Dissimilar Channel Angular Pressing (DCAP) method is an effective Severe Plastic Deformation (SPD) technique to improve the mechanical properties of sheets or strips by producing ultrafine grains. The aim of this study is to investigate the evolution of the microstructure and the improvement in mechanical properties of 6061 Al-alloy strips deformed by DCAP up to 5 passes. Mechanical properties such as hardness and strength have been observed to increase up to a certain strain level depending on the microstructural evolution. These microstructural changes were investigated by the characterization studies of XRD, SEM and TEM analysis of the DCAPed samples indicating the subgrain formation, changes in the dislocation density and dislocation behaviors.

Probiotics are viable microorganisms that show beneficial effects on the health of the host by improving their intestinal microflora. The microorganisms applied as probiotics mainly include Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium species. Probiotics can inhibit the bacterial pathogens, reduce serum cholesterol levels, improve lactose tolerance and stimulate the immune response. They also have other properties such as / tolerance to acid and bile salts, adherence to gastrointestinal cells for colonization, resistance to antibiotics and &beta / -galactosidase acitivity. The properties of probiotic products are determined by the characteristics of the microorganisms they contain. For that reason, isolation and characterization of new strains having probiotic properties is an important issue. New strains are generally isolated from their natural habitats which are fermented dairy products such as kefir. In order to exert beneficial health affects in the digestive system, commercial probiotic products should contain adequate numbers of viable cells. Probiotic microorganisms should protect their viability during their shelf storage. Therefore, the viability of probiotics is especially important for food manufacturers that search for new probiotic strains with good survival and stability properties upon storage. In this study, probiotic microorganisms were isolated from traditional kefir grains known as a &lsquo / complex probiotic&rsquo / . The isolates were firstly identified using biochemical tests, then the putative species belonging to &lsquo / Lactobacillus acidophilus group&rsquo / were identified with 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Analysis of sequencing resulted in differentiation of &ldquo / L. acidophilus group&rdquo / organisms, namely L. amylovorus and L. acidophilus. Moreover, typing of commercial and traditional L. acidophilus strains and L. amylovorus strains were performed with RAPD-PCR by using primer M13. While several L. acidophilus strains showed different RAPD fingerprints most of the L. acidophilus and L. amylovorus strains could not be differentiated due to high similarity of their RAPD fingerprints. Following identification, survival of these isolates in probiotic yogurt preparations were investigated and compared to the survival of commercial probiotics. Consequently, although the survival of kefir grain isolates were less than commercial probiotics, they sustained the minimum recommended level for probiotics (106 cfu/ml) during cold storage. Such level of survival makes them considerably good candidates to be used as commercial probiotic cultures.

