2.7. Data analyses
SPSS software (version 21.0, IBM Statistics) was used for data
processing. Univariate analysis of variance (UNIANOVA) following
the GLM procedure, was carried out at each sampling time with
microbial growth as response variables and treatment and cultivar
as main factors. Multivariate analysis of variance was conducted to
test the effects of the starter culture, time of fermentation and olive
cultivars as independent factors, on the measured factors (i.e. phenol
compounds and pH). The same data were analysed by Principal
Component Analysis (PCA) showing both score and loading plots.