The discovery and dissemination of new knowledge are essential in food science. To advance our understanding of fruit chemistry, analytical methods were compared and applied. Polyphenols are secondary metabolites in fruits of particular importance in food science, as they contribute to the sensory attributes and health benefits of the products. Evaluation of common analytical methods for the quantification of polyphenols, including the Folin-Ciocalteu (F-C), Lowenthal permanganate (L-P), 4-dimethylaminocinnamaldehyde (DMAC) and the bovine serum albumin (BSA) precipitation methods, was conducted using analytical method validation procedures. The F-C method was not specific to polyphenols, and the L-P method had the widest working range but lacked accuracy. The DMAC method was the most specific to flavanols, and the BSA method was not suitable for quantification of smaller flavanols. Quantitative performance of these four methods was evaluated using a broad range of fruit-derived samples. Variation in quantitative results obtained using these four methods was explained by differences in polyphenol and matrix composition of these samples and differences in operating principles of the methods. The reactivity of individual polyphenol compounds (catechin, epicatechin, PC B2, PC pentamer, chlorogenic acid, phloretin, and quercetin) to the polyphenol and flavanol quantification results using Prussian blue (P-B), F-C, DMAC and BSA precipitation methods were also assessed and determined to differ by up to thirteen-fold, depending on the assay. Furthermore, the contribution and interactions of polyphenol compounds (catechin, PC B2, and chlorogenic acid) and potentially interfering compounds likely to be found in fruit and fruit products (ascorbic acid, glucose, and SO2) to the quantitative results of these methods were evaluated using a full factorial design. Significant interactions among polyphenol compounds, and among the interfering compounds were found. The standardized coefficient (β) for all factors and interactions of polyphenol compounds varied from 0.347 to 129, and from near 0 to -46.8 for all factors and interactions of interfering compounds. Our findings indicate that the choice of standards, polyphenol and matrix composition of the sample may cause disparity among the quantitative results of these methods. Amino acids in apple (Malus × domestica Borkh.) juice not only influence the quality of fermented cider through fermentation kinetics but also impact the flavor of the cider through yeast metabolism. Due to recent advances in analytical instrumentation, amino acids profiles in apple juice were determined much faster and more accurately than by previously applied methods. Twenty amino acids were quantified by UPLC-PDA in juices from 13 apple cultivars grown in Virginia. The relative amino acid profile was significantly different among the apple juices evaluated. The total amino acid concentration ranged from 18 mg/L in Blacktwig juice to 57 mg/L in Enterprise juice. L-Asparagine, L-aspartic acid and L-glutamine are the principal amino acids observed in most apple juices. These results will inform future research on yeast metabolism and nitrogen management during cider fermentation. To better disseminate knowledge gained through research to the next generation of food scientists, the effectiveness of new instructional technology—a cellphone-based personal response system—in food science education was evaluated. Students' academic performance was improved by the incorporation of this technology into lectures, and its use was well perceived by the students (easy to use and positively impacted their learning). This finding contributes to the scholarship of teaching and learning in food science by providing useful insight into the potential for application of such tools with improved student engagement and learning outcomes. Advances in food chemistry research will enable the development of value-added food products, and the pedagogical advancement in food science education will better convey new and existing knowledge to students, who will apply this knowledge to promote a safe and nutritious food supply that enhances human health and increases the value of specialty crops. / Doctor of Philosophy / In food science, both the discovery and dissemination of new knowledge are essential. To advance our understanding in fruit chemistry, several analytical methods were compared and applied. Polyphenols are important bioactive compounds in fruits associated with health benefits, and they also contribute to the bitterness and astringency of the products such as chocolate and red wines. Systematic evaluation of common analytical methods used to quantify polyphenols was conducted. When different methods were used to evaluate a broad range of fruit-derived samples, different results were obtained for a given sample, depending on the method applied. This was explained by the difference in polyphenol composition of these samples. Furthermore, different individual polyphenol compounds contributed differently to quantitative results for these methods. Interactions among polyphenol compounds and interference from constituents of the juice samples other than polyphenols were also found. These findings demonstrate that when comparing fruit chemistry (polyphenol concentration) results obtained using the methods evaluated, it is necessary to consider the polyphenol composition as well as the sample matrix composition. This knowledge will improve our ability to interpret and compare existing data on polyphenol content in fruits, advancing the understanding the polyphenols and health and informing producers to improve their fruit products with optimized quality and sensory characters. Secondly, amino acids in apple juice influence the quality of fermented cider, through not only controlling the fermentation rate, but also impacting the flavor of the cider through yeast metabolism. Twenty amino acids were quantified in juices from 13 apple cultivars grown in Virginia with potential use in cider making using a recently developed method in analytical chemistry. The relative amino acid profile was significantly different among the apple juices evaluated. L-Asparagine, L-aspartic acid and L-glutamine are the principal amino acids observed in most apple juices. This knowledge will help with the development of fermentation strategies for production of ciders with targeted sensory attributes. To better disseminate new knowledge in food science to the next generation, the effectiveness of a new educational technology application—a cellphone-based personal response system (similar to clickers)—in food science education was evaluated. Using this application during lecture resulted in improved quiz grades, and students felt that it was easy to use and positively impacted their learning. This application has the potential to improve effectiveness of lectures in higher education classrooms. Advances in food chemistry research will enable development of value-added food products, and the pedagogical advancement in food science education will better convey new and existing knowledge to students, who will apply this knowledge to promote a safe and nutritious food supply that enhances human health and increases the value of specialty crops.

