Status of resistance to phosphine in insect pests of stored products in Vietnam

In response to numerous reports of failures to control insect pests of stored products with phosphine in Vietnam, a national survey for resistance to this key fumigant was undertaken in 2009–2011. Data from a more limited survey undertaken by the authors in 2002 in northern Vietnam are also presented. Samples collected in the 2002 survey (Sitophilus oryzae, n=8; Tribolium castaneum, n=8) were tested using a full dose- response assay, while for the 2009–11 survey, F1 generations were tested for resistance with two discriminating dosages of phosphine to detect frequency of weak and strong resistance phenotypes. Compared with a susceptible reference strain, in 2002, resistance to phosphine was indicated in six T. castaneum samples but only two of S. oryzae. Resistance factor, however, did not exceed 2.8-fold in T. castaneum and 1.7 in S. oryzae indicating relatively low frequency and weak expression of resistance. In 2009–11 survey, 176 samples were collected from a range of food and feed storages along the supply chain and from all major regions of Vietnam (125 sites). Rhyzopertha dominica and S. oryzae were the most common species found infesting stored commodities. Resistance was detected at high frequency in all the species. Weak and strong resistance phenotype frequencies were, respectively: Cryptolestes ferrugineus (37 and 58%, n=19), R. dominica (1.5 and 97%, n=65), S. oryzae (34 and 59%, n=82) and T. castaneum (70 and 30%, n=10). Strong resistance phenotype was detected in all the major regions and all parts of the supply chain but frequency was the highest in central storages and animal feed establishments. The increase in frequency and strength of resistance to phosphine in the eight years between the two surveys has been rapid and dramatic. The survey demonstrates the threat of resistance to grain protection in Vietnam and highlights the need for training of fumigators, and the development and adoption of phosphine resistance management tactics nationally.

Disclosing effects of tobacco smoke on occupationally exposed workers at Lisbon restaurants

This study represents a global assessment of IAQ in Lisbon smoking entertainment places and health effects on exposed workers. Most importantly, it may contribute to the better understanding of pathogenesis mechanisms due to SHS exposure. In addition it may lead to the discovery of specific biomarkers for occupational SHS-exposure that might precede respiratory diseases on their employees and promote more effective therapies.

Spectra and Laplacian spectra of arbitrary powers of lexicographic products of graphs

Consider two graphs G and H. Let H^k[G] be the lexicographic product of H^k and G, where H^k is the lexicographic product of the graph H by itself k times. In this paper, we determine the spectrum of H^k[G]H and H^k when G and H are regular and the Laplacian spectrum of H^k[G] and H^k for G and H arbitrary. Particular emphasis is given to the least eigenvalue of the adjacency matrix in the case of lexicographic powers of regular graphs, and to the algebraic connectivity and the largest Laplacian eigenvalues in the case of lexicographic powers of arbitrary graphs. This approach allows the determination of the spectrum (in case of regular graphs) and Laplacian spectrum (for arbitrary graphs) of huge graphs. As an example, the spectrum of the lexicographic power of the Petersen graph with the googol number (that is, 10^100 ) of vertices is determined. The paper finishes with the extension of some well known spectral and combinatorial invariant properties of graphs to its lexicographic powers.

Electronic Packaging of Paper-Based Anisotropic Magnetoresistive Sensors

This report investigates adaptations of electronic packaging methods used to create stacks of these sensors. Four methods were developed and tested to determine the best option in terms of mechanical stability and electrical conductivity of the system. For the first method, a stack is created by way of through paper vias (TPVs), a hole that is cut in the pads of the sensors and then filled with electrically conductive adhesive through the openings on the two sensors to be joined. The second method is called mechanical caulking and connects sensors through pads which have been lined with copper tape backed with conductive adhesive. The connection is created with a small copper rivet which is flattened in place by compressive force. The third method is the stitching method which is inspired by sewing of fabric. A pattern of thin copper wire is stitched on the pad of a sensor that is lined with copper tape backed with conductive adhesive. The wire is then stitched through a second sensor that is treated similarly with copper tape and the stack receives the same pattern through the two layers as was applied to the first sensor alone. The final method is the collapsed daisy chain which is the linear connection of sensors to their neighboring sensors via copper tape backed with conductive adhesive. The row of sensors is then collapsed in an alternating orientation into a single stack.

