity: Researcher in Geobiosphere Science - Lund University, Department of Physical Geograhy and Ecosystem Science

The appointee will investigate the role of biosphere-atmosphere feedbacks mediated by vegetation and carbon cycle responses to the climate evolution of the geological past. Model simulations and related data processing, analysis, and visualisation will be performed based on the EC-EARTH Earth system model. High-performance computing (HPC) platforms will be employed. Findings will contribute to the CMIP6 projects LUMIP (analyses of land use change and climate) and PMIP (palaeoclimate analyses), the latter in in collaboration with the Bert Bolin Centre for Climate Research (BCCR) at Stockholm University.

The research will be carried out under the leadership of senior scientists involved in the Linnaeus Centre of Excellence LUCCI and the Strategic Research Area MERGE, and the Bolin Centre for Climate Research. The appointee will document and report on their work in written and oral forms, and contribute to the scientific publication of results. Additional tasks will include liaison with HPC technical staff, model developers and scientists within LUCCI, MERGE, EC-EARTH and BCCR. Travel to and participation in project meetings, workshops and conferences mainly in Europe is expected.

Qualifications:

Applicants must have a Ph.D. degree in a subject relevant for the appointment. Prior experience of working with climate or Earth system models on HPC systems is a requirement. Applicants must possess documented skills in computer programming, preferably in FORTRAN or the C/C++ language family, and should be familiar with command-language scripting in Unix or Linux environments. An excellent command of written and spoken English is required.

Prior experience of the application of climate or Earth System modelling, especially EC-EARTH, to the study of climate dynamics, especially biosphere-atmosphere feedbacks is a strong advantage. Experience of ecosystem modelling, especially LPJ-GUESS, or knowledge of palaeoclimate, ecosystem or Earth system processes and coupled interactions is an advantage.

The University applies individual salaries. Please state requested salary in your application.

Lund University welcomes applicants with diverse backgrounds and experiences. We regard gender equality and diversity as a strength and an asset.

Job opportunity: Assistant Professor of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry - University of Toronto

Assistant Professor – Teaching Stream
Laboratories in Chemical Engineering
Department of Chemical Engineering & Applied Chemistry
University of Toronto Requisition #1601754

The Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry at the University of Toronto invites applications for a Teaching Stream appointment in Laboratories in Chemical Engineering at the rank of Assistant Professor, Teaching Stream. The expected start date is July 1, 2017.

The successful candidate must have a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering or a related discipline by the time of appointment, or shortly thereafter.  Hands on practical experience in industry is a significant asset.  Candidates are expected to demonstrate capacity for outstanding teaching, which will include developing and delivering undergraduate laboratories. Our most immediate need is in the delivery of our undergraduate laboratories in chemical engineering fundamentals, including unit operations, pilot scale processes, fluid flow, heat/mass transfer, separations, process monitoring and control, chemical reactions, bioprocesses etc. The two-story pilot lab is a ‘jewel’ in our program. It has seen significant recent investments with more planned as a key part of our strategic initiatives. The goal is to enhance experiential learning and innovation at both the undergraduate and graduate level as well as to connect it into other programs in engineering and science across the University. A description of the lab, its history and our exciting plans are at: http://www.chem-eng.utoronto.ca/alumni-friends/unit-ops-2-0/. Our primary objective is teaching excellence, particularly in the experiential/laboratory setting. We also expect that the successful candidate will be actively engaged in pedagogy and lead positive change in all of our educational programs including laboratory curriculum. 

The successful candidate will have: demonstrated excellence in teaching and pedagogy; a strong background in chemical engineering theory and practise; and excellent organizational and communication skills. Evidence of excellence in teaching will be demonstrated through strong letters of reference and the teaching dossier submitted as part of the application. Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. Candidates must have or be eligible for Professional Engineering registration. 

The CHE Department consistently ranks among the top in Canada and attracts outstanding undergraduate and graduate students, has excellent facilities, and is ideally located in the middle of a vibrant cosmopolitan city. Additional information may be found at: www.chem-eng.utoronto.ca. 

