Desirable Attributes Research Articles

A novel approach to the formulation of an encapsulated bioactive powder from palmyrah (Borassus flabellifer L) fruit pulp for nutraceutical applications

This study aims to produce spray-dried encapsulated powder from Palmyrah fruit pulp that contains health-promoting bioactive nutrients and desirable product attributes, which can be incorporated into ice cream as a nutraceutical ingredient. The feed formulations, containing the aqueous fraction of Palmyrah fruit pulp (FP), skim milk (SM), and a minimal amount of maltodextrin (MD) & Gum Arabic (GA), were spray dried at an inlet temperature of 170 °C. Since four blends with three levels of variation, Taguchi's approach to the l-9 (34) array was used to design the experiments. The formulation (T7) of FP: SM: MD: GA range 45:50:10:2.5 gave the best results regarding physicochemical, functional, and sensory attributes. This matrix was the best formulation for preserving yielding powders with desirable density for packaging (i.e., 46.47% & 0.45 g/cm3), reconstitution properties in water(70.4%) and a good source of antioxidants and stability over storage time (Vita C-8.05 mg/100 g, total phenolic content-78.30 mg GAE/100 g, Radical scavenging activity of 27.08–73.61%). The test of FTIR confirmed effective encapsulation and interactions amongst the final coating layer of SM, MD &GA. The sensory evaluation revealed that 5% Powder contained ice cream formulation had the highest overall acceptability score.

An aggregation of aggregation methods in computational pathology.

Image analysis and machine learning algorithms operating on multi-gigapixel whole-slide images (WSIs) often process a large number of tiles (sub-images) and require aggregating predictions from the tiles in order to predict WSI-level labels. In this paper, we present a review of existing literature on various types of aggregation methods with a view to help guide future research in the area of computational pathology (CPath). We propose a general CPath workflow with three pathways that consider multiple levels and types of data and the nature of computation to analyse WSIs for predictive modelling. We categorize aggregation methods according to the context and representation of the data, features of computational modules and CPath use cases. We compare and contrast different methods based on the principle of multiple instance learning, perhaps the most commonly used aggregation method, covering a wide range of CPath literature. To provide a fair comparison, we consider a specific WSI-level prediction task and compare various aggregation methods for that task. Finally, we conclude with a list of objectives and desirable attributes of aggregation methods in general, pros and cons of the various approaches, some recommendations and possible future directions.

Investigations On Mechanical Properties Of Micro Particulates (Al2O3/B4C) Reinforced In Aluminium 7075 Matrix Composite

Metal Matrix Micro Composites (MMMCs), with the addition of micro-particulate reinforcements, can be significant for automobile, aerospace and numerous applications due to their low density and good mechanical properties, better corrosion and wear resistance, and low coefficient of thermal expansion compared to conventional materials. Designing the metal matrix composite material aims to combine the desirable attributes of metals and ceramics. The present work is focused on studying the mechanical properties of Aluminium alloy (7075) with Al2O3 and B4C micro-composite produced by the Stir Casting method. Different % age of reinforcement is used. The Stir casting technique is used to achieve a uniform dispersion of micro-particulate Al2O3 and B4C in molten aluminium alloy. A tensile test, Hardness test, and Impact test were performed on the samples obtained by the fabrication processes. A microstructural study will be carried out through an optical Microscope to know the distribution of Al2O3 and B4C micro particulates in Al alloy.

Enhancement of Antioxidant Properties of the Medicinal Plant, Costus Pictus by Optimization of its Drying and Extraction Criteria.

