Search Results (65)

Currently, there is an ever-increasing demand for organic food from consumers who are convinced that it is healthier and more nutritious. The purpose of our research was to carry out an evaluation of the nutritional and sensory characteristics of organic and conventional hazelnuts of Tonda Gentile Romana cv. To this end, volatile composition, total phenolics, antioxidant capacity, and sensory profile of organic and conventional hazelnuts were identified. In comparison to conventional hazelnuts, organic hazelnuts had a greater amount of total phenols and antioxidants. Furthermore, organic hazelnuts had a different sensory profile, with more crunchiness (6.722 vs. 4.056 for raw and 8.389 vs. 4.667 for roasted) and sweetness (7.667 vs. 4.867 for raw and 7.089 vs. 3.889 for roasted), accompanied by distinct hazelnut, almond, walnut, popcorn, coffee, and roasty notes, present in much higher amounts than conventional hazelnuts. One of our key findings is that organic hazelnuts have a higher nutritional value due to their higher antioxidant capacity. Promoting organic hazelnuts helps to encourage consumers to use these products, which have a high nutritional value, thus contributing to public health. Full article

The accurate definition of tree growth descriptors is a crucial step in enhancing orchard management, allowing cultivar identification within an orchard and in new genotype selection for breeding programs. In apple, almond, and olive orchards, Terrestrial Laser Scanning (TLS) technologies have been already used to identify different architectural groups, but not in hazelnut yet. This study utilized TLS to investigate the canopy structure of hazelnut trees of four different Italian varieties, with and without leaves. TLS proved to be a sensor capable of collecting three-dimensional data from hazelnut field trials and allowed the definition and selection of hazelnut plant descriptors by morphological traits and morphological indexes. Nineteen descriptors, eight morphologic traits and 11 morphological indexes have been identified as reliable suitable descriptors of hazelnut cultivar and in breeding evaluations, according to Biodiversity, FAO and CIHEAM. Many of the selected descriptors are related to the tree habit, vigour and branching density. Two useful indexes have also been defined: Canopy Uprightness (CU) Index and the Index of Canopy Opening (ICO). The descriptors allowed us to distinguish the four studied hazelnut cultivars based on their growth habit; in particular the cultivar Tonda Gentile delle Langhe showed a growth habit that is a lot different from that of the other ones. Full article

The present study looks at how gentilics, usually attested in traditional biblical topoi from the Pentateuch, are re-contextualized in Ezekiel to provide a mental map of the peoples of the known Earth during the Exilic period. The basic constituents of Ezekiel’s mental map of foreign peoples recall some of the configurations known from the Babylonian mental map tradition. One known iteration of the latter is the Babylonian World Map (BM 92687). The document presents several interesting features as to how mental maps are formed in the Babylonian context. Its composition may date back to the late eighth century BCE. It is an iteration of the Babylonian mental map with a unique unmarked epicentre. Furthermore, it was probably impressed on clay on the occasion of a military campaign or itinerant work concerning specific toponyms in southern Babylonia. Finally, it was copied for scribal purposes in the Neo-Babylonian period. The present study proposes that these dynamics of the Babylonian mental map help understand Ezekiel’s mental map of foreign peoples. Aspects of Ezekiel’s mental map owe to an older Hebrew tradition partly known from the Pentateuch, although it is a unique iteration for Ezekiel’s oracles against the nations with historical references to the Exilic period. Jerusalem is the epicentre. Two main rings of foreign peoples encircle Jerusalem. The first circle comprises Judah’s neighbours from the east, south, west, and northwest. The second circle picks up from the northwest going up the coast, then south to Egypt, and finally east and northeast with Gog of Magog. Ezekiel concludes with the Temple Vision confirming Jerusalem’s central position. This case study implies that Ezekiel encountered and independently adapted aspects of the Mesopotamian mental map. Comparisons such as the one attempted here can illustrate the potential of ancient Near Eastern intertextuality and cultural hybridity. Full article

The biblical episode of the encounter between Moses and the Pharaoh turned out to be a matrix of speculations in Judaism about the messianic drama. Nahmanides contributed to it in his dispute with Paulus Christianus by assuming that the Messiah will go to the Pope as part of the messianic scenario. Some few decades later, the Kabbalist Abraham Abulafia (1240—c.1292) reports about his intention to meet the Pope in 1280. Scholars differed as to what was the purpose of this intention. The present study considers a series of passages written by the Kabbalist, which include inclusive language insofar as he was addressing not only the Jews but also other religions, in order to elucidate the succinct sentence found in one of his writings. In my opinion, those passages are related to his inclusive vision of the meaning of Yahadut, referring to religious persons who acknowledge the centrality of the divine name, and consequentially, Abulafia was concerned with some form of religious dialogue with the Pope. This more open tone is found in the claim that as a Messiah, Abulafia preached to the Gentiles and discussed esoteric topics with a Christian. Full article

