Orange

Problematic substance use is a significant concern for Aboriginal communities across Australia. Most approaches to intervention are individualised, locating the problem and the solution in the substance user. When problematic use is common within a family and community, individual treatment is likely to be ineffective. A literature review of familyfocussed and culturally specific drug and alcohol interventions was conducted to inform the development of family-focussed interventions in the community setting. The review supports the development of family-focussed interventions, suggesting this approach will be culturally appropriate and effective for Aboriginal communities. The potential role of social work in working with Aboriginal communities on problematic substance use, and likely barriers for the profession, are discussed.

High dietary fibre powders from Valencia orange and Persa lime peels were prepared and their dietary fibre composition and antioxidant capacity studied. Fibres from both peels had a high total dietary fibre content (61-69%) with an appreciable amount of soluble fibre (19-22%). The concentration of antioxidant [AA501 required to achieve a 50% inhibition of oxidation of linoleic acid at 40°C was measured using the ferric-thiocyanate method. The higher the [AA,,], the lower the antioxidant capacity. Lime peel fibre [AAS was half the value of DLcr-tocopherol and 23 times lower than orange peel fibre; the [AAS of commercial butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) was half the value of lime fibre. HPLC analyses of the polyphenols extracted from orange and lime peels fibres showed the presence of caffeic and ferulic acids, as well as naringin, hesperidin and myricetin in both fruit fibres. The different antioxidant power of these fibres could be in part explained by the presence in lime peel fibre of ellagic acid, quercetin and kaempferol which are strong antioxidant polyphenols. 0 1997 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd on behalf of the Canadian Institute of Food Science and Technology

The objective of this study is to determine energy balance between inputs and output for orange production in Mazandaran province which is one of the most important citrus production centers in Iran. Data is collected by administering a questionnaire in face-to-face interviews. The total energy input and energy output were calculated as 48,900.5 MJ ha À1 and 32,938 MJ ha À1 , respectively, therefore the energy productivity and net energy value are estimated as 0.36 kg MJ À1 and À15,962 MJ ha À1 , respectively. The results show that the highest share of energy is consumed by chemical fertilizers (26.9%) and chemicals (26.1%). The ratio of energy outputs to energy inputs is approximately 0.67. The shares of renewable and non-renewable energy were 24% and 76%, respectively from total energy input. The Cobb-Douglas production function is applied to test the relationship among different forms of energy consumption. The net return and productivity from orange production were found to be 3343.9 $ ha À1 and 2.1 kg $ À1 , respectively. The findings suggest that the orange producers must optimize their use of indirect and non-renewable energy resources since they are excessively using the energy inputs which results in an inverse effect on yield in addition to increasing risks to natural resources and human health.

Spanish dry-fermented sausages with three concentrations (0, 1 and 2%) of orange fiber (juice industry by-product) were prepared and studied. Fermentation and dry-curing processes were followed by physico-chemical (pH and water activity), chemical (moisture, lactic acid and residual nitrite level) and microbiological (aerobic mesophilic bacteria, lactic acid bacteria, Enterobacteriaceae, Micrococcaceae and molds and yeasts counts) analysis. Sensory analyses were conducted on the finished products. Only residual nitrite level and counts of micrococcus were affected by fiber addition during fermentation. pH, water activity, residual nitrite level and counts of Micrococcaceae were affected by fiber addition during dry-curing. Orange fiber decreases residual nitrite levels and favours micrococcus growth. Both effects have a positive impact on sausage safety and quality. The reduction in residual nitrite level decreases the risk of nitrosamine formation. For all sensorial attributes evaluated sausages containing 1% fiber showed similar scores to controls.

This study, the selective removal of limonin bitterness from Washington navel orange juice by batch adsorption to the Amberlite XAD-16HP and Dowex Optipore L285 was investigated and the determination of some compositional changes that occurred with orange juices debittering using adsorption resins were the primary focus. Amberlite XAD-16HP and Dowex Optipore L285 have been successfully used to reduce bitterness to acceptable levels in Washington navel orange juices. Amberlite XAD-16HP does not have any important negative effects on the quality characteristics of orange juices. However, Dowex Optipore L285 reduces the titratable acidity (TA) in the orange juices and so increases the content of soluble solids contents (SSC), pH value, and ratio accordingly.

