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This study investigated the comparative effects of conventional hot-air oven heating (CHO), microwave heating (MW) and sealing effect on the nutritive value of lucerne hay. Equivalent energy (125 J.g−1) was applied with a 1.1 kW of MW oven for 60 seconds (s) or a 3.06 kW CHO oven for 350 s. The required equivalent energy level was measured based on a preliminary calibration trial. Two heating method (CHO and MW) and sealing condition (SC) applied as treatment factors in this study. A two-way analysis of variance (P < 0.05) was used to measure the effect of different factors on some properties of lucerne hay. The dry matter (DM) percentage of lucerne hay was increased when MW treatments were applied on both sealed and non-sealed lucerne hay compared with the control. Both heating method and their interaction with SC had negative effects on crude protein (CP) percentage. DM digestibility (DMD) and Digestible organic matter in the DM (DOMD) were decreased by 9% and 5%, respectively, in the sealed MW group, compared with the sealed control. Neutral detergent fibre % also increased by 6% in the sealed MW group, compared with the sealed control group. However, no differences in acid detergent fibre % due to any heating method and/or SC were observed in this study. The mechanisms behind these changes require further exploration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Developing a mathematical model for the dielectric properties of water over a wide range of frequencies helps design, develop, model and optimize processes involving the interaction of electromagnetic waves with water containing materials. Based on large data sets (1744 published dielectric measurements) from literature and significant extensions to mathematical models, which have also been presented in literature, a comprehensive mathematical model for the most important dipolar responses and molecular resonances of water, from radio wave to the ultraviolet frequencies has been developed. This model provides a good approximation to published dielectric properties of pure water. Where possible, it also accounts for the influence of salinity and temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

European olive (Olea europaea L.) has successfully invaded several regions in Australia including the district surrounding Dookie College in northern Victoria. Feral populations of olives have spread from abandoned groves established in the late 1870s but due to a revitalization of the olive industry in the 1990s there is concern about increase in feral olives from this new source. Feral olives do not produce fruit until they are 10 years old so using techniques that can accurately age feral olive trees such as stem diameters or plant height will enable land managers to prioritize the control of reproductive individuals. This study evaluated ring counting of the stems on European olive trees and it proved to be a successful means of estimating the age of stems, with the estimated age of the widest stem the best estimator of plant age. Significant relationships between estimated stem ages, stem diameter, plant height and width were also established. The relationship between the diameter of the widest stem and estimated age will prove invaluable in developing a broad age structure pro- fi le of the feral European olive plants of the district [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a review around seagrass habitat in Tarawa Lagoon, Kiribati and explores the links between seagrass occurrence and the national priority issues of climate change, urban development, human health, nearshore fisheries, threatened species, ocean policy, research capacity and awareness. The contribution of healthy seagrass habitats to many aspects of these national issues is often overlooked and there is need to establish the knowledge gaps and priority actions that can enable mitigation of issues that impact on valuable seagrass resources and their management. Research data on seagrass habitats in Kiribati, and the wider Pacific Island region, is limited and this hinders informed decisions at local, national and regional levels. We present a comprehensive review on seagrass within a national context to aid prioritisation and uptake of information for resource owners, and wider stakeholders, in Kiribati while acknowledging local expertise. The paper highlights data and knowledge gaps that if addressed, will provide information useful to Kiribati nationals, communities and government stakeholders. Recommendations for actions that fill these gaps and build understanding of seagrass resources in Kiribati are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]