A Comparison Study of Deep Learning Methodologies for Music Emotion Recognition.

Classical machine learning techniques have dominated Music Emotion Recognition. However, improvements have slowed down due to the complex and time-consuming task of handcrafting new emotionally relevant audio features. Deep learning methods have recently gained popularity in the field because of their ability to automatically learn relevant features from spectral representations of songs, eliminating such necessity. Nonetheless, there are limitations, such as the need for large amounts of quality labeled data, a common problem in MER research. To understand the effectiveness of these techniques, a comparison study using various classical machine learning and deep learning methods was conducted. The results showed that using an ensemble of a Dense Neural Network and a Convolutional Neural Network architecture resulted in a state-of-the-art 80.20% F1 score, an improvement of around 5% considering the best baseline results, concluding that future research should take advantage of both paradigms, that is, combining handcrafted features with feature learning.

In vitro interactions between the ectomycorrhizal Pisolithus tinctorius and the saprotroph Hypholoma fasciculare fungi: morphological aspects and volatile production.

Ectomycorrhizal fungi are crucial for forests sustainability. For Castanea sativa, ectomycorrhizal fungus Pisolithus tinctorius is an important mutualist partner. Saprotrophic fungi Hypholoma fasciculare, although used for biocontrol of Armillaria root disease, it negatively affected the interaction between the P. tinctorius and plant host roots, by compromise the formation of P. tinctorius-C. sativa mycorrhizae. In this work, fungal morphology during inhibition of H. fasciculare against P. tinctorius was elucidated. P. tinctorius growth was strongly affected by H. fasciculare, which was significantly reduced after six days of co-culture and become even more significant through time. During this period, P. tinctorius developed vesicles and calcium oxalate crystals, which were described as mechanisms to stress adaption by fungi. H. fasciculare produced different volatile organic compounds in co-cultures over time and differ between single or in dual-species. H. fasciculare highly produced sesquiterpenes (namely, α-muurolene) and nitrogen-containing compounds, which are recognised as having antimicrobial activity.

Application of chemometric tools for the comparison of volatile profile from raw and roasted regional and foreign almond cultivars (Prunus dulcis).

In almonds, volatile compounds are major contributors to flavour, being scarce the current knowledge about their volatile profile. Hence, this work intended to characterize the volatile profile, using headspace solid-phase microextraction and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, in raw and roasted almond cultivars (regional cvs. Amendoão, Bonita, Casanova, Molar and Pegarinhos and foreign cvs. Ferragnès and Glorieta). Overall, 35 compounds were identified, with major chemical classes being alcohols and aldehydes. In raw fruits, benzaldehyde and 3-methyl-1-butanol were key compounds, with roasting changing volatile profiles, increasing release of compounds, with predominance of hexanal and benzaldehyde. Cultivars Glorieta and Molar didn't show significant increase in aldehyde content after roasting, which may indicate higher resistance to heat-caused oxidation. The use of linear discriminant analysis and principal components analysis permitted the recognition of patterns in the volatile profiles, that can be useful for cultivars identification. This work allowed the characterization and monitoring changes caused by roasting of volatile components of less studied almond cultivars, identifying some that can withstand roasting procedures with reduced formation of compounds associated with off-flavours.

Volatile changes in cv. Verdeal Transmontana olive oil: From the drupe to the table, including storage.

This study focused on the volatile changes in cv. Verdeal Transmontana throughout the entire olive oil processing chain, from the drupe to olive oil storage up to 12 months, while correlating it with quality parameters and sensory quality. During crushing and malaxation, the volatiles formed were mainly "green-leaf volatiles" (GLVs), namely (E)-2-hexenal, hexanal, and 1-hexanol. Centrifugation and clarification steps increased the total volatile amounts to 130 mg kg-1. However, clarification also increased nonanal and (E)-2-decenal contents, two markers of oxidation, with a noticeable loss of phenolic compounds and oxidative stability. During storage, the total volatile amounts reduced drastically (94% at 12 months after extraction), together with the positive sensory attributes fruity, green, bitter, and pungent. Despite being classified as extra-virgin after one year of storage, peroxides and conjugated dienes were significantly higher while there was a reduction in antioxidant capacity as well as in phenolic compounds (less 50%) and oxidative stability (57%). The present work allowed concluding that the extraction process modulates the volatile composition of olive oil, with a concentration of volatiles at the clarification step. During storage, volatiles are lost, mainly eight months after extraction, leading to the loss of important sensory attributes.

