Maturity

Summer truffles (Tuber aestivum) collected from Italy were evaluated for changes in chemical composition and hence in vitro bioactivity on the basis of their maturity. Truffles were classified as immature and mature based on the colour of glebum. Water and methanol extracts of freeze-dried mature truffles demonstrated higher total phenolics, higher in vitro antioxidant activity and lower tannins than immature truffle extracts. Phenolics and flavonoids were detected by Liquid Chromatography-Mass spectroscopy (LC-MS) analysis. Gas chromatography (GC)-MS analysis of hexane extracts showed differences in fatty acid composition. Linoleic acid was highest in both samples, lauric and myristic acids were prominently detected in mature truffle hexane extracts. The aroma profiling of truffles by headspace-GC showed increase in alcohols and decrease in aldehydes. Thus, this study comprehends altered chemical composition and its manifestation in in vitro bioactivity on maturation of summer truffles. This would aid development of techniques for identification of maturity of truffles.

Nicht erst der Beschluss der Kultusministerkonferenz zur Verbraucherbildung im Jahr 2013 hat dazu beigetragen, dass in vielen Bundesländern die Implementierung von schulischer Verbraucherbildung angestrebt und zum Teil bereits umgesetzt wird. Als Bildungsziel wird "mündige Verbraucher" genannt. Das bedeutet aber auch, nicht nur Kaufkompetenz zu vermitteln, sondern die Reflexionsfähigkeit zu stärken.

Se realizó un estudio en calabaza zucchini en dos etapas; en la primera de ellas se evaluó el efecto del almacenamiento a 2.5 y/o 10°C durante 12 días, así como de un acondicionamiento de 15 °C por 48 h previo al almacenamiento a 2.5 °C, sobre el índice de daño por frío (IDF) y la actividad de la enzima β-galactosidasa. En la segunda etapa se evaluó el efecto de la aplicación exógena de las poliaminas putrescina (PUT), espermidina (SPD) y espermina (SPM) en concentraciones de 0.1, 0.25, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0 y 4.0 mM sobre el IDF y la actividad de β-galactosidasa de frutos almacenados a 2.5 °C durante 12 días. En la primera etapa se encontró que el acondicionamiento a 15 °C y el almacenamiento a 10 °C resultaron en una reducción del IDF de 84 y 40 %, respectivamente, mientras que la actividad de β-galactosidasa aumentó gradualmente en el curso de 12 días, en respuesta a las condiciones de almacenamiento, con excepción de una disminución, al día 4 a 10 °C. La aplicación de poliaminas redujo el IDF mostrando una mayor efectividad la PUT, seguida de la SPM y la SPD. Asimismo, las poliaminas causaron una reducción significativa (P≤0.05) de la actividad de β-galactosidasa durante 12 días de almacenamiento a 2.5 °C, teniendo un mayor efecto la SPM. Sin embargo, el tratamiento con estos compuestos en concentración de 4.0 mM resultó en un IDF similar al del control.

Public organizations release their data for use by the public to open the government. Various benchmarks for evaluating the progress of open data adoption have emerged recently. In order to help bring about a better understanding of the common and differentiating elements in open data benchmarks and to identify the methodologies and metrics affecting their variation, this article compares open data benchmarks and describes lessons learned from their analysis. An interpretive meta-analysis approach was used and five benchmarks were compared with regard to metadata (key concepts, themes, and metaphors), meta-methods (methodologies underlying the benchmarks) and metatheories (theoretical assumptions at the foundation of the benchmarks). It was found that each benchmark has its strengths and weaknesses and is applicable in specific situations. Since the open data benchmarks have a different scope and focus and use different methodologies, they produce different results in terms of count...

The water industry faces a growing number of technological, structural and regulations challenges. With the increasing of quality requirements in water supply, the fast evolution of the technology associated with the sector, the formal restructuring of all water associated companies and the difficulty of acquiring sufficient financial funds create different sets of conflicts that without a rigid structured and an appropriate methodology can lead to serious problems in this particular sector. Decision-making in the implementation of a physical asset management system is not always simple and most often involves great responsibility. The asset management provides a holistic analysis of internal processes in order to evaluate and prioritize the interests associated with their management. In other hand, the PAS 55 specification and the family of BS ISO 5500 present a set of requirements that allow the asset management structure implemented in the company complies with the basic principles of asset management and provides a platform for continuous improvement of internal business processes. The work presented in this thesis aimed to analyze the current state of asset management practices in a Water Treatment Plant. The tool developed by IAM, the PAM was used to identify the organization's position in relation to the PAS 55 requirements. The PAM is an evaluation methodology that examines the conformity of a given organization with the requirements of PAS 55, identifying the state of maturity of the organization in relation to an asset management system. The assessment of the organization's maturity makes it possible to identify any existing gaps in the asset management system and to correct them through various recommendations, so that in the near future it will be easier for the organization to obtain certification against the PAS 55 and the BS ISO 55000.

