Day :
Keynote Forum
Marin Milkovic
University North, Croatia
Keynote: Importance of lifelong learning in the food processing industry in Croatia
Time : 14:30-15:00
Biography:
Marin Milković has completed his PhD in 2006 at Faculty of Graphical Arts, University of Zagreb, Croatia, where he has also been promoted to Full Professor. Currently, he is a Rector of University North, Croatia. He is a Member of Croatian Academy of Technical Sciences since 2014 and has published more than 70 scientific papers.
Abstract:
The food processing industry is advancing every day and new food processing techniques and food safety standards are updated nearly daily. By acquiring up-to-date news in the field and by the transfer of know-how knowledge it helps them to stay innovative, competitive in the market with satisfied clients. This is one of the main advantages over competitors and helps them profit more from same ingredients for final products, with the usage of modern technologies, additives and by listening to the recommendations and requests of the market. Also one of the main issues, except food quality, is food safety. Here all food processing household have to meet required food safety standards, to ensure the well-being for all of the consumers and have proper arguments for health benefits statements. All of this can together with the newest food processing standards can be learned by attending a lot of seminars and workshops, mandatory hygienic minimum or all can be learned at a modern and professional study of food technology.
Keynote Forum
Bongiwe Colleen Dhlamini
North-West University
Keynote: Evaluation of inorganic NPKS and nano NPKS fertilizers on maize growth: Preliminary study
Time : 15:30-16:00
Biography:
Bongiwe Colleen Dhlaminiis currently doing her research work at North-West University in South Africa (Mafikeng Campus).
Abstract:
The increasing demand for food and fiber has led to large scale use of inorganic fertilizers in recent years. However, these fertilizers can cause environmental problems such as soil degradation and water pollution when applied at a higher volume. Widespread evidence of sulfur deficiency on arable farmlands is commonly reported particularly in savanna areas including soils used for maize (Zea mays L.) production. The utilization of nanofertilizers represents an evolving innovation and paradigm shift in agriculture and especially in crop fertilization to promote greater efficiency through increased surface area. It is important to have different nanofertilizers compositions that are suitable for different soil conditions in order to guarantee high productivity. In this study, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and sulfur (NPKS) from inorganic fertilizer sources were encapsulated using chitosan-tripolyphosphate nanoparticles (CS-TPP NPs). The CS-TPP NPs and nano NPKS fertilizer produced were characterized using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscope, X-ray Diffraction and Zeta Sizer. The NPKS nanofertilizers were applied on maize variety WE3127 planted under greenhouse condition at different concentrations of 20, 40 and 60 ppm with three replicates. Results of the characteristics displayed from the scans and diffractogram showed the formation of CS-TPP NPs and nano NPKS was successful, with an average particle size range of 200-500 nm and low PDI values of 0.1-0.6. The greenhouse results revealed significant treatments effect on measured maize growth parameters with the tallest maize plant obtained from 1% NPKS 40 ppm. This study showed that indeed NPKS nanofertilizers have the potential to contribute toward increase maize growth and improved productivity.