Search results for "Elf"

An inter-laboratory comparison to evaluate the suitability of EN 1787 standard to detect irradiation in plant-origin foods with health benefits

2020

Abstract This paper reports the results of a study carried out to verify the applicability of the EN 1787 method, which uses the Electron Spin Resonance (ESR) technique for the identification of irradiated plant-origin foods with health benefits. The method was tested on samples of herbal ingredients of Plant Food Supplements (PFSs), nuts and fresh blueberries. Untreated and irradiated samples of Camellia sinensis (leaves) Ginkgo biloba (leaves), Glycine max (seeds), Silybum marianum (fruits), Vaccinium myrtillus (fruits), almonds, hazelnuts, peanuts, pistachios, walnuts and fresh blueberries were analysed. The work includes an inter-laboratory blind test involving five Italian laboratories…

Factors Affecting Interspecific Aggression in a Year-Round Territorial Species, the Jewel Damselfish

2012

Vertebrates live in complex species networks in which interspecific interactions are common. In some contexts, the aggressive behaviours shown in these interspecific interactions are very similar to those shown in intraspecific interactions. It is still an open question whether intra- and interspecific aggression share common causality. We studied a year-round territorial species the jewel damselfish, (Plectroglyphidodon lacrymatus), which cultivate algae they feed on. Territory holders aggressively defend these algae that are an attractive resource for many other species. In this study, we recorded territorial aggression in free-living individuals and recorded aggressive responses to a sta…

Physical and chemical changes in minimally processed green asparagus during cold-storage

2007

The purpose of this research is to study effects of an innovative packaging method on the shelf-life of minimally processed green asparagus. The physical-chemical parameters analyzed (weight loss, colour, texture, chlorophyll and citric acid), and monitored by untrained panellists during the cold storage period at 6 degrees C, showed that pairing of a semi-permeable film with an adsorbent material and immersion in ascorbic acid solution were able to extend the shelf-life of green asparagus. Also, on the basis of the results obtained, a study of the chlorophyll and toughness degradation kinetics of green asparagus was conducted during cold storage. These data showed the toughening of asparag…

Effects of 1-methylcyclopropene on postharvest quality of white- and yellow-flesh loquat (Eriobotrya japonicaLindl.) fruit

2014

Introduction. The effects of 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) were evaluated on white-flesh cv. Claudia and yellow-flesh cv. Nespolone di Trabia loquat fruit. Materials and methods. Application of 1-MCP ((0.5 to 1) µL⋅L -1 for 20 h)) was monitored at 20 °C (7 days) and 0 °C (7 days at 0 °C and then 7 days at 20 °C). Results. Treatments with 1-MCP slowed fruit softening, depending on the concentration. Softening inhibition was greatest in fruit treated and held at 20 °C. The optimum concentration for softening inhibition at 20 °C was 1µ L ⋅L -1 of 1-MCP, while 0.5 µL⋅L -1 of 1-MCP was more effective at 0 °C. Conclusion. Treatments with 1-MCP inhibited titratable acidity loss in both cultivars. 1…

Effect of Vibration on the Quality of Strawberry Fruits Caused by Simulated Transport

2015

Mechanical damage of agricultural products is one of the main problems in the harvest and postharvest chain due to the large economic loss that the shelf life reduction could generate. Measurements of change in the chemical components of highly perishable products and microbial growth under different static and dynamic loads is the first step in the development of intelligent logistic units that could help in predicting the residual shelf life in order to minimize losses along the supply chain. In our research, the effects of vibration along the supply chain of a case study were analyzed on strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa) and woodland strawberry (Fragaria vesca) in terms of microbiological…

Lampedusa humanitarian emergency in 2011: the case of unaccompanied migrant minors

2012

The purporse of this paper is to highlight the situation of the unaccompanied foreign minors in the Italian legal system, paying special attention to the Lampedusa humanitarian emergency in 2011. The paper examines the legal measures regulating the status of unaccompanied foreign minors in the Italian legal system, in order to understand if they are efficient in giving protection and offering integration to these minors. The papers offers insights into the most vulnerable category of illegal immigrants Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to highlight the situation on the unaccompanied foreign minors in the Italian legal system, paying special attention to the Lampedusa humanitarian emerg…

Self-assembly of monodisperse oligonucleotide-elastin block copolymers into stars and compound micelles.

2010

Saxonagrion minutus nov. gen. et sp., the oldest damselfly from the Upper Permian of France (Odonatoptera, Panodonata, Saxonagrionidae nov. fam.)

1999

Abstract Saxonagrion minutus nov. gen. et sp. was found in the Saxonian (Salagou Formation) of the Lodeve basin. It is the oldest and the first record of the modern infra-order Panodonata in the Palaezoic (Upper Permian of France). The present discovery supports the hypothesis concerning the persistance of many groups of Odonatoptera through the Permo-Triassic boundary.

Effects of Inbreeding, Outbreeding, and Supplemental Pollen on the Reproduction of a Hummingbird-pollinated Clonal Amazonian Herb

2010

Understory herbs are an essential part of tropical rain forests, but little is known about factors limiting their reproduction. Many of these herbs are clonal, patchily distributed, and produce large floral displays of nectar-rich 1-d flowers to attract hummingbird pollinators that may transport pollen over long distances. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of clonality, cross-proximity, and patchy distribution on the reproduction of the hummingbird-pollinated Amazonian herb Heliconia metallica. We experimentally pollinated flowers within populations with self-pollen and with pollen of different diversity, crossed flowers between populations, and added supplemental pollen …

Pollination biology in an endangered rocky mountain toadflax (Linaria cavanillesii)

2013

Knowledge about the reproductive system of species inhabiting rocky habitats is scarce. The reproductive biology (floral biology, experimental pollination, insect visits, inbreeding depression, and seed predation) of the rupicolous Linaria cavanillesii was analyzed under field and experimental conditions. Self-compatibility was revealed by the high fruit set, seed set, and seed mass in the pollination experiment. Furthermore, results disclose that this species does not need insect visitors for seed production since fruit set after autonomous self-pollination was similar to that by hand cross-pollination. Self-offsprings were not affected by a strong degree of inbreeding depression in early …