Antioxidants act as major protective factors against different infections and diseases. The search for natural antioxidants has gained significant momentum due to its associated health benefits. It prompted the investigation of the antioxidant properties of widely recognized medicinal plants, considering their prominent role in conventional medicine. The incorporation of natural antioxidants derived from medicinal plants into food products has the potential to enhance their health benefits. The present investigation is the first study on the optimization of drying and extraction techniques in Costus pictus leaves. C. pictus leaves were dried under varying conditions (40, 50 and 60°C) and dried powders were subjected to various solvents, namely water, ethanol, methanol and ethyl acetate. The leaves dried at 60°C and treated with ethanol showed improved activities and were subsequently selected for further extraction. Among the various extraction methods, ultrasound-assisted extraction demonstrated superior antioxidant properties and increased phytochemical contents, making it the optimal technique for our study. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) reports also substantiated these quantitative results. The extraction process played a significant role in enhancing the desirable attributes and properties of the leaf extracts, surpassing the results obtained from both dried and fresh leaves. The application of liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) analysis to the leaf extracts facilitated the identification of phenolic compounds and flavonoids, presenting a comprehensive insight into the composition of the extract. Exploration of antioxidant properties, phenolic compounds and flavonoids would validate the benefits and expand the applications of C. pictus in functional foods and nutraceuticals.

Qualitative and Phenotyping Characterization among Okra [Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench] Genotypes

Background: In contrast to field crops, quality is often more essential than yield in vegetable crops. As a result, this research began with the objective of assessing the diversity and novelty of okra genotypes. Methods: A field investigation was carried out at Sivapuri Village, Chidambaram, Cuddalore District, Tamil Nadu, India, in the summer of 2020-2021. To match with distinctiveness, uniformity and stability, qualitative data for 18 characters were collected based on vegetative and reproductive characters. Result: Results obtained in this study revealed a high level of variability among the genotypes for the majority of the qualitative traits, except for plant growth habit, branching position, leaf blade colour between veins, fruit type and seed size. The fruit-related characters exhibited a large diversity in the genotypes studied. Mature fruit colour was obtained with 8.3% of yellowish green, 23.3% of green and 68.4% of dark green fruits recorded for genotypes. Based on genetic variation, the ultimate objective of vegetable breeding programmes is to generate new varieties exhibiting elite combinations of many desired qualitative attributes in okra using traditional breeding procedures.

‎“Less Is Better” in Separate Evaluations Versus “More Is Better” in Joint Evaluations: Mostly ‎Successful Close Replication and Extension of Hsee (1998)‎

We conducted a preregistered close replication and extension of Studies 1, 2, and 4 in Hsee (1998). Hsee found that when evaluating choices jointly, people compare and judge the option higher on desirable attributes as better (“more is better”). However, when people evaluate options separately, they rely on contextual cues and reference points, sometimes resulting in evaluating the option with less as being better (“less is better”). We found support for “less is better” across all studies (N = 403; Study 1 original d = 0.70 [0.24,1.15], replication d = 0.99 [0.72,1.26]; Study 2 original d = 0.74 [0.12,1.35], replication d = 0.32 [0.07,0.56]; Study 4 original d = 0.97 [0.43,1.50], replication d = 0.76 [0.50,1.02]), with weaker support for “more is better” (Study 2 original d = 0.92 [0.42,1.40], replication dz = 0.33 [.23,.43]; Study 4 original d = 0.37 [0.02,0.72], replication dz = 0.09 [-0.05,0.23]). Some results of our exploratory extensions were surprising, leading to open questions. We discuss remaining implications and directions for theory and measurement relating to economic rationality and the evaluability hypothesis. Materials/data/code: https://osf.io/9uwns/

Genetic diversity for curd yield and its attributes in late cauliflower

Genetic diversity was studied in 26 genotypes of late group of cauliflower during winter 2018-19 and 2019- 20. Based on mean performance, DPCaCMS-1 produced significantly high marketable curd weight, 27.38% better than the best check. D2 analysis clustered the genotypes in seven clusters, with the maximum in Cluster I. Genotypes from clusters V and VI with higher inter-cluster genetic divergence would be a valuable source of genes for improvement. Cluster IV represented maximum mean values for marketable curd weight. The maximum contribution towards genetic diversity was made by days to curd initiation followed by leaves/plant and curd diameter. Principal component analysis indicated the five most informative principal components with more than one eigen value, accounting for 83.59% of the total variance for all traits. The genotypes, namely, DPCafW3, DPCaf US, DPCaCMS-1, DPCaCMS-2, DPCaf-1, DPCaCMS-3, DPCaf30, DPCaf13, and DPCafS5-1 seem to be the promising potential genotypes that can be involved in hybridization programmes to identify transgressive segregants with desirable attributes.