Based on ongoing research, the poultry industry is utilizing increasingly more wheat distillers dried grains with solubles (wDDGS) as a feed ingredient. High fiber in wDDGS is a major factor contributing to reduced nutrient intake and digestion of nutrients in the diet. Hence, the research conducted looks at emerging technologies (e.g., enzymes and/or feed processes (extrusion) and/or wet feeding) to overcome the limitations in diets containing higher levels of WDDGS. The dietary treatments were evaluated by monitoring turkey performance and utilization of the nutrients. All dietary treatments in the respective experiments were formulated to meet or exceed the nutrient requirement of the Hybrid Converter turkey standards. With the exception of experiment 2 (0-72d) test diets were fed from 7-21d. In Experiment 1, 0 and 30% wDDGS diets were supplemented with protease (P+; 0.126 g/kg) or β-mannanase (M+; 0.05g/kg); further, diets containing 0, 10, 20 and 30% wDDGS with no enzyme were compared. A positive (P<0.05) main effect of 30% was reported for 21d body weight (BW) and feed conversion ratio (FCR). A significant main effect [21d apparent metabolizable energy (AME); 30%] and interactions [(enzymes x levels (0 and 30%); 21d AME and nitrogen retention (NR)] were found. A quadratic (P<0.01) response was found for FCR, that was superior for 30%. A quadratic (P<0.01) response was also found for both NR and AME; both were highest for 10% wDDGS diets. In Experiment 2, diets containing 0, 15 and 30% wDDGS with no enzyme were compared; further, the 30% wDDGS diet was supplemented with enzymes (protease or β-mannanase). Water intake per pen was monitored beginning at 7 d. There was no effect of dietary treatment on overall feed intake (FI) and body weight (BW). Total feed conversion ratio (FCR) (P<0.05; 0-72d) was significantly improved for birds fed 30% wDDGS regardless of enzyme treatment compared other dietary treatments. There were trends for higher water intake (mL/b/d) with 30%P+ diets as compared to the other diets. The higher water intake may be a factor of the higher fiber in this diet, but it was exacerbated by only the protease enzyme. Experiment 3 evaluated the effect of extrusion (EX) and an enzyme cocktail (E; 0.5g/kg) on wDDGS. Diets containing 0, 15 and 30% wDDGS with/without enzyme were tested; further, the 15 and 30% wDDGS with/without EX and E were compared. There was no effect of EX or E on BW and FI. Feeding higher WDDGS (30%) depressed performance, but an improved NR and AME was recorded. In Experiment 4, a small study was conducted to evaluate if wet feeding (WF; 1.2 mL water: 1.0 g feed) of diets with 30% wDDGS would impact turkey poult performance. The WF significantly improved BW, FI and FCR. It is apparent from these studies that high levels of WDDGS were not detrimental to overall performance. The high levels of wDDGS with no loss of production would result in a higher demand of wDDGS for use in turkey diets. Overall, we saw no improvements in performance with individual supplementation of protease, β-mannanase or an enzyme cocktail. Neither was extrusion of wDDGS beneficial. Voluntary feed consumption is improved when diets are wetted before feeding.