Production of ethanol, biogas, pectin and limonene from citrus wastes (CWs) by an integrated process was investigated. CWs were hydrolyzed by dilute-acid process in a pilot plant reactor equipped with an explosive drainage. Hydrolysis variables including temperature and residence time were optimized by applying a central composite rotatable experimental design (CCRD). The best sugar yield (0.41 g/g of the total dry CWs) was obtained by dilute-acid hydrolysis at 150 °C and 6 min residence time. At this condition, high solubilization of pectin present in the CWs was obtained, and 77.6% of total pectin content of CWs could be recovered by solvent recovery. Degree of esterification and ash content of produced pectin were 63.7% and 4.23%, respectively. In addition, the limonene of the CWs was effectively removed through flashing of the hydrolyzates into an expansion tank. The sugars present in the hydrolyzates were converted to ethanol using baker’s yeast, while an ethanol yield of 0.43 g/g of the fermentable sugars was obtained. Then, the stillage and the remaining solid materials of the hydrolyzed CWs were anaerobically digested to obtain biogas. In summary, one ton of CWs with 20% dry weight resulted in 39.64 l ethanol, 45 m3 methane, 8.9 l limonene, and 38.8 kg pectin.

The Formosan subterranean termite, Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae), accidentally brought into the United States, has become a major urban pest, causing damage to structures and live trees. Because of increasing restrictions on the use of conventional termiticides, attention is focused on Þnding safer alternative methods for termite management. Oil from citrus peel, referred to here as orange oil extract (OOE), contains Ϸ92% d-limonene, and it is generally known to be toxic to insects. In laboratory experiments, 96 and 68% termites were killed in 5 d when OOE at 5 ppm (vol:vol) was dispensed from the top or bottom, respectively, with termites held at the opposite end of a tight-Þtting plastic container. Apart from high mortality, workers exposed to vapor consumed signiÞcantly less Þlter paper than controls. However, when termites were exposed to OOE vapor, even at 10 ppm, in the void of a model wall, there was very little mortality. Termites did not tunnel through glass tubes Þlled with sand treated with 0.2 or 0.4% OOE. Sand treated with OOE was extracted each week for 8 wk to determine the remaining amount of d-limonene. Results indicated that there was a sharp decline in the quantity of d-limonene during the Þrst 3 wk to a residual level that gradually decreased over the remaining period. With a suitable method of application and in combination with other control practices, OOE can be effectively used for the control of subterranean termites.

Squash is a type of fruit beverage containing at least 25% fruit juice or pulp and 40-50% total soluble solids, commercially. It also contains about 1.0% acid and 350ppm Sulphur dioxide or 600ppm sodium benzoate. It is diluted before serving. Cane juice is a naturally high energy drink which makes it a healthy alternate to refined sugar added drink. Sugarcane is one of the world's most important sugar crops cultivated in tropical countries like India. Tender coconut is one of the most abundant and naturally occurring resource which is used as food and beverage. The present investigation was carried out to formulate Squash with Sugarcane juice and Coconut water and orange juice, and to evaluate the overall acceptability of squash in prepared three samples comparing with control. We got significant values, the score for colour was found highest in sample B compared with other samples. The score for flavour was found highest in sample B as compared to other samples of Squash. Overall acceptability was observed as highest in sample and is preferred than control. Among different samples of Squash prepared, sample B was more acceptable in terms of its Organoleptic evaluation. The formulated sugarcane Squash is highly preferable to people suffering from urinary infections.

Squash is a type of fruit beverage containing at least 25% fruit juice or pulp and 40-50% total soluble solids, commercially. It also contains about 1.0% acid and 350ppm Sulphur dioxide or 600ppm sodium benzoate. It is diluted before serving. Cane juice is a naturally high energy drink which makes it a healthy alternate to refined sugar added drink. Sugarcane is one of the world's most important sugar crops cultivated in tropical countries like India. Tender coconut is one of the most abundant and naturally occurring resource which is used as food and beverage. The present investigation was carried out to formulate Squash with Sugarcane juice and Coconut water and orange juice, and to evaluate the overall acceptability of squash in prepared three samples comparing with control. We got significant values, the score for colour was found highest in sample B compared with other samples. The score for flavour was found highest in sample B as compared to other samples of Squash. Overall acceptability was observed as highest in sample and is preferred than control. Among different samples of Squash prepared, sample B was more acceptable in terms of its Organoleptic evaluation. The formulated sugarcane Squash is highly preferable to people suffering from urinary infections.

