Abstract: Fruit juices play important roles in human health as
being a key part of nutrition. Juice and nectar are two categories of
drinks with so many variations for consumers, regardless of age,
lifestyle and taste preferences, which they can find their favorites.
Juices contain 100% pulp when pulp content of ‘nectar’ changes
between 25%-50%. In this study, potassium (K), magnesium (Mg),
and phosphorus (P) contents in orange juice and nectar is determined
for conscious consumption. For this purpose inductively coupled
plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) is used to find out
potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), and phosphorus (P) contents in
orange juices and nectar. Furthermore, the daily intake of elements
from orange juice and nectar that affects human health is also
investigated. From the results of experiments K, Mg and P contents
are found in orange juice as 1351; 73,25; 89,27 ppm and in orange
nectar as 986; 33,76; 51,30 respectively.
Abstract: The strawberry tree (Arbutus unedo L.) is a small tree
or shrub from botanical Ericaceae family that grows spontaneously
nearby the Mediterranean basin and produce edible red fruits. A
traditional processed fruit application, in Mediterranean countries, is
the production of a spirit (known as aguardente de medronho, in
Portugal) obtained from the fermented fruit. The main objective of
our study was to contribute to the knowledge about the influence of
the degree of maturation of fruits in the volatile composition and
quality of arbutus spirit. The major volatiles in the three distillates
fractions (head, heart and tail) obtained from fermentation of two
different fruit maturation levels were quantified by GC-FID analysis
and ANOVA one-way was performed. Additionally, the total
antioxidant capacity and total phenolic compounds of both arbutus
fruit spirits were determined, by ABTS and Folin-Ciocalteau method,
respectively. The methanol concentration is higher (1022.39 g/hL
a.a.) in the spirit made from fruits with highest total soluble solids,
which is a value above the legal limit (1000 g/hL a.a.). Overall, our
study emphasizes, for the first time, the influence of maturation
degree of arbutus fruits in the spirit volatile composition and quality.
Abstract: The quality and condition of perishable products
delivered to the market and their subsequent selling prices are
directly affected by the care taken during harvesting and handling.
Mechanical injury, in fact, occurs at all stages, from pre-harvest
operations through post-harvest handling, packing and transport to
the market. The main implications of this damage are the reduction of
the product’s quality and economical losses related to the shelf life
diminution. For most perishable products, the shelf life is relatively
short and it is typically dictated by microbial growth related to the
application of dynamic and static loads during transportation. This
paper presents the correlation between vibration levels and
microbiological growth on strawberries and woodland strawberries
and detects the presence of volatile organic compounds (VOC) in
order to develop an intelligent logistic unit capable of monitoring
VOCs using a specific sensor system. Fresh fruits were exposed to
vibrations by means of a vibrating table in a temperature-controlled
environment. Microbiological analyses were conducted on samples,
taken at different positions along the column of the crates. The values
obtained were compared with control samples not exposed to
vibrations and the results show that different positions along the
column influence the development of bacteria, yeasts and filamentous
fungi.
Abstract: Phelipanche ramosa is the most damaging obligate
flowering parasitic weed on wide species of cultivated plants. The
semi-arid regions of the world are considered the main centers of this
parasitic plant that causes heavy infestation. This is due to its
production of high numbers of seeds (up to 200,000) that remain
viable for extended periods (up to 20 years). In this study, 13
treatments for the control of Phelipanche were carried out, which
included agronomic, chemical, and biological treatments and the use
of resistant plant methods. In 2014, a trial was performed at the
Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of
Foggia (southern Italy), on processing tomato (cv ‘Docet’) grown in
pots filled with soil taken from a field that was heavily infested by P.
ramosa). The tomato seedlings were transplanted on May 8, 2014,
into a sandy-clay soil (USDA). A randomized block design with 3
replicates (pots) was adopted. During the growing cycle of the
tomato, at 70, 75, 81 and 88 days after transplantation, the number of
P. ramosa shoots emerged in each pot was determined. The tomato
fruit were harvested on August 8, 2014, and the quantitative and
qualitative parameters were determined. All of the data were
subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) using the JMP software
(SAS Institute Inc. Cary, NC, USA), and for comparisons of means
(Tukey's tests). The data show that each treatment studied did not
provide complete control against P. ramosa. However, the virulence
of the attacks was mitigated by some of the treatments tried: radicon
biostimulant, compost activated with Fusarium, mineral fertilizer
nitrogen, sulfur, enzone, and the resistant tomato genotype. It is
assumed that these effects can be improved by combining some of
these treatments with each other, especially for a gradual and
continuing reduction of the “seed bank” of the parasite in the soil.
