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The effects of purchase and consumption on beef quality attribute beliefs: A study of tourists visiting Vanuatu
No full textThis study investigates the effects of purchase and consumption on beef quality attribute beliefs. In particular, it focuses on credence and experience attribute beliefs in the context of tourists visiting Vanuatu. The tourists in the study had little prior knowledge of the quality attributes of Vanuatu beef. Primary data was collected through a survey of 200 tourists visiting Vanuatu. Factor analysis, comparison of means and multiple linear regression were used to analyse the data. The results showed that the importance and initial beliefs the tourists had about credence attributes influenced both credence and experience attributes beliefs after purchase and consumption. In contrast, the importance and initial beliefs regarding experience attributes had a lesser impact on credence or experience quality beliefs following this process. The only effect of the experience attribute variables were on beliefs regarding credence attributes after purchase and consumption. This shows how the importance and initial beliefs tourists have about credence attributes affects the formation of their beliefs regarding other beef quality attributes. Not only do the credence attribute variables affect beliefs related to credence attributes but it has a significant effect on beliefs regarding experience attributes. The study has some important management implications. It shows that beef consumers place greater importance on experience attributes and in particular eating quality dimensions such as taste and tenderness. This indicates that managers should not focus on credence attributes at the expense of beef eating experience. Credence attributes can complement experience attributes but are not a substitute
Exploring faba beans (Vicia faba L.): Bioactive compounds, cardiovascular health, and processing insights
No full textFaba beans (Vicia faba L.), integral to the legume family, are a significant component of the global pulse market because of their nutritional richness and positive health implications. While existing reviews have extensively covered the nutritional composition and anti-nutritional factors of faba beans, and their utilization in food product development, the insights into the optimization of processing methods and upcycling the wastewater during faba bean processing remain insufficient. Therefore, this review focuses on consolidating information about their bioactive compounds, elucidating associated health benefits and unveiling the possible application of processing water derived from faba beans. Key issues discussed include the impact of bioactive compounds in faba beans on cardiovascular health and carcinogenic condition, the challenges in processing that affect bioactive content, and the potential nutritional and functional applications of processing water in food production
Effect of extraction pH on amino acids, nutritional, in-vitro protein digestibility, intermolecular interactions, and functional properties of guar germ proteins
No full textThe chemical compositions, intermolecular interactions, and functional properties of guar germ proteins (GGP) were investigated at different extraction pH (7 to 11). The protein efficiency ratio, essential amino acid index (46.53), predicted biological value (39.02), nutritional index (42.67), and protein purity (91.69 %) were found to be highest at pH 9. The in-vitro protein digestibility of GGP sample was highest at pH 11. From SDS-PAGE, the band intensity (<10 kDa) became thinner with an increase in extraction pH from 7 to 9 and then thicker. Meanwhile, smallest particle size and weaker ionic and hydrogen bonds were found at pH 11. The β-sheet content was more dominating in GGP samples. Moreover, higher denaturation temperatures of GGP samples indicated that protein molecules had a compact tertiary structure. Furthermore, the GGP extracted at pH 7 showed better functional properties. The principal component analysis suggested that pH 9 was more suitable for isolating GGP
Expression of terroir: A case study of innovative vineyard fermentation at Greystone Winery