This doctoral thesis is dedicated to my sons Mutuma and Mwenda who fill our quiver, and the late Ferdinard Nkanata my father-in-law whose love remained steadfast in his life. I will always remember he would call me "Ntii". This research would not have been possible without the support and financing from my loving and devoted husband Prof. Gitonga, Mutuma and Mwenda, my sons who kept me working and following up on the progress, I thank you. My parents, who did not know that I was a student, thank you for the excitement that this degree brings to your hearts. Finally, to God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit I now believe "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me".

Human Resources Information System (HRIS) is essential for companies to manage their benefits plans and their employee information. Companies must use the Human Resources Information System (HRIS) to handle their employee data and benefit schemes. Benefits management technology is becoming a "need to have," not a "nice to have," as HR must handle a deluge of data and the cost of benefits plans while working with constrained resources [6]. The recruitment, evaluation, development, retention, and use of human resources to meet organizational and personal goals is known as human resources management, or HRM. The integration of Information Systems (IS) with Human Resources Management (HRM) is known as HRIS. HRISs provide HR professionals with the technological tools they need to carry out HR tasks more methodically and effectively. It is the system that gathers, stores, manipulates, examines, retrieves, and disseminates relevant data about the human resources of an organization [7]. Over the past 20 years, there has been an exponential increase in the number of computer-based information systems in both public and private sector businesses. A new sector of the computer products and services business has emerged to supply the tools required to build computer-based information systems. Even though a sizable workforce is engaged in the design and operation of information systems, a much larger number of people use or are "consumers" of information systems [1]. There are some cutting-edge technology solutions that are available for HR departments, right from quantitative representation of employee data to the current trend of building behavior models that can be used as predictive tools. "Commercial applications are available in the markets that help capture information and build models [8]. In this article researcher has explained the numerous benefits of HRIS and outline key features to look for when choosing such a system.

Studying genetic divergence of quantitative traits and their contribution towards yield is essential for developing high yielding varieties. To study genetic divergence of F4:6 wheat lines for yield contributing traits, an experiment was conducted comprising 48 advance wheat lines and a check cultivar Janbaz at the University of Agricultural Peshawar, Pakistan during 2010-11. The research was laid out in alpha lattice design with 2 replications. Analysis of variance revealed highly significant differences among wheat lines for yield and related traits. Moderate to high magnitude of heritability estimates (0.53-0.93) were observed for days to heading, flag leaf area, plant height (cm), spikes plot -1 , grain weight spike -1 , grain yield and harvest index, while low to moderate heritability estimates (0.23-0.48) for spike length, grains spike -1 , 1000-grain weight and biological yield. The selection response were 6.40 days for heading, 9.57 cm 2 for flag leaf area, 11.74 cm for plant height, 0.83 cm for spike length, 185.11 spikes for spikes plot -1 , 7.49 for grains spike -1 , 0.67 g for grain weight spike -1 , 5.07 g for 1000 grain weight, 628.50 kg ha -1 for biological yield, 855.92 kg ha -1 for grain yield and 5.56 % for harvest index, respectively. Selection differentials were 208.4 spikes for spikes plot -1 , 1.9 cm for spike length, 13.4 for grains spike -1 , 0.7 g for grain weight spike -1 , 8.1 g for 1000 grain weight and 795.4 kg ha -1 for grain yield, respectively. Spikes plot -1 , grains spike -1 , grain weight spike -1 , 1000-grain weight and harvest index had high correlations with grain yield. The crossings of Tatara, Ghaznavi-98 and Wafaq performed better than the check cultivar for most of the yield based desirable traits.

Se analizó el comportamiento de frutos de cinco cultivares de mango, tratados con CO2 por 24 horas y almacenados por un período de doce (12) días, bajo condiciones naturales de luminosidad y temperatura (20,0-26,8 oC). Los cultivares estudiados fueron: Haden, Kent, Keitt, Palmer y Tommy Atkins, provenientes del Campo Experimental Santa Bárbara del Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones Agrícolas, ubicado en la localidad de Santa Bárbara, estado Monagas. Se evaluó por triplicado en cada una de las variedades seleccionadas, el porcentaje de pérdida de peso (PPP), de sólidos solubles (SST) y de acidez titulable (AT); la relación de sólidos solubles/acidez (SST/AT) y el pH. No se observó diferencia significativa (P>0,05) de los parámetros físico-químicos durante los períodos evaluados, al comparar los frutos de mango tratados con CO2 con los no tratados; sin embargo, el tiempo de almacenamiento produjo un incremento del PPP y de los SST y una disminución significativa y constante de l...

