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Effect of fermentation time and varietal difference on the pasting properties and bread-making ability of cassava starch (Manihot esculenta)
(Wiley, 2024-09) Ndjang, Marie Madeleine Nanga; Klang, Mathilde Julie; Fadimatou, Bebbe; Njapndounke, Bilkissou; Foko, Marius Edith Kouam; Kamdem, Michael Hermann Kengne; Tonga, Jordan Lembe; Mmutlane, Edwin Mpho; Ndinteh, Derek Tantoh; Kayitesi, Eugenie; Zambou, Francois Ngoufack
This research is to investigate the breadmaking ability of three cassava starch varieties (96/1414, TME15, and YARA) grown in Cameroon. To achieve this, starch samples from each variety are collected before and during fermentation to determine chemical, rheological, and bread-making properties. They are analyzed for pH, titratable acidity (TTA), lactic acid (LA), specific volume (SPV), and pasting properties using known method; These parameters are used to perform a principal component analysis (PCA). The morphological characteristics are studied by scanning electron microscope (SEM). Result shows that, there is a decrease in pH (6.21–3.8) with an increase in TTA (0.34–7.05) and LA (0.15–6.46) with fermentation time. In parallel, a decrease of pasting properties and an increase in SPV (1.15–2.82 cm3 g−1) are observed. The PCA surrounds 96/1414 day 30, YARA day 30, and TME15 day 25 α 30 as the best samples, and the SEM shows a superficial degradation of the granules after fermentation. Thus, this study suggests that the optimal sour cassava starch for bread-making can be obtained from 96/1414 day 30, TME15 day 25 α 30, and YARA day 30. The variety 96/1414 appears to have the best bread-making ability while TME15 appears to be most suitable for short fermentation time.
Thermomechanical control of microstructure and precipitation in vanadium microalloyed steel: influence of finish rolling and coiling temperatures
(Wiley, 2024-04) Wu, Zhangqin; Yang, Wen; Tang, Zhenghua; Siyasiya, Charles Witness; Zhang, Jianhua
Six hot compression tests are conducted using the Gleeble3500 thermomechanical simulator to investigate the microstructural evolution and precipitation behavior in low-C–Mn V-microalloyed steel. The specimens are subjected to hot isothermal compression deformation of 87%. The optical microscopy and transmission electron microscopy using carbon extraction replica method are used to characterize the microstructures and precipitation after the simulated thermomechanical controlled process and coiling. The results indicate that increasing the finish rolling temperature benefits the refinement of ferrite grains but has little influence on the refinement of the precipitates. It is also observed that lower coiling temperatures (CTs) promote the formation of fine precipitates. When the CT is 500 °C, the average precipitate size is found to be 86 nm. Furthermore, it is found that the CT significantly influences the nucleation sites of the precipitates inter alia, the matrix, interphase, grain boundaries, and dislocations. As expected, at higher CTs, nucleation is predominantly on the defects rather than the matrix.
Making Miss Diva : idealizing femininity and new embodied nationalism in India
(Routledge, 2024) Roy, Ahonaa
This paper summarizes a narrative-based account of a beauty pageant in India that highlights gender-liminal representations and identities. The title of the pageant – Miss Diva – suggests the internationalization of beauty, body and aesthetics. This essay has three major aims: 1) to reveal the primacy of sexuality over gender that corresponds to gender pluralism and varied gender transgressive politics within the imperative of embodied desires; 2) to discuss the ‘local’ commercial conditions and how gender-liminal subjectivities are patterned within modernity’s commodified cultural representation which is pluralistic in nature; and 3) to envision beauty and representational politics within the vocabulary of the nation-based identity. This paper provides an account of the complex interconnections between the modern nation and its gender(ed) subjectivities, maintaining a balance between global/local standards.
On the precipice of a nuclear-armed Iran and bombing in the name of survival : Whither rule of law?
(Unisa Press, 2024-12) Rossouw, Chrisna; Nienaber McKay, Annelize G.
The inherent right of individual anticipatory self-defence as a response to nuclear proliferation remains unresolved in international law. Following Israel’s attack on Osiraq in 1981, the world community of states deliberated whether the use of force to prevent a state from acquiring a nuclear weapons capability could ever be justified under the purview of the law prohibiting war (jus contra bellum). Without the concept of anticipatory self-defence being clearly defined, threatened states might invoke their inherent right of individual self-defence to ensure, as they see it, their national survival—something contrary to the principles of the UN Charter. As a non-nuclear weapon state prima facie in breach of its obligations under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, the Islamic Republic of Iran is alleged to be in pursuit of a nuclear weapons capability. As a response thereto, threatened states are now preparing for a last resort forceful option aimed at curbing Iran’s highly advanced nuclear weapons programme. Yet, the jus contra bellum encompasses good law. As such, the anticipatory use of force against what is believed to be covert Iranian nuclear reactors is illegal. Not only does the United Nations Charter forbid such recourse, so too does the customary right of anticipatory self-defence, justifiably so.
Exploring the digital detox journey among generation Y Instagram users
(Emerald, 2025-07) Scheppe, Matiena Marie; Seiffen, Anna Luise; Berndt, Adele
PURPOSE : Social media (SM) provides a range of positive and negative benefits to users, and an SM detox has been suggested as a way to deal with its negative effects. Instagram (IG) is one of Generation Y’s most widely used SM platforms, noted for its addictive potential. Using a journey perspective, the purpose of this research is to map and describe the experiences in the various stages of a detox journey among Generation Y IG users.
DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH : Using an inductive and qualitative approach, empirical data were collected over the stages of the journey using focus groups, self-completion diaries and interviews. The data were coded, analysed and interpreted using thematic analysis.
FINDINGS : The findings of the study show two main motivations for undertaking a detox, namely gaining back control and self-reformation. During the detox, five themes were identified, specifically mood and satisfaction, technological craving, mental well-being, physical well-being and social relationships. Three post-detox behaviours were noted, namely the boomerang effect, conscious consumption and a re-evaluation towards the platform, which impacts future IG use.
RESEARCH LIMITATIONS/IMPLICATIONS : By following one group of participants throughout an IG detox journey, the study highlights the detox experiences in each journey stage.
PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS :
The positive benefits of a detox were experienced by the participants, encouraging future detox and actions by platforms to aid in future detoxes.
ORIGINALITY/VALUE : This study accompanies one group of participants throughout their detox journey. This enabled the researchers to obtain insights into the detox experience in all phases of the journey. This was undertaken using diverse qualitative methods.