No full textGreystone has been innovatively working on a new type of wild fermentation of Pinot noir wine that is fermented in vineyard. This study aimed to comprehensively analyse the Greystone Pinot noir wines spontaneously fermented both in vineyard and in winery, by investigating the fermentation dynamics, microbial diversity, and chemical composition across two vintages. Fermentation dynamics showed that the initiation of alcoholic fermentation generally takes about four to five days, concluding roughly within two weeks, irrespective of whether it is a vineyard or winery ferment. However, while fermentation dynamics were observed to vary, the 2020 winery ferments displayed a generally faster fermentation than their vineyard counterparts did. This inconsistency across vintages might be attributed to certain external factors, like the ambient temperature that affects yeast diversity and activities. Yeast diversity analysed by next-generation sequencing showed that the 2019 vintage exhibited a broader yeast diversity compared to the 2020 vintage. Notably, several non-Saccharomyces yeast genera, including Hanseniaspora, Metschnikowia, Pichia, Torulaspora, and Lachancea, which were consistent across two vintages, showed potential in enhancing wine aroma and structure. Moreover, when considering the combined effects of the vintage and fermentation environment, it was evident that they significantly influence the fungal community composition. Between these two factors, the vintage played a more crucial role than the fermentation environment. Analysed by UPLC, phenolic compounds were gradually extracted as fermentation progresses. Interestingly, the winery ferments displayed slightly faster phenolic extraction rates, which aligned with their observed fermentation dynamics. In terms of colour properties, while there were no significant differences between fermentation types, the 2019 vintage stood out by presenting higher levels of anthocyanins and total phenolics than the 2020 vintage. Aroma profiling of bottled wines by GC-MS revealed that the impact of fermentation location on wine aroma seemed minimal, although there were a few ester compounds that displayed significant variations. Most notably, the vintage emerged as a significant factor influencing the aroma compounds in Pinot noir wines, with both vintages presenting distinct aromatic profiles
Do private rental tenants pay for energy efficiency?: The dynamics of green premiums and brown discounts
No full textThe rental market, notably within the UK, is facing increased scrutiny with the tightening of regulation in relation to energy performance and the increases in energy costs and rental unaffordability. Whilst a sizeable volume of research has examined the pricing effects of EPCs and house prices, scrutiny of this relationship within the private rental sector remains more embryonic. This study, using 2,914 transactions for Northern Ireland, extends the traditional analysis beyond the conditional mean estimate by examining the quantiles of the relationship between EPCs and rental prices. The findings provide evidence of a rental premium of 0.2% for a one-point improvement in energy efficiency. In terms of EPC ratings, we find premiums for B- and C-rated dwellings of 8.2% and 2.4% and also discount effects for E, F and G-rated properties ranging between 3.9%-5.5%. The quantile findings exhibited a parabolic effect across the price distribution demonstrating the lowest and highest priced properties to comprise higher price premiums of 13% and 16% for B-rated dwellings, however more pronounced discount effects for F- and G-rated properties at the lowest and highest deciles. The findings provide evidence to help alleviate the split-incentive problem between landlords and tenants within the UK
Timing of leaf removal modulates tannin composition and the level of anthocyanins and methoxypyrazines in Pinot noir grapes and wines
No full textThis study aimed to investigate the impact of leaf removal on concentrations of anthocyanin, tannin, and methoxypyrazines (MPs) in Pinot noir grapes and wines. Leaf removal after 7 days (LR7), 30 days (LR30), and 60 days (LR60) of flowering were compared with no leaf removal control (LRC). Grapes and resultant wines were analysed for tannin and aroma composition using liquid chromatography and two-dimensional gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. All leaf removal treatments increased anthocyanin concentration in grapes and reduced MP levels in grape stems compared to LRC, indicating the effectiveness of both early and late leaf removal. Leaf removal after 7 days and 30 days were more effective in enhancing colour density, polymeric pigments, and tannin concentration in wines. Higher grape skin tannin and anthocyanin concentrations, along with lower seed tannin concentration in berries, correlated with higher tannin concentrations in wines. LR7 showed significantly higher skin-originated tannin proportion than LRC, suggesting a useful tool to manage tannin extraction. Aroma composition of resultant wines was influenced by leaf removal, although these differences were not evident in the sensory evaluation
Effects of elastic taping on kyphosis and body balance in the elderly: A randomized crossover study