Nutritional and chemical characterization of food products enriched with biological produced fruits of Vaccinum myrtillus L

Vaccinum myrtillus L. belongs to Ericaceae family, being commonly known for its sweet small fruits: the blueberries. Widely consumed in fresh, these fruits are also used in jams and marmalades due to their digestive and hypoglycemic properties and also due to the presence of several bioactive compounds [!]. Therefore, it has become a very appealing matrix in the development of functional products that, beyond their nutritional properties, will add a long-term beneficial physiological/health effect [2]. In the present work, three novel blueberry based products developed by RBR Foods Company (Portugal), were characterized in terms of their nutritional and chemical properties: carbohydrates, ash, proteins, fat and energetic value (following official methods of food analysis), fatty acids profile (by CG-FID), soluble sugars (by HPLCRI), organic acids (by HPLC-DAD) and tocopherols (by HPLC-fluorescence). The products result from a mixture of the fruits with rose petals (PI), marigold petals (P2) and apple and goji berries (P3). The blueberry fruits were used as control sample. The nutritional profile of the novel products was very similar to the control sample: the carbohydrates were the most abundant macronutrient, followed by proteins and total fat. Regarding sugars, fructose, glucose and sucrose were identified in all the samples. P 1 and P2 didn't show significant differences in comparison to the control, however, P3 revealed a lower concentration of sugars. In terms of fatty acids composition, all the studied samples presented higher contents in polyunsaturated fatty acids, especially due to the contribution of linoleic and alinolenic acids. The results of tocopherols revealed that the control sample only presented two isoforrns of tocopherols, a- and y-tocopherol, being the same observed in P3. However, P 1 revealed the presence of all the isoforrns of tocopherols, while P2 was lacking otocopherol; which is related with the contribution of rose and marigold petals, respectively. The a-tocopherol isoforrn was the most abundant in all the studied samples. Overall, this work contributed to the nutritional characterization of novel blueberry based products and is a part of a wider project that aims the detailed study of these products, namely their potential to be used as functional foods.

Refrigeration needs for sustainable preservation of horticultural products

Fresh horticultural products are highly perishable and need refrigeration for further preservation. Refrigeration needs energy consumption with consequent economical cost and damage for the environment. The objective of the present work was to use efficiently the refrigeration according to the product needs and time for consumption. Salicornia ramosissima and Sarcocornia perennis fresh branch tips, which are used for fresh salads, were stored at 1, 4 and 9 °C for up to 21 days. In both species, fresh tips were of good consumer acceptability for up to 14 days at 9°C. At 1 and 4 °C fresh tips could be stored in good conditions up to 21 days. For efficient use of energy in refrigeration of fresh salicornia and sarcocornia we conclude that if it is to put those products in the market earlier we can use the higher temperature for storage saving energy. Only for further storage we shall use the lower temperatures.

Refrigeration needs for sustainable preservation of horticultural products

Fresh horticultural products are highly perishable and need refrigeration for further preservation. Refrigeration needs energy consumption with consequent economical cost and damage for the environment. The objective of the present work was to use efficiently the refrigeration according to the product needs and time for consumption. Salicornia ramosissima and Sarcocornia perennis fresh branch tips, which are used for fresh salads, were stored at 1, 4 and 9 °C for up to 21 days. In both species, fresh tips were of good consumer acceptability for up to 14 days at 9°C. At 1 and 4 °C fresh tips could be stored in good conditions up to 21 days. For efficient use of energy in refrigeration of fresh salicornia and sarcocornia we conclude that if it is to put those products in the market earlier we can use the higher temperature for storage saving energy. Only for further storage we shall use the lower temperatures.

Tannins in Ruminant Nutrition: Impact on Animal Performance and Quality of Edible Products

Tannins are widespread throughout the plant kingdom, occurring as hydrolysable and condensed tannins and at different levels in several animal feeding sources. Recent years have seen an increasing interest in the use of tannin-rich plants and plant extracts in ruminant diets for improving the quality of their edible products. Some results show that this strategy is effective in improving the fatty acid profile of meat and milk, increasing the level of health-beneficial fatty acids as well as enhancing the oxidative stability of the products. However, the use of tannin-rich feed in animal diets requires great care, due to its possible detrimental effects on animal performance and induction of metabolic disorders. Although promising, the results of studies on the effects of tannins on animal performance and quality of their products are still controversial, probably depending on type and chemical structure of tannins, amount ingested, composition of diet, and species of animal. In this chapter, the current knowledge regarding the effect of dietary tannins on animal performance and the quality of their products (meat and milk), particularly on the fatty acid profile, oxidative stability, and organoleptic properties, is reviewed. The tannin chemistry diversity and its occurrence in ruminant diets, as well as its beneficial and adverse effects on ruminants, will be briefly reviewed, and aspects related to oral cavity physiology, saliva production/composition, and postingestive effects will also be discussed.