Deep-learning-based Intrusion Detection for Software-defined Networking Space Systems

This paper briefly reviews the application of the Software-defined Networking (SDN) architecture to satellite networks. It highlights the prominent cyber threats that SDN-based satellite networks are vulnerable to and proposes relevant defence mechanisms. SDN transforms traditional networking architectures by separating the control plane from the forwarding (data) plane. This separation enhances scalability and centralises management. In comparison, in traditional networks, the control plane and the data plane are usually combined, resulting in complex network management and reduced scalability. Satellite networks can take advantage of these benefits offered by SDN and this supports them as key enablers of critical services, including weather prediction, global broadband Internet coverage, and Internet of Things (IoT) services. Ease of configuration and flexibility are essential for satellites providing critical services to instantly adapt to network changes. These desirable attributes can be realised by applying SDN to satellite networks. Although SDN offers significant benefits to satellite networks, it is vulnerable to cyber-attacks and particularly due to its centralised architecture. A common attack on SDN is the Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attack which could render the entire SDN unavailable. To mitigate such threats, an efficient Intrusion Detection System (IDS) is required to monitor the network and detect any suspicious traffic. However, traditional IDSs produce too many false positives and often fail to detect advanced attacks. For their ability to learn feature hierarchies in network traffic data automatically, whether, for network traffic classification or anomaly detection, deep learning (DL) plays an increasingly important role in IDSs. In this paper, we present a brief review of recent developments in cyber security for SDN-based space systems, and we identify vulnerabilities and threats to an SDN-based satellite network. We further discuss the potential of a DL-based IDS for the detection of cyber threats. Finally, we identify further research gaps in the recent literature and propose future research directions.

Application of Modified Cassava Starch as a Fat Substitute in Cracker Production

Crackers are a popular food with an appreciable share of the consumer market. Fat is essential for the sensory properties of this product; however, a high fat content is associated with health disorders. For this reason, developing low-fat products with the same desirable attributes as the corresponding full-fat ones is a high priority for the food industry. The objective of the study was to evaluate the inclusion of modified cassava starch as a fat substitute in crackers by measuring their physical and sensory properties and behavior during storage. Fat reduction in crackers led to higher fracturability values for all treatment but the pregelatinized (PREGEL) one ( 11.73 ± 0.39 N). The expansion ratio decreased with fat reduction, and the treatments with the highest expansion ratio and specific volume were the control (CTRL) ( 10.51 ± 0.21 and 1.97 ± 0.09 mL/g), the one with amyloglucosidase (AMG) ( 10.24 ± 0.10 and 2.20 ± 0.023 mL/g), and the pregelatinized (PREGEL) one ( 10.40 ± 0.16 and 1.99 ± 0.15 mL/g). The samples with modified starch showed an average total fat reduction of 49.51% compared with the control treatment. The results of sensory analysis by the acceptability test showed a greater inclination towards the CTRL and AMG treatments, in both color ( 6.73 ± 1.81 and 6.45 ± 2.08 , respectively) and texture ( 6.95 ± 1.72 and 6.67 ± 1.69 , respectively) parameters. During storage, the fracture strength decreased from 13.66 ± 0.32 N to 11.39 ± 0.57 N for AMG and from 12.5 ± 0.42 N to 10.77 ± 0.61 N for CTRL treatment, while the moisture content increased for both AMG (from 4.09 ± 0.85 % to 4.72 ± 0.13 % ) and CTRL (from 3.87 ± 0.14 % to 4.31 ± 0.43 % ) treatments between 0 and 30 days of storage. According to these results, it can be concluded that physically and enzymatically modified cassava starches can work as fat replacers in crackers.

