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Introduction: It is unclear whether the timing of meals relative to sleep impacts cardiometabolic risk factors (e.g., weight gain). This cohort study aimed to detect and describe the association of the timing of caloric intake and dietary patterns (e.g., skipping breakfast) with weight trajectory over 2 years among participants who used the Daily24 mobile application to record their timing of eating and sleeping. Hypothesis: We hypothesized that skipping breakfast or consuming 50% or more of daily calories in the latter half of the day is associated with greater weight gain over 2 years. Methods: We conducted a secondary data analysis from a multi-site, electronic health record-based cohort study of adults from 3 healthcare systems in PCORnet’s PaTH Clinical Research Network. Of the 1017 participants enrolled in the study, N=407 patients downloaded and used the Daily24 mobile application for at least 2 weekdays and 1 weekend day over 6 months. We calculated the median of each participant’s daily eating and sleeping intervals. Participants’ weights were extracted from electronic health records available for up to 10 years prior to until 10 months after baseline. Weight trajectories were calculated over 2 years of this data. Participants completed online surveys about demographics and behavioral characteristics at baseline and after 4 months. We constructed multivariate linear regression models with weight trajectory as the dependent variable and breakfast skipping (i.e., not eating anything within 3 hours of waking), having a medium or large meal within 3 hours of sleep, ≥50% caloric consumption in the latter half of the day (after 12 pm), and ≥90% caloric consumption after 7 pm as independent variables. Additional independent variables included age, sex, race, days of application use, and body mass index (BMI) category. Results: Mean (SD) baseline age was 50.8 (15.0) years, 75.7% had a BMI≥25 kg/m 2 , 78.1% were women, and 84.0% were white. The average number of recorded Daily24 application days was 55.9 (53.5), significantly greater than the 3-day minimum inclusion criterion. The mean of participants’ median intervals from first to last meal was 11.2 (2.0) hours. Although not statistically significant, consuming 50% of daily calories in the latter half of the day and skipping breakfast were associated with an increasing weight trajectory (0.03 and 0.25 kg/year; 95% CI -0.39 to 0.45 and -0.32 to 0.82, respectively). Conclusions: Timing of eating (e.g., skipping breakfast or eating most calories later in the day) may be associated with very small weight increases over time. Our app-based approach may not have had enough observations to establish this association. Further research is needed to understand the clinical importance of circadian dietary patterns related to cardiometabolic health.

Background To address the obesity epidemic, there is a need for novel paradigms, including those that address the timing of eating and sleep in relation to circadian rhythms. Electronic health records (EHRs) are an efficient way to identify potentially eligible participants for health research studies. Mobile health (mHealth) apps offer available and convenient data collection of health behaviors, such as timing of eating and sleep. Objective The aim of this descriptive analysis was to report on recruitment, retention, and app use from a 6-month cohort study using a mobile app called Daily24. Methods Using an EHR query, adult patients from three health care systems in the PaTH clinical research network were identified as potentially eligible, invited electronically to participate, and instructed to download and use the Daily24 mobile app, which focuses on eating and sleep timing. Online surveys were completed at baseline and 4 months. We described app use and identified predictors of app use, defined as 1 or more days of use, versus nonuse and usage categories (ie, immediate, consistent, and sustained) using multivariate regression analyses. Results Of 70,661 patients who were sent research invitations, 1021 (1.44%) completed electronic consent forms and online baseline surveys; 4 withdrew, leaving a total of 1017 participants in the analytic sample. A total of 53.79% (n=547) of the participants were app users and, of those, 75.3% (n=412), 50.1% (n=274), and 25.4% (n=139) were immediate, consistent, and sustained users, respectively. Median app use was 28 (IQR 7-75) days over 6 months. Younger age, White race, higher educational level, higher income, having no children younger than 18 years, and having used 1 to 5 health apps significantly predicted app use (vs nonuse) in adjusted models. Older age and lower BMI predicted early, consistent, and sustained use. About half (532/1017, 52.31%) of the participants completed the 4-month online surveys. A total of 33.5% (183/547), 29.3% (157/536), and 27.1% (143/527) of app users were still using the app for at least 2 days per month during months 4, 5, and 6 of the study, respectively. Conclusions EHR recruitment offers an efficient (ie, high reach, low touch, and minimal participant burden) approach to recruiting participants from health care settings into mHealth research. Efforts to recruit and retain less engaged subgroups are needed to collect more generalizable data. Additionally, future app iterations should include more evidence-based features to increase participant use.