Στόχος της παρούσας εργασίας είναι η συμβολή στη δημιουργία ενός γυρεολογικού άτλαντα για τα φυτά της Πανεπιστημιούπολης Πατρών. Γι’ αυτό το σκοπό, στη διάρκεια ενός χρόνου συλλέχθηκαν και αναγνωρίστηκαν 150 δείγματα από την Πανεπιστημιούπολη και δημιουργήθηκε ένα «Herbarium». Από κάθε είδος συλλέχθηκε ένας μεγάλος αριθμός ανθέων για επεξεργασία στο εργαστήριο. Στη διαδικασία αυτή ελήφθη το γυρεολογικό υλικό και ετοιμάστηκαν τα μικροσκοπικά παρασκευάσματα με τη μέθοδο ακετόλυσης Erdtman. Μελετήθηκαν οι εξής οικογένειες Apocynaceae (1), Boraginaceae (7), Buxaceae (1), Capparaceae (1), Caprifoliaceae (1), Caryophyllaceae (2), Compositae (15), Convolvulaceae (2), Cruciferae (2), Dipsacaceae (2) Euphorbiaceae (1), Geraniaceae (1), Gramineae (2), Iridaceae (2), Labiatae (9), Leguminosae (18), Liliaceae 6, Malvaceae (2), Oleaceae (3), Oxalidaceae (1), Papaveraceae (2), Plantaginaceae (1), Pinaceae (1), Pittosporaceae (1), Primulaceae (1), Ranunculaceae (4), Resedaceae (1), Scrophulariaceae (2), Solanaceae (1) Umbelliferae (3) Urticaceae (2), Verbenaceae (2). Μετά έγιναν για κάθε είδος τουλάχιστον 150 μετρήσεις των χαρακτηριστικών διαστάσεων των γυρεοκόκκων του που είναι η πολική (Ρ) και η ισημερινή (Ε) απόσταση και ο λόγος της πολικής προς την ισημερινή απόσταση (Ρ/Ε). Στη συνέχεια πραγματοποιήθηκε η στατιστική επεξεργασία των μετρήσεων και η εξαγωγή των μέσων τιμών και της διασποράς τους. Για κάθε είδος, περιγράφτηκαν τα μορφολογικά και ανατομικά χαρακτηριστικά στοιχεία των γυρεοκόκκων. Τέλος, η μορφολογική περιγραφή του γυρεοκόκκου ολοκληρώθηκε με τη φωτογράφηση στο Ο.Μ. των παρασκευασμάτων. Σε μερικά είδη παρατηρήθηκαν διαφορές ως προς τις βιβλιογραφικά δεδομένα από άλλες περιοχές, όσον αφορά το ανάγλυφο, την μορφολογία των ανοιγμάτων (Anemone pavonina) το μέγεθος των γυρεοκόκκων (Vicia villosa, Pimpinella peregrina, Onopordon illyricum κ. α.) Στο Onopordon illyricum L. βρήκαμε γυρεοκόκκους με Ρ = 59, 35 μm, Ε = 55,14 μm ενώ στη βιβλιογραφία αναφέρονται Ρ = 40 – 45 μm και Ε = 39 - 45 μm. Στο είδος Anemone pavonina Lam. η βιβλιογραφία αναφέρει πολυπορώδεις γυρεοκόκκους ενώ στο δικό μας υλικό οι γυρεόκοκκοι φαίνονται παντοκολπικοί. Στην Vicia villosa Roth.. βρήκαμε Ρ = 42,32 μm και Ε = 20,61 μm ενώ βιβλιογραφικά αναφέρονται τιμές Ρ = 28 – 35 μm και Ε = 14 – 21 μm. Αυτή η διαφοροποίηση είναι μια γεωγραφική διαφοροποίηση που σχετίζεται και συνοδεύεται και από μορφολογικές και γενετικές διαφορές. / The aim of the present study is the construction of a pollen atlas with regard to the plant species in the area of the University of Patras, Greece. For this purpose, 120 different samples were collected and characterized and a «Herbarium» was created. From each of the species, a big number of flowers were collected for further processing in the lab. Fresh polliniferous material was procured randomly from several plants growing in the field of the University of Patras. For light optical microscope (LO) studies pollen were acetolyzed following the protocol of Erdtman (1952). The plant taxa studied here belongs to the following families: Apocynaceae (1), Boraginaceae (7), Buxaceae (1), Capparaceae (1), Caprifoliaceae (1), Caryophyllaceae (2), Compositae (15), Convolvulaceae (2), Cruciferae (2), Dipsacaceae (2) Euphorbiaceae (1), Geraniaceae (1), Gramineae (2), Iridaceae (2), Labiatae (9), Leguminosae (18), Liliaceae 6, Malvaceae (2), Oleaceae (3), Oxalidaceae (1), Papaveraceae (2), Plantaginaceae (1), Pinaceae (1), Pittosporaceae (1), Primulaceae (1), Ranunculaceae (4), Resedaceae (1), Rubiaceae (1), Scrophulariaceae (2), Solanaceae (1) Umbelliferae (3) Urticaceae (2), Verbenaceae (2). At least 150 measurements were taken for each plant taxon pollen grain preparation, in order to calculate the mean value of the polar (Ρ) and equatorial (Ε) dimensions of the taxon’ s pollen grains, as well as, the ratio Ρ/Ε. Statistical analysis was performed and the mean values were recorded. The morphology and anatomy of each species pollen grains were determined. The study was completed by taking LM pictures of all pollen grains. In some of the species studied in the area we have noticed some differences between the pollen grains dimensions, or even the morphology of the pollen grain surface, and of the same taxa that are described from other countries (Anemone pavonina Lam., Onopordon illyricum L., Vicia villosa Roth., Pimpinella peregrina L.) In Onopordon illyricum L. we have found pollen grains with P = 59,35 μm, Ε = 55,14 μm and the same species from Spain is described with P = 40 – 45 μm ανδ Ε – 39 – 45 μm. Anemone pavonina Lam. is referred to have poliporate pollen grains, in our material it seems to have policolpate pollen grains. In Vicia villosa Roth. From Spain is referred P = 28 – 35 μm and E = 14 – 21 μm, and we found P = 42,32 μm and E = 20,61 μm. This might be a geographic differentiation that is normal in pollen grains and is related with other morphological and genetic differences.

