Effect of Some Storage Methods on the Quality of Maize Grown in the Ashanti Mampong Municipality of Ghana

This study aims at finding an acceptable storage method for three varieties of Maize grown in the Ashanti Mampong Municipality of Ghana. Survey and standard laboratory protocols were carried out to gather the necessary data for the study. The background study revealed that 18%, 13%, 24%, 15%, 12%, 8% and 10% of farmers store their maize by heaping on the floor, storing in cribs, conventional jute sack, plastic drum, clay pot, triple-layer hermetic bag and polypropylene respectively. The findings also indicated that moisture loss was reduced in the plastic drum and triple-layer hermetic bag after the four months of storage. The proximate composition of the stored produce showed that maize preserved better in the triple layer hermetic bag. It is recommended that the triple-layer hermetic bag should be extensively used in storing maize as it has the ability to reduce moisture loss, and also preserving the nutritional and market value of the produce stored in it.

Studi Tentang Pembuatan Lampion Berbahan Limbah Goni Rami Pada Mata Pelajaran Prakarya Siswa Kelas VIII SMP Negeri 2 Takengon T.A 2020/2021

This study aims to determine how the ability of grade VIII students of SMP Negeri 2 Takengon in experimenting with jute sack waste as a material for making lantern handicrafts. This research uses descriptive qualitative research methods. The data collection techniques used were observation, interview and documentation. The population of this research is 180 students. The sample used consisted of five works using a sampling technique aimed at taking the subject not above average, random or regional, but based on a specific purpose. The assessment indicators examined in this study were color, unity and functional value. The results of the study on the manufacture of lanterns made from hemp sack waste in craft subjects for Class VIII students of SMP Negeri 2 Takengon in the academic year of 2020/2021 showed that overall they received a good score (B). This good value is seen from the work of students who use three assessment indicators in making lanterns made from jute sack waste and are assessed by three teams of assessors / validators.

Impact of Curing Methods on the Porosity and Compressive Strength of Concrete

An experimental investigation was conducted to evaluate the impact of different curing practices on the porosity and compressive strength of concrete. The targeted compressive strength of the concrete at 28-day of curing was 20 N/mm2. Plain concrete cubes were prepared with a mix ratio 1:1.5:3 by weight and 0.6 water-cement ratio. A total of 120 concrete cubes were tested on 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th and 56th day curing periods for slump, porosity and compressive strength. The four curing methods used were immersion, jute sack, plastic sheet and sprinkling which were all carried out in the laboratory under the same average environmental conditions of 27 ± 20°C temperature and 75% relative humidity. The results from the study showed that slump values were within the range of 52mm to 58mm which is within the medium range of 25 to 100mm, hence a true slump was achieved. The porosity of all samples decreased with age (i.e. at the dried state, immersion recorded the lowest 4.35%, followed by jute sack with 5.25%, plastic sheet 5.29% and sprinkling 5.55%). Again, the pattern of increases in concrete density (immersion curing produced concrete with the highest mean densities of 2369 kg/m3, jute 2360 kg/m3 ,plastic sheet 2277 kg/m3, sprinkling 2229 kg/m3 all for 56 days) was similar to that of the compressive strength (i.e immersion curing method yielded the highest compressive strength of 25.43 N/mm2, jute method 23.90 N/mm2, plastic method 23.47 N/mm2 , sprinkling method 22.33 N/mm2 for 56 days curing ages respectively). Therefore, increases in both compressive strength and densities of concrete cube is a function of curing method. The study concludes that the immersion curing method has the greater effect on the properties of concrete since it yielded the highest strengths. The recommendation is made for further studies on the impact of curing methods on the porosity and compressive strength of concrete on the field since this study was done in the laboratory under control conditions.

Analisis Kerajinan Boneka Dari Limbah Karung Goni Dan Kain PercaDitinjau DariGesture

This study aims to describe the cues on dolls made of jute sack waste and patchwork as crafts. The data study techniques in this study were observation, documentation and interviews. The total population of the study was 15 dolls in the doll craftsmen. The sampling technique of this researcher was total sampling, which was taken from the total population who drew doll crafts from gunny sacks and patchwork. The results showed that there was limited variation in facial expressions in doll products. Gestures on dolls are neat and sturdy but have elastic properties so that the movements of the dolls show character in the activity. In addition to the unique shape and color produced from the patchwork, it is a center point or a great attraction to attract consumers' attention. Furthermore, in making dolls from jute sack waste and patchwork, it is unique in its creation which is used as a reference for making a doll product, which has certain characteristics, for example the results of this doll have characteristics related to human activity.