It is required to construct a manually operated household orange juice extractor to be portable and used in extraction of juice. It is also required to be cheap and easily manufactured. It can be easily operated and its efficiency is very high. The dimensions are 160mm diameter and 350mm height. The machine combines the actions of chopping and beating, often by macerating. It consists of two main parts -a goblet and a manually operated mechanical unit. The manually operated mechanical unit consists of a pair of bevel gears, two bearings and two shafts. The bevel gear casing was constructed using 2mm thickness of mild steel sheet. The bearings were then put into position. Afterwards, the shafts were fastened to the bevel gear and passed through the bearings. The handle was then welded to the horizontal shaft. Similarly, the goblet was formed using 1mm thickness of mild steel sheet. Small sharpened blades were then made and fixed onto the impeller shaft. A bearing was then fixed underneath and a shaft passed through. A dynamic seal was put between the shaft, bearings and goblet to prevent leakage. The connection between the gear casing and goblet was done by means of an Oldham coupling designed for misalignment. The machine can extract the juice of about 180-220 oranges per hour.

In this study, the possibility of using terminal velocity of orange through water as a means of hydro-sorting was studied. Terminal velocity of orange was experimentally determined by using of water column method. The best model for terminal velocity of Valencia variety as a function of water and fruit densities, shape factor and fruit volume were

The oranges were purchased from the local market of Bela. The orange peel and pulp were subjected to successive extraction with solvents in increasing order of their polarity viz. Acetone, hexane, methanol and distilled water. Orange peel and pulp powder was extracted separately by aqueous extraction. Phytochemical analysis indicated the presence of tannins, saponins etc.

Today, citrus orchards are a major component of the Mediterranean landscape and one of the most important cultivated fruits in the region; however, citrus is not native to the Mediterranean Basin, but originated in Southeast Asia. Here, the route of the spread and diversification of citrus is traced through the use of reliable historical information (ancient texts, art, and artifacts such as wall paintings and coins) and archaeobotanical remains such as fossil pollen grains, charcoals, seeds, and other fruit remains. These botanical remains are evaluated for their reliability (in terms of identification, archaeological context, and dating) and possible interpretations. Citrus medica (citron) was the first citrus to spread west, apparently through Persia and the Southern Levant (remains were found in a Persian royal garden near Jerusalem dated to the fifth and fourth centuries BC) and then to the western Mediterranean (early Roman period, ' 'third and second centuries BC). In the latter region, seeds and pollen remains of citron were found in gardens owned by the affluent in the Vesuvius area and Rome. The earliest lemon (C. limon) botanical remains were found in the Forum Romanum (Rome) and are dated to the late first century BC/early first century AD. It seems, therefore, that lemon was the second citrus species introduced to the Mediterranean. The contexts of the botanical remains, in relation to elite gardens, show that in antiquity, both citrus and lemon were products representing high social status. Sour orange (C. aurantium), lime (C. aurantifolia), and pummelo (C. maxima) did not reach the Mediterranean until the 10th century AD, after the Islamic conquest. Sweet orange (C. sinesis) was introduced during the second half of the 15th century AD, probably via the trade route established by the Genoese, and later (16th century AD) by the Portuguese. The mandarin (C. reticulata) reached the Mediterranean only in the early 19th century. While citron and lemon arrived in the Mediterranean as elite products, all other citrus fruit most probably spread for economic reasons.

A multiresidue method for analysis of 90 pesticides with different physico-chemical properties in fruits and vegetables was developed. The method involves a rapid and small-scale extraction procedure with acetone using vortex mixing. Solid-phase extraction (SPE) on a highly cross-linked polystyrene divinylbenzene column (LiChrolut EN) was used for clean-up and pre-concentration of the pesticides from the water-diluted acetone extracts. For most fruit and vegetable samples this partial clean-up was sufficient, but some of them with more co-extracting substances need further clean-up (cereals, spinach, carrots, etc.). Diethylaminopropyl (DEA) modified silica was used for efficient removal of interferences caused by various organic acids, sugars, etc. The pesticide residues were determined by gas chromatography with a mass selective detector (GC-MS). The majority of pesticide recoveries for various fruits and vegetables were >80% in the concentration range from 0.01 to 0.50 mg/kg, except for the most polar pesticides (methamidophos, acephate, omethoate) which cannot be determined by this method. The limit of quantitation for most of the pesticides was 0.01 mg/kg with majority of relative standard deviations (R.S.D.s) below 10%.

