scholarly journals Monitoring and Optimization of Cupuaçu Seed Fermentation, Drying and Storage Processes

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (9) ◽  
pp. 1314
Author(s):  
Joana M. L. Souza ◽  
João M. Rocha ◽  
Cleísa B. C. Cartaxo ◽  
Marcus A. M. Vasconcelos ◽  
Virginia S. Álvares ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ph Value ◽  
Research Effort ◽  
Research Work ◽  
Small Farmers ◽  
Solar Drying ◽  
Efficient Technology ◽  
Short Period ◽  
Food Quality And Safety ◽  
Yeasts And Molds ◽  
Seed Fermentation

Cupuaçu [Theobroma grandiflorum (Wild ex Spreng.) K. Schum] seeds have been employed for a long time in the Amazon region for food purposes. Similar to cocoa, processed cupuaçu pulp and seeds can be used to produce juices, ice creams, confectionary products and cupulate®, which is a similar product to chocolate. However, its market penetration requires the mastery of all processing stages to improve the food quality and safety and to make possible an efficient technology transfer to the local small farmers and communities. Based on the above, the current research work aimed at monitoring and optimizing the consecutive fermentation and drying processes of cupuaçu seeds over 7 days each, as well as storage for 90 days. A greenhouse structure incorporating the fermenter and solar drying terrace was designed to be inexpensive, versatile, easily scalable, and easy to maintain and operate by the local small farmers after a short period of training. This research effort also aimed at giving a vision for the future creation of an integrative and sustainable cupuaçu system covering the economic, social, cultural and environmental vectors. The experimental design comprised 5 batches of 100 kg of seeds each. Several microbiological and physicochemical parameters were performed and correlated with processing variables. Microbiological parameters encompassed viable counts of mesophilic microorganisms, coliforms, yeasts, and molds, whereas physicochemical measures included fermentation and drying temperature, pH, acidity, dry matter, ashes, water activity, color, total proteins, lipids and carbohydrates, and energy. The average seed fermentation temperature varied from ca. 28 to 44 °C, reaching the maximum on day 3 and a final value of ca. 31 °C. Regarding solar drying, the average seed temperatures ranged from ca. 24 °C (at the end) to 39 °C on day 3, and an initial value of ca. 29 °C. The average final seed pH value of drying was 5.34 and was kept during storage. During storage, results demonstrated the existence of significant correlations among several experimental parameters under scrutiny. Finally, bean viable counts obtained during storage unfolded acceptable values of total mesophilic bacteria well below the maximum limit. Viable counts of yeast and molds were generally found between 3 and 4 log(CFU/gsample), and total coliforms were also detected, although both were at acceptable levels and well beneath the established maximum limits for food safety.

scholarly journals Two decades of research with the GreenLab model in agronomy

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Philippe de Reffye ◽  
Baogang Hu ◽  
Mengzhen Kang ◽  
Véronique Letort ◽  
Marc Jaeger
Keyword(s):  
Research Effort ◽  
Mathematical Formulation ◽  
Research Work ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Individual Plant ◽  
Mathematical Framework ◽  
Plant Structure ◽  
Experimental Protocols ◽  
The Individual

Abstract Background With up to 200 published contributions, the GreenLab mathematical model of plant growth, developed since 2000 under Sino-French co-operation for agronomic applications, is descended from the structural models developed in the AMAP unit that characterize the development of plants and encompass them in a conceptual mathematical framework. The model also incorporates widely recognized crop model concepts (thermal time, light use efficiency and light interception), adapting them to the level of the individual plant. Scope Such long-term research work calls for an overview at some point. That is the objective of this review paper, which retraces the main history of the model’s development and its current status, highlighting three aspects. (1) What are the key features of the GreenLab model? (2) How can the model be a guide for defining relevant measurement strategies and experimental protocols? (3) What kind of applications can such a model address? This last question is answered using case studies as illustrations, and through the Discussion. Conclusions The results obtained over several decades illustrate a key feature of the GreenLab model: owing to its concise mathematical formulation based on the factorization of plant structure, it comes along with dedicated methods and experimental protocols for its parameter estimation, in the deterministic or stochastic cases, at single-plant or population levels. Besides providing a reliable statistical framework, this intense and long-term research effort has provided new insights into the internal trophic regulations of many plant species and new guidelines for genetic improvement or optimization of crop systems.