All qualified candidates are invited to apply online at the link below. For further information about the application process, please see the submission guidelines at http://uoft.me/how-to-apply. 

Applicants shall provide a curriculum vitae and a teaching dossier (including a statement of teaching philosophy and interests and evidence of teaching excellence such as teaching evaluations). 

Applicants should arrange to have three letters of reference (on letterhead, signed and scanned) sent directly by the referees to Professor D. Grant Allen via email at: facultysearch.chemeng@utoronto.ca.

Review of applications will begin after January 31, 2017 but the position will remain open until filled.

The University of Toronto is strongly committed to diversity within its community and especially welcomes applications from racialized persons/persons of colour, women, Indigenous/Aboriginal People of North America, persons with disabilities, LGBTQ persons, and others who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas.

As part of your application, you will be asked to complete a brief Diversity Survey.  This survey is voluntary.  Any information directly related to you is confidential and cannot be accessed by search committees or human resources staff.  Results will be aggregated for institutional planning purposes.  For more information, please see http://uoft.me/UP.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and Permanent Residents will be given priority.

Job opportunity: Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Colloid and Surface Chemistry of Coal Processing and Flotation - Faculty of Engineering, Architecture & Info Tech at Brisbane

Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Colloid and Surface Chemistry of Coal Processing and Flotation

Job no:499776

Area: Faculty of Engineering, Architecture & Info Tech

Salary (FTE): Advertised at multiple classifications

Work type: Full Time - Fixed Term

Location: St Lucia, Brisbane

School of Chemical Engineering

Engineering is an international leader in the chemical engineering field and has an excellent international reputation which has been built over four decades at the University. With 35 academic staff, including 17 professors, the School provides quality programs and leadership in chemical engineering education, research and development, and expert consulting to support the process industries. The School conducts undergraduate teaching in the disciplines of chemical, biological, environmental and metallurgical engineering and teaches into postgraduate programs in growing fields including integrated water management and energy studies. The School's project centered curriculum was recently chosen in a RAE & MIT study as one of six global exemplars in leading engineering education. UQ Chemical Engineering was recently ranked in the top 16 worldwide in QS subject rankings for chemical engineering and was the top ranking school in Australia. It was also given the highest score awarded for chemical engineering in Australia in the recent ERA study.

The role

The successful appointee will develop relevant experimental and modelling approaches to investigate and relate the roles of colloidal forces and surface chemistry of coal, mineral and tailings in dewatering and flotation. It may include AFM, zeta meters, tensiometers, XPS, dewatering experiments, flotation experiments and pilot scale studies; and model development involving DLVO/EDLVO theory. The appointee will assist in designing and interpreting experimental and modelling approaches that validate the theories on flocculation, dewatering kinetics, bubble-particle interactions in flotation, and publish high impact papers in top journals and conference proceedings. There are opportunities to collaborate with research teams and to supervise honours, masters and doctoral students.

The person

Applicants should possess PhD in froth flotation, with a focus on colloid and surface chemistry, demonstrated expert knowledge in flotation, dewatering, colloid and surface chemistry, and demonstrated skills in using instruments of dewatering. flotation, colloid and surface chemistry. They should have high level communication skills, ability to work collaboratively with students and colleagues, experience in writing reports and papers.

Remuneration

This is a full-time, fixed term appointment at Academic level A or B. The remuneration package will be in the range $79,171 - $89,459 p.a., plus employer superannuation contributions of up to 17% (total package will be in the range $92,630 - $104,667 p.a.).

Position Description

Download File 499776_NEW_Postdoctoral Research Fellow.pdf

Enquiries

To discuss this role please contact Anh Nguyen on +61 7 3365 3665 or anh.nguyen@eng.uq.edu.au.

To submit an application for this role, use the Apply button below. All applicants must supply the following documents: Cover letter, Resume and Selection Criteria responses.

For information on completing the application process click here.

Advertised: 10 Nov 2016

Applications close: 22 Dec 2016 (11:55 PM) E. Australia Standard Time