The physicochemical and phytochemical profile as well as the antioxidant properties of the most important Citrus fruits grown in Cyprus [orange (Citrus sinensis, cv. 'Valencia'), grapefruit (Citrus paradisi, cvs. 'White Marsh', 'Star Ruby', 'Rio Red') and an interspecific hybrid (Citrus reticulata x Citrus sinensis, cv. 'Mandora')] were determined. 'Valencia' fruit exhibited the highest phenolic, flavonoid and ascorbic acid content, as well as a higher antioxidant potency, followed by 'Mandora' fruit and the three grapefruit cultivars. HPLC indicated significant diversity on flavanones among the examined fruits, while LC-MS analysis revealed the presence of hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives, polymethoxyflavones and a furocoumarin. Overall, this study provides supporting evidence for the superiority of 'Valencia' orange fruit as an excellent source of bioactive compounds. In addition, to the best of our knowledge, this is the first study thoroughly describing the phytochemical profile of 'Mandora' fruit, an interspecific hybrid cultivated in Cyprus.

The study aims to examine the effect of transition to the application of IFRS 15: recognition of revenues from contracts with customers in Jordanian telecommunications' companies, as a case study it was conducted in Jordan Telecommunications Company (Orange) for the period between 2010-2017, The researchers recalculated the revenue of contracts with customers retroactively, and separate the goods' revenues from services' revenues, also calculate the assets from contracts at the end of each interim period for the quarterly progress reports for all periods of study. A number of statistical methods were used; the most important one is descriptive statistics, the natural distribution of data and testing the study hypotheses using the multiple regression equations to identify the effect of independent variables on dependent variables. The most important result of the study showed that there is a statistically significant impact at the level of (α ≤ 0.05) for the application of IFRS 15 as measured by the services' revenue , goods' revenue, and contract assets on total revenues and owner equity, The study recommended urging the telecommunications companies working in Jordan especially Orange to apply IFRS 15 for its impact to achieve transparency in disclosure, and to increase the reliability of accounting measurement of financial reporting.

Several physical and nutritional properties of four orange varieties (Alanya, Finike, W. Navel, and Shamouti) were determined and compared in terms of linear dimensions, length, diameter, volume, mass, geometric mean diameter, sphericity, surface area, projected area, fruit density and bulk density, porosity, packing coefficient, static coefficient of friction and apparent color of orange varieties, and total dry matter, water soluble dry matter, vitamin C, pH, titratable acidity, reducing sugar, sucrose and some minerals, i.e. Zn, Fe, Cu, K, Mg, Mn, Na, Ca and P contents. The published comparison data, which might be useful to engineers in equipment design for the orange varieties, were generally found to be statistically different. These differences could be attributed to the individual characteristics of these varieties, as well as to environmental and growth conditions.

The effect of orange fiber addition on yogurt viscoelastic properties was studied, the following factors were evaluated: (i) fiber doses (0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8 and 1 g/100 ml) (ii) fiber particle size (0.417-0.7 and 0.701-0.991 mm) (iii) fiber addition prior or after pasteurization. (i) In yogurts with pasteurized fiber G 0 , G 00 and complex viscosity increased with fiber dose, whereas in non-pasteurized fiber yogurts smaller fiber particles (<0.4 g/100 ml) rheological parameters decreased due to the disruptive effect of the fiber, and over 0.6 g/100 ml rheological parameters increased. The presence of particles alters yogurt structure but when the fiber dose is high enough the water absorption compensates the weakening effect of the fiber. (ii) G 0 , G 00 and viscosity were higher in yogurts with large particles than in yogurts with fiber of smaller size. The higher the number of fiber particles, the higher the disrupting effect. (iii) Fiber pasteurization in the mix enhances its integration in the gel matrix.