Legumes consumption is still low in Western countries, and their incorporation into bakery products could be a solution. However, a minimally processed legume-based product is still a challenge because of its negative impact on acceptance by consumers. Here, an oven-baked chip recipe, based on lentil flour, was fortified with 5% hazelnut skin (HS), a byproduct of hazelnut industrial processing, to improve the nutritional, antioxidant, and sensory features of this innovative food. Indeed, HS addition allows a nutritional profile improvement, increasing the fibers from 11.71% to 15.63%, and maintaining a high protein content (24.03 g/100 g). Furthermore, HS fortification increased total phenolic compounds and total antioxidant capacity by 1.6- and 2-fold, respectively, compared to the control. Finally, HS significantly improved the overall judgment score by 1.2 points (from 5.6 to 6.8 in control and experimental chips, respectively) halving the pulse-like aroma from 8.6 to 4.3 due to the strong decrease in the dodecane compound and due to HS volatile composition, rich in hexanal. Therefore, HS could be a valuable ingredient in improving the nutritional and functional features of bakery products as well as the sensory profiles of less palatable but healthy legume-based foods. Full article

Rising soil salinity poses a significant challenge to hazelnut cultivation, particularly in Mediterranean regions, where the increasing use of low-quality irrigation water necessitates the identification of salt-tolerant cultivars for sustainable production. This study investigated the salt tolerance mechanisms in four hazelnut cultivars (Barcelona, Tonda di Giffoni, Tonda Gentile Romana, and Yamhill) exposed to varying NaCl concentrations (0, 25, 50, and 75 mM) over five months. This research assessed their morphological, physiological, and biochemical responses through an analysis of their growth parameters, photosynthetic efficiency, visual symptoms, and ion content. The results revealed significant genotypic variation in their salt tolerance mechanisms. Tonda di Giffoni demonstrated superior salt tolerance, maintaining a higher photosynthetic efficiency and better ion balance, particularly in K⁺/Na⁺ and Ca²⁺/Na⁺ ratios. Barcelona showed moderate tolerance at lower salinity levels but declined sharply under higher stress. Yamhill exhibited a strong survival capacity despite its poor photosynthetic performance, while Tonda Gentile Romana proved most sensitive to salinity stress. All the cultivars showed a significant biomass reduction, with their fresh and dry weights decreasing by over 80% at 75 mM NaCl. Leaf chloride concentrations dramatically increased, reaching levels 481% higher than those in the control conditions. This study identifies Tonda di Giffoni as the most suitable cultivar for moderately saline conditions and provides insights into hazelnut salt tolerance mechanisms, contributing valuable information for breeding programs and cultivation strategies in salt-affected regions. Full article

Few things can potentially divide (and are dividing) Christians like the LGBTIQ+ issue. Conservative churches argue that sexuality forms an integral part of the human being and, hence, that sexual sin falls in a category of its own in any catalogue of sins. It is sin committed in the human body that radically affects one’s participation in Christ’s earthly body. To act on the realisation of same-sex lust is in itself sinful. Same-sex practices are viewed as sexual sin and all practitioners are condemned. On the other hand, there are Christians who accept that a homosexual orientation can be a biological given that needs to be accepted but that God views homosexual practice as an evil that should be avoided at all costs. Then there are also Christians who accept that a homosexual orientation is integral to some people’s humanity and accept same-sex behaviour as a regular expression of sexuality. Romans 1 plays a key role in the church’s discussion of the issue. The article reconsiders the textual evidence, using an exegetical model based on the historical–critical method combined with biblical theology. The conclusion is that Romans 1:24–29 refers to same-sex behaviour within the context of the Gentile world of idolatry that engages in wilful transgression of God’s bounds, resulting in degeneration in the lives of offenders. Full article

The article examines Paul’s critique of Jews in Romans, focusing on Romans 1–3. It adopts an approach of reading Paul within Judaism while differing from some interpreters representative of this approach by arguing that Paul is critiquing his fellow Jews and that his critique is relevant to his gentile audience. It argues against the traditional Protestant problematization of “works righteousness”, Sanders’ claim that Paul reasons from solution to plight, and the New Perspective’s problematization of ethnic distinctiveness. Paul’s critique is grounded in Jewish intramural prophetic critique and restoration eschatology, over against Torah-wisdom traditions. Consistent with this perspective, Paul’s fundamental criticism of Jews and Israel is their failure to keep the divine Torah. Central to Paul’s argument is the interplay between Jewish particularity and the universal scope of Paul’s gospel. Israel’s failure is an intermediate but not an ultimate divine purpose. Jewish distinctiveness and Torah reveal the seriousness of sin and affirm the justice of God’s wrath. Thus, Paul’s prophetic critique also implies a prophetic hope for Israel, intertwined with his critique of and hope for all humanity, whom he views as sinners standing under God’s judgment and needing salvation through faith in the Davidic messiah, Jesus. Full article