Antimicrobial activity of endophytic fungi from olive tree leaves.

In this study, the antimicrobial potential of three fungal endophytes from leaves of Olea europaea L. was evaluated and the host plant extract effect in the antimicrobial activity was examined. The volatile compounds produced by endophytes were identified by GC/MS and further correlated with the antimicrobial activity. In potato dextrose agar, both Penicillium commune and Penicillium canescens were the most effective inhibiting Gram-positive and -negative bacteria (up to 2.7-fold compared to 30 µg/mL chloramphenicol), whereas Alternaria alternata was most effective inhibiting yeasts (up to 8.0-fold compared to 25 µg/mL fluconazole). The presence of aqueous leaf extract in culture medium showed to induce or repress the antimicrobial activity, depending on the endophytic species. In the next step, various organic extracts from both A. alternata mycelium and cultured broth were prepared; being ethyl acetate extracts displayed the widest spectrum of anti-microorganisms at a minimum inhibitory concentration ≤0.095 mg/mL. The volatile composition of the fungi that displayed the highest (A. alternata) and the lowest (P. canescens) antimicrobial activity against yeasts revealed the presence of six volatiles, being the most abundant components (3-methyl-1-butanol and phenylethyl alcohol) ascribed with antimicrobial potentialities. Overall the results highlighted for the first time the antimicrobial potential of endophytic fungi from O. europaea and the possibility to be exploited for their antimicrobial agents.

Cooking impact in color, pigments and volatile composition of grapevine leaves (Vitis vinifera L. var. Malvasia Fina and Touriga Franca).

Grapevine leaves (Vitis vinifera L. var. Malvasia Fina and Touriga Franca) under culinary treatment (blanching and boiling at 60, 75 and 90min) were studied for their color, pigments and volatile fraction changes. Blanching and boiling caused a decrease in luminosity and a loss of green coloration in both varieties, while a yellow-brownish color arose. Significant correlations were established between the loss of green color (monochromatic variable a∗) and the total chlorophylls content. The main volatiles in fresh leaves [(Z)-3-hexenal, (Z)-3-hexen-1-ol, and (Z)-3-hexenyl acetate] were drastically reduced by blanching and suppressed by boiling. Other compounds like pentanal and 6-methyl-5-hepten-2 one arose from blanching and boiling. A boiling time of 60min is adequate for the culinary process of grapevine leaves, since the product is considered edible and the pigments and volatile changes are not as drastic as observed at 75 and 90min of boiling.

Selection of grapevine leaf varieties for culinary process based on phytochemical composition and antioxidant properties.

Grapevine leaves are an abundant sub-product of vineyards which is devalued in many regions. The objective of this work is to study the antioxidant activity and phytochemical composition of ten grapevine leaf varieties (four red varieties: Tinta Amarela, Tinta Roriz, Touriga Franca, and Touriga Nacional; and six white varieties: Côdega do Larinho, Fernão Pires, Gouveio, Malvasia Fina, Rabigato, and Viosinho) to select varieties to be used as food ingredients. White grapevine leaves revealed higher antioxidant potential. Malvasia Fina reported better antioxidant properties contrasting with Touriga Franca. Phenolic content varied between 112 and 150mgGAEg(-1) of extract (gallic acid equivalents), hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives and flavonols varied between 76 and 108mgCAEg(-1) of extract (caffeic acid equivalents) and 39 and 54mgQEg(-1) of extract (quercetin equivalents). Malvasia Fina is a good candidate for culinary treatment due to its antioxidant properties and composition in bioactive compounds.