Impacto das campanhas publicitárias contra o tabagismo no comportamento do consumidor

Todos os anos, milhares de pessoas morrem vítimas de doenças causadas pelo consumo de produtos derivados do tabaco, este é considerado a principal causa de morte evitável. O tabaco também colabora com as seis das oito principais causas de mortes entre fumantes e não fumantes a nível mundial. Algumas medidas governamentais como as campanhas publicitárias antitabagistas, buscam alertar, conscientizar e mudar o pensamento e o interesse coletivo neste tipo de produto e consequentemente, diminuir a taxa de consumo. Avaliar se as crenças, pensamentos e atitudes dos brasileiros são influenciados por este tipo de publicidade e se o comportamento relacionado a não fumar ou deixar de fumar é uma consequência da persuasão das mensagens antitabagistas, ajudam a conhecer o real impacto destas campanhas e sua eficácia. Através dos métodos de investigação quantitativo e qualitativo e das análises extensiva e semiótica, a pesquisa inquiriu 272 indivíduos brasileiros à respeito das advertências sanitárias e das campanhas publicitárias antitabagistas, classificando-os como não fumantes, ex-fumantes e fumantes, identificando os elementos visuais e textuais que compõem a narrativa publicitária de 5 anúncios antitabagistas. Após a análise, a pesquisa concluiu que as campanhas publicitárias coordenadas pelo INCA – Instituto Nacional de Câncer, denominadas campanhas antitabagistas, são eficazes para alertar e conscientizar os indivíduos sobre os males causados pelo consumo do cigarro mas ineficazes para influenciar suas atitudes e comportamentos. Embora estas consigam persuadir à crença nas mensagens, fazendo com que os indivíduos as vejam como verdadeira, isto não é suficiente para que a intenção de deixar de fumar torne-se um ato prático. Todos os anúncios possuem o mesmo formato e a maioria utilizou o mesmo percurso visual, equilíbrio, enquadramento, luz, ângulo e função do personagem. Todos possuem textos com funções identificadora, ancoragem e apoio e a narrativa conota o cigarro como algo negativo, prejudicial, mortífero e destruidor.

Effet du prix des cigarettes et de l’exposition à la publicité en faveur du tabac sur le tabagisme des adolescents d’Amérique du Sud

L’épidémie de tabagisme est responsable de la mort de millions de personnes et malgré cela, la consommation mondiale de produits du tabac ne cesse d’augmenter. La majorité des fumeurs vivent aujourd’hui dans les pays à revenu faible et intermédiaire, et les maladies non-transmissibles liées au tabac représentent un important fardeau pour ces systèmes de santé. L’Amérique du Sud n’y échappe pas et un fait très préoccupant est certainement la prévalence élevée chez les adolescents de cette région. La présente étude visait à évaluer l’effet du prix des cigarettes et de l’exposition à la publicité en faveur du tabac sur le tabagisme des adolescents d’Amérique du Sud, et ce à partir des données du Global Youth Tobacco Survey. Les niveaux d’exposition à la publicité et les prix auto-déclarés ont été utilisés pour modéliser ces relations, et les comportements tabagiques étudiés étaient l’expérimentation, la participation et la consommation. L’échantillon total comprenait 134 073 répondants provenant de 12 pays. Les résultats de l’étude ont montré que l’exposition à la publicité en faveur du tabac avait un effet positif sur le tabagisme des adolescents, mais contrairement au consensus établi dans la littérature, la relation négative entre le prix des cigarettes et le tabagisme n’a pas été observée de façon convaincante. Des lacunes inhérentes à la base de données utilisée pourraient expliquer ces résultats inattendus, et certains éléments méthodologiques du sondage sont remis en question.

Avaliação das barreiras à inovação em sistemas de embalagens que visam a redução do desperdício/perda de carne bovina in natura

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Swedish Match : En kvalitativ studie om butikskonceptet

Title: Swedish Match-En kvalitativ studie om butikskonceptet  Author: Adam Waernér/Erik Rehnberg  Supervisor: Jonas Jonasson  Key Words: Communication, Branding, Culture, PR, Advertisement  Purpose: The purpose of this research is to understand the background of the launch of Swedish Match´s stores. Because of the strict laws against marketing of tobacco products in Sweden, we believe that the stores are an interesting way of approaching a new branding and communication strategy in the tobacco industry.  Research questions: What´s the background to the launch of Swedish Match Stores? What´s the stores impact on Swedish Match image? How do Swedish Match Stores impact the cultural status of snus? In what ways do the cultural trends impact the snus market?  Theory: In this study we have applied theories concerning culture, communication, branding, PR and advertisement. Methodology: We have chosen to apply a qualitative method on this research. The method consists of three different methods: one focus group, one observation study which consists of two different observations both in the Gothenburg store and the store in Stockholm, the last method is an online interview with the public relations officer of Swedish Match in Sweden. Because of the chosen method´s we hope to bring three different perspectives to the  study: From the customers perspective, from our own perspective and finally from the company´s perspective.  Findings: Through this research we discovered that the stores do not only work as a communication strategy for Swedish Match. The store as a phenomenon also works in the aspect of branding, PR and also gives a higher cultural status to snus. Through our own observation and the focus group we came to the conclusion that the stores in terms of image of Swedish Match implements a cultural aspect of swedishness to the company, as well as a more modern and new take on snus. We also came to the conclusion that snus is a cultural phenomenon that is impacted of other contemporary trends, such as gastronomic trends and the increased popularity of small scale exclusivity.