Investigating microstructural evolution in SolidStir™ extruded oxide dispersion strengthened 14YWT alloy fuel cladding tube

Structural components for extreme environments require advanced materials and manufacturing processes. One such advanced material is oxide dispersion strengthened (ODS) Fe–14 wt.%Cr–3W–0.4Ti–0.3Y2O3 (14YWT), which is developed for components to be used in Gen IV and fusion nuclear reactors. However, the conventional manufacturing processes to produce components, such as fuel cladding tubes, either do not retain the desired microstructural attributes or are costly and less efficient. As a result, a more attractive option is a novel manufacturing process developed on the principle of friction stir welding or processing (FSW/P) and commercially referred to as SolidStir™ Extrusion (SSE). This study used the SSE technique to study the manufacturing and microstructural evolution of a fuel cladding tube made of ODS 14YWT alloy. The cladding extrusion by the SSE technique involved the use of ball-milled 14YWT powders with Y, Ti, and O in the solid solution and the use of a specially designed W-25Re-Hf tool for consolidation and extrusion of the powders. A scanning electron microscope (SEM), electron backscattered diffraction (EBSD), and transmission electron microscope (TEM) were utilized for microstructural characterization. A Keyence microscope captured macrostructural photographs of the extruded tube. EBSD examination of the extruded tube on both transverse and longitudinal cross-sections showed the presence of dynamically recrystallized grains and revealed that the average grain size of the transverse cross-section was smaller than that of the longitudinal cross-section. The texture was weak and consisted of some amount of shear texture. The presence of nano-oxide clusters or precipitates of Y, Ti, and O (pyrochlores) in the extruded tube was determined by TEM. Aging heat treatment caused the average precipitate size to decrease and the density to increase compared to the as-processed condition. The results indicated that SSE is a viable tool for manufacturing fuel cladding tubes with the desired microstructural attributes.

One-pot production of multiple stacked lithium-ion batteries with gel polymer electrolyte through high-energy electron beam irradiation

Gel polymer electrolytes (GPEs) have garnered considerable interest in lithium-ion battery (LIB) applications owing to their ability to combine the desirable attributes of liquid electrolytes (e.g., high conductivity) with the stability of solid electrolytes. They are fabricated by immobilizing the liquid electrolyte within a polymer matrix. Notably, the utilization of high-energy electron beam (EB) technology is a promising approach for the in situ preparation of GPEs, which establishes the need for an initiator or thermal treatment. The simultaneous generation of multiple GPEs via EB irradiation confers significant economic advantages. This study reports the simultaneous production of GPEs from multiple-stacked LIBs through a single-step irradiation of high-energy EB. In particular, we used trimethylolpropane propoxylate triacrylate with a trifunctional acrylate ester as the cross-linker for the GPE, and investigated the effect of the EB dose on the properties of the individual cell components and its electrochemical performance to determine the optimal EB dose of 15 kGy. Thereafter, we tested the penetration of EB irradiation on 0.5-Ah-level pouch cells. As observed, an EB of ∼ 15 kGy could penetrate seven pouch cells, which displayed stable cell performances when fabricated using simultaneous EB irradiation. Overall, the results demonstrated the economic feasibility of the proposed method owing to its high productivity on a commercial scale.

Injectable hydrogels in central nervous system: Unique and novel platforms for promoting extracellular matrix remodeling and tissue engineering.