Identification of leaf volatiles from olive (Olea europaea) and their possible role in the ovipositional preferences of olive fly, Bactrocera oleae (Rossi) (Diptera: Tephritidae).

The olive fly, Bactrocera oleae (Rossi), is a monophagous pest that displays an oviposition preference among cultivars of olive (Olea europaea L.). To clarify the oviposition preference, the olive leaf volatiles of three olive cultivars (Cobrançosa, Madural and Verdeal Transmontana) were assessed by headspace solid-phase microextraction gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC/MS) at six different periods of olive fruit maturation and degrees of infestation. A total of 39 volatiles were identified, mainly esters and alcohols, with a minor percentage of aldehydes, ketones and terpenic compounds, including sesquiterpenes. At sampling dates with higher degrees of infestation, cv. Cobrançosa had, simultaneously, significantly lower infestation degrees and higher volatile amounts than the other two cultivars, with a probable deterrent effect for oviposition. The green leaf volatiles (GLVs) (Z)-3-hexen-1-ol and (Z)-3-hexen-1-ol acetate) were the main compounds identified in all cultivars, together with toluene. The abundance of GLVs decreased significantly throughout maturation, without significant differences among cultivars, while toluene showed a general increase and positive correlation with olive fly infestation levels. The results obtained could broaden our understanding of the roles of various types and amounts of olive volatiles in the environment, especially in olive fly host selection and cultivar preference.

Olive Volatiles from Portuguese Cultivars Cobrançosa, Madural and Verdeal Transmontana: Role in Oviposition Preference of Bactrocera oleae (Rossi) (Diptera: Tephritidae).

The olive fly, Bactrocera oleae (Rossi), a serious threat to the olive crop worldwide, displays ovipositon preference for some olive cultivars but the causes are still unclear. In the present work, three Portuguese olive cultivars with different susceptibilities to olive fly (Cobrançosa, Madural, and Verdeal Transmontana) were studied, aiming to determine if the olive volatiles are implicated in this interaction. Olive volatiles were assessed by SPME-GC-MS in the three cultivars during maturation process to observe possible correlations with olive fly infestation levels. Overall, 34 volatiles were identified in the olives, from 7 chemical classes (alcohols, aldehydes, aromatic hydrocarbons, esters, ketones, sesquiterpenes, and terpenes). Generally, total volatile amounts decrease during maturation but toluene, the main compound, increased in all cultivars, particularly in those with higher susceptibility to olive fly. Sesquiterpenes also raised, mainly α-copaene. Toluene and α-copaene, recognized oviposition promoters to olive fly, were correlated with the infestation level of cvs. Madural and Verdeal Trasnmontana (intermediate and highly susceptible cultivars respectively), while no correlations were established with cv. Cobrançosa (less susceptible). No volatiles with inverse correlation were observed. Volatile composition of olives may be a decisive factor in the olive fly choice to oviposit and this could be the basis for the development of new control strategies for this pest.

Improvement of stability and carotenoids fraction of virgin olive oils by addition of microalgae Scenedesmus almeriensis extracts.

Humans are not capable of synthesizing carotenoids de novo and thus, their presence in human tissues is entirely of dietary origin. Consumption of essential carotenoids is reduced due to the lower intake of fruits and vegetables. Microalgae are a good source of carotenoids that can be exploited. In the present work, carotenoids rich extracts from Scenedesmus almeriensis were added to extra-virgin olive oils at different concentrations (0.1 and 0.21 mg/mL) in order to enhance the consumption of these bioactives. Extracts brought changes in olive oils color, turning them orange-reddish. Quality of olive oils was improved, since peroxidation was inhibited. Olive oils fatty acids and tocopherols were not affected. ß-carotene and lutein contents increase considerably, as well as oxidative stability, improving olive oils shelf-life and nutritional value. Inclusion of S. almeriensis extracts is a good strategy to improve and enhance the consumption of carotenoids, since olive oil consumption is increasing.

Bioactivity and phenolic composition from natural fermented table olives.