A submission to the Tasmanian Department of Health and Human Services consultation “Healthy Tasmania Five Year Strategic Plan”

This submission will address a number of questions raised in section 5.2, “Potential Future Initiatives to target smoking”, of the Healthy Tasmania Five Year Strategic Plan – Community Consultation Draft. Each question has been answered within this submission. This submission will also address the possibility of legal challenges to these proposed changes, a pivotal consideration when implementing any tobacco control laws. This is due to the aggressive nature of the tobacco industry, as illustrated by their attempts to challenge plain packaging laws in the country and through international treaties. The evidence provided in my submission illustrates that prevention of initiation of smoking during adolescence has various benefits in terms of reduction of negative smoking behaviors in later life. I argue that increasing the minimum legal age of purchasing for tobacco to 21 will benefit both the levels of underage smoking as well as the age of onset of initiation of smoking, due to the greater difficulties that those who are underage would experience in accessing tobacco products. I will also address the question of whether the minimum smoking age should be increased to 25.

Shelf-life of rotary and solar tunnel dried SIS products under different packaging and storage conditions

A study was conducted on the shelf-life of rotary and solar tunnel dried SIS products under different packaging and storage conditions. Organoleptically dried products were found in good condition after a storage period of 60 days in ambient and chilled conditions. The moisture content, TVB-N value and bacterial load slightly increased during 60 days of storage in ambient and chilled conditions. The changes in moisture content and bacterial load were faster in ambient temperature than in chilled storage condition whereas changes in TVB-N value was higher in chilled condition than in ambient temperature. The initial moisture content was in the range of 13.71% to 22.84%. After 60 days of storage in ambient and chilled condition the moisture content of dried products was in the range of 15.09% to 25.11% and 14.49% to 25.01%, respectively. The initial TVB-N value was in the range of 10.64 to 17.52 mg/100g and after 60 days of storage in ambient and chilled condition, TVB-N value was in the range of 29.00 to 34.82 mg/100g and 31.41 to 39.11 mg/100g, respectively. The initial bacterial load was in the range of 1.91x10 super(8) to 2.84x10 super(8) and after 60 days of storage in ambient and chilled condition, the bacterial load was in the range of 6.2x10 super(8) to 1.8x10 super(9) and 5.75x10 super(7) to 5.05x10 super(8) CFU/g, respectively. The results of the present study indicated that it is necessary to store high quality dried products in sealed packed in chilled condition to ensure good quality up to a certain period of time.

Packaging materials for shrimp, fish and fish products, their properties, selection and effect of different packaging materials on their shelf life

Packaging is important not only in extending the shellife of fish and fishery products but also improving their marketability. In the recent years, significant development have taken place in the packaging industry. During the past decade in India, there is almost a packaging revolution with the availability of variety packaging materials, thus generating better packaging consciousness in other producer/manufacturing industries. But unfortunately, such realisation is not forthcoming in the fisheries sector and packaging techniques for local and export trade continues to be on traditional lines with their inherent drawbacks and limitations. Better packaging ensures improved quality and presentation of the products and ensures higher returns to the producer. Among several packaging materials used in fishery industry, ISI specifications had been formulated only for corrugated fibre board boxes for export of seafoods and froglegs. This standard was formulated before containersiation came into existance in the export of marine products. Before containerisation, the standards were stringent in view of the rough handling, transportation and storage. Two of the common defects reported in the master cartons exported from India are low mechanical strength and tendency to get wet. They are weakened by the deposits of moisture caused by temperature fluctuations during loading, unloading and other handling stages. It is necessary to rectify the above defects in packaging aquatic products and hence in the present study extensive investigations are carried out to find out the reasons for the damage of master cartons, to evolve code of practice for the packaging oi frozen shrimp for exports, development of alternative style of packaging for the shipping container, development of suitable consumer packaging materials for fish soup powder, cured dried mackeral, fish pickles in oil and frozen shrimp. For the development of suitable packaging materials, it is absolutely essential to know the properties of packaging materials, effect of different packaging materials on theirshelf life and their suitability for food contact applications.