The emulsifying properties of covalent complexes of maltodextrin (MD) with whey protein (WP) isolate have been investigated under both acidic and high electrolyte concentration conditions in systems containing medium-chain triglyceride oil or orange oil. Covalent coupling of protein to polysaccharide was achieved by dry-heat treatment of a protein+polysaccharide mixture for up to 2 h. It was confirmed by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis that the WP does become directly linked to the MD. Analysis of droplet-size distributions has shown that this covalent linking of MD to WP leads to a very substantial enhancement in the protein emulsifying behaviour under both acidic and neutral conditions. Analogous dry-heating treatment of MD with soy protein does not have this positive effect. A whey protein-MD conjugate WP-MD19, made from MD (DE ¼ 19) of intermediate mean molecular weight (8.7 kDa), has been found to be capable of producing fine emulsion droplets (0.5-1 mm) with either triglyceride oil or orange oil. Optimized WP-MD19 conjugates can produce fine stable emulsions (20 vol% oil) at 2 wt% emulsifier content, whereas the equivalent emulsion made with gum arabic requires a 20-30 wt% level of emulsifier. A WP-MD19 conjugate of protein/polysaccharide ratio 1:2 or 1:3 is effective in stabilizing low-pH emulsions of a commercial flavour oil (containing a weighting agent) over a storage period of several weeks, with no visible precipitation or phase separation when mixed with colouring agents, either before or after extensive emulsion dilution. r

L&#39;etude proprement archeologique des edifices de spectacles antiques de la Gaule Narbonnaise se heurte aujourd&#39;hui a un probleme majeur : outre les divers amenagements destines en principe a leur rendre leur fonction primitive de salles de spectacles, leur description ne peut negliger en effet ni les differentes modifications apportees depuis les premieres invasions des Wisigoths et durant tout le Moyen âge, ni les restaurations effectuees depuis le xixe siecle jusqu&#39;a nos jours. De fait, meme si les dernieres interventions se sont voulues « dans le respect de l&#39;esprit de l&#39;antiquite » et meme lorsque les restaurations se sont limitees a de simples consolidations, les unes comme les autres ont participe indeniablement a une certaine transformation de l&#39;edifice. Celle-ci s&#39;est effectuee dans divers contextes selon les epoques, selon les ecoles aussi, et selon la place accordee au monument a la fois dans l&#39;urbanisme d&#39;une ville antique de la provinc...

Citrus fruits contain phytochemicals effective in the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases. Although many orange peel phytochemicals have been identified, information on their distribution in the flavedo and albedo is particularly incomplete limiting the development of applications for orange byproducts. This includes comminuted orange which are ground peel and juice mixes used in commercial beverage formulations. In this study, the phytochemical concentration, antioxidant activity (AOA) and their relationship were determined for Valencia comminuted orange and compared with values for orange juice and peel fractions. The highest total vitamin C (74.7-98.2 mg AA/100 g), metoxylated flavone (159 mg HE/100 g) and carotenoid (1.04-6.21 mg  mg 04ca) content was found in flavedo while albedo was high in total phenolics (553-730 mg GA/100 g), glycosylated flavanones (1803 mg HE/100 g), and AOA (11950-15480  TE/100 g). The latter was shown to be linearly correlated with the phenolic, hesperidin and flavonoid concentration. A comparison of orange juice and comminuted orange showed that the flavedo and albedo increased the phenolic, flavonoid and AOA level of juice by 111, 783 and 304%, respectively, showing that these byproducts are a superior source of nutraceuticals.

Edible composite coatings based on hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), hydrophobic components (beeswax and shellac), and food preservatives with antifungal properties were evaluated on 'Valencia' oranges during long-term cold storage. Selected food preservatives included potassium sorbate (PS), sodium benzoate (SB), sodium propionate (SP), and their mixtures. Intact oranges or oranges artificially inoculated with Penicillium digitatum or Penicillium italicum were coated and stored up to 60 d at 5 • C followed by 7 d of shelf-life at 20 • C. Some antifungal HPMC-lipid coatings significantly reduced incidence and severity of both green (GM) and blue (BM) molds on inoculated and cold-stored oranges, and PS + SP-based coating was the most effective. In general, the coatings controlled GM better than BM. After 30 and 60 d at 5 • C plus 7 d at 20 • C, fruit weight loss, rind firmness, internal gas concentrations, ethanol and acetaldehyde contents of the juice, sensory flavor, off-flavor, and fruit appearance were not adversely affected by application of the antifungal coatings, which showed promise as potential substitutes for citrus commercial waxes. However, further studies should follow to improve some coating physical characteristics in order to provide better water loss control and higher gloss on coated oranges.