Abstract: Pedagogy has always been open to other disciplines
that reflect about the educational process (philosophy, sociology,
psychology, anthropology, technology, etc.). Its interdisciplinary
openness puts education, as the subject of pedagogy within a broader
context of the community, enabling the knowledge of other
disciplines to contribute to a better understanding of the fundamental
pedagogical notion of education. The purpose of pedagogy as a
science serves humans, strives towards humans, must be for humans,
and this is its ultimate goal. Humans are essentially dependent on
education, which is also considered as a category of humans’ being,
because through education an entire world develops in humans.
Anthropological assumptions of humans as "deficient beings" see the
solution in education, but they also indicate a wealth of shortcomings,
because they provide an opportunity for enrichment and formation of
culture, living and the self. In that context, this paper illustrates the
determination of pedagogy through an anthropological conception of
humans and the phenomenon of education. It presents a review of
anthropological ideas about education, by providing an analysis of
relevant literature dealing with the anthropological notion of humans,
which provides fruitful conditions for a pedagogical reconsideration
of education.
Abstract: Analysis of the properties of coconut (Cocos nucifera)
and its oil was evaluated in this work using standard analytical
techniques. The analyses carried out include proximate composition
of the fruit, extraction of oil from the fruit using different process
parameters and physicochemical analysis of the extracted oil. The
results showed the percentage (%) moisture, crude lipid, crude
protein, ash and carbohydrate content of the coconut as 7.59, 55.15,
5.65, 7.35 and 19.51 respectively. The oil from the coconut fruit was
odourless and yellowish liquid at room temperature (30oC). The
treatment combinations used (leaching time, leaching temperature
and solute: solvent ratio) showed significant differences (P
Abstract: The aim of research was to define the relations
between volatile compounds, some parameters (pH, titratable acidity
(TA), total soluble solid (TSS), lactic acid bacteria count) and
consumer preference of commercial fermented milks. These relations
tend to be used for controlling and developing new fermented milk
product. Three leading commercial brands of fermented milks in
Thailand were evaluated by consumers (n=71) using hedonic scale
for four attributes (sweetness, sourness, flavour, and overall liking),
volatile compounds using headspace-solid phase microextraction
(HS-SPME) GC-MS, pH, TA, TSS and LAB count. Then the
relations were analyzed by principal component analysis (PCA). The
PCA data showed that all of four attributes liking scores were related
to each other. They were also related to TA, TSS and volatile
compounds. The related volatile compounds were mainly on
fermented produced compounds including acetic acid, furanmethanol,
furfural, octanoic acid and the volatiles known as artificial fruit
flavour (beta pinene, limonene, vanillin, and ethyl vanillin). These
compounds were provided the information about flavour addition in
commercial fermented milk in Thailand.
Abstract: Waxapple (Syzygium samarngense Merr.et Perry) is an
important tropical fruit in Taiwan. The famous producing area is
located on the coast in Pingtung County. Land subsidence and climate
change will tend to soil alkalization more seriously. This study was to
evaluate the effects of NaCl in waxapple seedlings. NaCl salinity
reduced waxapple shoot growth; it may due to reducing relative water
content in leaf and new shoot. Leaf Cl and Na concentration were
increased but K, Ca, and Mg content had no significant difference after
irrigated with NaCl for six weeks. In roots, Na and Cl content increase
significantly with 90 mM NaCl treatment, but K, Ca, and Mg content
was reduced. 30-90mM Nacl treatment do not effect K/Na, Ca/Na and
Mg/Na ratio, but decrease significantly in 90mM treatment in roots.
The leaf and root electrolyte leakage were significantly affected by 90
mM NaCl treatment. Suggesting 90mM was optimum concentration
for sieve out other tolerance waxapples verities.
Abstract: A collection of thirty cultivars/clones of a red pitaya
was used to investigate flowering response to lighting
supplementation in the winter season of 2013-2014 in southern
Taiwan. The night-breaking treatment was conducted during the
period of 10 Oct. 2013 to 5 Mar. 2014 with 4-continuous hours
(22.00 – 02.00 hrs) of additional lighting daily using incandescent
bulbs (100W). Among cultivars and clones tested, twenty-three
genotypes, most belonging to the red-magenta flesh type, were found
to have positively flowering response to the lighting treatment. The
duration of night-breaking treatment for successful flowering
initiation varied from 33- 48 days. The lighting-sensitive genotypes
bore 1-2 flowering flushes. Floral and fruiting stages took 21-26 and
46-59 days, respectively. Among sixteen fruiting genotypes, the
highest fruit set rates were found in Damao 9, D4, D13, Chaozou
large, Chaozhou 5, Small Nick and F22. Five cultivars and clones
(Orejona, D4, Chaozhou large, Chaozhou 5 and Small Nick) produced
fruits with an average weight of more than 300 g per fruit which were
higher than those of the fruits formed in the summer of 2013. Fruits
produced during off-season containing total soluble solids (TSS)
from 17.5 to 20.7oBrix, which were higher than those produced inseason.