Oligocene to Miocene coals from eastern Malaysia were analysed to evaluate their regional ranks, and petroleum generative potential. The current study performs organic geochemical characteristics of the coals and identifies macerals based on their organic petrographic characteristics as observed under reflected white light and blue
light excitations. The coals are characterised by relatively high hydrogen index values between 282 and 516 mg HC/g TOC. This indicates that these coals are dominated by Type II to mixed Type II–III kerogens, and
are thus considered to be generated mainly oil-prone and limited gas-prone. This is supported by the presence of significant amounts (11–31% by volume) of oil-prone liptinite macerals. Suberinite is among the most
common of the oil-prone liptinite macerals in coals. These coals likely are to be potential petroleum sources, thus, where the former is abundant, waxy oils and naphthenic oil might be expected. This has been supported
by the distribution of n-alkyl chains within kerogen pyrolysates, predicting the generation of a mainly paraffinic and paraffinic–naphthenic–aromatic (P–N–A) high wax oils. The coals are thermally early-mature and coal rank
in the region is subbituminous A to high-volatile bituminous C, possessing vitrinite reflectance in the range of 0.50%–0.67%. This maturity has a considerable influence on the proximate analysis, particularly on a relatively low moisture content and relatively high fixed carbon and low volatile matter contents. Although these onshore coals are thermally early mature for petroleum generation, the stratigraphic equivalent of these sediments offshore is known to have been buried to deeper depth and could therefore act as potential source rock for mainly oil with minor amounts of gas.

Defining the age of attainment of physical maturity is important for many studies, including identification of stocks, populations or species. In order to identify the age when the skull of the bottlenose dolphin, Tursiops truncatus, reaches maturity, skulls of fifty-three specimens found stranded along the coasts of southern Brazil, Uruguay and northern Argentina (27o35’S, 48o34’W-36o49’S, 55o19’W) were analyzed. Sixty skull measurements were taken to compare the growth rate of the different functional apparatuses. Age was estimated by counts of growth layer groups in the dentine of decalcified, stained longitudinal sections of teeth. Von Bertalanffy’s equation was applied to assess the growth and determine the age at maturity of each apparatus. Generally the maturation of skull starts at age two and stabilizes at age five, and the age of reaching the mature size varies amongst different characters. The braincase is the most precocious apparatus, while the feeding is the one that l...

The present work is conducted on the Paleozoic (Ordovician) Khabour and the (Silurian) Akkas shales in the Akkas-1 well of western Iraq. The study is aiming to determine the implications of clay mineral transformation, organic mineral distribution and maturity of hydrocarbon generation, using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) in addition to organic matter concentrations. In the shale of the Khabour Formation, amorphous organic matter is common and includes various Tasmanite-type organic matter, vitrinite, inertinite, and bituminite. The main clay minerals observed include illite, chlorite, kaolinite, in addition to mixed-layer illite-smectite and rare smectite. In Silurian shale, high content of organic matter is recorded in addition to abundant vitrinite and low content of grainy organic matter (Tasmanites) and pyrite. Illite and kaolinite are commonly found in addition to chlorite and illite-smectite clay minerals. Conversion of smectite to mixed-layer il...

Reproductive traits and natural mortality rate of cardinalfish females (Epigonus crassicaudus) were studied from samples collected onboard commercial fishing vessels, from 2012 to 2015, on the Chilean coast. The reproductive cycles of females analyzed thought gonadosomatic index (GSI) showed a maximum reproductive activity in austral fall, between March and May. Length (L50%) and age (A50%) at maturity, estimated using a macroscopic scale of the developed ovary, was 22.3 cm fork length (FL) and 9.3 years, respectively. Natural mortality (M) was estimated by two age-related methods. Using maximum age (tmax) M was estimated in 0.063 yr-1 and through age-at-maturity (A50%) in 0.15 yr-1. A potential bias in the reproductive study is discussed when a macroscopic maturity scale is used. Nevertheless, its usefulness is validated when funding is scarce, and time is limited. Although M uncertainty was not evaluated, the estimated range appears to be into the expected values to long-lived spe...

In this paper we quantify the differences between market and regulatory assessments of bank portfolio risk, and thereby demonstrate that larger differences significantly reduce corporate lending rates. Specifically, to entice borrowers, banks reduce spreads by approximately 4.3% following a one standard deviation increase in our measure for bank asset-risk differences. This is equivalent to an interest income loss of USD 2.03 million on a loan of average size and duration. The separate effects of market and regulatory risk are much less potent. Our study reveals a disciplinary-competition effect in favor of corporate borrowers when there is information asymmetry between investors and bank regulators.

