This study aimed to compare hygroscopicity properties of three cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) products: native starch powder (NS), fermented starch powder (FS), and starch granulate (SG). The analyzed properties were compared based on the statistical evaluation of differences in the course of sorption isotherms and the identification and comparison of parameters in two theoretical models of sorption. Empirical data were generated by means of the static-desiccator method. Measurements were made using AquaLab apparatus. The size, shape, and number of tapioca particles were characterized using a Morphology automatic particle analyzer. The study demonstrated that in-depth exploration of empirical data describing hygroscopicity of samples with the use of mathematical tools allows evaluating their physical parameters. The results obtained were analyzed in terms of correlations between physical and physicochemical properties determining utility traits of cassava starch. The NS and SS featured significantly higher hygroscopicity than SG, as evidenced by the values of all parameters analyzed in this study. The study results provided new information related to the management of the production process, safety, and stability of these products.

The goal of this work is the critical analysis of premises influencing the concerns typically expressed by Polish consumers over the safety of venison. Risk factors which are indicated in literature as important to the safety of venison in consumers’ eyes are discussed, including: 1) trichinosis, 2) genetic modifications, 3) hormones, and 4) toxoplasmosis. The critical analysis of literature data allowed concluding that the aforementioned factors do not increase the risk posed by venison consumption. It was additionally concluded that, in many aspects, the venison is definitely safer meat than meat of the livestock. An overview of literature data demonstrated, however, the potential threat to consumer health posed by wild game meat contamination with heavy metals. For this reason, contents of arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury were determined in meat samples of 12 does of red deer (Cervus elaphus L.) from the northern Poland. Results of determinations showed explicitly that the analyzed meat posed no risk associated with the content of heavy metals because contents of arsenic, cadmium, and mercury in 12 samples and lead content in 11 samples were below the detection limit, whereas lead content in one sample was determined at a very low level. In general, the results presented are consistent with literature data, however it needs to be noted that varying conditions of game habitat and factors associated with the hunt can contribute to increased contents of heavy metals in game meat.

The aim of the study was to employ BET, GAB, and Peleg models for mathematical description of sorptive properties of market powder shampoos of natural origin. Two commercial powder shampoos of plant origin Sapindus mukorossi (A) and Acacia concinna (B) were used as study materials. The sorption isotherm of A. concinna powder shampoo was much higher in the standard reference system in comparison to S. mukorossi shampoo. The B shampoo had a higher monolayer capacity than product A. The examined process in both cases was physical in nature. The most useful for isothermal description turned out to be the theoretical BET equation and empirical Peleg model. They were characterized by high accuracy. Natural powder shampoos differed significantly in terms of physical parameters of particles and sorptive properties, which may suggest their different functional properties.

Attitudes toward food are one of the most critical factors related to consumer behavior in the food market. Therefore, identifying attitudes toward a specific food product may be essential for identifying factors influencing certain behaviors regarding game. In addition, game meat is a valuable food that can increase the variety of meat and reduce the intensive breeding of slaughter animals. Therefore, a research gap was found regarding the lack of a tool for identifying attitudes toward game that would allow for the acquisition of data valid for studying conditions related to game consumption. The study aims to validate a developed scale for identifying the attitudes of young Tri-City residents toward game. To collect the database, two groups of respondents are involved in the validation procedure. This procedure includes validation of content, response process, and statistical validation. The scale is validated, and four domains are distinguished based on the PCA test. The validated scale consists of 10 statements (initially 11). The estimated Cronbach’s alpha (0.6944) indicates good scale internal consistency. The developed scale can be used to identify attitudes of young Tri-City residents toward game and search for links between these attitudes and behaviors related to game consumption.

The aim of the study was to investigate the satiety levels following the consumption of groats and to analyze the relationships between selected nutrients found in the groats. A total of 54 women were enrolled in a crossover, single-blind study. The participants tested five types of groats (a 240-kcal portion for 180 min). The highest satiety was determined for oat groats and barley groats. The correlation analysis indicated that the satiety of the examined groats was correlated to the highest extent with the content of dietary fiber and hydration degree. Studies showed that the key role in the regulation of satiety could be played by the presence of soluble dietary fiber (SDF). The results of the study indicated that all studied types of groats are a good source of high satiety food. Due to their high satiety value, groats should be used in the prevention and dietary treatment of people with excess body weight.