text: Food Sciences http://hdl.handle.net/10523/92 2015-10-07T00:11:40Z 2015-10-07T00:11:40Z Chinese consumers' freshness perceptions: A case study of orange juices Zhang, Ting http://hdl.handle.net/10523/5884 2015-09-16T20:46:12Z 2015-09-16T20:45:28Z Chinese consumers' freshness perceptions: A case study of orange juices 2015 Zhang, Ting Ranking sixth in the world for consumption of orange juice, China creates tremendous opportunities for Western beverage manufacturers to develop value-added orange juice products that satisfy Chinese consumers' needs. Chinese consumers have been shown to place great importance on the attribute "freshness" when buying orange juice products. Freshness is a multidimensional attribute and its perception appears to be affected by a number of sensory and non-sensory characteristics. While the term is well described in the sensory literature, this literature is Western-centric and there is clearly a paucity of data on what Chinese consumers mean when they refer to the word "fresh". Distinct differences between Chinese and Western consumers in their attitudes towards and perceptions of freshness make entering the Chinese market a challenge for exporters. To successfully develop and market orange juice products in China, it is therefore necessary to understand the definition of, factors contributing to, and the concept of, freshness in the specific context of orange juice consumption from Chinese consumers' perspectives. Thus, the current thesis aims at identifying important sensory and non-sensory factors contributing to Chinese consumers' freshness perceptions in orange juice products. It does this by using two sorting exercises, 1) Napping, which is a well-established method in the field of Sensory Science and 2) Q methodology, which is a well-established social science method but not one that has been used to date by sensory scientists to evaluate perceptions of food and beverage products. This unique hybrid research design combining Napping and Q methodology, each with their own inherent strengths, enabled the researchers to obtain a comprehensive understanding of the important attributes underpinning Chinese consumers' freshness perceptions. Two focus groups were undertaken, where participants (n=19) evaluated freshness of 20 orange juices and their corresponding packages. The qualitative data from these focus groups was combined with the results from a wide-ranging review of existing literature from both academic and non-academic sources. From this, a set of 60 statements was derived with the purpose of representing the whole spectrum of possible viewpoints that Chinese consumers might have about freshness. To obtain a holistic understanding of freshness, these statements were then used for subsequent data collection exercises. The study design included three different scenarios: (1) perceptions of freshness based on the set of text statements about freshness derived from the focus groups and the literature search (i.e. concept evaluation); (2) perceptions of freshness based on actually sampling the orange juices (i.e. juice tasting); and (3) perceptions of freshness based on the characteristics of the orange juice packages (i.e. package evaluation). Chinese consumers residing in New Zealand (n=40) partook in two different sorting exercises, each of which contained the three aforementioned scenarios (concept, juice and packaging evaluation). The concept evaluation results from both methods suggested that perceived freshness was related to an overall notion of healthy and natural. Results derived from juice tasting showed that Chinese consumers defined freshness as a level of closeness to the orange, perceiving orange-like sensory qualities as fresh. Three distinct consumer perspectives were identified, with consumers in each of these perspectives holding homogeneous viewpoints about freshness perceptions, indicating that orange juice freshness varied among consumer segments. In addition, results generated from the package evaluation indicated that the participants' freshness perceptions were greatly influenced by package claims, shelf life, package transparency, package container type, storage condition and price. Again, three distinct consumer perspectives were identified with regards to freshness based on the packaging. This research has established a valuable and detailed knowledge of the important sensory and non-sensory properties that the study participants most associated with freshness. Thus this research has a number of practical implications that will be of use to food marketers working with the development of orange juice products marketed on this particular attribute (freshness). Furthermore, an evaluation and comparison of the two study methods has resulted in this thesis making a number of significant methodological contributions. 2015-09-16T20:45:28Z Effect Of Processing On The Flavour Character Of Arabica Natural Coffee Fernandez Alduenda, Mario Roberto http://hdl.handle.net/10523/5875 2015-09-10T23:18:11Z 2015-09-10T23:17:21Z Effect Of Processing On The Flavour Character Of Arabica Natural Coffee 2015 Fernandez Alduenda, Mario Roberto In the context of the current, flourishing specialty coffee industry, the processing of the coffee bean at the origin is increasingly becoming the main differentiation tool for specialty coffee producers around the world. The processing method of coffee at the origin may be one of three main types, depending on how the fleshy parts of the coffee fruit are removed and how the coffee bean is dried. The three main processing methods are often referred to as the washed process, pulped natural process and natural process. The natural process consists of drying the whole coffee fruit like a prune prior to removing the pulp. It is the oldest processing method known and is currently gaining interest from the specialty coffee industry. The reasons for this are threefold – the 'characteristic' flavour of natural coffee is sought as a means for differentiation; natural coffee is a key ingredient of high quality espresso blends, and it is generally considered as more sustainable than other methods as it does not require water. The specialty coffee industry often describes the characteristic flavour of naturals as 'fruity' or 'winey', which is a profile sometimes called 'Mocha'. The flavour of natural coffee is thus currently in the focus of the specialty coffee industry. However, little is known of how the flavour is formed, the compounds responsible for it and how the process might be controlled so as to allow a reproducible expression of that flavour. Thus, the overall aim of this research was to understand the flavour of Arabica natural coffee as a product class and to understand the main formation pathway during the post-harvest drying process. This aim was achieved through a series of studies, to address 5 specific objectives. The first objective was to develop a rapid flavour-profiling method based on the analysis of coffee cupping (coffee tasting) data. The second objective was to determine the effect of postharvest processing methods (washed, natural and pulped natural) on the sensory profile of coffee. Both objectives were addressed in Chapter 3, where the effect of the main post-harvest processing methods on the sensory profile of coffee was investigated. Coffee tasting data from previous, unpublished research was analysed using a novel technique called Descriptive Cupping. The cupping data pertained to coffee cherries from 22 farms in the state of Guerrero, Mexico, which were processed using four post-harvest treatments: natural process, pulped natural process and two variations of the washed process including fermentation under water and dry fermentation. The samples were then hulled and assessed by licensed Q Graders (certified coffee tasters) using the Specialty Coffee Association of America (SCAA) cupping (coffee tasting) protocol. The qualitative descriptors provided by the cuppers were used to investigate differences in the sensory profile of the coffees produced from the four methods. Descriptor categories used by the cuppers (descriptor subgroups) were consolidated and integrated into a frequency table. Global chi-square (χ2), χ2 per-cell and non-symmetric correspondence analysis (NSCA) were performed on the frequency table. The third objective was to characterise the sensory profiles of coffee processed using natural post-harvest methods. This objective was addressed in Chapter 4. Samples (22) of natural coffee, received from different origins, were assessed by a cupping panel trained at the University of Otago, and flavour profiles were generated using Descriptive Cupping. Chapter 4 also addressed the second objective by assessing washed coffee samples (9, coming from the same farms as 9 of the natural coffees) as points of reference. The fourth objective was to identify flavour compounds responsible for key flavours of coffee processed using natural post-harvest methods. It was addressed in Chapter 5, where the same samples used for Chapter 4 were characterised using analytical methods. The headspace of the roasted coffee beans was analysed using Solid-Phase Extraction-Gas Chromatography coupled to Olfactometry and Mass Spectrometry (SPE-GC-MS/O) and Static Headspace- Gas Chromatography coupled to Olfactometry and Mass Spectrometry (SH-GC-O/MS). The headspace of the green coffee beans was analysed as supplementary data using Proton-Transfer-Reaction Mass Spectrometry (PTR-MS). The analytical results and the Descriptive Cupping results were analysed together using Multiple Factor Analysis (MFA). The fifth objective was to investigate the effect of different natural post-harvest processing treatments (by favouring different fermentative populations) on flavour profiles and specific flavour compounds. This objective was addressed in Chapters 6 and 7. In Chapter 6, different natural coffee processing treatments (7) were compared, using the same raw material. The processing treatments were designed to vary the drying rate of different sections of the drying curve to favour fermentation by different kinds of microbial populations. A washed coffee sample was also produced as a witness from the same raw material. The resulting samples were characterised using Descriptive Cupping by a cupping panel from New Zealand and another cupping panel from Mexico. The results from both panels were compared using MFA. In Chapter 7, these samples were characterised by the analytical methods (GC-MS/O and PTR-MS) used for the previous studies and both analytical and Descriptive Cupping data were integrated in an MFA. An effect of the processing method on the flavour profile was found in Chapter 3, whereby the natural samples were characterised by tropical-fruity, dried-fruity, red-fruity or fermented flavour notes. Washed samples showed floral, spicy, or nutty flavour notes, while pulped naturals tended to have a flavour profile that could range from natural to washed coffee. In the case of Chapter 4, the effect of the country of origin on coffee flavour was found to be more important than the effect of processing. This was linked to different geographically concentrated factors, including the drying technology. Only when natural coffees showed a 'Mocha' character (fruitiness or wineyness) did they become clearly different from washed coffees. Moreover, the absence or presence of the 'Mocha' character was also found to be one of the main sources of variation within the natural coffees as a group. In Chapter 5, thermal degradation products of sugars and Maillard reaction products were found to have an important role in the differentiation of samples. However, the main factors explaining the 'Mocha' character were associated with both amino acid catabolism (of valine, isoleucine and leucine) and ethanol fermentation. The esters produced by the ethyl esterification of 2- and 3-methylbutanoic acid were linked to a fresh, red-fruity character (strawberry, blueberry), which is the most common description of specialty natural coffees. In Chapter 6 similar product spaces were obtained by the New Zealand and Mexican panels and coherence in the use of descriptors such as fermented was achieved. Overall, Descriptive Cupping was shown to be a rapid method for profiling coffee flavour with satisfactory levels of discriminating power and satisfactory panel-to-panel agreement. In Chapters 6 and 7, the most distinct natural drying treatment was found to be the one termed 'honeying' treatment for the purpose of this thesis, which involved suspending the drying for the first two days. This resulted in an intense fermentation with a high production of ethanol, which confirmed ethanol plays a key role in the formation of fruity esters. This research achieved its objectives by characterising the flavour of natural coffee from the sensory and analytical points of view. Findings from this research contribute to the field of coffee science by providing the industry and future researchers with an explanation for the formation of characteristic fruity and winey flavours in natural coffee. Based on the findings of this research, coffee producers will be able to better control the flavour outcome of natural coffee. Further research is needed to characterise the role of non-volatile constituents of natural coffee, as well as to understand the role of specific fermentation types in the development of natural coffee flavour. Generally speaking, further research is needed to understand how to better control the coffee flavour outcome. 2015-09-10T23:17:21Z The Impact Of Pulsed Electric Field (PEF) Processing On Solid Food Materials Faridnia, Farnaz http://hdl.handle.net/10523/5826 2015-08-09T22:58:20Z 2015-08-09T22:57:06Z The Impact Of Pulsed Electric Field (PEF) Processing On Solid Food Materials 2015 Faridnia, Farnaz Pulsed electric field (PEF) processing involves subjecting food, placed between two electrodes, to pulsed high voltage electric fields for a very short time (μs to ms), inducing pore formation and hence permeabilization of cell membranes. Few studies have investigated the effects of PEF on solid foods and an in-depth investigations on the mechanisms by which PEF influences the structural and functional properties of solid foods particularly with respect to cell viability at the time of processing has yet to be conducted. The current research therefore investigated the impact of PEF on the quality of solid food materials with an emphasis on microstructural and biochemical changes. Beef muscles and potato tubers were chosen as they represent dead or living tissues, respectively. In addition to the impact of PEF alone, the effects of pre-treatments, such as freezing and peeling, commonly practiced in meat and vegetable industries, investigated in combination with PEF was assessed. PEF treatments significantly decreased the moisture content of beef muscles and significantly increased purge loss. In a study on beef longissimus thoracis (LT) muscles an increase in the porosity of the myofibril structure was seen using cryo-SEM after PEF (in the range of 0.2–0.6 kV/cm, 1–50 Hz, 20 μs) treatment. However, tenderness and cooking losses of beef muscles were unaffected by the PEF treatments applied. PEF treatments (in the range of 0.2-1.1 kV/cm, 1-10 kJ/kg) affected cell permeability and integrity of intact potato tubers as shown by an increase in ion leakage and the conductivity in the incubation medium as electric field strength and energy level increased. Potato cells located in the pith and outer medulla close to the vascular bundles of potato tubers showed more damage as indicated by a higher level of cell death compared to cells in the outer medulla indicating that electric fields applied to intact potato tubers leads to non-uniform and complex changes in the potato microstructure and cell viability. The orientation of the tuber within the treatment chamber also affected the impact of PEF on cell viability and the direction, which the electric current takes through the tissues. The distribution of potassium ions within the potato cells, as determined by FESEM-EDS analysis, related well with the viability and the integrity of the potato cells as evaluated by tetrazolium salt staining and cryo-SEM, respectively. The quality related biochemical changes in beef muscles and potato tubers after PEF treatment were also investigated. pH, colour stability (L*, a* and R630/580 values) and protein profile of beef LT muscles were not affected by PEF treatments. A high PEF treatment (1.4 kV/cm, 50 Hz, 20μs) did not affect the ratios of polyunsaturated/saturated fatty acids (PUFA/SFA) and omega 6/omega 3 (n6/n3) nor the free fatty acid profiles in beef semitendinosus (ST) muscles. The number of bacteria associated with PEF treated or untreated beef muscles were similar over time indicating that PEF caused neither significant inactivation nor favourable conditions for the microbial proliferation post-processing. The biochemical responses to PEF treatments were more pronounced for potato (living tissue) than found for the beef (dead tissue). Evaluation of antioxidative enzymes (APOX, SOD, CAT, GPOX and GR) and non-enzymatic antioxidants (ascorbic acid and glutathione) in conjunction with a marker of oxidative damage (protein carbonyls) indicated that the PEF treatment at 0.5kV/cm significantly degraded the stability of biochemical parameters depending on the viability of the cells. In contrast, after PEF treatment at 0.3kV/cm the biochemical markers investigated were not significantly different from untreated tubers which was similar to the cell viability patterns observed after viability staining. These results suggest that upon exposure to PEF induced stress, living cells are capable of changing their metabolisms and preventing the oxidative damage to cellular components caused by reactive oxygen species. The effect of either a freezing or a peeling pre-treatment prior to PEF on the quality of beef ST muscles or potato tubers, respectively was also investigated. Combined freezing–thawing and PEF (1.4 kV/cm, 20 μs, 50 Hz) resulted in improved tenderness as indicated by a reduced shear force. Microstructural changes in frozen–thawed PEF treated samples compared to an untreated control further confirmed by TEM micrographs, in which significantly less myofibril organization, Z-line fractures and degraded myofibril structure were found. An initial two log-unit increase in aerobic bacterial numbers for frozen-thawed PEF-treated samples was positively associated with increased purge loss. Freezing with or without PEF greatly increased the volatile profile of the meat. The oxidative stability of frozen–thawed beef was negatively affected by PEF treatments as indicated by enhanced lipid oxidation at the end of storage (18 days at 4°C). For the potatoes, the plant skin or periderm was shown to have a protective effect against the electric fields applied. Peeled potato tubers showed a decrease in the proportion of viable cells compared to unpeeled potato tubers with this effect increasing as the treatment intensity increased. It appeared that when the skin was removed the current had more points of entry to the tissue and therefore the effect of PEF treatment was more pronounced compared to the unpeeled potato tubers. Hence the presence or absence of skin highly influenced the subsequent degree of cell membrane permeabilization, cell viability and rupture. Protein oxidation measured as protein carbonyls content increased significantly in peeled potato tubers treated at 0.5kV/cm compared to unpeeled potato tubers treated with the same conditions. This study revealed that the complex impacts of the PEF treatments are more pronounced in living cells of plant tissues compared to post rigor animal tissues indicating that living cells are capable of changing their metabolism in response to PEF induced stress. Moreover, the effectiveness of PEF treatment could be modified by applying different pre-treatments. Different combinations of traditional physical pre-treatments and PEF can result in supplementary synergetic effects useful for food processing. From the practical point of view, development of such combined technologies as well as understanding the complex structure of solid food materials is very important for improvement of industrial applications. 2015-08-09T22:57:06Z An investigation of young and educated Chinese consumers' perceptions of beverages treated by pulsed-electric field and high hydrostatic pressure processing Lee, Pui Yee http://hdl.handle.net/10523/5812 2015-07-28T20:46:11Z 2015-07-28T20:45:11Z An investigation of young and educated Chinese consumers' perceptions of beverages treated by pulsed-electric field and high hydrostatic pressure processing 2015 Lee, Pui Yee High hydrostatic pressure processing (HPP) and pulsed-electric field (PEF) are processing technologies that add value to foods by improving safety through lowering microbial loads in addition to minimizing the changes in sensory properties and nutritional value. Little is known about how Chinese consumers perceive these processing technologies and what factors influence their food decision making. This thesis investigated Chinese consumers' perceptions of HPP and PEF processing technologies, and the subsequent influence of these perceptions on consumers' decision making for beverages treated by these technologies. Both qualitative and quantitative research approaches were employed in five consumer studies: (i) focus groups were conducted to investigate consumers' perceptions of HPP and PEF technologies and their treated healthy beverages; (ii) the attributes, consequences, and personal values influencing consumers' healthy beverage decision making were identified using means-end chain theory and association pattern technique; (iii) conjoint analysis was used to measure the relative importance of the extrinsic attributes when consumers make fruit juice decisions; (iv) napping with ultra-flash profiling was applied to understand the sensory attributes that drive consumers' perceptions of apple juices; and (v) the effects of technology information on consumers' acceptance of HPP and PEF treated apple juices were investigated using "blind-label-informed" acceptance test. The findings revealed that Chinese consumers were generally open-minded and receptive towards HPP and PEF technologies and were prepared to pay a premium for the treated beverages. Perceived benefits such as the reduced need for additives, retained flavor, and nutritional content for HPP and PEF treated beverages were most valued by the Chinese consumers. However, there are four key considerations that must be addressed during the development and marketing of HPP and PEF treated food products in China. Firstly, it is important to identify Chinese consumer segments. Cluster analysis identified three Chinese consumer segments: Health Conscious, Premium Product, and Long Product Shelf-life, revealing heterogeneity in Chinese consumers' product preferences. Secondly, it is crucial for food manufacturers to select the right processing method for food products. The effects of HPP and PEF technologies on the sensory profile of apple juices were cultivar dependent. Thirdly, educational and communication requirements need to be carefully considered as these play a pivotal role in consumer acceptance of HPP and PEF technologies. The provision of technology information diminished consumers' perceived risks towards HPP and PEF technologies, and increased their stated purchase intentions for the treated beverages. Lastly, special attention should be given to improving the labels of HPP and PEF treated food products. It is recommended to provide the processing technology information applied to the food on the product's label as this information had a positive influence on Chinese consumer acceptance of HPP and PEF treated products. The current thesis has demonstrated the use of a consumer-oriented approach to obtain an understanding of the mechanisms by which Chinese consumers form perceptions of HPP and PEF processing technologies and how these perceptions influence consumers' beverage decision making. The insights gained in this thesis indicate an exciting time ahead for manufacturers of HPP and PEF treated food and beverage products in China. 2015-07-28T20:45:11Z Generation of bioactive compounds from slaughterhouse animal blood using enzymatic hydrolysis Bah, Clara Shui Fern http://hdl.handle.net/10523/5794 2015-07-09T21:26:12Z 2015-07-09T21:24:37Z Generation of bioactive compounds from slaughterhouse animal blood using enzymatic hydrolysis 2015 Bah, Clara Shui Fern Slaughterhouse blood is a by-product of the meat production industry and represents a rich source of protein with potential beneficial properties. The results reported in this thesis describe the generation of hydrolysates and bioactive peptides from four commercial New Zealand slaughterhouse animals (deer, sheep, pig and cattle) using enzymatic hydrolysis and proteases from fungal and plant sources, and investigates their biological activities. Initially, the properties of unhydrolysed slaughterhouse animal blood from deer, sheep, pig and cattle were investigated. The slaughterhouse blood was separated into the plasma, red blood cell and white blood cell fractions. Standard blood constituents were measured and fractionated blood was assessed for antioxidant activity, angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory activity and antimicrobial activity. Cattle blood had the highest total plasma proteins. The unhydrolysed red blood cell fractions of all four animal species contained higher antioxidant activity compared to the plasma fractions. Negligible levels of ACE inhibitory activity were found for all animal blood fractions. Antimicrobial activity was detected towards Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa with sheep white blood cells from which a crude neutrophil extract was obtained that demonstrated concentration dependent inhibitory effects on the growth rates of these bacterial strains. Plasma separated from deer, sheep, pig and cattle abattoir blood was hydrolysed using protease preparations from plant (papain and bromelain) and fungal (FP400 and FPII) sources. Antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of the peptide hydrolysates obtained after 1, 2, 4 and 24 hours of hydrolysis were investigated. The release of trichloroacetic acid-soluble peptides over the hydrolysis period was monitored using the o-phthaldialdehyde (OPA) assay, and the hydrolysis profiles were visualised using SDS-PAGE. The major plasma proteins in the animal plasmas were identified using MALDI-TOF-TOF MS. Hydrolysates of plasma generated with fungal proteases exhibited higher 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging, oxygen radical scavenging capacity (ORAC) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) than those generated with plant proteases for all three animal plasmas. No antimicrobial activity was detected in the hydrolysates. The red blood cell fractions (RBCF) from deer, sheep, pig and cattle blood obtained were also hydrolysed using the same protease preparations. RBCF hydrolysates generated with papain exhibited higher ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), and oxygen radical scavenging capacity (ORAC) than those generated with bromelain, FP400 and FPII. Antimicrobial activity against E coli, S. aureus and P. aeruginosa was detected in the 24 hour hydrolysates of FP400 and FPII RBCF. Lower antioxidant properties were observed in hydrolysates of animal red blood cells compared to plasma hydrolysates. However, in contrast, antimicrobial activity was detected towards bacteria in the fungal treated RBCF hydrolysates but not in the plasma hydrolysates. The hydrolysis of cattle plasma with fungal protease FPII generated a hydrolysate (FPII + CP24) with high in vitro antioxidant activities as tested using chemical based antioxidant assays (ORAC, DPPH and FRAP). This hydrolysate was also tested for its in vitro antioxidant activity in a cell based antioxidant assay using Vero cells treated with a peroxyl radical generator 2,2'-Azobis(2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride (AAPH) and was found to have protective effects at the highest concentration tested. The FPII + CP24 hydrolysate was fractionated using gel permeation, OFFGEL isoelectric focusing and RP-HPLC techniques to separate and identify the most active antioxidant peptide fractions. Fifteen novel peptide sequences were identified in the most active RP-HPLC fraction using Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LCMS) and database searches. This identification and analysis of bioactive compounds with antioxidant and antibacterial activity in slaughterhouse blood makes a unique contribution to current knowledge on available bioactives from this resource and may lead to novel utilization of waste animal blood. 2015-07-09T21:24:37Z The Impact of Food Allergies on Quality of Life Peniamina, Rana Lori http://hdl.handle.net/10523/5748 2015-06-29T14:02:20Z 2015-06-28T23:55:32Z The Impact of Food Allergies on Quality of Life 2015 Peniamina, Rana Lori Food allergies are a growing health concern, yet scientific understanding of how individuals' lives are affected by food allergies is limited. The aims of this project were to explore the factors that affect the lives of adults with food allergies; to quantify the level of impact these factors have on daily functioning; to test the role of socio-demographic factors and personality on how food allergies are experienced; and to identify strategies to improve the quality of life of adults with food allergies. A mixed-methods approach was taken, starting with a qualitative method (Study 1), which was used to inform the development of the quantitative method (Study 2). Study 1 explored the experiences of adults with food allergies and the implications of their experiences in terms of consumer vulnerability and impact on health-related quality of life. Focus groups were held with four groups of adults with food allergies to gain an in-depth understanding of how their food allergies affected their lives. The participants experienced consumer vulnerability at different stages of their lives (e.g., during their journey to diagnosis, the post-diagnosis adaptation period, and their ongoing lives with food allergies). Food allergy specific factors that influenced their experience of vulnerability in different contexts included food allergy type and symptom severity (individual characteristics), stage of adaptation to food allergy and level of knowledge acquired (individual states), discrimination/stigmatization, cost and availability of allergen-free food, labelling of food, and the knowledge level of café and restaurant staff (external conditions). Key factors that influenced health-related quality of life included allergen-free eating issues, health care system issues, costs of having a food allergy, effects on well-being, external influences (e.g., others' lack of awareness), and internal influences (personal growth and adaptation). The unmet needs of food-allergic adults led to risk-taking, increased stress, and social isolation. To extend this investigation, Study 2 quantified the frequency of food allergy issues in daily life and tested the impact of food allergy issues on daily functioning (i.e., experiences of stress, mood, and physical energy). Adults with food allergies (N = 108; 85% women; ages 18 – 87) completed an initial Internet-based survey collecting socio-demographic, personality, and food allergy information. This was followed by a 2-week Internet-based daily diary survey in which participants reported their daily experiences of stress, mood, and physical energy, followed by a 25-item checklist (based on the result of Study 1) about the occurrence of food allergy issues during that day. Analysis of the daily surveys showed several commonly experienced allergy issues. These included negative physical symptoms of food allergy, extra financial cost due to higher food prices, feeling anxious about whether food is safe to eat, trouble with maintaining a healthy diet, and feeling anxious or stressed at social occasions involving food. Multilevel modelling analyses showed that people experienced significantly higher stress and negative mood on days with more allergy issues. Older adults also experienced reduced positive mood and physical energy on days with more allergy issues. Participants living in smaller towns and rural locations experienced more issues per day compared to participants living in cities. Personality traits were found to influence the experience of food allergies in daily life. This study corroborated and extended the findings from Study 1, showing that food allergy-related issues are a common occurrence and source of stress in daily life. Taken together, both Study 1 and Study 2 show that adults with food allergies experience food allergy issues frequently, which has implications for their psychological, social, and physical functioning. Targeting the issues identified in this research will reduce stress in patients with food allergies and improve their overall health and quality of life. 2015-06-28T23:55:32Z The influence of volatile organic compound release, texture and microstructure on the perception of apple flavour Ting, Valentina Jiin Lee http://hdl.handle.net/10523/5684 2015-05-28T03:02:11Z 2015-05-28T03:00:35Z The influence of volatile organic compound release, texture and microstructure on the perception of apple flavour 2015 Ting, Valentina Jiin Lee Aroma and texture are known to influence the overall perception of apple flavour and are subconsciously evaluated by consumers during consumption. Aroma is derived from the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) released from the apple both before (orthonasal) and during consumption (retronasal). The degree to which the VOC impacts upon the flavour profile is affected by the mechanical breakdown of the apple flesh during mastication. The characteristics of apple texture, microstructure and breakdown are cultivar specific. This thesis aimed to understand the cultivar specific differences of apple texture, microstructure and VOC release in relation to their role in overall flavour perception and to explore the correlations between sensory derived attributes and instrumental derived parameters. In vitro (orthonasal) and in vivo (retronasal) measurements of VOC release were carried out using either a proton transfer reaction quadrupole mass spectrometer (PTR-QUAD-MS) or a proton transfer reaction time of flight mass spectrometer (PTR-ToF-MS). Both instrumental techniques separated cultivars based on their in vitro headspace volatile organic compound (VOC) profiles of either intact or cut apple portions. However, PTR-ToF-MS was found to be superior to PTR-QUAD-MS due to its higher sensitivity. The in vivo nosespace method involving the measurements of dynamic VOC release from the nasal cavity, during swallowing as panellists consumed apple portions, resulted in improved data and temporal resolution, as well as an increase in the number of detectable nosespace VOCs when the PTR-ToF-MS was used. Ester related VOCs were predominantly detected in the in vivo nosespace measurements followed by carbonyl and alcohol related compounds. Measured nosespace parameters showed potential for use in understanding differences in the mechanical breakdown of apple flesh during mastication; with for example juicy cultivars inducing a faster time to first swallow (Tswal). Panellists also displayed longer consumption times (Tcon) when consuming firm samples, as opposed to softer cultivars. In a preliminary study using the PTR-QUAD-MS, the time to maximum VOC intensity (Tmax) was found to be shorter for soft apple flesh owing to their faster breakdown during mastication and their resulting increase in surface area. However, the PTR-ToF-MS study which used more cultivars suggested that Tmax could also be shorter for firm juicy cultivars, owing to the occurrence of more swallowing events during mastication as juice was released. The feasibility of being able to differentiate between cultivars using solely instrumental techniques was investigated by comparing instrumentally derived results to those gained from descriptive sensory analysis. Sensory odour/ flavour data was compared to VOC profiles obtained from the PTR-ToF-MS, while sensory texture was compared to mechanical and acoustic textural parameters. Both analytical and sensory techniques characterised the cultivars similarly, indicating the potential of solely instrumental techniques to separate apple cultivars based on their VOC profiles and textural properties. Different VOC groups (terpenes; esters and their associated fragments; butanoate esters) were associated to specific sensory attributes. For example, butanoate esters (m/z 103, 117, 131) were positively correlated to lemon flavour and odour whereas hexyl acetate (m/z 145) was positively correlated to overall apple odour signifying its importance towards base apple flavour. Physico-chemical properties such as titratable acidity (TA) were positively correlated to sour taste which could be considered in prediction models. Sweet taste was negatively correlated to TA but was not correlated to soluble solids content (SSC). However, a positive correlation between sweet taste and fruity ester related compounds (m/z 43, 61, 145) was observed indicating a possible aroma-taste interaction. Instrumentally derived texture parameters were well correlated to sensory descriptions. However, the former also provided additional information that could differentiate between cultivars that were firm but not crunchy. As the behaviour of apple flesh breakdown during mastication was shown to affect perceived texture, X-ray micro-computer tomographic (μ-CT) scanning was used to investigate microstructural differences that could affect apple texture. Morphological properties of apple parenchyma such as connectivity and porosity were associated with VOC release, whereas anisotropy was associated with firm texture. Porosity was negatively correlated to firm texture however, this was cultivar specific owing to the fact that porosity is a summation of all intercellular spaces within a volume; it does not take into account the variation in size and distribution which has been shown to affect texture. The use of an ethylene inhibitor, 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) retained the apple texture at a cost of lower VOC emission. However, its efficacy favoured cultivars of high ethylene concentration (Golden Delicious) as opposed to low ethylene emitting cultivars (Fuji). Therefore, it is important to understand the effects of 1-MCP on specific cultivars. This study demonstrated the viable use of PTR-MS and texture measurements to understand the interrelationships between texture and aroma release during consumption. These techniques were shown to characterise apple cultivars similarly to sensory measurements. Moreover, μ-CT scanning proved to be a powerful tool to visualise the role of microstructure in mechanical texture. Overall, these analyses showed that apple cultivars are distinctly different and suggest that such information could be used to compile a database of phenotypes, such as the cultivar specific VOC and texture characteristics. This database could be used as a reference to create high quality apples through careful selection of specific traits in order to create customised apples targeted towards consumer specific needs. 2015-05-28T03:00:35Z Physicochemical and quality characteristics of cold-pressed hemp, flax and canola seed oils and functional properties of their seed cakes Teh, Sue-Siang http://hdl.handle.net/10523/5670 2015-05-18T22:06:45Z 2015-05-18T21:02:24Z Physicochemical and quality characteristics of cold-pressed hemp, flax and canola seed oils and functional properties of their seed cakes 2015 Teh, Sue-Siang New Zealand cold-pressed hemp, flax and canola seed oils were analyzed for their fatty acid compositions, tocopherols, β-carotene, chlorophyll, total phenolics, flavonoids, color, quality, melting and crystallization characteristics. The dominant fatty acid of canola, hemp and flax seed oils was oleic (57.0 ± 0.0%), linoleic (55.7 ± 0.3%) and linolenic acids (58.7 ± 1.2%), respectively (P < 0.05). Hemp seed oil contained the highest tocopherol, flavonoid and phenolic acid contents. There was a significant difference in color of the oils (P < 0.05) due to the chlorophyll content. Melting and crystallization transitions and enthalpy heat change (∆H) values varied for the three oils in the order canola > flax > hemp. All oils had low moisture and volatiles, unsaponifiable matter and free fatty acids content. Peroxide value, p-anisidine, conjugated dienoic acid, acid value, specific extinction of cold-pressed oils at 232 and 270 nm were under the value of limit allowed in general regulations. Defatted hemp, flax and canola seed cakes were extracted with different solvent systems namely methanol, ethanol, acetone, methanol 80%, acetone 80% and mixed solvent of methanol:acetone:water (MAW, 7:7:6, v/v/v). Each extract was analyzed for antioxidant capacity using ferric reducing/antioxidant power (FRAP) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assays. MAW exhibited the highest extraction of phenolic and flavonoid contents in the seed cakes, followed by acetone 80% and methanol 80%. The antioxidant capacity was proportional to the polyphenols recovery in the extracts. Canola seed cakes possessed the highest recovery of polyphenols and antioxidant capacity, followed by hemp and flax seed cakes. MAW extract of canola contained total phenolic content of 2104.67 ± 2.52 mg GAE/100 g fresh weight; total flavonoids of 37.79 ± 0.04 mg LUE.100 g-1 fresh weight; percentage inhibition of DPPH˙ of 33.03 ± 0.38%; total antioxidant capacity (TAC, FRAP assay) of 8.78 ± 0.07 μmol Fe (II).g-1 fresh weight. Identification of individual polyphenol compounds were performed HPLC. MAW extract of canola had the highest (P < 0.05) concentration of all individual polyphenols except gallic acid and catechin. Highest concentration of quercetin and luteolin in MAW extract of hemp was obtained among all solvent systems. The effectiveness of ultrasonic extraction of phenolics and flavonoids from defatted hemp, flax and canola seed cakes was compared to the conventional extraction method. Ultrasonic treatment at room temperature showed increased polyphenol extraction yield and antioxidant capacity by two-fold over the conventional extraction method. Different combinations of ultrasonic treatment parameters consisting of solvent volume (25, 50, 75 and 100 mL), extraction time (20, 30 and 40 min) and temperature (40, 50, 60 and 70ºC) were selected for polyphenol extractions from the seed cakes. The chosen parameters had a significant effect (P < 0.05) on the polyphenol extraction yield and subsequent antioxidant capacity from the seed cakes. Application of heat during ultrasonic extraction yielded higher polyphenol content in extracts compared to the non-heated extraction. From an orthogonal design test, the best combination of parameters was 50 mL of solvent volume, 20 min of extraction time and 70ºC of ultrasonic temperature. The use of microwave and pulsed electric field (PEF) processing to optimize polyphenol extraction from defatted hemp seed cake in mixed solvent of methanol, acetone and water (MAW, 7:7:6 v/v/v) was investigated using the Box-Behnken response surface method. A variables combination for microwave processing of time, microwave power and liquid to solid (L:S) ratio and for PEF (ethanol concentration, time, frequency and voltage) were used in the investigation. Following microwave or PEF treatments, the polyphenols were extracted from the samples under ultrasound with fixed variables (200 W of ultrasonic power, water bath of 70°C and 20 min of extraction time). The measured responses were total phenolics (TP), total flavonoids (TF), DPPH˙ scavenging activity and ferric reducing/antioxidant power (FRAP). The optimum variables combination for microwave processing (5 min treatment time, L:S ratio of 6, 700 W power and volume 30 mL) resulted in maximum yields in all measured responses for defatted hemp seed cake. Under the optimum condition of microwave processing except the microwave power, the microwave power 644 W and 633.3 W resulted in maximum yields in all measured responses for defatted flax and canola seed cakes respectively. The PEF-assisted extraction (voltage (30 V), frequency (30 Hz), ethanol concentration (10%) and time (10 s) resulted in maximum yields in all measured responses for all defatted seed cakes. The bioactive compounds from the cold-pressed hemp, flax and canola seed oils, as well as their oilseed cakes were further investigated. For their effect-directed analysis, planar chromatography was combined with several assays, namely 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH˙) scavenging, acetylcholinesterase inhibition, planar yeast estrogen screen (pYES), antimicrobial Bacillus subtilis and Aliivibrio fischeri assays. The streamlined high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC)-bioassay method allowed the discovery of unknown bioactive compounds present in these oilseed cake extracts. A first characterization of the unknown bioactive compounds was performed by HPTLC-electrospray ionization (ESI)-mass spectrometry (MS) using the elution-head based TLC-MS-Interface. The results showed that the hemp, flax and canola seed oils, as well as their oilseed cakes possessed various bioactive compounds that can be further characterized by mass spectrometry. In contrast to target analysis, the comprehensive information with regard to effects allowed a first bioactivity evaluation on the feed intake side, which can be used to isolate and yield active compounds for functional food or justify functional feed supplements. The effect of the defatting process, acid and alkali extractions on the physicochemical and functional properties of hemp, flax and canola protein isolates was studied. The defatting process enriched the protein content from around 35% to 52 – 55% in the defatted oilseed cakes. Further treatment with acid and alkali led to the highest enrichment (P < 0.05) in the protein content (> 90%). The defatting process produced the lightest (P < 0.05) colour compared to the parent oilseed cakes and the protein isolates. Alkali extraction produced protein isolates with the highest (P < 0.05) water holding capacity (WHC) while the original oilseed cakes had the highest oil holding capacity (OHC). Acid and alkali extractions produced protein isolates with the highest emulsifying activity (EA) and emulsion stability (ES). The alkaline soluble flax protein isolate and acid hemp protein isolate had the highest (P < 0.05) creaming stability (CS) and largest droplet size (DS) respectively. Amino acid profiles of protein isolates after acid and alkali extraction were improved, leading to a protein suitable for fortification in food products that meet human nutrition requirements. AL-HPI & AC-HPI were hydrolysed by proteases namely AFP, HT, ProG, actinidin and zingibain. The proteases were evaluated for their caseinolytic activities. The enzymatic hydrolysis of HPIs was evaluated through the degree of hydrolysis and SDS-PAGE profiles. The bioactive properties of the resultant HPHs were accessed through ORAC, DPPH˙ scavenging and ACE-inhibitory activities. The physical properties of the resultant HPHs were evaluated for their particle sizes, zeta potential and surface hydrophobicity. Among all proteases, HT resulted in the highest bioactivities (ORAC, DPPH˙ scavenging and ACE-inhibitory activities) generated in the shortest time (2 h) compared to the other protease preparations. This was due to the highest caseinolytic and proteolytic activities exhibited by HT. The acidic subunit of edestin in AL-HPI was completely hydrolyzed by HT in 1 h, and the complete digestion of the basic edestin subunit was achieved at 2 h. The particle size of the resultant hydrolysates was gradually decreased upon hydrolysis, depending on the types of proteases and substrates. Al-HPI was the best substrate that led to the higher bioactivities compared to AC-HPI. The HT hydrolysate generated from AL-HPI at 2 h hydrolysis time was selected for further fractionated using OFFGEL and RP-HPLC. The result showed that F10, F12 and F14 from the OFFGEL fractionation exhibited higher ORAC and ACE-inhibitory activities among all the OFFGEL fractions. Hence, F10, F12 and F14 were selected for further purification into several peptides fractions by RP-HPLC prior to ORAC and ACE-inhibitory assays. For the RP-HPLC fractionated peptide fractions from OFFGEL F10, the RP-HPLC F10 exhibited the highest ORAC activity (750.35 µM Trolox.g-1 sample) and ACE-inhibitory activities (80.56%). For the RP-HPLC fractionated peptide fractions from OFFGEL F12, the RP-HPLC F17 had the highest ORAC value (756.34 µM Trolox.g-1 sample) and ACE-inhibitory activities (76.57%). For the RP-HPLC fractionated peptide fractions from OFFGEL F14, the RP-HPLC F17, F18, & F19 exhibited the highest ORAC activity (764.57, 758.65, & 752.47 µM Trolox.g-1 sample respectively) among all the RP-HPLC fractions, and the RP-HPLC F19 possessed the highest ACE-inhibitory activity (75.68%). In summary, cold-pressed hemp, flax and canola seed oils are healthy oils for human consumption with desirable PUFA content and bioactive compounds. The by-products, oilseed cakes have great potential as new product development in food and pharmaceutical industries such as polyphenols, protein isolates and bioactive peptides. 2015-05-18T21:02:24Z


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Bio: At just 19, Ali Isabella's has already performed at many of NYC's legendary clubs, headlined at 2 pre-Grammy parties, one honoring Quincy Jones and Stevie Wonder and one for St Jude's hospital in Los Angeles. In the UK, she was an opening act to Reba McEntire and Lonestar at the world renowned We...See Full Bio

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Alleged Texas College Stabber Identified, Fantasized Attack
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Knights Inn Hinesville hotels are provided below. Search for cheap and discount Knights Inn hotel rates in Hinesville, GA for your upcoming individual or group travel. We list the best Knights Inn Hinesville lodging properties so you can review the Hinesville Knights Inn hotel list below to find the perfect place.
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Genocide suspect, Leon Mugesera, yesterday requested the High Court to grant him 48 days to study documents concerning his case adding that the days granted to him earlier were not enough.
This is the second time he is requesting for a postponement after initially asking for two months to prepare.
Mugesera also complained to the court about the delay by the Kigali Bar Association to accredit one of his lawyers, Gershom Otachi.
Otachi, who was in court yesterday, told court that he was cleared by the bar association only four days ago.
Mugesera also asked the court to order the prosecution to translate his 40,000-word indictment document as a request by one of his lawyers, Mellisa Kanas.
When he took to the floor, the lead prosecutor who is also the Prosecutor General, Martin Ngoga, requested the court not to grant the adjournment.
He pointed out that the issue before the court is not that Mugesera did not get all the logistical support he requested for but instead he had suspicions on how to use them.
Rwanda welcomes dismissal of Indictments by Spanish Supreme Court
Intersec security rebrands to ISCO Intersec security
Burkina Faso coup leader Gen Diendere charged
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Some of the names on the move ahead of the open.» Read More
Stocks snapped their winning streak Thursday after soaring this week to new highs for the year.
One year ago on Sunday September 14, Lehman Brothers was scrambling before declaring bankruptcy later that night and Bank of America announced a deal to acquire Merrill Lynch. Here is a look at where major indices and stocks look one year later.
Cramer makes the call on viewers' favorite stocks.
Dividend yields in the Dow index are down about a quarter of a point since early June and 165 basis points since early March, as equity markets continue to trend higher, pushing yields lower. Here is a look at the dividend yields of all 30 Dow components:
Compared to an average short interest of 2.2% for all Dow components, bets against these three companies stand at around 8%.
Approaching the close, the Dow has cut its losses almost in half...the five financial-oriented stocks in the Dow (B of A, Travelers, JP Morgan, AmEx, and our parent General Electric) are responsible for a negative 40 points in the Dow; but with the exception of some weakness in energy (Chevron, ExxonMobil), most other sectors are flat to down 1 percent.
Stocks rallied Friday, bringing their winning streak to four straight weeks, after the latest employment numbers showed signs of a stabilizing job market.
Stocks ended flat Tuesday as investors took a breather after Monday's blockbuster rally.
The U.S. Dollar continues its slide, with the Dollar Index falling to its lowest levels since the end of September. Capitalizing on this dollar weakness are commodities.
Stocks rallied Thursday, logging the highest close since November, despite a late-afternoon pullback.
Stocks rallied Thursday as investors were encouraged by the latest jobless report and round of corporate earnings.
Stocks rallied Thursday as investors were encouraged by the latest jobless report and round of corporate earnings.
Futures indicated a higher open for Wall Street on Thursday as investors were encouraged by the latest jobless report and round of corporate earnings.
Corporate earnings will serve as a tailwind for the stock market in the week ahead, but gains could be constrained after an 11 percent run in just two weeks.
Stocks closed slightly higher as a mostly positive start to earnings season was offset by the air quickly coming out of a rally in bank stocks.
Earnings season may have "officially" gotten underway with last week's release by Dow component Alcoa, but it kicks into full gear Tuesday with two very significant pre-market releases: quarterly numbers from Goldman Sachs and Dow stock Johnson & Johnson.
With the official start of earnings season kicking off after the bell today, here are some stats on Alcoa and the rest of the Dow.
Historically and on average, the U.S Markets have been up on the day before Independence Day and relatively flat the day after. The S&P has averaged best of the major indices on the day before the July 4th holiday is observed, up an average of .5% and up 70% of the time.
The latest overall job loss numbers showed a loss of 467,000 jobs in June and the unemployment rate climbed to 9.5%, the highest rate since August 1983. The May and April numbers were revised to losses of 322,000 and 519,000, respectively. Here is a breakdown of where the job losses were as well as which sectors were adding jobs.
Stocks ended flat Monday as a late rally fizzled after the Supreme Court issued a stay, temporarily halting the sale of Chrysler to Fiat.


text:
In order to use mdblib as a dynamically loaded library,
there must be a set of functions for accessing the
application-level data in the MDB data structures.
Instances of the structures can then be retained and
passed to the lib as opaque pointers. The application
doesn't have to know anything about the data types
I have taken a first cut at supplying missing functions
for accessing some frequently used fields.
The attached diff file is based on CVS source on
Jonathan Monroe
Diff file for adding access functions to libmdb source files.


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A Real Stocking Stuffer!
For your consideration...
STUBS: A Father's Tickets to the Greatest Shows on Earth [Outskirts Press] will be formally released on Friday, December 3 at Beaverdale Books here in Des Moines. The book is already showing as "in-stock" online at both Amazon and B&N. The cover synopsis and author bio are below. I've also included a link to the preliminary Amazon listing. I think if you order more than one copy you'll trigger the magic words: FREE SHIPPING!
A boxful of old ticket stubs is the framework for this account of a father's evolution. While his children grow his horizons expand, changing the way he sees the world. STUBS makes a case for holstering the camcorder, and the dot-to-dot of episodes intertwines with reflections on parenthood from the perspective of a man reborn by the births of his children. The venues range from Raccoon Valley Little League to Carnegie Hall; the occasions from Opening Day at Wrigley Field to Mozart's 250th birthday party in Salzburg. The result is an album filled with illustrations of how much kids have to teach.
Michael Wellman is the author of Far From the Trees: The Troubled Sons of an American Neighborhood [Outskirts Press], a finalist in the 2009 Indie Book Awards. He is a regular contributor to the Des Moines Register whose work has also appeared in The Iowan and on Iowa Public Radio. During the summer he blogs for The Cub Reporter. He was born, raised and lives it up in Des Moines, Iowa, a place he can't seem to get enough of. Contact him at [email protected].
Re: A Real Stocking Stuffer!
Congrats Mike! Just resize the image to under Amazon's 4mb size limit and try uploading it again. If you don't know how to do that, email it to me and I'll do it for you. I sent you an email.
It's also free shipping if you have Amazon Prime.
Re: A Real Stocking Stuffer!
I uploaded the picture to Amazon, it should show up now for everyone. Mike, I had no idea you were 12 feet tall! :)
Re: A Real Stocking Stuffer!
Congrats again Mike, can't wait to read it after thoroughly enjoying FFTT. I uploaded to cover pic but then realized your text is now a bit out of synch.
From one stub collector to another...I love the book concept.
Re: A Real Stocking Stuffer!
the odd thing is that on Amazon you can buy the book new for $14.95; but someone, (two people? Tom Ricketts and Crane Kenney?) is/are selling it used for $23.16 and $23.63...Seems that the Cubs ticket brokerage has gotten ahold of your Stubs and is scalping the pre-market!
Re: A Real Stocking Stuffer!
Speaking of stocking stuffers, I also ordered a copy of Keith Richards autobiography, Life, along with Stubs...isn't he the half-brother of Astro's great pitcher J.R.? (just like the half brothers Tiger and Kerry)
Which book should I read first? Talk about a tough act to follow.
quote from Time magazine review: "The Evel Knievel of illicit substances, Richards wears his 66 years with a jaunty gauntness."
Re: A Real Stocking Stuffer!
Thanks for the heads up on my favorite Glimmer Twin's bio. Lots of good links to visit from that article also -- Keith Richards photos, photos of the Stones' 1969 Tour, a book on their '69 Tour (with lots of additional photos), a list of Time's 100 Greatest Albums and list of Top 10 music festival moments. I got significantly sidetracked by all of that stuff for awhile.
Gotta love the Internet.
Tulo got payed
10 years/157.75M, essentially a 6/119M extension.
Rox also signs De La Rosa for 3/33, same as Lilly money.
Re: A Real Stocking Stuffer!
Re: A Real Stocking Stuffer!
They still had him under contract for 4 more years? Not sure what the rush to overpay that guy was?
Re: A Real Stocking Stuffer!
obviously they feel like he's a franchise player, which he is.
Puts him under contract until 36 and he can move to 3b pretty easily if his fielding slips.
$15M average for Tulo, adjusting for inflation is probably gonna work out for them just fine over the long haul.
He's been worth $25M each of the last 2 years by Fangraphs goofy money ratings(and $22M his rookie year).
Re: A Real Stocking Stuffer!
They are paying him 20 Million per year on this extension though. The cheap part of it is the 4 years already remaining on his existing contract.
I'm not saying he isn't worthy of being locked up. I just question the need to do it when he already has 4 years remaining on his current deal? It wasn't like they got a discount in doing so? I would have let it play out until maybe ST of his final contract year. Then you have a better idea of what kind of health shape he will be in.
Re: A Real Stocking Stuffer!
Edit* that was stupid.
I guess I can agree, where was the rush if he was already under contract? Just another GM baring all of the risk for a very slim chance at reward. I wonder if he's got some player opt outs in there too.
Re: A Real Stocking Stuffer!
It wasn't like they got a discount in doing so? I would have let it play out until maybe ST of his final contract year.
and then his agent and him smell free agency and decide they'll test the market or at least you risk that happening.
They like the guy and by all accounts he's one of those team leader types that works his ass off and is well on his way to to a HOF career(if he stays healthy, etc). It's obviously the guy they want to center their franchise around like the Yanks did with Jeter.
Re: A Real Stocking Stuffer!
So maybe the summer before his FA year, but why now?
Re: A Real Stocking Stuffer!
Well..it's certainly a calculated risk to extend him now...but he is a very good SS, at the plate, and in the field...In the top 5 in baseball, no? 10 years is silly long for a sports contract...6 I would get....but 10?
Re: A Real Stocking Stuffer!
probably to be the face of the franchise now that helton's finished up being noteworthy.
hell of a risk, though.
Re: A Real Stocking Stuffer!
Well didn't Helton's contract work out ok? Oh....not....lol.
Re: A Real Stocking Stuffer!
they really, really like the guy?
I'm sure the Rox and O'Dowd will let us know the motivation soon enough.
Re: A Real Stocking Stuffer!
Signing anyone to an extension when they have 4 more years under contract is stupid. Doing it when he also appears to be injury prone should be illegal.
Moyer isn't done
Re: A Real Stocking Stuffer!
Looks like we found our opening day starter for 2012.
Re: A Real Stocking Stuffer!
That's crazy talk. At best he's #3.
Re: A Real Stocking Stuffer!
Agreed. Mark Prior's perfect mechanics will push him back to #3.
Re: A Real Stocking Stuffer!
I thought you were reporting that Tulo got hurt already. Disaster in waiting.
Re: A Real Stocking Stuffer!
We have Brian LaHair at the top of our 1st base depth chart. There are whispers of Dumpster diving to fill our massive offseason roster holes.
Sometimes I wish my dad was a Cardinals fan (dies a little inside)
Re: A Real Stocking Stuffer!
Colvin's probably at the top of 1b chart at the moment, but there's 6 guys out there that can be had and probably some trade options as well.
Pena, Berkman, LaRoche, Dunn, Konerko, Lee
They have to pay Marmol anyway, I assume they're attempting to buy out a free agency year for a slight discount. Anyway, allegedly the article said they just talked briefly about it with no offers made. I assume that'll intensify once arbitration cases need to be settled.
Re: A Real Stocking Stuffer!
Pulled this from Bruce Levine's chat. Bruce is responding to a Sox question. (1:19)
"The White Sox want Dunn and have been trying to make that happen. However Dunn is telling people close to him that he'd like to play left field."
Re: A Real Stocking Stuffer!
Jeez. Dunn also wants to wear a pink tutu and sit on Santa's lap, but that's not going to happen either.
The more I hear of his demands the more I realize he's an idiot.
Re: A Real Stocking Stuffer!
other noteworthy items from Levine...
- lots of Carlos Pena mentions
- calls them a $135M small market team this offseason looking for bargains
- looking at injured starting pitchers (aka cheap), Webb, Harang, etc.
- doesn't think Greinke's would fit Cubs plans, meaning they don't seem keen on moving top prospects in any deal.
- would eat up to half of Fuku's contract, but only if deal makes sense, not aggressively trying to move him.
- Colvin will work at 1b in spring, more for late-inning options or fill-in then as a regular
- Cubs asked about Loney but currently not available
- Ricketts suggested they'll continue to be in top 3-4 payroll in NL for the foreseeable future.
Re: A Real Stocking Stuffer!
Well with the way the Dodgers have been spending money to fill up their roster, I can certainly see why Loney's not available.... not that I think Loney should be on an MLB roster.
Re: A Real Stocking Stuffer!
oh my god what a shock!#!@#!@#!
seriously, there's a flush-as-hell 1st market. there's no hurry.
RP, 1st, and probably SP...in no particular order...known for quite a while.
the last thing going away in the FA or trade market is 1st basemen. it's not a good year to be a 1st FA.
Re: A Real Stocking Stuffer!
Agreed, some of those FA 1b will end up taking whatever they can get, there just aren't that many jobs open, and since we are supposedly broke and going nowhere, waiting for a blue light special is a good thing for a change.
Re: A Real Stocking Stuffer!
Submitted by Dr. aaron b on Tue, 11/30/2010 - 2:12pm.
We have Brian LaHair at the top of our 1st base depth chart. There are whispers of Dumpster diving to fill our massive offseason roster holes.
DR AARON B: Tyler Colvin and Geovany Soto are at the top of the Cubs 1B depth chart.
One thing to keep in mind about 1B is that Soto might have to play 1B next season if his shoulder surgery rehab is still in progress, and even if he's 100% healthy and able to catch from the gitgo, Soto is not going to catch more than 120 games (max), and if he is the Cubs best hitter, would you rather have him sit on the bench for those 40 games he's not catching, or be in the lineup playing another position (1B) on days he's not catching?
And if 1B needs to be kept available for Soto (at least part-time), having a player who can play 1B and then move to the OF on days Soto plays 1B would be ideal. In-house that 1B-OF would be Tyler Colvin. Luke Scott would be a good candidate if the Cubs look to make a trade for one.
If Soto reverts to the 2009 version, then he can certainly sit on days he's not catching,. But if the Real Soto is the one we saw in 2008 and 2010, then I don't want him sitting on the bench for 40 games. And 1B is the only other position he can play.
Re: A Real Stocking Stuffer!
I enjoy watching him pitch, but a 4 year extension is going to lead to uncounted strokes and heart attacks among the Cubs faithful.
Re: A Real Stocking Stuffer!
Miles says Cubs will be "cautious" about any extension citing his "violent delivery".
Pitching coach should be named by next week.
Re: A Real Stocking Stuffer!
Why sign a guy to a multi-year contract when you don't have to?
The best thing about players who aren't yet eligible for free-agency is that you can sign them year-to-year. And then if the player suffers a career-ending or career-limiting injury, you're not on the hook beyond just the one year.
A player (especially a pitcher, even a really good one) can have his career suddenly and irrevocably derailed by injury. And that doesn't even include the ones who just go south for no apparent reason.
I wouldn't approach Marmol about a long-term deal until he gets to his last year of arbitration (the 2012 season), and even then I wouldn't offer more than three years.
The best example of a GM going nuts and jumping the gun with contract extentions was ex-AZ GM Josh Byrnes, who gave Chris Young, Chris Snyder, Justin Upton, and Mark Reynolds long-term deals before they were anywhere close to free-agency. Reynolds, Upton, and Young got their deals before they were even eligible for salary arbitration!
A GM doesn't have to "lock these guys up." They are under club control for six freakin' years before they can be a free-agent.
Re: A Real Stocking Stuffer!
Why sign a guy to a multi-year contract when you don't have to?
cost certainty? save a few bucks?
Reynolds and Young seemed like silly deals. Tulo's has already paid for itself as has Longoria's. Padres saved a ton on Gonzalez I assume and there are tons of examples on both sides of it working and not working.
Ryan Howard and Lincecum have pretty much scared the shit out of teams.
Re: A Real Stocking Stuffer!
Totally agree Phil.
I'd be fine with year to year and even getting Type A arbitration comp for Marmol when the time comes. Surely this top shelf ML system can find a relief pitcher somewhere in the next few years?
Re: A Real Stocking Stuffer!
K-Rod got $7M and $10M his last 2 years with the Angels after 3.75M his first arb year but he was a closer sooner than Marmol.
If Cubs get him around $7M a year for 3 years, it's probably a wise move.
Last I checked teams go more than 1-deep in the bullpen.
Re: A Real Stocking Stuffer!
I'm obviously talking about finding a replacement close.
Re: A Real Stocking Stuffer!
Jeter in a Cubs uni
curious to see why all these relievers are declining arbitration, haven't they learned?
why would anyone sign Scott Downs and give up a draft pick?
Re: A Real Stocking Stuffer!
I just hope that Hendry correctly waits out the market on any bullpen moves he makes.
Re: A Real Stocking Stuffer!
but hurry the fuck up on 1b, damnit!!!!
Re: A Real Stocking Stuffer!
Re: A Real Stocking Stuffer!
Take as much time as needed to get the right guy.
Just make sure that guy is Dunn, or Berkman as plan B I guess?
Re: A Real Stocking Stuffer!
notice a lack of adam dunn news regarding the cubs or anyone looking a 1st baseman yet?
just simply wanting something doesn't make it any team's priority.
there's a young SS with a wild arm, dunn not liking 1st and showing it by being stiff and clumbsy with no range (he's not fast enough to see plays unfold off the bat and that is his main range issue, imo), and there's a huge ass 1st FA market with 20-30HR power...it's not like it's dunn or nothing though on bat alone he's obviously the best option.
it doesn't seem like anyone's in a hurry to fill the excessive 1st slots (or pick up a DH/1st for the AL).
speaking of a lack of news...wonder who will give dlee 6-8m bucks...he's been almost non-existent in the 1st FA talk all over MLB
Re: A Real Stocking Stuffer!
Theriot to Cards for Blake Hawksworth...
B. Ryan/Theriot middle infield?
or Theriot/Schumaker middle infield?
possibilities are endless
suggests Cards want Theriot for SS.
Passan says Dunn's agent asking for 4/60 and "executives" believe Berkman will go for $7M.
if Dunn has finally accepted life as a DH, some AL team should pay that happily for him.
Passan also says Greinke would waive NTC for big market team, assuming he gets an extension or likes the situation. Your move Hendry...
owed $13.5M the next 2 years...
I imagine 3 top 10 prospects would be needed to make that deal.
Re: A Real Stocking Stuffer!
In reference to Theriot playing SS for the Cardinals...
From Callis at Baseball America:
According to BIS, Brendan Ryan saved more runs with his glove (27) than any player in baseball this year.
It's not a complete list to look at. Just best and worst.
Re: A Real Stocking Stuffer!
"Two days before they were likely to non-tender him, the Los Angeles Dodgers instead traded second baseman Ryan Theriot to the St. Louis Cardinals on Tuesday for right-handed reliever Blake Hawksworth, a move that bolsters the Dodgers' bullpen and also paves the way for newly signed infielder Juan Uribe to take over as the club's everyday second baseman."
Re: A Real Stocking Stuffer!
STL's picked up brian tallet (cruddy loogie) on a 1 year deal and now they have theriot playing SS.
nice day for them...well, nice day for the cubs that STL had a nice day like that.
Re: A Real Stocking Stuffer!
via Sarah Spain on Facebook - "via Jeff Gordon of STLToday: Theriot: "I'm finally on the right side of the Cubs-Cardinals rivalry.""
Re: A Real Stocking Stuffer!
oh snap.
Re: A Real Stocking Stuffer!
Insert curse word aimed at crappy ballplayer here.
Re: A Real Stocking Stuffer!
I hope we sign Steve Dalkowski's corpse and he drills Theriot right in the fucking head.
Re: A Real Stocking Stuffer!
Um, Dalkowski's still alive?
Re: A Real Stocking Stuffer!
Brendan Ryan was much worse at the plate this past year than I realized.
Re: A Real Stocking Stuffer!
Don't slam him too much, he'll be playing second for the Cubs by late July.
Re: A Real Stocking Stuffer!
Probably on a ridiculous multi year Jim Hendry contract.
Miggy signs with Giants
missed this one from a few days ago, but Cubs in on Crain according to Gammons
Re: A Real Stocking Stuffer!
6.5m for migs...crazy...they'll probably stick him at SS, too.
Re: A Real Stocking Stuffer!
It's weird because the signings have been slow, but MLB owners definitely seem to think that their recession is over.
Re: A Real Stocking Stuffer!
I think that's a little high based on his declining production. I can't see him playing SS everyday anymore, either.
A Scheduled Doubleheader
There will be a scheduled single-admission doubleheader this year, the first in 15 years. Not surprisingly, at least to me, it's being done by the Athletics, who are desperate to try anything given their attendance numbers.
Re: A Real Stocking Stuffer!
Real doubleheaders rock. I once drove 7 hours to see one ... and the Cubs got swept to thank me!
Re: A Real Stocking Stuffer!
"The Athletics will host the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim in a traditional doubleheader July 16 — their first old-fashioned twinbill since 1995 and the first scheduled doubleheader anywhere since June 7, 1996, when the Minnesota Twins hosted the Athletics."
Passan against more playoff teams
the opinion don't matter, but he suggests all important parties involved want a 3-game set between 2 wild card teams.
Just hope a 7-game LDS comes with it.
Re: A Real Stocking Stuffer!
And a world series game 7 the day after Thanksgiving!
Re: A Real Stocking Stuffer!
they already adjusted the schedule this year to allow for the 3-game set on what was the final weekend of the season.
Take out all the unnecessary off days in the playoffs and it wouldn't change anything.
or schedule double-headers during the season or go to 154 games.
Re: A Real Stocking Stuffer!
Well, I doubt that the 6 games of playoffs will make up for 120 regular season games.
The off-days are so that MLB can schedule the games on their prime spots, away from the NFL and other nights when there's something else to watch. Shortening the existing playoffs will make revenue decline.
Plus it's going to still going to look like a real stupid idea when the first 100 win wild card team loses to a 88 win wild card team.
Re: A Real Stocking Stuffer!
well nonetheless, the 3-game WC playoff is coming in 2012.
Whether a 7-game LDS is coming with it, I don't know, although I read in this phantom article that I can no longer find that is what most of the GM's and players want.
that's not the story I read, but the suggestions from the players are if the owners want expanded playoffs they need to shorten the season and most want a 7-game LDS as well. The article I keep recalling in my mind was one from Stark or one of those types that also asked executives and such and a 7-game LDS is something a lot people want.
We'll see what gets negotiated, but Selig already said that he does plan to try to trim the off days in the playoffs.
Re: A Real Stocking Stuffer!
setup reliever Jason Frasor accepts arb from the Bluejays...thankfully we won't have to hear about him as being on the Cubs radar all winter
Re: A Real Stocking Stuffer!
Stl columist (Bernie Miklasz) points out that basically Theriot sucks...unless LaRussa uses him as the next Aaron Miles (scrappy/crappy utility guy).
Re: A Real Stocking Stuffer!
forgot who Steve Dalkowski was...so for those who didn't remember
He is sometimes called the fastest pitcher in baseball history and had a fastball that probably exceeded 100 MPH...Dalkowski was also famous for his unpredictable performance and inability to control his pitches. His alcoholism and violent behavior off the field caused him problems during his career and after his retirement.
Re: A Real Stocking Stuffer!
Does anyone remember the name of the guy Sports Illustrated made up for an April Fool's Day article?
Re: A Real Stocking Stuffer!
Sidd Finch, according to Google.
Re: A Real Stocking Stuffer!
Thanks. All I could come up with was Sid Thrift and I knew that wasn't right.
Re: A Real Stocking Stuffer!
I Could just remember the tagline for the article was an acronym for "Happy April Fool's" and they used Yogi for the 'Y'.
I also remember the guy on the camel and the picture of the Met (Gary Carter?) showing his pained catching hand.
Re: A Real Stocking Stuffer!
Pic of Sidd Finch honing his yogic pitching skills
Re: A Real Stocking Stuffer!
Hilarious, but now I want the rest of the pictures. I remember how mad I was at the time, since they already had Dr K.
Recent comments
BLOCK: Of course any advantage is an advantage. An MLB, NBA, or NHL team getting the extra game at home in a seven game series is an advantage, I just don't think it is enough of an advantage for winning a division and/or having the best record in a conference or league over the course of an 82-game season (NBA and NHL) or 162 game series (MLB).
TEX takes the opening game from TOR (@TOR) 5-3.
TOR lost bautista + donaldson in-game due to injuries...TEX lost beltre...dunno if any will be lingering issues leading to missed games.
Ride the Kid Magic! Schwarber hadn't homered in a long time before last night.
Greg Maddux was 8-18 in his rookie season. Kyle has the 8 wins down pat.
Think Baby Maddux.
Prof. Harold Hill's THINK system at work.
Kyle is on the far left.
I support this. Hendricks has not only looked better lately but seems to start struggling after a few innings which is better than the 1st in the playoffs.
Just tweeted via Jesse Rogers: Hendricks starting Game 2. Wow. Just wow.
That was good!
Well said. On one hand, I thought the HBP was a bad baseball play -- down 4 runs, put a runner on for a red-hot Fowler. On the other hand, they needed to do something -- I hadn't thought about the warning/pitching inside point. Is Hurdle that smart? He does not strike me that way. By the way -- not clear which fan base you are referring to in your "first" 3rd point.
My unsolicited opinions on topics covered in this thread:
1. I hate the fact that after 162 games, a team could be out after 1 game. However, I think the system is pretty close to perfect right now. 2 of 3 isn't feasible unless they shorten the regular season, and it ices the division winners for way too long. This creates excitement, and rewards the division winners.
Personally, I think the game could have had a very different look had the Pirates held onto the ball and tagged Fowler out on the steal in the first. Cole was clearly frazzled, but if they took that runner off the base, it could have relaxed him a lot.
Football games are played once a week. There are 16 games a year. I'm not even remotely following at all how you can compare the two leagues and playoff systems. It is physically impossible to play a home and away series. The idea of not having any road games in baseball playoffs is certainly a head scratcher.
How is not having the first and last game at home a benefit for the division winners and team with the best record? How is it not an incentive to win the division when a WC team has to blow their top pitcher?
Call me lost.
Two 97+ win teams in a do-or-die, great bullpens, overpowering starters, plenty of pop--hard to believe that game wouldn't be tense. A 4-0 lead is not a blowout, especially in that situation and with the Cubs' young bullpen. Not only would a defensive play here or there make a difference, but you get the win there also on the home plate umps strike zone (generous strike calls for Arrieta, including a couple Ks), and on Schwarber sitting on the right pitch at the right time.
Unbeleivable Dodgers:
I just noticed the Dodger's payroll today. It is just absurd. $300,000,000+!!
Here is where just some of their money is for 2015:
Some "Highlights"
Carl Crawford $20MM
Brandon McCarthy $17MM
Bronson Arroyo $3.5MM
Darwin B $2.2MM
Dan Haren $10MM
Matt Kemp $18MM
Brian Wilson $10MM
Ryan Webb $2.2MM
Dee Gordon $2.5MM
So I think tomorrow will be the most important test of how far we can go. We can win it all with two pitchers since Arietta has shown he can carry over his success to the post season. If Lester can be dominant also then I think we can go far no matter how Hendricks or Hammel do.
And in terms of pitching just went through to see how we could maximize Lester and Arietta and came up with this (Lester would be going on 4 days rest three times and Arietta twice):
i still can't believe that crawford contract (7/142). all that loot and years for a LF'r who's entire hitting game revolves around his legs and line-drive power. those triples that raised his value are deceptive as hell to his true power, but it helped him get paid.
there's also pause about a guy who's ob% is almost totally driven by hits rather than walks. BOS got lucky unloading that crap deal.
I think the Cubs take Berry and Soler off playoff roster and add Hammel & Ramirez. Believe Maddon will find Denorfia & Jackson defense too hard to lose.


text:
Native Plants
Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?
A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.
Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
Need help with plant identification, visit the plant identification page.
rate this answer
Friday - June 26, 2009
From: Winston-Salem, NC
Region: Southeast
Topic: Erosion Control
Title: Plants to stop creek bank erosion in North Carolina
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:Hi: I live in NC where most of the dirt is clay based. I have a small creek behind my house that is eroding. The creek overflows when there is a heavy rain and as a result, gradual erosion. My goal is to plant a row of trees/shrubs for erosion control and bank stabilization along with privacy as there are houses behind me that are on top of a hill. I plan to plant on the side of the creek away from my house. I also have a smaller area to plant on the house side of the creek. I have a fence and it helps but this side is slowing eroding too. I would like to figure out how to handle this side without planting anything that blocks the view of the creek. I need help with what to plant that will cover both topics and add some natural landscaping beauty, not weedy looking and help with ideas on the house side of the creek. Please help as if I continue to loose my bank, it will move into my backyard. Thank you in advance for any ideas.
ANSWER:Mr. Smarty Plants found the following shrubs/small trees that do well in wet clay soil in North Carolina:
Cephalanthus occidentalis (common buttonbush)
Crataegus viridis (green hawthorn)
Physocarpus opulifolius (common ninebark)
Ptelea trifoliata (common hoptree)
Salix humilis (prairie willow)
One of the best plants for preventing erosion is grass. Grasses have extensive fibrous root systems that hold the soil in place very well. Here are several attractive grasses and grass-like plants that you could put underneath the shrubs or even on the side of the creek nearest your house.
Andropogon glomeratus (bushy bluestem)
Chasmanthium latifolium (Inland sea oats)
Eleocharis montevidensis (sand spikerush)
Equisetum hyemale (scouringrush horsetail)
Rhynchospora colorata (starrush whitetop)
Finally, here is a fern and several flowering plants that should be nice for the side of the creek nearest your house:
Asclepias incarnata (swamp milkweed)
Crinum americanum (seven sisters)
Lobelia cardinalis (cardinalflower)
Lobelia siphilitica (great blue lobelia)
Osmunda cinnamomea (cinnamon fern)
More Erosion Control Questions
Native plants to preserve soil on river bank
May 28, 2006 - I live in eastern Massachusetts. We have a small stream in our backyard and a woodland area on the other side. Japanese Knotweed is pretty well established on the opposite bank of the stream from our ...
view the full question and answer
Erosion control plants for steep slope in Austin, TX
April 09, 2007 - I'm interested in finding native plants, either perennials or grasses, that would help control erosion on a fairly steep slope. These plants would be in a park, and volunteers will be watering the pl...
view the full question and answer
Native grasses for erosion control in Harlingen, TX
March 12, 2009 - I like to know what type of fast growing grass, ground cover or trees I can put on a slope for erosion control in Harlingen Texas the slope receives afternoon Sun
view the full question and answer
Landscaping recommendations for site in Dubuque, IA
March 27, 2010 - I need a seed recommendation. Here are the variables: Location: Dubuque, IA (east Central Iowa) Soil type: Sandy to sandy and gravelly. Part is a riverbank facing east. Steep bank then flat to ...
view the full question and answer
Evergreen native plants for slope in South Carolina
July 14, 2008 - We would like to plant an evergreen garden in our backyard, which is on a slope. It receives the sun from approx 9-4. We have an above ground pool, and patio area. Would also like a recommendation of ...
view the full question and answer
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text:
Participants blame hosts for dismal footfall
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Participants of the India International Bicycle Expo 2013 rued poor response from dealers outside Punjab as compared to last year, on the second day of the expo, on Saturday.
Heavy rainfall added to their woes, as local dealers and customers too stayed away. The participants, however, have accused the organisers of the three-day exhibition for not well advertising the expo outside Punjab, owing to which not more than 150 dealers are participating, while they had expected around 1,000 dealers.
Charanjeet Singh Vishvkarma, former president of United Cycles Parts and Manufacturers Association (UCPMA), said, "I have spent more than 6 lakh on my stall, and not more than 100-150 dealers have visited from outside Punjab. The organiser did very poor advertising".
UCPMA chairman Manjeet Singh Khalsa said, "We have received a number of complaints regarding poor response. The organisers had confirmed that more than 700 dealers would visit, but to our surprise not even 150 have visited till now".
He added, "We have asked the organisers to show us the details of advertisements published outside Punjab, so that we can ascertain the situation".
According to the participants, last year more than 800 dealers had visited the expo, and local dealers along with retail customers had unexpectedly done impulsive buying. However, this year, the response at the expo is not even 50 per cent of what they had received last year.
The industrialists were seen sitting idle most of the time. Heavy rainfall and strong winds worsened the situtation, as even the hoardings of a number of participants had been damaged at the venue.