Acartia tonsa was used as model to establish an index for oocyte maturity determination in zooplankters based in citometry and histochemical evaluation of gonadic masses. Biometry was performed using an ocular micrometer and nucleus/cytoplasm ratios were obtained characterizing each of the three identified stages: Immature, Vitellogenic and Mature. This paper presents a novel approach since it joins (and, indeed, reinforces) the index framework with the evaluation of the same biological samples by a suitable combination of deformable models. Nucleus contour is identified through Active Shape Models techniques, and cytoplasm contour's detected through parametric Snakes, with prior image preprocessing based on statistical and mathematical morphology techniques. Morphometric parameters such as nucleus and cytoplasm area and ratio between them are then easily computed. As a result the dataset validated the applied methodology with a realistic background and a new, more accurate and ecologically realistic index for oocyte staging emerged.

This work aims to study the female reproductive tract of silky sharks, Carcharhinus falciformis, captured in the South and Equatorial Atlantic Ocean. Samples were collected between January 2008 and March 2010 through oceanic commercial vessels that targeted tuna and swordfish, with a total of 17 females collected. The methodologies followed for analyzing the ovaries of those females included both macroscopic and histological analysis. Macroscopically, it was possible to determine that the ovaries on these sharks is suspended by mesenteries in the anterior section of the body cavity, heavily irrigated by blood vessels, and contains a wide range of oocytes. Ovaries were found in three distinct maturational stages: Stage I (Immature), Stage II (Maturing) and Stage III (Mature). Immature ovaries were small, with widths ranging from 1.0 to 3.1 cm, and had a gelatinous or granulose internal structure; maturing ovaries were slightly larger, ranging in width between 5.2 and 6.0 cm; mature o...

I would like to begin by thanking my supervisor Assoc. Prof. Colin Attwood for the opportunity to undertake this project. Your passion and high skills in the conservation of marine species has been a major contributor in my decision to start this work. Thank you for all the many valuable sources of information learnt during this project. To Charlene da Silva, I am thankful for all your assistance and co-supervision on this work. Your many inputs during dissection and follow-up emails amid your tight schedules to my drafts were of great support to this success. A very big thank you to my course co-convenor, Assoc. Prof. Coleen Moloney. Words are not enough to express my immerse gratitude for the guidance, advice, support and patience all through this journey. You have provided me with huge inspiration and value to my future career. I will eternally be grateful. Special thanks goes to the Department of Zoology, UCT for allowing me assess to the Wet Laboratory where all the dissections were done. I am extremely appreciative to Dr. Sven K. for your contribution in the first dissection demonstration. To Megan, I say thank you for assistance in data collection in my early dissection and conveying of specimens from DAFF to the Wet Laboratory, UCT. My appreciation also goes to Gilly Smith for organising an early chattie for this work which gave a significant contribution to this success. Thanks to the Writing Centre, UCT for providing me with useful comments in my early days that improved my writing and synthesis skills.

Salut, normalitat i maduresa des d'una perspectiva antropològica Salud, normalidad y madurez desde una perspectiva antropológica Qualsevol forma de reproducció, distribució, comunicació pública o transformació d'aquesta obra només pot ser realitzada amb l'autorització dels seus titulars, amb excepció prevista per la llei. Adreci's a CEDRO (Centre Espanyol de Drets Reprogràfics) si necessita reproduir algun fragment d'aquesta obra (www.conlicencia.com; 91 702 19 70 / 93 272 04 47). Cualquier forma de reproducción, distribución, comunicación pública o transformación de esta obra solo puede ser realizada con la autorización de sus titulares, salvo excepción prevista por la ley. Diríjase a CEDRO (Centro Español de Derechos Reprográficos) si necesita fotocopiar o escanear algún fragmento de esta obra (www.conlicencia.com; 91 702 19 70 / 93 272 04 45).

Bioactive compounds in foods are responsible for their biological activities, but biotic and abiotic factors may influence their levels. This study evaluated the impact of three genotypes (designated 4, 5, and 7), maturity stages (20, 27, and 34 days after pollination) and processing methods (hydrothermal and dry-heating) on the bioactive constituents (carotenoids, phytate, tannins, vitamin C) and 2,2-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH*) scavenging activity of fresh orange maize hybrids. Freshly harvested maize cobs of each genotype were subjected to hydrothermal processing at 100°C and dry-heating with husks and without husks. Carotenoids (lutein, zeaxanthin, β-cryptoxanthin, α-carotene, and total β-carotene) contents of fresh and processed samples were analyzed using HPLC; other bioactive constituents and DPPH* scavenging ability were determined using spectrophotometric methods. Genotype had a significant effect on the levels of carotenoids (p < 0.001) and vitamin C (p &lt...