Thesis (MSc (Microbiology))--University of Stellenbosch, 2010. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The relationship between various land management practices, soil properties and the soil microbial communities are complex and little is known about the effect of these interactions on plant productivity in agricultural systems. Although it would be advantageous to have a single organism or property that can be used as a measure of soil health, it may not be possible. Soil organisms which include both the microorganisms as well as soil fauna are subjected to the effect of their immediate environment. This microenvironment in turn is determined by the soil properties as well as above ground flora and their interactions. Most soil indicators interact with each other, and these interactions can modify or influence the soil properties. The complexities of the interactions between critical soil indicator values often preclude its practical use by land managers and policy makers. However, soil microbial communities (e.g. diversity and structural stability) may serve as a relative indicator of soil quality. These communities are sensitive to land management practices and changes in the microenvironment. The objective of this study was to gain an understanding of the complex relationships by investigating the effect of conventional, integrated and organic apple production systems on the physical, chemical and biological (particularly soil microbial diversity) properties of the soil. Automated Ribosomal Intergenic spacer analysis (ARISA) was used to characterise fungal (F-ARISA) and bacterial (B-ARISA) communities from soil samples obtained from an experimental apple orchard in Elgin, Grabouw. The intergenic spacer (ITS) region from the fungal rRNA operon was amplified using ITS4 and fluorescently FAM (6- carboxylfluorescein) labelled ITS5 primers. Similarly, the 16S-23S intergenic spacer region from the bacterial rRNA operon was amplified using ITSR and FAM-labelled ITSF primers. The sensitivity of the technique allowed us to discriminate between the soil microbial communities of the different treatments. From our results we observed significant increase (p < 0.05) in the fungal community diversity between the February and April samples, while the bacterial community diversity was consistent (p > 0.05). Also, treatments with mulch showed a significantly higher microbial diversity than the other treatments at a 5 % significance level. Fungal communities showed significant correlation with the potassium concentration in the soil, while bacterial communities depicted a significant correlation with the soil phosphorous concentration. Based on the results we concluded that different management practices have a significant effect on the soil microbial communities and that these communities are particularly sensitive to small changes in the environment. However, there is still a need to determine what the composition of the soil microbial communities are to be able to correlate our observations with soil health. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die verhouding tussen verskillende landboubestuurspraktyke, grondeienskappe en die mikrobiese gemeenskappe in grond is kompleks en weinig is bekend oor die uitwerking van hierdie interaksies op die produktiwiteit van landboustelsels. Alhoewel dit voordelig sou wees om ‘n enkele organisme of eienskap te kan hê wat die gesondheid van grond kan meet, sal dit dalk nie moontlik wees nie. Grondorganismes wat die mikroörganismes sowel as die grondfauna insluit, is onderworpe aan die invloed van hulle onmiddelike omgewings. Hierdie mikro-omgewings op hulle beurt word weer beïnvloed deur die grondeienskappe sowel as die die oppervlak flora en hulle wisselwerkinge. Meeste van die grondaanwysers toon ook wisselwerkinge met mekaar, en hierdie wisselwerkinge kan die grondeienskappe beïnvloed or selfs verander. Die kompleksiteit van die wisselwerkinge tussen kritiese grond aanwysers is meestal die rede waarom dit nie deur grondbestuurders en beleidsmakers gebruik word nie. Dit is ongeag die feit dat grond mikrobiese gemeenskappe (bv. diversiteit en stukturele stabiliteit) mag dien as ‘n relatiewe aanwyser van grondkwaliteit. Hierdie gemeenskappe is sensitief vir bestuurspraktyke en veranderinge in die mikro-omgewing. Die doel van die studie was om die ingewikkelde verhoudings in die grondgemeenskappe te bestudeer en die uitwerking van konventionele, geïntegreerde en organiese appel produksie sisteme op die fisiese, chemiese en biologiese eienskappe (veral die grond mikrobiologiese diversiteit) te bepaal. Geoutomatiseerde Ribosomale Intergeniese Spasie Analise (ARISA) is gebruik om die fungus (F-ARISA) en bakteriese (B-ARISA) gemeenskappe van grondmonsters wat vanaf ‘n proef appelboord in Elgin (Grabouw) verkry is, te bepaal. Die intergeenspasie (ITS) area van die fungus rDNA operon is vermeerder deur die ITS4 en fluoresserende FAM (6-karboxylfluorescein) gemerkte ITS5 inleiers te gebruik. Soortgelyk is die 16S-23S intergeenspasie area van die bakteriese rDNA operon vermeerder deur ITSR en FAM-gemerkte ITSF inleiers te gebruik. Die sensitiwiteit van die tegniek laat ons toe om te onderskei tussen die grond mikrobiese gemeenskappe vanaf verskillende grondbehandelings. Vanuit die resultate kon ons aflei dat daar ‘n toename (p < 0.05) in die fungus gemeenskap diversiteit vanaf Februarie to April was terwyl die bakteriese gemeenskap ‘n konstante diversteit getoon het (p > 0.05). Behandelings met grondbedekking het ook ‘n beduidend hoër mikrobiese diversiteit getoon as ander behandelings. Fungus gemeenskappe het beduidende korrelasies getoon met kalium konsentrasies in die grond, terwyl bakteriese gemeenskappe ‘n beduidende korrelasie getoon het met grond fosfor konsentrasies. Gebaseer op die resultate kon ons aflei dat verskillende bestuurspraktyke ‘n uitwerking kan hê op die grond mikrobiese gemeenskappe en dat hierdie gemeenskappe sensitief is vir klein veranderinge in die omgewing. Dit sal egter nog nodig wees om die spesifieke samestelling van die grond mikrobiese gemeenskappe te bepaal voor ons hierdie waarnemings kan korreleer met grondgesondheid.