In the present work, the phenolic composition, and antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of twenty-four samples of naturally fermented table olives from the northeast of Portugal were evaluated. The analysis of phenolic composition was performed by HPLC/DAD, and ten compounds were identified, hydroxytyrosol, verbascoside derivate and hydroxytyrosol glycol being the most abundant. Total phenolic content varied between 2.37 and 64.17 µg mg(-1) of extract. The IC50 values from the antioxidant activity methods tested varied between 0.30 and 1.66 mg mL(-1) for reducing power, and between 0.13 and 0.83 mg mL(-1) for DPPH. The results obtained in the antioxidant activity were extremely significantly correlated with the main phenolic compounds as well as with the total phenolic content. A principal component analysis allowed grouping the samples according to their phenolic composition and antioxidant potential. Table olive extracts were able to inhibit some pathogenic microorganisms, mainly Gram-positive bacteria. Higher antimicrobial inhibition was recorded in the extracts rich in phenolic compounds and higher antioxidant potential.

Influence of spike lavender (Lavandula latifolia Med.) essential oil in the quality, stability and composition of soybean oil during microwave heating.

Lipids oxidation is one of the main factors leading to quality losses in foods. Its prevention or delay could be obtained by the addition of antioxidants. In this sense the present work intend to monitor the protective effects of Lavandula latifolia essential oil during soybean oil microwave heating. To achieve the proposed goal quality parameters (free acidity, peroxide value, specific coefficients of extinction and ΔK), fatty acids profile, tocopherols and tocotrienols composition, antioxidant activity and oxidative stability were evaluated in soybean oil with and without spike lavender essential oils (EO) submitted to different microwave heating exposure times (1, 3, 5, 10 and 15 min; 1000 Watt) with a standard domestic microwave equipment. Microwave heating induced severe quality and composition losses, mainly above 3 min of microwave heating, regardless the sample tested. However, spike lavender EO addition counteracts the oxidation comparatively to control oils, by presenting enhanced values in quality parameters. A higher protection in unsaturated fatty acids loss was also observed as well as a higher antioxidant activity and oxidative stability. The microwave heating effects were clearly different in the samples with essential oils addition, allowing discrimination from plain soybean oils by a principal component analysis, being also capable to discriminate the different heating times tested within each sample.

Chemical characterization of "alcaparras" stoned table olives from northeast Portugal.

Commercial stoned table olives named "alcaparras" from Trás-os-Montes (Portugal) were chemically characterized. During three consecutive years (2004-2006) 30 samples (10 per year) were examined for their nutritional value (moisture, crude protein, total fat, ash, carbohydrates, and energy), with a detailed report of the fatty acids and tocopherols composition. Water was the major constituent (72.5 ± 5.5%), followed by fat (14.6 ± 5.1%). The average amount of protein and ash were 1.1% and 3.4%, respectively, reporting unusual ash values for table olives, related to the technological process. One hundred grams of fresh stoned table olives presented an average energetic value of 156 kcal, lower than most table olives. The lipids are rich in oleic acid (average of 77.7 ± 2.0%), followed by palmitic acid and linoleic acid. Samples showed an average of total tocopherols of 1.2 mg/100 g of fresh weight, being α-tocopherol the most abundant. Table olives are important sources of MUFA, as olive oil, recognized as a preventive factor in diseases in which free radicals are implicated, complemented by the amounts of vitamin E, with both antioxidant and vitamin action.

Determination of the volatile profile of stoned table olives from different varieties by using HS-SPME and GC/IT-MS.

BACKGROUND: The volatile composition of alcaparras stoned table olives produced from five of the most representative olive cultivars (cv. Cobrançosa, Madural, Negrinha de Freixo, Santulhana and Verdeal Transmontana) from the Trás-os-Montes region (north-east of Portugal) was analytically characterised using headspace-solid phase microextraction/gas chromatography-ion trap-mass spectrometry. RESULTS: Overall, 42 volatile compounds were identified, belonging to distinct chemical classes: 15 aldehydes, seven esters, five alcohols, five sesquiterpenes, four norisoprenoids derivates, three monoterpenes, o ne ketone and two alkenes. Aldehydes were the major chemical class identified in all olive cultivars studied (more than 74% of all the volatile compounds identified). Hexanal, phenylacetaldehyde and (E,E)-2,4-heptadienal were the major volatile compounds identified. CONCLUSIONS: It was possible to discriminate the results obtained from the volatile profile of the five olive cultivars by using principal component analysis. Both qualitative and quantitative fractions of alcaparras table olives were influenced by olive cultivar, which confers a single aroma. This fact certainly influences consumer preference and acceptability towards a specific olive cultivar.