Flow cytometric (FCM) reticulocyte analysis is more accurate, sensitive, and reproducible relative to previously employed manual microscopic methods in clinical laboratory hematology. FCM reticulocyte analysis using RNA binding fluorochromes additionally allows for the quantification of fluorescence intensity or population distribution of the reticulocyte RNA content. Viewed from the perspective of erythroid maturation, quantification of the fluorescence intensity distribution provides a reticulocyte maturation index (RMI). We performed a systematic study of 18 different methods to express thiazole orange stained reticulocyte fluorescence intensity, compared to standard mean fluorescence intensity quantification, using 185 anemic and non‐anemic human blood samples. The method best correlating with the mean fluorescence intensity RMI on 2 different FCM instruments (R2 = 0.93 and 0.86) was a ratio of the highly fluorescent reticulocytes, defined using a normal adult population, and th...

This study is the first to test whether IFRS adoption increased accounting transparency based on sharp model-driven hypotheses. The model by Duffie and Lando (2001) shows that changes to accounting transparency affect the spread/maturity relation of CDS instruments in very specific ways. Consistent with the Duffie-Lando model, we find that CDS spreads are lower across maturities following the adoption of IFRS, and the slope and concavity of the CDS spread/maturity relation are higher. These changes did not occur to the spread/maturity relation of control sample of CDS instruments. Predicted changes apply particularly to firms with low pre-IFRS transparency. Overall, this study provides strong evidence that IFRS adoption increased accounting transparency.

This study examines digital human resource management can improve
software houses works, leading to better employer branding. It focused
on 189 software houses in Pakistan. This study explores the
relationships between digital HRM practices, employer branding,
eHRM assessment, and HRM capability maturity. It demonstrates how
digital HRM, as an independent variable, positively influences
employer branding, with eHRM assessment serving as a key mediator
in this relationship. Additionally, HRM capability maturity is identified
as a significant moderator, affecting how eHRM assessment impacts
digital HRM practices and, consequently, employer branding. The
findings emphasize the importance of integrating advanced digital
HRM practices and systematically assessing eHRM to align with and
enhance employer branding efforts. The study also highlights the role
of HRM capability maturity in optimizing these processes. However, it
is limited by its focus on a single industry and geographic location,
reliance on self-reported data, and a cross-sectional design. Future
research could address these limitations by exploring diverse industries
and regions, employing longitudinal and qualitative methods, and
examining additional moderating and mediating factors. This study
provides a foundational framework for further research into how digital
HRM and eHRM assessment techniques can be strategically utilized to
boost organizational branding and improve HR performance.

Conflict is an inherent aspect of human interaction. It includes a wide
spectrum of disagreements, tensions, and disputes. Conflict
Management Strategies (CMSs) are crucial in addressing conflicts
among individuals and organizations. The relationship between conflict
management strategies and employee performance and well-being is
significant and complex. This study explores the relationship between
conflict
management strategies avoidance, accommodation,
competition, compromise, and collaboration and their influence on
employees' job performance and overall well-being. The findings from
a qualitative study involves 20 semi-structured interviews. A thematic
analysis was performed to understand and identify the influence and
effects of CMSs on employee performance and well-being in Pakistan's
banking sector. It generates two themes to draw a meaningful
conclusion.  Results revealed that certain CMSs, e.g., Competing, can
create tension in relationships and strain employee trust. Whereas
strategies such as avoiding can lead to employee dissatisfaction. A
collaborative approach can reduce stress levels as employees feel heard
and respected. It can significantly elevate both employee performance
and well-being.

R. Infante, P. Rubio, L. Contador, M. Noferini, and G. Costa. 2011. Determination of harvest maturity of D'Agen plums using the chlorophyll absorbance index. Cien. Inv. Agr. 38(2): 199-203. The objective determination of the optimal harvest date for plums intended either for industrial processing or for consumption as fresh fruit is a fundamental concern of the fruit industry. A portable visible/near infrared (Vis/NIR) spectroscopic device was used to sort D'Agen plums harvested around the traditional commercial harvest date. The chlorophyll absorbance index was found to be capable of segregating plums into classes of maturity according to various concentrations of soluble solids and fruit compression strenght values. Fruits with a chlorophyll absorbance index value of less than 1.59 showed no differences in flesh firmness. Plums harvested with chlorophyll absorbance index values of 1.20-1.29 had a fruit compression strenght of 1.25 N and a soluble solids concentration of 23.3%. Both of these values correspond to adequate thresholds for harvesting plums for industrial purposes. The chlorophyll absorbance index may be valuable in allowing the identification of high-quality plums either for fresh consumption or industrial processing.