Repairing central nervous system (CNS) is difficult due to the inability of neurons to recover after damage. A clinically acceptable treatment to promote CNS functional recovery and regeneration is currently unavailable. According to recent studies, injectable hydrogels as biodegradable scaffolds for CNS tissue engineering and regeneration have exceptionally desirable attributes. Hydrogel has a biomimetic structure similar to extracellular matrix, hence has been considered a 3D scaffold for CNS regeneration. An interesting new type of hydrogel, injectable hydrogels, can be injected into target areas with little invasiveness and imitate several aspects of CNS. Injectable hydrogels are being researched as therapeutic agents because they may imitate numerous properties of CNS tissues and hence reduce subsequent injury and regenerate neural tissue. Because of their less adverse effects and cost, easier use and implantation with less pain, and faster regeneration capacity, injectable hydrogels, are more desirable than non-injectable hydrogels. This article discusses the pathophysiology of CNS and the use of several kinds of injectable hydrogels for brain and spinal cord tissue engineering, paying particular emphasis to recent experimental studies.

Optimization of process parameters for wire electrical discharge machining of aluminium based metal matrix composite by Taguchi’s approach

Aluminum alloy is a common material used in various engineering projects due to its exceptional properties. Due to its exceptional mechanical properties, composites are becoming more popular.Metal Matrix Composites (MMC) showing better properties than aluminium alloy by the addition of reinforcements such as Al2O3, SiC, BC and BN. Due to this, the machining of these materials becomes difficult by conventional methods of machining and there is a need of developing alternate machining practices. WEDM (Wire Electrical Discharge Machining) is one type of non-traditional forms of cutting that was intended for machining harder materials. The various independent variables considered in this investigation are pulse on duration (Ton), pulse off duration (Toff) to study the effects of these variables on various performance indicators, such as surface roughness, material removal rate. Multiple Regression Analysis was adopted to analyze the relationship between the various process variables and the consequent desired output attributes.

Biomorphological Analysis of Tulip Varieties on Substrates in Covered Ground in Turkestan

This study aims to advance Kazakhstan’s floriculture industry by introducing promising tulip species and varieties for cultivation, implementing effective propagation methods, and adapting innovative cultivation technologies suitable for both open- and closed-ground conditions in the southern region of Kazakhstan. This study includes a novel introduction of exclusive tulip varieties, enabling the selection of source materials with desirable attributes for floriculture. Data analysis focuses on daily growth dynamics, plant height progression, and the evaluation of tulip varieties based on the coefficient of height variation across different substrates, such as soil, sawdust, and peat. These findings indicate significant varietal selectivity regarding substrate usage. Daily plant growth varies from 0.09 cm during the initial growth stage to 4.12–3.53 cm for Albatros and Delta Storm varieties during the flowering phase. Notably, the use of a peat substrate produces the tallest and most uniformly sized plants with enhanced decorative qualities, meeting market demands. This study introduces innovative methods for substrate selection that significantly influence the uniformity of tulip growth. Specific tulip varieties, including Albatros, Delta Storm, Fun for Two, Strong Power, and Dynasty, cultivated on a peat substrate with optimal water-physical properties, demonstrate even height and color properties, aligning with high consumer requirements. These findings recommend these varieties for covered ground conditions in Turkestan, advancing Kazakhstan’s floriculture sector by adapting foreign technologies to local conditions. Doi: 10.28991/HEF-2023-04-02-06 Full Text: PDF

Impact of Fat Replacers on the Rheological, Tribological, and Aroma Release Properties of Reduced‐Fat Model Emulsion Systems and Processed Cheese

Impact of Fat Replacers on the Rheological, Tribological, and Aroma Release Properties of Reduced‐Fat Model Emulsion Systems and Processed Cheese

Development of Organizational Communication Competence of University Executive Secretaries in the Digital Age : A Case Study of between the Autonomous University and State University

