1-MCP prolongs the shelf-life and changes the aroma profile of guava ( Psidium guajava L.) fruit

Guava fruit are highly perishable and deteriorate within 2 to 4 days. Moreover, these fruit are highly aromatic to the point that some consumers do not purchase it due to their overly strong aroma. We examined the potential of modified atmosphere packaging and 1-MCP treatments to improve storage life and reduce the biosynthesis of volatiles. Various quality parameters were also assessed and the aroma profile was investigated using SPME-GCMS. 1-MCP significantly retards the ripening process, as indicated by greener, and firmer fruit compared to untreated fruit. The main consequence of this slowed ripening was prolonged shelf-life. Moreover, 1-MCP treatment resulted in a highly reduced biosynthesis of aroma volatiles and significantly altered the odour-volatiles composition. Key volatiles that were reduced were: ethyl acetate, ethanol, hexanal, p-cymene, β-bisabolene, caryophyllene oxide, (+)-α-terpineol, cinnamyl acetate, carveol, γ-eudesmol. On the other hand, the biosynthesis of the following volatiles remained higher with 1-MCP treatment: α-pinene, β-myrcene, D-limonene, eucalyptol, trans-β-ocimene, 3-carene, caryophyllene, 7-epi-α- selinene, α-muurolene, and spathulenol

A study on the transferable skills of the engineering students at Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia

The purpose of this study was to identify the students' levels of awareness of the importance of transferable skills and the mastery of the aspects of adaptive, critical thinking, and problem-solving. In addition, this study also aimed to identify differences in students' levels of awareness of the importance of transferable skills and the difference levels of awareness between male and female students. Research method used in this study was quantitative survey by using questionnaire. Data were analysed by finding the mean and an independent t-test. The results showed that students' levels of awareness of the importance of transferable skills and the mastery levels of these skills were at a high and there were significant differences between female and male students' levels of awareness of the importance of transferable skills. However, the analysis showed no difference in the levels of dominance. Overall, greater awareness will help students to master the skills perfectly. It can also be used as a guide for students to identify elements and features that are required by employers nowaday