In Romans 2, Paul uses the Greco-Roman rhetorical technique of diatribe, i.e., a debate with a fictional partner. Reformation interpreters insisted that Paul confronts a hypocritical Jew; this thought remained prominent until the last century and has yielded unintentional anti-Semitic readings of Paul in many Protestant circles to this day. The New Perspective tempered the problem by suggesting that Paul begins the passage opposing a gentile until verse 17 when he has a new, Jewish interlocutor. However, Paul’s language gives no indication of a shift. Scholars of the Radical New Perspective have attempted to solve this language challenge by claiming that Romans 2 contains a single diatribe with a gentile opponent. Although this paper agrees with that basic conclusion, it proposes a new specific identity for that interlocutor that departs from the general consensus of the Radical New Perspective. That consensus identifies the interlocutor as a gentile Judaizer. No scholars, however, have clearly displayed the existence of such people at the time when Paul wrote Romans. On the other hand, Paul’s letter constantly attacks beliefs of gentile supersession, implying that some audience members might entertain such presumptions. This essay, therefore, proposes that Paul debates a single gentile supersessionist. Full article

Following the equivalence between logarithmic Sobolev inequalities and hypercontractivity shown by L. Gross, and applying the ideas and methods of the work by Bobkov, Gentil and Ledoux, we would like to establish a new connection between the logarithmic Sobolev inequalities and the hypercontractivity of solutions of dual Hamilton–Jacobi equations. In addition, Poincaré inequality is also recovered by the dual Hamilton–Jacobi equations. Full article

Ḥizzuq ʾEmunah (Faith Strengthened), written by the 16th-century Karaite Jewish scholar Isaac ben Abraham of Troki (Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth), was one of the most renowned Hebrew anti-Christian polemical works, meriting translation into most European languages. Troki authored his book during the Polish Reformation, a period marked by intense interactions and theological debates between Jews and Christians of various denominations. The author provides a comprehensive philological, grammatical, and historical analysis of the New Testament while relying heavily on the ideas and scriptural interpretations of radical Protestant theologians and Rabbanite scholars. Ḥizzuq ʾEmunah is unusual in a number of respects. This paper examines one such peculiarity—namely, the author’s view that the Torah and its commandments obligate Christians—as well as his eschatological model in which Christians will become part of Israel in the messianic age. His perspective is examined in our study with particular attention to the range of argumentative methods employed. Among these are the use of evidence from the New Testament, especially the accounts of Jesus and his disciples observing the commandments, and the contrast of early Christians’ conceptions and practices, which he views as close to the Mosaic law, with later Christian interpretations of the Old and the New Testament. Full article

Food reformulation is a strategy to make healthier foods by using food waste matrices that are still nutritionally valid. A shortbread cookie was reformulated replacing hazelnut skin (HS) of the Tonda Gentile Romana variety (5% and 10%) to refined flour and proportionally decreasing the butter amount. This resulted in significant, two- and five-fold, increases in the antioxidant capacity compared with the control, in the 5% and 10% fortified recipes, respectively. Among the most important antioxidants, gallic acid, catechin, phloridzin, and protocatechuic acid were found. Moreover, here we found, for the first time, that HS from the Romana variety had a high total fiber content (44.13 g/100 g), most of which was insoluble fiber. Therefore, HS 10% addition to the shortbread cookie recipe caused a significant increase in fiber content, making the experimental cookie earn the nutritional claim of “high fiber content”. Finally, preliminary evidence demonstrated that 10% HS, in comparison to 5%, following in vitro upper gastrointestinal digestion, conferred significant prebiotic activity in an in vitro culture of L. rhamnosus. Therefore, from the perspective of the circular economy, HS could be a valuable ingredient to increase the antioxidant and prebiotic activities of conventional foods. Full article

Using renewable biomass in agriculture, particularly microalgae as a biostimulant, offers economic and environmental sustainability benefits by reducing costs, improving nutrient cycling, and enhancing water use efficiency. Microalgae contain bioactive compounds that boost crop tolerance to environmental stresses, including salinity. Saline soils, characterized by elevated sodium chloride (NaCl) levels, negatively impact many crops, resulting in low productivity and high remediation costs. Therefore, this study evaluates the biostimulant properties of a microalgae-based commercial preparation (MR) on lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) plants grown hydroponically and exposed to saline stress. The extract was chemically characterized through elemental analysis, lipid composition (gas chromatography with flame ionization detector—GC-FID), the determination of functional groups (Fourier Transformed Infrared—FT-IR), structure (¹H,¹³C Nuclear Magnetic Resonance—NMR), with their hormone-like activity also assessed. Lettuce plants were treated with or without the microalgae blend, in combination with 0, 50 mM, or 100 mM NaCl. The contents of nutrients, soluble proteins, chlorophylls, and phenols, as well as the lipid peroxidation, antioxidants and root traits of lettuce plants, were estimated. The microalgae applied to salt-stressed plants resulted in a significant increase in biomass, protein, and chlorophyll contents. Additionally, significant effects on the secondary metabolism and mitigation of salinity stress were observed in terms of increased phenol content and the activity of antioxidant enzymes, as well as decreased lipid peroxidation. The potassium (K⁺) content was increased significantly in plants treated with 100 mM NaCl after addition of microalgae, while the content of sodium (Na⁺) was concurrently reduced. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that using microalgae can be a potent approach for improving the cultivation of Lactuca sativa L. under saline stress conditions. Full article