Thesis (MBA (Business Management))--Stellenbosch University, 2008. / The goal of the study was to identify the ideal positioning strategy for the South African Apple and Pear industry to successfully compete as a supplier against Chile in the European retail environment. The hypothesis of the study states that the ideal positioning strategy for South Africa is a combination between a Corporate and a Generic strategy. The Corporate strategy would focus on what wants to be achieved while the Generic strategy would focus on how it needs to be achieved. A strategy framework combining available corporate strategies with available Generic strategies identified 12 potential corporate/generic strategy combinations. The outcome of the study would be the selection of the combination most suited to take the South African Apple and Pear industry into the future. The research in this study included a full description of both the South African and Chilean industries discussing the physical, economic and political environment as well as the available human resources and industry structures. A thorough description of the European retail environment was followed by an external analysis identifying the key success factors required to successfully supply this market. The key success factors were used as the framework to do an internal situational analysis of the South African and Chilean industries. The internal situational analysis identified the key areas that South Africa needs to focus on to improve its competitive position against Chile in the European retail market. These key areas were pivotal in the selection of the optimal corporate / generic strategy combination. The outcome of the study identified a Market penetration strategy (Corporate strategy) through the use of a Differentiation (Generic strategy) as most suited to improve the competitiveness of the South African Apple and Pear industry. This strategy will grow demand and market share for South African apples and pears in the existing EU retail market for its existing product range by focusing on: 1. Improving the retail value and sales volume of SA apples and pears in the European retail market through:  In-store promotional and media campaigns that will create awareness of South African apples and pears and SA Tourism as well as educate and communicate consumers about the attributes and different uses of SA apples and pears as well as SA Tourism opportunities.  The identification of all South African apples and pears through on-pack branding by using the “South Africa, Alive with Possibility brand”. In-pack information booklets providing nutritional information and recipes for South African apples and pears. 2. Communication of real time supply information to European retailers and importers through:  E-mailing retail buyers direct website links giving them access to the weekly South African Pome Fruit newsletters indicating crop estimates, weekly inspection volumes and shipment volumes per variety. 3. Active engagements with the SA government to gain their involvement and financial support for promotional activities in retail stores through:  Active lobbying by industry representatives for the involvement of SA Tourism, the Department of Trade and Industry and the International Marketing Council in promotional campaigns where SA Apples and Pears are used as a vehicle to enhance the image of the South Africa amongst consumers, retailers and importers. 4. The active communication at an industry level to European retailers and importers about the South African Apple and Pear industry’s progress regarding the management of the carbon footprint of its products as well as the production of residue free fruit through.  Yearly visits by industry representatives to European retailers and importers where South African progress reports in these areas are presented. The assessment highlighted that South Africa is relatively strong throughout the value chain activities but that the lack of a unified industry whereby its strengths are communicated to consumers, retailers and importers, has led to South Africa loosing market share to Chile.

Thesis (MScAgric)--University of Stellenbosch, 2003. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Various aspects of the biology and ecology of woolly apple aphid, Eriosoma lanigerum, were investigated, including initial galling damage caused by E. lanigerum to the roots of apple trees, the possible relationship between E. lanigerum and Xiphinema and Pratylenchus nematodes and the effectiveness of Biostart 2000® and Furfural® as possible control agents of E. lanigerum in the orchard. Preliminary root damage by first instar E. lanigerum feeding was characterized by the mechanical injury of endodermis and parenchyma tissues. Damage by second, third and fourth instar E. lanigerum was similar, but the symptoms were more pronounced. Damage caused by adults included a pronounced swelling at infected areas of the root. Cell walls hardened until the root was radially strengthened with sclerenchyma tissue and nonconducting xylem vessels while the cuticle expanded greatly through the growth of corklike cambium tissue. There was no direct relationship between the population dynamics of E. lanigerum and those of Xiphinema and Pratylenchus nematodes. The occurrence of E. lanigerum appeared to be seasonal while P. penetrans and Xiphinema numbers fluctuated