A Two Components Approach for Long Range Remote Raman and Laser-Induced Breakdown (LIBS) Spectroscopy Using Low Laser Pulse Energy

2018 ◽  
Vol 73 (3) ◽  
pp. 320-328 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anupam K. Misra ◽  
Tayro E. Acosta-Maeda ◽  
John N. Porter ◽  
Genesis Berlanga ◽  
Dalton Muchow ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Laser Pulse ◽  
Long Range ◽  
Raman Spectra ◽  
Homeland Security ◽  
Pulse Energy ◽  
Laser Energy ◽  
Research Effort ◽  
Research Work ◽  
High Signal ◽  
Laser Induced Breakdown

The remote detection of chemicals using remote Raman spectroscopy and laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) is highly desirable for homeland security and NASA planetary exploration programs. We recently demonstrated Raman spectra with high signal-to-noise ratio of various materials from a 430 m distance during daylight with detection times of 1–10 s, utilizing a 203 mm diameter telescopic remote Raman system and 100 mJ/pulse laser energy at 532 nm for excitation. In this research effort, we describe a simple two-components approach that helps to obtain remote Raman and LIBS spectra of targets at distance of 246 m with 3 mJ/pulse in daytime. The two components of the method are: (1) a small spectroscopy system utilizing 76 mm diameter collection optics; and (2) a small remote lens near the target. Remote Raman spectra of various chemicals are presented here with detection time of 1 s. Remote LIBS spectra of minerals using single laser pulse of 3 mJ/pulse energy from a distance of 246 m are also presented. This research work demonstrates a simple approach that significantly improves remote Raman and LIBS capabilities for long range chemical detection with compact low laser power Raman and LIBS systems.

EG/CNTs Nanofluids Engineering and Thermo-Rheological Characterization

2011 ◽  
Vol 13 ◽  
pp. 69-74 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bruno C. Lamas ◽  
A. Fonseca ◽  
F.A.M.M. Gonçalves ◽  
A.G.M. Ferreira ◽  
I.M.A. Fonseca ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Thermal Conductivity ◽  
Colloidal Stability ◽  
Research Effort ◽  
Mixing Time ◽  
Research Work ◽  
Thermal Characterization ◽  
Rheological Characterization ◽  
Multiwalled Carbon ◽  
Shear Rates ◽  
Quality Dispersion

The research work presented here intends to contribute to the overall research effort towards nanofluids engineering and characterization. To accomplish the latter, multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) are added to an ethylene glycol (EG) based fluid. Different aspects concerning the nanofluids preparation and its thermal characterization will be addressed. The study considers and exploits the relative influence of CNTs concentration on EG based fluids, on the suspension effective thermal conductivity and viscosity. In order to guarantee a high-quality dispersion it was performed a chemical treatment on the MWCNTs followed by ultrasonication mixing. Furthermore, the ultrasonication mixing-time is optimized through the UV-vis spectrophotometer to ensure proper colloidal stability. The thermal conductivity is measured via transient hot-wire within a specified temperature range. Viscosity is assessed through a controlled stress rheometer. The results obtained clearly indicate an enhancement in thermal conductivity consistent with carbon nanotube loading. The same trend is observed for the viscosity, which decreases with temperature rise and its effect is nullified at higher shear rates.

scholarly journals Nutritional and Sensory Qualities of Soymilk - Kunnu Blends

2005 ◽  
Vol 5 (9) ◽  
pp. 01-12
Author(s):  
Tunde Akintunde ◽  
◽  
Sowonola O.A ◽  
Adedeji F ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Mineral Content ◽  
Ph Value ◽  
Research Work ◽  
Magnesium Content ◽  
Sensory Properties ◽  
Balanced Diet ◽  
The People ◽  
Negative Effect ◽  
Calcium Magnesium ◽  
Local Populace

Kunnu, a beverage popular among the Northern Nigerians has a low protein value because it is made from cereals. This may have a negative effect on the nutritional status of the people who drink it, especially on the growth rate of infants who are given kunnu as a weaning drink. This is be cause protein is an essential component of the balanced diet required for growth. Research work carried out on the improvement of the nutritional value of cereals, shows that the fortification of carbohydrate-rich foods with protein-rich foods improves its nutritious value. As a result of this, a study was carried out to fortify kunnu with soymilk and the effect on its nutritional and sensory properties was evaluated. Kunnu and soymilk were prepared and it was fortified with soymilk in the ratio 1:1, 2: 1, 3:1 and 4:1, and the proximate composition (protein, fat, ash and moisture content), chemical composition (pH, specific gravity and sedimentation rate) and mineral content (calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and iron content) were determined. The pH, protein and mineral content increased as the amount of soymilk added. The pH value ranged from 4.8 to 4.3, while the protein content increased from 2.35 to 2.45%. The calcium and magnesium content also increased from 0.08 to 0.15% and 0.18 to 0.29% respectively. The fat and ash content, however, decreased respectively from 2.8 to 2.0, and 0.91 to 0.891 with an increase in addition of soymilk. The proximate, chemical and mineral content were significantly different at P < 0.05 while the sensory properties were not significantly different at the same level. The sensory properties (colour, taste, texture, flavor and general acceptability) were, however, observed to decrease with the increase in fortification level of soymilk. The results obtained show that the fortification of kunnu with soymilk will result in a more nutritious beverage, but it may have a low level of acceptance with the local populace.