Ripe nectarines segregated through sensory quality evaluation and electronic nose assessment. Abstract-Introduction. The aim of this study was to determine the ability of an electronic nose (e-nose) to predict the quality of nectarines and peaches, and, in particular, the aroma. Materials and methods. Four nectarine cultivars ('María Dolce', 'Maillarlate', 'Nectaross' and 'Venus') and one peach cultivar ('Royal Glory') were evaluated. The fruit was harvested ripe and the quality evaluations were carried out just one day after harvest. The intensity of the main descriptors of fruit quality was described, and fruits were subjected to an e-nose assessment. The sensory analysis and the e-nose results were presented through a Principal Component Analysis (PCA). A multiple linear regression (MLR) was also used to create a predictive model for the attribute 'aroma' compared with the other sensory parameters and the most informative e-nose sensor data. Results and discussion. 'Royal Glory' and 'María Dolce' were placed in a separate cluster far from 'Venus', 'Nectaross' and 'Maillarlate'. The result of the MLR included the attributes 'acidity', 'sweetness' and 'acceptability' in the model, and the data registered by sensor 6 of the enose (SnO2-sensor, RGTO Mo, 45 Å thick layer), which were those factors that best related to the aroma, reached a R 2 of 0.48 and a mean square error (MSE) of 3.85. It was concluded that the e-nose is an instrument able to discriminate peach varieties through their aromatic features, which are among the descriptors that mainly determine acceptability by the peach consumer. Chile / Prunus persica / fruits / varieties / segregation / volatile compounds / olfaction / measuring instruments Ségrégation de nectarines mûres par évaluation de leur qualité sensorielle et utilisation d'un nez électronique. Résumé-Introduction. Le but de cette étude a été de déterminer l'aptitude d'un nez électronique (e-nez) à prédire la qualité de nectarines et de pêches, et, en particulier, l'arôme apte à être apprécié par un jury. Matériel et méthodes. Quatre cultivars de nectarines (María Dolce, Maillarlate, Nectaross et Venus) et un cultivar de pêche (Royal Glory) ont été évalués. Les fruits ont été récoltés à maturité et l'évaluation de la qualité a été réalisée juste un jour après la récolte. La gamme des principaux descripteurs de la qualité du fruit a été décrite, et les fruits ont été soumis à une évaluation par nez électronique. L'analyse sensorielle et les résultats obtenus par e-nez ont été soumis à une analyse en composantes principales (ACP). Une régression linéaire multiple (RLM) a également été utilisée pour créer un modèle prédictif pour le descripteur « arôme » à partir d'autres paramètres sensoriels et des données les plus informatives obtenues par capteur e-nez. Résultats et discussion. María Dolce et Royal Glory ont été placés dans un groupe éloigné de Maillarlate, Nectaross et Venus. Le résultat de la RLM a inclus les attributs « acidité », « douceur », « acceptabilité » dans le modèle, et les données enregistrées par le capteur 6 du e-nez (capteur SnO2, RGTO Mo, 45 Å d'épaisseur), qui ont été les facteurs les mieux liés à l'arôme, ont permis d'obtenir un coefficient R 2 de 0,48 et une erreur quadratique moyenne de 3,85. Il a été conclu que le nez électronique est un instrument apte à discriminer les variétés de pêchers à partir de leurs caractéristiques aromatiques, qui sont parmi les principaux descripteurs permettant de déterminer l'acceptabilité des pêches par le consommateur.

For the estimation of mid-parent and better-parent heterosis in Brassica juncea L. genotypes an experiment was conducted at NWFP Agricultural University, Peshawar during 2004-05 and 2005-06 using 8 x 8 full diallel. All the 56 F 1 hybrids and their parents were planted in a randomized complete block design with two replications. Out of 56 hybrids, negative mid-parent and better-parent heterosis were estimated in 15 and 10 hybrids for days to 50% emergence, in 20 and 11 hybrids for days to 50% flowering, in 34 and 49 crosses for days to physiological maturity and in 37 and 34 crosses for plant height, respectively whereas positive heterosis were estimated in 12 and 10 crosses for number of primary branches plant-1. However, significant negative mid-parent and better-parent heterosis were recorded in 5 and 4 hybrids for days to 50% emergence, in 05 and 03 for days to 50% flowering, in 10 and 8 for days to physiological maturity, in 7 and 36 for plant height while significantly positive heterosis was recorded in 27 and 4 crosses for number of primary branches plant-1 respectively. Better-parent heterosis reduced to 27% for emergence, 3.85% for flowering, 4.08% for maturity and 22.63% for plant height whereas it reached to 44% for branches plant-1. Among parents, NUM103, NUM113, NUM123 and NUM117 proved to be superior when used as parents in most of the hybrid combinations. Hybrids NUM9xNUM113, NUM103xNUM113, NUM123xNUM117, NUM123x NUM113 and NUM123xNUM124 were best for different characters and their further utilization in breeding programs is suggested.