Cultivar effect on the phenolic composition and antioxidant potential of stoned table olives.

Stoned green table olives "alcaparras" prepared from five different cultivars (Cv. Cobrançosa, Madural, Negrinha de Freixo, Santulhana and Verdeal Transmontana) were investigated concerning their phenolic composition and antioxidant potential. From each cultivar, five independent lots were prepared. The phenolic profile was determined by HPLC/DAD at 280 nm, and antioxidant potential measured using the reducing power and scavenging effect on DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) radicals assays. Twelve phenolic compounds were identified, being hyrdoxytyrosol the most abundant one, followed by verbascoside and tyrosol. Cv. Cobrançosa and Santulhana reported higher content of phenolic compounds, with 165.76 and 163.66 mg/kg of fresh "alcaparras" table olives, respectively. Regarding antioxidant activity, Cv. Santulhana and Cobrançosa showed higher EC(50) values, lower than 1.40 and 0.48 mg/mL for reducing power and DPPH methods, respectively. Significant negative correlations were obtained between olive phenolics and EC(50) values from the antioxidant activity. The direct contact of the pulp with water, characteristic of this processing method, eliminates important hydrossoluble compounds, being the cultivar used an important determinant for the final "alcaparras" composition in terms of ingested phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity.

Olive oil stability under deep-frying conditions.

The suitability of different commercial olive oil categories for domestic frying was investigated. Oil samples were taken every 3h of frying and evaluated for free acidity, peroxide and p-anisidine values, specific extinction coefficients, oxidative stability, fatty acids, vitamin E, ß-carotene and total phenols, until the total polar compounds achieved the maximum legal value (25%). All olive oils were fried during more time than the commercial vegetable oil blend taken for comparison (from 24 to 27 h, against 15 h). The extra-virgin Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) olive oil was characterized by reduced levels of oxidation and hydrolysis, and superior amounts of minor antioxidant compounds. The "olive oil" commercial category behaves similarly, but "Cobrançosa" olive oils performance was slightly worse, and clearly different between years, highlighting the importance of blending different cultivars. The vegetable oil, despite containing significantly higher amounts of vitamin E, was highly susceptible to oxidation under frying conditions when compared to all olive oils. The results also show that the chemical composition of olive oils, particularly the amount of natural antioxidants, are important parameters in their predictive behavior along the frying process, but mostly that olive oil is clearly resistant to frying conditions, independently to the commercial category chosen.

Effect of microwave heating with different exposure times on physical and chemical parameters of olive oil.

This study reflects the effect of different microwave heating times (1, 3, 5, 10 and 15 min) on physical and chemical characteristics of three Portuguese olive oils from three protected designation of origin (PDO), "Azeite de Trás-os-Montes PDO", "Azeites da Beira Interior PDO", and "Azeite de Moura PDO". The parameters evaluated were free acidity, peroxide value, specific extinction coefficients (K232 and K270), color and chlorophylls and carotenoids content. A differential pulse voltammeter was also used to monitor the changes in alpha-tocopherol content. The results showed that microwave heating produce losses in the quality of the different analysed olive oils. The heating time did not promote the occurrence of hydrolysis in the samples since no changes in free acidity values were found. All other parameters were affected by exposure time in a similar way: in the first 3 min no marked changes were observed, after that the quality of the oil decrease significantly. The microwave heating time also affects the total chlorophylls, carotenoids and alpha-tocopherol contents which clearly decreased as long as the exposure time increases. After 15 min of heating the electrochemical signal, due to the alpha-tocopherol, disappear completely in the voltamogram.