erratically. Undamaged root nitrogen levels seemed to correspond with the normal root growth cycle. Nitrogen levels from galled roots were significantly lower than those of undamaged roots, probably due to E. lanigerum feeding. Soils rich in fine sand and clay sustained higher populations of E. lanigerum and Xiphinema than sandy soils. The number of E. lanigerum found in soil samples correlated well with the damage index allocated to the samples. The numbers of Xiphinema found in soil samples also correlated well with the damage index allocated to the samples according to suspected Xiphinema damage symptoms. Both Biostart 2000® and Furfural® were effective as control agents of woolly apple aphid. Furfural'Ï, a chemical waste product of the sugarcane industry, was however not as effective as Biostart 2000®, a product that includes an activator and three bacterial species, Bacillus laterosporus, B. chitinosporus and B. licheniformis. The bacteria in the Biostart 2000® treated pots could replicate themselves under suitable conditions while Furfural® dilutes with each watering. Biostart 2000® is also easier to prepare than Furfural® since the components of Biostart 2000® readily mix to form a paste easily thinned by water, whereas Furfural® is an oily substance that does not easily disperse in water. Root damage was initiated soon after E. lanigerum started feeding, however there was no apparent relationship between E. lanigerum and the nematode species. The most promising, environmentally friendly control measure was Biostart 2000®. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Verskeie aspekte van biologie en die ekologie van die appel bloedluis, Eriosoma lanigerum, was ondersoek insluitende aanvanklike galvorming veroorsaak deur E. lanigerum op wortels van appelbome, die moontlike verwantskap tussen E. lanigerum en Xiphinema en Pratylenchus nematodes en die effektiwiteit van Biostart 2000® en Furfural® as moontlike beheeragente van E. lanigerum in die boord. Aanvanklike wortelskade deur eerste ins tar E. lanigerum voeding was gekenmerk deur die meganiese beskadiging van endodermale en parenchiem weefsel. Skade veroorsaak deur tweede, derde en vierde instar E. lanigerum was soortgelyk alhoewel die simptome meer beklemtoond was. Skade deur volwassenes het 'n meer duidelike swelsel by geïnfekteerde wortelareas ingesluit. Selwande het verhard totdat die wortel radiaalsgewys versterk was met skierenchiem weefsel en nie-geleidende xileemvate terwyl die kutikula grootliks toegeneem het deur die groei van kurkagtige kambiumweefsel. Daar was geen direkte verwantskap tussen die bevolkingsdinamika van E. lanigerum en dié van Xiphinema en Pratylenchus nematodes nie. Die voorkoms van E. lanigerum was seisoenaal terwyl P. penetrans en Xiphinema se getalle onvoorspelbaar gefluktueer het. Onbeskadigde wortel stikstofvlakke het ooreengestem met die normale wortel groeisiklus. Stikstof vlakke van galwortels was noemenswaardig laer as dié van onbeskadigde wortels, heel waarskynlik as gevolg van voeding deur E. lanigerum. Grond ryk aan fyn sand en klei het groter bevolkings van E. lanigerum en Xiphinema onderhou as sanderige gronde. Die aantal E. lanigerum in grondmonsters het goed ooreengestem met die skade indeks wat aan die monsters toegeken was. Die aantal Xiphinema in grondmonsters het ook goed ooreengestem met die beskadigingsindeks wat aan die monsters toegeken is weens vermoedelike Xiphinema skade simptome. Beide Biostart 2000® en Furfural® was effektief as beheeragente van die appelbloedluis. Furfural'", 'n afvalproduk van die suikerriet industrie, was egter minder effektief as Biostart 2000®, 'n produk bestaande uit 'n aktiveerder en drie bakterie spesies, Bacillus laterosporus, B. chitinosporus en B. licheniformis. Die bakterië in die Biostart 2000® behandelde potte kon vermeerder onder gunstige toestande terwyl Furfural® na elke besproeiing verdun het. Biostart 2000® is ook makliker om aan te maak as Furfural® aangesien die bestanddele van Biostart 2000® geredelik meng tot 'n wateroplosbare pasta, terwyl Furfural® 'n olierige vloeistofis wat moeilik 'n waterige suspensie vorm. Wortelskade het plaasgevind kort nadat E. lanigerum begin voed het, alhoewel daar geen duidelike verwantskap tussen E. lanigerum en nematode spesies voorgekom het nie. Die mees belowende omgewingsvriendelike beheermaatreël was Biostart 2000®.

本研究比較小報（蘋果日報）與大報（聯合報、中國時報）報導的不同處。同時也比較聯合報、中國時報於蘋果日報在台灣發行前後，其報導型式及方向是否有所改變。研究結果顯示聯合、中時兩大報只有在少數項目上有差異，大部分的類目沒有差異，意即兩大報無論在圖文比例、報導類型、頭條新聞的報導及選擇上，都是非常類似的兩份報紙。而兩報與蘋果日報除了少數類目外，大部分項目都有達到顯著差異，顯示兩大報與蘋果日報在圖文比例、報導類型、頭條新聞的報導及選擇上，是截然不同的報紙。另一方面，兩大報增加新聞總則數、總頁數、照片數、圖表數、彩色印刷頁數來因應蘋果。新聞則數及頁數的增加，顯示兩大報欲增加報導量來吸引讀者；而照片、圖表、彩色印刷頁數的增加，則顯示兩大報在某些項目上有逐漸向小報靠攏的趨勢。此現象也顯示台灣兩大報在報導形式上，的確漸漸「圖像化」，而傳統以文字為主的質報，也毫無例外的逐漸向圖像化靠攏。