As metas capazes de atender à estratégia dos negócios da organização dão origem aos projetos que a organização executará. E, o sucesso na gestão destes projetos está relacionado com a sua gestão. Com isso, as organizações, especialmente as públicas, por serem vistas como ineficientes, necessitam amadurecer na ciência e na arte da gerência de projetos. Este artigo é um estudo de caso em que se busca identificar o nível de maturidade no gerenciamento de projetos dos órgãos públicos do Estado de Pernambuco, e as práticas de gestão destes projetos. Para tanto foi realizada uma pesquisa quantitativa, a fim de avaliar o nível 2 do modelo do PMMM proposto por Kerzner (2006), e uma pesquisa qualitativa, a fim de identificar as práticas de gestão dos projetos no Estado. Após este estudo, pode-se concluir que os órgãos públicos do Estado de Pernambuco ainda possuem o nível 2 (processo comum) de maturidade em gestão de projetos, visto que a fase de maturidade propriamente ainda não foi alcança...

A commercial electronic nose (PEN 2, Win Muster Airsense) was used to classify four peach cultivars and to assess the ripening stage during shelf-life. Principal component analysis (PCA) and linear discriminant analysis (LDA) were used to investigate whether the electronic nose was able to distinguish among four diverse cultivars. PCA applied on the electronic nose data, collected during shelf-life from harvest until senescence, highlighted the ability of the instrument to assess the ripening stage of peaches. The loading analysis identified one sensor as the only relevant one in the discrimination of peaches on the basis of their shelf-life. The responses of the sensor were plotted against time and fitted with a sigmoid transition function allowing the definition of three different ripening stages (unripe, ripe, over-ripe) based on the trend of first and second time derivatives. Classification and regression tree (CART) analysis was applied to characterise peach samples into the three classes. The performance of the electronic nose was compared with the results of classical and non-destructive techniques such as ethylene measurement and colour evaluation, frequently used to assess the ripening stage of climacteric fruit.

The separation of Africa from South America was accompanied by rifting and sinistral strike-slip movements that formed the Bornu Basin. The Bornu Basin form part of the West African Rift System. Geochemical analyse of samples from the Fika Shale shows that eighty percent of the samples have TOC values >0.5 wt%. Plots on the modified Van Krevelen diagram indicate organic matter that is predominantly Type III kerogen. A corresponding plot on the HIT max diagram indicates an entirely gas generative potential for the source rocks. In the Bornu Basin which belongs to the West African Rift Subsystem (WARS) two potential petroleum systems are suggested. "Lower Cretaceous Petroleum System"-is the phase 1 synrift sediments made up of sandstones with an extensive system of lacustrine deposits developed during Barremian to Albian time. "Upper Cretaceous Petroleum System"-is the phase II rift sediments in the Bornu Basin which comprise mainly shallow marine to paralic shales, deltaic to tidal flat sandstones and minor carbonates. TOC values range generally from 0.23 wt. % to 1.13 wt. % with an average of 0.74 wt. % for the Fika Shale.

Potassium response on yield, yield components, oil and protein contents of brassica cultivars was evaluated in a field study at University of Agriculture, Peshawar during winter 2010-11. Three cultivars (Abasin-95, Bulbul-98 and Durr-e NIFA) and four potassium levels (0, 30, 60, 90 and 120 kg ha-1) were compared. Randomized Complete Block design with factorial combination of cultivars and potassium levels was used with four replications. Seed was sown at the rate of 5 kg ha-1 keeping row to row distance of 35 cm. Nitrogen and phosphorus were applied at the rate of 80 and 60 kg ha-1 from urea and DAP respectively. Half N was applied at sowing and the other half at the beginning of flowering. Thinning was carried out to maintain uniform population by keeping about 5 cm plant to plant distance. Weeds were controlled manually. The crop was irrigated when needed and at least seven irrigations were given until the physiological maturity. Analysis of data revealed significant difference for the cultivars in grain number silique-1 , 1000 grain weight, biological yield, grain yield, harvest index, seed oil yield, seed oil content and protein contents. At par siliques m-2 (9914 and 9878), grain yield (1759 and 1799 kg ha-1), oil yield (767 and 784 kg ha-1) and harvest indices (13.9 and 13.7%) were recorded for Bulbul-98 and Abasin-95, respectively. Maximum grain number silique-1 (24), 1000 grain weight (3.5 g) and protein content (26.7 %) for Bulbul-98, maximum biological yield (13189 kg ha-1) for Abasin-95 and maximum oil content (44.3 %) was recorded for Durre-NIFA. K levels affected number of siliques m-2 , grains silique-1 , 1000 grains weight, biological yield, grain yield, harvest index, seed oil yield, seed oil and protein content. At par harvest indices, biological, grain and oil yields were recorded at K levels of 60, 90 and 120 kg ha-1. At par grains siliques-1 , 1000 grain weight, seed oil and protein content were recorded at K levels of 90 and 120 kg ha-1 , and maximum siliques m-2 were recorded at K level of 120 kg ha-1. C x K interaction exhibited significant differences for protein content only. It was concluded that Bulbul-98 and Abasin-95 had higher grain yield, seed oil yield and oil contents. Bulbul-98 had more protein content than Abasin-95 and Durre NIFA. On the average, cultivars gave at par grain and oil yield at 60, 90 and 120 kg ha-1. However, they produced at par oil and protein content at 90 and 120 kg ha-1. In light of the above conclusion Bulbul-98 and Abasin-95 are recommended for higher grain and oil yield for general cultivation in Peshawar valley. Potassium @ 60 kg ha-1 is recommended for higher grain and oil yield in brassica.