BACKGROUND To address the obesity epidemic, there is a need for novel paradigms, including those that address the timing of eating and sleep in relation to circadian rhythms. Electronic health records (EHRs) are an efficient way to identify potentially eligible participants for health research studies. Mobile health (mHealth) apps offer available and convenient data collection of health behaviors, such as timing of eating and sleep. OBJECTIVE The aim of this descriptive analysis was to report on recruitment, retention, and app use from a 6-month cohort study using a mobile app called Daily24. METHODS Using an EHR query, adult patients from three health care systems in the PaTH clinical research network were identified as potentially eligible, invited electronically to participate, and instructed to download and use the Daily24 mobile app, which focuses on eating and sleep timing. Online surveys were completed at baseline and 4 months. We described app use and identified predictors of app use, defined as 1 or more days of use, versus nonuse and usage categories (ie, immediate, consistent, and sustained) using multivariate regression analyses. RESULTS Of 70,661 patients who were sent research invitations, 1021 (1.44%) completed electronic consent forms and online baseline surveys; 4 withdrew, leaving a total of 1017 participants in the analytic sample. A total of 53.79% (n=547) of the participants were app users and, of those, 75.3% (n=412), 50.1% (n=274), and 25.4% (n=139) were immediate, consistent, and sustained users, respectively. Median app use was 28 (IQR 7-75) days over 6 months. Younger age, White race, higher educational level, higher income, having no children younger than 18 years, and having used 1 to 5 health apps significantly predicted app use (vs nonuse) in adjusted models. Older age and lower BMI predicted early, consistent, and sustained use. About half (532/1017, 52.31%) of the participants completed the 4-month online surveys. A total of 33.5% (183/547), 29.3% (157/536), and 27.1% (143/527) of app users were still using the app for at least 2 days per month during months 4, 5, and 6 of the study, respectively. CONCLUSIONS EHR recruitment offers an efficient (ie, high reach, low touch, and minimal participant burden) approach to recruiting participants from health care settings into mHealth research. Efforts to recruit and retain less engaged subgroups are needed to collect more generalizable data. Additionally, future app iterations should include more evidence-based features to increase participant use.

Breadfruit from Samoa potentially host the Pacific fruit fly (Bactrocera xanthodes) and so their export to New Zealand requires a disinfestation treatment. Heat treatments by air (HAT) or water (HWT) are common fruit-fly disinfestation treatments for tropical crops. Two breadfruit cultivars – Puou and Ma’afala – were subjected to three heat treatments, HAT-1 (minimum 47.2oC for 20 min at core), HAT-2 (49.0oC for 100 min at core) and HWT (47.2oC for 20 min at core), and an untreated control was also included. Fruit were stored for one week at 15oC followed by three days at 25oC. Disorders observed were heat damage to the skin (blackening) and increased decay on the body and stem-end. Heat damage was at an acceptably low level following HAT-1 but was unacceptable following HAT-2 or HWT. Initial results suggest that a HAT can be tolerated, but the effect of ramp rate and the potential of using a two-step HWT system should be examined.

Cellular changes during cold-pressed extraction of ‘J5’ olives (Olea europaea L.) were investigated to better understand factors that affect oil release and recovery. Electrical impedance, electrical conductivity, rheological flow properties and light microscopy were used to monitor flesh or pulp structure at defined steps during the extraction process (grinding, malaxing and decanting). Light microscopy revealed most parenchyma cells in the flesh were ruptured in the grinding step. A significant reduction in electrical impedance concurrent with an increase in conductivity of tissue that occurred when cells were ruptured during the grinding process. Malaxing assisted aggregation of oil into larger droplets, observed by microscopy. Increasing malaxing time resulted in a decrease in the storage modulus (G′) of olive pulp, which correlated with the oil droplets in the olive paste coalescing together and becoming larger. The extraction process can be monitored with different techniques to assist with improved extraction yields.

Background: Small pilot and randomized controlled studies suggest that time-restricted feeding may decrease body weight. However, the role of meal timing and intervals, measured using mobile applications, has not been examined in larger population-based studies. The objective of this study is to evaluate the association between meal intervals and weight trajectories among adults from a population-based clinical cohort. Methods: Multi-site prospective cohort study of adults recruited from three health systems. Over the 6-month study period, 547 participants downloaded and used the Daily24 mobile application to record the timing of meals and sleep for at least one day. Intervals were calculated as the average of all available daily entries for each participant. We obtained information on weight and comorbidities at each outpatient visit from electronic health records available for up to 10 years prior to until 10 months after baseline. We used mixed linear regression to model weight trajectories. Results: The mean (SD) baseline (at consent) age was 51.1 (15.0) years and body mass index (BMI) 30.8 (7.8) kg/m 2 ; 77.9% were women and 77.5% were White. Average time in the cohort was 5.9 years prior to and 0.3 years after baseline. The mean interval from first to last meal was 11.5 (2.3) hours. The associations between meal intervals and weight trajectories are shown in the Table . The number of meals per day was positively associated with weight change before baseline, and number of snacks and drinks per day was inversely associated with weight change after baseline. Each additional occasion of snacks and drinks was associated with a 3.20 kg weight decrease (95% CI 1.41 to 4.99). None of the other associations were statistically significant. Conclusions: Number of daily meals was positively associated with weight change in previous periods, while the number of daily snacks and drinks was inversely associated with weight trajectory. The intervals from first to last meal was not associated with weight change.

Weakly interacting particle systems have been important model systems for exploring the behavior of flocks of birds, of swarms of fish, and of human crowds and traffic patterns. Models from the microscopic level of the individual have focused on finding parameters that when time-evolved show stable states. Recent work on the D'Orsogna model showed that topological analysis can be used more effectively than order parameters to define the stable states that are determined by collective motions. Using ideas from Mean Field Games and Mean Field Controls we show that a coupling to the individual behaviors can be added to control collective states defined previously by analysis of trajectory data. This leads us to define controls for interacting systems where the macroscopic couplings are defined by topological descriptors. Our approach extends work on traffic flows that used one-dimensional models and density estimates to couple microscopic and macroscopic behavior. This coupling between microscopic and macroscopic behavior defined by topological analysis may be fruitful for control of continuous dynamical systems, often described by non-linear coupled differential equations, where predefined sets of finite states are often difficult to describe in advance. We thus suggest that controls defined in this manner can be a form of dual control, where collective motions are defined and controlled without a need to understand the entire event space from microscopic details.

The relative timing of sleep and of eating within the circadian day is important for human health. Despite much data on sleep and a growing data set for eating, there remains a need for an interpretative framework for the understanding of this data for health decisions. This study provides a new statistical and machine learning analysis of more than 500 participants in the Daily24 project. From their data, and the analysis, we propose a framework for determining the classification of participants into different chronotypes and with that the ability to realize the potential impact of daily circadian habits on health. We propose that our resulting distribution curves could be used, similar to NHANES (National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey) data for pediatric growth, as a measure for circadian misalignment and used to help guide re-entrainment schedules.

BACKGROUND Collecting data on daily habits across a population of individuals is challenging. Mobile-based circadian ecological momentary assessment (cEMA) is a powerful frame for observing the impact of daily living on long-term health. OBJECTIVE In this paper, we (1) describe the design, testing, and rationale for specifications of a mobile-based cEMA app to collect timing of eating and sleeping data and (2) compare cEMA and survey data collected as part of a 6-month observational cohort study. The ultimate goal of this paper is to summarize our experience and lessons learned with the Daily24 mobile app and to highlight the pros and cons of this data collection modality. METHODS Design specifications for the Daily24 app were drafted by the study team based on the research questions and target audience for the cohort study. The associated backend was optimized to provide real-time data to the study team for participant monitoring and engagement. An external 8-member advisory board was consulted throughout the development process, and additional test users recruited as part of a qualitative study provided feedback through in-depth interviews. RESULTS After ≥4 days of at-home use, 37 qualitative study participants provided feedback on the app. The app generally received positive feedback from test users for being fast and easy to use. Test users identified several bugs and areas where modifications were necessary to in-app text and instructions and also provided feedback on the engagement strategy. Data collected through the mobile app captured more variability in eating windows than data collected through a one-time survey, though at a significant cost. CONCLUSIONS Researchers should consider the potential uses of a mobile app beyond the initial data collection when deciding whether the time and monetary expenditure are advisable for their situation and goals.

Listeria monocytogenes has caused outbreaks of foodborne illness from apples in the USA, and is also a major issue for regulatory compliance worldwide. Due to apple's significance as an important export product from New Zealand, we aimed to determine the effect of long-term, low-temperature sea-freight from New Zealand to the USA (July) and Europe (March–April), two key New Zealand markets, on the survival and/or growth of L. monocytogenes on fresh apples. Temperature and humidity values were recorded during a shipment to each market (USA and Europe), then the observed variations around the 0.5 °C target temperature were simulated in laboratory trials using open (‘Scired’) and closed (‘Royal Gala’ for the USA and ‘Cripps Pink’ for Europe) calyx cultivars of apples inoculated with a cocktail of 107–108 cells of seven strains of L. monocytogenes. Samples were analysed for L. monocytogenes quantification at various intervals during the simulation and on each occasion, an extra set was analysed after a subsequent 8 days at 20 °C. When both the sea-freight simulations concluded, L. monocytogenes showed 5 log reductions on the equatorial surface of skin of apples, but only about 2.5 log reduction for USA and about 3.3 log reduction for Europe in the calyx. Cultivar type had no significant effect on the survival of L. monocytogenes for both sea-freight simulations, either in the calyx or on the skin (P > 0.05). Most of the reduction in the culturable cells on the skin occurred during the initial 2 weeks of the long-term storage simulations. There was also no significant difference in the reduction of L. monocytogenes at 0.5 or 20 °C. No correlation was observed between firmness or total soluble solids and survival of L. monocytogenes. Because the inoculated bacterial log reduction was lower in the calyx than on the skin, it is speculated that the risk of causing illness is higher if contaminated apple cores are eaten. The result suggested that the international sea-freight transportation does not result in the growth of L. monocytogenes irrespective of time and temperature. The results of this study provide useful insights into the survival of L. monocytogenes on different apple cultivars that can be used to develop effective risk mitigation strategies for fresh apples during long-term, low-temperature international sea-freight transportation.

Timing of eating relative to sleep and endogenous circadian rhythm impacts weight and cardiometabolic health. We used qualitative methods to explore what influences the “when” of eating and sleeping. We conducted 37 one-on-one semi-structured interviews among participants with a body mass index (BMI) ≥ 25 kg/m2 recruited from three internal medicine clinics affiliated with an urban academic hospital. Participants (70.3% Female; 51.4% White; Age range: 21–83 years old) completed measures of social jetlag, physical activity, eating habits, and mobile application use and participated in interviews following a guide developed by the study team. Responses were recorded, transcribed and coded sequentially by two trained researchers using editing-style analysis to identify themes. We identified two main themes, each with subthemes: 1) influences on the “when” of eating and sleeping, with subthemes including social jetlag and being overscheduled, and 2) contextualizing beliefs and perceptions about the “when” of eating and sleeping, with subthemes including perceived recommendations for timing of eating and sleeping, and alignment of behaviors with perceived recommendations. Many participants noted being more flexible in their eating and sleeping times on work-free vs work days. The themes this study identified should be considered when designing interventions that influence the timing of eating and sleeping for weight management.

In this paper, we describe pivotal experiences that have shaped our respective professional journeys when teaching action research. We situate these experiences in relation to how they have contributed to our collective living theory of practice. This discussion unfolded as we explored ways to improve our own practices and the practices of our students. We conclude that this and similar questions can only be authentically answered when we as practitioners and faculty in higher education settings are willing to interrogate the contexts within which we interact and the complex intersections between our own intentional practices and selves and our students’ willingness to engage in critical discourse.

This study was conducted to determine the effects of different storage temperatures and storage durations on postharvest diseases of dragon fruit grown in the Mekong delta region. Dragon fruit of uniform maturity and without defects were collected from two growers in Long An and Tien Giang provinces and stored at 0, 5 and 10°C for 21 and 26 days followed by storage at 20°C for 3 days to simulate shelf life in the market. Other fruit were harvested and held at 20°C for 7 and 12 days as a non-stored control. The proportion of fruit with rots and changes in bract appearance were recorded and analyzed. The results indicated that fruit stored at 0 and 10°C (for both 21-26 days), and the control fruit held at 20°C for 7 and 12 days sustained the most damage. The most common disorders were rots and wilting and colour change (yellowing) of the bracts. Fruits stored for 21 and 26 days at 6°C remained fresh in appearance and had significantly fewer rots. The pathogenicity of fungi isolated from the rots was confirmed by re-inoculation of healthy fruit and the pathogens identified by conventional and molecular methods. The main fungi associated with spoiled fruit were: Alternaria alternata, Aspergillus sp., Bipolaris cactivora, Cladosporium sp., Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, Colletotrichum truncatum, Fusarium andiyazi, Fusarium dimerum, Fusarium equiseti, Geotrichum candidum, Mucor sp., Neoscytalidium dimidiatum, Phomopsis longicolla, and Rhizopus stolonifer.

The controlled atmosphere temperature treatment system (CATTS) was assessed as a disinfestation tool to control codling moth (CM; Cydia pomonella) larvae inside apples. Codling moth mortality and apple quality were assessed after exposure to one of 10 treatments, which were combinations of five variables, namely, O2 concentration (air 20.9%, 1, 2 or 3%); CO2 concentrations (air 0.04% or 15%); 12 or 24˚C/h ramp rate up to 46˚C; air speed 1.3 m/s; and either 2.5- or 3-h treatment time. CATTS treatments resulted in higher CM mortality than equivalent hot air treatments. The treatments involving 1 or 2% O2 combined with 15% CO2 and a ramp of 12˚C/h or 24˚C/h to 46˚C, with a total treatment time of 3 h or 2.5 h and a 1.3 m/s air speed resulted in 100% mortality of CM. However, all CATTS and hot air treatments compromised apple quality. High CM mortality can be achieved using CATTS, but refinement of the protocol is needed to improve fruit quality outcomes.

Most taro imported from the Pacific are currently fumigated with toxic methyl bromide to kill pests, predominantly mites and nematodes that are generally found on the surface of taro. Combined high-pressure washing (HPW) and hot water treatment (HWT) were examined as alternative methods for disinfesting taro. Taro mites (Rhizoglyphus sp.) and root knot nematodes (Meloidogyne sp.) were exposed to a range of HWT and HPW conditions separately or together. At 47˚C, mean lethal times of 2.6—2.9 mins and 3.9—4.1 mins were estimated to control 99% and 99.99% of nymph and adult mites, respectively. Mite nymphs and adults were more tolerant to HWT than mite eggs. The mean lethal time estimate to control 99% of juvenile nematodes was 4.5 mins. Nematode eggs were the most tolerant life stage with only 10% mortality after a 4-min 47˚C HWT. HPW+HWT reduced heavy infestations of mobile pests on taro (n=30—117/taro) by 100%. HPW followed by HWT 50˚C for 12.5 mins reduced viable egg infestation by 95.8%. HPW followed by HWT can control surface pests on taro while maintaining taro quality.

Ethyl formate (EF) is a Generally Recognised As Safe (GRAS) alternative to methyl bromide, with potential to control surface pests on New Zealand avocados before export. "Hass" avocados, two-spotted spider mites (TSM) and oleander scale (OS) insects were fumigated with 1.2% EF (240 g VAPORMATE™/m3) at 6 °C for 1, 2 or 4 h. Fruit were then stored at 5 °C for 3 weeks before external and internal fruit quality assessment. Survival of pest species was assessed 1 or 7 days later. Fumigation with 1.2% EF + 10% CO2 for 2 or 4 h controlled all life stages of non-diapausing TSM and all life stages of OS, apart from crawlers (0.3-0.7% survivorship). Diapausing TSM were harder to control (17% ± 4.8% mortality; 4-h treatment). Ethyl formate treatment resulted in damage to avocado skins (41% ± 5.3% – 91% ± 2.0%), and an increase in vascular browning and rots. The EF fumigations of avocado fruit at doses used here have potential to control non-diapausing mites and scale insects, but treated fruit were of unacceptable quality. Future studies could examine whether prior cool storage could reduce fruit damage.

Novel approaches to improving disaster response have begun to include the use of big data and information and communication technology (ICT). However, there remains a dearth of literature on the use of these technologies in disasters. We have conducted an integrative literature review on the role of ICT and big data in disasters. Included in the review were 113 studies that met our predetermined inclusion criteria. Most studies used qualitative methods (39.8%, n=45) over mixed methods (31%, n=35) or quantitative methods (29.2%, n=33). Nearly 80% (n=88) covered only the response phase of disasters and only 15% (n=17) of the studies addressed disasters in low- and middle-income countries. The 4 most frequently mentioned tools were geographic information systems, social media, patient information, and disaster modeling. We suggest testing ICT and big data tools more widely, especially outside of high-income countries, as well as in nonresponse phases of disasters (eg, disaster recovery), to increase an understanding of the utility of ICT and big data in disasters. Future studies should also include descriptions of the intended users of the tools, as well as implementation challenges, to assist other disaster response professionals in adapting or creating similar tools. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2019;13:353–367)

New Zealand apples infested with apple leafcurling midge (ALCM) cocoons are a quarantine issue for growers exporting to many markets. The presence of ALCM on apples in these markets requires fumigation with methyl bromide, which decreases fruit quality. The effectiveness of various forms of heat treatments on ALCM were evaluated as alternatives. Apples infested with ALCM cocoons were subjected to one of the following heat treatments: Controlled Atmosphere Temperature Treatment System (CATTS; 1% O2, 15% CO2, 46˚C, 3 h), hot air (46˚C, 3 h), hot water high pressure washing (hot-HPW; 55˚C, 100 psi, 15—20 s), or hot water drench (HWD; 55˚C, 40 psi, 15—20 s). ALCM removal and mortality were assessed 7-days post-treatment. The hot-air and CATTS treatments provided the greatest control, with 82.2 and 92.2% mortality respectively. More cocoons were removed with hot-HPW (46.6%) compared with ambient-HPW (27.1%). Neither HWD nor hot-HPW increased mortality of cocooned ALCM over that in untreated controls. ALCM cocoons are particularly difficult pests to remove/kill; further research should focus on incorporating multiple control measures into the current systems approach.

Special education teachers are expected to fulfill diverse teaching and nonteaching tasks in comparison to their general education peers. However, their performance is evaluated with measures that were normed for use with general education teachers. These specialty teachers are also routinely evaluated by professionals who may lack formal special education training or experience. These conditions render special educators vulnerable for inaccurate performance evaluation. Explicit research is needed to clarify the professional skills that are most critical to special educators’ professional effectiveness and ensure continuity of focus on these skills in preservice teacher education and employment contexts. This qualitative study builds on an earlier empirical investigation that demonstrated consensus among three sets of professionals that the standards developed by Council for Exceptional Children’s (CEC) represented skills that are critical for special education teacher effectiveness. The current study describes which skill domains were identified as critical for special education teacher effectiveness across participant groups and those that reflected distinct groups’ perspectives. Implications for future research are presented relative to strategies to more clearly articulate special education teacher expertise and ways to strengthen continuity across preservice special education teacher education and in-service professional development contexts.

Avocados are unique in the amount of oil they contain and that they will not ripen on the tree. The key storage limitations after >≈4 weeks is flesh graying (or diffuse flesh discoloration), and stem end and body rots. Optimum storage temperature is ≈ 5–6°C where irregular skin blackening is a chilling response at low temperature (

The impact of avocado fruit firmness on cold‐pressed oil recovery was investigated using a laboratory oil extraction unit. Intact, ground flesh and the malaxed (mixed) fruit pulp samples were collected during the extraction process to evaluate cell structure by electrical impedance spectroscopy, electrical conductivity, and light microscopy. The intact flesh of soft fruit at 105 firmometer value (Fv; over ripe) had the lowest electrical resistance compared to fruit with a firmness of 55 Fv (minimally ripe). The grinding step resulted in the greatest reduction in electrical resistance, suggesting the greatest cellular disruption in this step. Additionally, intact fruit and fruit pulp from fruit at 105 Fv had a higher conductivity and a lower electrical resistance value, which indicated more cell rupture occurred when softer, riper avocado fruit were processed. A greater number of unbroken parenchyma cells remained in samples from firmer fruit at various sampling points during the extraction process. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Parenchyma cells in the mesocarp of soft ripe “Hass” avocado were easier to disrupt during cold‐pressed extraction. Extraction yield of oil, using the cold‐press method, increased with riper avocados. However, the cold‐pressed oil quality decreased with avocado fruit ripeness, based on percentage of free fatty acids and peroxide value. Electrical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) was found to be a useful technique for following mesocarp cellular changes during the extraction of oil.

Export markets require highquality fruit free from insects and mites of quarantine significance and with minimal or no agrichemical residues This presents a challenge for New Zealands pipfruit sector when developing novel pest management systems to meet these market requirements Brushbed apple washers are an important component of a systems approach to remove insects and mites in packhouses before fruit are exported A new apple washer using multinozzle rotors significantly reduced the incidence of insects and mites on apples Weathered residues of kaolin and hydrated lime were similarly reduced by this apple washer Assessment of fruit quality after apple washing and cool storage did not identify any commercially significant quality issues on the three apple cultivars examined Apple washer design to optimise pest removal from all locations on the fruit is discussed

Fresh-cut ‘Braeburn’ apple slices were dipped into cold water (4 °C for 2 min) or hot water (HWT, 48 °C or 55 °C for 2 min) followed by dips into 0 or 6% w/v aqueous calcium ascorbate (CaAsc, 2 min, 0 °C) and stored in air up to 28 d at 4 °C. Microbial counts, changes in browning and sensory acceptance were determined to indicate changes in quality. Changes in antioxidant levels were measured using free radical scavenging activity (DPPH), reducing activity (FRAP), ascorbic acid content (AA) and polyphenolic content (by HPLC). CaAsc dips had a strong impact reducing the browning through increasing the flesh luminosity and hue angle. 6% CaAsc in fresh-cut apples extended the overall acceptability from less than 7 d to 14 d. Immediately after CaAsc treatment, AA content was 5 fold higher (0.25–1.25 g kg−1) than those not dipped into CaAsc. However, the combination of HWT treatments and CaAsc dips led to seven fold increased levels of AA inside the apple tissue (0.25–1.85 g kg−1) and consequently increased the antioxidant activity. HWT did not increase the AA content when not combined with CaAsc dips. The HWT CaAsc dip extended the overall acceptability to 21 d compared to 14 d for samples not heated but dipped into CaAsc. Shelf life was ultimately limited by sensory quality. At day 28, total plate counts were reduced from 5.3 log cfu/g (untreated slices) to 4.6 log cfu/g in the 6% CaAsc dips and further to 3.9 log cfu/g with the combination of HWT and CaAsc dip. Changes in the content of phenolic compounds with time, HWT and CaAsc dip were generally not significant except for slightly increased quercetin and phloridzin levels and decreased p-coumaric and procyanidins over time. The combination of HWT at 48 °C for 2 min followed by 6% CaAsc dip would be best for preserving the eating quality of apple slices.

The presence of live pests on packed apples is a concern for many of New Zealand's export markets. Greedy and latania scale, onion thrips, apple leafcurling midge (diapausing larvae) and obscure mealybug were subjected to hot water treatments (HWT) of 49.5, 51.0 or 52.5°C for either 1, 2 or 3 min. Latania, greedy scale and onion thrips were the most susceptible pests to HWT, with either 2-3 min at 49.5°C or ≥ 1 min at 51.0 or 52.5°C achieving >80% mortality. HWT of 52.5°C for 1-3 min consistently achieved >90% mortality of apple leaf curling midge diapausing larvae. Obscure mealybug was the most tolerant species tested, with mortalities of 60-70% at 51.0 or 52.5°C for 2 or 3 min. A HWT of 51°C for 2 min did not affect quality of 'Royal Gala', 'Fuji' and 'Braeburn' apples. There is potential for short-duration HWTs to achieve high mortalities of a range of insects, while resulting in minimal damage to apple fruit.

Methyl bromide fumigation became mandatory for capsicums and truss tomatoes exported to Australia after tomato potato psyllid (TPP) was detected in 2006 in New Zealand. Methyl bromide detrimentally affects product quality by increasing rots and the browning of the green stems. An alternative being tested is ethyl formate (EF) and carbon dioxide, commercially available as VAPORMATE®. This study examined the tolerances of different life stages of TPP to EF. Eggs were considerably more tolerant of EF than adults and nymphs. Complete elimination of egg hatch was achieved after a 1-h exposure to 1.19% EF. In contrast, all nymphs and adults were killed after a 1-h exposure to 0.12% and 0.06% EF, respectively. Assessment of egg mortality was altered to better reflect the post-hatch treatment effects on nymph survival. In a subsequent egg age tolerance trial, mean lethal concentrations for 99% mortality ranged from ca 1% EF for young and older eggs to ca 1.5% EF for mid-aged eggs.

Pests on capsicum fruit can cause market access issues resulting in costly methyl bromide fumigation. High pressure washing (HPW) removes insects and other surface contaminants and has been commercialised for capsicums. This paper reports on performance of a commercial HPW system and compares it to an experimental HPW system that the commercial system was based on. The experimental high-pressure washing system operated at 75 or 100 psi (517 or 689 kPa, respectively) resulted in complete removal of aphids on capsicum fruit. The commercial washer at the same pressures removed 98.1-98.9% of aphids resulting in 85-95% clean fruit. HPW treatment increased incidence of soft rot and stem blackening with higher rot blackening at 100 psi. These results indicate the potential of HPW to be included as a mitigation measure in a systems approach to improve market access for capsicum. However, further optimisation in a commercial setting and evidence for efficacy against other pests of capsicum, such as tomato potato psyllid is required.

Teacher performance evaluation represents a high stakes issue as evidenced by its pivotal emphasis in national and local education reform initiatives and federal policy levers. National, state, and local education leaders continue to experience unprecedented pressure to adopt standardized benchmarks to reflect and link student achievement data to formal teacher performance evaluations. No teacher performance evaluation measures have been developed for use with special education teachers or the settings in which they teach. Dedicated focus is needed to ensure that adopted evaluation measures are sensitive to the specific expertise reflected in the practices of specialty teachers and valid for use. This study explored whether special education stakeholders perceived skills subsumed within nationally endorsed professional special education standards to be important for special education teachers’ effectiveness. Findings are presented in terms of next steps to inform the development of a meaningful measure of special education teacher professional performance and implications for future research.

Bull’s eye rot (BER) of apples is caused by a postharvest fungal pathogen (Phlyctema vagabunda syn. Neofabraea alba). Previous laboratory experiments found hot water treatments (HWT) resulted in a significant reduction of BER incidence for artificially inoculated fruit so the feasibility of HWT to control naturally infected fruit in a semi-commercial trial was tested. One bin (1934 fruit) of naturally infected ‘Scired’ apples was harvested from a Hawke’s Bay orchard with a known high incidence of BER, then placed in a coolstore for 1 week until treated. All fruit were passed through a high-pressure water blaster then air dried. Approximately half the contents of the bin (1034 fruit) were packed into Friday trays in apple boxes with a plastic polyliner. The other half (900 fruit) were treated for 2 min with hot water at 51°C in a semi-commercial hot water bath before packing. All fruit were then coolstored for 20 weeks before assessment for BER. This HWT resulted in a 6-fold reduction of BER incidence so was an effective treatment for BER in a semi-commercial test.

This study was set up to identify critical maturity indices affecting storage potential of apricots and demonstrate the potential for using non-destructive measurements to segregate harvested crops for sequential marketing. Fruit of two apricot ( Prunus armeniaca ) cultivars (‘Clutha Gold’ and ‘Genevieve’) were harvested and stored for four weeks at 0 °C followed by four days of simulated shelf life at 20 °C. Fruit colour, acoustic firmness, impact firmness, flesh firmness (FF 0 ), dry matter content and soluble solids content measured non-destructively at harvest were correlated to the flesh firmness measured at the end of refrigerated storage and simulated shelf life (FF Final ) through stepwise regression. The regression models indicated that FF 0 is a predominant factor determining FF Final . According to the exponential model describing the relationship between FF 0 and FF Final , ‘Genevieve’ and ‘Clutha Gold’ could be stored at 0 °C for four weeks if harvested at firmness above 47 or 56 N, respectively. Segregation of harvested crops according to FF 0 estimated from VNIR would enable sequential marketing of fruit according to storage potential to reduce fruit loss.

In order to develop practical sea freight and marketing options for high quality red capsicums, we have investigated washing treatments that can minimize deterioration when fruit are subsequently stored under high humidity packaging conditions, at cool (6–8 °C) and warm (20 °C) temperatures. In small-scale trials using vented plastic bags to provide high humidity, fruit washed with unheated high-pressure water (517 kPa) had reduced incidence of flesh rots and deterioration of the calyx and stem compared to controls (unwashed or passed through a commercial packing line) or hot water drenched fruit (55 °C for 30 s) following a high humidity storage regime of 2 weeks at 6–8 °C and a further 14 d at 20 °C. In a more extensive trial where 5 kg boxes of fruit were used as replicates, washing with high-pressure water, packing in unperforated plastic box-liners and storing at 6–8 °C for 2 weeks, then 21 d at 20 °C resulted in 84% acceptability. In contrast, acceptability of fruit treated in a commercial packing line stored under regular (uncontrolled humidity) conditions or inside box liners (high relative humidity) declined rapidly at 20 °C after 2 weeks cool storage, with final acceptabilities of 10% and 39% after 21 d, respectively. We conclude that high-pressure water washing is an effective cleaning step, permitting high humidity to be used to prevent shrivel during cool-storage and subsequent ambient conditions, while minimizing the incidence of flesh rots or calyx/stem deterioration. Extended capsicum quality in high humidity at room temperature suggests that (a) cool-storage during transport to some markets may not be necessary if fruit are cleaned to a high standard and (b) fruit could remain within a box liner right up until the product is displayed on the supermarket shelves.