ABSTRACT
@#Introduction: Calcium Carbide (CaC2) use for fruit ripening become dubious in recent years when various health related issues began to arise. This study aims to assess knowledge, attitude and practises (KAP) and health related to CaC2 among mango farmers, staff/workers working in mango farms and fruits traders in Perak, Kedah and Perlis. Methods: All potential respondents in the study locations was invited to participate. Yes-no questions were used to assess KAP while structured questions were used to obtain socio-demographic data through face-to face interview. Results: The response rate for this study was 67.8% (n = 200). All respondents were male with the average age of 40.45 years old. Majority of them (67.5%) completed secondary school as their highest education level. Overall, less than half of the total respondents have appropriate KAP. Only job tenure significantly associated with the knowledge on the type of suitable PPE (χ2 = 16.421). Respondents with secondary or tertiary school of education level (χ2= 9.154) and those with 1-5 years of job tenure (χ2 = 10.932) showed significantly better attitude on CaC2 handling. Also, the total scores of knowledge significantly associated with attitude (χ2 = 26.801) and application of glove (χ2= 12.551). In multiple logistic regression only respondents with the knowledge on type of PPE (OR = 6.30) will persist to use CaC2. Conclusion: The KAP related to CaC2 among respondents is low and their knowledge was significantly associated with their attitude and practice. Therefore, effective training and communication approach is warranted.
ABSTRACT
Abstract Maroleiro (Annona crassiflora Mart), belonging to the family of Annonaceae is a typical specie of the Cerrado and has occurred in most states. For fruit characteristics "sui generis", with significant nutritional value. This study aimed to characterize the marolo (Anonna crasiflora Mart) during fruit development, through the evaluation of its proximal and mineral composition. The fruits 2012/2013 season, were picked to 12Km from the city of Itumirim, southern Minas Gerais, in intervals of 20 days from anthesis to maturity, and the first fruits were harvested 60 days after anthesis. The flowering marolo began in late September 2012, with fruiting initially observed at the end of October, with peak production at the end of February and beginning of March 2013 The fruits were harvested in the morning and carried to the laboratory, where followed up the moisture, ether extract, protein, ash, fiber and high sugar fraction beyond mineral quantification of them. During development reductions in moisture content and protein increments of ether extract, crude fiber and high sugar fraction and an oscillation in the mineral along the developmental stages was observed.