Abstract: Bio-composites derived from plant fiber and/or bioderived
polymer, are likely more ecofriendly and demonstrate
competitive performance with petroleum based composites. In this
research, the bio phenol-formaldehyde (bio-PF) was used as a matrix
and oil palm empty fruit bunch fiber (EFB) as reinforcement. The
matrix was synthesized via liquefaction and condensation to enhance
the combination of phenol and formaldehyde, during the process.
Then, the bio-PF was mixed with different percentage of EFB (5%,
10%, 15% and 20%) and molded at 180oC. The samples that viewed
under scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed an excellent
wettability and interaction between EFB and matrix. Samples of 10%
EFB gave the optimum properties of impact and hardness meanwhile
sample 15% of EFB gave the highest reading of flexural modulus
(MOE) and flexural strength (MOR). For thermal stability analysis, it
was found that the weight loss and the activation energy (Ea) of the
bio-composites samples were decreased as the filler content
increased.
Abstract: In this study, composites were fabricated from oil
palm empty fruit bunch fiber and poly(lactic) acid by extrusion
followed by injection moulding. Surface of the fiber was pre-treated
by ultrasound in an alkali medium and treatment efficiency was
investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis and
Fourier transforms infrared spectrometer (FTIR). Effect of fiber
treatment on composite was characterized by tensile strength (TS),
tensile modulus (TM) and impact strength (IS). Furthermore,
biostrong impact modifier was incorporated into the treated fiber
composite to improve its impact properties. Mechanical testing
showed an improvement of up to 23.5% and 33.6% respectively for
TS and TM of treated fiber composite above untreated fiber
composite. On the other hand incorporation of impact modifier led to
enhancement of about 20% above the initial IS of the treated fiber
composite.
Abstract: In recent years, the compression of date (Phoenix
dactylifera L.) fruit powders (DP) to obtain date tablets (DT) has
been suggested as a promising form of valorization of non
commercial valuable date fruit (DF) varieties. To further improve
and characterize DT, the present study aims to investigate the
influence of the DP particle size and compression force on some
physical properties of DT. The results show that independently of
particle size, the hardness (y) of tablets increases with the increase of
the compression force (x) following a logarithmic law (y = a ln (bx)
where a and b are the constants of model). Further, a full factorial
design (FFD) at two levels, applied to investigate the erosion %,
reveals that the effects of time and particle size are the same in
absolute value and they are beyond the effect of the compression.
Regarding the disintegration time, the obtained results also by means
of a FFD show that the effect of the compression force exceeds 4
times that of the DP particle size. As final stage, the color parameters
in the CIELab system of DT immediately after their obtaining are
differently influenced by the size of the initial powder.
Abstract: The tomato is a very important crop, whose
cultivation in the Mediterranean basin is severely affected by the
phytoparasitic weed Phelipanche ramosa. The semiarid regions of
the world are considered the main areas where this parasitic weed is
established causing heavy infestation as it is able to produce high
numbers of seeds (up to 500,000 per plant), which remain viable for
extended period (more than 20 years). In this paper the results
obtained from eleven treatments in order to control this parasitic
weed including chemical, agronomic, biological and biotechnological
methods compared with the untreated test under two plowing depths
(30 and 50 cm) are reported. The split-plot design with 3 replicates
was adopted. In 2014 a trial was performed in Foggia province
(southern Italy) on processing tomato (cv Docet) grown in the field
infested by Phelipanche ramosa. Tomato seedlings were transplant
on May 5, on a clay-loam soil. During the growing cycle of the
tomato crop, at 56-78 and 92 days after transplantation, the number
of parasitic shoots emerged in each plot was detected. At tomato
harvesting, on August 18, the major quantity-quality yield parameters
were determined (marketable yield, mean weight, dry matter, pH,
soluble solids and color of fruits). All data were subjected to analysis
of variance (ANOVA) and the means were compared by Tukey's test.
Each treatment studied did not provide complete control against
Phelipanche ramosa. However, among the different methods tested,
some of them which Fusarium, gliphosate, radicon biostimulant and
Red Setter tomato cv (improved genotypes obtained by Tilling
technology) under deeper plowing (50 cm depth) proved to mitigate
the virulence of the Phelipanche ramose attacks. It is assumed that
these effects can be improved combining some of these treatments
each other, especially for a gradual and continuing reduction of the
“seed bank” of the parasite in the soil.