Design, Construction, and Performance Evaluation of an Evaporative Cooling System for Tomatoes Storage

An evaporative cooling system was designed and constructed to increase the shelf life of stored vegetables. The evaporative cooler was tested and evaluated using freshly harvested roma tomatoes. The equipment operates on the principle of evaporative cooling which increased the relative humidity and decreased temperature in the preservation chamber. The storage system was made up of wood of 25.4 mm thickness. A side of the system is made of jute sack, which was moistened with water flowing through a series of perforated pipes from a reservoir located at the top of the storage system. The water flowed under gravity. The relative humidity and temperature of the tomatoes were analyzed using tinytag humidity, temperature data logger. The weight loss of the tomatoes was also analyzed using a dial gauge scale. The results revealed that there was significant difference in using the evaporative cooling system for storing tomatoes as compared to ambient conditions. The average cooling efficiency was found to be 81%. The average temperature achieved in the cooling system dropped to an average of 23℃ when compared to the average ambient temperature of 33℃, and the relative humidity also increased up to 99% when compared to the average ambient of 59%. The analysis of the evaporative cooling system showed that tomatoes can be stored for more than 6 days with negligible changes in weight, colour and firmness as compared to those under ambient condition, which deteriorated after day 3. The evaporative cooling system was found to be effective and hence can be used by farmers, households, and tomato processing factories for short term storage of fresh tomatoes.

Technical and economic feasibility of improved postharvest management practices in enhancing the eggplant value chain of Bangladesh

A study was carried out to evaluate the suitability and effectiveness of improved postharvest management practices (IPMP) in enhancing the eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) value chain of Bangladesh. In IPMP, sorting, grading and washing of eggplants were done, and packed them in plastic crates with or without modified atmosphere packaging (MAP). Traditional postharvest management practices (TPMP) existed in the value chain was used as control treatment. IPMP including the use of plastic crate with MAP reduced weight losses by 26.7 and 38.0% at wholesale and 2-days display at retail outlets. The total postharvest loss of eggplant handled with TPMP including packed in jute sack was 40.0%, whereas it was only 4.5% when followed IPMP. The reduction of postharvest losses of eggplants handled with IPMP amounted to 88.7%, and 100.0% fruit could be sold at retail outlets. The additional weekly gross income of a small trader by selling 1000 kg eggplant handled with IPMP comprising the plastic crates with MA packaging would be BDT 17,190 (USD 207). Int. J. Agril. Res. Innov. Tech. 9(2): 35-41, December 2019

A Baseline Survey on Postharvest Handling of Selected Vegetables at Different Locations of Bangladesh

Proper postharvest processing and handling are important parts of modern agricultural production. The adoption of improved postharvest practices can reduce a substantial amount of food losses, improve overall food quality and safety, enhance consumers’ acceptance, and thus add to the value of the marketable products. A baseline survey was conducted on vegetable production, sorting, washing and packaging at four vegetable growing districts such as Narsingdi District, Bogra, Jashore District and Pabna to generate some baseline indicators which will help developing a mechanical device for vegetable washing. Two upazilas from each district were purposively selected based on the existence of primary and secondary vegetable markets. Primary data were collected from randomly selected 71 farmers, 30 Beparis/Paikers and 20 retailers. The study revealed that vegetable washing is generally practiced by farmers and Paikers and it varied from location to location. Sorting and grading of vegetables were done by either farmers or Beparis/Paikers. In all locations, red amaranth and root crops (carrot and radish) were washed by farmers to get a better price. Farmers and traders used bamboo basket, plastic crate, plastic bag and jute sack for packaging of selected vegetables. Washing and grading of vegetables was a profitable activity for the farmers.