Get PDFKyphosis produces abnormal posture and reduced body balance in the elderly. Elastic tape may be useful at improving kyphotic posture and body balance. This study aims to evaluate the effects of elastic taping on kyphosis and body balance in the elderly. Ten elderly participants with degenerative kyphotic posture were recruited and randomly assigned to two groups (back taped with stretched elastic tape for 15 min and back taped with non-stretched elastic tape for 15 min). After a 1-h washout period, the groups were swapped over to receive the other intervention. The outcomes measured after each taping technique were Cobb’s angle measurement by inclinometer, perceived pain, and balance measurements by single leg stance test, time up and go test, center of gravity alignment (COG) and modified clinical test of sensory interaction on balance test (mCTSIB). There was a significant reduction in kyphotic angle and back pain in both the stretched and non-stretched taping groups (p < 0.05). We also found both taping techniques significantly reduced sway velocity on a foam surface with eyes closed and open (p < 0.05). However, there was no significant difference between taping groups for kyphotic angle, pain reduction or balance. The application of 15 min of stretched and non-stretched elastic tape in the elderly reduced kyphotic angle, back pain, and sway velocity while standing on foam surface in the mCTSIB test. If these changes persist over the long term (days and weeks) taping may be a useful intervention for elderly patients with kyphosis
Water management and soil solutions for climate-smart agriculture in SIDS
Get PDFSmall Island Developing States (SIDS) face critical challenges in sustainable agriculture, including water scarcity, declining water quality, and soil degradation. This presentation explores innovative, climate-smart solutions for water and soil management, with a focus on isotope techniques. Tools such as neutron probes and time-domain reflectometry (TDR) are used to monitor soil moisture, while stable isotopes like carbon-13 and nitrogen-15 enable precise assessment of crop water-use efficiency and nitrogen cycling. These approaches support more efficient irrigation, reduced fertilizer inputs, and enhanced crop resilience—vital strategies for food security and sustainability in the face of climate variability in SIDS
Growing for good: producing a healthy, low greenhouse gas and water quality footprint diet in Aotearoa, New Zealand
No full textFood production plays a central role in the health of humanity and our environment. New Zealand produces a large amount of food, but it is unknown if it can produce enough of the right crops in the places to better the health of New Zealanders, profitably, while maintaining New Zealand’s primary production exports and meeting ambitions to lower greenhouse gas (GHGs) emissions and nutrient losses to water. We tested two scenarios that aimed at delivering a healthy diet while maximising profit and minimising GHGs (climate-focused scenario) or losses of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) to water (freshwater-focused scenario). Land use change was targeted to areas not currently meeting bottom lines for N or P loss but needed to spill over to other areas to meet dietary targets in both scenarios. The maximum cost of the required land use change was about 1% of the primary sector’s export revenues, and orders of magnitude less than the estimated savings for the health system from an optimised diet. We conclude that shifting productive land uses can help meet environmental targets for GHGs, N and P while saving money and improving the health of its people
An integrative approach to assess the impact of disturbance on native fish in lakes
No full textFreshwater fish are in a perilous state with more than 30% of species considered critically endangered. Yet significant ecological and methodological complexities constrain our ability to determine how disturbances are impacting native fish communities. We review current methods used to assess the responses of fish communities, especially native fish, to disturbances, with a focus on lakes. These methods include contemporary population surveys, manipulative experimental approaches, paleolimnological approaches and Indigenous Knowledge and social histories. We identify knowledge gaps, such as a lack of baseline data for native fish, an inability to assess the impact of historical disturbances, stressor response dynamics in contemporary multi‐stressor environments, and natural disturbance regimes. Our assessment of the current methods highlights challenges to filling these knowledge gaps using the reviewed methods. We advocate strongly for the implementation of an integrative approach that combines emerging technologies (i.e. molecular‐based techniques in contemporary surveys and paleolimnology) and underutilised knowledge streams (i.e. Indigenous Knowledge and social histories) which should be used in concert with conventional methods. This integrative approach will allow researchers to determine the key drivers of decline and the degree of change, which will enable more informed and successful management actions