Isolation of the volatile fraction from the peel of Pontianak orange (Citrus nobilis var. Lour. microcarpa Hassk.) by a careful solvent extraction/vacuum distillation process followed by application of an aroma extract dilution analysis (AEDA) revealed 32 odour-active compounds in the Xavour dilution (FD)-factor range of 4-2048, 26 of which could be identiWed. On the basis of high FD-factors, (R)/(S)-linalool, myrcene, (R)-limonene, and 1,8-cineole were characterised as the most potent odorants, followed by octanal, (E,E)-2,4-decadienal, nerol, (E)-2-dodecenal, geraniol, and (E,E)-2,4-nonadienal. In addition, one odorant resembling the characteristic sulphurous, resinous aroma of the Pontianak peel oil was detected with a quite high FDfactor of 128. By mass spectrometry followed by synthesis, 1-phenylethanethiol exhibiting an intense sulphurous, resinous smell at the very low odour threshold of 0.005 ng/L in air, was found to be responsible for the odour impression detected in the extract. 1-Phenylethanethiol occurring as a mixture of the (R)-(76%) and the (S)-enantiomer (24%) has previously not been reported as odorant in foods. Application of static headspace aroma dilution analysis (SHA) on Pontianak peel revealed the green, grassy smelling odouractive compounds hexanal and (Z)-3-hexenal as further important odorants in the headspace above the peels.

Homozygous genotypes are valuable for genetic and genomic studies in higher plants. However, obtaining homozygous perennial plants using conventional breeding techniques is currently a challenge because of a long juvenile period, high heterozygosity and the substantial inbreeding depression. In vitro androgenesis has been used to develop haploid and doubled haploid plants. In this study, we report the regeneration of doubled haploid lines of Valencia sweet orange cv. Rohde Red (Citrus sinensis [L.] Osbeck) via anther culture. Anthers at the uninucleate stage were induced and two embryogenic calli were obtained that further regenerated to embryoids (2/400). Plantlets were obtained after transferring the embryoids to a shoot regeneration medium, but were short-lived. Ploidy analysis via both flow cytometry and chromosome counting verified that these two lines were diploids. Additionally, 43 simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers which showed to be heterozygous in the Valencia sweet orange donor line confirmed homozygosity and doubled haploids in the anther-derived lines. Furthermore, analysis of the doubled haploids via cleaved amplified polymorphic sequence (CAPS) markers and target region sequencing confirmed the allelic state of two genes (LCYE and LCYB) involved in the carotenoid biosynthesis of sweet oranges.

As Paul Hills argues, Renaissance Venice was a true tinder-box. If the authority over the water element gave the Venetian Republic endless reasons to be proud of, the consequent fires happening in Venice over the centuries were at the heart of citizens’ concerns.

Equally, the demiurgic power of fire was equally the source of outstanding new developments taking place in Renaissance Venice. Fire’s industrial potential continued to be harnessed spectacularly in glass furnaces at Murano. Following Sansovino’s redevelopment of Saint Mark’s Square in the 16th century, the government mint building with the system of high-temperature ovens was moved from the Rialto to the centrally located marble-encrusted siege at the Bacino San Marco. Finally, the colourful display of pyrotechnics and bonfires left the heaps of visiting pilgrims and ambassadors in awe during Venetian lascivious festivities.

This paper explores the ways in which Venetian craftsmanship emulated or attempted to accommodate the complex nature of fire.

In arguably the most enigmatic dream-romance to ever come out from the Venetian press, the Hypnerotomachia Poliphili (1499), the narrator, Poliphilo records the sight of ‘’altars with a burning fire aloft’’ upon which mystical flames ‘’to which unbridled eyes can be unarmed’’ appear. Fire or mystical creatures of the semblance of fire, run wild through the pages of this romance. The poetics of Poliphio’s account reverberates with scientific explorations of the time that dealt with the dynamism of life. The growing awareness of metabolic processes occurring in nature went hand in glow with alchemical studies on fire as an agency of creation capable of transmuting matter and breaking down elemental distinctions.

I take into account three case studies which, due to the distinctiveness of materials involved in their production, illuminate respectively different qualities of the fiery substance. I begin by looking at glass casendelli, hanging glass lamps produced in the Murano factories. Later, the fantasy of fire petrified will usher us into a discussion on the iconographical programme in the Saint Mark’s Basilica. Finally, the works of Titian and Jacopo Bassano will supplement our understanding of the undying desire among the Venetian painters to suspend the flickering effects of fire in layers of paint.

Stokes and Ruskin taught us that Venice has always been a bemusing theatre of material affinities. In their writings, the appearance of Venetian edifices, their rhythmical arches, veiny marble specchi and sun-reflecting brick façades were perceived as an imaginative extension of the water’s optical qualities.