Optimization of saving production cost in plastic jute sacks with dynamic programming

The plastic jute sack is one of the most popular rice packaging products in the market. One type of plastic jute sack used is LDPE type. The LDPE sacks used for rice packaging often-experiencing fluctuations in market demand. Fluctuating demand is a certain problem for companies in determining the number of production to meet the demand. It can be seen from the frequent over production companies and stock out at each period. Overproduction problem has an impact to increase production costs. Stock resulted in lost sales experienced adversely affected the company, especially from production cost. Based on the problems, the company must immediately performs an optimal production planning to handle various problems in the company. One method for saving the optimal cost production can be used is dynamic programming. This method aims to obtain the optimal number of production accordance to market demand. This research is done to reduce cost by optimizing number of production. Method that used to solve the problem is dynamic programming. By using this method, the company will obtain optimum production number with minimum production cost and considering total capacity available of the company. From the dynamic programming results obtained optimal production number with cost savings about 2.1%.

Study of traditional fish drying activities at Atrai upazilla of Naogaon district in Bangladesh

The investigation was conducted on traditional fish drying activities of the Atrai upazila under Naogaon district from July 2011 to December 2011. There was only one fish drying point was found in study area. The observed fish drying points are seasonal (from July to December). There are sixteen fish species were identified for drying among study area. Most of the raw fish collect from local market or Atria River. Transportation of raw fish was done by non-mechanized van or by head load of the labour. Price of the raw fish varied according to the species, size and availability. It is observed that September-October peak period for drying. The rate of mixing salt in the study area was found as 1kg salt for 12 kg of raw fish. At normal weather condition drying duration recorded to be varied from 2-5 days depend on the size of the raw fish. Plastic, jute sack and sometimes bamboo baskets were used for packaging purpose. The marketing channel is too small here. It was found that all the dried fish product in study areas, carried to the Sayadpur dry fish wholesale market in Nilphamary district directly by producers. The annual production of dried fish range 6000-8000 Kg. The highest price per kg dried fish was found as 400-550 Tk (Baim) and the lowest was found as 90-120 Tk (Punti, Darkina, Colisa). The cost benefit ratio for fish drying activities of study area was 1:0.671. The dry fish trader faced some problem such as insufficient credit, lack of raw fish insect infestation, storage and marketing facilities. From the present study some recommendations were also formulated to minimize the problem.Asian J. Med. Biol. Res. December 2016, 2(4): 646-655

Prediction and Determination of Weight and Lycopene Contents of Stored Tomatoes (Lycopersicon esculentum)

The need to develop empirical model equations that describe the changes in the nutritional compositions of stored tomatoes under different environmental conditionsA study was carried out to predict and determine the weight and lycopene contents of stored tomatoes. Three sets of four different types of passive evaporative cooling structures made of clay and aluminium were designed and constructed as part of the study. One set consists of four separate cooling chambers. Two cooling chambers were made with aluminium container (cylindrical and square shapes) and the other two were made of clay container (cylindrical and square). These four containers were separately inserted inside a bigger clay pot inter-spaced with clay soil of 5 cm (to form tin-in-pot, pot-in-pot, tin-in-wall and wall-in wall) with the outside structure wrapped with jute sack. The other two sets followed the same pattern with interspacing of 7 cm and 10 cm, respectively. The set with 7 cm interspace served as the control in which the interspace soil and the jute sacks were constantly wetted at intervals of between 2 to 4 hours depending on the rate of evaporation with water at room temperature. The 5 cm and 10 cm interspaced soil were constantly wetted with salt solution (sodium chloride) at the same interval to keep the soil in moist condition. Freshly harvested matured tomatoes (globe variety) were used for the experiments and the temperature and relative humidity inside the cooling chambers were monitored daily . The weight, lycopene contents, bacterial and fungal counts of these produce were determined at intervals of three days for a period of sixteen days. Mathematical models (using essential regression software package) were developed to predict the weight and lycopene contents of the stored produce at various conditions considered in the study. By substituting different values of predictor variables into the model equations, the expected values of weight and lycopene contents of stored tomatoes were predicted. Further analysis was done using a paired sample t-test using SPSS 16.0 computer software package to show the level of significance between the mean of observed and the predicted values for all the models developed. The mathematical models developed are reasonably accurate to predict the storability of fruits and vegetables in passive evaporative cooling structures.