A field experiment was conducted in Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University research field of Bangladesh during December 2012 to May 2013. This experiment was tested for two planting method consisting CM planting method (P 1) and System of Rice Intensification (SRI) planting method (P 2) against five rice (Oryza sativa) varieties named BR 16 (V 1), BRRI dhan29 (V 2), BRRI dhan50 (V 3), BRRI hybrid dhan2 (V 4) and Heera 4 (V 5). The experiment was laid out in split-plot design with three replications. All yield parameters showed the highest for SRI with higher effective tillers hill-1 (41.13), longer panicle (28.15 cm), higher total grains panicle-1 (216.89), number of filled grains panicle-1 (166.82) as a result 10.17and 12.5% higher grain yield and straw yield, respectively were observed in SRI than the conventional method.

This paper investigates the maturity of Egyptian local e-government websites. The paper develops a model that fits a developing country context and is based on Quirk's Maturity Model and the Municipal e-Government Assessment Project (MeGAP) Model. The model is used to carry out a detailed content analysis of 22 governorates' web sites in Egypt. The results show a significant variability in websites' maturity in various spaces of the model. Information features have proved to be dominating, while features related to eservice and e-commerce are the least available on the local government websites.

Field experiments were laid out in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with split plot arrangements at Malakandher Research Farm Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Agricultural University Peshawar Pakistan to study the effect of different levels of irrigation and potassium on seed Erucic Acid content of Brassica. Four varieties Wester, Rainbow, Oscar and Legend were selected on the basis of their good response to potassium application in water stress conditions.maximum erucic acid content (6.68%) was observed in treatments of 60% irrigation and minimum erucic acid content (4.67%) was observed in plants treated with 100% irrigation level.In case of potassium, maximum erucic acid content (5.66%) was noted in those treatments which received 120 kg K ha-1 and minimum erucic acid content (5.45%) when treated with 90 kg K ha-1. I x K interaction indicated maximum erucic acid content (6.79%) in plants treated with 60% irrigation level and 60 kg K ha-1 while minimum erucic acid content (4.54%) was note...

The law has long since recognized that there are many young people who ''come of age'' and are due to have their sentences transferred to the adult system at age 18, but who may not be able to withstand incarceration for a number of reasons. Specifically, in New South Wales, s19(3) of the Children (Criminal Proceedings) Act 1987 recognizes that a young person under the age of 21 may be able to serve some or all of their term of imprisonment as a juvenile offender if the young person is deemed to meet criteria of ''special circumstances''. Section 19(4) specifies those circumstances as illness or disability, access to educational, vocational and therapeutic programmes and the risk of psychological or physical risk of harm. The underlying principle in this regard is that juveniles are typically at a different developmental stage from adults and have unique levels of need as compared with adult offenders. Thus, juveniles are considered to be potentially subject to a number of factors related to ''vulnerability'' that may invoke consideration of s19.

Bioactive compounds in foods are responsible for their biological activities, but biotic and abiotic factors may influence their levels. This study evaluated the impact of three genotypes (designated 4, 5, and 7), maturity stages (20, 27, and 34 days after pollination) and processing methods (hydrothermal and dry-heating) on the bioactive constituents (carotenoids, phytate, tannins, vitamin C) and 2,2-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH*) scavenging activity of fresh orange maize hybrids. Freshly harvested maize cobs of each genotype were subjected to hydrothermal processing at 100°C and dry-heating with husks and without husks. Carotenoids (lutein, zeaxanthin, β-cryptoxanthin, α-carotene, and total β-carotene) contents of fresh and processed samples were analyzed using HPLC; other bioactive constituents and DPPH* scavenging ability were determined using spectrophotometric methods. Genotype had a significant effect on the levels of carotenoids (p < 0.001) and vitamin C (p &lt...