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Optimal utilization of microwave energy requires more basic knowledge of the dielectric properties of the material under investigation. The dielectric properties of materials subjected to microwaves are known to depend on moisture content, temperature and density of the material as well as the frequency of the applied microwave field. This thesis is focussed on the development and evaluation of the new Permittivity Analyser to measure the dielectric properties of agri-food materials at 915 and 2450 MHz using cavity perturbation concept. / In this study, the dielectric properties measuring system was designed and developed using cavity perturbation concept to measure the essential and fundamental parameters of microwave-material interaction; dielectric constant and dielectric loss factor of selected agri-food substances and organic solvents. The TM010 mode of electromagnetic energy was selected and configured to operate at the peakresonant condition for both ISM (Industrial, Scientific and Medical) approved frequencies of .915 and 2450 MHz frequencies. The resonant perturbation cavities were designed, fabricated and tested using the network analyser and the permittivity analyser. High Q (ratio of energy supplied to absorbed) values were reported for both frequencies. Basic calibration of the measurement system was performed using standard media such as air, water and alcohol. Necessary mathematical steps and algorithms were written and integrated into a user-friendly software program (Visual basic 6.0) to carry out the entire measurement. / The dielectric properties (epsilon' & epsilon ″) of materials such as; edible oils---canola, soya and sunflower oils, neem oil/pulp, homogenized milk (1, 2 and 3.25% fat), organic solvents such as ethanol, hexane and their mixtures were determined at various temperatures and frequency (915, 2450 MHz) combinations, using cavity perturbation technique. Linear relationships between the dielectric properties and temperature found in the literature were confirmed to be valid for certain ranges in case of edible oils, organic solvents and milk samples tested with the cavity perturbation method. Repeatibility and variability aspects of the permittivity analyzer at both the frequencies are presented.

The market structure of the food retailing industry has evolved to one which is comprised of numerous types of outlets, each using different basic strategies for doing business. A field experiment was implemented in stores which were assumed to operate with strategically opposite marketing philosophies. Results demonstrate that when prices were either raised or lowered, the sales in the stores that use "low pricing" as a core strategy were affected more than the stores which use a strategy other than low price. A survey conducted in the test stores shows that the shopping profiles of the customers in both store types differ. Statistically significant differences between the two customer groups as to ideal store attributes desired, lifestyles (A.I.O.'s) and demographics were determined. The results yield important implications for theory, methodology and for managers in all levels of the distribution channel.

This exploratory research examines the wage effects of a variety of measures thought to be important in the employment income determination process. It does this by using ordinary least squares multiple regression techniques to construct wage equations for two samples of blue-collar workers in Montreal. Blue-collar wage equations are constructed for: (i) the Montreal labour market and (ii) the Montreal food processing industry. / The results of this study show that Montreal blue-collar wages are determined by a variety of factors. Most importantly, however, are the wage effects exhibited by a worker's gender, union membership status and whether or not a worker has received a promotion from his/her present employer. These factors show statistically significant effects on the wages of blue-collar workers in the Montreal labour market as well as on the wages of blue-collar workers in the Montreal food processing industry. The present research also finds that certain factors have distinct wage effects on the different samples of blue-collar workers examined. Data from the present study indicates that the wages of Montreal blue-collar workers are influenced primarily by: (i) on-the-job training, (ii) promotions received, (iii) job opportunities available, (iv) an interruption in one's studies, (v) trade union membership and (vi) gender. While the wages of blue-collar workers employed specifically in the Montreal-area food processing industry are affected principally by: (i) the use of computers, (ii) the use of machines, (iii) promotions received, (iv) a varied work experience, (v) trade union membership, (vi) marital status and (vii) gender. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)

High pressure (HP) kinetics of the microbial destruction and changes in the physicochemical characteristics of milk and pork were studied. Raw milk samples containing indigenous microflora of approximately 106 CFU/mL were heat sealed in dual peel sterilization pouches and subjected to HP treatment from 150--400 MPa with holding times ranging 5--120 min. The kinetic parameters (rate constant, k and decimal reduction time, D) for the microorganisms, alkaline phosphatase, color and viscosity were evaluated, based on first order kinetics and the pressure dependence of kinetic parameters was evaluated using pressure destruction time (PDT) and Arrhenius models. Kinetic data was well described by the first order model (R 2 > 0.90). / The application of pressure pulse was explored for pressure destruction of microorganisms as well as changes in physical-chemical characteristics of pork chops. Pork chops (2 days post-rigor) were subjected to HP treatment from 200--350 MPa for 0--120 min. Results showed that pressure changes of pork variables followed a dual effect consisting of an instantaneous pressure kill (IPK) with the application of pressure pulse (no holding) and a subsequent first order rate of destruction during the pressure hold time. The IPK values were pressure dependent and increased with pressure level. Parameters k and D indicated a higher rate of pressure destruction of microorganisms compared to quality attributes. / Kinetics of pressure destruction of Listeria monocytogenes Scott A were studied in relation to those of indigenous microorganism of milk and pork. The IPK was more pronounced with L. monocytogenes than with indigenous microflora. However, the kinetic parameters (k and D values) indicated a larger pressure resistance for L. monoctyogenes. HP processes were developed based on the standard plate count (SPC) kinetic data for indigenous microflora of milk as well as L. monocytogenes in milk and pork. The results showed that SPC kinetics permitted good estimation of microbial destruction in low pressure-lethality processes of milk and pork but its application at higher pressure-lethality levels were inaccurate. On the other hand, processes established based an destruction of L. monocytogenes were more predictable. Pressure pulse application to microbial lethality was also well predicted. / The shelf-life of milk and pork increased with the level of applied pressure lethality, but Q10 values suggested that low storage temperature was nevertheless required to control microbial growth and maintain quality. Storage of HP treated park offered some improvement in the texture but resulted in large color changes and drip losses. L. monocytogenes were not detected in any of the stored milk samples HP treated to achieve a lethality ≥10D.

Thesis (Ph.D.)--Murdoch University, 2007. / Thesis submitted to the Division of Arts. Includes bibliographical references (p. 417-436).

Thesis (PhD) -- University of Western Sydney, 2003. / "A thesis submitted for degree of Doctor of Philosophy, Centre for Advanced Food Research, School of Science, Food & Horticulture, University of Western Sydney, Hawkesbury campus, Richmond, Australia, January 2003" Bibliography: leaves 199-227.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Missouri-Columbia, 1997. / Typescript. Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 209-220). Also available on the Internet.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Ohio State University, 2008. / Title from first page of PDF file. Includes bibliographical references (p. 124-132).

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Technische Universität, Berlin. / Includes bibliographical references (p. [217]-240).