This thesis is an investigation of the impacts of extreme weather on the livelihoods of households in the hillside communities of the Jesus de Otoro Valley, Honduras. Extreme weather events can have profound negative impacts on livelihoods that rely heavily on natural resources, such as agriculture. The reliance of hillside households on agriculture and related activities for survival makes this population critically vulnerable to the negative impacts of extreme weather. This study found that the livelihood resources of this group that are most affected by extreme weather events are cash income and human health. Strong rains, drought and extreme temperatures have several direct impacts on household income, not only for hillside farmers themselves, but also for the merchants whose businesses have been developed to serve them. Extreme weather events also have multiple direct impacts on human health. Increased incidence of bacterial infections and communicable diseases are serious effects of strong rains, drought and temperature extremes. This study found a clear positive feedback link between decreased income and deterioration of health. Climate change studies predict that extreme weather events will become more frequent and severe. If these predictions are correct, hillside households will suffer potentially devastating impacts on their livelihoods. The coping strategies currently employed by hillside households in the face of extreme weather events are unlikely to provide the resources needed for households to survive under more severe and unstable weather conditions. / SSHRC, CIDA, Students for Development

Kasmet vidutiniškai šalyje užauginama 3 – 4 milijonai tonų javų. Juos pristatant į grūdų apdorojimo įmones nustatyta, kad grūdų vidutinis šiukšlingumas siekia 4 – 7%. Dalis mažųjų šiukšlių gali patekti į darbo vietą grūdų apdorojimo patalpose. Grūdų apdorojimo technologijose dirbantiems žmonėms dulkės kenkia sveikatai ir ilgainiui gali tapti rimtos profesinės ligos priežastimi. Dulkėtumo tyrimai grūdų sandėliuose yra aktuali, mažai tyrinėta problema. Darbe ištirti dulkių koncentracijos lygiai grūdų sandėlyje technologinėse operacijose. Nustatyta, kad dulkių koncentracijos matavimų maksimali paklaida neviršytų 0,35 mg/m3, imties tūris turėtų būti ne mažiau, kaip 31 matavimai (bandymuose pasirinkta ne mažiau 33). Bandymų metu nustatyta maksimali dulkių koncentracija (6,17 mg/m3), kuri yra potencialiai pavojinga aptarnaujamo personalo sveikatai, todėl rekomenduotina darbuotojams naudoti asmenines apsaugos priemones. Nustatyta vidutinė dulkių koncentracija (2,16 mg/m3) neviršija HN 23:2011 ilgalaikio poveikio ribinio dydžio 5 mg/m3. / Each year, the national average and producing 3-4 million tonnes of cereals. Delivery to the grain-processing companies showed that the average grain impurities to 4-7%. Some small debris can enter the work area of grain handling facilities. Grain processing technology for people working in the dust is harmful and may eventually become a serious cause of occupational disease. Dust grain storage research is relevant, a little research on the problem. Work to investigate the concentration levels of dust grain warehouse technological operations. There were found that it has been not less as 31 measurement off amount (in experimentations there were chosen not less than 33), that the maximum concentrations of dusts bias won’t go off 0,35 mg/m³. During the tests, the maximum concentration of dust (6,17 mg/m³), which is potentially dangerous to the health personnel served, therefore, recommended that employees wear personal protective equipment. Estimated the average dust concentration (2,16 mg/m³), does not exceed the long-term exposure limit value of 5 mg/m³ with HN 23:2011.

No description available.