本研究始於採訪實務中的觀察：學者在報端發表評論，影響了讀者們對於重要新聞事件或社會議題的解讀，報紙則藉助學者的身分及知識，提高報紙的可信度。根據一份來自媒體內部的非正式排行榜卻顯示，短短數年內，知名的學者或專家見諸報端的次數竟然多達數百次，這份名單被用來提醒記者們少找這些高曝光者。美國媒體界通稱這一群常見諸報端的評論者為Pundit(研究者試譯為「評匠」)，他們擁有「一通電話，快速評論」的本領，甚至自嘲是「評論應召者」。這樣的轉變毋寧是巨大的，研究者試圖追尋知識份子在報紙裡形貌的轉變。 　評論是報紙提供讀者除了資訊之外，得到觀點的重要來源。除了來自學院的知識份子之外，其他評論者還包括來自產業或具有專門知識的專家（例如律師、會計師、醫師或產業專門人士等），包括記者及專欄作家等媒體工作者以及透過投書表達意見的一般民眾。在報導形式上，除了客觀事實之外，摻入專家評論或民眾意見這種混合報導與評論的新聞，出現的頻率越來越多，尤以《蘋果日報》最常使用。研究者將此一報導形式稱為「混搭式報導」(crossover-reporting)，取其將不同性質的訊息及知識拼貼在一起之意，並作為觀察知識份子形貌變化的重要取徑。 本研究採定性及定量雙重取徑，透過內容分析法，選擇1987年（解除報禁）、1989、1997、1999、2003、2009等六個年份，包括：《聯合報》、《中國時報》、《自由時報》(1989年起)、及《蘋果日報》(2003年起)等四份主要報紙，以立意取樣觀察並紀錄評論者出現的次數、所佔面積/字數、位置(如新聞辦面、論壇版面或副刊版面等)、形式(如專文、座談會、受訪、讀者投書)，是否為混搭式報導等。另搭配對報導內容的定性觀察及深入訪談兩位新聞工作者，輔助量化分析所得並進一步進行質性探討。 結果顯示：雖然隨著報禁開放，學院知識份子的評論次數逐漸增加，但在22年間，評論的平均面積卻減少了52%，且從可完整論述的專文，逐漸退卻並轉進到民意論壇。以專文為例，從1987年的每篇平均320cm2，減少到2009年的80cm2。學院知識份子份量減少但次數增加，此一現象自2003年《蘋果日報》創刊後，大量採用混搭式報導就更形明顯。混搭式報導也提供了產業知識份子(專家)們評論的機會，甚至一般民眾都可以表達意見，出現的次數甚至不亞於比學者，但分量更為稀少，平均面積只有10餘平方公分。 至於深入訪談的編輯主管及第一線的記者都坦承在截稿時間壓力下及編輯部門要求下，會趨向選擇採訪口語表達能力好，反應快、可主動提供符合編輯需要的評論意見的學者或專家，與美國的評匠有相當高的同質性。 綜上，研究者認為，知識份子與報紙之間的關係，已從早期的文人報導，論政救國，逐漸退居到作為報導裡眾生喧嘩裡的評論者之一。知識遭到工具化，僅有滿足報紙設定立場的機械式評論。作為獨立意見提供者，知識份子或許應該維持反叛與堅持的態度，基於面向社會的責任感。在面對報業困境及呈現爆炸式成長的新興傳播科技與網路社群的同時，知識份子們應當重新自我書寫、發表並尋回獨立發聲的機會，方能作為社會良知，發聲以震聵 / In order to emphasize the credibility of news reports and offer news analysis to the readers, newspaper as well as other media always quote the comments of experts or scholars. However, an informal ranking list came from a newspaper revealed that the same group of experts always quoted up to several hundred times within years, and the mangers of the this newspaper reminded their reporters to avoid interviewing those experts who were familiar to the public. The American media industry call a group of commentators with different specialties often shown in the newspaper as ‘Pundit,’who are well prepared to answer questions or express their viewpoints for the reporters in a phone call quickly. Thus, this phenomenon seems to be common not only in Taiwan but also in other countries. Comments in the newspaper provide readers different point of views other than objective information. Instead of academic scholars, experts such as lawyers, doctors, accountants, columnists and senior media workers can also play the role of commentators. In this study, we observe a kind of news report which reporters not only provide facts to the readers, but also quote the comments of the intellectuals, as well as that of common people. The study call this type of reports as ‘crossover-reporting,’ which is a new phenomena in Taiwan media industry, and the reporter of which combine different kinds of information in a report. This technique is seemed to be mostly used by Apple Daily. By analyzing how the intellectuals and their comments appears in the newspaper, the study tries to explore the changing roles of the intellectuals in Taiwan printed media. Both quantitative and qualitative analysis are used in this study. We choose four newspaper from 1989 to 2009 as our materials. The properties of the comments were further analyzed by purposively sampling the appearance of intellectuals in the main contents in theses newspapers. We analyze the number of words, the section where the report appears (e.g. in the main reports, forums, or supplements), and the form (e.g. special articles, opinion, symposium, interviews, or letters to editors) to define whether a report is cross-reporting or not, and to observe the change of the role of intellectuals. Besides, we interview two senior media worker to gather qualitative information for our analysis; one of the interviewee is a chief editor and the other one is a senior reporter. The results of the study shows that the number of comments from academic scholars is increasing since 1987 (the year which the Lifting of Martial Law is declared in Taiwan); however, the average area is decreased by 52% within 22 years, and the form they appeared is gradually transformed from integral special article to public opinion forum (e.g. the average area was 320 cm2 in 1987, but remain only 80 cm2 in 2009 in special articles). The study also shows since Apply Daily started publication in 2003 and its massive use of crossover-reporting, the academic scholars’ number of words quoted by reporter has decreased, but the number of academic scholars’ quotation has increased. We also find that the using of crossover-reporting provides the opportunities for other intellectuals and even general public to comment on news issues. The number of their comment is even more than that of the scholars, but number of words of the former (average area is only about 10 cm2) is lesser than that of the latter. By interviewing two senior media workers, both of them agree that, under time pressure and the demand from editors, they prefer to adopt the comments from those intellectuals who can express clearly, response quickly and actively provide information. This situation is very similar to that of American mass media industry of which the media always need ‘Pundit’ to give quick and clear comments for the needs of reporting and editing. In words, this study demonstrates the change of the role of the intellectuals in the newspaper; they used to offered professional opinions for the public and played important role in politics. However, in the recent years, the intellectuals’ role gradually decline and become only one of the commentators appearing in media. Now professional knowledge is used only as tool to support the viewpoint of the newspaper. In our opinion, we still suggest that the intellectuals should remember their social responsibilities, keep their independent and critical roles and resist the present situation which regard them as only tools or materials of reporting. In facing the decline of printed media and the rising of new media technology such as internet and social media, the intellectuals should try to reclaim their position as the conscience of the society and reacquire their influencing role to enlightening the public.