The study main objectives are 1) to explore the problems and challenges of organizational communication issues faced by university administrators’ executive secretaries in the digital age. Duties and responsibilities performed by executive secretaries of autonomous or of state universities in the present circumstances were investigated; 2) to compare the two groups in respect of a demand to improve organizational communication skills; and 3) to suggest some guidelines and recommendations for more effective communication skills among these staff personnel. Using purposive sampling, the researcher collected the data from 303 individuals serving as executive secretaries in an autonomous or in a state university. The study used purposive sampling for informant selection. Interviews and questionnaires are tools used to collect data. The statistics for data analysis included percentage, mean, frequency, standard deviation, t- and F-tests. The results showed that : 1. Both types of sample groups, i.e. executive secretaries of autonomous and of state universities revealed a high level of demand to develop their knowledge competencies for performing duties (M= 4.40). The requirement subcomponents were telephone etiquette; social media savvy skills, e.g. Line and Facebook mastery; and effective time-management to help them achieve their goals (M=4.55, 4.52, and 4.48 respectively). The needs to improve comprehensive skill development were at a high level (M=4.32). The subcomponents disclosed a demand for developing effective communication and teamwork skills; social media savviness; and emotional intelligence for coping with stress at work, (M= 4.47, 4.42 and 4.40 respectively). The needs for improvement of secretarial desirable skills were at the highest level (M=4.55). When considering the top 3 aspects, the personnel performing duties as executive secretaries showed the need to develop desirable attributes in a prioritized order as follows: integrity at work and loyalty to supervisor; maintaining confidentiality for supervisors; as well as accountability and punctuality (M=4.66, 4.64 and 4.61 respectively), all of which falls within the highest level of measurement. 2. Statistically significant differences were observed between executive secretaries of both autonomous and state universities with regard to their need levels to enhance professional skills, organizational communication, knowledge and competencies (p<.05). However, no significant difference was observed between the two groups regarding desirable characteristics.

Effects of Cuminum cyminum L. essential oil and its nanoemulsion on oxidative stability and microbial growth in mayonnaise during storage.

The present study aimed to investigate the effects of Cuminum cyminum L. essential oil (CEO) and its nanoemulsion (CEON) on oxidative stability and microbial growth of mayonnaise during storage. The GC analysis indicated that Cuminaldehyde (27.99%), o-Cymene (17.31%), γ-Terpinen (16.67%), and β-Pinene (9.35%) were the major components of CEO, respectively. The assessments of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) showed that Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 (MBCCEO = 12 and MBCCEON = 6 mg/mL) was the most resistant bacteria, and in contrast, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 29213 (MBCCEO = 6 and MBCCEON = 3 mg/mL) was the most sensitive bacteria. In the radical-scavenging assay, CEON (IC50 = 5 ± 0.07 μg/mL) exhibited a higher antioxidant activity than CEO (IC50 = 10 ± 0.13 μg/mL). The results showed that applying the MBC of CEO and CEON in mayonnaise led to a significant decrease (p < .05) in acidity, peroxide value, number of acid-resistant bacteria and fungi, and total microbial count compared with the control sample. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that using CEON resulted in oxidative stability, microbial growth control, and desirable sensorial attributes in mayonnaise compared with CEO and control samples.

