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The objective of this research was to create vegetable oil blends for food that had higher oxidative stability than pure sunflower and soybean oil. The following proportions of sunflower, soybean, and palm oil were evaluated when they were blended: 50:50 (v/v). A 45-day, 60 °C, accelerated storage test was performed. We calculated the free fatty acid level, fatty acid composition, induction time, and primary and secondary oxidation products. In comparison to sunflower and soybean oil, the blends showed higher oxidative stability indicators. The findings imply that combining palm oil with sunflower, soybean, and other oils is a suitable substitute for obtaining oils with greater oxidative stability indices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Identifying tipping points in the relationship between aridity and gross nitrogen (N) cycling rates could show critical vulnerabilities of terrestrial ecosystems to climate change. Yet, the global pattern of gross N cycling response to aridity across terrestrial ecosystems remains unknown. Here, we collected 14,144 observations from 451 15N‐labeled studies and used segmented regression to identify the global threshold responses of soil gross N cycling rates and soil process‐related variables to aridity index (AI), which decreases as aridity increases. We found on a global scale that increasing aridity reduced soil gross nitrate consumption but increased soil nitrification capacity, mainly due to reduced soil microbial biomass carbon (MBC) and N (MBN) and increased soil pH. Threshold response of gross N production and retention to aridity was observed across terrestrial ecosystems. In croplands, gross nitrification and extractable nitrate were inhibited with increasing aridity below the threshold AI ~0.8–0.9 due to inhibited ammonia‐oxidizing archaea and bacteria, while the opposite was favored above this threshold. In grasslands, gross N mineralization and immobilization decreased with increasing aridity below the threshold AI ~0.5 due to decreased MBN, but the opposite was true above this threshold. In forests, increased aridity stimulated nitrate immobilization below the threshold AI ~1.0 due to increased soil C/N ratio, but inhibited ammonium immobilization above the threshold AI ~1.3 due to decreased soil total N and increased MBC/MBN ratio. Soil dissimilatory nitrate reduction to ammonium decreased with increasing aridity globally and in forests when the threshold AI ~1.4 was passed. Overall, we suggest that any projected increase in aridity in response to climate change is likely to reduce plant N availability in arid regions while enhancing it in humid regions, affecting the provision of ecosystem services and functions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two extracts from Lepidium sativum L. seed were studied in terms of phenolic compounds content, for their antioxidant and antibacterial properties. The extraction was done using ethanol 80% with assist of ultrasonic and by distilled water with assist of microwave. Total phenolics and total flavonoids were measured using Folin-Ciocalteu reagent and AlCh, respectively. Total antioxidant capacity of the extracts was estimated by different methods including DPPH (1, 1-diphenyl-2- picrylhydrazyl radical), ABTS'+ (2,2' azino bis-(3-ethyl benzthiazoline-6- sulfonic acid), Pcarotene/ linoleic bleaching, and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP). Antibacterial activity of extracts was determined using pathogen gram positive and gram negative bacteria by disc assay method. Extracts exhibited both antioxidant (54.66 % of P-carotene/linoleic bleaching assay) and antibacterial activities (20 mm with Salmonella Enteritidis) that were comparable ttl the synthetic antioxidants TBHQ. Therefore, these extracts could be used as preservative ingredients in the food and/or pharmaceutical industries. Data from this study could be used for developing n;:ttural antioxidants and bioactive agents to improve human health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]