L'intérêt des prédateurs généralistes dans la lutte biologique par conservation est peu étudié en verger de pommiers. Cette thèse visait à déterminer le rôle de prédateurs généralistes invertébrés (principalement carabes et araignées) et vertébrés (mésanges et chauves souris) dans le contrôle de trois ravageurs clés du pommier et de définir les éléments paysagers qui leur sont favorables. Pour cela, nous avons effectué des suivis de populations dans des vergers en agriculture biologique et nous les avons associés à des mesures de prédation des ravageurs par analyse moléculaire des contenus stomacaux et faeces des prédateurs à l'aide d'amorces spécifiques développées à cet effet. Nous montrons que les ravageurs sont consommés dès leur apparition dans les vergers, notamment les pucerons par les araignées de la frondaison, ce qui suggère que ces prédateurs ont un potentiel de régulation important. De plus une complémentarité temporelle semble exister entre araignées et carabes dans le contrôle des tordeuses. L'influence des éléments paysagers intra et extra verger diffère selon les taxa de prédateurs considérés. Ce dernier résultat suggère des compromis dans les aménagements à réaliser pour favoriser leur action et la nécessité d'une meilleure compréhension de leur écologie. / Generalist predators have been merely studied in conservation biological control studies in apple orchards. This work aimed to determine the potential of invertebrate (arthropods, mainly carabids and spiders) and vertebrate (great tits and bats) predators at suppressing three key apple pests and then to devise which landscape features are beneficial to them. For this purpose, we monitored pest and predator populations in organic apple orchards of southeastern France and related their abundance and diversity to measures of pest predation using molecular gut content and faeces analysis with specific primers designed for this purpose. We found that pests were consumed as soon as they arrived in the orchard, in particular aphid by canopy spiders, indicating that these predators are likely to be efficient. We also observed some temporal complementarity in predation of tortricids by spiders and carabids. Finally, the influence of landscape features within and surrounding the orchards was different for the different studied taxa suggesting the need for compromises in orchard management for enhancing natural enemy populations and for a better consideration of the ecology of these predators.

Hábitos de vida saudáveis e uma dieta balanceada aliados ao alto consumo de frutas e vegetais, estão associados à prevenção de doenças e à manutenção da saúde. A maçã possui em sua composição compostos bioativos que podem agir na prevenção e no controle das dislipidemias. Tendo em vista a preocupação da Saúde Pública em encontrar uma fonte alternativa na redução das doenças cardiovasculares, esse trabalho teve como objetivo analisar a composição química da maçã, variedade Gala, e estudar os efeitos do seu consumo no ganho de peso, consumo alimentar, níveis sanguíneos de colesterol total, HDL-C, LDL-C, triglicerídeos, colesterol hepático e colesterol excretado em ratos Wistar hipercolesterolêmicos. Foram utilizados 6 animais em cada grupo de tratamento (controle, 5%, 15% e 25% de maçã na dieta) durante 30 e 60 dias. Foi observado neste estudo, quanto a composição centesimal da maçã, que uma maçã (200g), é capaz de fornecer 14,5% das recomendações de fibras totais e 55% de vitamina C, além de quantidades consideráveis de compostos fenólicos (0,38g/100g em base fresca) e tanino (0,16g/100g em base fresca). No ensaio biológico, os animais de ambos os tempos, apresentaram uma redução não significativa no ganho de peso e no consumo de dieta com o aumento das concentrações de maçã. Ao final de 30 dias, todas as dietas proporcionaram uma redução significativa (p &#8804; 0,05) nos níveis de triglicerídeos comparativamente ao grupo controle e não significativa com relação aos níveis de HDL-C. As dietas com 15% e 25% de maçã mostraram reduções significativas nos níveis sanguíneos de colesterol total e LDL-C e um aumento no teor de colesterol excretado em relação ao grupo controle. A dieta com 25% de maçã promoveu uma redução significativa nos níveis de colesterol hepático em comparação ao grupo controle. Aos 60 dias, os níveis sanguíneos de colesterol total, LDL-C, HDL-C e triglicerídeos de ratos alimentados com as dietas 5%, 15% e 25% de maçã foram semelhantes ao grupo controle.A partir desses resultados, pode-se concluir que a maçã Gala é um potente alimento no controle dirigido das dislipidemias em ratos. Uma dieta rica em verduras, legumes e frutas, inclusive a maçã, associado a um estilo de vida saudável, ao longo do tempo, podem ser considerados fundamentais na prevenção e redução do risco de doenças, principalmente as cardiovasculares. / Healthy life habits and an equilibrate diet, associated with a high fruit and vegetable intake, are joined with the prevention of diseases and health maintenance. The apple has in its composition bioactives compounds that can help in the prevention and control of hyperlipidemia. With the worry of Public Health to find an alternative source in the reduction of the cardiovasculars diseases, the objective of this work was to analyse the chemical composition of the Gala apple and to study the effects of its consumption in the gain of weigh, food intake, seric levels of total cholesterol, HDL-C, LDL-C, triglycerides, hepatic cholesterol and feces cholesterol in hypercholesterolemics Wistar rats. Six animals were distributed in each treatments (control, 5%, 15% and 25% apple diet) during 30 and 60 days. This study showed that one apple (200g) can provide 14,5% of the total fiber and 55% of the vitamin C within the recommendation, besides considerable quantities of phenolic compounds (0,38 g/100g wet weigh) and tannins (0,16 g/100g wet weigh). In the biological assay all the animals showed a non significative reduction in the gain of weigh and food intake with the increase of apple concentrations in the diets. At the end of 30 days, all the diets provided a significative reduction in the levels of tryglicerides comparable to the control group and non significative in relation to HDL-C levels. The 15% and 25% apple diets showed significatives reductions in the seric levels of total cholesterol and LDL-C and an increase in the level of feces cholesterol in relation to the control group. The 25% apple diet provided a significative reduction in the hepatic cholesterol levels comparable to the control group. After 60 days, the seric levels of total cholesterol, LDL-C, HDL-C and tryglicerides in rats fed with 5%, 15% and 25% apple diets were alike to the control group. These results confirm the importance of the Gala apple in the rats hyperlipidemia control. A diet rich in vegetables and fruits, including apple, associated with a healthy life habits, along the time, can be considered in the prevention and reduction against the risk of disease, mainly, the cardiovascular ones.