Phytochemicals found in grains complement those found in fruits and vegetables. These phytochemicals, though minor compounds, contribute to the antioxidant properties which are related to the health benefits associated with the consumption of whole grain. In this thesis project, nine barley genotypes of diverse origin namely CI2230 from Nepal, CI1248 from Israel, 3 Peruvian genotypes; Peru 3, Peru 16 and Peru 35, Hokuto Hadaka from Japan, EX116; a cross between Moroccan and Canadian genotype, EX83; a cross between two Canadian genotypes and EX127; a cross between Canadian and German genotypes were studied. The genotypes were categorized based on appearance into purple, black and yellow grains. Phenolic acids and flavonoids were identified and quantified in these diverse genotypes using HPLC-ESI-MS analysis. The main classes of dietary flavonoids studied in the barleys were anthocyanins and flavan-3-ols. Phenolic acids were identified and quantified (p-coumaric, ferulic, sinapic, caffeic, vanillic). Three ferulic acid dehydrodimers (8-0-4’ DFA, 8-5’ benzofuran form and 5-5’ DFA) were also identified. The most abundant dimeric flavan-3-ols were procyanidins B3 and prodelphinidin B3. The monomeric unit, (+)-catechin, was the most abundant while catechin glucoside (m/z 451) was also identified. Among the Peruvian genotypes, Peru 16 and Peru 35 exhibited relatively high levels of total PA content. Total phenolic content and antioxidant activities of methanolic, acetone and alkali hydrolyzed extracts of the nine barley genotypes was determined by the Folin- Ciocalteau assay, DPPH radical scavenging assay and oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC assay).The acetone extract exhibited the highest antioxidant capacity using all the methods of analysis. Furthermore, dark colored grains were found to exhibit higher contents of phenolic compounds. The phenolic acids, PAs and anthocyanins identified and quantified had significant contribution to the overall antioxidant capacity of the barley whole grain. Four hull-less genotypes namely CI2230, EX127, CI1248 and Peru 35 were further partially sprouted to establish the effects of sprouting on phenolic acid composition. Partial sprouting was observed to significantly increase the soluble conjugated phenolic acids. The barley genotypes studied were found to contain different quantities of phytochemicals and had high proanthocyanidin content thereby rendering them as alternative sources of antioxidants. Barley sprouts present a possible novel food ingredient with improved properties such as phenolic acid composition and other benefits such as easier incorporation into food products under development.

A study was conducted to examine the impact of diet and cold weather on the excretion of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) from beef cows, and the potential for these nutrients to be lost to waterways or as greenhouse gases (GHG). Feces and urine were collected from mature cows fed low-quality forage supplemented with DDGS to 0%, 10%, and 20% ww-1 in the fall of 2008 and winter of 2009. A detailed nutrient analysis was performed to determine forms of N and fractions of P in excreta. Feces, urine, and a simulated bedding pack were then applied to grassland to determine soil GHG emission. Cattle receiving DDGS supplementation excreted greater proportions of labile P in feces and greater concentrations of P in urine. The 20% DDGS diets had greater nitrous oxide emission from urine patches and greater proportions of available N in urine and feces.

Obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and poor dietary habits are major healthcare problems in the United States. These issues are especially prevalent in the state of Kentucky and among at-risk populations such as Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) participants. Studies have found that whole grains play a role in weight maintenance, protection against type 2 diabetes, and lowering cholesterol. Interventions aimed at improving WIC participant dietary behavior and intake has been successful as well. This study assessed Kentucky WIC participants’ knowledge of the benefits of consuming grains, attitudes and beliefs regarding food purchasing and grains, and identified grains consumed in a two-week period. A survey, created with the input of Registered Dietitians and WIC staff, examined these factors. Results from the survey found that WIC participants might benefit from education on: purchasing nutrient-dense foods (especially whole grains), the nutrition facts panel, types of grains, nutrients such as calories, fat, sugar, and fiber, serving sizes, and how to get children to eat whole grains.