Abstract: In this study, microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) was
extracted from oil palm empty fruit bunch (EFB) cellulose which was
earlier isolated from oil palm EFB fibre. In order to isolate the
cellulose, the chlorination method was carried out. Then, the MCC
was prepared by simultaneous ultrasonic and alkali treatment from
the isolated α-cellulose. Based on mass balance calculation, the yields
for MCC obtained from EFB was 44%. For fiber characterization, it
is observed that the chemical composition of the hemicellulose and
lignin for all samples decreased while composition for cellulose
increased. The structural property of the MCC was studied by X-ray
diffraction (XRD) method and the result shows that the MCC
produced is a cellulose-I polymorph, with 73% crystallinity.
Abstract: Aim of this work was to study the genetic basis for oil
accumulation in olive fruit via tracking DGAT2 (Diacylglycerol
acyltransferase type-2) gene in three Egyptian Origen Olive cultivars
namely Toffahi, Hamed and Maraki using molecular marker
techniques and bioinformatics tools. Results illustrate that, firstly:
specific genomic band of Maraki cultivars was identified as DGAT2
(Diacylglycerol acyltransferase type-2) and identical for this gene in
Olea europaea with 100% of similarity. Secondly, differential
genomic band of Maraki cultivars which produced from RAPD
fingerprinting technique reflected predicted distinguished sequence
which identified as DGAT2 (Diacylglycerol acyltransferase type-2)
in Fragaria vesca subsp. Vesca with 76% of sequential similarity.
Third and finally, specific genomic specific band of Hamed cultivars
was identified as two fragments, 1- Olea europaea cultivar Koroneiki
diacylglycerol acyltransferase type 2 mRNA, complete cds with two
matches regions with 99% or 2- Predicted: Fragaria vesca subsp.
vesca diacylglycerol O-acyltransferase 2-like (LOC101313050),
mRNA with 86 % of similarity.
Abstract: The postharvest quality management of tomatoes is
important to limit the amount of losses that occur due to deterioration
between harvest and consumption. This study was undertaken to
investigate the effects of pre- and postharvest integrated agrotechnologies,
involving greenhouse microclimate and postharvest
storage conditions, on the postharvest quality attributes of four
tomato cultivars. Tomato fruit firmness, colour (hue angle (h°) and
L* value), pH and total soluble solids for the cultivars Bona,
Star 9037, Star 9009 and Zeal, grown in a fan-pad evaporativelycooled
and an open-ended naturally-ventilated tunnel, were harvested
at the mature-green stage. The tomatoes were stored for 28 days
under cold storage conditions, with a temperature of 13°C and RH of
85%, and under ambient air conditions, with a temperature of 23±
2°C and RH of 52± 4%. This study has provided information on the
effect of integrated pre-harvest and postharvest agro-technologies,
involving greenhouse microclimate and postharvest storage
environment on the postharvest quality attributes of four of the
tomato cultivars in South Africa. NVT-grown tomatoes retained
better textural qualities, but ripened faster by changing from green to
red faster, although these were reduced under cold storage conditions.
FPVT-grown tomatoes had lower firmness, but ripened slowly with
higher colour attributes. With cold storage conditions, the firmness of
FPVT-grown tomatoes was maintained. Cultivar Bona firmness and
colour qualities depreciated the fastest, but it had higher TSS content
and lower pH values. Star 9009 and Star 9037 presented better
quality, by retaining higher firmness and ripening slowly, but they
had the lowest TSS contents and high pH values, especially
Star 9037. Cold storage improved the firmness of tomato cultivars
with poor textural quality and faster colour changes.
