Influence of fruit maturity at harvest on the intensity of smoke taint in wine

Bushfire smoke can affect the composition and sensory properties of grapes and wines, in some cases leading to wines which exhibit undesirable "smoky", "ashy" and "medicinal" characters. This study investigated the extent to which fruit maturity (i.e., ripeness) influences the perception of smoke taint in wine. Two white grape varieties (Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc) and two red grape varieties (Merlot and Shiraz) were exposed to smoke under experimental conditions, at approximately seven days post-veraison. Fruit was then harvested at two levels of maturity: Harvest A, when total soluble solids were 16-20 °Brix, i.e., the berry ripeness typically required for production of sparkling or light-bodied wines; and Harvest B, when total soluble solids were 22-25 °Brix, i.e., the berry ripeness typically required for production of full-bodied wines. The intensity of smoke taint in resulting wines was found to be influenced by fruit maturity, but differed between grape varieties. Smoke-related sensory attributes were apparent in Sauvignon Blanc wine made from early-harvested fruit and in Chardonnay wine made from late-harvested fruit, only; whereas Merlot and Shiraz wines exhibited smoke taint irrespective of fruit maturity. Smoke-derived volatile phenols, and various alcohols, esters and acids, were also quantified to determine the impact of smoke exposure and fruit maturity respectively, on wine composition.Renata Ristic, Paul K. Boss and Kerry L. Wilkinso

Listening and learning: evaluation of special community employment programmes in Dublin North East.

This research project was commissioned by the Dublin North East Task Force to evaluate the role of current special Community Empoyment (CE) programmes in addressing the rehabilitative needs of clients in recovery, to review and examine models of rehabilitation within CE programmes and to assess the need to establish or extend special CE programmes to local drug projectrs working with recovering problem drug users. The recommendations and framework for best practice presented are drawn from the learning, experience and insight of the Drugs Task Force stakeholders and other key informants. The recommendations range from simple, easily achieved steps towards better practice, to ambitious steps that require changes in policy direction at national level and sustained work to oversee them

An Overview of the Traveller Mediation Service Peer Mediation in Prisons Programme 2016 to 2019

Due to the highly restrictive nature of the prison environment, with large numbers of diverse personalities living in extremely close proximity to one another and some with a propensity for violent behaviour, prisons can be dangerous places. Prisons are too often places of conflict, violence, and fear (Condry and Scharff Smith, 2018), where conflict can develop and escalate rapidly. Such conflict almost always has a negative impact, both physically and mentally, on prisoners and staff. It was in this context that TMS developed a unique and innovative approach to conflict prevention and resolution within the Irish Prison Service (IPS)..

The Next Step Initiative. Research report on barriers affecting women in prostitution.

The Next Step Initiative was a project undertaken by Ruhama and funded by the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform under the Equality for Women Measure. The aim of The Next Step Initiative (NSI) was to develop a model of intervention that would support women involved in prostitution in accessing the social economy, community education or local employment. The interventions would be informed by research carried out with the women involved in prostitution as well as with various agencies to identify the range of barriers that affects them. The Next Step Initiative Report is the result of that research. The research gives voice to women who, in the main, have no opportunity in this society to express their experiences and to lobby for the understanding, supports and resources they need