The present study aimed at characterizing pineapple, apple and melon by-products and evaluating their potential as an ingredient for the partial substitution of wheat flour in cookie formulations. The addition of fruit by-products contributed to rise the cookies fiber content. Melon by-product was prominent for its mineral content, whereas apple by-product presented more relevant results for phenolic compounds and antioxidant capacity (DPPH and ABTS). Such behaviors reflected in the cookie formulations. Eight phenolic compounds (vanillic acid, gallic acid, sinapic acid, salicylic acid, p-coumaric acid, catechin, epicatechin and rutin) were identified and quantified by HPLC in both the by-products and cookies. Regarding the antinutritional factors and mineral bioavailability, it was observed that the addition of fruit by-products in cookies reduced the contents of phytate and oxalate and promoted changes in calcium, iron and zinc bioavailability. Facing the technological aspects, it was observed that the use of by-products interfered in the color of the cookies, making them slightly darker and also weakened the gluten formed, promoting variations in diameter and expansion factor. On the other hand, it was observed that increasing concentrations of by-products led to higher values of hardness, making the cookies firmer and crunchier. In the sensory point of view, it was verified that the cookie with 15% of pineapple by-product demonstrated the highest acceptance, followed by cookies with 15% of apple by-product, control and 15% of melon by-product. By quantitative descriptive analysis (QDA), it was found that the addition of fruit by-products altered the sensory profile of the cookies. From the results obtained, it can be concluded that the fruit by-products are potential ingredients for cookie formulation, attributing to them specific physicochemical, technological, nutritional and sensory properties which can vary according to the by-products employed. / O presente estudo visou caracterizar subprodutos de abacaxi, maçã e melão e avaliar seu potencial como ingrediente para substituição parcial de farinha de trigo em formulações de biscoitos. A adição de subprodutos de frutas contribuiu para elevar o teor de fibras dos biscoitos. O subproduto de melão se destacou por seu conteúdo mineral, enquanto que o subproduto de maçã apresentou resultados mais relevantes para compostos fenólicos e capacidade antioxidante (DPPH e ABTS). Tais comportamentos se refletiram nas formulações de biscoitos. Oito compostos fenólicos (ácido vanílico, ácido gálico, ácido sinápico, ácido salicílico, ácido p-cumárico, catequina, epicatequina e rutina) foram identificados e quantificados por HPLC tanto nos subprodutos como nos biscoitos. Com relação aos fatores antinutricionais e biodisponibilidade mineral, observou-se que a adição de subprodutos de frutas em biscoitos diminuiu os teores de fitato e oxalato e promoveu mudanças na biodisponibilidade de cálcio, ferro e zinco. Frente aos aspectos tecnológicos, observou-se que o uso de subprodutos interferiu na cor dos biscoitos, tornando-os levemente mais escuros e também enfraqueceu a rede de glúten formada, promovendo variações do diâmetro e fator de expansão. Por outro lado, observou-se que quanto maior a concentração de subprodutos, maiores foram os valores de dureza (textura), sendo as amostras consideradas mais firmes e crocantes. Do ponto de vista sensorial, verificou-se que o biscoito com 15% de subproduto de abacaxi foi o que demonstrou maior aceitação, seguido pelos cookies com 15% de subproduto de maçã, controle e 15% de subproduto de melão. Por meio de análise descritiva quantitativa (ADQ), observou-se que a adição de subprodutos de frutas alterou o perfil sensorial dos biscoitos. A partir dos resultados obtidos, concluiu-se que os subprodutos de frutas se apresentam como potenciais ingredientes para formulações de cookies, atribuindo-lhes propriedades físico-químicas, tecnológicas, nutricionais e sensoriais específicas as quais podem variar de acordo com o subproduto empregado.