INFLUENCE OF SHOOT MANAGEMENT ON GROWTH AND YIELD ATTRIBUTES OF BELL PEPPER IN PROTECTED CONDITION

A research was carried out to study the effect of shoot management on growth, yield, and quality attributes of bell pepper in protected condition at Kirtipur, Kathmandu, from March to October 2021. The experiment was laid out in a Factorial Randomized Complete Block Design with two popular varieties (6008 F1 and Minerva F1) and five levels of shoot management (unpruned, one stem, two stems, three stems, and four stems) with four replications. Observations were recorded on growth, yield, and quality parameters. The response of bell pepper varieties with different levels of shoot management did not differ significantly, however, varieties and shoot management factors differed within factor significantly in selected variables. Minerva F1 was taller with higher number of leaves as compared to 6008 F1. Among different shoot management practices, plants with a single stem recorded a significantly higher plant height (70.28 cm) at 120 DAT. Average fruit length varied with level of shoots, and the performance of two varieties was not found to be significant. Average fruit weight had been influenced by both the varieties and no. of shoots. Average fruit weight (107.78 g) was also significantly higher in 6008 F1 than that of Minerva F1 (94.24 g). Minerva F1 had higher (3.92°Brix) TSS and vitamin C content in comparison with 6008 F1. Fruits from a single stem plant had maximum vitamin C content (112.26 mg/100g and 128.87 mg/100g at 1st and 5th harvest, respectively). Yield per plant was significantly higher in 6008 F1 (3.20 kg) than Minerva F1 (2.76 kg). The highest yield per plant recorded on four stem shoot management (3.44 kg) whereas, lowest yield per plant was from unpruned plants (2.56 kg). Increasing shoot no. from single stem to four stems increased the yield by 34.37%. 6008 F1 recorded a higher yield per plant than Minerva F1. Minerva F1 produced the higher BC-ratio 7.43 than 6008 F1 (2.27). Four stem shoot management produced the highest BC-ratio in both Minerva F1 (8.81) and 6008 F1 (2.55). Considering the economic and desirable attributes, the yellow cultivar Minerva F1 proved to be better in achieving a higher gross return, profit and other quality parameter.

The effects of modified quinoa protein emulsion as fat substitutes in frankfurters

In the current study, the effects of replacing different proportions of pork back fat (0, 25, 50, 75, and 100%) with high-pressure homogenization-modified quinoa protein emulsions (HMQE) on the physicochemical, water distribution, and rheological properties of low-fat frankfurters were investigated. HMQE incorporation significantly increased the moisture, ash, protein content, pH and L⁎ values and decreased the a⁎ and b⁎ values and T2 relaxation time of the low-fat frankfurters (P < 0.05). Of note, 50% fat substitution by HMQE yielded higher WHC, textural properties, gel strength, immobilized water percentage and G′ value of the frankfurters than others. HMQE incorporation changed the protein secondary structure from α-helix to β-sheet, forming a compact and uniform gel network structure with small cavities. Moreover, 50% fat substitution by HMQE did not affect sensory characteristics and improved the fat oxidative stability during storage. Therefore, the incorporation of HQME as a partial fat substitute resulted in nutritional benefits and quality enhancements, indicating that HQME could serve as a promising fat alternative in manufacturing low-fat frankfurters with desirable attributes.

Global assessment of FSC forest management certification auditing through analysis of accreditation reports

One important initiative to incentivise improvement of forest management that could help maintain forestry as a feasible land use while realising socio-environmental and economic benefits is forest management certification. The most prominent scheme is the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) that started implementation in 1994. FSC certification relies on two mechanisms to assess conformance with its standard: auditing of management practices based on agreed-upon principles, criteria, and indicators; and accreditation to assess the quality of the audit process. Addressing the scant research on outcomes of accreditation activities, the goal of this study is to examine the findings raised against Certification Bodies (CABs) by Assurance Services International assessors during their accreditation evaluations regarding the quality of auditing FSC forest management certification around the world. The content of all 141 publicly available assessments reports elaborated between 2013 and 2019 was analysed and the 454 identified findings (i.e., non-conformities and opportunities for improvement) were categorised utilising an innovative framework based on key desirable attributes of the audit process to capture certification-related changes on-the-ground. Europe and Asia have seen the largest number of accreditation efforts through the study period, but no differences among regions were identified in terms of the mean number of findings per assessment. The results indicate a possible lesser effectiveness of the compliance assessments when compared with the witness assessments. Accreditation activities allow to capture major failures in essential audit-related activities: auditors’ decisions, ability of auditors to collect, interpret, and synthesise evidence, as well as making reports publicly accessible. Availability of information regarding accreditation processes and the analysis of the accreditation reports can assist in grounding learning processes to improve accreditation activities and the practice of forest management auditing. The accumulated experiences can have positive consequences for forests, as well as beyond forestry, due to the broad coverage of certification labels across sectors and commodities.