scholarly journals Biotechnology of Microorganisms Growing– Fundamentals for the Development of a Litter Biodestructor

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
Anna Nikolaevna Gneush ◽  
Albina Vladimirovna Luneva ◽  
Nadezhda Leonidovna Machneva ◽  
Yury Andreevich Lysenko ◽  
Maria Vladimirova Aniskina ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ph Value ◽  
Research Work ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Pseudomonas Sp ◽  
Optimal Conditions ◽  
Cultivation Temperature ◽  
Temperature Optimum ◽  
Cell Accumulation ◽  
A Cell ◽  
High Enzymatic Activity

The purpose of the research work was to select the optimal conditions for the cultivation of microorganisms. As a result of the conducted research work, the modes of growing a nitrogen-fixing culture and a microorganism with high enzymatic activity were selected and worked out. At the same time, the optimal conditions for the cultivation of Azotobacter sp were determined – the temperature optimum for cell accumulation was 30°C, for increased polysaccharide production 20 °C, aeration within 5-10 l/l/min, agitator speed-150 rpm, pH value within 6.0±0.2 units, which allowed to achieve a cell titer of at least 1.0×109 CFU/ml. A cost-effective nutrient medium was selected for growing Pseudomonas sp. molasses-autolysate medium and optimal conditions for growing the culture: cultivation temperature 30-32 °C, aeration 1.0-1.5 l/l/ min, agitator speed 150-200 rpm, pH 6.8-7.2 units, sub-titration 5.0 % KOH, defoaming with adecanol, cultivation time-72 hours, which allowed to achieve a cell titer of at least 1.0×109 CFU/ml.

scholarly journals RESEARCH WORK ON THE DIAGNOSIS OF LEADERSHIP ABILITIES IN PARTICIPANTS OF THE CHILDREN’S CAMP PROGRAM BY MEANS OF PASSING THE TEST OF E. ZHARIKOV, E. KRUSHELNITSKY

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (1(41)) ◽  
pp. 24-27
Author(s):  
Alexander A. Sazhin ◽  
Ekaterina Melnikova
Keyword(s):  
Leadership Development ◽  
Educational Program ◽  
Research Work ◽  
School Age Children ◽  
Teaching Staff ◽  
School Age ◽  
Leadership Qualities ◽  
Environment Adaptation ◽  
Short Period ◽  
Scientific Substantiation

This article discusses the issue of leadership development in school-age children undergoing training under the educational program of the international children’s center «Artek». As a scientific substantiation of this topic, a study is also given based on the test of E. Zharikov, E. Krushelnitsky on the dynamics of the development of leadership qualities of the respondents, their communication and social skills in the short period of the camp shift — 21 days. Particular attention is paid to the age characteristics of the children participating in this study and their ability to navigate in an unfamiliar environment, adaptation and socialization in non-standard conditions of stay. In the course of this work, the results of the dynamics of leadership qualities in the process of educational activities with children are presented by the teaching staff of the camp.

scholarly journals SEAMHCRD deterministic compartmental model based on clinical stages of infection for COVID-19 pandemic in Sultanate of Oman

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abraham Varghese ◽  
Shajidmon Kolamban ◽  
Vinu Sherimon ◽  
Eduardo M. Lacap ◽  
Saad Salman Ahmed ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Basic Reproduction Number ◽  
Compartmental Model ◽  
Reproduction Number ◽  
Research Work ◽  
Contact Tracing ◽  
Model Parameters ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Estimated Parameters ◽  
Short Period ◽  
Reported Data

Abstract The present novel corona virus (COVID-19) infection has engendered a worldwide crisis across the world in an enormous scale within a very short period. The effective solution for this pandemic is to recognize the nature and spread of the disease so that appropriate policies can be framed. Mathematical modelling is always at the forefront to understand and provide an adequate description about the transmission of any disease. In this research work, we have formulated a deterministic compartmental model (SEAMHCRD) including various stages of infection, such as Mild, Moderate, Severe and Critical to study the spreading of COVID-19 and estimated the model parameters by fitting the model with the reported data of ongoing pandemic in Oman. The steady state, stability and final pandemic size of the model has been proved mathematically. The various transmission as well as transition parameters are estimated during the period from June 8th - July 30th, 2020. Based on the current estimated parameters, the pandemic size is also predicted for another 100 days. Sensitivity analysis is performed to identify the key model parameters, and corresponding basic reproduction number has been computed using Next Generation Matrix (NGM) method. As the value of basic reproduction number (R0) is 0.9761 during the period from June 8th - July 30th, 2020, it is an indication for the policy makers to adopt appropriate remedial measures like social distancing and contact tracing to reduce the value of R0 to control the spread of the disease.

New Image Registration Techniques: Development and Comparative Analysis

2018 ◽  
Vol 6 (7) ◽  
pp. 146
Author(s):  
Sindhu Madhuri G. ◽  
Indra Gandhi M. P.
Keyword(s):  
Image Registration ◽  
Research Effort ◽  
Research Work ◽  
Performance Measure ◽  
Design And Development ◽  
Registration Process ◽  
Geometric Function ◽  
Complex Image ◽  
Complex Transformation ◽  
Transformation Functions

Design and Development of new Image Registration Techniques by using complex mathematical transformation functions are attempted in this research work as there is a requirement for the performance measurement of image registration complexity. The design and development of new image registration techniques are carried out with complex mathematical transformations of Radon and Slant functions due to their importance. And the rotation and translation geometric function are considered for better insight into the complex image registration process. The newly developed image registration techniques areevaluated and analyzed with openly available images of Lena, Cameraman and VegCrop. The accuracy as a performance measure of the newly developed image registration techniques are attempted to measure with popularly known metrics of RMSE, PSNR and Entropy. And the results obtained after successful image registration process are compared are presented. It is observed from the results that the developed new image registration techniques using Radon and Slant transformation functions with rotation and translation are superior and useful for the requirement and purpose in the digital image processing domain. Finally a research effort is made to development of new image registration techniques that are useful to extract intelligence embedded in the images with complex transformation function and an attempt is made to measure its performance also.

Environmental Effects on Squatter Settlement: A Case of Alagbede Village, Lagos, Nigeria

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
D. O Adeoye
Keyword(s):  
Land Use ◽  
Research Effort ◽  
Research Work ◽  
Drainage System ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
Noise Pollution ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
Healthy Environment ◽  
Lagos State ◽  
Basic Infrastructure

Healthy housing is a function of provision of adequate physical, social and mental conditions for healthy environment. It is a function of both intrinsic and extrinsic attributes of housing that can influence human health. Environment and human activities are omen to development. The effects are manifested in generating land use problems such as congestion, sprawl development, incompatible land uses, building alterations and change of uses, the menace of temporary structures, alteration of land use functions, conversion of open and future spaces, and land degradation. Alagbede village is one of the areas that require such development drive. The study is required to facilitate this need. This research effort is to examine the environmental effect of squatter settlements in Alagbede village, Ikeja, Lagos State Nigeria. The paper examined housing conditions in terms of privacy, adequate space, physical accessibility, adequate security, security of tenure, structural stability and durability, adequate lighting, and ventilation, and basic infrastructure (such as water supply, sanitation, and waste management facilities including suitable environmental quality and health related factors and its influence on the residents of Alagbede area, Ikeja Lagos State. Approach includes the development of database and choice of appropriate data source (primary and secondary data sources). From the methodology, there were questionnaire administration, direct interview of respondents, collection and updating of the base maps, and the use of necessary field instrument for the study. The data gathered were analysed using descriptive method. The end result has revealed a number of environmental problems due to the existence of these settlements (Alagbede village). These problems are poor drainage system, noise pollution, illegal refuse dump sites, slum situations etc. Appropriate recommendations in form of short time and long term solutions were suggested to conclude the research work.

scholarly journals Effect of different levels of water on qualitative characteristics of Lassi prepared from reconstituted milk

2017 ◽  
Vol 45 (3) ◽  
pp. 46-51 ◽  
Author(s):  
FT Zohra ◽  
MN Islam ◽  
MSR Siddiki ◽  
MR Habib ◽  
S Afrin
Keyword(s):  
Ph Value ◽  
Starter Culture ◽  
Research Work ◽  
Score Card ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Added Water ◽  
Physical Tests ◽  
Reconstituted Milk ◽  
Different Levels

Present research work was designed to develop lassi from reconstituted milk using different levels of water. For this purpose, dahi was prepared from reconstituted milk using traditional starter culture. Four different types of lassi were prepared by mixing dahi with 15, 20, 25 and 30% water and sugar level in all samples were 20%. The quality of lassi from reconstituted milk was evaluated by a panel of expert judges by different physical tests using a score card. There was non-significant difference (p>0.05) among the overall physical score of lassi samples. Result revealed that the highest overall score was recorded in 20% added water lassi sample whereas the lowest score was found in 30% added water lassi sample. In chemical analysis, significant differences (p<0.01) existed among the total solids, carbohydrate, fat, protein, moisture content and pH value but non-significant differences (p>0.05) were seen for ash content and acidity percentage. The total bacteria, coliform, yeast and mold in all samples did not exceed the legal standard. From the findings of this study, it might be concluded that lassi could be prepared successfully from reconstituted and mixing reconstituted milk dahi with 20% water along with 20% sugar will produce better quality lassi.Bang. J. Anim. Sci. 2016. 45 (3): 46-51

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