Abstract: Kigelia africana (Lam.) Benth. (Bignoniaceae) is a
reputed traditional remedy for various human ailments such as skin
diseases, microbial infections, melanoma, stomach troubles,
metabolic disorders, malaria and general pains. In spite of the fruit
being widely used for purposes related to its antibacterial and
antifungal properties, the chemical constituents associated with the
activity have not been fully identified. To elucidate the active
principles, we evaluated the antimicrobial activity of fruit extracts
and purified fractions against Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus
faecalis, Moraxella catarrhalis, Escherichia coli, Candida albicans
and Candida tropicalis. Shade-dried fruits were powdered and
extracted with hydroalcoholic (1:1) mixture by soaking at room
temperature for 72 h. The crude extract was further fractionated by
column chromatography, with successive elution using hexane,
dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, acetone and methanol. The
dichloromethane and ethyl acetate fractions were combined and
subjected to column chromatography to furnish a wax and oil from
the eluates of 20% and 40% ethyl acetate in hexane, respectively. The
GC-MS and GC×GC-MS results revealed that linoleic acid, linolenic
acid, palmitic acid, arachidic acid and stearic acid were the major
constituents in both oil and wax. The crude hydroalcoholic extract
exhibited the strongest activity with MICs of 0.125-0.5 mg/mL,
followed by the ethyl acetate (MICs = 0.125-1.0 mg/mL),
dichloromethane (MICs = 0.250-2.0 mg/mL), hexane (MICs = 0.25-
2.0 mg/mL), acetone (MICs = 0.5-2.0 mg/mL) and methanol (MICs =
1.0-2.0 mg/mL), whereas the wax (MICs = 2.0-4.0 mg/mL) and oil
(MICs = 4.0-8.0 mg/mL) showed poor activity. The study concludes
that synergistic interactions of chemical constituents could be
responsible for the antimicrobial activity of K. africana fruits, which
needs a more holistic approach to understand the mechanism of its
antimicrobial activity.
Abstract: The aim of this paper is to trace the historical
development of the accounting profession in Libya, in order to
identify challenges facing the profession as the country moves from a
closed to emerging economy. The study is based on a literature
review and archival research. Accounting information has a vital role
to play in the achievement of economic goals in developing and
emerging economies, but a well qualified accounting profession is
required. In the context of institutional instability and unique cultural
factors, the accounting profession in Libya faces educational and
legal challenges if it is to achieve its potential in assisting the country
to reach its economic goals. This study focuses on one country,
which does limit its generalisability. However, it also suggests
fruitful research areas in considering the impact and challenge of
historic factors on the accounting profession in emerging economies.
Centrally planned economies require a body of well trained
professional accountants if they are to emerge onto the global
economic arena. Studies on the accounting profession have focused
primarily on those in developed economies, where the need for
meaningful accounting information for decision making is taken for
granted and there is a well trained, professional workforce. This study
of the profession in an emerging economy highlights the efforts that
will be needed to ensure the contribution of the profession to the
economic wellbeing of other emerging economies.
Abstract: Mech-Degla, Degla-Beida and Frezza are the date
(Phoenix dactylifera L.) common varieties with a more or less good
availability and feeble trade value. Some morphologic and
physicochemical factors were determined. Results show that the
whole date weight is significantly different (P= 95%) concerning
Mech-Degla and Degla-Beida which are more commercialized than
Frezza whereas the pulp mass proportion in relation to whole fruits is
highest for Frezza (88.28%). Moreover, there is a large variability
concerning the weights and densities of constitutive tissues in each
variety. The white tissue is dominant in Mech-Degla in opposite to
the two other varieties. The variance analyze showed that the
difference in weights between brown and white tissues is significant
(P = 95%) for all studied varieties. Some other morphologic and
chemical proprieties of the whole pulps and their two constitutive
parts (brown or pigmented and white) are also investigated. The
predominance of phenolics in Mech-Degla (4.01g/100g, w.b) and
Frezza (4.96 g/100g, w.b) pulps brown part is the main result
revealed in this study.
Abstract: Heavy metals are one of the major groups of
contaminants in the environment and many of them are toxic even at
very low concentration in plants and animals. However, some metals
play important roles in the biological function of many enzymes in
living organisms. Metals such as zinc, iron, and cooper are important
for survival and activity of enzymes in plants, however heavy metals
can inhibit enzyme which is responsible for defense system of plants.
Polyphenol oxidase (PPO) is a copper-containing metalloenzyme
which is responsible for enzymatic browning reaction of plants.
Enzymatic browning is a major problem for the handling of
vegetables and fruits in food industry. It can be increased and
effected with many different futures such as metals in the nature and
ground. In the present work, PPO was isolated and characterized
from green leaves of red poppy plant (Papaverr hoeas). Then, the
effect of some known antibrowning agents which can form
complexes with metals and metals were investigated on the red poppy
PPO activity. The results showed that glutathione was the most
potent inhibitory effect on PPO activity. Cu(II) and Fe(II) metals
increased the enzyme activities however, Sn(II) had the maximum
inhibitory effect and Zn(II) and Pb(II) had no significant effect on the
enzyme activity. In order to reduce the effect of heavy metals, the
effects of metal-antibrowning agent complexes on the PPO activity
were determined. EDTA and metal complexes had no significant
effect on the enzyme. L-ascorbic acid and metal complexes decreased
but L-ascorbic acid-Cu(II)-complex had no effect. Glutathione–metal
complexes had the best inhibitory effect on Red poppy leaf PPO
activity.