As much as this brief outline follows the rhetoric of Venetian Renaissance objects as depositories of particular material intertextuality, my point is to shift the debate towards sensuality that until now has been largely overlooked. In the context of Renaissance antiquarianism, theoretical divagations on the nature of fire were symptomatic of the revived interest in such classical sources as Pliny the Elder’s Natural History.

Far from the binarity of combustion and exhaustion, for Pliny fire was an element of special properties. As a life force in its own right, the fire was a crucial component of a whole range of phenomena including earthquakes or rain showers.

Objects discussed in this paper testify to the rise of a new pictorial language which saw fire as evocative energy capable of permuting states; constantly shifting between creation and destruction.

A local cultivar of sweet orange namely ‘Agege sweet’ constitutes a larger percentage among many citrus varieties planted in Nigeria, but there is a major setback in terms of extending its post-harvest shelf life. This work was designed to assess the effectiveness of a rhamnolipid coating to preserve the quality attributes of Agege sweet orange fruit during 8 wk ambient storage compared with that of Aloe vera gel. Petri plates were supplied with different treatments (volume per volume, v/v) of Aloe vera gel (0%, 0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5%, 2.0%, 2.5%) or rhamnolipid (0%, 0.25%, 0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5 %, 2.0%) and oranges were inoculated with a spore suspension of P. digitatum NSP01 spores. The solutions of rhamnolipid (2%) and Aloe vera gel (2%) were evaluated for their biocontrol activity on P. digitatum NSP01. The fruits were stored for 8 wk at 25ºC. The lesion area, firmness, and chemical composition were assessed. The oranges coated with Aloe vera gel and rhamnolipid significantly (p < 0.05) prevented loss in firmness, total soluble solids and titratable acidity and reduced the decay caused by P. digitatum NSP01. Therefore, the newly formulated rhamnolipid-Aloe vera edible coating could serve as a permanent substitute for chemical fungicides used in the management of diseases and pests affecting agricultural productivity.

Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils as an alternative treatment for medical purposes. Despite the lack of sufficient scientific proof, it is considered a holistic complementary therapy employed to enhance comfort and decrease distress. Citrus fragrances have been particularly used by aromatherapists for the treatment of anxiety symptoms. Based on this claim, the present study investigated the effects of Citrus sinensis (sweet orange) essential oil on Wistar, male rats evaluated in the elevated plus-maze followed by the light/dark paradigm. The animals were exposed to the orange aroma (100, 200 or 400 μl) for 5 min while in a Plexiglas chamber and were then immediately submitted to the behavioural tests. At all doses, C. sinensis oil demonstrated anxiolytic activity in at least one of the tests and, at the highest dose, it presented significant effects in both animal models, as indicated by increased exploration of the open arms of the elevated plusmaze (time: p = 0.004; entries: p = 0.044) and of the lit chamber of the light/dark paradigm (time: p = 0.030). In order to discard the possibility that this outcome was due to non-specific effects of any odour exposure, the behavioural response to Melaleuca alternifolia essential oil was also evaluated, using the same animal models, but no anxiolytic effects were observed. These results suggest an acute anxiolytic activity of sweet orange essence, giving some scientific support to its use as a tranquilizer by aromatherapists.

BACKGROUND: Orange-fleshed sweetpotato (OFSP) can be used to tackle vitamin A deficiency, a major public health problem in most developing countries. In East Africa, common ways of using sweetpotato include drying and subsequent storage. The aim of the study was to investigate the impact of drying and storage on the total carotenoid retention (as an estimate of provitamin A retention) from OFSP.RESULTS: Losses of total carotenoid during drying were generally low (15% or less). Total carotenoid retention in OFSP was not dependent on the type of dryer (solar or sun). Sweetpotato cultivar (Ejumula, Kakamega, SPK004/1, SPK004/1/1, SPK004/6 or SPK004/6/6) had a significant effect on retention in drying (P < 0.05). High percentage losses of total carotenoids were, however, correlated with high moisture content and high carotenoid content in fresh sweetpotato roots. After 4 months' storage at room temperature in Uganda, losses of total carotenoid in dried sweetpotato chips were high (about 70%) and this was not dependent on the use of opaque or transparent packaging.CONCLUSION: Losses of carotenoids during storage were considered to be more of a nutritional constraint to the utilisation of dried sweetpotato than losses occurring during drying. The relationship between characteristics of the cultivars and losses of carotenoids during drying should be taken into account in selection of cultivars for processing. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry