Thermal Inactivation of Bacterial Pathogens and Fungal Spores Under Post-Process Contamination Scenarios in Maple Syrup Processing

Maple syrup is produced by the extensive thermal evaporation of maple sap traditionally collected from the Acer saccharum tree and other maple varietals. The resulting low water activity product (Aw \u3c 0.85) is classified by the FDA as a low risk food commodity, due to the moisture limitations which inhibit the growth of pathogenic microorganisms. However, recent outbreaks associated with other designated low risk products, including peanut butter and wheat flour, now challenge the current understanding of factors required to induce human illness. Among the most notorious bacterial pathogens, as few as ten bacterial cells, have been cited to cause infection. In addition to bacteria-based risks, fungal contaminants have also been noted to jeopardize safety due to the potential for mycotoxin production, penetrating beyond the immediate product surface. The extensive heating process required to produce syrup from sap is sufficient to eradicate the majority of present microflora. However, post-process contamination scenarios, which are augmented by producer behaviors, can introduce microorganisms into the finished product. Among these risk factors include direct product contamination due to insufficient heating temperatures, or contamination of bottles, as a result of improper container storage. Therefore, the objectives of this work are to (i) determine the thermal inactivation (D-value) of predominant bacterial pathogens (STEC, Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella) in maple syrup heated to 180°F, a common bottling temperature, (ii) assess the effectiveness of commonly used bottling temperatures (180°F and 190°F) in the inactivation of bacteria (previously described) and fungal spores (Aspergillus and Penicillium) desiccated on the interior of several types of retail containers, (iii) determine the efficacy of applying a boiling water pre-fill treatment in eradicating microbial hazards, and (iv) assess the survival or growth capabilities of both bacteria and fungi in maple sap and syrup held under normal storage conditions. The data from this work showed that when the syrup is heated to 180°F for at least 23 seconds, this heating method is sufficient to achieve a 5-log reduction (pasteurization) in the three bacterial pathogens we identified. However, when contaminants were desiccated on the interior of bottles, even a fill temperature of 190°F, is ineffective in eradicating all contamination risks. Although a boiling water pre-fill treatment reduced the likelihood of microbial survival, it did not eradicate all populations we studied across every container type. However, due to reduced heat retention capacity and bottle shape, utilizing a fancy glass bottle results in the greatest likelihood of microbe survival. Therefore, the largest plastic bottle at the highest fill temperature possible, is recommended to reduce product contamination risks. If contamination does occur, bacterial pathogens are capable of survival for up to 30 days in ambient maple syrup and up to 60 days in refrigerated maple sap. Producers may consider retaining finished product prior to sale in order to reduce the potential for bacterial food safety risks. Fungal (Aspergillus and Penicillium) contaminated syrup demonstrated continuous growth in both products. Therefore, it is recommended that fungal-contaminated syrup must be discarded due to the potential risks of mycotoxin production that could pose harm to consumer health

Do we really need regional innovation agencies? Some insights from the experience of an Italian region

Increasing globalization, if properly exploited, can provide interesting opportunities for regional economies. Nevertheless, when they are not managed with a far-sighted approach, regions, and particularly those at an intermediate level of development, can lose their comparative advantages compared to regions of developing countries. Innovation is the main instrument for improving and ensuring competitiveness to enterprises and growth opportunities to local economies. The aim of this paper is to discuss the importance of public policies in reinforcing regional innovation systems, and the role of regional innovation agencies. With this in mind, we describe the policies implemented by the Regional Agency for Technology and Innovation (ARTI) of Apulia, a region in Southern Italy. We also provide the first assessment of ARTI’s activities and provide some suggestions on how to improve regional R&D policies.public policy; innovation; regional innovation system; regional competitiveness

Éléments d’histoire et de démographie des Sud-Asiatiques de Montréal : prémices d’une communalisation?

Les communautés ethniques sont des construits sociopolitiques dont les frontières sont perméables et évoluent de façon dynamique dans le temps et dans l’espace, notamment au cours du processus migratoire. Cet article présente les éléments historiques et démographiques des prémices d’une communalisation des Sud-Asiatiques à Montréal, dans une perspective comparative avec Toronto et Vancouver. Cette analyse s’appuie sur plusieurs sources historiques et statistiques, dont les recensements canadiens de 2001 et de 2006, les données d’enquêtes spéciales, l’Atlas de l’immigration pour la région métropolitaine de recensement de Montréal en 2001 ainsi que des entrevues (39) réalisées auprès d’informateurs-clés et de leaders de ces groupes en 2006. Nous explorons l’hypothèse d’une communalisation de ces groupes à Montréal en raison de barrières linguistiques et socioéconomiques. L’isolement et la marginalisation des Sud-Asiatiques favoriseraient le développement d’une appartenance communautaire.Ethnic communities are socio-political constructs with permeable boundaries that evolve in a dynamic way, particularly through the migration process. This article presents the historic and demographic components of the way in which South Asian groups build community in Montréal in a comparative perspective with Toronto and Vancouver. It draws on various documentary and statistical sources, including the 2001 and 2006 Canadian Census, special surveys, the Immigration Atlas of Montréal CMA in 2001, and 39 interviews with community leaders and respondents carried out in 2006. Our analysis explores the hypothesis that while linguistic and socioeconomic barriers contribute to South Asian communities’ isolation and marginalisation in Montréal, they simultaneously foster a sense of community

Evolution of protein bound Maillard reaction end-products and free Amadori compounds in low lactose milk in presence of fructosamine oxidase I

Thermal treatments and storage influence milk quality, particularly in low lactose milk as the higher concentration of reducing sugars can lead to the increased formation of the Maillard reaction products (MRPs). The control of the Amadori products (APs) formation is the key step to mitigate the Maillard reaction (MR) in milk. The use of fructosamine oxidases, (Faox) provided promising results. In this paper, the effects of Faox I were evaluated by monitoring the concentration of free and bound MRPs in low lactose milk during shelf life. Results showed that the enzyme reduced the formation of protein-bound MRPs down to 79% after six days at 37 °C. Faox I lowered the glycation of almost all the free amino acids resulting effective on basic and polar amino acids. Data here reported corroborate previous findings on the potentiality of Faox enzymes in controlling the early stage of the MR in foods

Removal of Inorganic Contaminants from Aqueous Solutions: Evaluation of the Remediation Efficiency and of the Environmental Impact of a Zero-Valent Iron Substrate

This work presents an evaluation of the remediation efficiency and of the environmental impact of a zero-valent iron commercial substrate used for the removal of heavy metals from groundwater in different conditions. A specific feature of the substrate is the presence of zero-valent iron (ZVI), organic carbon, and sulfate. The authors analyzed its composition and performances by means of batch tests in different boundary conditions. In detail, the efficacy was evaluated for metals (Cu, Cr, Pb, and Zn) and for nitrates and sulfates. Neutral and acidic pH values, imputable to dangerous waste landfill leachate or to acid mine drainage, were considered. The environmental impact of the substrate was also assessed for the investigated pHs. The product showed a high efficiency in the removal of metals (mainly described by a pseudo-second-order kinetic model), with a noticeable variability according to the pH of the polluted phase. Nitrate ion removal was inhibited by sulfates at all the considered pH values. Characterization and batch studies revealed that the substrate was a source of Mn, Cr, Pb, Cu, and sulfate ions, besides Fe. This study shows that the employment of an optimized amount of reagent, while achieving good performances, is essential to contain the leaching of undesirable substances into aqueous environment

Map-Making of Plant Biomass and Leaf Area Index for Management of Protected Areas

An inventory of the vegetation types of Castelporziano Estate (Rome), including examples of Mediterranean ecosystems in excellent preserved condition, was compiled. Because Leaf Area Index (LAI) changed with forest structure and developmental stages, maximum LAI provided a good estimate of maximum biomass accumulation. Plant biomass estimation, ranging from 61 tons ha-1 to 360 tons ha-1, fitted well into 14 biomass classes; the highest values (from 301 tons ha-1 to 360 tons ha-1) were related to stratified forested vegetation types, including the more mature Pinus pinea plantations, Quercus ilex evergreen forests and broad leaf mixed forests. LAI ranged from 0.5 to 4.5, and changed with forest structure, increasing with the increase of plant biomass. Leaf area index measurements fitted well into nine LAI classes, and the highest values were related to the stratified vegetation types. Biomass and LAI maps might be employed as a computerised mapped information system for natural resource policy, regional planning, and landscape management. Long-term monitoring may easily be achieved by LAI measurements which can be converted to biomass values by the identified relationship between plant biomass and LAI

Vaccine preventable viral diseases and risks associated with waterborne transmission.

Rotavirus and poliovirus are paradigmatic viruses for causing major diseases affecting the human population. The impact of poliovirus is remarkably diminished because of vaccination during the last half century. Poliomyelitis due to wild polio currently affects a limited number of countries, and since 2000 sporadic outbreaks have been associated to neurovirulent vaccine-derived polioviruses. Conversely, rotavirus is presently very diffuse, accounting for the largest fraction of severe gastroenteritis among children <5 years-old. Vaccination towards rotavirus is still in its dawn, and zoonotic strains contribute to the emergence and evolution of novel strains pathogenic to man. The environment, particularly surface water, is a possible vehicle for large transmission of both viruses, but environmental surveillance of circulating strains can help promptly monitor entry of new virulent strains into a country, their shedding and spread

Medical specialisations: a psychosocial study

This paper presents an exploratory study of the psychological and social factors related to the choice and practice of the various medical specialities, based on the sociological formulation of Bourdieu and the considerations of Dejours concerning man's encounter with his work. The study was based on the analysis of an open interview and social survey questionnaire applied on 40 active medical doctors of both sexes, different ages, and several specialities, in the city of São Paulo, Brazil. The results of a thorough analysis of the interviews reveals that: a) the psychological conflicts inherent in the formation of a medical identity and the practice of medicine are influenced by acquired socio-economic elements that lead to differing practical solutions and results depending on social class descent; b) the experiences of each individual, according to his/her socio-economic status, determine the organisation and complexity of his/her subjective space and, therefore, of his/her perceptions and practical behaviour; c) the hierarchy of values in Medicine can be considered as a collective defence against anxieties resulting from medical tasks and the constant dealing with situations of powerlessness.Estudo exploratório sobre fatores psicológicos e sociais envolvidos na escolha e prática das diversas especialidades médicas, com base na formulação sociológica de Bourdieu e nas considerações de Dejours a respeito do encontro do homem com seu trabalho. O estudo é baseado na análise de conteúdo de entrevistas livres, seguidas de questionário de levantamento social aplicados em 40 médicos atuantes, de ambos os sexos, de diferentes faixas etárias e várias especialidades na cidade de São Paulo. O exame, em profundidade, das entrevistas revela que: a) os conflitos psicológicos inerentes à formação da identidade médica e a sua prática são influenciados por aspectos sócio-econômicos interiorizados e decorrentes do estrato social de origem do médico; b) as experiências vividas e influenciadas pelo estrato sócio-econômico de origem de cada indivíduo determinaram a organização e a complexidade do espaço subjetivo e, portanto, de suas percepções e de seu comportamento prático; e, c) a hierarquia de valores na Medicina pode ser considerada como defesa coletiva contra ansiedades resultantes da tarefa médica e do constante lidar com situações de impotência.Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP) Escola Paulista de Medicina Departamento de Psiquiatria e Psicologia MédicaUNIFESP, EPM, Depto. de Psiquiatria e Psicologia MédicaSciEL