Este trabalho teve por objetivo estudar a capacidade da remoção da camada de smear das paredes do canal radicular, pelas soluções de EDTA a 15%, ácido cítrico a 10%, citrato de sódio a 10%, vinagre de maçã, ácido acético a 5%, ácido málico a 5% e hipoclorito de sódio a 1% por meio da microscopia eletrônica de varredura e quantificar a concentração de ions cálcio presentes nessas soluções após suas utilizações, por meio da espectrofotometria de absorção atômica de chama. Utilizaram-se 42 dentes incisivos centrais superiores, nos quais se realizou a cirurgia de acesso, remoção de ombro cervical e desgaste compensatório. Aferiu-se o comprimento de trabalho com uma lima tipo K, diâmetro #10 introduzida no canal radicular de cada dente até ser visualizada no ápice, subtraindo-se um milímetro. Determinou-se também o diâmetro anatômico do canal do dente no comprimento de trabalho por meio da introdução de instrumentos tipo K da primeira série com diâmetros sucessivamente maiores, que foi anotado quando um dos instrumentos sofresse resistência ao ser retirado do comprimento de trabalho. Todos os dentes que apresentaram diâmetro anatômico do canal acima de 40 centésimos de milímetros foram descartados e repostos por outros. Desta forma, garantiu-se o desgaste de 20 centésimos de milímetros no terço apical. A técnica utilizada foi a Free Tip Preparation (PECORA et al. 2002) até que um instrumento de diâmetro #60 e taper .04 percorresse todo o comprimento de trabalho. Utilizou-se a solução de hipoclorito de sódio a 1,0% durante todo o preparo biomecânico. Os dentes tiveram seus canais radiculares lavados com 20 mililitros de água deionizada para a remoção de possíveis raspas de dentina soltas no interior do canal radicular. Após o término do preparo biomecânico, os dentes foram divididos aleatoriamente em 7 grupos de 6 dentes cada, de acordo com a substância química utilizada para a irrigação final, a saber: G1 - solução de EDTA a 15,0%; G2 - solução de ácido cítrico a 10,0%; G3 - solução de citrato de sódio a 10,0%; G4 - vinagre de maçã; G5 - solução de ácido acético a 5,0%; G6 - solução de ácido málico a 5,0% e G7 - sem irrigação final (controle negativo). O tempo de permanência das soluções nos canais radiculares foi de 5 minutos. Os dentes foram clivados no sentido vestíbulo-palatino e encaminhados para a microscopia eletrônica de varredura, em que se obtiveram fotomicrografias com o aumento de 1000 vezes. As soluções coletadas foram encaminhadas para a análise química, realizada com um espectrofotômetro de absorção atômica de chama. Concluiu-se que o EDTA a 15% e o ácido cítrico a 10% são eficientes para a remoção da camada de smear. O vinagre de maçã, o citrato de sódio a 10%, os ácidos acético e málico a 5% e o hipoclorito de sódio não foram eficientes para a mesma finalidade. O EDTA a 15% apresentou a maior concentração de ions cálcio em solução; o ácido cítrico a 10% ficou na segunda posição e a terceira foi ocupada pelo vinagre de maçã e os ácidos acético e málico a 5%. A menor concentração de íons cálcio foi encontrada no citrato de sódio a 10%. / This study evaluated the smear layer removal capacity of 15% EDTA, 10% citric acid, 10% sodium citrate, apple vinegar, 5% acetic acid and 1% sodium hypochlorite using scanning electron microscopy and flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Forty two central superior incisives were used. On these teeth, it were accomplished the access surgery, removal of cervical shoulder and compensatory wear. The working length was checked with a #10 K-type file that was introduced in the radicular canal of each tooth until be visualized at the apex, then a millimeter was subtracted. The anatomical diameter of the canal in the working length was also determined through the introduction of K-type instruments of the first series with successively larger diameters. The anatomical diameter of the radicular canal was notated when one of the instruments showed resistance to be removed from the working length. All the teeth that presented the canal diameter in the working length above 40 hundredths millimeters were discarded and replaced by other. This way, it was obtained a standard wear of 20 hundredths millimeters in the apical third. The Free Tip Preparation technique (PECORA et al. 2002) was used until a #60- diameter instrument and .04 taper reached the entire working length. The 1.0% sodium hypoclorite solution was used during biomechanical preparation. The teeth had their radicular canals washed with 20 milliliters of deionized water, using Milli-Q® water purification system, for removal of possible dentine chips presented inside the root canal. After the biomechanical preparation, the teeth were randomly divided into 7 groups of 6 teeth each: group 1: teeth with final irrigation with 15% EDTA solution, group 2: teeth with final irrigation with 10%citric acid solution, group 3: final irrigation with 10% sodium citrate solution, group 4: final irrigation with apple vinegar, group 5: final irrigation with 5% acetic acid solution, group 6: final irrigation with 5% maleic acid solution and group 7: teeth only instrument and irrigated with sodium hypochlorite, without final irrigation. Each solution remained 5 minutes in the radicular canal. The cleavage of teeth was done in buccal-palatine direction and they were subjected to the scanning electron microscopy and photographed at 1000X. The collected solutions were submitted to chemical analysis through flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry. It was concluded that 15% EDTA and 10% citric acid, used for 5 minutes, are effective in removing the smear layer. The apple vinegar, 10% sodium citrate, 5% acetic and maleic acids and sodium hypochlorite were not effective in removing the smear layer from root canal. 15% EDTA presented a higher concentration of calcium ions in solution, followed by 10% citric acid. Intermediary results were observed by apple vinegar, 5% acetic and maleic acids, and the inferior concentration of calcium ions was obtained with the 10% sodium citrate.